Newsletter: California finally gets some ‘normal’ winter weather

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, Jan. 3. Here’s what is happening in California:

TOP STORIES

Wet winter

Northern California’s wet streak is expected to continue in 2017 with a new round of rain and snow this week. All this rain is helping ease the drought, at least up north. “This is what we’re supposed to be getting,” said Johnnie Powell, a weather forecaster with the National Weather Service. “After six years of a drought, I love saying that. This is normal rain and snow that we’re supposed to be getting in December and January.” Los Angeles Times

An epic game

USC beat Penn State, 52-49, to win the 103rd Rose Bowl. “The Trojans fought through breathtaking Nittany Lion scores, limb-twisting Nittany Lion tackles, and a two-touchdown deficit with less than a dozen minutes remaining in the game,” writes Bill Plaschke. Los Angeles Times

Remembering terror

The family of this San Bernardino terror attack victim is telling his story to anyone who will listen. For them, it’s a way to honor him. Los Angeles Times

L.A. STORIES

Xmas nix? In Woodland Hills, Candy Cane Lane has been a top destination for people wanting to see the most elaborate Christmas decorations for years. But its future is now in doubt amid complaints about litter and an influx of street vendors. Daily News

Rose Parade: Neither cold weather nor new security conditions stopped a big crowd from enjoying the Rose Parade. Water-filled barriers blocking the streets — a response to the Nice and Berlin truck attacks — were used by some parade-goers to get a better view. Los Angeles Times

Not an economy studio: The newest addition to the downtown L.A. skyline is a residential cluster near Staples Center. The first tower is opening, and a studio apartment goes for $600,000. Curbed Los Angeles

Steep commute: Echo Park residents are complaining that Waze is sending drivers looking for shortcuts up some of L.A.’s steepest streets. “To see a line of cars on both sides of the street — it’s unbelievable,” one resident said. The Eastsider

Ride over: Monday marked the final drop at Disney California Adventure’s Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. The space is being transformed into a “Guardians of the Galaxy” attraction. Orange County Register

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Tax help: Believe it or not, Californians are beginning 2017 with a modest tax cut. Sacramento Bee

Plus: Will California’s new minimum wage law send businesses packing for Las Vegas? Los Angeles Times

Retirement looms: So far, none of California’s 55 senators and representatives has announced plans to retire ahead of the 2018 election. But after weeks at home with family during the holidays to talk about the future, those declarations could come soon. Los Angeles Times

Gun laws: Confusion and a bit of chaos in gun stores as strict new weapons laws in California take effect. Sacramento Bee

CRIME AND COURTS

Bar fire: A New Year’s celebration took a tragic turn when a woman was seriously burned at an Orange County bar after the bartender set a cocktail on fire. Orange County Register

Teen’s death: The family of a Bakersfield transgender teen who was found dead near a park over the weekend issued a statement calling for her death to be a reminder for tolerance. Kern Golden Empire

DROUGHT AND CLIMATE

Water all around: The fight over desalination has finally arrived in Los Angeles County with a proposal to build a plant in El Segundo. More than a dozen desalination projects, including the West Basin Municipal Water District’s plan, are under consideration along the California coast. Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

Univision slides: The nation’s largest Spanish-language media company, Univision Communications, has fallen on hard times. The media giant ended 2016 in unfamiliar territory, clawing to retain its audience and blunt the gains made by archrival Telemundo in the prime-time ratings race. Biggest problem: losing young viewers. Los Angeles Times

A dad’s story: His father came here illegally but came to embody so much of what it mean to be an American. Near the end of dad’s life, he debated whether to make it official. Los Angeles Times

Fairy tales: Escaping reality sold at movie theaters in 2016. Reality-based fare? Not so much. New York Times

Football question: “If the Chargers leave San Diego, it will because the NFL believes the region’s leaders did too little, too late and the league is not willing to do any more.” San Diego Union-Tribune

Head east: As Hollywood awards season kicks into high gear, many celebrities are making the trek to Palm Springs. Desert Sun

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

Los Angeles area and San Diego: Lots of clouds, with highs in the low 60s. San Francisco area: Rain, with highs in the mid-50s. Sacramento: Rain, with highs in the upper 40s.

AND FINALLY

Today’s California memory comes from Sallie Rodman:

“My husband passed away in late December 2010. I vowed to never like Christmas again. But in 2012 my kids hatched a plan to perk me up by going to the Rose Parade. I had never been in all my years of living in California. A car horn beeped at 3:30 a.m. with my daughter Jennifer, her husband Ed and grandkids waiting to whisk me to Pasadena. We had bleacher seats, but there were people camped on sidewalks, perched on top of RVs and cramming every spot there was a view. It was so cold, but the atmosphere was warm and friendly. Everyone was in a party mood. The parade started amid bands, horses, floats and flowers of every kind. I forgot my sadness for a while enjoying the best sunny California New Year. Every year I think back to that great day.”

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

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