Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On March 3, 2022, the California Shakespeare Theater (Cal Shakes) in Orinda, California, introduced a fresh and poignant adaptation of The Color Purple, Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that has become a cornerstone of American literature. Directed by Susi Damilano, this new production breathes new life into the iconic musical, moving beyond the familiar spectacle of earlier adaptations to delve deeply into the raw emotional journey of its characters. The opening night was met with a flood of excitement, as the production offered a powerful, nuanced interpretation of the themes of race, identity, love, and resilience, all within the context…

In March 2022, the Federal Reserve took a decisive step in response to escalating inflation by raising interest rates for the first time in four years. This 0.25 percentage point hike marked the beginning of a series of rate increases aimed at addressing inflation that had reached its highest levels in over 40 years. The decision was made as part of a broader strategy to stabilize the economy and curb the rising cost of living, which was affecting consumers, businesses, and the broader market. At the time, inflation was driven by a complex mix of factors including supply chain disruptions,…

A groundbreaking study published on February 25, 2022, by researchers from the University of Winchester and the Westgate Badminton Performance Centre has shed light on the impact of practice variability on skill acquisition in elite youth badminton players. The research emphasizes the significance of incorporating unpredictable elements into training routines to enhance biomechanical efficiency and overall performance. The study involved twelve elite youth badminton players who participated in three distinct training scenarios: hand-fed drills, multi-feed drills, and match-play simulations. Using motion capture technology, the researchers analyzed biomechanical variables such as lunge depth, racket shuttlecock strike position, and trunk inclination during…

FeBREWary: A Month-Long Celebration of Craft Beer in Santa Rosa Santa Rosa, California, has long been a hub for craft beer enthusiasts, and February 2022 marked another exciting chapter in the city’s craft beer culture with its annual FeBREWary celebration. FeBREWary, which runs throughout the month of February, celebrates the local craft beer scene by highlighting the innovative spirit of Sonoma County’s breweries. From February 1 to 28, Santa Rosa’s craft beer community came together to showcase their best brews, offering locals and visitors alike an immersive experience into the world of craft beer. A Celebration of Local Breweries and…

On February 22, 2022, Oakland-based jazz singer Miko Marks captivated the local music community with a powerful performance at Yoshi’s, one of the Bay Area’s most iconic venues for jazz music. Marks, known for her deep, soulful voice and boundary-pushing approach to the genre, has been a key figure in the region’s evolving jazz scene, and her performance was an embodiment of California’s rich, diverse musical legacy. Marks, who has spent years honing her craft, combines traditional jazz, blues, and contemporary elements in her music, making her a unique and exciting presence in a landscape traditionally dominated by male musicians…

Los Angeles, CA, USA On February 19, 2022, a new report from the California Department of Housing and Community Development revealed a shocking increase in the state’s homelessness population, particularly in Los Angeles, which has become a flashpoint for the growing crisis. The report, which showed a 20% rise in homelessness across the state over the last year, sparked widespread concerns about the state’s ability to address the root causes of homelessness and provide adequate solutions for its most vulnerable residents. In Los Angeles, the homeless population has reached record levels, with estimates suggesting that more than 66,000 people are…

California saw a surge in interest surrounding “slow travel,” a travel philosophy that encourages taking more time to experience a destination at a leisurely pace rather than rushing through it. This trend has been gaining momentum in response to the fast-paced, consumer-driven nature of mainstream tourism, with more people opting for deeper, more meaningful connections to the places they visit. Slow travel, which advocates for sustainable tourism practices and immersing oneself in local cultures, has become particularly popular in cities like San Francisco and rural parts of California, such as Sonoma and Napa Valley. Instead of hopping between numerous tourist…

On February 12, 2022, the Berkeley Repertory Theatre hosted the opening night of its highly anticipated production of Macbeth, a chilling reimagining of the Shakespearean classic. Under the direction of Liesl Tommy, the production received rave reviews for its contemporary twist and its exploration of power, ambition, and the haunting effects of violence. Tommy, a celebrated director known for her dynamic and innovative stage productions, infused the play with a modern sensibility, using minimalistic set design and a strong visual narrative to enhance the dark themes of the play. The performance featured an exceptional cast, led by actors Julian De…

New York City’s iconic outdoor dining scene made a major comeback as the city worked to recover from the pandemic. The once-controversial trend, which was introduced as a temporary measure during the height of COVID-19, has now become a permanent fixture of the city’s dining culture. The program, originally designed to help restaurants stay afloat during lockdowns, allowed eateries to set up outdoor seating on sidewalks, streets, and even in parking lanes. Over the past year, the city has extended and expanded the program, recognizing its potential to revitalize local businesses and offer residents a more dynamic way to experience…

Expansion of the Congressional Inquiry On February 10, 2022, the House Oversight Committee launched a comprehensive investigation into former President Donald Trump’s handling of presidential records during and after his tenure in office. This investigation was prompted by concerns over the safeguarding and preservation of essential government documents, which were amplified after the January 6 Capitol insurrection. Central to this inquiry was the potential violation of the Presidential Records Act, a vital law requiring the retention and archival of presidential materials for legal and historical purposes. Allegations of Record Mismanagement and Destruction The investigation revolved around serious accusations that Trump…