July 22, 2023   View in browser Heat waves and a mirage create an impressionistic scene on Sierra Highway on July 15. More triple-digit heat days are in store for the Southland. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) By Elvia Limón Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It is Saturday, July 22. Here’s a look at the top stories of the last week Dangerous heat is coming to Los Angeles this weekend, raising warnings in the valleys. The latest bout of extreme temperatures, coming amid an unrelenting heat wave, is forecast to bring highs of 100 to 110 degrees in the valleys, deserts and mountain areas. Death Valley’s extreme heat goes off the charts from climate change. Steve Curry, an experienced and inveterate hiker from Sunland, is believed to be the second person to die in Death Valley’s searing heat this year. Low-income LADWP customers’ bills are about to rise. What help is available? Would an occasional blackout help solve climate change? Hellish heat leaves Southwest in misery: Fainting, broken cars, sizzling sidewalks. Why do high temperatures cause more smog? ‘A lot of blood in the water.’ Why actors’ and writers’ strikes are a big blow to Hollywood studios. As SAG-AFTRA members join writers on picket lines, the fallout will disrupt Hollywood film and TV productions worldwide. “There’s going to be blood in the water,” said one analyst. “This will not end well.” NBCUniversal said eliminating shade enjoyed by striking writers and actors was not intentional. It’s not the only disruption picketers have faced. L.A. politicians are joining picket lines. The city attorney wants them to stay away. Near Skid Row, an immigrant family realizes their dream with a little shop — then sells a $1-billion Powerball ticket. Flanked by fabric shops and stores displaying elaborate quinceañera dresses, a frenzy buzzed at the downtown Los Angeles store where the ticket to a $1-billion Powerball jackpot was sold. A fourth bus of migrants sent from Texas arrives in L.A. with 41 aboard, including 6 children. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott sent a fourth busload of migrants on a lengthy bus trip to L.A., a “cruel” action amid “a scorching summer,” said one advocate. A gun is found in Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall days after the county announced youth transfers. Just days after youths were moved into Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, probation officers found a gun in an area that youths would have had access to, sources said. Photo of the week This tagged sea otter, called “841” by authorities, has been harassing surfers along the Santa Cruz coastline. So far, she has dodged repeated attempts to trap her. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) California’s wily, surfboard-stealing sea otter evades capture again. As authorities extend their dragnet over land, sea and air, the renegade sea otter known as “841” continues to evade capture while snacking on shellfish.