LOS ANGELES, CA — Eighteen months after the deadly Eaton Fire, investigators say they have identified what sparked the blaze: electrical arcing on an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower above Eaton Wash.
That finding was one of several major developments in local government this week, along with new action on homelessness, wildfire recovery, earthquake preparedness and the cleanup of the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Boyle Heights.
Here's what happened in Los Angeles city and county government over the past week:
The city may reconsider rules that determine where trees may be planted. Councilman John Lee introduced a motion seeking recommendations within 90 days for updating spacing guidelines that researchers say are among the strictest in the country and may prevent trees from being planted in neighborhoods that need more shade.
County health officials warned that people who visited Universal Studios Hollywood last month may have been exposed to measles. The case is the ninth confirmed in Los Angeles County this year, part of a broader upward trend in measles cases that has public health officials raising alarms.
Investigators announced that electrical arcing on an out-of-service Southern California Edison transmission tower sparked the deadly Eaton Fire. The finding came after an 18-month investigation by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Cal Fire, which traced the fire's origin to dry vegetation beneath transmission towers on a ridge above Eaton Wash.
Wildfire recovery also made its way onto the November ballot. The Los Angeles City Council voted to ask voters whether sales of Pacific Palisades homes damaged or destroyed in the Palisades Fire should receive a temporary exemption from Measure ULA, the city's so-called "mansion tax." The proposed exemption would last five years from the date of the fire emergency.
In Boyle Heights, officials took several new steps in response to the burned-out Lineage Logistics warehouse and the odors and economic disruption surrounding its cleanup.
The county moved to establish financial assistance for small businesses affected by the fire and other local emergencies, while City Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado introduced a seven-motion recovery and environmental justice package focused on relief, accountability and long-term community protections.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District also approved a modified abatement order requiring Lineage to implement additional odor-control measures following hours of testimony from residents.
Major LAX Traffic Upgrade Gets $289M In Federal Funding
The grant is part of an $870 million federal investment in airport infrastructure projects across the country.
LA Program Moves 400 People Living In RVs Into Temporary Housing
The RV-to-Home Program placed 400 people living in vehicles into interim housing.
Mark Ridley-Thomas' Convictions Upheld By Federal Appeals Court
The former LA County supervisor was convicted in 2023 of fraud and bribery.
LA County To Conduct Earthquake Preparedness Review
Strain on portions of the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault systems has reached the highest point in at least 1,000 years.
LA County To Review Allocation Of Measure B Tax Funds For Hospitals
The review comes amid federal cuts to area hospitals and the anticipated loss of Medi-Cal coverage for thousands of residents.
LA Council Confirms New Appointment To Police Commission
Mayor Karen Bass appointed Aubry to fill the vacancy on the board created by the departure of Teresa Sanchez-Gordon.
LA County Names New Director Overseeing Office For Children And Families
"Safe, stable, and nurturing relationships are the foundation of lifelong well-being," Celis said in a statement.
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