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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Monday, Nov. 26, and here’s what’s happening across California:

TOP STORIES In a corner of the San Fernando Valley, child poverty hides in plain sight — in the motels that become a last resort for homeless family, packed apartments and even garages rented out for those who cannot afford more. Launching a four-part series, Times columnist Steve Lopez and photographer Francine Orr report on the community and the school where nearly a quarter of the students were classified as homeless. To many it would seem an unlikely place where poverty stalks children and destroys dreams. Los Angeles Times

Jordan, 6, from rear, and Anthony follow their mother, Brenda Salgado, and sister Mayla from the motel to catch a ride to school. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Part 2: Telfair Elementary School in Pacoima has more students classified as homeless than any other in L.A. Unified. For the principal, teaching these kids is personal. Years ago, he lived as so many of them do today. Los Angeles Times — Steve Lopez on why he embedded in this community: “If you measure poverty by the number of students whose family income is low enough for them to qualify for meals at school, 8 out of 10 children in the L.A. Unified School District hit that mark. That’s an astonishing figure, given L.A.’s wealth and California’s standing as the world’s fifth-largest economy.” Los Angeles Times Some of Lopez’s earlier columns on child poverty: — They are kids with less than nothing, but they still have their dreams. Los Angeles Times — Doctors are shocked by what they see treating L.A.’s poorest children. Los Angeles Times — Two young women bond as they plot an escape from poverty. Los Angeles Times