Author: Golden State Review Contributor

Introduction: A Celebration of Pizza Craftsmanship On May 5th, 2025, the Los Angeles Pizza Festival took over the Los Angeles State Historic Park, bringing together pizza lovers, chefs, and food enthusiasts for a day-long celebration of all things pizza. The festival, which attracted over 10,000 attendees, celebrated the art of pizza-making, from traditional Neapolitan pies to innovative, unconventional creations. With food trucks, local pizzerias, and celebrity chefs all showcasing their best pies, the festival was a feast for the senses and an exploration of how the beloved dish continues to evolve. This year’s festival was particularly exciting as it highlighted…

The Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM) in San Francisco kicked off its latest exhibition, Awakening Futures, on May 6, 2025, bringing together an impressive array of contemporary artists whose works challenge traditional narratives about identity, community, and the future. The exhibition is part of the museum’s ongoing commitment to showcase how modern art can serve as a lens to explore pressing cultural and social issues. Curated by Renée Marcus, the exhibition features 15 multidisciplinary artists, many from the Bay Area, whose works highlight themes of renewal and possibility. The exhibition combines painting, sculpture, video art, and installations, inviting visitors to question…

On May 5, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched an ambitious global initiative to eradicate malaria by the year 2030. The announcement was made at a high-level summit in Geneva, where government officials, international health organizations, and key partners in the fight against malaria gathered to discuss the progress made so far and outline the critical steps needed to end this deadly disease. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, opened the summit with an impassioned speech, calling malaria one of the most preventable and treatable diseases globally, yet one that still claims over 200,000 lives annually, primarily…

Major Budget Reductions Threaten Vital Public Services In early May 2025, former President Donald Trump presented a lean federal budget for fiscal year 2026, often referred to as a “skinny budget.” The proposal suggests a sweeping 23% reduction in domestic discretionary spending, one of the largest cuts in recent memory. This budget plan, which aims to drastically reduce funding for critical public services and scientific research, has already ignited intense debate among political leaders, experts, and the public. The proposed cuts focus on several essential federal agencies, including the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), the National Science Foundation (NSF), NASA’s…

Introduction: Craft Beer Meets Local Artistry in Napa On May 3rd, 2025, the Napa Valley Craft Beer & Artisan Foods Festival kicked off at the Napa Valley Expo, drawing over 6,000 attendees to celebrate the best of local craft beer and artisanal foods. The event, now in its fifth year, continues to highlight the region’s growing craft beer scene and its commitment to sustainable, locally sourced food production. Napa, known for its world-class wine culture, is now becoming equally renowned for its vibrant craft beer scene, and the festival was a testament to the community’s dedication to quality, innovation, and…

On May 4, 2025, San Francisco launched the highly anticipated Voices of the Future Film Festival, a week-long celebration of emerging filmmakers and avant-garde cinema. Held at the historic Castro Theatre, the festival highlights fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling techniques, showcasing the works of young directors, especially those from underrepresented communities. Festival director Marcus Lee emphasized the importance of creating a platform for new voices in the industry. “The future of cinema lies in the hands of diverse and creative young filmmakers. This festival is our way of celebrating their artistry and providing them with a space to showcase their…

Portland’s beloved local bookstore, The Book Nook, celebrated its grand reopening after an extensive renovation that revived the spirit of independent bookstores in the city. Once a struggling business facing the challenges of online shopping and large retail chains, The Book Nook is now an emblem of resilience in Portland’s thriving literary community. The reopening was celebrated with a day-long event that included author readings, live music, and community discussions about the future of independent bookstores. For owner and founder Emily Jacobs, the reopening represents more than just the revival of a business. “This bookstore has always been about community,”…

Los Angeles celebrated the growing trend of urban gardening, a grassroots movement that is reshaping the city’s approach to food production and sustainability. With food insecurity continuing to be a challenge in many urban areas, the rise of local food cultivation has become an innovative solution to address both access to fresh produce and the environmental costs of food transportation. At a community event held in the heart of the city, urban farmers and gardening enthusiasts gathered to share tips, tools, and resources for growing food in small spaces. The event, hosted by the Los Angeles Community Gardening Coalition (LACGC),…

SUNNYVALE, CA — May 1, 2025 — In a bold convergence of cinema, technology, and cultural reflection, Sparknify proudly announces the inaugural Human vs. AI Tech Fair & Film Festival, to take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 11 AM to 7 PM at Plug & Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, California. This event will bring together the world of traditional filmmaking and cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) to examine the essence of humanity through innovative storytelling. At the heart of this groundbreaking festival is the Sparknify Humanity Award, a unique recognition that will honor the short film that most…

In an unprecedented move, President Donald Trump has implemented sweeping tariffs on all imports to the United States under Executive Order 14257, a policy he has branded “Liberation Day.” The initiative, designed to address perceived unfair trade practices and bolster American industry, has already sent shockwaves through global trade networks. By taxing every foreign product entering the U.S., Trump is aiming to address long-standing trade imbalances. However, the immediate fallout has been a surge in economic uncertainty, mounting tensions with key global trade partners, and disruptions to U.S. businesses. Trump’s supporters argue that the tariffs are a necessary step in…