A roundup of the top stories in California this week, plus links to some good reads for your weekend.
San Francisco expands free childcare program
Mayor of San Francisco Daniel Lurie announced this week that the city will offer free childcare to families earning less than $230,000. Families earning up to $310,000 will receive a 50% subsidy. The initiative is part of the mayor’s Family Opportunity Agenda which includes plans to make child care, housing, education, health care, food and transportation more affordable for San Franciscans. San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
(Sources: SF.gov & The Guardian)
In related news, a federal judge ruled today that the Trump administration must restore funds for child care subsidies and other social service programs in California and four other Democrat-controlled states.
(Source: sfgate.com)
LA Metro approves multibillion-dollar tunnel project through Santa Monica Mountains
The LA Metro board has approved its Sepulveda Pass Transit Corridor project, a multibillion-dollar plan to create a direct heavy rail connection between the San Fernando Valley and the Westside of Los Angeles. The rail link will connect the Van Nuys Metrolink Station to the E Line’s Expo/Sepulveda Station, passing underneath Van Nuys Boulevard and the Santa Monica Mountains. The journey should take less than 20 minutes and will offer an alternative to the 405 Freeway. It will ease congestion through the Sepulveda Pass, one of the busiest traffic corridors in the country.
“A direct rail connection through the Sepulveda Pass will connect people to jobs, schools, airports and entertainment faster than ever,” said Metro Board Chair and Whittier City Councilmember Fernando Dutra. “This project will cut travel time, reduce air pollution and is the kind of bold, forward-looking investment that moves Los Angeles County into the future.”
(Source: Metro.net & LA Times)
Calling all artists: Entries for the State Fair art competitions are now open
California State Fair organizers have announced that entries are now open for the 2026 California State Fair arts competitions. Artists from across the state are invited to showcase their creativity and compete for recognition at one of California’s most celebrated arts events. The fair is now accepting entries in its fine art and photography, plein air, and crafts and student showcase competitions. Other categories across various arts, crafts and culinary genres will be announced soon. Head to castatefair.com/competitions for more details.
Red Cross tackling blood supply shortage with Super Bowl ticket draw
The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for platelets and types O, A negative and B negative blood.
As a thank-you to donors for helping tackle the blood shortage, those who give through Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. The winner and guest will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX, access to day-of, in-stadium pregame activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 6-9, 2026), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. See RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.
All who come to give Jan. 26-Feb. 28, 2026, will receive a $20 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. See RedCrossBlood.org/Heart for details.
A few good reads for your weekend:
- Admire the 50+ “A” emblems designed for the LA28 Olympics (LA28.org): Last week, we let you know that registration has opened for the LA28 Olympics ticket draw. This week, we’re suggesting you check out the 50+ emblems designed for the games to represent the diversity of Los Angeles, along with the stories behind the designs. Which one is your favorite?
- “Visitors Gone Wild” at Yosemite National Park (NYTimes): The New York Times has a story about the Trump administration’s staff and budget cuts affecting Yosemite National Park. With fewer rangers around and entrance booths unmanned, visitors are littering, flying drones, parking off-road and BASE jumping —- all threats to the park’s pristine protected environment.
- “A Stunning Stretch of California’s Rugged Coastline Is Now Open to the Public for the First Time in a Century” (Smithsonianmag.com): In 2015, the nonprofit Wildlands Conservancy purchased the 547-acre Estero Americano Coast Preserve from its private owners. The beautiful, wildlife-rich stretch of coastal land in Sonoma and Marin counties is now open to the public seven days a week and offers almost 5 miles of trails.
- San Diego Comic-Con bans AI-generated entries from its art show (Times of San Diego): Following backlash from artists, San Diego Comic-Con has changed the rules for its art show to ban materials created partially or wholly by AI. This reverses previous guidelines that allowed AI-generated works to be displayed but not sold.
It’s almost Almond Blossom season in the Central Valley
For a few weeks in February and March, the almond orchards of California’s Central Valley are in bloom, creating stunning, photogenic displays of pink and white “valley snow.” Check out these Almond Blossom Cruise tips from Visit Modesto and blossom and orchard trail itineraries from Visit Visalia. You might also enjoy our comprehensive guide, Places to Play: Modesto, California.
Here’s last week’s roundup.