Robert Garrova
I cover mental health at a time when L.A. — and the nation — is failing people who live with a serious mental illness. The L.A. County jail system is the de-facto mental health institution for our region, and people who want help with their mental health often can’t get it, even if they can afford it. I’ll work to help Angelenos understand how we got here and what reforms aim to change things. I’ll do this through the stories of people struggling with their own mental health and those trying to get care for a loved one.
My reporting has taken me to the edge of wildfires in California, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, steps away from a robot that’s now exploring Mars, and into the homes of countless Angelenos.
I’ve had many jobs in radio. I used to help produce and direct the flagship show for Marketplace, a daily business and economic news show. I also spent a couple years in the Northeast working as a reporter. I found my love of audio journalism while interning on LAist's (formerly KPCC’s) Off-Ramp in 2013.
I was born and raised in SoCal. I’m most proud when my journalism can help raise the voices of people struggling in this beautiful region stricken by inequality.
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Amend the county charter, recall, or action by a grand jury or the state attorney general. But it’s not clear whether the supervisors will pursue further action to oust Sheriff Alex Villanueva from office. -
The wide-ranging civil rights investigation will examine 'credible reports' of excessive force, retaliation, and other misconduct, including reported incidents involving management, according to Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
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“It can’t just be based solely on what their medical condition [and] vulnerability is,” Villanueva said. “We have to factor in, what is a threat to the community?”
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But law enforcement is deployed in increased numbers and 200 National Guard troops are "on standby" at Los Alamitos just in case.
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At least two protests are planned for Saturday, one in Beverly Hills and one at L.A. City Hall.
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“One woman reached over and ripped her wig off of her head and began assaulting her,” said a freelance journalist who witnessed the incident.
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The union representing roughly 800 deputy DAs filed a lawsuit Wednesday arguing sweeping changes at the DA's Office violate California law.
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Sheriff Alex Villanueva had defied the Civilian Oversight Commission's subpoena for him to testify. A judge ordered that he must, or explain why he shouldn't be found in contempt of court.
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The sheriff testified after a judge ruled he had to honor a subpoena to appear.
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In L.A. County there’s a push to get a better understanding of not just the number of veterans who are lost to suicide, but more information on the indivuals behind the numbers.
