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Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It is Saturday, Jan. 21.
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The stories shaping California
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Here’s a look at the top stories of the last week
Alec Baldwin is expected to be charged with two counts of manslaughter. New Mexico prosecutors said they are filing felony criminal charges against actor Alec Baldwin and the armorer of the low-budget western “Rust,” following the fatal shooting of the film’s cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins.
The storms have ended. Now for the long recovery. A pier in Santa Cruz split in half. Extensive flooding in Soquel Village, Capitola and Planada. Vital bridges badly battered or closed. More than 500 reported mudslides across California in the last few weeks, including some that damaged homes and cars in L.A. hillside communities.
Former L.A. Councilmember Jose Huizar pleads guilty in corruption case. Huizar admitted to extorting at least $1.5 million in bribes from real estate developers after having denied the sweeping corruption allegations for years.
Inside the stunning fall:
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David Crosby, whose voice soared with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, died. Crosby once sailed the world in a 59-foot Honduran mahogany schooner called the Mayan.
For a disturbing 42 seconds, a Los Angeles police officer repeatedly stunned a teacher with a Taser gun. Keenan Anderson, 31, died several hours later.
Want to solve climate change? This California farm kingdom holds a key. Welcome to the Imperial Valley, one of the most important places you’ve probably never been.
New Bay Area…