Newsletter: Today: The Oakland Fire Turns Into a Whodunit. ‘A Date Which Will Live in Infamy.’

I’m Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I don’t want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

The Oakland Fire Turns Into a Whodunit

The investigation into the deadly Oakland warehouse fire is turning up more clues as to what may have caused it — and is raising more questions about what’s to come. Authorities say they are looking at a refrigerator and other electrical items as a potential ignition source. Meanwhile, past legal cases show how things could play out in civil and criminal court.

The Captain of the Ghost Ship

Many of those who knew Derick Ion Almena describe him as a narcissist and an opportunist. Others are less harsh, saying Almena is more of a misunderstood eccentric, a “crazy uncle.” Who is the man behind the Ghost Ship, once described in a Craigslist ad as a “hybrid museum, sunken pirate ship, shingled funhouse, and guerrilla gallery”? Here is a look at his past based on interviews and records.

He Once Tried to Forget ‘a Date Which Will Live in Infamy’

Lauren Bruner was there. He served aboard the USS Arizona and saw his buddies die. For most of his life, he didn’t want to talk about Dec. 7, 1941, when the Japanese launched a surprise attack that killed more then 2,400 people. But a few years ago, he met a man named Ed McGrath, and eventually the memories of that horrible day came pouring out.

More About Pearl Harbor

-- Must-watch video: On the 75th anniversary, survivors recall where they were and how they survived.

-- Archival photos from the attack.

Trump Vs. California: Not So Much?

Yesterday we told you about the harsh words some Democrats used in trying to push back against Donald Trump’s immigration proposals. But Gov. Jerry Brown is urging caution on a “California vs. Trump” narrative, even when it comes to one of his signature issues: climate change. As for the effects of Trump’s trade and immigration plans on California’s economy, a report from the UCLA Anderson Forecast found that there could be profound changes, with some risks and some promise. “I am optimistic about the direction we are going to see,” said one of the report’s co-authors. “We aren’t going to see some kind of disaster happening next year.”

How Do We Know This Is True!?

PizzaGate continues to deliver: Michael Flynn Jr., the son of Trump’s pick for national security advisor, was let go from Trump’s transition team after continuing to promote the conspiracy theory on Twitter about a D.C.-area pizzeria’s fictitious role in a child abuse ring. The elder Flynn has also spread false stories. True!

More Politics

-- After news and watchdog organizations criticized his administration for being secretive, President Obama is now making a push for transparency before handing over executive power to Trump.

-- Trump wants the contract to build a new Air Force One canceled, calling the program “ridiculous.”

In the Guard Bonus Scandal, Just One Soldier Went to Prison

Congress will hold its first hearing on the California Guard incentives program that became a scandal for its improper bonuses to soldiers, then became an embarrassment when the Pentagon tried to claw back the money. An official is expected to testify that “dozens of personnel, including senior leaders and general officers,” were punished. But only one soldier went to prison, and she says others should own up to their responsibility.

Why Streaming Gives the Grammys Life

For all their diversity, the Grammys have long had a sentimental streak that has sometimes caused influential music of the time to be overlooked in favor of handing out trophies to veteran performers past their prime. That won’t be the case this year. Beyoncé leads the pack of Grammy nominees, and at age 35, she’s the oldest among those vying in the top categories. Here’s why the boomers were passed over for the millennials. Plus: the complete list of nominees.

CALIFORNIA

-- Authorities say a California KKK leader was arrested last week in connection with a North Carolina stabbing hours before a Klan parade celebrating Trump’s election. Earlier this year, he led a “white lives matter” rally that erupted in violence in Anaheim.

-- Remember that billionaire bully who was trying to keep the public off Martins Beach? Steve Lopez says the guy is still at it.

-- A federal judge plans to approve the city of San Bernardino’s plan to exit bankruptcy. That would be a major step toward the end of one of the nation’s longest-running municipal bankruptcies.

-- The L.A. Ethics Commission fined a former police sergeant $500 for breaking city rules by leaking to reporters an audio recording from his stop of an actress from “Django Unchained.”

-- Investigators have concluded there’s no evidence to verify a bomb threat on L.A.’s subway system.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Author George R.R. Martin teased his next installment of the “Song of Ice and Fire” series, but no, there’s still no publication date.

-- Universal Studios Hollywood has removed the 3-D from its signature Harry Potter ride. Officials won’t say exactly why, but some fans think the special effect nauseated too many people.

-- A lesson in classical music diplomacy? The China Philharmonic played at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

-- “Hansel & Gretel Bluegrass” is a haunting new play about parents who send their children out of harm’s way.

-- Fiona Apple roasts Trump in a dark parody of “The Christmas Song.”

NATION-WORLD

-- A Louisiana man who admitted to fatally shooting former USC star Joe McKnight was charged with manslaughter. The sheriff in the case? He went on a tirade.

-- The latest challenge for Dakota Access pipeline protesters: a punishing blizzard.

-- German Chancellor Angela Merkel is calling for a ban on full-face veils, “wherever it is legally possible.”

-- India mourns the death of a politician who inspired such devotion that her fans set themselves on fire.

-- You know you want to look: Here’s how the Obamas decorated the White House for the holidays one last time.

BUSINESS

-- Oh, Christmas tree! A shortage could mean you’ll pay more for one in Southern California.

-- SeaWorld is eliminating 320 jobs, part of an ongoing effort to sharply cut its costs.

SPORTS

-- Bill Plaschke: Unless the Rams suddenly get good, their coach is probably getting fired.

-- Landon Donovan’s brief comeback with the L.A. Galaxy is ending. He’s retiring, again.

OPINION

-- Forget populism. Trump is picking orthodox Republicans for his administration.

-- How will Linda Lopez run L.A.’s Office of Immigrant Affairs with Trump in power? Patt Morrison finds out.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- The Pentagon tried to bury an internal study that exposed $125 billion in waste, according to findings by the Washington Post.

-- “I begged people nearby to help, but they just urged the men to beat me to death”: Afghanistan’s first female rapper won’t stay silent. (The Guardian)

-- Why does jazz get dumped on so much today? (NewMusicBox)

ONLY IN L.A.

Van Williams didn’t fancy himself an actor; instead, working in Hollywood was something he felt he just fell into. But as the wealthy newspaper publisher who fought crime after hours alongside Bruce Lee’s Kato in the TV show “The Green Hornet,” he gained fame, even if he was uncomfortable with it. Eventually, he found satisfaction as a reserve deputy in Malibu with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Take a look back at the well-rounded life of Williams, who died at age 82.

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