California No kings, no autocrats: Gavin Newsom denounces threats to democracy in proclamation By Janis Mara | Bay City News | July 7, 2025 Newsom proclaimed July 4 “Independence Day” with wording that seemed to carry a political message.
Arts & Entertainment Oakland artists seek immediate refunding of city’s arts and culture manager position By Hannah Sung | Bay City News | July 6, 2025 Activists believe arts programming reduces crime and boosts community safety.
animals 27-year-old gorilla Cecil leaving Louisville to become troop leader at San Francisco Zoo By Gabe Agcaoili | Bay City News | July 6, 2025 Born on November 3, 1998, at the Cincinnati Zoo, Cecil has lived at the Louisville Zoo since January 2004.
Housing California lawmakers side with landlords to kill renter eviction relief By Ryan Sabalow | CalMatters | July 3, 2025 Here is the latest setback for progressive lawmakers seeking renter protections.
California ‘Brazen, midday kidnappings:’ LA immigration sweeps violate Constitution, lawsuit says By Wendy Fry and Sergio Olmos | CalMatters | July 2, 2025 Federal agents are stopping people only for being Latino and not allowing them to speak with an attorney.
wildfires In a first, California moves toward paying incarcerated firefighters minimum wage By Cayla Mihalovich | CalMatters | July 2, 2025 The effort took on a new urgency after hundreds of incarcerated firefighters were deployed to battle the deadly wildfires that hit LA.
BART Clipper Card outages on first day of fare hikes prompt free rides across Bay Area By Andres Jimenez Larios | Bay City News | July 2, 2025 The cause is being investigated, but Goodwin said the agency suspects the changes in fares scheduled for July 1 may be to blame.
gavin newsom ‘This tax could kill this industry.’ California cannabis operators brace for increase By Alexei Koseff | CalMatters | July 1, 2025 The excise tax for weed is 19% as of July 1, up from 15% — the result of a political deal three years ago.
tolls Golden Gate Bridge toll increases By Samantha Kennedy | Bay City News | July 1, 2025 The district said it previously adjusted service to reduce expenses but plans to add services back as customers return.
Environment CEQA, one of the biggest obstacles to building new CA housing, has now vanished By Ben Christopher | CalMatters | July 1, 2025 With the passage of a state budget-related housing bill, the forces of housing won.