The Leonard Files

The failure of the water system during the Palisades Fire may have led to threats against the general manager of the LA Department of Water and Power, but the agency's oversight board has declined to spend $700,000 on security just yet. Plus, repairs have begun at the Santa Ynez reservoir, a year after it was drained. Lawsuits say water from the reservoir could have saved homes in the Palisades, h...

Two months after the Palisades Fire the number of fire victims suing the City of Los Angeles continues to grow. Several cases, now involving dozens of plaintiffs, allege the LA Department of Water and Power failed to keep water flowing during the firefight on January 7 and 8, and say the DWP should have refilled a reservoir close to the neighborhoods that burned. Also, how much will it cost to mov...

Blake Mallen planned to raise his kids in a hilltop home in the Pacific Palisades that was destroyed on January 8. He recounts how the fire first approached his street, his all-night hose and bucket fight to snuff out embers, efforts to rally firefighters — who had no water — to help him, and the unstoppable flames returning. Blake’s photos and video recordings from the night of the fire went vira...

The LA Department of Water and Power has announced that drinkable water has been restored to Pacific Palisades residents. Water supplies have been repaired, but it was unsafe to drink until now. Also, the DWP says it has long term plans to move all of the electrical lines in the Palisades underground to reduce fire danger. Plus, an update on Mayor Karen Bass’ response to the former fire chief’s ap...

LA County has joined dozens of victims of the Eaton Fire in suing Southern California Edison, alleging the power utility’s transmission lines or equipment were responsible for igniting the fire on Jan. 7. Also, more help for fire victims looking to rebuild quickly, the aftermath of LA City’s former fire chief’s failed effort to return to her job, and how a foster agency in Altadena is regrouping a...

Tuesday’s meeting of the LA City Council was former LAFD chief Kristin Crowley’s opportunity to convince Council members that she has to keep her job, following the Mayor’s criticism of preparations for and the response to the Palisades Fire. In NBCLA original podcast "Leonard Files," Investigative Reporter Eric Leonard takes a closer look at critical issues following the devastating Los Angeles w...

Former Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley will speak publicly for the first time on Tuesday since being dismissed by Mayor Karen Bass. As she appeals her termination to the LA City Council, will she have enough votes to get her job back? In NBCLA original podcast "After the Flames," Investigative Reporter Eric Leonard takes us behind the scenes following the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angel...