All California Local Newsletters

In the wake of the Oscars, we consider the role film plays in helping us understand ourselves and our culture, and reveal the story of Hollywood's role in our state's history and economy.

Fast food workers in California will soon earn a minimum of $20 an hour, thanks to a new state law. To celebrate, we take a look at the chains that got their start in the Golden State—and other ways we …

If you have a hard time understanding why in the world anyone would choose to place the seat of California government where they did—you don't know Sacramento.

Sacramento has more homeless residents than San Francisco. One story about why that happened, and another about an attempt to help. And: Black literature, California style.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’ve assembled a travel guide to California chocolate.

Meet the organizations working to win social justice for African Americans in California and beyond. And: Welcome Yolo County to CALocal.

While millions of Californians seek affordable housing elsewhere, an ambitious man backed by billionaires dreams of building an urban Utopia in Central Valley farm country.

Ten state agencies are dedicated to keeping California scenic. And while you’re out exploring, check out some of our state’s most venerable eateries.

Two causes of unnecessary death: “traffic violence” and COVID-19. Plus: Mickey Mouse is finally free!

In this week’s edition of The Newsletter, we celebrate local nonprofit community groups, and give appreciation to the individuals and businesses that support them.

It was a year of unprecedented conflict, from fights in the halls of Congress to war overseas. And in the midst of all of it, as you will see, there are reasons for hope.

This season, some of us celebrate the birth of a man who preached a gospel of charity toward the poorest among us. We’re taking this opportunity to discuss poverty in California, and some efforts to alleviate it.

Two Sacramento nurses travelled to the front lines of the war zone to deliver medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers. Plus: A number of ways you can help the people of this embattled nation. And: Goodbye Kevin McCarthy.

50-plus documentaries about California music show off the state's vast cultural diversity; plus a very brief essay about what the film 'Monterey Pop' means; and a guide to Cali-crafted sustainable gifts.

Released on the day following the much-hyped "Red vs. Blue" debate, Jonathan Vankin's "How California Works" easily explains exactly how we are "Building Democracy in the Golden State."

Holiday recipes from Sacramento Digs Gardening, a tour of agricultural tourist attractions—including Modesto’s imperiled Rodin Farms Fruit Stand—and a preview of the scenery-chewing Newsom-DeSantis debate.

From now until the end of the year, ’tis the season of giving. Here are some suggestions for where to make a deposit.

Veterans Day weekend reminds us to appreciate our fundamental democratic values, to thank those who fought to defend them, and to work together to preserve democracy here in California.

For this week’s newsletter, Jonathan Vankin looks at the lawsuit that California Attorney General Rob Bonta and AGs across the country have filed against Facebook’s and Instagram’s parent company, Meta.

To celebrate Halloween, we bring you a guide to California’s most fascinating ghost towns. Plus a riveting explainer about the state’s second-biggest industry—logistics—which contains some downright scary facts.