California
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.
At LA mayoral forum, candidates weigh in on Israeli genocide charges, antisemitism
Israeli actor Guy Kapolnik identified as pilot killed in California small plane crash
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bill to create safe spaces around synagogues
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.
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.
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.
Young ViZionaries: Honorable mentions No.7, 8, 9 & 10
Dionne Taylor, Ari Meridy, Gary Fayman 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.
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.
California man faces trial over alleged threats to shoot up Jewish community center
Paul Dean Andrews, 43, faces trial after allegedly threatening a Jewish community center in California, months after he was previously ordered to complete an anti-bias program.
Hollywood’s Jews take sides in Mark Ruffalo-Paramount antisemitism row
Several leading Jewish groups have said that Ruffalo's post stepped beyond legitimate criticism of the merger and into classic antisemitic rhetoric about Jewish wealth and power.
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.
California Legislature approves Safe Worship Zone Act, now awaiting Newsom’s stamp
The act was authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and sponsored by Jewish California, ADL, JCRC Bay Area, and Jewish Federation LA.
