L.A. Times - Environment

Storm events spread microplastics across the environment, even to places that are nearly unreachable. A UC Riverside scientist skied into wilderness far off the beaten path, and found the polluting particles everywhere she looked.

The former Exide facility in Vernon spewed toxic dust for decades as it melted down lead-acid car batteries for recycling. Its operations released lead dust across Boyle Heights, East Los Angeles, Commerce and Maywood while the state allowed the plant to operate for decades with a temporary permit.

The world's largest wildlife crossing doesn't open until Dec. 2, but the word may already be out in the animal kingdom. A coyote just became the first mammal spotted on the 101 Freeway overpass, days after one was spotted nearby.

A weekend heat wave and Santa Ana winds will bring red flag warnings to mountainous areas of Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

California water regulators have approved a permit for the planned Sites Reservoir northwest of Sacramento, clearing the way for construction of the state's first major reservoir in decades.

A coyote became the first large mammal documented exploring the massive Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing over the 101 Freeway, which doesn't officially open until next month. Some see it as an early, hopeful sign that the structure is working.

CalRecycle issued its final baseline number for plastic reduction in the state. It's even lower than the lowball the industry suggested this summer: 1/3 of the state's preliminary estimate.

The robotaxi company Waymo is expanding its Los Angeles service area into South Bay and adding popular destinations such as Universal Studios.

As a criminal investigation into Southern California Edison actions before last year's deadly Eaton fire continues, the state's for-profit utilities are lobbying for legislation that would protect their shareholders from paying for future catastrophic fires they cause.

A couple with a plot of land above Santa Clarita marketed their land as a potential glamping site. They decided to sell it to the local tribe instead.

Irvine-based electric vehicle maker Rivian surpassed expectations with its third quarter earnings, reporting a 38% year over year increase in revenue.

Health officials cited ongoing litigation against Chiquita Canyon as the reason for not participating. Lawmakers called it "unfortunate and disappointing."

Federal biologists made a last-minute decision to relocate the eggs after forecasters predicted high tides would swamp their nests on Orange County beaches.

Drivers say the robotaxis are taking up charging spots at public stations, as San Diego officials push for more control over autonomous vehicles.

Cal Fire does not credit Watch Duty as the inspiration for the AwareCA app. But it does address the uneasiness of many fire officials that residents are getting life-and-death information from a nonofficial source.