California Observer - Digital News Portal
California Invests $2.7 Billion in 150 Transportation Projects
California transportation projects will receive $2.7 billion across more than 150 approved efforts, with funding reaching the Caldecott Tunnel, State Route 37, transit stations, school crossings and habitat
Study Links Carbon Emissions to California Groundwater Loss
A peer-reviewed study published August 25 estimates that emissions traced to major fossil-fuel and cement producers contributed about one-third of climate-driven groundwater loss in California’s Central Valley between 2003 and
California Peach Growers Turn to Almonds After Del Monte Exit
California peach growers in the Yuba-Sutter region are removing clingstone orchards and planting almond trees after Del Monte closed its Modesto cannery and cancelled grower contracts. The changes have left
California Tech Layoffs Surpass 2025 Total in First Seven Months
California recorded the largest share of U.S. tech layoffs in 2026 after workforce reductions across the industry exceeded the total reported for all of 2025. State WARN
Business
UC Riverside Researcher Receives $2.1M NIH Grant for Cell Study
A UC Riverside researcher has received a $2.1 million National Institutes of Health grant to investigate how cells maintain stable gene activity while adapting to environmental stress.
Los Angeles Lakers Sale Sets $12.5 Billion Record
Los Angeles Lakers ownership could change again less than a year after the NBA approved Mark Walter’s majority purchase. Josh Kushner and former Disney chief Bob Iger
Huntington Beach E-Bike Crackdown Leads to Citations
May 13, 2026
California Awards $11.3 Million to 13 Prohousing Communities
California housing funding totaling $11.3 million is going to 13 cities and counties with Prohousing Designation, with the state directing the money toward local efforts to create
Opinion
California Housing Crisis Spreads Into Inland Regions, Report Finds
A new Public Policy Institute of California report found that concern about housing has increased sharply in several inland regions while declining in the Bay
Big Bear Bald Eagle Jackie Dies After Intensive Treatment
Big Bear bald eagle Jackie died August 10 after more than three weeks of intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center. The 14-year-old eagle
Local Officials Back California Nuclear Plant Extension Before 2030 Closure
Local elected officials have urged California leaders to extend operations at the Diablo Canyon Power Plant beyond its scheduled 2030 closure. The request cites the
Hidden Solvang Tunnel Network Draws New Historical Interest
Interest in Solvang’s underground tunnels has grown after a local historian documented portions of the hidden network beneath the California town. The exploration has renewed