Andrew J. Campa

The NWS has reissued a ‘particularly dangerous situation' warning for swaths of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, cautioning of high wind gusts, dry air and a higher risk of rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior.

Forecasters expect Wednesday will be noticeably windier than Tuesday and firefighters warned that vegetation is critically dry.

LOS ANGELES — The most extreme level of a red flag fire warning, a “particularly dangerous situation,” returned to parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Wednesday morning.

Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto is charging two men in their mid-40s with breaking the 6 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew established on Jan. 9 in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

As dangerous winds subsided Wednesday, there was growing frustration among residents desperate to see what's left of their homes. But there's a growing risk that significant fire weather could return in Los Angeles and Ventura counties starting early next week.

Health officials confirmed Thursday that a stomach bug is circulating among people at the wildfire evacuation center in Pasadena.

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 to start your weekend:

Five victims and an assailant are struck by gunfire, and three are in critical condition, following a gang-related shooting in MacArthur Park, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

LOS ANGELES — Six people were struck by gunfire and three are in critical condition Wednesday following a gang-related shooting in MacArthur Park, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

LOS ANGELES — Six people were struck by gunfire and three are in critical condition Wednesday following a gang-related shooting in MacArthur Park, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.