Newsletter: Essential California: The lives of the San Bernardino shooters

Good morning. It is Saturday, Dec. 5. Here's what you don't want to miss this weekend:

TOP STORIES

Act of terrorism: FBI investigators now say that this week's mass shooting in San Bernardino may have been an act of terrorism. Syed Rizwan Farook had contact with two overseas terrorist organizations, and his wife and fellow shooter, Tashfeen Malik, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State on a Facebook account, authorities said. "We are spending a tremendous amount of time, as you might imagine, over the last 48 hours trying to understand the motives of these killers and trying to understand every detail of their lives," FBI Director James Comey said. Los Angeles Times

A look around: It was a surreal scene Friday when the owner of a Redlands townhouse rented by Farook and Malik opened up the home to reporters. Inside was a four-page list of evidence seized by the FBI as well as signs of what life had been like for the couple: stacks of diapers, a sink full of dirty dishes and the Koran. Los Angeles Times

Words of comfort: This video captures a vigil attended by hundreds at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino. Los Angeles Times

Man with a plan: Meet the man behind Los Angeles' bid for the 2024 Olympics: Casey Wasserman, the grandson of legendary studio chief Lew Wasserman. "If we lose this bid because people think I wasn't committed enough, then shame on me," he said. Los Angeles Times

New neighbor: Say hello to P-45. He is the newest adult male mountain lion to be tracked by authorities in the Santa Monica Mountains. "We're very interested to learn whether there are now three adult males or whether P-45 successfully challenged one of his competitors," said Jeff Sikich, biologist for the National Park Service. LA Observed

Museum makeover: This time-lapse video shows the remaking of the Petersen Automotive Museum's facade in just a minute. Curbed LA

THIS WEEK'S MOST POPULAR STORIES IN ESSENTIAL CALIFORNIA

1. Those who knew Syed Rizwan Farook believed that he was living the American dream, with a government job, a wife and an infant daughter. But Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, were more than meets the eye. On Wednesday, the two went on a shooting rampage that killed 14 people and injured 21. They later died in a shootout with police. Los Angeles Times

2. The staircases of Silver Lake are getting colorful makeovers courtesy of a local artist. Eastsider LA

3. The first 911 calls came in at 11 a.m. There was an active shooter at the Inland Regional Center. Hundreds of people were caught in the chaos of a mass shooting that left more than a dozen people dead. Los Angeles Times

4. Do you need road markers to identify the shape of your city? Test your knowledge with these "naked maps." The Guardian

5. Two days after the rampage in San Bernardino, authorities were still investigating any terrorism links to the crime. "Certainly they were equipped and they could have continued to do another attack. ... We intercepted them," said San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan. Los Angeles Times

ICYMI, HERE ARE THIS WEEK'S GREAT READS

Stardom scams: There are hundreds of talent agencies in Los Angeles. How does a struggling actor know which ones are reputable? And what recourse is available when an actor is cheated out of thousands of dollars? "The entertainment industry is part of the lifeblood of Los Angeles. I do think there would be a priority in making sure it is operating according to the law and people are not being taken advantage of," said Loyola Law School professor Laurie Levenson. Los Angeles Times

Stocking up: Columnist Robin Abcarian visited the Get Loaded gun shop the morning after the San Bernardino massacre. Customers were picking up firearms they planned to use if they ever found themselves in a similar situation. "I am going to give myself a shot to get out of that situation," one customer said. Los Angeles Times

The long wait: For 22 hours, Ryan Reyes sought answers. His boyfriend, Daniel Kaufman, had been at work inside the Inland Regional Center when two assailants opened fire. Where was he? Was he OK? Los Angeles Times

LOOKING AHEAD

Tuesday: Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia will present his first keys to the city to George and Gloria Deukmejian, the former California governor and first lady; and Bobbie Smith, former Long Beach Unified school board member.

Wednesday: L.A. Times columnist Steve Lopez will interview L.A. Unified School District Supt. Ramon C. Cortines about the state of education in Los Angeles.

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.