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)
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… Governor Newsom Plans to Restrict Smartphones in Schools Governor Newsom issued a statement on Tuesday in support of restricting smartphone use in California schools. The statement references U.S. Surgeon…
Exposed concrete wall of Shasta Dam in Northern California
Venice is a weird beachfront neighborhood of Los Angeles. Whether it’s good-weird or bad-weird, and whether or not Venice Beach is worth visiting, is entirely subjective. For some visitors, the beachfront neighborhood with its famous boardwalk is an absolute must-see…
Horizontal collage of varied scenes from Venice Beach, California
A roundup of the biggest news stories in California this week… California’s Newest State Park Opens to the Public Dos Rios State Park, the first new state park in California in 10 years, opened to the public on June 12.…
View across the wetland habitat of Dos Rios State Park, which opened as California's newest state park on June 12, 2024
Massive, majestic birds of prey including eagles, falcons, condors and hawks are among the most remarkable creatures in California. Watching them fly, hunt and nest in the wild would be an unforgettable experience, but one that’s elusive and rarely convenient…
An osprey in flight with fish in its claws