Monica Palta
@monicapalta.bsky.social
Specialist in Urban Water Quality, Health, and Justice @ucanr @ucirvine #UrbanEcology #WaterResources #Wetlands #ParticipatoryScience
Pinned
Monica Palta
@monicapalta.bsky.social
· Feb 16
Help me End AIDS with AIDS/LifeCycle 2025!
I'm supporting AIDS/LifeCycle 2025 to help support the life-changing services of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Will you join in our mission End AIDS?
giving.aidslifecycle.org
With federal funding uncertain, supporting the life-changing services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is more important than ever. Join me in making a difference—help me raise funds by donating to my AIdS/LifeCycle ride at:
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
Reposted by Monica Palta
Alexis Woods is focused on sustainable glyphosate management and environmental equity. She mentors students and promotes diversity in STEM through BioGals and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
February 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Alexis Woods is focused on sustainable glyphosate management and environmental equity. She mentors students and promotes diversity in STEM through BioGals and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).
With federal funding uncertain, supporting the life-changing services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is more important than ever. Join me in making a difference—help me raise funds by donating to my AIdS/LifeCycle ride at:
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
Help me End AIDS with AIDS/LifeCycle 2025!
I'm supporting AIDS/LifeCycle 2025 to help support the life-changing services of San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center. Will you join in our mission End AIDS?
giving.aidslifecycle.org
February 16, 2025 at 10:11 PM
With federal funding uncertain, supporting the life-changing services of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is more important than ever. Join me in making a difference—help me raise funds by donating to my AIdS/LifeCycle ride at:
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
giving.aidslifecycle.org/index.cfm?fu...
@tallanddorky.bsky.social
Reposted by Monica Palta
White House budget proposal could shatter the National Science Foundation - 'The cuts could be as deep as 66 percent, with one person indicating the top-line budget number for the National Science Foundation could start at $3 billion.' vs. $9 billion currently arstechnica.com/science/2025...
White House budget proposal could shatter the National Science Foundation
“This kind of cut would kill American science and boost China.”…
arstechnica.com
February 6, 2025 at 11:41 PM
White House budget proposal could shatter the National Science Foundation - 'The cuts could be as deep as 66 percent, with one person indicating the top-line budget number for the National Science Foundation could start at $3 billion.' vs. $9 billion currently arstechnica.com/science/2025...
Reposted by Monica Palta
On Fri 2/7, I'll discuss why #NOAA's National #Weather Service is an indispensable public utility, & the broader risks of "moving fast and breaking things" that are not easily fixable. Plus, thoughts on possible major SoCal storm next week? #CAwx #CAwater www.youtube.com/live...
Weather and climate office hours, 02/07/25 topic: Further thoughts on NOAA & NWS amid the chaos - YouTube
The latest in a recurring series of live, virtual, & interactive "office hours" hosted by Dr. Daniel Swain on various topics related to extreme weather and c...
www.youtube.com
February 7, 2025 at 5:09 AM
On Fri 2/7, I'll discuss why #NOAA's National #Weather Service is an indispensable public utility, & the broader risks of "moving fast and breaking things" that are not easily fixable. Plus, thoughts on possible major SoCal storm next week? #CAwx #CAwater www.youtube.com/live...
Reposted by Monica Palta
@charlesgaba.com is a hero and downloaded CDC’s entire website. A small group of us has come together to preserve this critical resource and make it accessible to the scientific community.
More to come. These data are public and they are ours. Deletion disobedience is one way to fight back.
More to come. These data are public and they are ours. Deletion disobedience is one way to fight back.
📣 UPDATE: OK, still working with some others to figure out the best way to present it all, but in the meantime here's the first batch of links to the most-recent archived versions of every page at the CDC prior to the Trump/Musk Purge:
acasignups.net/25/02/02/whi...
acasignups.net/25/02/02/whi...
In which I provide links to archived versions of every CDC.gov page available pre-purge (Part 1 of 15)
As horrific as it is that the Trump/Musk Administration is purging data from federal websites, it's good to know that the Internet Archive has been archiving much of it. However, in addition to the Ar...
acasignups.net
February 2, 2025 at 6:00 PM
@charlesgaba.com is a hero and downloaded CDC’s entire website. A small group of us has come together to preserve this critical resource and make it accessible to the scientific community.
More to come. These data are public and they are ours. Deletion disobedience is one way to fight back.
More to come. These data are public and they are ours. Deletion disobedience is one way to fight back.
Reposted by Monica Palta
If the reports are correct, Trump will release from these reservoirs, 32,000 acre-ft (~10 billion gals) will be lost. Some will evaporate, some will seep into groundwater. Farmers who had rights to that water are now unlikely to have physical or legal access to it.
sjvwater.org/trumps-emerg...
sjvwater.org/trumps-emerg...
Trump’s emergency water order responsible for water dump from Tulare County lakes – SJV Water
The sudden announcement Thursday by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that Kaweah and Success lakes would immediately begin dumping water was in response Trump’s emergency water order responsible for w...
sjvwater.org
February 1, 2025 at 6:11 AM
If the reports are correct, Trump will release from these reservoirs, 32,000 acre-ft (~10 billion gals) will be lost. Some will evaporate, some will seep into groundwater. Farmers who had rights to that water are now unlikely to have physical or legal access to it.
sjvwater.org/trumps-emerg...
sjvwater.org/trumps-emerg...
Reposted by Monica Palta
Most rewarding thing I've done today is create this list, which is now enriched by many great suggestions from others. But I need water orgs based outside North Am and Europe. Who can help me extend the inclusiveness of this list? bsky.app/profile/did:...
January 30, 2025 at 10:38 PM
Most rewarding thing I've done today is create this list, which is now enriched by many great suggestions from others. But I need water orgs based outside North Am and Europe. Who can help me extend the inclusiveness of this list? bsky.app/profile/did:...
Reposted by Monica Palta
A Los Angeles Times' opinion piece on the dangers of post-wildfire mudslides relies on the expertise of UC Irvine civil & environmental engineering Professor Brett Sanders and research he did with his Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy colleague Professor Doug Houston. bit.ly/3PTEcFS
Opinion: After the Los Angeles fires stop burning, another grave risk to lives and property looms
Mudslides and debris flows are a risk around Altadena, Pacific Palisades and other areas affected by the wildfires, which can destabilize mountain slopes.
bit.ly
January 29, 2025 at 12:29 AM
A Los Angeles Times' opinion piece on the dangers of post-wildfire mudslides relies on the expertise of UC Irvine civil & environmental engineering Professor Brett Sanders and research he did with his Department of Urban Planning and Public Policy colleague Professor Doug Houston. bit.ly/3PTEcFS
Reposted by Monica Palta
Eight water suppliers have issued 'do-not-use' or 'do-not-drink' water advisories in L.A. County. In these areas, there are concerns that the water might be contaminated by toxins from the fires. @jmarantosplants.bsky.social www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
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.
www.latimes.com
January 24, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Eight water suppliers have issued 'do-not-use' or 'do-not-drink' water advisories in L.A. County. In these areas, there are concerns that the water might be contaminated by toxins from the fires. @jmarantosplants.bsky.social www.latimes.com/lifestyle/st...
Reposted by Monica Palta
Important story, but needed at least 4 additional points of context which either myself or @edithdeguzman.bsky.social tried to provide when interviewed (and perhaps others too).
The obvious quotes which made it into the article (& its headline) don't get us there.🧵
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The obvious quotes which made it into the article (& its headline) don't get us there.🧵
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Officials were warned of failing water system before Palisades fire. Fixes never happened
Thousands of pages of records reviewed by The Times show L.A. County officials had for years described water infrastructure in areas where hydrants ran dry during the Palisades fire as 'leak prone,' '...
www.latimes.com
January 24, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Important story, but needed at least 4 additional points of context which either myself or @edithdeguzman.bsky.social tried to provide when interviewed (and perhaps others too).
The obvious quotes which made it into the article (& its headline) don't get us there.🧵
www.latimes.com/california/s...
The obvious quotes which made it into the article (& its headline) don't get us there.🧵
www.latimes.com/california/s...
Reposted by Monica Palta
All of the data/publications that www.pacinst.org generates on #climate, #water, #science & #publicpolicy, will forever be available free. As will everything on my personal site, gleick.com. If there are peer-reviewed publications of mine behind a paywall, simply email me. I'll send it to you free.
January 24, 2025 at 1:50 AM
All of the data/publications that www.pacinst.org generates on #climate, #water, #science & #publicpolicy, will forever be available free. As will everything on my personal site, gleick.com. If there are peer-reviewed publications of mine behind a paywall, simply email me. I'll send it to you free.
Reposted by Monica Palta
NEW: Officials warn of potential thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday. Isolated downpours could trigger debris flows in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas and threaten nearby communities of Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
#LAfire #CAwx #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #CAfire
#LAfire #CAwx #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #CAfire
With L.A. expecting rain, here’s how likely debris flows are near burn scars
If rainfall rates exceed a half-inch per hour the Eaton and Palisades burn scars will be susceptible to debris flows, threatening Altadena, Pacific Palisades
www.sfchronicle.com
January 23, 2025 at 11:36 PM
NEW: Officials warn of potential thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday. Isolated downpours could trigger debris flows in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas and threaten nearby communities of Altadena, Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
#LAfire #CAwx #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #CAfire
#LAfire #CAwx #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #CAfire
Reposted by Monica Palta
yes and we will continue to need updated stories here as the potential and reality of confusion is ever present even when all agencies doing their best
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
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.
www.latimes.com
January 23, 2025 at 7:50 PM
yes and we will continue to need updated stories here as the potential and reality of confusion is ever present even when all agencies doing their best
Reposted by Monica Palta
Just had a sample of the Eaton Fire ash that is in my driveway run on the department XRF. Is there titanium (new house paint)? Yup. Lead (old house paint)? You betcha. Heavy metals? Check. Treat that ash like it's toxic folks (because it is)
January 17, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Just had a sample of the Eaton Fire ash that is in my driveway run on the department XRF. Is there titanium (new house paint)? Yup. Lead (old house paint)? You betcha. Heavy metals? Check. Treat that ash like it's toxic folks (because it is)
Reposted by Monica Palta
Join me and @gregspierce.bsky.social on 1/28 @ 12pm PT for a timely discussion about the fires and much more, moderated by the one and only @awalkerinla.bsky.social. www.torched.la/torched-talk...
Torched Talks with Edith de Guzman and Greg Pierce
Gather your questions about fire and water and join us on Tuesday, January 28 at noon on Zoom
www.torched.la
January 23, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Join me and @gregspierce.bsky.social on 1/28 @ 12pm PT for a timely discussion about the fires and much more, moderated by the one and only @awalkerinla.bsky.social. www.torched.la/torched-talk...
Reposted by Monica Palta
You should follow @edithdeguzman.bsky.social who is w/ @luskininnovation.bsky.social @ucanr.bsky.social
Among many regular streams of engaged research, Edith has been putting in tons of time on water-fire-climate intersections re: to the ongoing LA fires.
innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/2025/01/16/f...
Among many regular streams of engaged research, Edith has been putting in tons of time on water-fire-climate intersections re: to the ongoing LA fires.
innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/2025/01/16/f...
For the Press: UCLA research and commentary on the LA fire response and recovery | UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation
Our experts are available to comment on: 1) Water Supply and Urban Water Systems; 2) Air Quality and Public Health Impacts from Wildfires; 3) Land Use and Governance Considerations for Recovery; 4) Po...
innovation.luskin.ucla.edu
January 22, 2025 at 11:38 PM
You should follow @edithdeguzman.bsky.social who is w/ @luskininnovation.bsky.social @ucanr.bsky.social
Among many regular streams of engaged research, Edith has been putting in tons of time on water-fire-climate intersections re: to the ongoing LA fires.
innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/2025/01/16/f...
Among many regular streams of engaged research, Edith has been putting in tons of time on water-fire-climate intersections re: to the ongoing LA fires.
innovation.luskin.ucla.edu/2025/01/16/f...
Reposted by Monica Palta
SoCal showers now likely Sun-Mon! Decent soaking (0.5+ in.) possible mtns; lighter (0.2-0.5 in.) elsewhere. This will be a cold/convective system (w/showers + t-storms). Enough to tamp down but not end fire season; t-storm downpours may risk fire zone debris flows. #CAwx #CAfire
January 23, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Reposted by Monica Palta
Policy and technical guidance for wildfire impacted water systems (and officials) from Andrew Whelton of @purdueuniversity.bsky.social
engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafe...
engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafe...
Response and Recovery to Wildfire Caused Drinking Water Contamination
engineering.purdue.edu
January 13, 2025 at 11:05 PM
Policy and technical guidance for wildfire impacted water systems (and officials) from Andrew Whelton of @purdueuniversity.bsky.social
engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafe...
engineering.purdue.edu/PlumbingSafe...
Reposted by Monica Palta
Recording of the talks are now available www.cee.psu.edu/events/women...
#wildfire #hotwater #machinelearning #reactivetransport #Matryoshka
@waterbarnes.bsky.social
#wildfire #hotwater #machinelearning #reactivetransport #Matryoshka
@waterbarnes.bsky.social
January 21, 2025 at 9:08 PM
Recording of the talks are now available www.cee.psu.edu/events/women...
#wildfire #hotwater #machinelearning #reactivetransport #Matryoshka
@waterbarnes.bsky.social
#wildfire #hotwater #machinelearning #reactivetransport #Matryoshka
@waterbarnes.bsky.social
Hi Bluesky 👋🏼 I'm an Urban Water Specialist @ucanr.bsky.social @ucirvine.bsky.social. My research focuses on designing and managing urban environments to create sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between natural ecosystems and people. #WaterResources #NatureBasedSolutions #WaterJustice
January 22, 2025 at 2:10 AM
Hi Bluesky 👋🏼 I'm an Urban Water Specialist @ucanr.bsky.social @ucirvine.bsky.social. My research focuses on designing and managing urban environments to create sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships between natural ecosystems and people. #WaterResources #NatureBasedSolutions #WaterJustice
Reposted by Monica Palta
I assume most people in LA got this, but just in case…
January 9, 2025 at 1:27 AM
I assume most people in LA got this, but just in case…
Reposted by Monica Palta
As wildfires rage through the LA area, air pollution is a major concern. It is important to recognize that such disasters also severely impact river water quality through land-river connectivity, particularly following post-fire rainfall.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
SharedIt: rdcu.be/dAAhw
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
SharedIt: rdcu.be/dAAhw
January 13, 2025 at 4:48 AM
As wildfires rage through the LA area, air pollution is a major concern. It is important to recognize that such disasters also severely impact river water quality through land-river connectivity, particularly following post-fire rainfall.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
SharedIt: rdcu.be/dAAhw
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
SharedIt: rdcu.be/dAAhw
Reposted by Monica Palta
This is a phenomenal overview of the LA Fires: the climate science of the causes and spread, the science and logistics of fire response capacity (including engineering of municipal water systems), the numerous policy implications, plus so much more. Also a master class in science communication. 🛟🧪📈
I very strongly encourage folks to check out this long-form conversation I had with @AdamConover.net on his Factually! podcast (recorded just two days ago) focusing on offering context and busting myths surrounding the devastating Los Angeles #wildfires.
www.youtube.com/watc...
www.youtube.com/watc...
Climate Scientist Debunks L.A. Wildfire Myths with Dr. Daniel Swain
Southern California has been utterly decimated by wildfires, with the neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades and Altadena being virtually leveled to the ground. In this special episode, released outside of our usual schedule, Adam sits down with UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain to unpack what really
www.youtube.com
January 20, 2025 at 4:41 AM
This is a phenomenal overview of the LA Fires: the climate science of the causes and spread, the science and logistics of fire response capacity (including engineering of municipal water systems), the numerous policy implications, plus so much more. Also a master class in science communication. 🛟🧪📈
Another great resource for those in LA concerned about drinking water safety after the fires:
First blog of 2025 is up- written for CA folks with questions about their tap water safety in LA- blog.ucsusa.org/amanda-fencl...
I Didn’t Lose My Home in the Fires…But Can I Drink the Water?
It's smart to be cautious about the safety of drinking water in and throughout the immediate aftermath of devastating disasters like the LA fires
blog.ucsusa.org
January 19, 2025 at 1:47 AM
Another great resource for those in LA concerned about drinking water safety after the fires:
The LA fires may make drinking water unsafe in some areas - see this article to learn why, and for resources on how to minimize risk:
www.sciencealert.com/la-now-faces...
www.sciencealert.com/la-now-faces...
LA Now Faces Water Contamination Threat After Wildfires, Expert Warns
The wildfires in the Los Angeles area have destroyed thousands of structures, many of them homes, and firefighters continue to battle the infernos.
www.sciencealert.com
January 19, 2025 at 1:26 AM
The LA fires may make drinking water unsafe in some areas - see this article to learn why, and for resources on how to minimize risk:
www.sciencealert.com/la-now-faces...
www.sciencealert.com/la-now-faces...