California Today: Despite Park Fire’s Rapid Spread, Some Residents Are Determined to Stay Put

Today's top stories from California.

July 29, 2024, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time Today's Top Story Thomas Fuller/The New York Times Despite Park Fire's Rapid Spread, Some Residents Are Determined to Stay Put In Butte County, Calif., some defied evacuation orders so they could protect their property from the fire that has quickly become the state's largest this year. Read more More California News The Lesser-Known Side of Harris's Identity: Asian American Some Asian American leaders are rooting for Kamala Harris to become the first Asian American president. But she is not widely known as Asian American, reflecting the complexity of the identity. Clear Encampments? Mind Your Own Business, Los Angeles Tells Newsom. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom's declaration urging cities to clear homeless camps met its strongest opposition in Los Angeles. California Highway Reopens After Lithium Battery Fire Trapped Drivers A portion of I-15 near Baker, Calif., fully reopened early on Sunday after a truck carrying lithium batteries caught fire, stopping traffic for hours in sweltering heat. California School Official Who Embezzled $16.7 Million Gets Nearly 6 Years in Prison Jorge Armando Contreras used his position at a school district in Orange County to fund a luxurious lifestyle, prosecutors said. Jerry Miller, 81, Lauded Guitarist With the '60s Band Moby Grape, Dies He drew praise for his blues-inflected fretwork as his critically acclaimed band rode high, if briefly, during San Francisco's Summer of Love. Not Too Hot, Not Too Crowded: 6 Spots for a Late Summer Trip Let others fight the lines and the heat while you relax on a secluded beach or bike a trail through the mountains. Is It Safe to Exercise When the Air Is Smoky? The answer depends on your overall health, along with the length and intensity of your workout. Today's Recipe David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Simon Andrews. Paprika Chicken and Potatoes By Yasmin Fahr 35 minutes Makes 4 servings Play a Game The Mini Crossword Solve this bite-sized puzzle in just a few minutes. Spelling Bee How many words can you make with 7 letters? Wordle Guess the 5-letter word with 6 chances. See all our games Sign up for Your Places: Extreme Weather. Get notified about extreme weather before it happens with custom alerts for places in the U.S. you choose. Get it in your inbox Need help? Review our newsletter help page or contact us for assistance. You received this email because you signed up for California Today from The New York Times. To stop receiving California Today, unsubscribe. To opt out of other promotional emails from The Times, including those regarding The Athletic, manage your email settings. To opt out of updates and offers sent from The Athletic, submit a request. Subscribe to The TimesGet The New York Times app Connect with us on: Change Your EmailPrivacy PolicyContact UsCalifornia Notices The New York Times Company. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018