California

The backstory to Mike Evans' 'The Whole World Sings Together'

As 2,000 Christians gather in Israel for Oct. 7 commemorations, 17 singers from around the world collaborate across borders on a music video of remembrance, solidarity, and hope.

Artists participate in the recording of "The Whole World Sings Together."
US President Donald Trump dances on stage during a rally at Pinnacle Bank Expo Center in Grand Island, Nebraska, US, October 5, 2026.

'Let 'em take out Los Angeles': Trump sparks fury after barb suggesting Iran destroy LA, San Diego

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te arrives for a briefing with foreign correspondents in Taipei on June 18, 2026.

FBI arrests California woman under suspicion of spying on Taiwan's president's son for China

Greg Kirkpatrick holds an etrog from Lindcove Ranch, California, which has been run by his family for 60 years. The ranch is the only major commercial grower of kosher etrogs in the United States.

America’s only major etrog grower is in survival mode amid global competition


Jewish groups hail California law making it the first state to list ‘Jewish’ as an ethnicity

Also on Wednesday, Newsom approved AB 1763, which will include religious holiday observance as a type of excused absence in schools without requiring a written request from a parent or guardian. 

Potential 2028 presidential candidate, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an event held by the state Democratic Party at the Clubhouse at King's Grant in Summerville, South Carolina, Sept. 3, 2026.

At LA mayoral forum, candidates weigh in on Israeli genocide charges, antisemitism

Jewish Federation LA President and CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas said the forum “gave attendees a deeper understanding of where the candidates stand on key priorities facing our city and community."

Mayoral candidate and city councilwoman Nithya Raman speaks during the 2026 Jewish Los Angeles Mayoral Forum panel discussion at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles,, Sept. 29, 2026.

Israeli actor Guy Kapolnik identified as pilot killed in California small plane crash

The NTSB and the FAA are still investigating the crash, and a preliminary FAA report lists the cause as "unknown circumstances."

Guy Kapolnik holding up a certificate of graduation from an ATP CTP course.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill to create safe spaces around synagogues

“Every Californian should be able to walk into a synagogue, church, mosque, or other house of worship without fear,” Newsom said in a statement. 

Potential 2028 presidential candidate, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an event held by the state Democratic Party at the Clubhouse at King's Grant in Summerville, South Carolina, Sept. 3, 2026.

In Memoriam: Mourning the death of Sunkist Fruit Gems - opinion

For years, Sunkist Fruit Gems have been the candy thrown at b’nai mitzvah celebrations across American synagogues. Now that the candy is discontinued, communities are searching for replacements.

Sunkist Fruit Gems, the popular kosher candy known for being thrown during b’nai mitzvah services and produced in Northern California, are being discontinued.

Firefighting helicopter crashes in Yosemite National Park while battling fire, killing two

The deaths brought the number of helicopter pilots killed in crashes in Colorado, Utah, and California this year fighting wildfires to five.

A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop in the path of the Lucas Fire burning near Upper Lake, a community in Lake County, California, US, September 12, 2026.

San Diego police investigating two homes vandalized with Swastikas over Rosh Hashanah

Swastikas and antisemitic messaging had been marked on the exterior of the homes using a black permanent marker.

In an aerial view, residential and commercial buildings are seen in the coastal community of La Jolla on August 28, 2026 in San Diego, CA.

Young ViZionaries: Honorable mentions No.7, 8, 9 & 10

Dionne Taylor, Ari Meridy, Gary Fayman and Tal Louria

(L to R) Ari Meridy, Gary Fayman, Dionne Taylor and Tal Louria

California Gov. Newsom, a presidential hopeful, slams Netanyahu and AIPAC in PBS interview

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who visited Israel shortly after October 7, has called the war in Gaza a "moral catastrophe" while also condemning Hamas' attack on Israel.

Potential 2028 presidential candidate, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an event held by the state Democratic Party at the Clubhouse at King's Grant in Summerville, South Carolina, Sept. 3, 2026.

Republicans defend US House majority as 50 competitive races loom ahead of 2026 midterms

The outcome of the races could decide whether Democrats gain the three seats needed to reclaim control of the chamber from Republicans.

The US Capitol exterior after the US House of Representatives approved legislation to avert a government shutdown before the midterm elections, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, September 1, 2026.