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California News


Deadly Castle Peak Avalanche: One of California's Worst Backcountry Disasters Claims Eight Lives, One Still Missing
The devastating avalanche in the Castle Peak area of Nevada County, California, on February 17, 2026, has claimed at least eight lives, with one person still missing and presumed deceased, marking one of the deadliest backcountry avalanche incidents in the region in recent decades.
The incident occurred in a remote, rugged backcountry zone north of Interstate 80 near Donner Summit, close to Truckee and the Lake Tahoe area. This is not a groomed ski resort but untamed terrain

Kari Chilson
18 hours ago3 min read


The Legacy of California's Wild Donkeys and Burros
In the sun-baked deserts and rugged mountains of California, a resilient icon of the American West roams free: the wild burro, often called a donkey in everyday parlance. These hardy animals, with their oversized ears and unyielding spirit, trace their origins to a tumultuous chapter in history that shaped the Golden State.

Rex Ballard
4 days ago4 min read


Latest News Digest - February 14, 2026
The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group is being redeployed from other operations to the Middle East, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln to bolster presence amid escalating pressure on Iran over its nuclear program. This extension could set deployment records and signals stronger U.S. military posture in the region. The move comes as the Trump administration seeks to curb Iranian ambitions.

Elisa Ballard
5 days ago5 min read


The High Cost of Car Registration in California
In California, most residents rely on their vehicles for daily commutes, owning a car comes with substantial ongoing costs. This article focuses on the cost or vehicle registration. It should come as no surprise that California is one of the most expensive states in the USA for registering your vehicle.

Rex Ballard
Feb 113 min read


DHS Intensifies Criticism of California's Sanctuary Policies Amid Weekend ICE Arrests of Serious Offenders
ICE currently has 33,179 active detainers for criminal illegal aliens in California prisons. Since January 20, 2025, California has released 4,561 of these individuals despite detainers. DHS warns that ignoring detainers forces officers to make arrests in public. This increases risks for both officers and the public.

Kari Chilson
Feb 112 min read


Redding Eases ADU Rules to Boost Housing Options
The City of Redding has recently updated its local zoning code to match California's ongoing changes in laws governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). In a short informational video posted on YouTube on January 7, 2026, Jeremy Pagan—Director of Development Services and the city's Building Official—explains the key updates and what they mean for homeowners, builders, and the community.

Kari Chilson
Feb 93 min read


Latest News Digest - February 8, 2026
On Friday, February 6, the Dow Jones Industrial Average led a market rebound by surging about 2.5%, climbing to more than 50,000 points for the first time. Investors cited easing inflation data, a resilient economy and optimism around artificial intelligence investments as key drivers, though analysts cautioned about potential volatility ahead of upcoming Federal Reserve comments.

Elisa Ballard
Feb 83 min read


James Gallagher Enters Race to Succeed Doug LaMalfa in California's First District
In the wake of the passing of Doug LaMalfa, the former representative for California's First District, Assemblyman James Gallagher has officially announced his candidacy to fill the vacant seat. Gallagher, a Republican, has received the endorsement of the LaMalfa family, solidifying his position as a leading contender in the upcoming special election.

Rex Ballard
Feb 85 min read


The High Cost of California - Coping with Disaster
Insuring for California Disasters California's vulnerability to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires poses significant challenges for homeowners seeking adequate insurance coverage. While standard homeowners policies often exclude or limit protection against these perils, specialized programs like the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) and the Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan fill critical gaps. However, these systems highlight stark contrasts

Rex Ballard
Feb 75 min read


Gavin Newsom's Policy: A Critical Look at His Legacy
Gavin Newsom’s tenure as California’s governor has been plagued by ambitious but flawed initiatives and policy missteps that have exacerbated the state's deep-seated problems. While his supporters hail him as a progressive visionary, critics—including a growing chorus from both parties—argue that his governance has accelerated California's decline, turning the Golden State into a cautionary tale of overreach

Rex Ballard
Feb 55 min read


San Francisco's Reparations Mirage: All Talk, No Cash in the City of Billionaires
Recently, Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs), posted on X the rank hypocrisy of the San Francisco Reparations bill. He went on to lambast the city's leaders for unanimously approving the ordinance on December 16, 2025, only to leave it unfunded, relying on phantom private donations that have yet to materialize.

Rex Ballard
Feb 54 min read


Steve Hilton Emerges as Clear Winner Among Viewers of Gubernatorial Debate
Steve Hilton “hit it out of the park” according to polls on Tuesday evening at the February 3, 2026, California gubernatorial debate hosted by KTVU FOX 2 and FOX 11 in San Francisco. The debate featured six democratic candidates—Antonio Villaraigosa, Matt Mahan, Betty Yee, Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Tony Thurmond, with Steve Hilton as the lone Republican participating.

Elisa Ballard
Feb 42 min read


Analyzing the CA Voter ID Initiative: What It Would Mean for California Voters
The debate over voter identification laws has been heating up across the United States, and California is no exception. The CA Voter ID Initiative has sparked intense discussions about election security, voter access, and the balance between the two. As someone who follows these developments closely, I want to break down what this initiative entails, why it matters, and what it could mean for voters in California.

Rex Ballard
Feb 45 min read


Los Angeles: The Golden City in Decline
Once the beacon of glamour, opportunity, and endless sunshine, Los Angeles has increasingly come to symbolize urban dysfunction. In parts of the city—particularly downtown and areas like Skid Row—the landscape resembles a dystopian wasteland

Rex Ballard
Feb 35 min read


Kaiser Permanente's Record-Breaking Legal Settlement
Filed in the Northern District of California, the case originated from whistleblower lawsuits under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Former employees, including a physician, exposed the practices and will share approximately $95 million from the recovery. Kaiser did not admit wrongdoing, framing the issues as "historical documentation practices"

Rex Ballard
Feb 39 min read


CA Gubernatorial Debate Airs Feb. 3: How to Watch Live or Catch the Full Unedited Replay Afterward
Seven leading candidates for California governor will face off Tuesday in a major debate hosted by KTVU FOX 2, in partnership with KTTV FOX 11 and the Black Action Alliance. The event, scheduled just months ahead of the June 2 primary, will cover key issues like housing affordability, wildfire preparedness, economic recovery, and public safety.
The debate takes place at the Ruth Williams Bay View Opera House in San Francisco from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. PST.

Elisa Ballard
Feb 12 min read
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