Newsletter: Essential California: Ready or not, Thanksgiving is here

Happy Thanksgiving — unless you are reading this at LAX, where airport officials say most of the popular flights are 95% full. And counting. Here’s what else is going on across California.

TOP STORIES

High speed, high costs

Revelations that the California bullet train project might end up well over budget are prompting new questions about the massive but controversial effort. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), chairman of the U.S. House rail subcommittee, said he plans to call hearings early next year to examine the project’s cost and the state’s failure to disclose the higher budget projections. Los Angeles Times 

Savings and losses

Local water agencies have heeded Gov. Jerry Brown’s order and conserved large amounts of water. But it’s come at a price: a sharp decline in revenue because customers are using less water. Now, these agencies have a chance to tweak the rules. Los Angeles Times 

Redstone battle

Ailing billionaire Sumner Redstone is now at the center of an ugly and very personal legal dispute. The media mogul's ex-girlfriend filed a lawsuit this week alleging that he is mentally impaired and unable to make decisions. Redstone, 92, controls Viacom Inc. and CBS Corp. A spokesman called the suit "meritless" and an "invasion of privacy." Los Angeles Times

DROUGHT AND CLIMATE

Too much water? With San Diego about to open a $1-billion desalination plant, the region is facing an unusual problem in drought-plagued California: It has too much water. And it is coming close to capacity for storing water too. Los Angeles Times

Fighting words: Brown, who has made climate change a top agenda item, called out West Virginia and Texas for trying to block efforts to address critical environmental issues. Los Angeles Times

L.A. AT LARGE

A different look at death: Caitlin Doughty is a different kind of mortician. Her L.A. business helps the loved ones of the dearly departed pay a larger role in dealing with death and the remains. She’s gaining a national following. The New Yorker

Skateboarder landslide: A massive landslide near Santa Clarita has left Vasquez Canyon Road a buckled mess. Cars can’t get through, but some skateboarders are turning the road into a skateboard park, to the dismay of authorities. Los Angeles Times

Leading a big change: Los Angeles County is in the midst of a major overhaul of its public health network, merging the hospital system and the departments of mental health and public health into one mega-agency in an effort to improve service. This week, the Board of Supervisors decided that Dr. Mitch Katz will oversee it. Some say he might be the only one who can make the gamble pay off. Los Angeles Times

Finding its spot: After searching for a home for years, it now appears the Korean American National Museum will land on the corner of 6th Street and Vermont Avenue. If all goes well. Los Angeles Daily News

CRIME AND COURTS

Charges in muralist death: The slaying of an Oakland artist generated national outrage when he was shot as he painted a mural designed to send a message about eliminating violence through education and art. Now, a man has been charged in the death of Antonio Ramos. Los Angeles Times

Get along, little donkey: How a CHP officer caught a runaway donkey in the hills above Malibu (the photo says it all). LAist

Beverly Hills cop chase: Yes, it was a different kind of police pursuit in Beverly Hills. Two suspects led police on a bizarre chase through some fancy neighborhoods, even running from house to house. The most memorable image: a Beverly Hills police squad car rolling down a fairway at the Hillcrest Country Club golf course. Los Angeles Times

THANKSGIVING

Ditching turkey for the Strip: For Asian Americans, Las Vegas has become a growing alternative to the traditional turkey day feast. There are good deals to be had, and some don’t quite feel the tug of traditions. The holiday is one of the busiest periods of the year at one Vegas dim sum eatery. Los Angeles Times

Retail prep: First, there was Black Friday. Then, Gray Thursday. But as Thanksgiving shopping options keep growing, retail workers are busy in the run-up to turkey day transforming their stores for the mobs. Orange County Register

Black Friday suckers: A fake newspaper circular mocks the Black Friday mania. Among the doorbusters: A Luke Skywalker mop and Chewbacca toilet scrubber. SFGate

Holiday weather: Thanksgiving in the L.A. area will be a cool affair, with highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s. But the real winter wonderland is in the Sierras. The Kirkwood Mountain Resort received up to 16 inches of snow, much to the delight of skiers and snowboarders. Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe resort and Donner Pass got 10 inches of snow. Los Angeles Times

Sticker shock: The cost of preparing a typical Thanksgiving meal has jumped $21 since Ronald Reagan was president. It now tops $50. Los Angeles Times

Old school: In 1928, The Times offered a guide to the ultimate Thanksgiving feast, which included some dishes less common today: California Lobster Cocktail, Painted Stuffed Pears with French Dressing and Plum Pudding with Hard Sauce. Los Angeles Times

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.