California Observer - Digital News Portal
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 affordable
San José Weighs Community Benefits for 11 Data Centers
San José data centers are at the center of a municipal review covering 11 additional projects and potential community-benefit standards. Officials are weighing tax revenue and infrastructure investment against energy,
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, signed July 16,
California ‘Big One’ Damage Estimate Reaches Up to $1 Trillion
California earthquake experts have warned that a major rupture on the southern San Andreas Fault could cause up to $1 trillion in damage. The estimate has prompted
Business
California New Laws Bring Changes for Schools, Housing and Consumers
A new group of California new laws July 1 took effect across the state on July 1, 2026, introducing updated requirements for schools, food labeling, housing, consumer
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
UC Davis Cancer Research Center Receives $18M
UC Davis cancer research will receive nearly $18 million in federal support over five years after the National Cancer Institute renewed the comprehensive designation of UC Davis
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