Author: Golden State Review Contributor

Mindfulness and Meditation: Leading the Shift Toward Mental Wellness In recent years, mindfulness and meditation have emerged from niche practices into mainstream tools for mental wellness. This growing trend was exemplified during Los Angeles’ Mindfulness and Meditation Week, held from September 22–26, 2022, a five-day event that attracted individuals from across the U.S. and beyond. With its blend of workshops, live meditations, and expert-led talks, the event showcased the evolving importance of mindfulness as a path to mental well-being. As societal challenges such as stress, anxiety, and burnout rise, individuals are increasingly seeking ways to regain control over their mental…

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA On September 20, 2022, California’s Wildfire Awareness Conference convened in Los Angeles to address the escalating wildfire season that had already ravaged parts of the state. With over 3.5 million acres burned by mid-September, the conference brought together emergency responders, climate experts, environmental advocates, and policymakers to discuss the growing impact of wildfires and the need for immediate climate action. California’s wildfire season is growing longer and more destructive, with more frequent fire seasons driven by the climate crisis. The 2022 fires have already surpassed the totals of previous years, with the largest fire, the…

On September 16, 2022, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) announced a significant expansion of its monkeypox vaccination campaign, distributing an additional 10,000 vaccine doses to bolster efforts against the ongoing outbreak. This move came as the city experienced a notable decline in cases, with only three new infections reported that week, down from dozens in August.  The newly allocated doses were strategically deployed to high-risk areas, including pop-up clinics at major LGBTQ+ events such as the Folsom Street Fair and Castro Street Fair. These events attract large gatherings, providing an opportunity to vaccinate individuals who may be…

The craft cider scene in California continues to grow in influence, and this year’s California Cider Festival, held on September 10th at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, proved that the Golden State is a powerhouse in the cider world. With over 30 of California’s top cider makers in attendance, the 2022 festival not only showcased the incredible variety and quality of ciders being produced across the state but also highlighted emerging trends, innovations, and the future of the industry. The event brought together cider makers, consumers, and industry professionals, further solidifying the importance of craft cider as a key player in…

On September 7, 2022, the California Film Festival kicked off in San Francisco, celebrating the diverse cinematic talent emerging from the Golden State. This year’s event featured over 50 films from local filmmakers, with a focus on underrepresented voices and innovative storytelling. The festival, which ran for four days, included screenings, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, giving filmmakers a platform to showcase their work to a broader audience. This year’s festival placed a strong emphasis on the intersection of film and social justice, showcasing a range of documentaries, feature films, and short films that explored issues like racial equality, gender…

On a breezy September afternoon in 2022, the rooftop of a former textile factory in Brooklyn pulsed with life. The scent of fresh herbs mingled with the sound of live jazz as families wandered between raised beds brimming with kale, tomatoes, and strawberries. It was the annual harvest festival of the Brooklyn Urban Farming Collective—a celebration not just of food, but of a revolution taking root in the heart of the city. For the hundreds gathered there, this was more than a market or a gathering. It was proof that even in the most densely packed boroughs, the future of…

On September 5, 2022, Derrick Henry, the star running back for the Tennessee Titans, underwent successful surgery to address a foot injury he sustained earlier in the 2022 NFL season. The injury, initially diagnosed as a stress fracture in his right foot, had kept Henry sidelined for the early part of the season. Henry, who is known for his explosive running style and unmatched physicality, experienced pain in his foot during a routine workout. The Titans’ medical team acted quickly, referring him to Dr. Robert Anderson, a leading foot and ankle specialist who has treated several NFL players. Following the…

Location: Sacramento, CA, USA On September 5, 2022, California lawmakers convened for a special session to address the state’s escalating housing crisis. The hearing was convened as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s ongoing efforts to combat the severe shortage of affordable housing in the state. Over 100 witnesses, including housing experts, advocates, and affected residents, testified about the deepening crisis that has left millions struggling with skyrocketing rents, inadequate The housing crisis in California has been decades in the making, with housing production failing to keep pace with population growth. The state has consistently ranked as one of the most…

In September 2022, inflation remained stubbornly high, prompting the Federal Reserve to stay the course with its aggressive interest rate hikes. Despite signs of a slowing economy, the central bank’s unwavering approach reflected its commitment to taming inflation, which had remained above its target levels for much of the year. This move, while intended to curb rising prices, had significant ramifications across various sectors, influencing consumer behavior, business investments, and the overall economic landscape. The Fed’s decision to keep borrowing costs elevated was part of its broader strategy to cool down the economy by reducing both consumer and business spending.…

Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA On August 23, 2022, a town hall meeting in Los Angeles highlighted California’s growing educational divide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As schools across the state prepare to return to in-person learning, educational leaders, policymakers, and community activists are focusing on bridging the achievement gap exacerbated by the disruptions caused by the pandemic. The town hall, which was organized by California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, served as a platform for discussing ways to address inequities in education, particularly for low-income and minority students. The pandemic left millions of students behind…