Author: Golden State Review Contributor

The San Francisco Beverage Expo, held from March 10th to 11th, 2023, brought together an exciting mix of industry professionals, innovators, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends in the world of drinks. From craft sodas to kombucha, the event showcased a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, but it was the surge in non-alcoholic spirits that stole the spotlight. As more consumers are seeking healthier alternatives and mindful drinking options, the expo highlighted how this niche market is rapidly gaining traction and reshaping the future of drinking culture. The expo, held at the renowned San Francisco Design Center, was buzzing…

On March 18, 2023, the city of San Francisco hosted the annual Public Art Forum at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), bringing together artists, urban planners, and community leaders to discuss the pivotal role that public art plays in shaping the identity and culture of California’s cities. As the Bay Area grapples with issues such as gentrification, displacement, and the erosion of cultural heritage, public art has emerged as a powerful tool for community expression and social change, making the forum both timely and necessary. Public art has long been an integral part of San Francisco’s cultural…

On March 18, 2023, California’s homelessness crisis was the subject of a major public forum in Los Angeles, as city officials, homelessness advocates, and residents gathered to discuss innovative solutions and the continuing challenges of addressing homelessness in one of the nation’s most populous cities. With a homeless population exceeding 66,000 in Los Angeles County alone, the need for comprehensive, actionable plans has never been more pressing. The forum served as a critical reflection of the progress made and the challenges that remain in combating homelessness in California’s largest city. Mayor Bass’s administration has pushed for a more aggressive approach…

A growing trend in urban gardening was celebrated at the annual Green Spaces Expo in New York City, where thousands of city dwellers gathered to explore ways to bring nature back into their concrete surroundings. This event underscored the rising popularity of gardening in urban spaces, with a focus on sustainable practices and the environmental and mental health benefits of cultivating plants in city environments. Urban gardening has seen a significant rise in popularity in cities across the U.S. as people become more conscious of their environmental impact and seek ways to live more sustainably. In New York City, where living…

The United States Supreme Court is preparing to hear a landmark case that could drastically alter the landscape of abortion rights in America. At the heart of the case is Mississippi’s 2018 Gestational Age Act, a law that bans most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, well before the point of fetal viability, which is generally recognized around 24 weeks. This challenge directly undermines the 1973 Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion across the United States and has provided a constitutional right to the procedure for nearly five decades. The outcome of this case could set…

The Bay Area Music Festival kicked off its highly anticipated annual celebration on March 4, 2023, bringing together music lovers, artists, and industry professionals from across the region. Held at the iconic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, the festival showcased the vibrant cultural diversity and eclectic musical landscape that the Bay Area is known for. With over 30 local musicians performing across a wide range of genres, the event proved once again that the region remains a hotbed of creativity and innovation within the global music scene. As the festival opened its doors, attendees were immediately immersed in…

On March 3, 2023, California lawmakers gathered in Sacramento for an emergency session to address the growing water crisis facing the state. After three consecutive years of severe drought conditions and record-low reservoir levels, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in over half of California’s counties, urging swift action to conserve water and implement new policies for sustainable water management. California’s water crisis is driven by a combination of factors, including climate change, increased demand, and mismanagement of resources. With the state’s population continuing to grow, the demand for water has outpaced supply, putting immense pressure on existing…

In a significant move to protect public health and the environment, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule aimed at curbing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from power plants and industrial facilities across 23 states. This new regulation is a central component of the EPA’s ongoing “Good Neighbor” initiative, which tackles the issue of cross-state air pollution—a major contributor to smog and deteriorating air quality in surrounding regions. Nitrogen oxides, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), are a primary cause of the formation of ground-level ozone, or smog. Smog poses severe risks not only to the environment but also to…

On February 24, 2023, San Francisco experienced an unprecedented winter storm that set a 132-year-old temperature record, marking the coldest February 24 on record since 1891. The high temperature reached only 39°F (3.9°C), breaking the previous record of 40°F (4.4°C) set on the same date in 1891.  The storm, part of a larger weather system impacting the western United States, brought rare snowfall to low-elevation areas of Northern California, including parts of the Bay Area. In San Francisco, while snow did not accumulate in the city proper, nearby regions such as the Santa Cruz Mountains and parts of the East…

Los Angeles celebrated the rise of outdoor yoga with a new initiative aimed at bringing wellness to the forefront of urban life. The city’s Parks and Recreation Department launched a series of outdoor yoga sessions designed to help Angelenos connect with nature while improving their mental and physical well-being. This initiative is part of a growing trend in urban areas where yoga and mindfulness practices are being integrated into public spaces to combat the increasing stress of city living. Outdoor yoga has become a significant part of the wellness movement in Los Angeles, with residents flocking to local parks, beaches,…