All California Local Articles


Image caption: Why one veteran of Southern California's terrifying wildfires is finding the Palisades Fire more unnerving than the rest.
Two 'Next-Level Disaster' Reports

A call with an evacuated friend fleeing fires in Los Angeles, and journalism's scary "platform problem."

Image caption: Nothing beats starting the day by reading the newspaper.
Journalism Has a Platform Problem

In which we examine the current state of online news and information discovery and distribution platforms, and how we hope to chart a path forward in 2025.

Image caption: A Pyrocumulus cloud generated by the Dixie Fire in July, 2021.
What is Fire 'Containment?' That and Other Terms, Explained

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

Image caption: This ad for BenitoLink's NewsMatch fundraiser proved somewhat successful--and you can still contribute.
Rural California News Matters

In the shadow of Silicon Valley, and on California's North Coast, local news outlets deliver essential information.

Image caption: BenitoLink reporter Noe Magaña and marketing director Mo Ismail.
Greetings from San Benito County

In Hollister, a nonprofit newsroom keeps local residents apprised of momentous changes.

Image caption: Water, and the complex infrastructure required to quench California's thirst, remained a key issue in 2024.
The Trending Stories of 2024

Over the past year, we’ve witnessed big changes throughout the state, and today we present a quick look at a handful of some important ways California's civic landscape is shifting.

Image caption: Tens of thousands of truck loads of earth will be moved to raise the B.F. Sisk Dam by ten feet.
The Ups and Downs of California Dams

We check in on efforts to raise some dams in the state to store more water, and to raze some dams to to let water run free.

Image caption: You know it's bad when they need to lock up the baby formula.
Proposition 36, AB 2943 & 1179: California Cracks Down On Crime

Californians are fed up with flash-mob shoplifting, smash-and-grab theft, and an alarming uptick in Fentanyl deaths.

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Happy Holidays. Big News. And Our First 'Ask.'

We are partnering with Bay City News to do some big things. And we're feeling grateful.

Image caption: Big Search and Big Social have abandoned you in an information desert. Help is on the way.
Creating a Community Information Hub

Finding information about the community can be hard. We have a plan to make it easy.

Image caption: At 36, Adam Schiff was the youngest member of the California State Senate when he took office in 1996. He was sworn in last week as California's 48th United States Senator.
New Faces in Office

Throughout California, people are being sworn into office—some for the first time, and others in the midst of long careers. Adam Schiff is one of the latter.

Image caption: Adam Schiff being sworn into office on Monday, Dec. 9, by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Sen. Adam Schiff Takes the High Road but Keeps Pressure on Trump

The LA Democrat takes office under fire, but says he will strive for bipartisanship.

Image caption: Elon Musk did a lot of good stuff on his way to becoming the world's richest man—but he appears to have gone to the dark side.
Beneficent Businessmen vs. Elon Musk

For more than a century, business leaders have done a lot of good. And then Elon and his friends show up and make us all look selfish and bad.

Image caption: Founded as a business organization in 1915, the Kiwanis Club now serves millions of children worldwide.
Doing Good: Kiwanis International

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

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Giving Locally Tuesday

A movement started just 12 years ago has gone global—and local. Meanwhile, one of the oldest and largest philanthropic enterprises in the world continues to serve.

Image caption: Lions Club International is made up of more than a million individuals and operates across the globe, including in Quezon City, Philippines.
Doing Good: Lions Clubs International

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 …

Image caption: The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, which began life as a drinking club before becoming a major philanthropic organization, still toasts their fallen members at every meeting and social event.
Elks Helping Kids; and Giraffes on Webcam!

Week One of the charismatic-megafauna segment of our Doing Good series features the BPOE Elks. And: San Diego Zoo cams!

Image caption: The Elks honor their fallen comrades at every meeting and social event with a toast: 'To our absent brothers."
Doing Good: The Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks

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

Image caption: A statue of Rex the Lion greets visitors at the entrance to the San Diego Zoo.
One Good Thing: San Diego Zoo Live Cameras

Can't make it down to San Diego to visit one of the best zoos in the country? No problem; they bring the zoo to you.

Image caption: The Chumash National Marine Sanctuary
The Life Aquatic: Resilience and ... Aquarium Webcams!

Two plans to protect the ocean and its beaches—and the coolest marine-life webcams on the planet.