CONTROVERSY, CALAMITY

Power blackouts

After several years of devastating fires sparked by utility lines, power companies took a radical approach in the fall. Utilities led by PG&E shut off power in large areas to lessen the risks of wind damaging equipment. In Northern California, millions lost power, sparking anger. And it didn’t exactly work, at least not fully. Investigators say it’s possible big blazes in Sonoma County and Southern California may have been sparked by electric lines.

‘Extreme red flag conditions’

Southern California knows all about the Santa Ana winds — the hot autumn gusts that have caused massive fires over the years and inspired writers such as Raymond Chandler and Joan Didion. But this year, we got a new term — “extreme red flag conditions.” The National Weather Service issued the bulletin as the worst winds in years bore down on the region. As predicted, they fueled numerous fires, but none disastrous.

California and 2020 election

California’s money has always mattered in presidential politics, with Hollywood and Silicon Valley being political piggy banks. But next year, voters will have a bigger voice thanks to a moved-up primary. For a while, it looked like Sen. Kamala Harris might be a favorite daughter. But her campaign struggled and she dropped out in December. California remains the heart of resistance against the policies of President Trump, but polls are showing voters are more than anything looking for someone who could beat the president in 2020.

The gig economy

California’s gig economy began with Uber and Lyft drivers revolutionizing transportation on the streets of San Francisco. To many, the use of freelance and contract labor has led to exploitation and an unregulated environment. This year, the state upended the relationship between companies and this class of workers with a new law that could provide hundreds of thousands of workers with new benefits and pay guarantees. And its impacts may be more extensive than originally imagined, affecting scores of business sectors, including trucking and journalism.

USC transitions

It’s been a tough few years at USC. Accusations that a longtime campus doctor abused students sparked a revolt on campus that led to the ouster of USC’s longtime president. Then, the college admissions scandal hit, and USC was again on the defensive. But the university this year announced a series of governance reforms aimed at improving operations and brought in Carol Folt as its new president. Many on campus hope USC is turning a page.

Allegations of corruption

It was not an encouraging sign when FBI agents raided Los Angeles City Hall and other buildings in the summer, related to an inquiry into the Department of Water and Power. (Federal investigators are also examining Councilman Jose Huizar and his ties to downtown developers.) Then The Times reported on Council President Herb Wesson’s son, who received discounted rent at an apartment building while his father helped the building’s executives win approval of a controversial high-rise. Everyone has denied wrongdoing. But there is growing concern that there might be more shoes to drop from City Hall’s observation tower.

Homeless crisis

This was the year the homeless crisis became Los Angeles’ all-consuming issue. Homelessness jumped 12% countywide. And there is growing impatience that the billions allocated for housing are being spent properly. A Times poll showed residents are still willing to spend more to help homeless people achieve better lives. But they also want the police to do more to clear the streets of homeless camps.

Housing crunch

Is the California dream dying? Finding an affordable house to buy — or an affordable apartment — has never been more challenging. Gentrification, development and a lack of supply are squeezing those without means, and some people who cannot afford rising rents are being pushed into the street. The state is working to strengthen rent control, but efforts to radically overhaul zoning rules to allow denser development remain a challenge. It’s leading to an existential question: Can those without means afford to live here?

Trump vs. California

The battle lines keep widening between California and the Trump administration, which is trying to hit California where it hurts: Rolling back auto emissions standards, threatening more coastal oil drilling and more. California officials keep fighting back, and at times winning. But this year, the administration turned its attention to additional issues, including firefighting, forest management, homelessness and urban blight. Political observers believe Trump wants to use California’s homeless crisis as a wedge issue in 2020. But no one thinks he has a chance of picking up many votes in the heart of the resistance.

Crossed rails

The future of California’s bullet train became even more perilous as Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a significant slowing of the project, which is over budget and way behind schedule. There are growing doubts that it will ever run from San Francisco to L.A., and what it will ultimately look like. President Trump is also threatening to demand that the federal government gets its money back, although those threats are not being taken particularly seriously. Some think that the money might be better spent on different local rail lines, such as L.A. Metro and BART, in the Bay Area.