Statewide Region Local News


Curated Local News articles published by local newsrooms.

CHP Goes Stealth Mode

05/14/2025

The California Highway Patrol is introducing "discreet" Dodge Durangos into their fleet of patrol vehicles.

Fire Season Is All Year

05/13/2025

In a presentation to Nevada County supervisors, a CalFire fire chief said the three or four month fire season of the past was now "passe" as his department is making staffing plans for a 12-month fire season.

Santa Cruz Goes Ahead With Soda Tax in Defiance of State Law

05/09/2025

Last week the Northern California beach town of Santa Cruz enacted a tax on sodas, ice teas and other beverages with added sugar. Voters approved the 2-cent-per-ounce tax in November, despite the beverage industry pouring at least $1.2 million in opposition.

Yosemite National Park Welcomes Spring

05/09/2025

An update on the reopening of Yosemite Park facilities and roads as the snow is cleared and spring takes hold.

How's the Water? Cold. Really Cold.

05/09/2025

As the warm weather season begins, a warning to beware of jumping into lakes, rivers and streams.

In Conversation: State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant

05/09/2025

A conversation with State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant about the new fire hazard maps and how local communities are preparing for widfires.

Floods Exposed Weaknesses in California Prisons’ Emergency Plans. They Still Aren’t Ready

05/08/2025

Earthquakes, wildfires and floods all could cause problems for California prisons. A new audit says they aren’t ready to quickly evacuate prisoners.

California Promised to Boost Mental Health in Schools. Why One Key Program Is Behind Schedule

05/07/2025

Only 14 school districts and county offices of education have begun billing for behavioral health services under the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative Fee Schedule Program, according to state health officials.

California Regulator Weakens AI Rules, Giving Big Tech More Leeway to Track You

05/06/2025

Tech that helps businesses make decisions or target ads will be given freer rein following pressure from the governor.

Inmate Firefighters Battled LA’s Wildfire. Now a Lawmaker Wants to Help Launch Their Careers

05/06/2025

As the Los Angeles fires raged in January, about 1,000 inmate firefighters labored on hand crews alongside professional firefighters battling the blazes.

Kaiser in the Hot Seat as California Lawmakers Blast Company for Skipping Mental Health Hearing

05/06/2025

California lawmakers called an informational hearing on mental health services at Kaiser Permanente, but the company didn’t attend.

Many Californians Can’t Get Mental Health Help. Is It Too Hard to Become a Therapist?

05/06/2025

In her home in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Eboni Moen, 42, struggled to find help. Some days she would rock back and forth in her shower, crying uncontrollably and thinking back to her son’s murder. She needed a therapist, she said, someone who could help her process what happened and find appropriate medication.

An Overdose Killed Her Son. Then, California Lawmakers Asked Her to Help Save Others

05/05/2025

Ryan Matlock died of a fentanyl overdose after seeking addiction treatment. Today, his mother is urging lawmakers to get tougher on health insurance plans.

When Will Democratic Lawmakers Make California More Affordable? Later, Leaders Say

05/04/2025

It’s been five months since California’s legislative leaders deemed affordability an “urgent” issue for the session. So far: committees, bills, but few results

California Democrats Backed Into a Corner Over Teen Sex Solicitation

05/02/2025

California Republicans are increasingly pushing Democrats on child sex crimes bills. The supermajority is growing more divided about it.

Covered California Pushes for Better Health Care as Federal Spending Cuts Loom

05/01/2025

Faced with potential federal spending cuts that threaten health coverage and falling childhood vaccination rates, Monica Soni, the chief medical officer of Covered California, has a lot on her plate — and on her mind.

California Lawmakers Kill Bid to Force HOAs to Follow Open Meeting Laws

05/01/2025

A Republican bill to require more transparency from California’s 50,000 homeowners associations failed to advance out of committee despite bipartisan support.

The ‘Science of Reading’ Won’t Be Required in California Schools, at Least for Now

04/30/2025

The original proposal would have mandated phonics instruction in K-12 classrooms. The latest version makes that optional.

Unprecedented Vote Shows Dems Fractured Over Housing Policy

04/30/2025

Two consecutive committee chairs getting overruled by their committee members signifies a growing rift among California Democrats about how to address the housing crisis.

What to Do if Your Loved One Is Homeless

04/30/2025

Finding a homeless loved one can be difficult. So can helping them once you’ve found them. Here are some tips from people who’ve been there.