California Local Explainers, Guides, Etc.

Here are three sets of strategies for protecting homes, neighborhoods and communities against wildfire.

By channeling funds to a number of nonprofits working on various issues in a given region, community foundations help solve big problems throughout California.

The California Environmental Quality Act, CEQA, is the state’s signature environmental legislation, and is also often named as the villain in the state’s housing shortage. But the story may not be that simple.

Measuring performance of the California public school system is a complicated business. We explain.

A law from 1962 mandates the improvement of California government. We explain.

Civil Grand Juries are a powerful means by which ordinary citizens investigate local governments and provide recommendations for improvement.

Introducing the people who keep the food supply safe, make sure consumers get what they pay for, and protect the public from invasive pests.

California stands as America’s agricultural powerhouse, growing half of its fruits and vegetables. Here’s how California farming has shaped the state, from the early missions to today’s “factories in the field.”

California women have played a significant role in shaping every major industry within the U.S. and the world. Here are a few of them.

The state’s new digital deliberation platform, modeled by a Taiwanese champion of democracy, is meant to fight polarization with conversation.

In a time of unprecedented polarization, Braver Angels encourages citizens to do something completely revolutionary: listen to each other.

SC Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson on centering health in policy making, and her path to politics.

Recent votes to give California's mayors and council members pay raises have led to criticism. Is it justified?

The most populous state in the union has the largest public education system. We explain how it works.

What does it mean when firefighters call a fire "contained?" Here's a brief guide to commonly used fire prevention terminology.

Founded as a business organization in 1915, the Kiwanis Club now serves millions of children worldwide.

In the wake of the First World War, a group of business leaders built an international organization of more than 1,000 local service clubs in less than a decade. It has grown to be one of the biggest philanthropic organizations …

What happens when a 19th century drinking club becomes an enduring force for good? We explain.

Seacliff State Beach was obliterated by storms in 2023. California State Parks is mobilizing the public to reimagine its future.

Thousands of square miles of ocean and coastal habitat are now preserved for future generations.