Home Care In Los Angeles, CA

CALIFORNIA — A toxic ocean algae bloom that has been poisoning sea lions and other mammals in Southern California has begun sickening seabirds.

Experts are warning beachgoers to use "extreme caution" when approaching sick or dead seabirds.

The new outbreak of domoic acid has "severely" is now infecting and killing birds such as Brown Pelicans, Western Grebes, Brandt’s Cormorants and Red-throated Loons, according to the International Bird Rescue.

READ MORE: 60 Eggs, Chicks Rescued From Wind-Battered Tree In LA County

"This deadly toxin is causing avian and marine mammal deaths, and the public may find birds dying or behaving oddly on local beaches," the rescue wrote in a release last week.

Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Birds can be sickened by domoic acid by coming into contact with ocean blooms of algae, referred to by the experts as Harmful Algal Blooms. The toxic algae can cause severe neurological symptoms like seizures.

While some birds will not survive an infection, Bird Rescue says other birds have been able to recover under their care.

"Bird Rescue urgently needs public support to meet the demands of this crisis," the organization wrote, encouraging the public to donate to help provide life-saving care.

To make matters more complicated, the rescue said symptoms from the toxic bloom can mimic symptoms caused by H5N1 — bird flu. It also tends to resemble symptoms of a condition only seen in Brandt's Cormorants.

"Bird Rescue is having rescued birds tested for both domoic acid and bird flu, and staff are working with extreme caution to safeguard both people and animals during this outbreak," the organization said.

Bird Rescue strongly advises keeping a safe distance from dead or sick seabirds. The public is urged to reach out for assistance instead by calling the organization's helpline at 866-767-2473.

A similar event affected seabirds in LA and Ventura counties in 2017. Just half of the birds taken in for recovery made it to release, the organization said.

Meanwhile, sea lions have been falling ill to the poisonous algae and becoming "feral," the Los Angeles Times reported. An expert told the Times that it is the worst coastal poisoning event in recent memory.

Half the state remains locked in drought with impending fire risk and a dwindling rainy season while NorCal is set to see a verdant spring.

Kat Schuster, Patch Staff

|Updated Tue, Mar 25, 2025 at 3:07 pm PT

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — While Northern California is basking in a verdant spring following an exceptionally wet winter, the Southland is in the midst of a severe drought following a bone-dry rainy season.

In January, weather experts told Patch that Southern California had slipped back into a drought after experiencing the driest start to its normal rainy season on record. Despite recent storms, most of the region has since slipped into extreme drought conditions, priming the Southland as a tinderbox as the weather heats up.

Southern California had a few solid storms, namely atmospheric rivers, in February and March, but the region is still in a rainfall deficit, says Jayme Laber, a hydrologist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. What's more, the storms didn’t appear to make a dent in the moderate to severe — and in some cases, “exceptional” — drought conditions plaguing parts of the region.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles counties are all in severe drought. Parts of Riverside, San Diego, Imperial and San Bernardino counties are under extreme drought. Exceptional drought conditions — the most extreme level is beginning to spread in the most inland regions of the Southland, according to weather experts.

“Because it was so dry in December and January, we dug ourselves in a pretty big hole, deficit-wise for rainfall,” Laber said. “So even though we had the rainfall in February and March, we're still behind… We're lower than normal.”

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Downtown Los Angeles is currently at about 60% of its average rainfall for this time of year, he said. At the start of the year, Laber noted, that percentage was much lower — low enough to contribute to extremely dry conditions that weather officials warned of just before the devastating Los Angeles fires ignited in January.

The rainy season itself played out unusually in Southern California specifically, Laber said.“February and March were pretty typical… but December and January being as dry as they were… we got ourselves into a pretty big precipitation deficit,” he said.

The good news is Laber says the rainstorms over the past two months did help to quell a lingering fire season, fueled by bone-dry landscapes.

“We did have enough rain in February and March that it has reduced the fire concern for now,” he said.

READ MORE: El Niño, La Niña Are Poor Predictors Of CA Rain Forecast, Study Finds

“The situation was looking worse at that time, but February and March have helped,” Laber said. “But again… we're still 60% of normal… which still has us talking about being in drier than normal, like drought conditions."

Meanwhile, NOAA reported on March 20 that Northern California enjoyed a "wetter than average precipitation pattern."

Despite a lackluster rainy season and half a state steeped in drought, Laber said that water supplies are still in robust supply thanks to very wet winters in 2022 and 2023.

“Our reservoirs and our groundwater, we're still in pretty good shape… One year where we're below normal isn't going to have a super amount of impact,” he said. “The reservoirs and the water supply system in California is made to be able to withstand several years in a row that are dry.”

He emphasized that while Southern California is struggling with dryness, “Northern California and Central California have done pretty good… normal to above normal.”

Still, Laber said it’s never a bad time to conserve.

“There's a lot of desert areas around here, and we could almost consider ourselves like a coastal desert… It's always a good practice to maintain,” he said. “We should never lose sight that when… times are good, that the next year might be really dry.”

As spring begins, Laber said that the state is at the tail end of its rainy season.

“Those three wettest months are generally January, February, March… We still might get a little bit of rain in April, May. But… it's not those big storms,” he said. “The Drought Monitor maps are going to become static through the… summer and into fall and into next winter.”

"This winter, we were… under the influence of La Niña,” he said, adding that “sea surface temperatures… are starting to slightly warm up… trending towards more of a neutral condition.”

But arid times are just waiting around the corner again.

But he warned that recent warm temperatures could quickly shift the risk again.

"Where I live, my house was 92 degrees yesterday, so we're back in some warmer times," he said. "That can dry that vegetation out fairly quickly, and so it wouldn't it won't take long...to get back into a situation where we are going to be back into a high fire danger."

Despite the Southland's stable water supply, Laber urged that it's never a good idea for residents to drop their guard. That's because SoCal is something of a "coastal desert," he explained.

"We should never lose sight when times are good," he said. "The next year might be really dry again and we don't want to be wasting water."

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West Los Angeles, CA (March 25, 2025) – A pedestrian was hospitalized Sunday night following a hit-and-run crash near the intersection of W 96th St and S Normandie Ave in the West LA area, according to emergency reports from the California Highway Patrol and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Authorities were alerted to the incident around 9:50 p.m. on March 23 after a vehicle reportedly struck a pedestrian and fled the scene. Emergency personnel responded quickly, and the injured individual was transported from the scene to Harbor Hospital for further treatment. While their current condition has not been publicly disclosed, the response level indicates the victim sustained injuries requiring urgent medical attention.

Los Angeles County Fire personnel and McCormick Ambulance services coordinated with deputies at the scene, though no vehicle was located in the immediate area following the collision. The Sheriff’s Department confirmed that no witnesses were able to provide a clear description of the suspect vehicle, and the investigation remains active.

Law enforcement has not released the identity of the pedestrian, and it remains unclear whether surveillance footage or traffic cameras may assist in identifying the driver. Updates will likely follow as officials pursue leads in the ongoing investigation.

Our thoughts are with the injured pedestrian as they continue their recovery.

California Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Collisions

The crash at W 96th St and S Normandie Ave illustrates the grave dangers pedestrians face in California, especially in urban neighborhoods like West LA. When a driver flees after striking someone, they not only break the law but also abandon their duty to assist a fellow human being in need. These actions often delay emergency care and compound the severity of the victim’s injuries.

Hit-and-run collisions involving pedestrians are tragically common in Los Angeles County, where dense traffic, distracted driving, and limited visibility can create high-risk scenarios. Incidents occurring at night—like this one—are particularly dangerous due to decreased awareness and reduced lighting. Unfortunately, drivers who strike pedestrians under such conditions sometimes panic and flee rather than remain at the scene.

Victims of these crashes often face long roads to recovery—both physically and emotionally. Beyond medical treatment, they may require legal guidance, trauma counseling, and community support. When the driver remains unidentified, it can also complicate access to compensation and insurance claims.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian hit-and-run, you deserve to understand your rights and access meaningful assistance.

Pedestrian injuries from hit-and-runs can disrupt every part of life—but you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. Local Accident Reports connects injured pedestrians and their families with resources that can help—from medical coordination to legal advocacy. Reach out to us today and take the first step toward support, recovery, and justice.

Los Angeles, CA (March 25, 2025) – Emergency medical crews rushed to a crash scene late Monday night after a serious vehicle collision at the intersection of E 82nd St and Stanford Ave. According to early reports, the accident occurred around 10:49 p.m., prompting a rapid response from Los Angeles Fire and Rescue.

First responders, including paramedics and local fire crews, worked quickly to assist individuals hurt in the crash. At least one person sustained injuries and received on-scene treatment before being transported to a nearby medical facility. The extent of injuries has not been disclosed, but sources indicate they were non-life-threatening.

The crash involved multiple vehicles, although specific makes and models have not yet been released. The intersection at E 82nd St and Stanford Ave was partially blocked during emergency response efforts, leading to minor delays in the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collision. Traffic surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed, and investigators are working to determine if speed, driver distraction, or roadway conditions played a role in the incident.

Our thoughts are with those injured in this crash, and we wish them a full and swift recovery.

Car Accidents in California

Late-night collisions at urban intersections like E 82nd St and Stanford Ave are a frequent reminder of the ongoing traffic safety challenges in Southern California. In areas like South Los Angeles, where narrow roads, high traffic volume, and visibility issues converge, even minor driver miscalculations can result in serious injuries.

This crash highlights the importance of heightened driver awareness during nighttime hours, when reduced lighting and fatigue often contribute to increased crash risk. While investigators continue gathering evidence, it’s essential for community members to understand the impact these incidents can have not only on those directly injured, but also on local traffic patterns and neighborhood safety.

Emergency responders in California consistently emphasize the need for immediate reporting and swift action following any injury-related crash. By alerting authorities and documenting accident details quickly, those involved can preserve their legal rights and improve medical response times.

Local Accident Reports encourages anyone involved in a crash—or witnessing one—to seek assistance immediately. Whether it’s accessing medical help, understanding insurance steps, or connecting with resources, swift action can make all the difference.

Have you or someone you love been affected by a serious accident in Los Angeles? Recovery can feel overwhelming—but support is available. Local Accident Reports helps connect victims with trusted resources so they don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Learn more about your options and get the guidance you deserve.

LOS ANGELES — R.D. Olson Construction, in partnership with Related California Properties and the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, has started construction on Phase II of Rose Hill Courts. The $57.8 million project builds on the success of Phase I, which was completed in 2023.

Located at 3521 N. McKenzie Ave., Phase II of Rose Hill Courts will feature seven apartment buildings ranging from two to three stories with basements, totaling 96 affordable housing units. Additionally, the new development will feature a community building dedicated to resident gatherings and events, an outdoor playground and a basketball court. The project will also offer tuck-under parking on five of residential buildings. The total development will space a total of 115,406 square feet of gross building area across a 150,400-square-foot site.

Slated for completion in 2027, the project will generate more than 400 construction jobs.

Partners on the project include the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles, Related California Properties, BSB Design (formerly Withee Malcolm Architects) and AMJ Construction Management.

BURLINGTON, N.C. — Berkadia has negotiated the sale of 198 Milltown Apartments, a 288-unit community located at 198 Milltown St. in Burlington, a city in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region.

A fund sponsored by Birmingham, Ala.-based StoneRiver Co., StoneRiver Investment Fund III, purchased the Class A community from Wilmington, N.C.-based Zimmer Development Co. for an undisclosed price. Caleb Troop and Thomas Colaiezzi of Berkadia’s Charlotte office represented the seller in the transaction.

Built in 2020, 198 Milltown features one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments ranging in size from 700 to more than 1,200 square feet. Amenities include a 24-hour health club and resident lounge, pet spa and pet park, saltwater swimming pool, outdoor social lounge and grill area, Amazon package lockers, playground, a car care center and garages.

DELRAY BEACH, FLA. — Delray Beach-based Basis Industrial has purchased a portfolio of five business parks in the metro Tampa area for $60 million. The 472,512-square-foot portfolio brings Basis Industrial’s Tampa-area holdings to more than 1 million square feet.

The properties in the portfolio include Bryan Dairy Business Park in Largo (102,166 square feet); Starkey Center I and II in Largo (102,652 square feet); Turtle Creek in Clearwater (121,217 square feet); Cross Bayou in Largo (58,088 square feet): and ICOT IV & Condo in Clearwater (88,389 square feet).

Anthony Scavo represented Basis Industrial in the transaction on an internal basis. Bob Anderson of Birtcher Anderson represented the undisclosed seller. Beach Point Capital Management provided an undisclosed amount of acquisition financing to Basis, which plans to invest capital improvements for the portfolio’s exteriors, roofs, parking area and signage.

BENSALEM, PA. — Locally based firm Empire Realty Investments has sold the 109,057-square-foot Bensalem Shopping Center on the northeastern outskirts of Philadelphia. The center was built on 8.8 acres in 1972 and was fully leased at the time of sale. Indian grocer Patel Brothers anchors the center, and other tenants include Dollar General, Advance Auto Parts and Unlimited PCS. Jim Galbally and Patrick Higgins of JLL represented Empire Realty Investments in the transaction. The buyer and sales price were not disclosed, but the deal traded at a cap rate of 6.41 percent.