Andrew J. Campa

6 days ago | latimes.com | Andrew J. Campa

Palisades Charter Elementary School teacher Elizabeth Lam lost her collection of Minnie Mouse ears in the Palisades fire. In the early, chaotic days of the COVID-19 pandemic, transitional-kindergarten teacher Elizabeth Lam despaired. She saw distracted faces when she gazed across the virtual divide to her students learning at home. Lam donned a set of Minnie Mouse ears. Four-year-old students who might struggle with 2+2 or writing their names could focus on M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E.

6 days ago | latimes.com | Andrew J. Campa

Two California Marines died after a collision in New Mexico on Tuesday while supporting border patrol units, Riverside native Lance Cpl. Albert A. Aguilera, left, and Fresno resident Lance Cpl. Marcelino M. Gamino. Two California Marines, including one from Southern California, who died after an accident in New Mexico on Tuesday while supporting Border Patrol units were identified Thursday by their division.

1 week ago | latimes.com | Andrew J. Campa

There’s at least one encore left for a $650,000 violin stolen from USC this month and thought to have been lost forever. Los Angeles Police Department detectives announced Tuesday that a Milanese 1694 Giovanni Grancino violin that had been stolen nearly two weeks earlier was recovered, and a suspect is in custody. Det. Stephanie Gutierrez, who led the investigation, said the instrument appeared unharmed, but a specialist paid for by a private party would inspect the violin to confirm its condition.

1 week ago | latimes.com | Andrew J. Campa

A stranded hiker was rescued by helicopter on Sunday after she spent more than an hour clinging to the side of a steep cliff along the Pacific Crest Trail. The terrifying image of the woman clutching the side of the cliff with a drop that spanned hundreds of feet was captured in bodycam video posted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit. Rescuers responded to a 911 text message at 10:11 a.m. from the Whitewater Preserve area just south of San Bernardino County.

1 week ago | latimes.com | Andrew J. Campa

Banners in downtown Palm Springs show support for Canadians. The city is a popular tourist draw for Canadian snowbirds but many are worried about traveling to the United States because of Trump’s immigration and border policies. Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Sunday. I’m your host, Andrew J. Campa. Here’s what you need to know:• Menendez brothers to get resentencing after D.A. fails in bid to stop it.