Hayley Smith

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin

Luxury LA hillside development in severe fire danger zone? Plan sparks protests

By: Hayley Smith

LOS ANGELES — A 20-year battle over the fate of a rugged, verdant hillside in Los Angeles is barreling toward an epic conclusion as developers move forward with plans to

Los Angeles Times

Despite recent heat wave, most of California's colossal snowpack has yet to melt

By: Hayley Smith

Only about 12 inches of Caliornia's snow water equivalent melted in April, leaving most of the Sierra Nevada snowpack poised to flow down downhill.

Los Angeles Times

Wet winter may delay — but not deter — 2023 fire season; 'We must not let our guard down'

By: Hayley Smith

Firefighters in California have already responded to more than 640 wildland fires this year alone, including 135 in the last week.

Los Angeles Times

El Niño is back, bringing disruption, danger for California, world. 'We need to be prepared'

By: Hayley Smith

A strong El Niño could augur yet another wet winter for California, as well as drive the global average temperature to a record high, experts say.

Los Angeles Times

California emerges as big winner in Colorado River water deal

By: Hayley Smith, Ian James

The proposition, which came after months of tense negotiations, lays out plans for water cuts in California, Arizona and Nevada through 2026.

Los Angeles Times

Risk of 'catastrophic flooding' has diminished in Tulare Lake Basin, officials say

By: Hayley Smith, Susanne Rust

Though fears of catastrophic flooding in the Tulare Lake Basin have largely diminished, state officials say we're "not out of the woods" yet.

Today’s News-Herald

California emerges as big winner in water deal

By: Hayley Smith, Ian James

LOS ANGELES — Monday’s historic Colorado River agreement represents a big win for California, which only months ago was embroiled in a bitter feud with Arizona, Nevada and four other

Los Angeles Times

Colorado River deal offers reprieve, but long-term water crisis remains

By: Hayley Smith, Ian James

California, Arizona and Nevada's three-year agreement to cut use of Colorado River water, in a deal backed by federal funds, is only a temporary fix.

Los Angeles Times

With forecasts for a sweltering summer, L.A. vows to improve response to extreme heat

By: Hayley Smith

Extreme heat disproportionately affects low-income and nonwhite communities, as well as those who are pregnant, homeless or elderly, officials say.

The Lawton Constitution

With forecasts for a sweltering summer, LA vows to improve response to extreme heat

By: Hayley Smith

LOS ANGELES -- With forecasts calling for warmer-than-average temperatures across California this summer, officials in Los Angeles are vowing to do more to protect residents from extreme heat, one of