California Today: Before the Fire, L.A. Tried to Restore Second Reservoir in Palisades

May 5, 2025, 9:31 a.m. Eastern time

Good morning. Here are the top stories from across California.

Today’s Top Story

Mark Abramson for The New York Times

Before the Fire, L.A. Tried to Restore Second Reservoir in Palisades

Water supplies ran dry in the Pacific Palisades fire, in part because a reservoir was shut down for repairs. Records show the city had tried and failed to prepare an alternative reservoir.

Trump Says He Will Put 100% Tariff on Movies Made Outside U.S.

Declaring foreign film production a national security threat, the president said he had asked his top trade official to start the process of imposing a tax on Hollywood.

Trump Says He Wants Alcatraz Restored as a Prison

The project would be extraordinarily expensive at a time when the administration already plans to cut billions of dollars from the Justice Department’s budget.

L.A. Officials Test Residents for Lead After Fires

People in and around the burn zone may have been exposed to the toxic chemical through ash from the wildfires..

A Scenic Tour of Red Tape: Tracking the Slowest High-Speed Train in the Country

Can America still build big things? A long ride through California’s Central Valley tells a gloomy story.

A Grand Comeback for a Grand Seaside Hotel

San Diego’s Hotel del Coronado, where “Some Like It Hot” was shot and celebrities regularly checked in, has been renovated meticulously, deliberately and very expensively.

University of California’s New President Will Come From Texas

James B. Milliken will lead the California system, relinquishing his position as the chancellor of the University of Texas system.

Where Would Hollywood Find Its Guillotines or Pay Phones Without Them?

For nearly four decades the prop house History for Hire has helped filmmakers recreate the past. But with fewer films shot in Los Angeles, they are not sure how much longer they can hang on.

No Country for Old Politicians? Some California Democrats Want an Age Cap.

As the Democratic Party tries to win back support, some members say forcing older politicians to retire is one solution.

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Today's Recipe

Ryan Liebe for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.

Rosemary-Paprika Chicken and Fries

By Ali Slagle

2,069

45 minutes

Makes 2 to 3 servings

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