By Cristina Bolis  Napa Valley has always held a special allure for me, a land where rolling vineyards meet sun-soaked hills, and every sip of wine tells a story. Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing the Napa Valley Wine…
Vintage Pullman rail car at the platform of the Napa Valley Wine Train
The Napa Valley Wine Train Photo by Cristina Bolis
Contemporary Southern California couldn’t be much further in time and space from the ancient civilizations of Greece, Rome and Etruria. However, at the Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades, a stone’s throw from Malibu, these distinct cultures come together in…
The long pool and statue in front of the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… This July Was Death Valley’s Hottest Month in History Death Valley National Park experienced the hottest month on record this July, with an average 24-hour temperature of 108.5°F. This…
Thermometer reading 129 F outside Death Valley National Park visitor center in California
With vibrant and artsy Oakland as its urban hub, the East Bay is a fantastic destination for a family getaway. Adding to its appeal are dozens of other charming cities set against substantial stretches of wilderness. Whether it’s part of…
A resident lion at Oakland Zoo (Photo by California News Press)
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Park Fire Grows into the Largest Wildfire in California This Year The Park Fire, which started on Wednesday evening near Chico, has grown to 178,090 acres, making it the…
Fire truck in front of flames and smoke at the Park Fire in Northern California, a top news story for the week of June 26, 2024
By J.C. Thomas By mid-1965, the singer-songwriter Johnny Cash had become a huge star – a prolific, genre-spanning artist with a series of big hits on both the pop and country charts. He had moved with his first wife, Vivian…
Illustration of a Johnny Cash record and a California condor
(Illustration by V. Hemlock for California News Press)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s 200-plus exhibits of living ocean animals inspire awe among its 2 million annual visitors. Offering incomparable views into the rich marine habitats of Monterey Bay, the nonprofit public institution fulfills its mission to inspire ocean conservation…
Collage of photos from the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California
The National Forest Foundation has declared July 8 to 14, 2024, as National Forest Week. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the 20 national forests in California, which protect a whopping 20.8 million acres of federal land. The…
collage of four images of California national forest scenery
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Governor Declares State of Emergency Over Thompson Fire On July 3, Governor Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Butte County to support the response to the Thompson…
Flames from the Thompson fire in Butte County, California, a top news story this week
Is there any item of food more American than the hot dog? The unique style of sausage, served in its custom companion bun and adorned with an individual’s own free choice among limitless condiments and toppings, is always the most…
Hot dog loaded with toppings on a paper covered serving tray
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Giant Panda Pair Heading from China to San Diego Zoo On Wednesday, June 26, a delegation of representatives from the United States, including leaders of San Diego Zoo Wildlife…
Two girls holding oars in front of a lake
Safety around water is important as people seek cool activities during hot weather, as demonstrated by these kayakers wearing life jackets at Kings Beach State Recreation Area (Photo courtesy of California State Parks, 2024.)
(+ a free printable “Summertime in California” bingo card!) School’s out and summer is officially here, so it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy all that the sunniest season has to offer. In California, we’re spoiled with incredible opportunities for…
Summertime in California bingo card with graphic icons
(Illustration by California News Press)