Essential California April 12, 2021 Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Monday, April 12, and here’s a quick look at the week ahead: Ramadan Mubarak to all who celebrate: The holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin Tuesday. Thursday will be a big day in California, as the state formally opens COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents 16 and older. Some areas have already opened their eligibility to that age group, including the city of Los Angeles, which made the move over the weekend. In accordance with changes to the state’s reopening blueprint announced earlier this month, Thursday also marks the first day indoor live events will be allowed in most of California, albeit with strict capacity limits and other requirements. And in sports news, the 2021 WNBA draft will be held Thursday. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books begins Saturday. The weeklong festival will be entirely virtual.