Author: Golden State Review Contributor

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass unveiled a new citywide initiative designed to provide support for local artists struggling with the rising cost of living. The initiative, titled “Art Forward LA,” is aimed at helping creatives maintain their livelihoods while continuing to contribute to the city’s thriving cultural scene. The announcement was made during a press conference at the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), where city officials, artists, and cultural advocates gathered to discuss the program’s potential impact. The cost of living in Los Angeles has risen significantly in recent years, and many artists are facing the dual challenges…

The Psychedelic Science 2025 conference, hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), concluded on June 20, 2025 in Denver, drawing a diverse and influential crowd to the Colorado Convention Center. Over 7,000 attendees from all 50 U.S. states and 39 countries engaged in a rich blend of five days of programming that included more than 500 expert speakers, spanning fields such as therapy, ethics, safety, plant medicine, and cultural discussions. Colorado’s trailblazing legalization of adult-use psychedelics has laid the groundwork for a thriving ecosystem of licensed therapy centers and wellness startups. The state began issuing licenses for healing…

On June 20, 2025, the San Francisco Bay Area marked Pride Month with an exceptional spectrum of arts, entertainment, and community events that celebrated LGBTQ+ identity through visual arts, culture, and live experiences. Central to the festivities was the ongoing Frameline49 International LGBTQ+ Film Festival, running June 18–28. The world’s longest-running queer film fest showcased nearly 150 films from 40 countries, featuring 17 world premieres and marking its 11-day span as a cultural cornerstone with both films and live discussions. Bay Area galleries introduced two compelling exhibitions: “Unapologetically Queer” and “Queer Religion.” Rooted in intersectional identity and spiritual narratives, the…

Tuesday, June 20, 2025, marked the summer solstice—the longest day of the year—and Northern California marked the occasion with a series of wellness retreats designed to deepen participants’ connection to nature, sunlight, and inner rhythms. One standout event was the three-day Mendocino Grove Summer Solstice Yoga Retreat (June 20–22), held near the coastal town of Mendocino. Hosted by Sunset Retreats and set amid towering trees with ocean views, the gathering combined luxury safari-style glamping with sunrise yoga, breathwork, meditative forest baths, and sunset sessions by the river. The experience was crafted to align with the sun’s arc, guiding participants through…

On Friday, June 20, 2025, Houston showcased its vibrant multicultural spirit with the launch of two major public events: AsiaFest at the Asia Society Texas Center and Comicpalooza at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Together, these festivities drew thousands of locals and visitors into a weekend-long celebration of global heritage, pop culture, and community engagement. AsiaFest, organized by the Asia Society Texas, offered a dynamic exploration of Asian cultures through interactive experiences, live performances, and family-friendly activities. Running from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., the festival featured art workshops, culinary stalls representing different Asian cuisines, a dramatic dragon-boat display,…

On June 21, 2025, IBM announced a groundbreaking advancement in quantum computing, unveiling a new quantum processor that surpasses previous technological limitations and brings us closer to realizing the full potential of quantum technology. The new processor, known as “Q-Scale,” is capable of performing calculations that were once thought to be impossible for classical computers, opening the door to new possibilities in fields such as artificial intelligence, cryptography, and drug discovery. Q-Scale, developed by IBM’s Quantum Division, is a highly advanced quantum processor that operates with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The breakthrough is based on a novel approach to qubit…

On June 20, 2025, LA-based artist Kevin Nguyen opened the doors to his first solo exhibit, Virtual Realities, at the Contemporary Art Museum of Los Angeles (CAMLA), marking a groundbreaking moment in the fusion of virtual reality (VR) and traditional art. Nguyen, known for his innovative use of technology, combines his background in fine art with immersive digital landscapes, creating interactive experiences that challenge the boundaries between reality and the digital world. Nguyen, who has been experimenting with VR art since 2022, is part of a growing movement in Los Angeles where technology and art intersect in new and surprising…

In a striking moment at the intersection of sports and national politics, the Los Angeles Dodgers took the unusual step of denying entry to federal immigration agents during their June 19 game at Dodger Stadium. According to a statement issued by the team that evening, agents who identified themselves as affiliated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were blocked from accessing stadium grounds, prompting praise from immigrant rights groups and scrutiny from federal officials. Team officials described the move as a protective measure, emphasizing their commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all fans. “We strive to…

California legislators have passed a $325 billion state budget, approved on June 19, which addresses a projected $12 billion fiscal shortfall not by slashing social services, but by turning to borrowing to fill the gap. The plan, passed largely along party lines, notably sets aside most of Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed funding reductions targeting essential programs, transferring the burden to bonds and various reserves as the state enters the new fiscal year, which starts July 1. Rather than cutting deeply into Medi‑Cal, homelessness initiatives, education, or other vulnerable social supports, lawmakers endorsed issuing approximately $7.8 billion in new bonds and deferring an additional $1 billion…

On June 20, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued a pivotal decision temporarily allowing former President Donald Trump to retain federal control over California’s National Guard, deferring a lower court’s order that would have returned command to Governor Gavin Newsom. The ruling marks a new phase in the intensifying legal and political standoff between the state of California and the federal government over military authority and immigration enforcement. In a brief but impactful opinion, the appellate panel stated that Trump had “likely acted within statutory authority” when he federalized approximately 4,000 members of California’s National Guard earlier this…