All California Local Articles


Image caption: California's State Capitol, seat of a government with a colorful history, to say the least.
California’s Governmental Structure: From Chaos to Compromise

California's government was born out of utter chaos. Here's how the state developed some sort of order to the way it operates, and how it makes and enforces laws.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom addresses the media after casting his ballot on election day at the California Museum in Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2022.
Will Newsom Put his Extraordinary Popularity to Use?

Gov. Gavin Newsom has won three gubernatorial elections with historic support. He should use his popularity to unite constituencies and improve some of California’s intractable problems.

Image caption: Felicia Gold casts her ballot at the California Museum on Nov. 8, 2022.
How California Could Count Every Vote Faster

California has expanded voting access and participation, but that can delay election results. Are there ways to count votes faster without undermining election security?

Image caption: Gases being released at the Marathon oil refinery in Martinez. Under the state's new climate change plan, refineries would capture carbon emissions and inject them underground.
California Revises Climate Change Strategy

A new version of California’s climate plan sets a more stringent—some say unrealistic—target for cutting greenhouse gases. It also relies on controversial carbon capture projects, which would be responsible for 15% of all cuts.

Image caption: The floor of the California Assembly.
The Most Diverse California Legislature Ever

While votes are still being counted, it appears that the next Legislature will include the most women and LGBTQ members ever. Advocacy groups are already celebrating, but how much difference will the diversity make in policy?

Image caption: California has three cities of more than 1 million people, and 187 of over 50,000.
Cities in California: What Does it Take to Be One?

California is full of places and communities, but most are not cities. Here's what it takes for a community to become a city, the benefits of being one—and why the state has a 'de facto moratorium' on new cities.

Image caption: Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to the media at a Prop 1 celebration event at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento on Nov. 8, 2022.
California Election Drama May Be Yet to Come

After months of anticipation and buildup, California's general election came and went — and so far, things don't look very different than they did before polls closed Tuesday night. But some of the races that could be among the most …

Image caption: Don't get stomped.
Could Mastodon Become the New Twitter?

Following Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, droves are fleeing the social network and joining Mastodon, an open-source federated service in the 'Fediverse.'

Image caption: Billionaires do not have to control where the public gets its news. There are alternatives.
Taking Back Information Control From Billionaires

Billionaires now own Twitter, Facebook and numerous other online and offline media outlets. But there are other information sources not run by the super-rich. We've found a few and listed them here.

Image caption: Levi's Stadium, which is owned by the city of Santa Clara and leased to the San Francisco 49ers, has become a virtual battleground.
49ers-Backed Santa Clara Councilmembers Accused of Cover-Up

The 49ers PAC spent an unprecedented $3 million on Anthony Becker, Sudhanshu “Suds” Jain, and Kevin Park's campaigns. Now they and two of their peers must respond to lack of transparency and cover-up charges from the Civil Grand Jury, and …

Image caption: Elon Musk is now in control of the world's most influential social media outlet. What happens next?
What Elon Musk Really Wants From Twitter

Elon Musk says he plans to make Twitter a haven for 'free speech,' but a look at his list of investors suggests that the world's richest person may have other reasons for purchasing the highly influential social media platform.

Image caption: Paul and Nancy Pelosi on a visit to Israel in February, 2022.
Pelosi Attack Illuminates 4 California Challenges

Friday’s attack on Paul Pelosi, husband to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, has cast a harsh light on intertwined, deeply ingrained problems facing the state.

Image caption: Owning homes is the primary way the middle class builds wealth, and an option no longer available to most Californians.
Is California’s Housing Crisis Making Inequality Worse?

California has some of the worst economic inequality in the United States. Is the housing crisis a cause?

Image caption: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaking with participants at a September Climate Commitment press conference in Vallejo, CA.
Is Gavin Newsom Campaigning for President?

California’s governor is spending more time and money on two ballot measures and a possible presidential run than his own reelection campaign.

Image caption: Morongo Casino Resort & Spa in Cabazon is one of 82 tribal gaming operations in California.
A Guide to Gambling in the Golden State

In California, you can bet on a horse race, buy a lottery ticket, put money on poker in a card room and play slots at a tribal casino all in the same day.

Image caption: Why has the future of legalized sports betting in California suddenly become so bleak?
The Future of Sports Betting in California Looks Dim

California will likely reject legal sports betting, despite being the state with the most pro sports franchises and the biggest potential gambling market.

Image caption: Assembly GOP Leader James Gallagher of Yuba City addresses the media during a press conference calling for a suspension of the state's gas tax on March 14, 2022.
California GOP Demands Emergency Action on Taxes, Crime

California Republicans are zeroing in on the three issues on which they say Democrats may be most vulnerable heading into the Nov. 8 election: The rising cost of living, crime and homelessness. On Tuesday, 26 of the 28 current Republican …

Image caption: The Giant Sequoia, like this one in Yosemite National Park's Mariposa Grove, is one of the two fastest growing trees in the world. The other is the Coast Redwood. Ahhh ... California.
Two Years of Virtual Community Building

Publisher Mike Gelbman delivers a report on our media allies, local directories, marketing services, and more.

Image caption: California aims to be 100 percent coal-free by 2026. Can other states follow suit?
Why California Uses Less Coal Than Most Other States

Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel, yet it is the source of 40 percent of the world's energy. California remains an exception to coal industry dominance, using and producing less coal that almost any other state.

Image caption: The streets of San Francisco saw one of the many women's marches held after the 2016 election.
A League of Our Own

Founded in 1920, the year that suffragettes triumphed, the League of Women Voters now protects the entire electorate’s rights.