California

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
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.

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

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.

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

Security guards stand watch in front of a synagogue in Los Angeles, Oct. 9, 2023.

California man faces trial over alleged threats to shoot up Jewish community center


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.

Mark Ruffalo attends the European Gala Screening for Amazon's "Crime 101" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on January 28, 2026 in London, England.

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 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.

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

California could make Jewish an ethnic identity under groundbreaking new bill

Beyond the role Jewish demographic data could play in fighting antisemitism, Bocarsly also pointed out the practical benefits that access to such information could provide in sectors like education.

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

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

Wahab and Hernandez will again face each other in November. The winner of that election will hold the congressional seat for a full two-year term.

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

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.