Newsletter: Wilshire Boulevard could be a glimpse into L.A.’s future

Good morning. It is Saturday, Nov. 5. Here’s what you don’t want to miss this weekend:

TOP STORIES

Back to the future: Could Wilshire Boulevard serve as a blueprint for Los Angeles’ future? The grand concourse that was built for the automobile will soon be home to the subway. And the glamorous department stores that once dotted the Miracle Mile area have been replaced by new apartment buildings. Los Angeles Times

Invasion of privacy: A former Playboy playmate was charged Friday as prosecutors allege she snapped a nude picture of a 70-year-old woman at the gym. Dani Mathers, 29, faces one misdemeanor count of invasion of privacy. “While body-shaming, in itself, is not a crime, there are circumstances in which invading one’s privacy to accomplish it can be. And we shouldn’t tolerate that,” said City Atty. Mike Feuer. Los Angeles Times

Long haul: The “megacommute” has taken over the Bay Area. That’s when it takes a single driver 90 minutes or more to drive one way to work. “It shows how hot our economy is, but it also shows how bad our housing and traffic problems are,” said Russell Hancock, president of Joint Venture Silicon Valley. Mercury News

Uber loading: As ridesharing booms, cities are asking a key question: Where should drivers drop off passengers? It’s turned into quite a debate. SFist

Community leader: E.J. Jackson died at the age of 66. The South L.A. businessman was known for his annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaways. “E.J. worked very hard to be of assistance to families, to children, and even though we are all focused on the Thanksgiving giveaway, he was doing this all year,” said Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles). Los Angeles Times

He’ll vouch: With the election approaching, partisans are trying to reach voters in any way they can. One effort being noticed: The California attorney who wrote a passionate Facebook post about his old roommate Tim Kaine. Vox

Married men vote: A SurveyMonkey study shows that California is one of only a few states where a majority of married men support Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump. SurveyMonkey

You may proceed: Prosecutors may continue their case of voter fraud and perjury against former L.A. City Councilman Richard Alarcon and his wife. “If Alarcon is retried and convicted of a felony, he would be barred under state law from holding elected office. Just weeks after his conviction was overturned earlier this year, Alarcon announced he would run for Congress.” Los Angeles Times

Taco taco: Can it be? A Chipotle is coming to Echo Park. Eastsider LA

Beach crash: A vehicle with L.A. County’s Beaches and Harbors division ran over a man on Venice Beach Friday. The man, in his 50s, suffered traumatic injuries and was listed in serious condition. Los Angeles Times

THIS WEEK’S MOST POPULAR STORIES IN ESSENTIAL CALIFORNIA

1. A janitor for BART grossed $270,000 in pay and benefits. Mercury News

2. How a coastal champion once ended up defending the Bay Boys. Daily Breeze

3. Twenty-eight gifts for the Southern Californian in your life. BuzzFeed

4. This 30-year-old billionaire just finalized the most expensive home purchase in San Francisco so far this year. SFist

5. Why did an arsonist target one of the city’s most reviled buildings? LA Weekly

ICYMI, HERE ARE THIS WEEK’S GREAT READS

Getting serious: Silicon Valley has been criticized for focusing more on getting rich than helping others. But there’s a new movement to help philanthropists do a better job, using techniques learned in business. New York Times

New restaurant: Movie great Francis Ford Coppola is trying to explain, and perhaps deflect, criticism over his new Napa restaurant that serves Native American cuisine. San Francisco Chronicle

Back to where it all began: Dance legend Carmen de Lavallade returned to South L.A. to talk to students about the power of art and self confidence. It was a message that not all students were open to. “You are a part of that history, and you will be a part of that history, and don’t let anybody tell you different,” de Lavallade said. Los Angeles Times

Shades of Nostalgia: Route 66 was different for black America. The Atlantic

LOOKING AHEAD

Monday: Sen. Bernie Sanders will be in L.A. in support of Proposition 61.

Tuesday: It’s election day. Here’s your guide to the state’s 17 ballot propositions.

Friday: Veterans Day events will be held across Southern California.

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (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 and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad.