Explainers and guides from our team of journalists, a curated news digest from trusted local newsrooms, local government announcements and upcoming meetings, and resourcces to help you better engage with your civic community..
The public process that determines who stays cool and who does not—and many more urgent issues. Plus a virtual escape to the high country.
Over the past week, citizens empowered as members of civil grand juries issued reports of their investigations of local governments. It's an honorable institution, and they found some dishonorable stuff.
The celebration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence is always a booming success for the fireworks industry.
Logging for the future, starting in 1946, and building water resiliency, starting now.
It's impossible to predict the future—unless you set your mind to make something happen and build a coalition to execute your plan. That's how democracy works. And, frankly, how California works.
Kamala Harris, Tiger Woods, and 23 more AAPI Californians; DTLA flourishes, and a homemade birthday cake.
Our brand new book, "How California Works: Building Democracy in the Golden State," tells a true story that you'll be glad to know. And: Learn how, if you look closely, you'll see that things are truly getting better.
The state has pledged to build 2.5 million housing units by 2030, and one agency is charged with that task. Meet the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
The state's never-ending housing crisis has inspired hundreds of thousands of Californians to flee, and inspired an audacious plan for a brand-new city. Here's where the two related stories stand this week.
A celebration of the work of an artist who devoted a career to preserving the wildlands he loved. Plus: News you can use, and a tasty recipe!
Ee celebrate the efforts our fellow humans have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens.
A Tesla lobbyist, an LA-based environmental group, and Gov. Jerry Brown brought a rule minted in Sacramento to Beijing, and helped launch China’s EV industry.
This week, a virtual visit to Surf City USA—a great place to experience the season of rebirth and renewal that's worth a drive from anywhere in our coverage area.
A type of resurrection involving big birds, and two efforts that offer help to individuals whose lives have been impacted by addiction.
In this week’s, edition of The Newsletter, some hopeful aspects related to the very best season: spring!
Prop 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature plan to confront the twin problems of homelessness and the mental health crisis, was expected to cruise to victory. It did not.
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 …
The California Local newsletter goes out Mondays and Thursdays.
Mondays: Local and state news roundup, the recipe of the week, an introduction to a local community nonprofit and recent government announcements and press releases.
Thursdays: California Local explainers and other articles, and civic engagement resources to make it easy to connect with local government and nonprofits working in your community.