California Today: They Slept on a Gym Floor Until They Won the Housing Lottery

Today's top stories from California.

September 9, 2024, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California and the region, selected for you by Times editors. Today's Top Story They Slept on a Gym Floor Until They Won the Housing Lottery Margarita Solito and her family fled violence and poverty in El Salvador, hoping to build a better life in San Francisco. The city often wasn't what they thought it would be. Read more Extreme Weather in Los Angeles High risk of extreme weather today, including unhealthy heat. View detailed forecast TODAY TODAY Unhealthy heat High risk Extreme Weather in San Diego High risk of extreme weather today, including unhealthy heat. View detailed forecast TODAY TODAY Unhealthy heat High risk Extreme Weather in Bakersfield Moderate risk of extreme weather today, including unhealthy heat. View detailed forecast TODAY TODAY Unhealthy heat Moderate risk More California News Hollywood Bowl Cancels Show as Heat Wave Knocks Out Power One power supplier said its systems had been overloaded by the prolonged high temperatures. Excess heat warnings remain in place for more than 17 million people in California and Arizona. Fast-Spreading Wildfire in Southern California Forces Evacuations The Line fire more than quadrupled in size over the weekend, leading to evacuation orders for more than 11,000 people and threatening thousands of structures. In California, Controlled Fires Can Save Homes. Why Aren't More Happening? Experts say these intentional burns reduce the risk of wildfires and more should be done. But real barriers remain. $2.5 Million Homes in California A midcentury-modern house in Los Angeles, a ranch-style retreat in Palm Springs and a modern farmhouse in St. Helena. Amy Sherald, Brazen Optimist In an exhibition at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the artist known for her portraits of Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor is showing how much else she can do. California Can Ban Guns in Parks and Bars, but Not Hospitals, Court Says California and Hawaii banned guns from various public venues. A federal appeals court dusted off the history books to help determine where to allow prohibitions. Newsom Vetoes Home-Buying Assistance for Undocumented Immigrants Gov. Gavin Newsom of California rejected a Democratic proposal that would have extended first-time home-buyer loans to some undocumented immigrants. Republicans had widely criticized the bill. Harris's Combative Debate Style Will Get Its Biggest Test Against Trump Kamala Harris's razor-sharp debate skills have powered her political ascent. Her success next week will turn on how well she adapts to an unpredictable rival. Local Conditions Look up the heat index in your area using The Times's heat tracker. See active fires using The Times's wildfire tracker. Today's Recipe Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Maggie Ruggiero. One-Pot Chicken and Rice With Caramelized Lemon By Dan Pelosi 55 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