June 24, 2023

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President Biden speaks with Gov. Gavin Newsom, Rep. Anna Eshoo and environmental student Chiena Ty before delivering remarks Monday at the Lucy Evans Baylands Nature Interpretive Center and Preserve in Palo Alto.

By Elvia Limón Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It is Saturday, June 24. Here’s a look at the top stories of the last week Biden ventures to California bearing gifts — and to raise cash for his reelection campaign. California remains a very popular destination for a certain class of Americans: politicians seeking campaign cash. President Biden announced federal funding to fight the effects of climate change in California, where he planned to raise money on his first trip since declaring his intent to run for reelection. L.A. Councilmember Curren Price says he is innocent and should not be suspended. Price says it would be “inappropriate” for the council’s rules committee to recommend his suspension while he fights felony charges. Cooking with a gas stove may be as bad as breathing secondhand cigarette smoke, a study finds. Pollution from cooking with a gas stove may be on par with breathing secondhand tobacco smoke, according to new research. California doubles down on inclusive education as red states ban books in classrooms. A new California task force called on textbook publishers to commit to producing materials that are “free from discrimination” and reflect the state’s diversity. Huntington Beach seeks to stop children from accessing library books the city deems obscene or pornographic. After police photo release, L.A. city attorney tries to weaken public records law. It’s the latest volley in an ongoing tussle between city officials and community activists who have used the public records law to obtain information about police. The week in photos Event creator and curator Zorine Truly dances at the HoochieCon party on Saturday in Glendale. This group exhibit created by Truly features mixed-media art and music honoring Black women pioneers at the center of hoochie culture. Read more here. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) County avoids contempt hearing over jail conditions; federal judge approves a settlement. A U.S. district judge has approved a settlement agreement under which local leaders are promising to make broad changes to improve jail conditions. A study traces “causes and consequences” of California homelessness — and challenges myths. Although mental health and substance abuse are factors in homelessness, researchers found financial instability and a lack of affordable housing play a role too. L.A. public health officials warn about fentanyl-tainted pills in Mexican drugstores. Los Angeles health officials caution travelers against purchasing medications over the counter in Mexico. “Pay as you go” express lane program removes toll evasion penalties on L.A. freeways. Motorists already in possession of a transponder will avoid an additional fee that will cover the costs of the new program. Four in 10 California residents are considering packing up and leaving, a new poll finds. Californians are overwhelmingly enamored of the state and appreciate its diversity. Still, about 40% of residents are considering leaving, mostly because of the costs.