Hayley Smith is an environment reporter for the Los Angeles Times, where she covers the many ways climate change is reshaping life in California, including drought, floods, wildfires and deadly heat. She previously worked on the breaking news team. Originally from Miami, she holds a master’s degree in journalism from USC.
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Recent storms have dampened conditions but have also spurred new vegetation that could act as fuel for fires. Also, strong fall winds have yet to arrive.
Sept. 29, 2023
More than a decade after California passed the Human Right to Water Act, about 1 million residents still lack access to clean, safe, affordable water.
Sept. 27, 2023
There is a 95% chance that El Niño will persist into next year, and a 71% chance that it will become a ‘strong’ El Niño, officials say.
Sept. 22, 2023
The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District is looking to use new technology to harvest fresh water from deep in the ocean.
Sept. 19, 2023
Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and other California communities will get $103 million in federal funding for tree planting and other green space efforts.
Sept. 18, 2023
Global surface temperatures last month were 2.25 degrees above the 20th century average of 60.1 degrees, surpassing the record set in August 2016.
Sept. 15, 2023
As summer heat worsens, voters back mandatory cooling standards for buildings and expanded federal disaster aid, a new Berkeley IGS/Los Angeles Times poll finds.
Sept. 8, 2023
California is moving forward with new water conservation rules that would require some suppliers to make cuts of 20% or more by 2025.
Sept. 7, 2023
As Hilary bore down, torrents of water rushed through the park, forging new gullies, displacing heavy rocks and undercutting park roads.
Sept. 3, 2023
Cal Fire is the first fire agency to use artificial intelligence to look for signs of wildfires and directly alert dispatch centers.
Aug. 24, 2023