Newsletter: Essential California: Former First Lady Nancy Reagan dies in L.A.

Good morning. It’s Monday, March 7, 2016, and here’s what’s going on in California.

TOP STORIES

Nancy Reagan transformed the role of first lady. During Ronald Reagan’s years in the White House, she was his closest advisor and greatest protector. At the time, she was criticized for her use of astrology and focus on glitz and glamour. But she is now remembered for her caring for Reagan during his long health battles and her careful stewardship of his legacy. Nancy Reagan died Sunday at age 94. Los Angeles Times

Far from Porter Ranch, residents of another L.A. neighborhood face their own battle with industry. The Phillips 66 refinery in Wilmington looms over their neighborhood, a skeletal Goliath of pipes, tanks, valves, boilers, stacks, columns and cracking units. It hisses, clanks, fumes and lofts its own clouds into the sky. Los Angeles Times

Was there a third shooter? The San Bernardino terrorist attack is just the latest national tragedy marked by a confusing narrative that echoes on. An examination of “third shooter” theories. Los Angeles Times

DROUGHT & CLIMATE

Northern California got battered this weekend with rain and snow -- good news as the drought remains a huge worry. But Southern California is still waiting for its moment in the El Nino sun. Los Angeles Times

The snow is good news for ski resorts, which have struggled in recent years. Los Angeles Times

L.A. STORIES

The Beverly Center is about to become less of a fortress. A grand dame in Los Angeles retailing is placing a $500-million bet on food and sunshine. A sweeping renovation of the eight-story mall begins late this month and will feature skylights and a new, window-dotted exterior to open up what some consider a grim space. Los Angeles Times

With the opening of a new leg to Azusa, the Gold Line reached a rail milestone. It is now the county’s longest light-rail line, stretching 31 miles through Pasadena, Highland Park, downtown Los Angeles and the cultural hubs of Chinatown and Boyle Heights. Los Angeles Times

Even after the Porter Ranch gas leak ended, some residents complain that Southern California Gas is failing to help. L.A. Daily News

The old -- and somewhat infamous -- Long Beach courthouse will be demolished Monday. Press-Telegram

L.A.’s food truck scene has reached the bagel. Just call them the Yeastie Boys. LAist

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

First the Coastal Commission, now the Air Quality Management District. Steve Lopez probes the sudden pushback against aggressive environmental regulations in California. Los Angeles Times

The biggest battle between Democrats and Republicans in California this year might end up being in Fresno. Sacramento Bee

The number of Asian Americans seizing opportunities to work on the staff of elected officials at local, state and federal levels has expanded dramatically. And now it’s bearing fruit. Los Angeles Times

CRIME AND COURTS

In the wake of the “knife” discovery, informed speculation about how O.J. Simpson might have killed his wife and Ron Goldman. Was it a kitchen knife? New Yorker

Some law enforcement officials say criminals like iPhones over other brands because the encryption is so strong. Reuters

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

New video shows the lives of mountain lions in L.A. Don’t get too close. KCET

If you side with Los Angeles in those L.A. vs. N.Y. comparisons, you might like this one. Buzzfeed

Why California needs more Latinos to visit our great parks and wilderness areas. Zocalo

A report finds that high housing prices are driving more people out of California. Curbed L.A.

Victims of last summer’s historic fires in Lake County are struggling to get back on their feet. SF Chronicle

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.