California

The big California stories shaping up in 2025, according to our newsroom

Published

1 year ago

January 4, 2025

Press Room

The big California stories shaping up in 2025, according to our newsroom

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Here’s what you need to know to start your weekend:

The big California stories to watch in 2025, according to our newsroom

Just like that, we’re in the back half of the decade.

I won’t predict what 2025 will bring to the Golden State and wider world. But I will share the big stories I think will define life in California over the next 12 months:

CA vs. DJT (Round 2). California fought President Trump constantly to safeguard its liberal policies. How will old battles and new fights play out in Trump’s second term?
California voters challenged the state’s deep-blue reputation in the 2024 election. How will the pendulum swing away from progressive policies affect crime, incarceration, housing, low-wage labor and other facets of life in the Golden State?
What will the real-time effects of climate change look like in California? How will our leaders and communities respond?
Hollywood is still struggling. Will the industry, a major contributor to the state’s economy, reach a healthy rebound this year?

But I don’t do this alone. Telling California’s story is a newsroom-wide task, so I asked some of my colleagues what stories they would be following in 2025 and why. Here’s what they shared.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during a news conference in Los Angeles on Sept. 25, 2024.

(Eric Thayer / Associated Press)

Gov. Gavin Newsom is maneuvering.

“The governor uses Trump as a foil to stoke his Democratic base,” Taryn Luna, who covers Newsom and state government, told me. Watch for Newsom to take advantage of every opportunity this year to contrast himself with the MAGA leader as buzz grows about his own potential presidential run in 2028.”

College campuses will almost certainly be another battlefield.

“President-elect Trump has said that many universities are run by ‘Marxist maniacs’ and has promised to reel in what he sees as professors and schools that veer too far to the left,” higher education reporter Jaweed Kaleem noted. “I’m curious if and how he will do that in California, a state with several of the top-ranked public and private universities in the country.”

Then there’s immigration.

“It colors this state from Silicon Valley to the Central Valley to the deep-blue politics that govern Sacramento,” columnist Gustavo Arellano shared. “Gov. Newsom, the State Legislature and many municipalities have vowed to fight whatever Trump may bring — but how will it actually play out? As California goes…”

Police tape blocks a road near the scene of a shooting in 2021.

California moved right on crime. Now what?

“Following a November election cycle that saw Californians overwhelmingly support tougher penalties on certain crimes and outright reject progressive prosecutors and sentencing reforms, I’ll be closely tracking the impacts of these policy shifts throughout the state,” James Queally, The Times’ crime and policing reporter, told me.

“I hate to say it, but I think the H5N1 bird flu outbreak is going to continue to pester us as we move into 2025.”

That’s input from environmental health reporter Susanne Rust. “Public health, agriculture and wildlife officials are all hoping it will peter out like so many flu and viral outbreaks before. But its reach into people, wildlife and our food supply make it seem like its grasp is secure — multiple reservoirs within which it has found safe harbor and room to mutate and evolve.”

Owning a home is probably not going to get any easier.

“Structural factors underlying California’s affordability problems, such as an inadequate supply of homes, should remain in 2025. And incoming-President Trump’s proposals are likely to add uncertainty in the broader market,” said housing reporter Liam Dillon.

Newsom and Sacramento Democrats could pit climate progress and cheap energy against each other.

“With electric rates continuing to rise and gasoline prices always too high, Gov. Gavin Newsom and state legislative leaders have pledged to make energy affordability a top priority in 2025,” climate columnist Sammy Roth shared. “In theory, that should be good news for clean energy, since solar and wind power are already cheaper than fossil fuels, and electric cars continue to come down in cost. But the political realities are often more complicated.”

Diego Mariscal, in a black cap and T-shirt, sits on a camera dolly.

Hollywood limps on.

“Last year, Hollywood’s crew members clung to the mantra ‘survive til ’25,’ but as we enter 2025, survival still feels like the name of the game. Strikes, streaming cutbacks, runaway productions and AI advances have left below-the-line workers scrambling for stability,” film business reporter Josh Rottenberg told me. “With diversity gains slipping and a fragmented audience reshaping what gets made, this year could be a turning point — or another uphill battle — for the people who keep the film business running.”

Could Kamala Harris run for governor?

Politics reporter Julia Wick told me she’ll be paying attention to what Kamala Harris does next and the ramifications for California politics.

“If Harris gets into the 2026 gubernatorial race [a big if!] her presence would totally scramble the race and clear some of the field,” she explained. “Her presence would also create a chaotic domino effect on down-ballot races, as other candidates reassess their chances and scramble to run for other things.”

California’s big transportation goals could face some bumps in the road (and tracks).

From LAX’s $30-billion overhaul ahead of the 2028 Olympics to high-speed rail to electric cars, there’s a lot of plans to cut traffic congestion and clear the state’s awful air.

But transportation reporter Colleen Shalby says we should expect some friction with the incoming administration on multiple fronts.

“California’s high-speed rail project has already faced uncertainty, with tens of billions of unidentified dollars to finish the train and no clear deadline for completion as construction has so far been isolated to the Central Valley,” she told me. “Trump’s Cabinet picks have identified the project as one that has wasted federal dollars and a state lawmaker plans to introduce legislation to defund it,” she shared.

The week’s biggest stories

A Tesla Cybertruck is shown after an explosion outside the Trump International Hotel on Wednesday in Las Vegas.

Mystery surrounds the decorated Green Beret who killed himself and exploded a Tesla Cybertruck

The case is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, though officials said they are still trying to find a motive for the violence.
Here is what we know about the Green Beret who has been identified as the driver of the Cybertruck.
Federal officials say there is no direct link between the explosion and the attack in New Orleans that killed at least 14 people, but the investigation continues.

Newsom aims to limit unhealthy food in California, getting ahead of Trump and RFK Jr.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Friday attempting to limit access to ultra-processed foods, a move he described as a continuation of California’s “nation-leading” nutrition and health standards.
The governor did not mention Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has also been a vocal critic of ultra-processed foods. But Newsom’s order signals his refusal to concede the issue to the incoming Trump administration.

Drug overdose deaths have plummeted in San Francisco. What’s changed?

The city recorded 586 fatal overdoses in the first 11 months of 2024. That represents a nearly 23% decrease, or 174 fewer deaths, compared with the first 11 months of 2023.
Experts credit better access to overdose-reversal medication and medications that ease opioid addiction, as well as the waning effects of the COVID pandemic.

The question sending shockwaves through Hollywood: How did Blake Lively get those damaging texts?

More big stories

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This week’s must reads

A photo of a woman silhouetted against the afternoon sun in the backyard of her San Diego home.

Her mother’s killer, now sick with prostate cancer, was released last year under California’s newest compassionate release law. The daughter now wants to change the state’s reform laws.

“The person who murdered my mother has been released. That tells me something is very, very wrong in California,” the daughter said.

More great reads

How can we make this newsletter more useful? Send comments to essentialcalifornia@latimes.com.

For your weekend

Photo collage of steak, sandwich, fries, and other dishes

Going out

Staying in

How well did you follow the news this week? Take our quiz.

A collection of photos from this week's news quiz

Which Los Angeles Laker notched his 40th birthday earlier this week? Plus nine other questions from our weekly news quiz.

Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team

Ryan Fonseca, reporter

Check our top stories, topics and the latest articles on latimes.com.

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California

As fireworks pop off for July 4, which are legal to use in California?

Published

10 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

As fireworks pop off for July 4, which are legal to use in California?

Each year, fireworks light up the sky across the United States for the nation’s Independence Day. With 2026 marking the nation’s 250th birthday, fireworks shows may be a bigger draw.

With California being so fire-prone, the state has strict fireworks laws, but does that mean that people won’t enjoy fireworks without risking jail time on July 4?

Are fireworks illegal in California?

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or CalFire, is the agency in charge of managing fireworks and classifying which ones are safe to light.

The California Fireworks Law was passed in 1938 and designated the Office of the State Fire Marshal as the only fireworks classification authority in the state, according to CalFire.

The fire marshal’s office classifies fireworks through lab analysis and field testing. It also requires that all parties dealing in fireworks, such as pyrotechnic operators, manufacturers, and retailers, have licensing.

Along with the aforementioned law, the State’s Explosive Law authorizes the fire marshal to “adopt regulations for the safe use, handling, storage and transportation of explosives,” CalFire says.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks are less likely to cause injury and generally mean that the fireworks do not explode or fly, according to the City of Fontana.

There are almost 300 communities in the state that allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

It is illegal in the state to sell, transport, or use fireworks that don’t carry the “Safe and Sane” seal or use any in a nonpermitted community. If convicted, you can face a fine up to $50,000, a year in jail or both, according to CalFire.

All other fireworks are considered illegal in the state and are prohibited from being operated by unauthorized parties in most jurisdictions.

Some illegal fireworks include:

Wire Core Sparklers
Sky rockets
Bottle rockets
Roman candles
Aerial shells
Firecrackers
Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an “uncontrollable manner.”

How to safely use fireworks

CalFire has put out a list of safety tips to avoid injury when handling fireworks.

CalFire recommends:

Use only State Fire Marshal-approved fireworks
Verify local ordinances before purchasing or using fireworks.
Always read the directions on labels.
Children should always have an adult present.
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Avoid using fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials.
Only light one firework at a time.
Have a bucket of water and a hose nearby in case of fire.
During a drought, it is recommended that you use a bucket of reused water to submerge your firework after use to ensure it’s completely extinguished.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
Back up several feet immediately after lighting a firework.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Never attempt to relight or fix fireworks.
Never experiment with fireworks.
Do not wear loose-fitting clothing while lighting fireworks.
Never carry fireworks in your pockets.

Ernesto Centeno Araujo covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. He can be reached at ecentenoaraujo@vcstar.com, 805-437-0224 or @ecentenoaraujo on Instagram and X.

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California

California bill to block registered sex offenders from local office rejected by Senate committee

Published

20 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

California bill to block registered sex offenders from local office rejected by Senate committee

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — California bill aimed at preventing registered sex offenders from holding local elected office was halted Tuesday after a Senate committee declined to advance the measure without changes opposed by its author.

Assembly Bill 2753, introduced by Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria in February, would have prohibited anyone who is or has been required to register as a sex offender from running for local elective office.

“This issue is critical. We have heard loud and clear from the community that we must do something,” Soria said.

The proposal came to a stop in the Senate Elections Committee, where lawmakers argued the bill’s restrictions were too broad.

California’s sex offender registration system is divided into three tiers. Tier 1 offenders are generally required to register for 10 years, Tier 2 offenders for 20 years and Tier 3 offenders for life.

According to Soria, committee members proposed limiting the bill to Tier 3 offenders. She rejected those amendments, arguing that the legislation should apply more broadly.

“For this not to be the law today, where we’re banning people that have committed some of the most horrific crimes against children, against other people, you know, and we have survivors out there, I think it’s a disservice,” Soria said.

The bill had attracted significant support before reaching the Senate. It was backed by the Fresno City Council and passed the Assembly floor in April.

Fresno City Council President Nelson Esparza traveled to Sacramento to testify in favor of the measure and said he was disappointed by the outcome.

“I call it really a gut punch for our community, and what we had experienced here, and sort of the upheaval… I don’t think we want that to happen again here at Fresno,” Esparza said.

Esparza referenced controversy earlier this year involving registered sex offender Rene Campos, who sought a seat on the Fresno City Council but ultimately did not qualify for the ballot.

Opponents of the bill argued that candidacies should be decided by voters rather than restricted by law.

“It should be a decision made by the voters, so a person should not be barred from running for office and let the voters make the decision that makes the most sense for them,” said civil rights attorney Janice Bellucci.

With the committee declining to move the bill forward under its current language, efforts to enact the proposed restrictions have stalled for now.

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California

Billionaire tax measure heads to California’s November ballot, with Kern County watching

Published

1 day ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Billionaire tax measure heads to California’s November ballot, with Kern County watching

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) California voters will face a high-profile “billionaire tax” measure on the November ballot, a proposal supporters say would raise new revenue, but critics warn could push some of the state’s wealthiest residents to leave.

If passed, the measure would impose a one-time 5% tax on California billionaires living in the state as of Jan. 1, 2026.

Tal Eslick, owner of Vista Consulting, said, “I think there is this effort, especially on the part of progressive state leaders, to somehow, you know, go after billionaires or maybe even the trillionaires that may exist in the future.”

Billionaire tax measure heads to California’s November ballot, with Kern County watching (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

Political analysts say a proposal like this could encourage some of California’s wealthiest residents to relocate, potentially taking investment and business activity with them.

Eslick said, “And for that matter, they can come back occasionally to visit and do a little bit of business, but live in a state that is a little more accommodating for them from a tax standpoint.”

Questions have also been raised about what the impact could be for Kern County if billionaires leave the state.

Sherod Waite, CEO of Moneywise Guys, said, “It’s questionable how much revenue would actually be generated from the tax and how much revenue would be lost from those people exiting the state. It’s questionable. It’s a gamble.”

Waite said billionaires leaving could reduce state revenue that could be used in Kern County.

Billionaire tax measure heads to California’s November ballot, with Kern County watching (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

“Think of all the support services that the state offers to the entire state, including us here in Kern County, that are paid for by tax dollars,” he said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom has been outspokenly against a state wealth tax and is instead proposing a national tax policy that would tax anyone with a net worth of $100 million.

Newsom said, “It’s time for a national billionaire’s tax and a new social contract. Just think of this, just ten percent of people own 2/3’s of the nation’s wealth.”

Eslick said Newsom’s position can be difficult to square.

“It’s a naturally confusing sort of position to be opposed to the tax in California but be supportive of it at a national level. But I think that’s him walking a treacherous political road,” he said.

Billionaire tax measure heads to California’s November ballot, with Kern County watching (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

In a statement regarding the measure, Assemblyman Stan Ellis said in part, “This would hurt Kern’s energy, Agriculture, manufacturing, and working families through lost investment, fewer jobs and unstable state funding.”

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