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    Greater LA

    The ripple effect of Australia’s raging fires

    Australian horticulturist Jo O'Connell came to Southern California decades ago to plant an Australian garden for a client in Ojai. She started a nursery selling Australian plants in Casitas Springs.

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    Person smiling broadly wearing glasses and plaid shirt against ivy-covered wall background.By Steve Chiotakis • Jan 9, 2020 • 24m Listen

    Australian horticulturist Jo O'Connell came to Southern California decades ago to plant an Australian garden for a client in Ojai. She started a nursery selling Australian plants in Casitas Springs. Now she’s devastated by the destruction of plant life by the Australian wildfires.

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 0:00

      Native Australian horticulturist watches in horror as her home country burns

      Casitas Springs is a tiny community halfway between Ventura and Ojai, where there are mobile home parks, churches, … and a plant nursery.

      Read the story
      11 min
    2. 10:53

      Malibu’s efforts to ban all pesticides within city limits

      Malibu wants to outlaw all pesticides, including anticoagulant rodenticides that are used to kill rats, because those pesticides end up killing a lot of birds and other animals that prey on rats.

      Read the story
      14 min
    • Person smiling broadly wearing glasses and plaid shirt against ivy-covered wall background.

      Steve Chiotakis

      Afternoon News Anchor

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      Christian Bordal

      Managing Producer, Greater LA

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jenna Kagel

      Radio producer

    • KCRW placeholder

      Megan Manata

      Reporter

      CultureLos AngelesCalifornia

    In this episode

    2 stories
    1. 0:0011 min

      Native Australian horticulturist watches in horror as her home country burns

    2. 10:5314 min

      Malibu’s efforts to ban all pesticides within city limits

    Back to Greater LA