years

The measure aims to tackle the cost of what it takes to run a campaign and to broaden the pool of people who could run for office without being tethered to any individual, group or special interest.

“The increasing costs of political campaigns can force candidates to rely on large contributions from wealthy donors and special interests, which can give those wealthy donors and special interests disproportionate influence over governmental decisions,” the measure states.

There have been several attempts to allow for public campaign financing in California. Five charter cities, including Los Angeles, and at least 14 other states already allow some version of it.

“This bill will restore control to local governments and the state by giving counties, districts, general law cities, and the state the same option that charter cities currently have to enact public financing of campaigns,” a Senate rules committee analysis states.

Money generated by Proposition 3, like the current tax, would flow to education, with 89% going to K-12 schools and 11% to community colleges.

Then, because the state constitution requires minimum levels of spending on education, more dollars are freed up to pay for services including healthcare and the University of California and California State University systems, said Kayla Kitson, a senior analyst with the California Budget and Policy Center.

Proposition 3, like the current high-earners tax, has the added effect of raising the minimum levels of funding required to flow to K-12 schools and community colleges, because of the complicated formulas California uses to set its budget, Kitson said.

If Proposition 3 fails, the state could expect to lose between $5 billion and $15 billion annually in tax revenue starting in 2031, according to estimates from the Legislative Analyst’s Office.

A spectacular run that included back-to-back World Series championships and delivered unforgettable memories ended with a whimper for the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday.

The Milwaukee Brewers, humiliated by the Dodgers last year in a four-game sweep, returned the favor at Chavez Ravine, defeating L.A., 6-4, in the National League Championship Series. The loss eliminated the Dodgers and ended their run at a vaunted three-peat, or three consecutive titles.

No North American sports franchise can claim such an accomplishment since the Shaq- and Kobe Bryant-led Lakers from 2000 to 2002.

How did a team of All-Stars fall short? Our sports team delivered tremendous coverage that answers that question and many more.

Columnist Bill Plaschke wrote how a team with seemingly every advantage fell short, beat writer Maddie Lee documented what led to the demise, while columnist Bill Shaikin provided updates to several questions on the team’s future. The devoted fans of the Boys in Blue have also had a chance to react.

Let’s sample some of their in-depth reporting.

Shohei Ohtani’s declining health was too much to overcome

Plaschke wrote that the single biggest reason the Dodgers didn’t three-peat centered on the health of designated hitter and pitcher Shohei Ohtani.

The owner of four MVP trophies, Ohtani began the season with a goal of also winning the Cy Young Award. So he focused on pitching, and he pitched well, going 8-2 with a 1.79 ERA in 14 starts.

Then he injured his knee, but he still pitched, long past when he should have been pitching, said Plaschke. He was finally pulled off the mound in early July, but by then he had also injured his elbow and his offense suffered because he was so worried about the pitching. It was at this point the Dodgers should have shut him down entirely, given him a month off to ensure he would be ready for October, according to Plaschke.

But no. Ohtani insisted he was fine even though his plummeting batting numbers said otherwise. When he was finally placed on the injured list in early September, Plaschke said it was too late, and he entered the playoffs as a shell of his former great self.

An autopsy reveals much

Lee agreed with third baseman Max Muncy when he said, “The train finally ran out of steam, I guess.”

A major aspect of the challenge of winning three straight is simply workload. The Dodgers not only have played more games than any other team the last two years, but their schedule has included grueling travel.

The Dodgers started both the 2024 and 2025 seasons early and overseas, playing in the Seoul Series and Tokyo Series in consecutive years. And both years ended with coast-to-coast travel for the World Series, as the Dodgers won titles over the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays.

The team’s collective age — the oldest lineup in the majors this year, according to Baseball Reference, weighted by at-bats and games played — may not have helped.

Cap concerns

Shaikin wrote about a lockout expected this winter as Major League Baseball owners attempt to implement a salary cap, which limits the amount of money a team can spend on player salaries.

The owners initially proposed a salary cap of $245 million for next year. The Dodgers already have $347 million committed to 14 players next year, according to Cot’s Baseball Contracts.

Under a cap, the owners have promised a transition period to account for existing commitments, and an actual negotiated cap could be higher, said Shaikin.

Even if the players do not agree to a cap — and they insist they won’t — whatever economic system emerges from collective bargaining would likely make it painful for the Dodgers to spend so freely, according to Shaikin.

What some Dodgers fans are saying

Most baseball teams create a now well-anticipated “thank you fans” social media post after the conclusion of a season.

Passionate fans use the post as a sounding board for everything that ails them about their favorite teams. Just look at the “thank you fans” X posts from the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies laced with profanities and vitriol fiercer than any East Coast nor’easter.

But on Friday, Dodgers fans were gracious and supportive on the fan appreciation post on X.

“Thank you for the great run over the last three years. Let’s come back stronger,” wrote one user.

“Thank you for the ride,” another tweet noted. “We’ll be back next year!”

The week’s biggest stories

A house burns off Calle Miramar in San Juan Capistrano during the Norte fire on Friday.

(Sandy Huffaker/For The Times)

Southern California wildfires

Olympics and sports news

Crime, courts and protests

More news

Editor’s pick

More picks

Things to do

(Ariana Drehsler / For The Times)

• 🎭The world premiere play “Bobby Robotowitz” brings AI questions into your living room — literally — with performances on the Eastside and Westside.
• 👀 The 10 biggest revelations of Nathan Fielder’s new Elizabeth Holmes documentary, ‘You Can See Everything.’
• 🍽️ For many, like the preservationists pushing to save Santa Monica’s Mel’s Drive-In, the mere thought of demolishing the iconic restaurant is offensive. Eating there was certainly on the bingo card for columnist LZ Granderson when he and his son first drove across the Southwest decades ago, and it continues to be a favorite breakfast spot of theirs.

Today’s recipe

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

Many meatballs are made with a panade, often a mixture of white bread soaked in milk, which lends moisture to the final meatballs. For these lamb meatballs, cooking editor Cody Reiss decided to make his panade out of ingredients that felt more in-line with the mutabbal he was serving them with. He ended up using a mixture of leftover pita bread and labneh (drained yogurt). The resulting meatballs were moist, herby, spiced, seasoned, spicy and just a joy to eat.

Photo of the day

Volunteers led by guerrilla activist Jonathan Hale paint over the faded crosswalks of an intersection near USC on Sept. 19.

(Etienne Laurent/For the Times)

Games

Here’s today’s mini crossword, plus our other free, daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and jigsaw games.

Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Jack Dolan, investigative reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, Fast Break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew J. Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

The California Democratic Party is backing Ma, whose quarter-century in electoral politics includes stints on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, in the State Assembly and on the State Board of Equalization. She was elected treasurer in 2019 and is termed out.

The California Republican Party has endorsed Romero, who has been campaigning with Republican gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton on what the two term a “golden ticket” (though voters elect each office separately).

The Republican designation is relatively new for Romero. She was a Democrat when she served in the Legislature from 1998 to 2010. She became a Republican in 2024, asserting that Democratic party standards no longer aligned with her beliefs.

“I consider myself to be common sense, a new Republican with the values of American exceptionalism that once upon a time the Democratic party stood for, but it’s been overrun by the socialists and the communists that have taken over the party,” she told the Times.

Ma’s parents emigrated from China and eventually settled in New York. Her father started a design and manufacturing firm, and her mother was a high school art teacher. Fiona Ma played sports, was a Girl Scout — “a top cookie seller,” she boasts on her campaign website — and graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology. She moved to San Francisco, started an accounting practice and became a part-time field representative to Assemblymember John Burton. She won her San Francisco supervisor’s seat in 2002 and, four years later, was elected to the Assembly.

Romero grew up in a Catholic household in Barstow, with pictures of the Pope and President Kennedy on the walls. She described her parents, a railroad worker and a mother who once cleaned houses, as “Depression-era Democrats.”

She started in community college and eventually earned a PhD. She was a college professor, an L.A. Community College trustee and a city of L.A. charter reform commissioner before being elected to the state Assembly in 1998. She moved to the Senate in 2001 and became the first female majority leader. Today she lives in El Sereno.

BUS fares are set to soar to a historic high in November, affecting millions of workers.

A single adult bus and tram fare in London will rise by 10p to £1.85 from next month, Transport for London (TfL) has announced.

It means the cost of fare has gone up by 35p alone in the last 10 years, although there has been a freeze on price hikes in place since March 2023.

Those with concession cards, like 16+ Zip Oyster cards or the Jobcentre Plus card, will also have their fares increase by 5p when the new prices come into effect on November 1.

In a blow to millions of people who use London’s bus and tram network every day, the hike will also affect the Hopper fare, which allows travellers to pay a single flat fare for unlimited journeys within an hour.

The daily bus and tram cap will increase to £5.55 from £5.25.

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Originally, London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan was set to hike prices in July.

But he extended the price freeze until November, after TfL said it was “an emergency cost-of-living measure to support Londoners on the lowest incomes”.

Price caps for tube, rail and Travelcards will remain frozen until March next year, TfL added.

Meanwhile, a new £2 price cap for all single bus tickets in England will come into force from January 1 2027, Prime Minister Andy Burnham announced.

The voluntary scheme will see millions of people across England able to access single bus tickets for £1 less than the current £3 cap – but it won’t apply to every single bus route.

School buses, buses that only run on school days and some other services won’t be subjected to the £2 cap, which will run until December 31, 2027.

This gorgeous town is tucked inside one of the country’s most beautiful regions.

One of the great pleasures of being on holiday is browsing the shops of wherever you happen to find yourself. Unearthing hidden gems or tasty local treats to take back home is one of the finest parts of any trip away.

Nestled in a stunning corner of the UK is a town boasting a market brimming with treasures that has been running for hundreds of years. The charming town of Keswick sits within the Lake District and is renowned for its breathtaking scenery – and naturally, its market.

Before the market as it exists today came into being, churchgoers would hold unofficial ones in the nearby church.

In order to regulate trading, the town was granted a Royal Market Charter in 1276 that gave it the legal right to hold a weekly Saturday market and an annual five day fair.

Today, the market continues to flourish and can be visited every Thursday and Saturday. There are roughly 60 different stalls to browse, selling everything from locally produced food and drink to vintage clothing and artisan gifts.

It’s not solely the market that makes Keswick such a wonderful destination. The town is also packed with stunning lakeside walks that burst into glorious shades of gold and orange throughout the autumn months.

As the leaves begin to turn, now is arguably the ideal time to pay Keswick a visit.

The market town sits in the northern section of the Lake District National Park, and ranks among the nation’s most stunning locations.

There’s an abundance of remarkable walks that highlight the area’s natural splendour. If you’re seeking panoramic vistas, then the Latrigg path is essential, winding up the hillside for three miles.

Upon reaching the top, you’re treated to sweeping views across Keswick and the neighbouring Derwentwater.

Another essential walk is the Castlerigg Stone Circle route which guides you along the former railway path, then up the lane towards the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

The stone circle occupies a natural plateau, and stands as one of Britain’s oldest stone circles stretching back to the Neolithic era.

Some of the 38 stones within the circle tower up to 10 feet high.

ACTRESS Hilary Swank is pregnant with her third child more than three years after welcoming her twins.

Swank, 52, announced her pregnancy on social media on Wednesday, sharing a creative video of glowing stick figures with a tiny baby attached to the belly of one of their bodies.

The video displayed three glowing stick figures, which appear to represent Swank’s husband Philip Schneider and their twins Aya and Ohm, dancing to Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.

Moments later, a fourth member joins the party, however, this stick figure has a baby attached, which suggests Swank’s pregnancy.

Swank captioned the post, “A lot of people have been asking what project I’m doing next, this one releases in December,” hinting that she is due in the winter.

Swank and Schneider welcomed their twins in April 2023, nearly five years after tying the knot at an outdoor ceremony at the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California, in August 2018.

The Oscar-winning actress announced her first pregnancy during an interview on Good Morning America in October 2022.

Swank gushed at the thought of becoming a mom, saying, “This is something that I’ve been wanting for a long time and my next thing is I’m gonna be a mom.”

She then teased, “And not just of one but of two.

“It’s such a blessing. It’s a total miracle. It’s unbelievable.”

Swank made the decision to freeze her eggs at 37, not yet sure whether she wished to be pregnant someday.

She then used these eggs a decade later, and opened up to Women’s Health magazine about how it felt to become a mother at the age of 48.

The star shared: “I would have had kids earlier. I’m not saying I actively waited until 47. But that was a magical time in my life, when it all culminated. It was the right time for myriad reasons.

“I’m a very different parent than I would’ve been, even in my early 40s, I’m much more patient. I’m much more understanding. I am much more, I think, interested in a different way than I would’ve been.

“I’m really interested in their brains. I am fascinated about what makes them tick. And I have my career that’s already established, so I’m not divided. I’m able to really sink in and be present with them and be a hands-on parent.”

Swank also graced the cover of Women’s Health magazine to flaunt her post-baby body in a series of sexy bathing suits.

The then 50-year old ooze confidence in the stunning snaps, flashing her enviable figure.

Her stomach looked super flat and toned despite carrying twins, and her smile beamed from underneath a blue sun visor.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos.

Like us on Facebook at TheSunUS and follow us on X at @TheUSSun

STAR Wars actor John Boyega has revealed he secretly married wife Lashontae Heckard and the pair have also welcomed their first child.

Londoner John, 34, shared a cute video of him cradling his baby and told fans the little one arrived some time ago.

He wrote: “Our bundle of joy has been with us for some time now but thank you for all the well wishes. Also my sister is about to pop! Wish her well too!

“Back to feeding this big baby!”

In the comments, Lashontae, 48, paid tribute to her man, writing: “Love and blessings to my Blessing!!!!”

Lashontae has had a successful career as an actress, and fans quickly recognised her from her past work on screen and in music videos.

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One fan posted: “She looks like Rashad’s old girlfriend from ATL, she was in one of Neo’s videos and Keyshia Cole… in a Dru Hill video… I think that’s her.

“You sho right!! She is so freaking pretty. Congrats to them.”

Fast and Furious star Tyrese said: “Praise God!!!!! I love you both…. You guys are amazing already great parents and now it’s new favor and new blessings!!!!!! Congratulations on the new angel….. Jon sir you are applying a lot of pressure for a brother like me!!!!!!!!!! Yikes!!!! Lol.”

John and Tae largely keep their relationship out of the spotlight, and he recently explained why they opted for a small ceremony for their wedding nearly two years ago.

He told the Guardian: “We both like the idea of celebrating something established, rather than celebrating the entry.”

However, he’s confident the pair will have a huge celebration in the future and said it will be so big they’ll “have to shut Nigeria down!”

Both of John’s parents are Nigerian and he often speaks of his pride in his heritage. He wore traditional Nigerian dress to the Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker premiere in 2019 and introduced co-star Harrison Ford to a Nigerian restaurant in South London while filming.

At the time of the interview, John revealed Tae was pregnant and spoke glowingly of his domestic situation.

He said: “We got a baby cooking. My life is completely, completely fulfilled in terms of family. It’s been so nice with the timing.”

Tae is already mum to son Brandon Jennings Jr from her relationship with ex-NBA star Brandon Jennings.

Carlos Dammeier, administrative law judge, California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board
Bar rating: Qualified

Dammeier began in law enforcement, working for a decade as a dispatcher, jailer and police officer. He went to law school and, for a quarter-century, represented police and other public-sector unions, “handling employee rights cases at every level from administrative hearings to the U.S. Supreme Court,” he said in an email.

In 2013, The Times reported, a law firm in which he was a named partner dissolved after two Costa Mesa City Council members sued one of his clients, the city police union, over legal and political tactics the politicians asserted were overly aggressive.

Dammeier recently said his team was the focus of “antiunion attacks by political forces” and said that after multiple investigations, none of the firm’s attorneys faced charges or disciplinary action.

In 2022, Dammeier became an administrative law judge. His campaign website states he has heard and issued decisions in more than 2,000 unemployment, disability and tax appeal cases.

Priorities are addressing case backlogs and making thoughtful, unbiased decisions.

“Win or lose, everyone needs to know they had fair treatment by our courts,” he said.

He ran for Superior Court seats in Merced and San Bernardino counties in March 2024, losing both races, and also ran unsuccessfully in San Bernardino County in 2016.

David Ross, deputy alternate public defender
Bar rating: Qualified

Ross worked as a legislative aide for an Indiana Democrat in Congress and as a TV reporter and documentary producer before becoming a lawyer in 1994, according to his campaign website.

His legal career began in Riverside County, where he served five years as a deputy public defender. In 2000, he became a Los Angeles County deputy alternate public defender in regional branches, including Long Beach and Compton. He has been at the Torrance office since 2018.

Ross, according to his website, has represented more than 10,000 indigent defendants and completed more than 110 jury trials.

A priority would be ensuring people feel recognized in his courtroom.

“My goal is to hear everyone out, so that even if a party ultimately loses, they will walk out of court knowing the judge listened,” he said in an email.

Troy W. Slaten, administrative law judge, state Department of Industrial Relations
Bar rating: Qualified

After roles as a child actor on “Cagney and Lacey” and “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose,” Slaten began a two-decade law career in 2005.

He first worked as a private criminal defense attorney, then spent 11 years at an international firm where he focused on criminal, civil and administrative law and, for a time, managed the criminal defense division. He’s regularly cited as a legal analyst on TV and in The Times.

Slaten volunteered as temporary Superior Court judge from 2016-20 and in 2021 became a full-time administrative law judge presiding over workers’ compensation hearings.

“I have uncovered fraud and have helped when injured workers have been denied healthcare and other benefits,” he said in an email.

He has twice run for Superior Court, falling short in 2020 and 2022.

He would prioritize fairness and efficiency. “I would work to ensure cases move forward in a timely and organized manner while preserving due process,” he said.

Outside the courtroom, Slaten announces and deejays UCLA men’s and women’s water polo games.

Donna Tryfman, L.A. County deputy public defender
Bar rating: Qualified

A deputy public defender since 1998, Tryfman has had assignments countywide. From 2016-19, she supervised 25 attorneys and mentored new hires as deputy in charge of Eastlake Juvenile Court. She’s worked in collaborative drug court, coordinating with prosecutors, judges and others to help individuals dealing with addiction.

Her current assignment is in the Major Crimes Unit, where she exclusively handles homicides with special circumstances.

Tryfman spent five years as president of the Public Defenders Assn., according to her campaign website, and has proctored a high school program on civic duties and constitutional principles. She has served as a Superior Court judge pro tem, handling traffic and small claims cases. She received the peer-decided Gideon Award as felony attorney of the year in 2025, her bio states.

“I would champion further access to justice by exploring and expanding digital access to the courts in underserved communities,” she said.

Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes finally ran off and made the thing official.

The former “Good Morning America” anchors tied the knot in a private Arkansas ceremony back in September. The marriage license, obtained by People, confirmed the Washington County nuptials.

Last October, the couple announced their engagement on the “Amy & T.J.” podcast. “We’re actually surprised we’re just now talking about it,” Holmes said. “We wanted to let you all know before anybody was able to. We learned that lesson I guess in the past about our relationship: We want to be the first to talk about it.”

The lesson Holmes is referencing is the couple’s big relationship reveal, which happened while they were both anchors on “GMA3” and married to other people.

In 2022, the paparazzi leaked photos of the two holding hands, nestled into each other at a New York bar, and Holmes patting Robach on the rear. Chaos broke loose in the media and behind the scenes at ABC. Holmes’ then-wife, attorney Marilee Fiebig, filed for divorce shortly thereafter, followed by the divorce of Robach and her second husband, “Melrose Place” actor Andrew Shue, months later.

The same month that news of the scandal broke, ABC parted ways with the anchors, and they deactivated their social media accounts. A year later, the broadcasting duo embraced their coupledom, naysayers be damned, and teamed up with iHeartPodcasts to launch “Amy & T.J.,” marketed as “informative, entertaining, and above all, authentic; it will mark the first time Robach and Holmes speak publicly since their own names became a part of the headlines.”

In the debut episode, Robach and Holmes detailed how the scandal unfolded and insisted they’d been quietly separated from their spouses before their love affair began. Both said that the scandal dominating the headlines and the loss of their dream jobs sent them into the depths of despair.

“But we have had each other through it all,” Robach said. “It has been the most beautiful relationship I have had in my life.”

STILL stuck on where to go on holiday this autumn? One TUI travel expert has the insider track on places that are still hot, and great value.

Kim Boucher, who has worked in TUI’s Mansfield store for more than 25 years, has revealed her top five destinations that are still warm in autumn – and has beer as cheap as £1.50.

Marmaris, Turkey

For cheap breaks, average temperatures of 24C, a pint for less than £2, a glass of wine from £2.70 AND meals out from £10, Turkey is a great option for an autumn break.

There are still TUI breaks on offer too.

Kim recommends Marmaris in particular for break during October and November thanks to its sunshine and temperatures which sit at around 24C.

She said: “You can spend your days unwinding on the beach or taking a boat trip along the stunning coastline, then enjoy the town’s vibrant atmosphere once the sun goes down.

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“One of the things I love most about Marmaris is the buzz in the evenings. The waterfront and marina come alive with bars, restaurants and cafés, creating a fantastic atmosphere.”

Kim suggests Lalila Blue Suites for a “stylish and relaxing getaway”.

The hotel is a short walk away from the beach, it also has a swimming pool and is a five-minute drive from the centre of Marmaris which has lots of bars and restaurants.

TUI offers seven-night holidays to the 4T Lalila Blue Suites on an all-inclusive basis from £496per person or – £70.85pppn.

Tunisia

This North African country is pretty much a fail-safe when it comes to autumn holidays with average highs of 25C.

For Brits, it’s not as far as you’d think either – it takes just three hours to get from the UK to Tunisia.

Kim recommends it not just for the temperatures, but says it has “exceptional value” compared to some Mediterranean destinations .

She added: “Hammamet in particular offers beautiful beaches, a charming old town and a welcoming atmosphere that’s perfect for a relaxing getaway.”

In Hammamet, visitors can explore traditional Medinas, check out the local markets and try some traditional Tunisian food.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort which is perfect for a “relaxing escape in Tunisia.”

It has five swimming pools, four restaurants and three bars – plus there’s a white sandy bay right on the doorstep.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to the 5T Hilton Skanes Monastir Beach Resort on a bed and breakfast basis from £610per person – or £87.14pppn.

Majorca, Balearic Islands

When it comes to the Mediterranean, Kim says Majorca is one of the first destinations she suggests when customers ask about an autumn getaway.

She explained: “It offers something for everyone. Even later in the season, you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, while the slightly cooler temperatures make it ideal for exploring the island’s picturesque villages, coastline and vibrant resort towns.”

“You can spend your days relaxing on golden sandy beaches, discovering hidden coves and enjoying waterfront restaurants, before wandering through the island’s beautiful old towns in the evening.”

Pints of beer on the island are around £3, glasses of wine can be picked up for £4.50 and meals out for £20pp.

Kim recommends the Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa which has two lagoon pools, a children’s splash park and it’s a short walk away from the beach.

TUI offers a seven-night holiday to 4T Grupotel Gran Vista & Spa on a bed and breakfast basis from £326per person – or £46.58pppn.

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is another trusted holiday option for autumn thanks to its warm temperatures and short flight time.

When it comes to the region, Kim suggests heading to Albufeira.

She calls it a “fantastic option for anyone looking to extend their summer.”

Albufeira in particular is ideal “for beach days, waterfront dining and exploring the picturesque Algarve coastline.”

She added: “What makes Albufeira so popular is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back couples’ retreat, lively nightlife or scenic coastal walks, there’s something for everyone.

“Combined with great-value accommodation and plenty of sunshine, it’s easy to see why it remains a favourite year after year.”

The average temperature of the Algarve in autumn is 20C with the average price of a local beer being as low as £1.50.

TUI offers a seven-night break at the 4T Vila Gale Cerro Alagoa on a bed and breakfast basis from £363 per person – or £51.85pppn.

Orlando, Florida

Whether you’re after the theme parks, shopping malls or just want some great restaurants and entertainment, Florida is a great autumn getaway spot, especially Orlando.

It’s still hot at 24C during autumn, but it’s much cooler than during the summer months, and more pleasant for wandering around.

Kim said: “While Orlando is best known for its incredible theme parks, there’s so much more to discover beyond the attractions.

“From lively entertainment districts and world-class dining to nearby natural springs and golf courses, it offers something for all types of travellers.

“It’s a destination where you can fill every day with adventure while still finding plenty of opportunities to relax and unwind.”

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista which she called a “peaceful retreat” away from the theme parks – but still close enough to get to.

It has a palm-tree lined swimming pool, video games arcade and movies in the lobby as well as an Applebee’s restaurant, a breakfast buffet and a tiki bar.

TUI offers a seven-night holidays at the 3T+ Holiday Inn Resort Lake Buena Vista on a room only basis from £832 per person – or £118.85pppn.

Tenerife, Canary Islands

While temperatures in the UK drop during October, the Canary Islands is one spot where they sit at around 24C.

Kim added: “Tenerife is one of the destinations I regularly recommend for an autumn getaway.

“I love the variety it offers. You can have a completely relaxing beach holiday, explore the island’s dramatic scenery or head into the livelier resort areas for restaurants, bars and entertainment.

“It’s a fantastic all-round choice for couples looking for sunshine, great value and a change of scenery this autumn.”

On the island, popular activities include sunbathing on the beaches, snorkelling, hiking in Teide National Park.

Or for those who love watercoasters, heading over to Siam Park – a Thai-themed waterpark.

The average local pint here starts from £2.50 with the average meal out being as little as £15pp.

For a hotel recommendation, Kim suggests TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical which she called a “great-value escape”.

The hotel is a top pick thanks to its child-friendly entertainment with plenty of activities as well as having two swimming pools and waterside bars.

TUI offer a seven-night holidays at the 3T TUI SUNEO Tamaimo Tropical on an all-inclusive basis from £423 per person – or £60.43pppn.

HE’S Towie’s handsome long-serving lothario who’s charmed a long list of show stunners over the years.

But you can’t break hearts for a decade on a major reality show and not cop any flack for it.

And Dan Edgar has been on the receiving end of some stinging barbs from former show star Olivia Attwood, who once branded him “boring” and a “coward” on account of his love-life drama with Chloe Sims.

The Essex charmer famously cooled things off with Chloe amid cheating allegations in 2019 and he went on to reunite with on-off girlfriend Amber Turner.

Chloe later told us that the way Dan handled the split “bulldozed” her confidence and led to a cruel pile on from trolls.

Despite brushing off Liv’s criticisms publicly, sources say it left Dan bristling and his decision not to follow Olivia on social media is telling.

Now the follicly-blessed 36-year-old is determined to prove Liv wrong with current girlfriend Chloe Lewis, 35, who he hard-launched in August and has appeared in fun, loved-up snaps with ever since.

An insider told The Sun: “Towie fans will remember it was Olivia who told Chloe that Dan had cheated on her with another woman.

“That led to the implosion of her blossoming romance with Dan, and while Liv was sticking up for her mate, Dan just thinks she’s a trouble maker.

“The ‘boring’ jibe has also never been forgotten by Dan. That was a bit of a sore spot for him, he thinks it was a low blow.

“As a result he still doesn’t follow Olivia on social media to this day, and unsurprisingly she doesn’t follow him either.

“It’s been made a bit awkward though since Olivia started dating Pete Wicks as Dan is still mates with Pete.”

Mum-of-one Chloe Lewis left Towie after four years in 2018, just months before the drama that would kickstart the simmering feud.

She doesn’t appear to have taken offence to Olivia’s past comments about Dan as she remains on the documentary-maker’s social media friends list and even shares the same management.

Our insider said: “It’s a bit of an elephant in the room but it’s safe to say the four of them won’t be going on double dates anytime soon.”

When contacted by The Sun, Dan’s rep denied any beef, saying: “Dan is genuinely surprised by these claims as he has never had an issue with Olivia.

“They’ve had very little interaction over the years, and he certainly doesn’t hold any negative feelings towards her. There’s no feud from Dan’s side, and he wishes her nothing but the best.”

As for Olivia, her issues with Dan stem from the way he treated Chloe Sims during their fling in 2019 on a cast trip to Thailand.

ITV golden girl Liv was a member of the cast at the time and ripped into Dan for ghosting Chloe every time the going got tough, a view shared by viewers who likened him to someone going to ground in witness protection.

Olivia’s boyfriend Pete Wicks once had his own close relationship with Chloe Sims and their friendship secretly spilled into romance on a number of occasions.

It was around this time that Dan, fresh from his split with girlfriend Amber, hooked up with Chloe.

The love triangle, and its murky timeline, sparked confusion and saw Dan and Pete clash in heated scenes.

Liv has made past comments about Dan’s penchant for fading out romances rather than having an honest and frank discussion about the issues getting in the way.

There have been digs about his passivity, with it said that if he wasn’t so good-looking his partners wouldn’t tolerate his behaviour.

Olivia’s past assessment that Dan wasn’t mature enough for Chloe Sims led to fans likening him to Peter Pan, the boy that never grew up.

Pete, whose friendship with Dan has been turbulent over the years, has had a few tongue-in-cheek comments too, once joking that laidback Dan is so chilled that his heartrate remains below 40bpm no matter what drama is unfolding.

Last year, Dan experienced another failed relationship when he and Ella Rae Wise ended their 18-month partnership, despite having a “great sex life”, and it looked like Dan was destined for the single life.

That is until former Towie star Chloe Lewis caught his eye at mutual pals Georgia Kousoulou and Tommy Mallett’s Majorca wedding last summer.

Romance rumours began to swirl in the months that followed as the pair dropped crumbs online, before they enjoyed a joint holiday in Marbella this August, sharing kisses and confirming their relationship.

They had their first official engagement as a couple when they attended a Primark event together last month.

The star-studded bash also had Pete on the guestlist and the trio posed together for a picture, suggesting the frosty relations between Dan and Liv hasn’t affected his and Pete’s friendship. Unlike Dan and Liv, the two do follow each other on Instagram.

There have been a number of smitten social media pictures of Chloe and Dan together since, with the latter now willing to be less subtle about his feelings and seemingly keen to prove to the naysayers that he can be serious and is ready to grow up.

The Sun has contacted a representative for Dan for comment.

CHRISTINA Aguilera proves she can still look naughty in her forties with an eye-catching outfit for a charity gig.

The 45-year-old singer, who had her first hit with Genie in the Bottle in 1999, stole the show at Hollywood’s National PrEP Day bash.

The star-studded event brings together some of LA’s biggest stars to raise funds for life-saving HIV medication.

Reality star Kim Kardashian and Timber hitmaker Kesha, also attended, along with Brit Charli xcx — who sang a medley from her 2024 album, Brat.

Christina has undergone a huge transformation in recent years, with her losing almost three stone in weight – and in April this year – The Sun reported on how she stepped out to flaunt her incredible figure.

Attending the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony in Santa Monica, Christina posed on the red carpet while rocking a dress held up by luck alone.

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Looking years younger than she is, and almost the same as she did at the height of her career in the noughties, Christina smiled and pouted for the camera.

Rocking a choppy bob resting on her jawline, complete with a blunt fringe, the singer looked youthful and fresh-faced.

She wore a black skintight body contouring dress which hugged every inch of her slender frame.

The dress was made from a leather material on the bodice, while the skirt was crafted from sheer chiffon.

With her hands resting on her hip bones, Christina looked incredible as she blew kisses to onlookers.

She kept her makeup simple with a muted eye look, a nude pink lip and light brows.

Do you remember what you were doing when the infamous L.A. City Hall racist audio leak scandal broke four years ago?

I always will: I was naked.

Sunday morning, Oct. 9, 2022, around 8 a.m., I was about to take a shower when I decided to check my cellphone one more time. Thank God I did: If I hadn’t, I would’ve been half an hour late on assisting in one of the most explosive stories ever to hit L.A. politics.

Via Slack, Times assistant managing editor Steve Clow asked if I could serve as a second set of ears on audio that my colleagues had unearthed involving four of the most powerful L.A. políticos at the time: City Council President Nury Martinez, Councilmembers Gil Cedillo and Kevin de León, and L.A. County Federation of Labor President Ron Herrera. I was still in my birthday suit (sorry for the visual, gentle readers, but I’m sworn to report the facts on this job) when I played the snippet Clow shared: Martinez describing the Black son of then-Councilmember Mike Bonin as “su negrito” — his darky.

I put on my shorts and told my wife I wouldn’t be helping at her restaurant that day.

Clow sent me more clips over the next hour, each crasser than the other — I remember gasping audibly at the part when the four were laughing as Martinez referred to Oaxacans as “ugly.” That morning, my colleagues Benjamin Oreskes, Dakota Smith, Julia Wick and David Zahniser published their first story on the fiasco, which turned out to be a secretly recorded conversation from a year earlier that someone had posted on Reddit just the day before.

The scandal quickly became a national sensation, with even then-President Joe Biden weighing in. L.A. wretched in collective disgust and demanded action, which definitely came: Martinez and Herrera quickly resigned, while Cedillo — who had already lost his reelection bid — would stay on until his bitter end, and De León wouldn’t leave until challenger Ysabel Jurado destroyed him in his 2024 reelection bid. The electoral repercussions of the audio leak can still be felt four years later in this election, as Nithya Raman stages a strong challenge against incumbent Karen Bass — a sentence no one would’ve believed in the fall of 2022, when Bass was on the cusp of winning her first term, and Raman was the lone democratic socialist on the council.

I would’ve figured the anniversary of something as titanic as all of the above would’ve sparked more commemorations than just my columna this week. Nope! L.A. has moved on to the point that Cedillo wasn’t booted from a group photo that included current District 9 council candidate Jose Ugarte, former Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, former Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and current Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez — because even Chicanosauruses can survive a political asteroid, I guess?

Having political leaders spew racist, homophobic nonsense now seems like the good ol’ days in an era where infernos destroy or stink up swaths of L.A., immigration agents terrorize immigrants from Westwood to the Eastside, and a spokesperson for a sitting American president denies that the commander in chief suggested Iran bomb the City of Angels, even though he said it during a campaign rally.

I shouldn’t really be surprised, I guess: L.A. infamously loves to forget its own history. But I would urge all you readers to read the great, Pulitzer Prize-winning coverage my colleagues did in the aftermath of the audio leak scandal, because it captured the city at its worst — but also its finest as residents fought back and demanded politicians do better.

Four years later, we can only hope this upcoming election shows more of the same.

The week’s biggest stories

Domenic Hix looks back as a large wave crashes on the shoreline in Laguna Beach on Friday.

(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Tropical Storm Rachel in SoCal

California real estate

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In memoriam

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Editor’s pick

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Things to do

(Illustrations by Lindsey Made This; photograph by Charles Phoenix)

Today’s recipe

(Rebecca Peloquin / For The Times)

This recipe makes apple butter that is less sweet than most; use more sugar if you like, but don’t use less or there won’t be enough to properly preserve the pureed apples.

Photo of the day

(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)

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Have a great day, from the Essential California team

Jack Dolan, investigative reporter
Hugo Martín, assistant editor, fast break desk
Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor
Andrew Campa, weekend writer
Karim Doumar, head of newsletters

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com. Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

Under an existing state appropriations restraint, also known as the Gann Limit, lawmakers cannot spend more in the state budget than an amount determined by a formula that takes annual tax proceeds, changes to the population and cost of living into consideration.

Tax revenue above the limit must be divided between schools and refunds to taxpayers. More recent carve-outs in the law also allow leaders to direct excess funds to infrastructure and local government.

The limit applies to most other appropriations of tax revenue, including money that lawmakers tuck away into the “rainy day” fund and other reserves.

California voters also have capped the amount of money lawmakers can set aside in the rainy day fund at 10% of general fund proceeds in a given year.

The proposed changes would exempt deposits into the rainy day fund and a short-term reserve, called the Projected Surplus Temporary Holding Account, from the state appropriations limit. The cap on the rainy day fund would grow from 10% of general fund tax revenue to 20%.

In effect, the measure would allow the governor and the Legislature to put more money into budget reserves, creating another option to avoid triggering rebates.

For example, if the spending limit is $400 billion for the year, and revenue hits $410 billion, the measure would give lawmakers the option to deposit the $10 billion above the spending limit into the rainy day fund, direct the money to infrastructure or give it to local governments, instead of returning the funding to taxpayers and increasing funding for schools.

THE historic Birnbeck Pier is currently undergoing an enormous renovation and will open next year for the first time since the 90s.

First look images have been revealed to show what it could look like when visitors can finally step foot onto the structure again.

Birnbeck Pier connects the mainland to a rocky island in Weston-super-Mare, but has been closed to the public since 1994.

The pier is being restored at a cost of £44million and it has been well-received by locals and visitors who are calling it “excellent news”.

In recently revealed images, it shows that along with work on the pier structure, surrounding buildings will be restored too like the Pier Master’s Cottage.

This will become a visitor centre and shop which will also be connected to a new modern cafe building and terrace, which will offer impressive views to the pier.

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Nearby, the Pier View building which has previously been a café, tea room, dress shop, and even military offices during World War Two, will also be restored.

As for what it will become, that’s yet to be decided, but one option being explored is an ice cream parlour.

The Toll House that’s known locally as the ‘shell shop’, will be restored and has potential to reopen as a concession stand.

As for the island, this will also eventually reopen to the public, but it may not be finished in time for when the pier reopens.

When it is complete, visitors will be able to see the restored clock tower and pavilion.

Also on the island will be the refurbished 1888 Boathouse, which will become a cafe on the top floor and an events space below.

Boats will even be able to dock thanks to the restored North Jetty on the island.  

The island used to be very popular thanks to its theme park which had small rides including a miniature railway and water chute. 

Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, told the BBC last month that work on restoring the pier is already a quarter of the way through.

He added: “When people will be able to walk on the pier for the first time, I think it will be a magical moment for the many people like me who were born in Weston and have lived here all their lives.

He continued: “People who have seen this crumbling jewel will be delighted to see it restored.

“The North Jetty will enable us to bring in passenger and other ferry services to Weston.”

Business groups such as the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Teachers Assn. and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California oppose the proposal.

Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, who are running to replace Newsom, also have spoken out against it.

Opponents describe the wealth tax as a “flawed experiment” that will harm California’s economy because companies and rich people will flee the state.

“If they leave, it will create a huge hole in our budget, threatening core services like education, healthcare and public safety,” arguments against the proposition say.

Opponents of the measure say the proposal is an ineffective attempt to address the long-term effects of the healthcare cuts and would harm California’s economy and budget.

The state budget in California already is largely dependent on income taxes paid by its highest earners. Because of that, revenues are prone to volatility, hinging on capital gains from investments, bonuses to executives and windfalls from new stock offerings, and are notoriously difficult for the state to predict.

Billionaires such as Palmer Luckey, the co-founder of defense tech startup Anduril Industries, and entrepreneur Mark Cuban have pushed back against the proposal on social media. Some tech executives have been relocating or moving their assets to try to avoid the potential tax. Google co-founder Sergey Brin has been cutting ties to California, relocating to Nevada while funding groups such as Building a Better California that are backing ballot measures that could nullify the billionaire tax.

More than $187 million has been spent opposing the proposition, with the bulk coming from Building a Better California, cryptocurrency company Ripple Labs and its co-founder Chris Larsen, data from the secretary of state show.