Newsletter: Essential California: Capital punishment could resume

Good morning. It is Saturday, Nov. 7. Here’s what you don’t want to miss this weekend:

TOP STORIES

Capital punishment: A new method for executing death row prisoners could restart California’s death penalty after a 10-year hiatus. Gov. Jerry Brown’s administration is proposing a single-drug protocol to replace the traditional three-chemical method, which was struck down in 2006 for causing inhumane suffering. Los Angeles Times

Staying put: San Bernardino has weathered tough times, but a core constituency is committed to the city. “Like longtime couples who tolerate each other’s faults and still see beauty others may not, many of San Bernardino’s strongest supporters are committed for better or worse, in part because they’ve already been through so much.” Los Angeles Times

Wealthy landowner: Rep. Nancy Pelosi is the fourth-richest member of California’s congressional delegation, and part of that wealth comes from a bucolic vineyard in Napa Valley. The estate on Zinfandel Lane is valued between $5 million and $25 million. Financial disclosure forms show some of the vineyard’s grapes are sold but where they end up (perhaps a Pelosi Pinot?) is unknown. Los Angeles Times

What’s for dinner: Providence, just named Jonathan Gold's best restaurant in the L.A. area for the third year in a row, is a seafood establishment that has been playing chicken lately. Chef Michael Cimarusti is using Dock to Dish, a service that provides weekly supplies of seafood. Whatever 16 fishermen in the Santa Barbara area catch is what Cimarusti has to work with. “It definitely forces us out of our comfort zone,” the chef said. Los Angeles Times

Removing dead trees: Right now California has anywhere from 12 million to 120 million dead trees thanks to the drought, forest fires and bark beetles. Forest officials must now find the best way to remove the dead trees congregated near urban areas. “Power lines, roads, and critical properties are vulnerable should a dried-out tree — or tree cluster, the prevailing pattern of the die-out — topple over or catch fire.” City Lab

Biggest, most amazing bill: Who knew Rep. Tony Cárdenas had a sense of humor? On Friday the congressman sent reporters a news release about “the most important piece of legislation ever etched into the Congressional Record.” The bill in question renamed the Van Nuys post office for Marilyn Monroe. The whole thing was a tongue-in-cheek swipe at GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump. Los Angeles Times

Bright lights, big city: The city of Los Angeles is getting new streetlights that could keep cell phone service going after a disaster like a major earthquake. The new lamps will also be more reliable in the event of a power outage. Gizmodo

THIS WEEK'S MOST POPULAR STORIES IN ESSENTIAL CALIFORNIA

1. A Richmond couple was attacked by more than a dozen raccoons as they walked their daughter’s dog. It was the community’s second attack in as many months. ABC 7

2. In 1891, a San Francisco millionaire commissioned a painting of 42 of her favorite cats. The painting recently sold at Sotheby’s for $826,000. SFGate

3. What does it mean when a listing for a $1.58 million house warns to “bring your imagination"? “It's not clear if that's an invitation or a warning.” Curbed LA

4. Get ready for some great meals — it’s food critic Jonathan Gold’s 101 best restaurants for 2015. Los Angeles Times

5. Los Angeles has fine weather, amazing food and every outdoor activity you could want. So why was one writer so surprised to fall in love with the city? Boston Globe Magazine

ICYMI, HERE ARE THIS WEEK'S GREAT READS

Gang life: For decades, Father Greg Boyle has been working with gang members to help turn around their lives. After all this time, though, he realizes that his belief that one way to avoid a violent future is to get a job may not be enough. “It's partly right, because you need a reason to get up in the morning and a reason not to gang bang, and jobs do that. But now, after working with gang members for 30 years, I can see that it's about healing,” he said. Los Angeles Times

Park’s drummer: Rising in the dark at 3 a.m., Robin Russell loads up his van and drives to Griffith Park to set up a six-piece drum set. For 14 years, he’s played in the park. Sometimes it’s for hikers, sometimes it’s just for nature. “He is at his highest delight when he is out there playing the drums,” according to his wife. Los Angeles Times

Car dispute: The classic Delahaye is also known as the “car that beat Hitler.” But who owns it? Two vintage car collectors each believe he’s the one with the real piece of history. Los Angeles Times

LOOKING AHEAD

Wednesday: Cities and counties around California will recognize Veterans Day.

Thursday: Disneyland will kick off the holiday season with a tree-lighting ceremony.

Friday: The Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs will hold the 22nd annual policy conference, "The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach: Links in a Chain."

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad.