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Jeanette Marantos

@jmarantosplants.bsky.social
1.9K followers 71 following 15 posts

I report for the LA Times, mostly writing about plants, gardening and Southern California’s changing landscapes. I’m an American; I stand for diversity, equity and inclusivity in our gardens and our world.

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Reposted by Jeanette Marantos
Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
The giant wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway in L.A. County got delayed by winter rains a couple of years ago, but it's back on track to be finished this year. Latest progress report, with photos: www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st... via @jmarantosplants.bsky.social
latimes.com
Despite appearances, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is on track for fall completion
Heavy rain in 2002 and 2023 delayed progress on the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, but the builders say they're on target to open the crossing late this fall.
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KD📚🌎🌊🇺🇸 @kdnerak33.bsky.social · 29/06/2025
“Alligator Alcatraz” will begin operations on Wednesday. This is your reminder that a prison without due process is a concentration camp.
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Josiah Hawthorne @josiahhawthorne.bsky.social · 30/06/2025
“From The Depths,” William Balfour Ker
“From the depths” by William Balfour-Ker. A lavish party of the wealth is interrupted by an upraised fist breaking through their dance floor; underneath we can see the entire party venue is built on the shoulders of the marginalized and lower classes.
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Victor Narro @victornarro1.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
Immigration raids are worrying Southern California’s undocumented gardeners, the workers so prevalent in suburban neighborhoods that the sound of weed whackers and leaf blowers can feel like ambient noise. By @jmarantosplants.bsky.social www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
latimes.com
Gardeners on ICE raids: 'People are afraid, but they still have to work'
As ICE raids continue in Southern California neighborhoods, some undocumented gardeners still work even as they worry about being deported. Citizens in the trade also fear getting mistakenly swept up ...
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 01/06/2025
How neighbors got goats to clear a fire-prone hill up ‘absolutely bonkers’ roads www.latimes.com/lifestyle/ne... via @jmarantosplants.bsky.social
latimes.com
How neighbors got goats to clear a fire-prone hill up ‘absolutely bonkers’ roads
Mount Washington neighbors came together to hire goats to clear their steep hillside. Whether they can do it again depends on more of them getting involved.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Great pictures of the first soil being laid on the world's largest wildlife crossing, over the 101 Freeway in Agoura Hills. @jmarantosplants.bsky.social explains what comes next: www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
latimes.com
World's largest wildlife crossing reaches critical milestone. Now what?
After three years of construction, the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing is finally getting soil, but it's still nearly two years away from welcoming wildlife.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 02/02/2025
My February LA Times Plants newsletter. www.latimes.com/lifestyle/ne...
latimes.com
What trees survived in our terrible fires? And why didn't they burn?
Stark aerial photos of the Eaton and Palisades fires show blocks of ash where houses used to be, and a surprising number of green trees. Why? Plus February plant events.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Why are some L.A.-area water providers telling customers not to use their water? Good explanation of the contamination risks post-fire, and what state regulations require: www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st... via @jmarantosplants.bsky.social
latimes.com
Boiling won't help. Explaining the Palisades and Altadena 'Do Not Use' water alerts
Why are there water advisories related to neighborhoods burned by the Palisades and Eaton fire? Here's a guide to understanding the toxic world of urban wildfires and contaminated water.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 17/12/2024
California has sweeping new rules for home insurance. This is what you need to know. www.latimes.com/business/sto...
latimes.com
California has sweeping new rules for home insurance. What to know
California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has approved regulations that next year will let insurers use complex computer programs that predict future risk in setting rates.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 17/12/2024
‘A necessary evil': An in-depth look at the hundreds of full-time donor dogs and cats kept in closed colonies in California whose blood is used to save the lives of pets www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
'A necessary evil': The captive dogs whose blood saves lives
California vowed to shut down colonies where hundreds of captive dogs supply blood for veterinary care. But blood from the closed colonies is still crucial for saving lives.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Here’s a 3-fer plant for the garden: African blue basil provides beautiful flowers for bouquets, delicious basil for my sauces and happiness to SoCal honey bees, even in December!
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 16/12/2024
Five years after workers first took Disneyland to court for allegedly skirting an Anaheim minimum wage law, resort owner Walt Disney Co. has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit for $233 million.
latimes.com
Disney agrees to $233-million settlement in wage theft case
Current and former Disney workers can expect back pay with interest sometime next year after a five-year-long court battle concludes with a historic settlement.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Low-income, Latino desert dwellers sick of inhaling harmful dust from the Salton Sea's drying lakebed want to see state officials turn a shoreline park into a truly vibrant green space: www.latimes.com/california/s... via @rebeccaplevin.bsky.social
latimes.com
In the dust of the Coachella Valley, residents push for a park along the shrinking Salton Sea
In this sweltering desert where residents have limited access to parks, community advocates are calling for the Salton Sea to once more become a vibrant destination where families can gather in nature...
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 16/12/2024
Three years after a raw sewage spill, residents living near L.A.’s Hyperion wastewater plant say they are still dealing with foul odors and health issues.
latimes.com
El Segundo still stinks. Why can't L.A. fix the problem three years after huge sewage spill?
Three years after a raw sewage spill, residents living near L.A.'s Hyperion wastewater plant say they are still dealing with foul odors and health issues.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 14/12/2024
Tech executives are opening up their wallets as Trump and Republicans look at reshaping policies that impact social media, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and more.
latimes.com
Tech billionaires Zuckerberg, Bezos and Altman help bankroll Trump's inauguration. What to know
Meta, Amazon and OpenAI's CEOs are each directing $1-million donations to President-elect Donald Trump's inaugural fund. Here's what to know.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 12/12/2024
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, struggled with spondylolisthesis before receiving surgery. What is the condition?
latimes.com
What is spondylolisthesis, the back condition that derailed Luigi Mangione's life?
Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, struggled with spondylolisthesis before receiving surgery.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
Meanwhile, efforts to secure a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the L.A. area's most famous mountain lion, the late P-22, have thus far fallen short: www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st... via @jmarantosplants.bsky.social
latimes.com
Lassie has one. So do Kermit and Godzilla. Why can't P-22 have a star in Hollywood?
L.A.'s P-22 is one of the most famous felines in the world. Should he get a star like Lassie, Big Bird and Batman?
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Jake @seexreadxwrite.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Wasn’t sure I ever needed a collaboration between Coldplay, Spike Jonze, and Dick Van Dyke until I stumbled upon it and my heart nearly burst. Enjoy. www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4Ol...
youtube.com
Coldplay - ALL MY LOVE (Official Video) (Directors' Cut)
YouTube video by Coldplay
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 08/12/2024
www.latimes.com/lifestyle/li...
latimes.com
14 things to do during a weekend in Ventura, SoCal's last truly chill beach town
Our guide to Ventura offers expert tips about great bakeries, thrifting, viewsy hikes and sunset strolls.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Just another 66-degree December day in Ventura…. and me , counting my blessings that I get to live here.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 05/12/2024
A tsunami warning for a large swath of the Northern California coast was canceled following a magnitude 7 earthquake off the coast of Humboldt County on Thursday. The warning was in effect for roughly an hour, prompting officials in some areas to order evacuations along the coastline.
latimes.com
Tsunami warning canceled after 7.0 earthquake hits Northern California
The earthquake occurred at 10:44 a.m. with an epicenter under the Pacific Ocean, about 70 miles southwest of Eureka and 110 miles northwest of Mendocino.
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alyssa bereznak @alyssabereznak.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
for those of you on bluesky who are unfamiliar, our new series "between a rock" shares survival stories from the wild west. this month's is about a pair of hikers in yosemite who thought they were going for a quick stroll around the lake. then the weather changed www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
latimes.com
They planned a simple day hike in Yosemite. Then they got lost in the snow
A Long Beach couple wanted to visit Lukens Lake, but a sudden shift in weather left them stranded with no overnight gear.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 04/12/2024
There's an AI-powered massage robot in L.A. now, because of course there is. (For the record, it was in New York first.) 🤖
latimes.com
I got a butt massage by an AI robot in L.A. Here’s how it went
The AI-powered massage robot will open to the public in L.A. on Friday. It scans your body to deliver a precise, if impersonal, spa service.
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Paul Byrne @theplanetaryguy.com · 04/12/2024
The young star cluster NGC 602, by JWST. There is such beauty in the Universe.
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Ian James @ianjames.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
So much to savor in this story by @corinnepurtill.bsky.social: The voice, the pacing, the humor, the image of hands stained green. Also the repetition of the process: the concoction turns black as it steeps in the sun, and then they haul the jug down from the roof. www.latimes.com/food/story/2...
latimes.com
Re-creating a family tradition, one walnut at a time
A writer tries to re-create a traditional Italian walnut-based liqueur made by her great-grandfather and makes connections to her family and culture.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 05/12/2024
Likely my last tomato harvest for 2024, and some have barely turned color but not a bad haul for Dec. 4. Now I can make sauce for my lasagna!
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Jen Cross @jencross.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park. The silhouette of a Joshua Tree is unmistakable and I love the smaller desert plants too. #ArtAdventCalendar
A silhouette of a Joshua Tree in the left half of the shot with Venus in the middle and some dessert plants silhouetted to the right. There is some yellow on the horizon with the sky fading to dark blue. Faint stars are visible.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
California's gray wolf comeback continues. There are now nine confirmed packs in the Golden State — up from one just four years ago, @lilaseidman.bsky.social reports for @latimes.com: www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Two new wolf packs confirmed in California amid population boom
Two new wolf packs were confirmed by wildlife officials this month, and explosive population growth could be around the corner.
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Sammy Roth @sammyroth.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
Newly revealed documents show that plastics companies are paying influencers, including Dennis Quaid, to convince unsuspecting social media users and TV viewers that because their products are totally recyclable, we've got nothing to worry about: www.nytimes.com/2024/11/27/c...
nytimes.com
Inside the Plastic Industry’s Battle to Win Over Hearts and Minds
Documents leaked from an industry group show how plastics companies are pushing back against a “tide of anti-plastic sentiment.”
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
The Mountain fire torched his nursery and avocados, but it didn’t kill his irises or spirit
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United Farm Workers @ufw.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
"It's an illness that they know the cows have, and many cows have died but the boss cared about the cows, not the workers," Ibanez told the Times. "They never told them they have to go to the doctor to get a check-up." www.latimes.com/environment/...
latimes.com
Despite warnings from bird flu experts, it's business as usual in California dairy country
New research and discussions with dairy farmers in the Central Valley suggests H5N1 bird flu is more widespread among people than the reported numbers indicate.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 01/12/2024
For Los Angeles architecture, it’s been a surprisingly good year. The region’s best projects are as clear and practical as they are creative and striking.
latimes.com
The 8 best new architecture projects in L.A. for 2024
The Natural History Museum, NBCUniversal, ArtCenter, Caltech and an affordable housing project make our year-end list. See what other architecture projects changed the SoCal landscape.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
I’d like to thank the New Yorker Radio Hour, and indirectly, Nancy Mace, for introducing me to Sarah McBride, the new congresswoman from Delaware whose graciousness, intelligence, compassion and election is the most hopeful sign I’ve seen in ages. www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/tny...
wnycstudios.org
The New Yorker Radio Hour: Episodes | WNYC Studios | Podcasts
Profiles, storytelling and insightful conversations, hosted by David Remnick.
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Humbly Jay @humblyjay.bsky.social · 29/11/2024
Full Moon Over Bryce Canyon National Park 🇺🇲
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@amybisinthewoods.bsky.social 🍄🍄‍🟫 @amybdogsandfungi.bsky.social · 30/11/2024
I’m going to start posting one waxcap a day because, folks, I have a LOT of them! They are my fav and I can’t pass by one without taking its photo. First one. #fungifriends #fungisky #forestfloor #mycology #fungi #naturephotography
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 25/11/2024
I’m slowly converting my yard to mostly California native plants, fruit trees and veggies, but this sentimental gardener will always have at least a few roses, still fragrant and blooming in late November
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Ian James @ianjames.bsky.social · 24/11/2024
The report found the costs of extreme weather events have escalated over the last decade. The U.S. had the largest economic losses over the 10-year period, at $935 billion, followed by China at $268 billion and India at $112 billion. www.theguardian.com/business/202... @theguardian.com
theguardian.com
Extreme weather cost $2tn globally over past decade, report finds
US suffered greatest economic losses, report commissioned by International Chamber of Commerce finds, followed by China and India
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 24/11/2024
California has built so much solar power it increasingly goes to waste. This is raising customer electric rates – already twice the nation’s average. The winners: Arizona and other states, which California pays to take the excess. Also reaping profits: Wall Street traders.
latimes.com
Solar power glut boosts California electric bills. Other states reap the benefits
California is now producing so much solar energy that the state must increasingly ask solar farms to stop producing to prevent overloading the electric grid. In the last 12 months, power that would ha...
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AnneA @annenc.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
"This study confirmed that small areas of urban wildflowers have a high concentration of pollinating insects, and are as valuable to many pollinators as larger areas of natural meadow that you would typically find rurally." #WildflowerWednesday #nativeplants #pollinators 🌱
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Terry Castleman @castleman.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Compiled some crazy images of the storm off the West Coast. www.latimes.com/california/s...
latimes.com
See the bomb cyclone approaching California from space
A bomb cyclone and corresponding atmospheric river are bringing precipitation to Northern California. See satellite photos and videos of the storm.
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Los Angeles Times @latimes.com · 21/11/2024
Looking for a family activity? We've put together a guide of 72 things to do with children in and around Los Angeles — memorable activities to fit every age, interest, energy level and attention span (and for grownups, every budget).
latimes.com
72 awesome things to do with kids in L.A. before they grow up
Scale a skyscraper! Jump into slime! Read to a dog! The city is filled with memorable activities to fit every age, interest and attention span.
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Morgan J Freeman @mjfree.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
I'm going to post this video every day so we never forget
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Jim Buzinski @jimbuzinski.bsky.social · 10/10/2023
Disgraceful, gutless decision by the NHL. www.outsports.com/2023/10/9/23...
outsports.com
NHL issues its ‘Don’t Say Gay’ policy with a ban on Pride Tape
The NHL has banned Pride Tape and Pride jerseys, in addition to issuing a disaster memo regarding LGBTQ initiatives. Hockey is not for everyone.
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Bodega Cats @bodegacats.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Fragrant pitcher sage (Lepechinia fragrans) is a California native plant that never fails to delight. Here it is blooming a week before Thanksgiving! And even without its flowers, the leaves are so aromatic all I need do is brush by them for my daily fragrance fix.
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 20/11/2024
The Los Angeles Flower District around Wall and 8th streets in DTLA is a gritty life noir on the outside but the flowers inside the markets can brighten and inspire the bleakest day, and admission is only $2! Details here www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
The #MountainFire hit #GreenwoodDaylilyNursery in Somis hard, melting plastic pots off plants and charring equipment and structures, but most of its irises and other SoCal-sturdy perennials survived — just in time for optimal planting! Details in my LA Times Plants newsletter Dec. 1.
Melted black plastic nursery potsSinged day lilies showing new growth a few days after the fireA field of irises — plus one late bloomer — survived the fire, repotted and ready for planting in December
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do
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Jeanette Marantos @jmarantosplants.bsky.social · 18/11/2024
In mid-November my Southern California garden is still full of surprises….tomatoes, watermelon cucumbers, zucchini …. and a dead gopher? I was plagued by gophers this fall but here is some kind of rodent dead on a pile of gopher-churned earth. But do gophers have such long tails?
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