Saddleridge fire approaches Aliso Canyon gas facility, site of massive 2015 blowout
The Saddleridge fire was burning close to the Aliso Canyon gas facility, which was the site of the largest release of methane in U.S. history. Flames were approaching the Porter Ranch facility, which has been evacuated with operations shut down. Firefighters were on the scene for protection. The Saddleridge fire made a rapid advance from…
Newsletter: Welcome to the new dystopia
Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Friday, Oct. 11, and I’m writing from Los Angeles. Get the Essential California newsletter » An estimated 2 million people were left without power at some point over the last two days, after a bankrupt utility that could not guarantee the safety of its own…
Saddleridge fire: Evacuation zones, road closures, perimeter, evacuation centers
The Saddleridge fire broke out in Sylmar near the 210 Freeway on Thursday night and is now burning out of control, threatening numerous communities. Location The Saddleridge fire started about 9 p.m. on the north side of the 210 Freeway near Yarnell Street. Spot fires soared over the 210 and 5 freeways and ignited more…
James Murdoch buys stake in Vice Media
James Murdoch’s new holding company has agreed to buy a minority stake in Vice Media Group, according to people briefed on the deal, as he looks to make his own mark in media after the breakup of his family’s entertainment empire. Murdoch this year created Lupa Systems as an investment vehicle to assemble a new…
'Frankissstein' author Jeanette Winterson gives new life to the monster
If anyone can revivify the Frankenstein story, it’s adventurous, prize-winning British writer Jeanette Winterson. Frankenstein’s monster has been part of our culture for more than 200 years — Mary Shelley’s book was published in 1818. In 1931, Universal made the classic films with Boris Karloff, giving the story cinematic momentum. Then came Mel Brooks’ satire…
What's on TV Friday: 'Fresh Off the Boat,' the NLCS and more
SERIES Are You Afraid of the Dark? The 1990s anthology series featuring scary stories for kids is back for a three-episode reboot. 7 p.m. Nickelodeon Charmed The magical trio (Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock) are back in action as this reboot of the supernatural drama returns for a second season. 8 p.m. The CW…
Review: Instead of a cautionary tale, ‘Jexi’ may drive you deeper into cellphone addiction
Whether in a dark theater or on the couch at home, smartphones are an existential threat to the movie-watching experience. Their mere presence promises interruptions and temptations for the easily distracted (pretty much of all of us at this point). But “Jexi” is such a dumb, lazy film that it might have even the most…
Escapes: Falling for fall in the Sierra
Falling in love with fall in California is easier than you think. Autumn does arrive in the Golden State, and if you don’t believe that, I’m going to hold my breath until the leaves turn color. Fortunately, I don’t have to. My name is Catharine Hamm, and I’m the travel editor for the Los Angeles…
System warning deaf beachgoers of dangers seems so obvious. It wasn't until now
Lightning struck Venice Beach in 2014, killing a 20-year-old swimmer and injuring more than a dozen others. Emergency responders sprang into action to get 20,000 people out of the water and off the sand. When Randy Dean, safety officer for Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, considers this freak accident and other beach…
That young humpback whale that turned up in Hawaii? It was, well, a fluke
A relatively young humpback whale was sighted off the north side of Kauai on Oct. 1, about three weeks earlier than usual. The Hawaiian islands are a natural marine sanctuary where humpbacks come to breed between November and May. Marine biologists and researchers say the early visitor doesn’t mean an earlier start to the annual…