Counties, state not prepared for wildfires, report finds

Three counties and a state agency face scrutiny over their planning during three years of devastating wildfires. The Border Patrol defends its fence after a video showing someone scaling it goes viral. And a bit of background on a giant jolly face that watches over the 101 Freeway. 

Here's what you need to know for Thursday.

But first, let's start with a throwback. On this day in 1848, President James Polk forever changed the course of history by publicly confirming that California was gold country. Hoping to strike it rich, prospectors descended on the state from across the country and around the world. These days, few are hoping to cash in on a glittery amber glow. But the Golden State still holds a lot of promise: California's economy is slated to outpace the rest of the country next year — no shovel required.

I'm Gabrielle Canon, a California reporter based in Sacramento, filling in for Arlene Martínez. Sign up here for all your need-to-knows handpicked from newsrooms across the USA TODAY Network and beyond. 

California auditor faults counties, state for lack of wildfire disaster planning

As fire season in California stretches and wildfires worsen, state and local officials have failed to do enough to plan for the aftermath, according to new conclusions out today from a California State Auditor's office report. 

Sonoma, Ventura and Butte counties, along with the state Office of Emergency Services, were called out in the report for not preparing for or providing enough assistance during the devastating infernos that have torn across the state in the last three years. 

The findings echo reporting from a coalition of news organizations, released in April, that found much more needs to be done to adequately prepare for fires in the future. 

'King of Santa Claus Lane'

It's the time of year when Santa Claus sightings aren't surprising. But this one still manages to raise eyebrows. At 10,000 pounds, he may be the world's largest Santa and he stands at salute year-round overlooking the 101 Freeway outside Oxnard, at Nyeland Acres. The cement statue will serve as the starting line to the Santa to the Sea half-marathon this week donning glasses, but he switches to shades in the spring. Here's everything you never knew you needed to know about the "King of Santa Claus Lane." 

What else we're talking about

Residents living in high fire-risk areas heard their insurance woes answered today, as California regulators temporarily banned insurers from refusing to cover them. 

California Gov. Gavin Newsom snatched up a recently fired Trump administration official who clashed with the president's team over plans to address homelessness in the state. 

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has lost her lead in California. A new poll shows she is slipping behind Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. 

Border wall 'worked exactly as designed'

They made it look almost easy. A video shot by a Mexican citizen, which has now been viewed more than 3 million times, captures a teen as he ambles up and over the newly enhanced section of fencing in Mexicali on a rope ladder. Starting on the Mexican side, it takes him mere moments to slide gently down on the other side in the United States, before running out of the frame.

The viral video, obtained by Desert Sun photojournalist Omar Ornelas, doesn't depict the outcome of the seemingly successful crossing. According to the Border Patrol, the 16-year-old was quickly apprehended.  

"In this particular incident, the border wall system worked exactly as designed," Assistant Chief Patrol Agent Joshua Devack said, adding that Mexican authorities are working to find the two others seen in the video.

A point to remember: Trump's border wall has not been built. This was a 14-mile section of redesigned steel fencing meant to replace a deteriorating section. 

Assemblyman Chad Mayes is leaving the GOP

More bad news for the beleaguered California GOP as Assemblyman Chad Mayes has decided to leave the party. He is running for reelection in the 42nd District — an area in Southern California that includes parts of Coachella Valley and the High Desert — but not as a Republican. 

Party problems were to blame as he pointed to the failure of the two-party system and wasted time on "gamesmanship, versus working on solutions to make people’s lives better," Mayes said. Though he's committed to continuing governing as a conservative, he's not seen eye to eye on many of his party's platforms in the past and was an outspoken critic of President Trump.

When the Assembly convenes again in January, there will only be 17 Republicans left, out of 80 total seats. In the state Senate, 11 seats out of 40 are held by the GOP.

I'll send you on your way tonight with an idea for your next California weekend getaway (or at least a distraction to get you through the last day of the work-week). National Geographic has deemed the Central Coast the "next great wine destination." Paso Robles, which is south of popular go-to's Napa and Sonoma, is now home to a "booming booze scene" that caters to "gastronomic trailblazers."

This, of course, wasn't news for reporters at The San Luis Obispo Tribune. "Here on the Central Coast, we’ve known for years that Paso Robles is a go-to spot for wine," Tribune reporter Gabby Ferreira wrote. Even if the secret is getting out, it's hard to beat un-corking amidst scenic views and laid-back vibes. Cheers to Thursday! 

Also contributing: Los Angeles Times, New York Times, National Geographic, San Francisco Chronicle, Business Insider