Crooked Bough News Round-up

— A new art show brings L.A. climate inequities to life at Descanso Gardens

 

at 7/12/25 4:00am

"Roots of Cool" is an all-women art show focused on the role trees (and the shade they provide) play in making urban life healthier.

— ICE raids are leaving some L.A. cats and dogs homeless

 

at 7/12/25 4:00am

Chuco, a pit bull, was dropped at a shelter after his owner was deported last month. Many other dogs and cats in L.A. are facing similar circumstances as their caretakers vanish or flee.

— Amid state inaction, California chef sues to block sales of foam food containers

 

at 7/11/25 4:00am

The suit claims Atlanta-based WinCup continues to sell, distribute and market foam products in California despite a state law that was supposed to ban such sales starting Jan. 1.

— State officials say federal cuts threaten California's environment

 

at 7/11/25 4:00am

Actions by the Trump administration are putting wildfire response, water resources, natural lands and clean energy efforts in jeopardy, state officials said.

— As L.A. bakes, duration of heat waves is accelerating faster than climate change, UCLA study shows

 

at 7/10/25 4:45pm

UCLA researchers have released an alarming new finding — the duration of heat waves is increasing faster than global warming itself.

— As SoCal bakes, UCLA study shows duration of heat waves is accelerating faster than climate change

 

at 7/10/25 4:45pm

UCLA researchers have released an alarming new finding — the duration of heat waves is increasing faster than global warming itself.

— Trump administration sues California over cage-free egg and animal welfare law

 

at 7/10/25 1:21pm

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California, arguing the state's animal welfare law preempts federal law and are therefore illegal and have driven up egg prices.

— How changes in California culture have influenced the evolution of wild animals in Los Angeles

 

at 7/9/25 4:00am

A new study argues that religion, politics and war affect how animals and plants in cities evolve, and the confluence of these forces seem to be actively affecting urban wildlife in L.A.

— Like Texas, California faces major dangers when extreme floods come

 

at 7/7/25 5:13pm

The flood disaster in Texas claimed dozens of lives. Extreme floods also bring dangers in parts of California, although experts say there are differences.

— California moves closer to '30x30' conservation goals as threats to public lands loom

 

at 7/7/25 1:00pm

California is closer to meeting its goal of conserving 30% of its lands and coastal waters by 2030, according to a report. But federal threats could roll back progress, officials said.

— California's plan to 'Make Polluters Pay' for climate change stalls again. Why oil companies are fiercely opposed

 

at 7/7/25 4:00am

The state's ambitious Climate Superfund legislation would hold fossil fuel companies liable for emissions, but continues to face fierce opposition.

— Texas flood highlights deadly climate risk from extreme weather

 

at 7/6/25 4:18pm

As climate change increases the frequency of environmental disasters, experts say federal cuts could leave California and other states vulnerable in the years ahead.

— Hydropower saps flows from the mighty Kern River. Rafters want their whitewater back.

 

at 7/6/25 4:00am

Whitewater rafters portaged a boat for 16 miles beside the Kern River, protesting the removal of water for a hydropower plant. The facility's license is up for renewal.

— Contributor: We still rely on gasoline. Why is California adding to the cost and the pollution?

 

at 7/6/25 4:00am

Until the state bridges the gap between climate goals and equitable policy, California's lofty environmental vision will continue to rest on the shoulders of the most vulnerable.

— Should bioplastics be counted as compost? Debate pits farmers against manufacturers

 

at 7/4/25 4:00am

Plastic manufacturers are pushing to have their products counted as compost. Composters and farmers are trying to stop them.

— Federal contractors improperly dumped wildfire-related asbestos waste at L.A. area landfills

 

at 7/3/25 4:00am

Cleanup crews contracted by the Army Corp of Engineers dumped asbestos-tainted wildfire debris in landfills that they shouldn't have, according to government records.

— 'Water brings life': Plans to revive Tulare Lake take shape in the San Joaquin Valley

 

at 7/3/25 4:00am

A coalition has begun an effort to bring back Tulare Lake and its once-vast wetlands on thousands of acres of farmland in the San Joaquin Valley.

— I covered the L.A. fires in the Palisades. So I had my blood tested for lead

 

at 7/2/25 4:00am

The Los Angeles County wildfires unleashed all kinds of contaminants once locked away in paints, plastics and elsewhere. Among the most concerning is lead, so, like hundreds of Angelenos, a reporter who covered the fires got his blood tested.

— Newsom calls on Trump to boost wildfire preparedness and 'make America rake again'

 

at 7/2/25 4:00am

Gov. Newsom challenged the Trump administration to match the state's investments in wildfire preparedness. In response, the administration criticized Newsom's own funding cuts.

— Environmental groups are outraged after Newsom overhauls CEQA

 

at 7/1/25 4:25pm

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law two bills that will overhaul the landmark California Environmental Quality Act in an effort to streamline housing development in the state.

— First came the heat. Then the lovebugs invaded

 

at 7/1/25 12:25pm

An invation of 'lovebugs,' dive-bombing pedestrians in Seoul, are inspiring a little fear and a lot of loathing.

As of 7/14/25 7:12pm. Last new 7/12/25 5:00am.