California Observer - Digital News Portal
California Moves Toward Statewide Wildfire Smoke Standards
California lawmakers have passed two bills directing state agencies to develop science-based standards for testing and cleaning wildfire-contaminated homes and schools. The measures also would require insurers to
UC Berkeley Leads Global Startup Rankings for Fourth Straight Year
UC Berkeley startup ranking results released Sept. 1 put the California university at No. 1 globally for undergraduate alumni founders for a fourth consecutive year. PitchBook counted 2,380 Berkeley undergraduate
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 Restaurants Turn to Tasting Menus as Costs Keep Rising
California restaurants are expanding their use of tasting menus as operators confront elevated labor, food, and operating costs. From Hermosa Beach to San Francisco, fixed-course formats are
Business
California Expands DNA Tools for Missing Persons Investigations
California has enacted AB 2018, expanding the state’s DNA Tools for missing persons investigations to include unidentified people who are living as well as deceased. The law,
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 Housing Market: AI Wealth Drives Luxury Demand
Wealth tied to the artificial intelligence sector is helping support luxury housing demand in the Bay Area, even as mortgage rates remain elevated. New 2026 data show
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