Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. It’s Monday, Dec. 23, and here’s a quick look at the week ahead:

Monday marks the second night of Hanukkah. The holiday will continue through Sunday night.

Tuesday is Christmas Eve.

Wednesday is Christmas Day. Archbishop Jose Gomez will lead a Christmas morning Mass inside Men’s Central Jail in downtown Los Angeles, as has become Gomez’s tradition.

Kwanzaa begins on Thursday.

Happy holidays to all who are celebrating! This newsletter will be off on Wednesday and Thursday, but back in your inboxes on Friday morning.

And now, here’s what’s happening across California:

TOP STORIES

The state’s population growth has slowed to a trickle, reaching the most sluggish rates seen since 1900 as residents leave and immigration decelerates. The trend is rooted in fewer births, coupled with increased deaths among an aging population. The Golden State has also seen changes in international migration, along with more residents leaving the state. Los Angeles Times

California emergency officials are continuing to overlook the state’s most vulnerable people, including those with disabilities, as they make preparations for inevitable wildfires, floods and other disasters, according to a state audit released this month.

Residents who don’t speak English have been unable to find information in their language. Individuals who use wheelchairs or rely on electricity to power lifesaving equipment have found themselves unable to move and cut off from the outside world, trapped in part, the audit suggests, by state and county leaders’ inability to think ahead for emergencies. Los Angeles Times

L.A. STORIES

A joyous New Orleans-style Second Line parade to honor the roughly 1,000 homeless people who have died in Los Angeles County this year turned to anger on Friday, as skid row mourners stopped at City Hall to denounce elected officials for not halting the growing death toll. Los Angeles Times

“Our worst nightmare.” Vandalism at a Persian synagogue stuns a congregation. Los Angeles Times

A guide to finding the tastiest sufganiyot in the San Fernando Valley. Jelly-filled sufganiyot (the Hebrew word for doughnuts) are traditionally eaten during Hanukkah. Los Angeles Daily News

An introduction to LA Fresh Poultry, a halal-style store known as la pollería where the many immigrant communities of Los Angeles converge. New York Times

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IMMIGRATION AND THE BORDER

After countless promises and attempts to restrict immigration, 2019 may be remembered as the year in which President Trump got closest to fulfilling his central campaign pledge. Los Angeles Times

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Sen. Bernie Sanders has rolled out more than 300 California endorsements, which include 40 elected officials. The Democratic presidential contenders are vying for California backing ahead of Super Tuesday. The Hill

How Sacramento shifted billions of dollars in future wildfire costs to consumers: California will automatically consider utility-caused wildfire costs reasonable unless a third party can prove “serious doubts,” experts say. San Diego Union-Tribune

CRIME AND COURTS

New phone transcripts offer a detailed look at how college admissions scandal mastermind Rick Singer worked. The transcripts offer something new in the much picked-over case — an unvarnished view of how Singer sold his wealthy clients on committing what prosecutors call fraud, bribery and money laundering. Los Angeles Times

The Newport-Mesa Unified School District has appealed state fines over a rat infestation and other problems. Los Angeles Times

HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Rain drenched the Bay Area, and more is expected to return before Christmas. San Francisco Chronicle

Planning to drive up the Grapevine or into the mountains from L.A. this holiday week? Tuesday should be your best bet for traveling, weather-wise. (Another storm system is headed in for Wednesday and Thursday.) Los Angeles Times

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

A 111-year-old man celebrated his birthday in Laguna Woods. He’s believed to be the oldest man in the United States. Orange County Register

Here are 15 Northern California wine, beer and coffee events to enjoy in the new year. Mercury News

The state’s longest-serving highway patrolman has retired after 36 years. CHP senior Officer Doug Villars finished his decades-long career in San Luis Obispo, joined on the road by his son, also a CHP officer, for a final patrol. San Luis Obispo Tribune

Three of the top 10 metro areas in the country vulnerable to “porch piracy” are in California, according to one analysis. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, so too has “porch piracy” — or the pilfering of delivered packages. Los Angeles Times

An internet outage at Sacramento International Airport caused major delays and cancellations on Sunday morning. Sacramento Bee

Several major Orange County freeway closures are planned for the holiday week. Here’s what to know. Orange County Register

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

Los Angeles: rain, 59. San Diego: rain, 62. San Francisco: partly sunny, 53. San Jose: partly sunny, 55. Sacramento: sunny, 55. More weather is here.

AND FINALLY

This week’s birthdays for those who made a mark in California:

Former Dodger Steve Garvey (Dec. 22, 1948), filmmaker Lee Daniels (Dec. 24, 1959), former Gov. Gray Davis (Dec. 26, 1942), L.A. Archbishop Jose Gomez (Dec. 26, 1951) and USC Annenberg School Dean Willow Bay (Dec. 28, 1963)

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints, ideas and unrelated book recommendations to Julia Wick. Follow her on Twitter @Sherlyholmes.

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Watching how we watch ‘Watchmen’

Regarding “Really Lost on Show’s Appeal” [Dec.14], Lorraine Ali And Robert Lloyd’s discussion of “Watchmen” on HBO: I’m so glad to know that I’m not the only one watching “Watchmen” and noticing that it makes less sense the longer it goes on. I’ll finish the season, but barring a narrative miracle, I’m out after that.

Renee Leask

Glendale

::

An entertainment constructed upon the facile conceit of women as avengers of justice is as dangerously simplistic as the credo of the Black Panthers, whose avenging of racial and other perceived wrongs employed tactics arguably as repressive, if not moreso, as those employed by the most fascist of states. I would be as fearful were my family and I living in Sister Knight’s world as I would in Nazi Germany.

Jeff Denker

Malibu

::

Over the years, I’ve found your columns to be intelligent and thoughtful but today’s article on “Watchmen” is very far off the mark. I am a big admirer of “Watchmen” the graphic novel, which is one of the great works of art of our time. It proves that the graphic novel is a distinct art form. The TV show does a good job of translating the artistic sensibilities of the graphic novel into a television format.

Ed Greenman

Los Angeles

::

Reading Lorraine Ali and Robert Lloyd’s back-and-forth discussion of their confusion with “Watchmen” was akin to listening to two anti-vaxxers discuss the science behind vaccines, or watching climate change deniers try to discuss climatology.

Diana Davis

North Hollywood

::

I really enjoyed your article on the television series “Watchmen.” I read Ali’s opinions on the series as well and can’t say that I agree with her on everything she said. I don’t think the show normalizes white supremacy, but shines light on the issue at hand, in a new age and modern way.

This TV show has definitely sparked much needed conversations about racism, crime and corrupt police.

Cashia Kirksey

Los Angeles

The important art of protest

Regarding Carolina Miranda’s “Year in Review: A Defiant Anthem”: Hurrah for the Chilean women’s art collective for bringing attention to the problem of rape, which degrades and humiliates women.

They have gotten the attention of many countries. This protest movement reminds one of the Chilean women who sewed Arpilleras depicting scenes of what was happening during the Pinochet dictatorship. They protested the disappearances, the murder of their sons and husbands. The women’s sewing was sent out of the country to draw attention to what was happening in their country. At the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach, there is now an exhibition of the women’s art protest movement.

Lynne Okon Scholnick

Long Beach

A beautiful story of friendship

Thank you, John Penner for the wonderful, touching article on Milos Forman and Ivan Passer’s friendship [“Milos, Ivan and the Great Escape to Hollywood,” Dec. 14]. I had the privilege of working with Forman on two films. He had such a complex life, filled with triumph and tragedy, yet he was endlessly fun, starting every meeting with “Tell me the gossip!”

He delighted in mischief and provoking those in power.

Milos always talked warmly about Ivan. Their friendship, along with the rest of their Czech cohorts, was remarkable. With Milos, all roads led back to his beginnings. It’s lovely that The Times paid tribute to these two talented, generous men.

Scott Alexander

Los Angeles

That’s the best he’s got, really?

In reading Kenneth Turan’s “The Year in Review: The Winner’s Circle” best movies of 2019, I was gobsmacked by the omission of two films that are sure to be on most best of lists: “Jojo Rabbit” and “Parasite.” I won’t call out any films that he named specifically as less than these two, but suffice it to say that the writers/directors of these masterpieces are some of the most strikingly unique voices in cinema today.

Their omission makes one think Mr. Turan’s judgment was momentarily altered by exhaust fumes.

Steve Apostolina

Burbank

A tune for the City of Angels

Regarding “L.A. Songs Hall of Fame” section [of the Dec. 8 “50 Songs for a New L.A.” project by Randall Roberts]: One of the best songs about L.A. is “Angel Town” by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. Written in 1959, the song was inspired by Gene Sherman’s column in the Los Angeles Times and dedicated by him to an angel. I’ve hummed that tune for the last 60 years.

Helen Seid

Culver City

Truth hurts, but she’s not a ‘thing’

Regarding: “The Year In Review: Living Her Best Life” [Dec. 15]: I’m appalled by this: “How Lizzo became the one thing we all loved this year,” and the online headline, “100% her year: How Lizzo became the one thing we all loved in 2019.”

I had no idea Lizzo was a thing. I thought she was a person.

Lynn V. Baden

Anaheim

::

“We” did not all love Lizzo this year. I was appalled to see her on the front page of the Calendar section. After her antics at the Lakers game, she shouldn’t be featured or celebrated in any prestigious publication.

Sandy Grady

Los Angeles

Would you like to spin or solve?

Regarding “‘Wheel’ Spins to Vanna” [Dec. 11]: Really? Vanna White is in the news? Is that all you’ve got? Talk about a slow news day.

Next you’ll be writing about Justin Bieber‘s new look and the Kardashians going Christmas shopping.

Rick Mervis

Northridge

::

Robert Lloyd is right that by hosting “Wheel of Fortune” while Pat Sajak recovers from surgery, Vanna White breaks up a long “procession of dudes in suits” — or, to borrow a line from “The Golden Girls,” “a lot of teeth and polyester.”

It’s worth noting two exceptions: Meredith Vieira, who twice won the Best Game Show Host Emmy for “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and the incomparable Betty White, who became the first woman to win the category for 1983’s “Just Men!”

Other female nominees have included Susan Stafford, Carnie Wilson, Brooke Burns and Vicki Lawrence.

Jordan Chodorow

Los Angeles

It was ‘chillingly familiar’ indeed

Reading Carol Clark’s letter about “El Sueño Americano” at the Skirball [“Calendar Feedback: A Chillingly Familiar Show,” Dec. 15]: I agreed, and upon seeing this exhibit, especially the photograph of a pile of shoelaces, I immediately thought of the photos of shoes at Auschwitz.

As a Skirball volunteer, I am fortunate enough to be able to visit this exhibit often and am always chilled to the bone.

Joanne Serin

Sherman Oaks

Sing it for those on the outside

Regarding “Rampart Records’ Essential Box Set Mines East L.A.’s 1960s and ’70s Soul-funk Scene” [Dec. 12]: I found this online article an interesting read. I always appreciate the effort made by The Times to preserve and magnify music that is not typically heard to mainstream audiences. To add on showing talents from the past that originated in my hometown of East Los Angeles also rekindles my passion for music (specifically funk) and makes it seem plausible that someone from that area could in fact become successful.

Joseph Rivera

Los Angeles

Will Harvey get the Roger treament?

Regarding film critic Kenneth Turan’s review “‘Bombshell’ Explodes on the Screen” [Dec.13]: “Bombshell” is a movie about “media titan” Roger Ailes and Fox News. Let’s see if anyone in Hollywood will dare make a movie about Harvey Weinstein.

Oscar “Boomer” Rosalez

Diamond Bar

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BETHLEHEM, West Bank  — 

The mysterious street artist known as Banksy has displayed a politically charged Nativity scene in Bethlehem, the town revered as Jesus’ birthplace, just in time for the busy Christmas season.

The artwork, titled “Scar of Bethlehem,” depicts the birth of Jesus under Israel’s West Bank separation barrier with a bullet hole shaped like a star. The piece is displayed at the Walled Off Hotel, a Palestinian guesthouse in Bethlehem that was designed by Banksy and is filled with his artwork.

Wisam Salsaa, the hotel manager, said the British artist recently sent the new piece to the inn.

“We see there is a scar,” he said. “A hole on the wall marks the wall and the life in Bethlehem.”

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The hotel, which overlooks the separation barrier, sarcastically boasts “the worst view in the world.” Since its opening in 2017, it has become a popular tourist draw.

“Banksy is trying to remind the world that people of Bethlehem, where Christmas was started, are not celebrating Christmas like the rest of the world,” Salsaa said.

Israel built the barrier in the early 2000s in what it said was a move to prevent Palestinian suicide bombers in the West Bank from reaching Israel. The Palestinians consider the barrier illegal and call it an Israeli land grab, noting that it has engulfed large chunks of the West Bank onto the Israeli side.

Bethlehem has been affected especially hard by the barrier, which surrounds large parts of the city.

Tourists flocked to the hotel Sunday to see the Nativity scene and other works by Banksy as part of their visit to the city during the peak Christmas season.

Rafael Edelmuller, a 37-year-old tourist from London, said he was looking forward to seeing the art after seeing most of Banksy’s work in Amsterdam and London.

“So we saw the Church of Nativity and then the second thing that we wanted to see was the wall with the Banksy hotel and the artwork,“ Edelmuller said.

The British street artist, who carefully protects his anonymity, is believed to have visited the Palestinian territories before. In one work, a mural of a girl pulled upward by balloons was painted on the separation barrier facing the hotel. Banksy also is believed to have sneaked into the Gaza Strip to draw four murals there. One was painted on a remaining piece of a building destroyed during the 2014 war between Israel and Gaza’s ruling Hamas militant group and featured the Greek goddess Niobe cowering against the rubble of a destroyed house.

SERIES

The Christmas Caroler Challenge Six semifinalists compete in the first of two new episodes before the winner is revealed in the season finale. 8 and 9 p.m. CW

Holiday Baking Championship Host Jesse Palmer challenges the three remaining bakers to make a Christmas morning brunch that incorporates the seasonal flavors of gingerbread, cinnamon and eggnog. Nancy Fuller, Duff Goldman and Lorraine Pascale evaluate their efforts and pick the winner in the season finale. 9 p.m. Food Network

His Dark Materials As the sinister forces of the Magisterium close in, Lyra (Dafne Keen) discovers more about Asriel’s (James McAvoy) rebellion, but she realizes that the only way she can help him will carry a devastating personal cost in the season finale of this adaptation of Philip Pullman’s literary fantasy. Ruth Wilson, Will Keen, Ariyon Bakare and Amir Wilson also star. Helen McCrory provides the voice of one of the daemons. 9 and 10 p.m. HBO

Challenge Ian Ziering (“Beverly Hills, 90210”) takes over as host as this competition for bakers, cake makers and sugar artists returns for a new season. Pastry chef Keegan Gerhard, Matt Adlard and “MasterChef” winner Claudia Sandoval are on the judges panel. 10 p.m. Food Network

Christmas Cookie Challenge In the season finale, host Eddie Jackson challenges five contestants to decorate cookies using only detail, texture and relief, no colors. And in the final round they make tarts built from cookie layers using ingredients with vibrant colors, including kiwi and pomegranate. 11 p.m. Food Network

SPECIALS

60th Annual L.A. County Holiday Celebration Locally based artists and community groups showcase their talent, artistry and traditions on stage at the Music Center’s Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in this three-hour special. 3 and 9 p.m. KOCE

The Price Is Right at Night Holiday Extravaganza Seth Rogen and his wife, Lauren Miller Rogen, play the game show for charity. 8 p.m. CBS

Christmas at Belmont Musician Michael W. Smith and gospel artist CeCe Winans are the guest artists for this 2019 holiday concert, which was recorded at Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville. Musical selections include “Joy to the World,” “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “White Christmas.” 9 p.m. KOCE and KPBS

Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Concert Lacey Chabert, Jen Lilley, Nikki DeLoach, Larissa Wohl, Jessica Lowndes, Paul Greene and Jack Wagner are featured in this new holiday special. 9 p.m. Hallmark

TALK SHOWS

CBS This Morning (N) 7 a.m. KCBS

Today (N) 7 a.m. KNBC

KTLA Morning News (N) 7 a.m. KTLA

Good Morning America Trevor Jackson; chef Angie Mar. (N) 7 a.m. KABC

Good Day L.A. Morgan Fairchild (“All Good Things”); the winner of “The Masked Singer”; Yunnie Kim; Marla Tellez. (N) 7 a.m. KTTV

Live With Kelly and Ryan Kate Bosworth (“The I-Land”); Michael Sheen (“Prodigal Son”); animal expert Peter Gros. (N) 9 a.m. KABC

The View (N) 10 a.m. KABC

Rachael Ray Denis Leary. (N) 10 a.m. KTTV

The Talk Elton John. 1 p.m. KCBS

Tamron Hall Author Mitch Albom; Karamo Brown (“Queer Eye”) and son; Tina Lifford (“Queen Sugar”). 1 p.m. KABC

The Dr. Oz Show Wendy Williams; Morgan Spurlock (“Super Size Me”). 1 p.m. KTTV

The Kelly Clarkson Show Aaron Gray and Josh Arnett; Idina Menzel; Mykal-Michelle Harris; King Calaway performs. (N) 2 p.m. KNBC

Dr. Phil Wrongfully convicted Amanda Knox fights to save the life of Texas death-row inmate Rodney Reed. 3 p.m. KCBS

The Ellen DeGeneres Show Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey (“Office Ladies” podcast); “The Masked Singer” winner. (N) 3 p.m. KNBC

The Doctors Sensory processing disorder; miniature horse service animals; washing a makeup brush; a giveaway. 3 p.m. KCOP

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To the Contrary With Bonnie Erbé Film festival winner for U.S. history: “Red Phone Project.” (N) 6 p.m. KVCR

Amanpour and Company (N) 11 p.m. KCET; midnight KVCR; 1 a.m. KLCS

Conan Jeffrey Dean Morgan. 11 p.m. TBS

The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Adam Sandler; Jenny Slate; Megan Gailey. 11:34 p.m. KNBC

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert Scarlett Johansson; the Weeknd performs. 11:35 p.m. KCBS

Jimmy Kimmel Live! 11:35 p.m. KABC

The Late Late Show With James Corden Actress Rebel Wilson (“Cats”); singer Kacey Musgraves. 12:37 a.m. KCBS

Late Night With Seth Meyers 12:37 a.m. KNBC

Nightline (N) 12:37 a.m. KABC

A Little Late With Lilly Singh Model Ashley Graham. 1:38 a.m. KNBC

SPORTS

College Football Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl: UCF versus Marshall, 11:30 a.m. ESPN

College Basketball Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic: Semifinals, 4 and 8 p.m. ESPN2

NHL Hockey The New York Rangers visit the Philadelphia Flyers, 4 p.m. NBCSP; the St. Louis Blues visit the Kings, 7 p.m. Fox Sports Net

NFL Football The Green Bay Packers visit the Minnesota Vikings, 5 p.m. ESPN

For more sports on TV, see

the Sports section.

MEXICO

Witness the migration of millions of monarch butterflies to Mexico’s Central Highlands on a six-day tour organized by Natural Habitat Adventures. Participants will make morning and afternoon visits to the migration site at El Rosario Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary. They also will travel by horseback into the Sierra Chincua Butterfly Sanctuary to learn about protecting the monarchs’ habitat. Cultural experiences include visits to the village of Angangueo, known for its butterfly murals, and the Cosmovitral Botanical Garden. Group size limited to 16.

Dates: Departures Jan. 5 through March 3

Price: From $3,795 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations, all meals, entrance fees and activities, and expedition leader. International airfare not included.

Info: Natural Habitat Adventures, (800) 543-8917,bit.ly/monarchbutterflytour
—Anne Harnagel

MISSISSIPPI RIVER

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Music Cities cruise

Put on your dancing shoes and head for the sweet-sounding Tennessee cities of Nashville and Memphis on a new Music Cities itinerary from American Cruise Lines. The eight-day trips include precruise stays in either departure city. On board, participants will sail on four rivers: the Cumberland, Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi; on land they’ll visit musical landmarks such as Graceland, the Grand Ole Opry, Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Dates: Departures June 13 and June 20

Prices: From $3,225 per person, double occupancy. Includes accommodations, meals, beverages, shore excursions and gratuities. Airfare not included.

Info: American Cruise Lines, (800) 814-6880, bit.ly/musiccitiescruise

—Rosemary McClure

MONTANA

Park it at Glacier

Snow-capped peaks, plunging waterfalls, turquoise lakes. Glacier National Park has it all, plus dense forests, grizzlies and other wildlife in abundance. See it with Women Traveling Together on a six-day tour next summer. The itinerary begins and ends in Kalispell, Mont., the closest commercial airport to the park, then travels on the Going-to-the-Sun Road. Activities include travel by boat, foot, vehicle and raft. One free day is scheduled for those who might want to hike or ride the park’s hop-on, hop-off shuttle. Group size limited to 14.

Dates: Aug. 26-31

Price: From $2,351 per person. Includes accommodations, meals and activities, tour leader and gratuities for park guide. Airfare not included.

Info: Women Traveling Together, (443) 458-5634, bit.ly/glaciernptour

—Rosemary McClure

Dear Liz: This is a little unorthodox, but I’m hoping you can help. I have six nieces and nephews from my various brothers and sisters. They range in age from babies to teenagers. When they get older, I want to be able to assist them with therapy sessions — not because I think their parents will mess them up, but because I believe mental health is important to success. I imagine telling them about this fund when they are about 18 or so, so I’d need money I can access in five to 10 years. How should I start saving for this? What accounts should I use? Should I open one account for each of them, and how can I manage this the best way for my taxes?

Answer: Custodial accounts could save money on taxes, but the money would become entirely theirs at a certain point (typically age 18 or 21) and you would lose control over what they did with it. You could hire an attorney to draft trusts that would have more restrictions, but that will cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to set up and administer.

The simplest solution would be to set up one or more accounts in your own name that you’ve earmarked for this purpose. You would pay taxes on any interest, dividends and capital gains accrued, but you would maintain control of the money and it wouldn’t affect the children’s ability to get financial aid in college.

Keeping control also gives you the flexibility to use the money for another purpose, in case your young relatives don’t need or want therapy. Mental health challenges — although widespread — aren’t universal. A survey funded by the National Institute of Mental Health found 46% of adults had a psychiatric disorder at some time in the past, and one-quarter had experienced a problem in the previous year. The most common disorders were major depression (17%), alcohol abuse (13%) and social anxiety disorder (12%).

If you’re concerned about their success and want to help with money they’re even more likely to need, consider funding 529 college savings plans. The money can grow tax-deferred and be used tax-free at virtually any post-secondary school in the U.S., as well as some abroad. You can maintain control and have the flexibility to move money to other beneficiaries, or to withdraw it at any time (although you’d pay penalties and taxes on any earnings).

Social Security for a child

Dear Liz: I will be 65 next year and have an 8-year-old son. I have been told by various people that I can receive an extra Social Security allowance for him until he is 18. These same people also said it would reduce my benefit permanently. Is that correct?

Answer: Yes, plus your benefit would be subject to the Social Security earnings test if you continue to work. The earnings test applies when you start Social Security before your full retirement age, which is 66 and 2 months, and could temporarily reduce or even eliminate your benefit.

The earnings test disappears at full retirement age, which is why it’s usually good to wait until then to apply if you continue to work. Most people benefit from delaying the start of Social Security even longer, but your situation may be one of the exceptions because the child benefit can be a valuable, if temporary, addition to the family finances.

A child can receive up to half the parent’s full retirement benefit, typically until the child turns 18. (Benefits can continue as late as age 19 if the child is still in high school.) The parent must apply for his or her own benefit to trigger a child benefit. Also, there’s a limit to how much a family can receive based on one worker’s earnings record. This family maximum varies but can be from 150% to 180% of the parent’s full benefit amount.

Free Social Security claiming calculators typically aren’t set up to handle the possibility of child benefits, so you may want to use one of the paid versions such as Maximize My Social Security or Social Security Solutions to determine your best course.

Liz Weston, certified financial planner, is a personal finance columnist for NerdWallet. Questions may be sent to her at 3940 Laurel Canyon, No. 238, Studio City, CA 91604, or by using the “Contact” form at asklizweston.com.

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — 

Boeing landed its crew capsule in the New Mexico desert Sunday after an aborted flight to the International Space Station that threatened to derail the company’s effort to launch astronauts for NASA next year.

The Starliner descended into the Army’s White Sands Missile Range in the predawn darkness, ending a two-day demo that should have lasted more than a week. All three main parachutes popped open and airbags also inflated around the spacecraft to ease the impact.

“Congratulations, Starliner,” said Mission Control, calling it a successful touchdown.

A test dummy named Rosie the Rocketeer — after Rosie the Riveter from World War II — rode in the commander’s seat. Also returning were holiday presents, clothes and food that should have been delivered to the space station crew.

After seeing this first test flight cut short and the space station docking canceled because of an improperly set clock on the capsule, Boeing employees were relieved to get the Starliner back .

It was the first U.S. capsule designed for astronauts to return from orbit and land on the ground. NASA’s early crew capsules all had splashdowns. SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, which made its orbital debut last winter, also aims for the ocean at mission’s end.

The astronauts assigned to the first Starliner crew — two from NASA and one from Boeing — were part of the welcoming committee in the bitter cold.

The capsule’s first trip to space began with a smooth rocket ride from Cape Canaveral, Fla., on Friday. But barely half an hour into the flight, it failed to fire its thrusters to give chase to the space station and ended up in the wrong orbit.

The problem was with the Starliner’s internal clock: It did not sync up with the Atlas V rocket, throwing off the capsule’s timing.

The capsule burned so much fuel trying to orient itself in orbit that there wasn’t enough left for a space station rendezvous. Flight controllers tried to correct the problem, but between the spacecraft’s position and a gap in communications, their signals did not get through. They later managed to reset the clock.

Boeing is still trying to figure out how the timing error occurred. The mission lasted nearly 50 hours and included 33 orbits around the Earth.

Last month’s parachute problem turned out to be a quick fix. Only two parachutes deployed during an atmospheric test because workers failed to connect a pin in the rigging.

NASA is uncertain whether it will demand another test flight from Boeing — to include a space station visit — before putting its astronauts on board. Boeing had been shooting for its first astronaut mission in the first half of 2020. This capsule is supposed to be recycled for the second flight with crew.

Despite its own setbacks, SpaceX remains in the lead in NASA’s commercial crew program.

SpaceX’s Dragon crew capsule successfully completed its first orbital demo in March. While the flight to the space station went well, the capsule exploded a month later on a test stand at Cape Canaveral.

If a launch abort test goes well next month, SpaceX could start launching NASA astronauts by spring and end a nearly nine-year gap in flying people from Cape Canaveral.

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As its space shuttle program was winding down, NASA looked to private industry to take over cargo and crew deliveries to the space station. SpaceX kicked off supply runs in 2012. Two years later, NASA hired SpaceX and Boeing to ferry astronauts to the orbiting lab.

SpaceX got $2.6 billion under NASA’s commercial crew program, while Boeing received more than $4 billion.

The goal was to launch NASA astronauts by 2017.

Because of delays, NASA is looking to buy another two seats on Russian rockets in 2020 and 2021 to guarantee a continuing U.S. presence on the space station. Even when private companies are regularly carrying up astronauts for NASA, the space agency always will reserve a seat for a Russian in exchange for a free U.S. seat on a Soyuz.

Over the years, these Soyuz rides have cost NASA up to $86 million apiece, with the tab totaling in the billions.

An audit last month by NASA’s inspector general found a Starliner seat will cost slightly more than that, with a Dragon seat going for just over half the price.

I’m Business columnist David Lazarus, with a look today not at holiday shopping but at the avalanche of returned goods that inevitably follows all the gift giving.

A recent report from Oracle Retail, a division of software giant Oracle, found that 77% of consumers said they plan to return at least some of the goodies they receive this holiday season. Twenty percent said they’ll be likely to return more than half their gifts.

Younger people are the most fickle, Oracle observed, with Generation Z being the most likely demographic to say thanks but no thanks to a present.

“Retailers need to seize the moment when shoppers return gifts,” said Jeff Warren, vice president of retail solutions management for Oracle Retail.

That doesn’t just mean being sufficiently staffed to handle the deluge (although, speaking on behalf of all consumers, that would be nice, thanks).

Warren said all these returns — and the implicit interactions that accompany them — represent a “significant opportunity for retailers to build better customer profiles and generate new opportunities for engagement.”

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It remains to be seen if retailers will rise to that challenge. For many consumers, the returns process is just a final stress point of a stressful few weeks or months.

To make it easier to stomach, here are some helpful tips:

• Bring a receipt. Duh. This may not be a dealbreaker for all merchants, but it will definitely make things go faster and smoother.
• Be prompt. If you want to exchange something for a different size or color, you’ll have better luck if you don’t procrastinate. Otherwise, your options may be limited.
• Don’t remove tags until you decide something’s a keeper. Many stores will balk at returns of tagless clothing.
• When returning stuff purchased online, make sure you understand the merchant’s return policies and procedures. Some, like Amazon, make it relatively easy. Others seem to make the process as difficult as possible.
• Be nice. This is a tough time as well for salespeople. A little patience and decency can go a long way in greasing the return wheels.

Now then, here are a couple of recent stories from our pages worth highlighting:

Utility profits: The California Public Utilities Commission ruled that profit margins will remain the same at the state’s major utilities, denying the companies the higher shareholder returns they had sought. Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric had argued that higher profits were necessary to keep attracting sufficient capital to fund their operations.

Happy landings: Building a rocket is tough enough. Building a parachute attached to a spacecraft is where you really earn your engineering degree. The Rube Goldberg-esque sequence involves explosives, precise timing and battles against pressure and high winds. If it’s done right, astronauts touch down safely. If not, the crew can be killed on impact.

Recalls

General Motors is recalling more than 900,000 vehicles worldwide in two separate campaigns to address brake issues and fire risks. More than 550,000 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Cadillac CT6 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles are being recalled due to a potential software glitch that could disable vehicle brake systems.

Chicken soup may be a cure-all, but the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall of chicken soup produced by Canada’s Canyon Creek Soup. The soups contain allergens that aren’t on the label, including wheat and soy.

Spare change

‘Tis the season for returns, so here are some songs with “return” in the title (not including the obvious one by Elvis). Kansas has a classic with “Point of Know Return.” The Cure’s offering is simply titled “Return.” The Bangles serve up “a song about the U.S. postal system.” Then there’s this one from the Romanian-German group Enigma (remember them?), which was important to my wife for about a week in the 1990s.

Let me know what you think of the newsletter. My email is [email protected], or you can find me on Twitter @Davidlaz. Also, tell all your social media pals to join the party.

Until next time, see you in the Business section.

Former U.S. ambassador to Italy and San Marino Ronald Spogli has sold a home in Bel-Air for $7.5 million through a trust in his name, public records show.

During the diplomat’s ownership the gated Georgian Traditional underwent a major renovation of its 6,074 square feet of interiors. Beyond the front portico is a formal entry leading to dining, living and family rooms as well as a spacious kitchen outfitted with an island and a wine fridge. French doors open to the backyard.

The five bedrooms and 5.5 bathrooms include an upstairs master suite with a marble bath.

Built in 1933, the brick two-story is surrounded by more than three-quarters of an acre of manicured gardens and grounds.

The property previously sold 10 years ago for $4.4 million.

Spogli, a venture capitalist, served under the Obama and George W. Bush administrations.

Josh Flagg and Shane McCoy Fermelia of Rodeo Realty were the listing agents. Rayni Williams of Hilton & Hyland represented the buyer.

Click Here: Tienda Chivas

I met M. on Tinder. When we matched I’d been swiping without the intention of actually meeting anyone. I’d added several sexy photos to my profile, linked the 1975’s “Love It If We Made It” and wrote a disclaimer: “Here to look at your pics and fantasize about the relationship we’ll never have.”

I’d become jaded.

I also didn’t view myself as a good catch because I was still sorting things out — like finding an apartment, establishing a career and generally figuring out my purpose in life.

But back to M. For our first date I met him at his apartment in North Hollywood and we drove to Iroha Sushi in Studio City. I remember one of my friends cautioned me, “Don’t meet at his apartment! You’ll never make it to the restaurant.” But M. seemed different. He was waiting for me in the lobby and greeted me with a Tom Ford cologne-scented hug. “You hungry?” he asked as we walked through the garage to his black Lexus coupe. He was from Israel and spoke with an accent. He wore a red-and-black-checkered flannel, a T-shirt cut low enough to reveal some modest chest hair, and black Vans.

Over dinner we talked about his mandatory three years in the Israeli army, his family and his two-year marriage that ended in divorce a year earlier. Things were going well, so we continued the date at El Tejano for drinks before heading back to his place. We hooked up but I didn’t sleep over — ironically that was too intimate for me.

As he’d requested, I texted him when I got home and he said, “Next time you should stay.”

“I should,” I replied, making a point to be neutral and noncommittal.

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I’d had a great time but didn’t feel a spark. Or maybe I was just used to these things not going anywhere.

But the next day he reached out to me. He gave me text play-by-plays of his day, complete with pictures of his breakfast spread and a video-pan of the scene of a pool party at the Hollywood Roosevelt. He asked if he could pick me up on his way home. (I said yes because I’d been going through a dry spell before our date and welcomed the new sex.)

He drove me to work that night after we hung out at his place. During the drive we bonded over our similar taste in music while he held my hand. After he dropped me off he continued to text me until he went to sleep. He told me to call him when I woke up. This became a regular thing — us saying good morning and keeping in touch throughout our days.

I kept waiting for him to be a jerk or inconsiderate, but the moment never came. I couldn’t believe I’d finally met someone and we were hitting it off.

Things were going so well it started to give me anxiety.

It felt too good to be true.

I started doubting how worthy I was of M’s attention and affection. I made a conscious effort to stop these thoughts as soon as they came up. I repeated mantras affirming that I deserved to be happy. Another thing I grappled with was how balanced his life was. He divided his time among working, hanging out with friends, being with family and pursuing personal hobbies.

At one point we went 10 days without seeing each other because of his full schedule. It frustrated me, but I also recognized that it was a good thing he didn’t center his world around a romantic relationship. I could learn from that, I thought.

Things got weird when I noticed he’d added a picture to his Tinder profile. We’d been dating about a month. And yes, I was still on the app but I wasn’t actively using it.

Instead of confronting him outright about the photo, I asked if he was seeing other people. He told me he wasn’t, but I could sense myself going on the defensive.

I started to pay attention to how long it took for him to text back, how often he called me gorgeous or beautiful, and how much time he dedicated to me. One day I noticed — via iPhone’s “read receipt” feature — that he’d opened my iMessage but didn’t reply for three hours. I felt frustrated. I waited until the following afternoon to respond.

I started to feel distance swelling between us.

The final straw was when I could see he was active on Instagram before replying to a text conversation he’d started with me over an hour earlier. Why was he putting social media before me?

When he finally texted me asking, “How are you?” I didn’t reply. I didn’t want to give him the opportunity to leave me on “read.”

At first I felt really strong and empowered, like I was taking my power back and protecting my heart. As the days went on, though, he didn’t follow up to see why I’d gone silent.

I wished I’d been mature enough to flat out ask him if he was losing interest in me. Instead, I just felt sad and empty.

Truth is, I hate the power struggle that so often comes with online dating.

I may have ghosted him before he ghosted me, but I didn’t win.

The author writes the blog MindBodySex.com, and you can find her on Instagram @TheAshleighGray

Straight, gay, bisexual, transgender or nonbinary: L.A. Affairs chronicles the search for love in and around Los Angeles — and we want to hear your story. You must allow your name to be published, and the story you tell has to be true. We pay $300 for each essay we publish. Email us at [email protected]. You can find submission guidelines here.