L.A. Times - Religious News

As influencers rise in politics, some call for tighter regulations on payments

Ben Wieder — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Some campaign finance advocates are concerned that voters could increasingly be influenced by social media posts that they don't know are sponsored.

L.A. voters will cast ballots in eight City Council districts, two with open seats

Melissa Gomez — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The June 2 primary will include two City Council districts where the incumbents are leaving office, one uncontested seat and a Westside race that has topped all others in campaign spending.

L.A. is safer than it's been in decades, but crime is an issue dominating the mayor's race

Libor Jany — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Although homicides and other violent crimes are down to near-historic lows, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' challengers have zeroed in on homelessness and public drug use.

Defying Trump, California continues to bet big on offshore wind

Hayley Smith — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The Port of Long Beach aims to become an assembly hub for floating offshore wind turbines, while the state awaits a more favorable federal administration for their deployment.

Dungeons, dragons and democratic socialists: a leftist fundraiser in Hollywood

Sandra McDonald — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Democratic Socialists of America candidates in Los Angeles raised $30,000 for their campaigns during a fundraiser where they played Dungeons & Dragons.

Barabak: The 'greatest threat' to rule of law in decades. That's how lawyers, judges see Trump

Mark Z. Barabak — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A new survey finds deep concern about presidential overreach, persecution of enemies and other unchecked abuses of power. The poll shows the stakes in November.

News Analysis: Uncertainty, frustration define messy midterm battles for mayor, governor and Congress

Kevin Rector — Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

California's primary election has been buffeted by a lack of front-runners, redrawn political maps, party infighting and competing voter resentment for President Trump and the state's Democratic establishment.

Explosion would cause significant damage around Garden Grove plant, blast zone map shows

Rong-Gong Lin II, Sean Greene — Sun, 24 May 2026 01:39:25 GMT

If the failing chemical tank in Orange County does explode, the aerospace plant where it sits and dozens of homes surrounding it could suffer severe damage, according to a map released by authorities Saturday.

With conditions worsening, how will the Orange County chemical crisis get resolved?

Rong-Gong Lin II, Emily St. Martin — Sat, 23 May 2026 23:34:16 GMT

The battle to keep a highly toxic chemical from exploding took a step backward Saturday.

Garden Grove's chemical crisis: Thousands flee as conditions worsen at damaged tank

Rong-Gong Lin II, Hannah Fry, Corinne Purtill, Emily St. Martin — Sat, 23 May 2026 23:20:19 GMT

A failing chemical tank at GKN Aerospace in Orange County sparks mass evacuations. Firefighters battle rising temperatures to prevent a massive MMA blast.

Thousands flee their homes in O.C., unsure when they can return

Suhauna Hussain, Andrew Turner, Eric Licas, Hailey Branson Potts — Sat, 23 May 2026 23:14:39 GMT

Thousands fled their homes in Orange County due to the chemical leak at a Garden Grove aerospace plant, but it remains unclear how long they will need places to live.

Photos: Honoring heroes on Memorial Day

Christina House — Sat, 23 May 2026 20:15:51 GMT

Hundreds of Scouts from the Western Los Angeles County Council, Scouting America, along with veteran groups and community volunteers, gathered Saturday morning at the Los Angeles National Cemetery to place 90,000 American flags before Memorial Day.

San Diego gunman was 'idolizing Nazis and mass shooters,' prompting gun removal from home in 2025

Richard Winton — Sat, 23 May 2026 17:33:26 GMT

In January 2025, Chula Vista police conducted a check on Caleb Vazquez after being alerted to disturbing social media postings and learning there were guns in the family home.

How to talk to your kids about extremism online

Karen Garcia — Sat, 23 May 2026 17:29:28 GMT

Two teenage suspects who attacked the Islamic Center in San Diego on Monday, killing three people before turning the guns on themselves, were engaging with far-right extremist content on social media, authorities have said.

GOP governor hopefuls give closing arguments to Central Valley Republicans

Nicole Nixon — Sat, 23 May 2026 17:15:40 GMT

Chad Bianco and Steve Hilton, the two top Republicans running for governor, make their closing arguments in front of a friendly GOP audience near Fresno before the June 2 primary.

Lopez: Spencer Pratt, please call me. You don't know what you're getting yourself into

Steve Lopez — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The candidate and the columnist have something in common, but comparison ends there.

What we know about GKN Aerospace, the firm at center of O.C. chemical leak

Hannah Fry, Rong-Gong Lin II — Sat, 23 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The chemical leak that triggered evacuations across a swath of Orange County on Friday is located at GKN Aerospace, a manufacturing company based in the United Kingdom.

Inspired by Jane Goodall, students build nurseries to reforest L.A.'s fire-scorched communities

Lila Seidman — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Students traumatized by the 2025 fires are cultivating campus nurseries to reforest Southern California's fire-scarred landscapes, fulfilling an idea co-conceived by the late conservationist.

'This is a reckoning': Michael Cimarusti on Connie & Ted's closure and the state of restaurants

Stephanie Breijo — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

One of L.A.'s most ambitious seafood restaurants from a Michelin three-star chef will close July 1. Owners Michael Cimarusti and Crisi Echiverri share why. Also, what to expect in the last weeks of Connie & Ted's.

Leaked files, 'nuclear verdicts,' bruising attacks: Inside the L.A. city attorney race

Sonja Sharp, James Queally — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Challengers from both sides of the political spectrum are seeking to unseat City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto as she chases a second term in office.

Why is Orange County chemical tank crisis so hard to fix?

Rong-Gong Lin II, Hannah Fry — Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Evacuation orders have been issued in portions of the cities of Garden Grove, Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Stanton and Westminster.

A night of fear, confusion as thousands flee their homes in O.C. amid chemical crisis

Eric Licas, Hailey Branson Potts, Allen J. Schaben — Sat, 23 May 2026 05:05:47 GMT

It was a night of anxiety and questions as people across a wide swath of central Orange County fled their homes due to the risk of a chemical explosion at a Garden Grove aerospace firm.

Officials say a chemical explosion in Orange County could be catastrophic. Here's why.

Rong-Gong Lin II, Hailey Branson-Potts, Salvador Hernandez, Tony Briscoe — Fri, 22 May 2026 23:55:41 GMT

An "unprecedented" situation was taking hold in Orange County on Friday, as a chemical tank was at risk of spewing a highly toxic chemical that can cause severe respiratory distress and hospitalization, officials said.

Caltech could lose control of JPL for the first time

Corinne Purtill — Fri, 22 May 2026 23:53:46 GMT

The action forces Caltech to compete for control of the La Cañada Flintridge institution it has managed since NASA's inception in 1958.

'Housewives' star Erika Girardi settles $25-million lawsuit over money from husband's firm

Sonja Sharp — Fri, 22 May 2026 23:15:43 GMT

Erika Girardi, a pop star who appeared on the reality show "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," faced a lawsuit that alleged she should have known her husband, Tom Girardi, was supporting her singing career with money diverted from his now-defunct law firm.

Garden Grove chemical leak: Evacuations, closures, shelters

Salvador Hernandez, Rong-Gong Lin II, Clara Harter — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:50:51 GMT

A failing tank in Garden Grove holding toxic chemicals has prompted major evacuations. Here's what you need to know.

Pratt raised nearly 10 times more in contributions than Bass in latest filing period

Connor Sheets, Sandhya Kambhampati — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:20:30 GMT

Pratt raised nearly 10 times as Bass — $2.72 million — in the last reporting period. Raman trails far behind both Pratt and Bass with less than $1 million.

California gets $27.5 million to find and replace toxic lead pipes that deliver water to homes

Alex Wigglesworth — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:31:26 GMT

California will get $27.5 million in federal funding to find and replace lead pipes that deliver water to homes, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday.

No parking at Big Sur bridge? County mulls restrictions at famous California Highway 1 stop

Grace Toohey — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:08:56 GMT

Monterey County's Board of Supervisors this week voted to move forward on a plan to restrict parking around Bixby Bridge, arguably the most iconic stop along Highway 1 in Big Sur. The parking moratorium, however, has not yet gone into effect and likely won't several weeks, if not months.

Sandy fire crew salvages family wedding ring amid Simi Valley ashes

Alex Wigglesworth — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:00:38 GMT

Firefighters discovered some precious items after coming to the aid of a family whose home was destroyed by a fast-moving wildfire in Simi Valley this week.

A frantic two hours as police struggled to assess threat before San Diego shooters opened fire

Salvador Hernandez, Hannah Fry — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:37:12 GMT

Two hours before the deadly attack at a San Diego mosque, the mother of one of the assailants reached out to police warning that her son was suicidal and had taken firearms. But it took police nearly 90 minutes to respond to the initial call.

Crude oil spills onto Cesar Chavez Avenue in East L.A. after pipeline rupture

Summer Lin — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:30:22 GMT

A pipeline rupture in East Los Angeles early Friday morning resulted in a crude oil spill, according to officials.

Commentary: At ease — permanently. The SoCal military academies that thrived and then folded their tents

Patt Morrison — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

At the start of the 20th century, Southern California was home to an astonishing number of military academies designed to turn boys into officers and gentlemen.

It's OK to pack medical marijuana on a flight ... sometimes. What you need to know

Karen Garcia — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

It's OK to pack medical marijuana when flying out of California, but whether those products will still be with you when you land is an open question, experts say.

More 'rough sleepers' on Hollywood streets as the city removes tents, bringing new challenges

Doug Smith — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Hollywood service organizations conducted their own homeless count to help them adapt their outreach to a changing population that has fewer tents and more people sleeping rough or in vehicles

The three men killed in San Diego shooting saved many others, 'did not die in vain'

Suhauna Hussain, Richard Winton, Hannah Fry — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Three men sacrificed their lives to protect dozens of schoolchildren during an attempted mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

Spencer Pratt's campaign spent more than $15,000 at pricey Hotel Bel-Air

Connor Sheets — Fri, 22 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Pratt, whose home burned in the Palisades fire, has said he is living at the hotel because of threats he has received.

Thousands evacuated around leaking Orange County chemical tank: 'It fails, or it blows up'

Salvador Hernandez, Clara Harter, Tony Briscoe, Rong-Gong Lin II — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:58:47 GMT

Residents and several businesses in Garden Grove were evacuated as toxic chemicals spewed into the air from a leaking storage tank at an aerospace company.

More than 1,000 L.A. school employees expected to lose jobs, with bigger cuts ahead

Howard Blume — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:37:26 GMT

District officials attributed the need for cuts to steadily declining enrollment: The nation's second-largest school system, with about 390,000 students, is about half as large as in the early 2000s.

Sandy fire burns near former nuclear test site, triggering air monitoring efforts

Clara Harter — Fri, 22 May 2026 01:30:10 GMT

The Ventura County Fire Department said air quality monitoring is being conducted around the fire's perimeter due to the proximity to the Santa Susana Field Laboratory.

Feds charge former L.A. nonprofit worker with possessing fentanyl, meth near MacArthur Park

Brittny Mejia — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:19:14 GMT

Federal prosecutors allege that Christopher Barret Johnson, an ex-employee of a harm reduction organization that has served MacArthur Park, was caught by police with baggies of fentanyl and meth in his car, along with a scale.

Influencer files complaint against Steyer campaign, alleging violations

Ben Wieder — Thu, 21 May 2026 22:03:36 GMT

The influencer said Steyer's campaign committee failed to notify her of her disclosure requirements, as required by law.

L.A. City Council approves $15-billion budget, clearing the way to hire 510 police officers

David Zahniser — Thu, 21 May 2026 21:35:04 GMT

City Councilmember Traci Park cast the lone opposing vote, saying the plan shortchanges the fire department and cuts the number of homeless encampment cleanups in her coastal district.

Scientists bet on AI to save gray whales from ship strikes off California coast

Summer Lin — Thu, 21 May 2026 21:03:26 GMT

Scientists are using thermal cameras and AI technology to track and locate gray whales off the coast to warn nearby ships.

Feds declare Eaton fire was a cleanup success. Their testing shows otherwise

Tony Briscoe — Thu, 21 May 2026 18:03:58 GMT

In announcing its findings, the EPA cited federal lead standards only, and not California's more stringent thresholds.

Multiple wildfires trigger unhealthful air quality alert in Southern California

Summer Lin — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:45:23 GMT

Wildfire smoke from several fires has triggered a smoke advisory for wide swaths of Southern California until Thursday evening, according to officials.

Immigrants launch hunger strike, decry inhumane conditions at SoCal ICE detention facility

Ruben Vives — Thu, 21 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Immigrant detainees are on a hunger strike to call attention to complaints about medical neglect, mold, dirty water and a reduction of food rations.

This L.A. bookstore is leading a revolt against 'greedy landlords'

Emily St. Martin — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

For nearly 20 years, Read Books was a fixture of Eagle Rock's quirky charm. Now, a 133% price hike has pushed the family-owned shop to close its doors, but not without a fight.

It was a beacon of hope and faith in San Diego. Attack leaves a community seeking answers

Hannah Fry, Suhauna Hussain — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The San Diego Islamic Center is typically a bustling crossroads, with kids in school, the faithful coming to pray and others simply taking part in cultural activity.

Salmon are at risk with federal plans to give farmers more water from Shasta Lake, critics warn

Ian James — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Fishing groups and environmentalists say the Trump administration's latest plan to send more water to Central Valley farms threatens California salmon.

Arellano: Steve Hilton and Spencer Pratt need Latinos, not Trump

Gustavo Arellano — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With less than two weeks before the primary election, Steve Hilton is leading in the polls for governor, and Los Angeles mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt is making the city's progressive class sweat.

Spencer Pratt jolts mayor's race: The reality TV antagonist's path to the 2026 election

David Zahniser, Connor Sheets, Noah Haggerty, Yvonne Villarreal — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

From a reality TV antagonist to a contender in the L.A. mayoral race, Spencer Pratt has jolted local politics, turning personal tragedy in the Palisades fire into a 2026 election campaign.

After the fire, outside investors were the bogeymen of Altadena. Now some are embraced

Doug Smith — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

After the Eaton fire, a movement arose to counter the threat to Altadena's working-class character by investment capital. Now, some investors are welcomed for building what the community needs.

Democrats may cast last-minute ballots for governor. What it will mean for the count

Justine McDaniel — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

With the top two candidates in the primary advancing, many Democratic-leaning voters appear to be waiting for a clear leader to emerge, political analysts say.

Before SoCal woman, husband found dead, she may have been scammed by a fake Tom Selleck

Andrew J. Campa — Thu, 21 May 2026 02:58:07 GMT

A Coachella Valley woman slain along with her husband last week may have been scammed by a person claiming to be actor Tom Selleck, according to media reports.

Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt hosts South L.A. block party on Bass' old turf

Sandra McDonald — Thu, 21 May 2026 02:41:41 GMT

Mayoral hopeful Spencer Pratt campaigned Wednesday in a South Los Angeles neighborhood that Mayor Karen Bass represented when she was in Congress.

7 nabbed in crackdown as home burglaries surge in the Valley

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:51:42 GMT

Seven people have been charged in connection with a surge in residential burglaries in the San Fernando Valley carried out by "brazen, calculated and predatory" crews of thieves, authorities said.

AI-written books at Barnes & Noble? CEO clarifies statement that stirred calls for boycott

Emily St. Martin — Wed, 20 May 2026 23:30:53 GMT

After Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said the store would stock AI-written books as long as they were labeled as such, calls to boycott the retailer circulated online. Now the bookseller is clarifying his stance.

Fires ring Southern California and it's only May. What's going on?

Alex Wigglesworth — Wed, 20 May 2026 22:28:02 GMT

Multiple fires broke out over 48 hours in Southern California this week. What does that say about our fires this year?

Mayoral candidate Raman unveils rebuilding plan for Pacific Palisades

Noah Haggerty — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:30:03 GMT

Raman is weighing in on an issue that has defined her two rivals: Pratt, whose home burned in the Palisades fire, and Bass, whose handling of the disaster has become a liability.

'Heartbroken.' 4-year-old girl found dead in vehicle in Valley Village is identified

Ruben Vives, Libor Jany — Wed, 20 May 2026 20:08:56 GMT

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the death of a 4-year-old girl who was apparently left inside a hot vehicle in Valley Village.

California doctor ran nation's 'largest Botox fraud scheme,' filing $45 million in claims for lush lifestyle

Grace Toohey — Wed, 20 May 2026 19:26:37 GMT

Prosecutors allege the Glendale-based doctor submitted more than $45 million in fraudulent Medicare claims for Botox injections, using the payments to fund a lavish lifestyle.

Containment grows on Sandy fire, other SoCal blazes. But shifting winds pose challenge

Summer Lin, Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:03:33 GMT

The Sandy fire, one of several wildfires burning in Southern California this week, was 15% contained Wednesday morning.

Santa Monica Pier area among the dirtiest beaches again in new Beach Report Card

Karen Garcia — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay and the city of Santa Monica are teaming up to investigate and find solutions for the pier's poor water quality.

Trump signals support for Pratt in L.A. mayoral election: 'I'd like to see him do well'

Noah Goldberg — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:22:32 GMT

Trump didn't make a formal endorsement, but his comments were the first the president has made publicly on the L.A. mayor's race.

Social media, manifesto of San Diego mosque shooters rooted in white nationalism

Richard Winton, Paige St. John — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:08:06 GMT

The Times reviewed social media accounts believed to be used by one of the San Diego Islamic Center shooters that idolized school shootings, white nationalism and neo-Nazi terrorism and were flush with memes from the online far-right extremist community. Here is what we found.

With homes still charred lots, Palisades fire survivors find solace in temple reopening

Rachel Kraus — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Kehillat Israel, closed since the Palisades fire, reopened last week, welcoming its congregation, which includes 230 families who lost their homes and an additional 250 families who were displaced.

L.A.'s democratic socialists look to boost their clout in City Hall

Sandra McDonald — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

This year's elections could lead to six DSA-backed candidates on the L.A. City Council — and a socialist-backed city attorney. What would that mean for the city's future?

Screens would be banned until 2nd grade under draft LAUSD plan

Howard Blume — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The L.A. school board got its first look Tuesday at a draft policy that limits student screen time — and that will affect how teachers manage instruction.

Fire tearing through Santa Rosa Island reaches critically endangered trees

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

A massive wildfire has burned through nearly one-third of Santa Rosa Island, including reaching a grove of critically endangered Torrey pine trees. But there is reason for hope.

Immigrant rights advocates rally for more state healthcare funding, criticize Newsom

Katie King — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Human rights advocates on Tuesday rallied outside the California Capitol to push back on Gov. Gavin Newsom's proposed budget plan to reduce state-sponsored healthcare coverage for undocumented immigrants.

How a SoCal native became one of NASA's most valuable assets

Noah Haggerty — Wed, 20 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Victor Glover, who grew up in the Inland Empire, is now the only pilot to have flown NASA's Orion capsule.

'I see it in my nightmares.' Mom of boys killed in Westlake crosswalk testifies in civil case

Richard Winton — Wed, 20 May 2026 02:08:53 GMT

A tearful Nancy Iskander told jurors that she was crossing a road when she saw her two older sons disappear as a white speeding Mercedes plowed through the crosswalk.

Two inmates plotted a jailhouse beating. A guard helped them 'handle it'

Ruben Vives — Wed, 20 May 2026 01:32:42 GMT

A Santa Clara County correctional officer will spend 45 days in jail after helping two inmates carry out an attack against another inmate, then conspiring with them to cover it up.

Bain fire injures 4 in Riverside County; civilian drones interfere with firefighting aircraft

Clara Harter — Wed, 20 May 2026 00:53:46 GMT

The Bain fire ignited in the Jurupa Valley on Tuesday, prompting evacuation orders and injuring four people. The blaze grew to 900 acres by 5 p.m., and firefighting aircraft were briefly grounded due to civilian drones spotted flying in the area.

Girl, 12, was hit in the head at school. That wasn't what caused her death, M.E. says

Clara Harter — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:52:50 GMT

Khimberly, 12, died days after she was hit in the head with a water bottle during an alleged bullying incident at school. The L.A. County medical examiner determined that her death was caused by an underlying medical condition.

In deal with business leaders, $30 minimum wage for L.A. hotel and airport workers will be delayed

Melissa Gomez — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:28:29 GMT

The minimum wage will still increase to $25 in July and continue in increments until reaching $30 in January 2030.

California, other states sue over new Trump limits on loans for nurses, PAs, therapists

Kevin Rector — Tue, 19 May 2026 21:54:08 GMT

California and other Democratic-led states are suing the Trump administration over new limits on federal borrowing by students in healthcare fields.

Report finds no failures in Altadena fire evacuations. Critics decry lack of accountability

Grace Toohey, Jenny Jarvie — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:57:50 GMT

A report by a consultant looked into L.A. County firefighting commanders' decision-making during the Eaton fire and concluded evacuation alerts were handled properly, even as residents say they were left in the dark.

Burglary suspect trapped in a wall is rescued after Salinas cops on coffee break hear his cries for help

Summer Lin — Tue, 19 May 2026 20:24:56 GMT

A man fell off a movie theater roof in Salinas into a wall space and was trapped there for 10 hours before being rescued, according to authorities.

Influencer, lawyer and surf coach charged in plot to kill L.A. boy band member

James Queally — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:32:54 GMT

A Miami attorney, his influencer daughter and a Hawaiian surf instructor were charged Tuesday in a plot to kill singer Jack Avery over a custody dispute.

Hilton and Becerra lead in a tightening race in final weeks of California governor's campaign, poll shows

Seema Mehta — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:03:38 GMT

Despite handwringing among Democrats about being shut out of the governor's race, a new poll by the state party suggests the two candidates most likely to emerge after the June primary are Republican Steve Hilton and Democrat Xavier Becerra.

Photos: Fire season off to an early start with multiple blazes consuming more than 20,000 acres

Robert Gauthier, Eric Thayer, Kayla Bartkowski, Gina Ferazzi — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:40:06 GMT

The Sandy fire started in windy conditions and spread into part of a Simi Valley neighborhood at the foot of a brush-covered hillside.

Tennis great Billie Jean King graduates from Cal State L.A. 65 years after enrolling

Steve Henson — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:26:16 GMT

Billie Jean King, 82, received her bachelor's degree in history from the same school she attended more than 60 years ago and also gave a commencement speech.

Man dies after car plunges 500 feet off Highway 1 cliff onto beach

Summer Lin — Tue, 19 May 2026 15:10:48 GMT

A man died after his car fell nearly 500 feet off a Highway 1 cliff near Santa Cruz on Monday, according to authorities.

Security guard's 'heroic' actions saved others in San Diego mosque attack, officials say

Hannah Fry, Karen Garcia — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:35:55 GMT

The Islamic Center of San Diego is mourning three people killed in Monday's attack, including a security guard praised by police for his actions.

Crews continue aggressive fight against Sandy fire, other SoCal blazes

Terry Castleman, Karen Garcia, Alex Wigglesworth — Tue, 19 May 2026 14:14:32 GMT

A wind-driven fire that broke out in Ventura County Monday morning stalled overnight, allowing some residents to return home.

California's Joshua trees are disappearing. There's hope these fungi can help them

Alex Wigglesworth — Tue, 19 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

The Joshua tree has been featured in poetry and music and represented a burning bush in the latest episode of "Euphoria." A small group of scientists hope the key to unlocking its long-term survival is buried in the sand.

City Council progressives snub Raman, endorse Bass in L.A. mayor's race

Noah Goldberg — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The endorsements by Hernandez, Jurado and Soto-Martínez are aimed at denting left-wing support for Nithya Raman, who polls show is battling Spencer Pratt for a runoff spot against Mayor Bass.

Forced treatment and jail: Spencer Pratt's pledges to end homelessness stir up mayor's race

Andrew Khouri, Doug Smith — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Los Angeles mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt wants to use arrests and mandatory drug and addiction treatment to clear the streets, but some expert said he would face huge legal, financial and practical hurdles in doing so.

Top LAUSD academic chiefs leaving as test scores rise and FBI raid sidelines Carvalho

Howard Blume — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

The challenge for LAUSD is continuing progress that has won acclaim, despite the absence of Supt. Alberto Carvalho and his top two academic administrators.

Billionaire Tom Steyer's $192.4-million self-funded California gubernatorial bid shatters records

Seema Mehta — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Billionaire Tom Steyer shatters spending record in California governor's race -- and may be the first successful self-funder

Arellano: Spencer Pratt's Make L.A. Great Again acolytes and their dark vision of the city

Gustavo Arellano — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Pratt's loudest fans loathe modern-day L.A., and that should chill all other Angelenos. These haters would be his primary constituents and populate his brain trust if he wins.

For the first time, a warm winter just wiped out SoCal's little-known cherry harvest

Ian James — Tue, 19 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT

May is usually cherry-picking season in parts of Southern California. But Leona Valley orchards has announced there are none to pick because it's been so warm.

San Diego Islamic Center suspects were self-radicalized, left manifesto behind, officials say

Hannah Fry, Richard Winton, Salvador Hernandez, Clara Harter — Tue, 19 May 2026 05:30:25 GMT

Two people ages 17 and 18 opened fire at the center Monday morning, police said. They were found minutes later dead of self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to authorities.

Federal agents raid homes of Ventura County immigration activists

Salvador Hernandez — Tue, 19 May 2026 02:32:24 GMT

Federal agents searched the homes of immigrant rights activists in an early morning raid that activists allege was retaliatory and part of an ongoing harassment campaign for their work patrolling and monitoring immigration operations in Ventura County.

Mark Fuhrman, LAPD detective known for O.J. Simpson trial, dies at 74

Gavin J. Quinton, Libor Jany — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:56:37 GMT

Mark Fuhrman, the lead case detective known for his investigation of the 1994 murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman, died on May 12, authorities in Kootenai County, Idaho, confirmed.

Francesco Caballero is determined to keep his family circus legacy afloat

Andrea Flores — Tue, 19 May 2026 00:22:12 GMT

As part of a five-generation circus family, 13-year-old Francesco Caballero dreams of competing worldwide. But first, he'll have to get through his school talent show.