California

California Legislature passes SB 1387, advancing recognition of Jewish identity as ethnicity

Proponents emphasize that the shift will ensure Jewish Californians are accurately represented in state datasets tracking hate crimes, public health metrics, and educational outcomes.

The Capitol building in Sacramento, California.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference and bill signing on July 13, 2026 in Oakland, California

California Legislature approves Safe Worship Zone Act, now awaiting Newsom’s stamp

The California State Capitol building on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Sacramento, CA.

California could make Jewish an ethnic identity under groundbreaking new bill

U.S. House candidate, California state Sen. Aisha Wahab speaks to the media during an election-night watch party at Firefighters Local 1909 on August 18, 2026 in Hayward, California

AIPAC-backed Democrat loses California House special election to Aisha Wahab


California special election becomes battleground over AIPAC's influence in Democratic Party

Bold America, another group that has received funding from the United Democracy Project, has spent roughly $1.8 million, according to The Hill.

Aisha Wahab speaks during the Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade at City Hall in San Francisco, California, on Jan. 25, 2023.

Jewish, Hindu, Zoroastrian parents sue California school district over mosque field trip

Jewish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian parents allege students were encouraged to wear Islamic attire and exposed to religious advocacy on a school trip.

Santa Clara, California.

Arab-Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad gets into scuffle with California House candidate

In a video later released on social media, candidate Dennis Feitosa can be seen grabbing at Haddad's hand as Haddad gestures while speaking, as the two fought verbally. 

Yoseph Haddad preparing to debate anti-Zionists on the Digital Social Hour, August 10, 2026

Surf’s pup: Some 20 dogs make a splash at annual World Dog Surfing Championships in California

This year’s overall winner was five-year-old Labrador retriever Rippin Rosie, followed closely by Iza, a French bulldog from Pleasanton, and Bradley “Shortboard” Cooper from Long Beach.

Sally jumps off her board while competing in the World Dog Surfing Championships on August 01, 2026 in Pacifica, California.

Armed man arrested near Trump's golf course days before scheduled presidential visit

The suspect had already been under investigation by El Segundo police on suspicion of robbery. He was also arrested on suspicion of carrying a concealed weapon and possessing prohibited ammunition.

A vehicle drives to pick up US President Donald Trump (not pictured) upon his arrival at the Trump National Golf Club Los Angeles in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, US, August 4, 2026.

California to enforce law against antisemitism in schools after free speech challenge dismissed

Wise said that teachers and students did not provide sufficient evidence of infringements on free speech, and teachers could not claim speech rights on the job.

The California State Capitol building in Sacramento, CA, March 29, 2026.

After chronicling Jewish history, Oscar-winning filmmaker Richard Trank begins new life in Israel

“Every time she and I came here, there was always a sadness when we knew we had to leave,” Trank said of the country whose story shaped his career.

RICHARD TRANK with his Oscar, at home in Herzliya.

FDA reverses lettuce warning: Taylor Farms cyclospora test was a false positive

Taylor Farms has confirmed that this product is not part of its current recall, the FDA said, as it seeks to curtail the largest foodborne illness outbreak in the United States in recent years.

Lettuce is displayed for sale at an H-E-B grocery store on May 11, 2026 in Austin, Texas.

Israel should have escorted Ro Khanna on his West Bank visit - opinion

The controversy over Ro Khanna's visit raises questions about Israel's public diplomacy and visitor protocols.

US Representative Ro Khanna (D-CA) is interviewed by Reuters during a visit to Turmus Ayya, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, July 9, 2026.

California Gov. Newsom says West Bank annexation, Netanyahu could lead Israel into apartheid state

Newsom insisted that he doesn't think Israel is an apartheid state, but that Netanyahu's actions in the last couple of years are what worry him.

CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR Gavin Newsom attends the inauguration of new installations at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center as part of the prison’s transformation plan, in San Quentin, California, US, February 20, 2026.