The Pickett fire burned nearly 7,000 acres in California wine country last year, causing millions of dollars in losses.

© Fred Greaves/Reuters

A privacy measure for immigration aid workers became a free speech cause for backers of Mr. Shirley, a right-wing YouTube star. Democrats say the furor is fueled by misinformation.

© Andri Tambunan for The New York Times

After a drop in demand driven by a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, California growers are plowing lettuce back into the soil and laying off workers.

One hundred years ago, dahlias became the city’s official flower. They have gained new popularity as an antidote to the modern world.