California Observer - Digital News Portal
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
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
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 EV Rebates Offer First-Time Buyers Up to $3,500
California’s MyFirstEV program will place EV rebates directly into qualifying vehicle transactions for residents acquiring their first zero-emission vehicle. The program offers $3,500 for eligible new vehicles
Business
California DMV Orders 11,000 Drivers To Retake Written Test
California DMV has ordered about 11,000 drivers to retake the written knowledge test within 30 days after irregularities were found in prior results. The notices apply to
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