All articles tagged with #la county
Norovirus cases are increasing in Los Angeles County, with wastewater tests showing a significant rise in virus detection, prompting health officials to advise on preventive measures like handwashing and disinfecting surfaces to curb the spread during the peak season from November to April.
LA County health officials issued a warning after three fatal overdoses linked to a synthetic kratom compound called 7-Hydroxymitragynine, which is unregulated and marketed as a remedy for pain and anxiety. The deaths involved otherwise healthy individuals and were associated with the presence of alcohol. Authorities warn about the dangers of high doses and unregulated products containing 7-OH, which can have stimulant or opioid-like effects and pose a significant overdose risk.
Santa Monica is experiencing a flea-borne typhus outbreak with five cases, prompting health officials to increase monitoring and control efforts amid a regional surge in cases across Los Angeles County, which has seen a record high of 187 cases last year and 106 so far in 2025. The disease, transmitted by fleas from rodents and wildlife, can cause symptoms like fever, rash, and muscle pain, and is preventable through flea control and avoiding contact with stray animals. Authorities advise residents to take precautions and seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Multiple police officers were shot and injured in Baldwin Park, California, with at least one suspect barricaded at the scene; two officers are in serious condition and a suspect has been taken into custody. The incident is ongoing.
COVID-19 viral activity has reached a "very high" level in California, according to CDC wastewater data, with similar trends in L.A. County where cases and hospitalizations have doubled in the past month. The new FLiRT variant is contributing to increased susceptibility and spread, but vaccinations remain crucial in preventing severe illness. Health officials recommend new vaccines in the fall and advise high-risk individuals to get vaccinated now. Common-sense precautions like mask-wearing and handwashing are also emphasized.
The closure of 99 Cents Only stores will impact employees, prompting L.A. County officials to consider providing financial and other support to those losing their jobs. The Board of Supervisors will vote on a motion to request a report on ways the county can assist workers, following the announcement of the closure of all 371 locations. Former Big Lots president Mark Miller is exploring an effort to save the Southern California stores by acquiring and reopening them with a focus on their original appeal.
Southern California experienced an extraordinary amount of rainfall on Sunday, with some areas receiving months' worth of rain in just one day. The National Weather Service estimated 4-8 inches of rain throughout the region, with some areas like Pasadena expecting up to 9.75 inches. By 10 p.m., many locations had already received at least 3 inches of rain, with some areas in LA County and Ventura County recording over 7 inches. This significant rainfall is rare and has led to concerns about potential flooding and other weather-related issues.
LA County DA Gascón is cracking down on smash-and-grab retail thefts, with hundreds of cases being prosecuted and over 580 arrests made by local task forces. Gascón emphasizes that there will be severe consequences for those involved, including getaway drivers and sellers of stolen merchandise, under a new state law that makes organized theft a felony. He stresses that individuals engaged in this activity will be held accountable, but the severity of consequences will depend on various factors.
Gas prices in California, particularly in LA County, are at record highs, prompting inspectors to check local gas stations for price gouging. The current state average is $6.07, with LA County prices at $6.31. Inspectors are ensuring that customers receive the correct amount of fuel for their payment. Regional refinery issues and increased crude oil prices are contributing to the high prices. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law to prevent such price hikes, but the situation persists.
The County of Los Angeles is ending its relationship with law firm Lewis Brisbois after the firm released racist, sexist, and antisemitic emails from two of its former senior partners. LA County will review matters the firm is currently handling and decide whether to switch to other outside lawyers on an “individual case basis.” The messages showed a pair of former partners who led a mass exodus from the firm in May using racist, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ remarks over the course of more than a decade.