Good morning, L.A.! Here’s what you need to know to kickstart your day.
In the ongoing debate over Los Angeles’s best books, the literary landscape continues to thrive.
At last year’s Los Angeles Times Book Festival, the literary magazine Alta Journal sparked discussions with their thought-provoking question: “What wine goes best with a Joan Didion anecdote?” This query resonated with a crowd that takes L.A.’s written word and its literary heroes very seriously.
Every few years, various publications or organizations share lists of the most significant books written about Los Angeles.
These lists often include a familiar ensemble of names, such as Joan Didion, Mike Davis, Octavia E. Butler, Paul Beatty, and Raymond Chandler.
However, 2023 brought a renewed focus on this topic.
With the book festival returning in person and perhaps a post-pandemic Los Angeles ready to dive back into literature, excitement brewed among avid readers.
Consider the following developments: The Los Angeles Times conducted a survey among writers to identify their favorite literary works.
Davis’ “City of Quartz” emerged as the top choice, followed closely by Nathaniel West’s “Day of the Locust” and Didion’s “Play It as it Lay.” Readers can explore the complete list for further insights.
In a similar vein, LAist reached out to independent booksellers across the city for their recommendations.
The resulting list was eclectic and diverse, featuring titles such as “Ask the Dust” by John Fante, “Mercurochrome: New Poems” by Wanda Coleman, “Always Running” by Luis J. Rodriguez, “South of Pico: African American Artists in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s” by Kellie Jones, “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean, and “Writing Los Angeles: A Literary Anthology,” edited by David Ulin.
Journalist and novelist Hector Tobar shared his thoughtful reflections on reading and writing about Los Angeles in a New York Times piece, which included his own curated list.
Among his selections were “Slouching Towards Bethlehem” by Joan Didion, “Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992” by Anna Deavere Smith, “City of Night” by John Rechy, “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac, “Helter Skelter” by Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry, “The Long Goodbye” by Raymond Chandler, “On Gold Mountain” by Lisa See, and “Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosley.
Additional L.A. literature guides worth exploring include columnist Gustavo Arellano’s end-of-year recommendations, which frequently spotlight lesser-known yet impactful titles.
Readers of the Guardian also weighed in, suggesting works by Ross MacDonald, Bret Easton Ellis, and Evelyn Waugh, along with the previously mentioned Mike Davis.
Each year, The Times publishes a special literary section in advance of the festival, filled with riveting stories and essays.
This month, readers can find compelling narratives, including one on the remarkable rise of Oprah Winfrey’s Book Club.
Book lovers may also be intrigued by a list of the 50 best Hollywood books of all time, which provides a unique lens on the intersection between cinema and literature.
For those seeking a fresh perspective on L.A. literature, LA Taco’s annual best books list often showcases titles that stray beyond the customary Westside narratives.
Lastly, literary enthusiasts are invited to test their knowledge with an engaging 1981 Los Angeles literary quiz.
Although it omits some of the modern literary masters, it promises a fun experience for participants.
One sample question asks which famous actor hasn’t portrayed Philip Marlowe on screen: a) Humphrey Bogart b) Robert Montgomery c) Robert Mitchum d) Paul Newman.
In other significant news, a recent study highlights the potential for California to reintroduce the California grizzly bear, extinct for over a century.
Researchers have found that bringing this iconic mammal back into the state’s mountainous wilderness is a feasible option.
Predictions indicate that California could once again host over 1,000 grizzly bears, although it ultimately lies in the hands of residents and policymakers to determine whether this is a desirable outcome.
On a lighter note, Californians may find some relief as the tax filing deadline approaches this Tuesday.
Typically dreaded, this year, many local restaurants have offered financial relief for taxpayers, making the experience a bit more manageable.
Additionally, the state is providing an automatic six-month extension for all Californians to file their tax returns.
In a major update for the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games, LA28 has announced Dodger Stadium as one of the new venues, bringing the lineup nearly to completion.
With the addition of Dodger Stadium and Alamitos Beach to the list, the Olympic organizing committee’s plans showcase a diverse set of locations across the city.
Mayor Karen Bass remarked that this plan aims to present the Games in unparalleled fashion, stating, “This plan brings the Games to all corners of our city like never before— from the Sepulveda Basin to the iconic shores of Venice Beach, our world-famous neighborhoods, as well as our hidden gems will be on full display for all to experience and enjoy.”
In the realm of politics, California is anticipated to announce a lawsuit challenging Trump’s executive authority to impose international tariffs without congressional approval.
Additionally, a financial report revealed that the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department allocated $458 million in overtime spending last fiscal year, prompting inquiries into the reasoning behind such high expenditures.
In tourism news, Governor Newsom has launched a campaign aimed at enticing Canadian travelers to return to California, hoping to rekindle the cross-border tourism that has traditionally benefited the Golden State.
In sports commentary, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar expressed his strong opinions regarding the significance of Jackie Robinson Day for the Dodgers, urging the team to honor Robinson’s legacy more profoundly.
In a dramatic turn of events, a group of tunneling thieves in downtown L.A. executed a heist that led to the theft of millions in gold and jewels, transforming an ordinary day into a scene reminiscent of a high-stakes film.
On the corporate front, Starbucks has unveiled a new barista dress code, aiming to revamp its employee attire in an effort to align with modern workplace trends.
Meanwhile, amidst the excitement surrounding the accomplishment of a recent Blue Origin flight, some high-profile stars have expressed reluctance to embrace the venture’s significance.
Continuing to reflect on broader societal issues, columnist Michael Hiltzik critiques the Trump administration’s latest moves, suggesting that their attempts to undermine the Social Security system may represent the most alarming of their policies.
Conversely, columnist Dylan Hernández critiqued the Dodgers’ celebration of Jackie Robinson Day as lacking sincerity following the team’s visit to the White House.
In a pressing matter, columnist Anita Chabria highlights California’s First Partner’s initiative to address the violence epidemic against women, noting the critical need for the state to intervene amidst a troubling national landscape.
This morning’s must-reads include an exploration of mental health care for the youngest among us.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has initiated a significant program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of families amidst the challenges and overwhelming emotions of early parenthood.
In other noteworthy content, discussions arise about how established couples can combat the occasional struggle with intimacy on vacation.
A look into a landmark trial is on the horizon, with the potential to reshape Meta’s future on Instagram, presenting significant implications for social media dynamics.
As readers engage with these various stories and topics, the Essential California team seeks to enhance the newsletter experience.
For downtime activities, locals are encouraged to explore the beauty of private gardens throughout L.A., as spring blossoms into full view.
For those interested in local history, vintage motels in Southern California have recently found new purpose, although overnight accommodations may not be an option.
Staying in? Check out “Government Cheese” now streaming on Apple TV+, offering a unique and surreal portrayal of a Black family navigating life in the Valley.
Food enthusiasts can enjoy a refreshing carrot salad recipe, enhanced with a lemon turmeric vinaigrette.
And remember to access the free daily crossword puzzle, Sudoku, word search, and arcade games for a bit of fun.
The newsletter also invites readers to share their experiences by posing a question: What is the best concert or music festival you attended in California?
One reader, Stephen Brown, recounted his first-ever concert experience at the Pan Pacific Auditorium, where he witnessed Elvis Presley perform at just twelve years old.
His vivid memories of that raucous show have left a lasting impact, igniting a passion for live music that remains to this day.
Readers are encouraged to email their responses, as selected replies may feature in the upcoming newsletter.
And finally, today’s photo of the day invites Californians to showcase their favorite spots around the state.
One stunning image shared by Times contributor Marcus Ubungen captures the essence of community and nostalgia at a gathering for car enthusiasts in Altadena, providing a glimpse into the culture surrounding cherished automobiles.
As we close, we hope you have a wonderful day, filled with literature, culture, and engaging stories from California.
Best, the Essential California team.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-04-16/la-best-books-essential-california
