Stephanie O'Neill

Californians have long treasured public access to all state beaches. But now private land owners are raising new challenges to the landmark California Coastal Act which enshrines beach access for all.

After surgery for separate hand injuries, a father and son endured lengthy occupational therapy, which their insurer considered to be an alternative treatment. The family owed more than $8,500.

More than two months since a massive and deadly debris flow slammed the community of Montecito, Calif., hundreds of volunteers are working to carve paths to front doors and dig out kitchens.

In California, officials continue to investigate the Thomas Fire — the largest wildfire in modern California history. A growing number of lawsuits claim a failed water system is a key reason hundreds of homes burned.

Cleanup continues in Montecito, Calif., but it's not easy. An emergency order will let Santa Barbara County deposit some of the mud onto local beaches — even as they warn people to stay away.

Thousands of Californians have been evacuated from the Santa Barbara area among fears of mudslides after heavy rains hit the hillsides denuded by the enormous Thomas fire.

The massive Thomas Fire in Southern California is now 89 percent contained and evacuees are starting to return home. The Upper Ojai Valley was especially hard-hit. About a quarter of the homes there were destroyed.

As the massive Thomas Fire burns in California, the Santa Barbara Zoo's elaborate evacuation plan involves 150 species, tranquilizers and maybe even throwing a towel over an alligator's head.

The fires in Southern California have forced many residents to evacuate multiple times within just a few days. That's leading to confusion about where to head next.

The largest wildfire in Southern California is in Ventura County north of Los Angeles. Fast-moving winds have caused the fire to scorch more than 95,000 acres since Monday night.