Author: Golden State Review Contributor

General Motors (GM) is actively lobbying against California’s stringent electric vehicle (EV) mandate, which requires 35% of new car sales to be EVs or plug-in hybrids by 2026. GM argues that the current market conditions, including lagging EV demand and economic concerns, make the mandate challenging to meet. The company has encouraged employees to contact senators to advocate against the mandate, emphasizing threats to affordability and consumer choice. This move has sparked a broader debate about the feasibility of California’s ambitious EV goals. Background of California’s EV Mandate In 2022, California introduced the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II) rule,…

Conservative commentator and former Fox News host Steve Hilton has officially announced his candidacy for Governor of California in the 2026 election. Hilton, a British-born U.S. citizen, aims to challenge the state’s Democratic leadership, focusing on issues such as affordability, government efficiency, and accountability. His campaign slogan, “Make California Golden Again,” reflects his vision to revitalize the state. Background and Political Experience Hilton’s political career began in the United Kingdom, where he served as an adviser to then-Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2012. After relocating to California in 2012, Hilton became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2021. He…

I found myself wandering through the narrow, sunlit streets of Barcelona, experiencing the city not as a tourist, but as a solo traveler. For many, the idea of exploring a new city alone can seem daunting, even lonely, but for me, it became one of the most liberating and fulfilling experiences of my life. Arriving in Barcelona, I was nervous. Having traveled with friends or family in the past, the idea of navigating the city alone was unfamiliar. Yet, as I strolled through the bustling La Rambla, with its street performers and cafés, I quickly realized that the city was…

In the wake of the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged the region in January 2025, State Farm General is now under intense scrutiny for its handling of insurance claims. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has launched a formal investigation into the insurer’s practices after numerous survivors accused State Farm of denying claims and delaying payments. This has sparked public outcry and calls for greater accountability from the insurance giant, which is facing a growing number of complaints from those struggling to recover from the devastating fires. The Los Angeles wildfires, which caused widespread destruction across the region, are considered…

A devastating tornado outbreak hit parts of the central and southeastern United States on May 15 and 16, 2025, claiming at least 31 lives and causing widespread destruction across Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois. The outbreak included multiple EF3 tornadoes, the strongest tornadoes on the Enhanced Fujita scale, with wind speeds reaching over 136 mph. While emergency response teams continue recovery efforts, this deadly event has sparked renewed discussions about the region’s preparedness for extreme weather and the lessons that must be learned moving forward. Severe Impact in Kentucky, Missouri, and Illinois The hardest-hit areas were in Kentucky, particularly Pulaski and…

In a proactive move to combat the increasing risk of wildfires, the city of Berkeley has enacted new safety regulations targeting high-risk areas within the community. On May 18, 2025, the Berkeley City Council unanimously approved the new measures, which require residents in these areas to remove all combustible materials within five feet of their homes, creating a “defensible space” to help prevent the spread of wildfires. These regulations, known as “zone 0” regulations, are a direct response to the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in California and aim to enhance both community resilience and public safety. The new…

California is currently enduring its most devastating wildfire season on record, with more than 1,000 fires burning across the state and devastating over 61,000 acres of land. As of May 18, 2025, the wildfires have already displaced over 150,000 residents and caused an estimated $20 billion in damages, making it the costliest natural disaster in the state’s history. The Palisades Fire in Los Angeles County, in particular, has become the most destructive fire in the city’s history, while the Eaton Fire has ravaged areas of Altadena and Pasadena. Governor Gavin Newsom and emergency officials are working tirelessly to control the…

On May 17, 2025, Los Angeles-based musician Maya Rodríguez released her highly anticipated album Roots Unfolded, a musical exploration of her Mexican heritage and the blending of traditional Latin sounds with modern indie and electronic influences. The album, which has been in the works for over two years, features a combination of deeply personal lyrics and innovative compositions, resonating with listeners across cultures. Rodríguez, who grew up in a family of musicians, has been known for her ability to merge genres and infuse her work with the diverse influences of her upbringing. “This album is about reclaiming my heritage and…

I found myself immersed in the unhurried rhythms of Northern Spain, embarking on a journey that challenged the conventional pace of travel. As I slowly made my way from Barcelona to the Basque Country, I began to embrace the concept of “slow travel,” a growing movement that encourages taking the time to deeply experience a place rather than rushing through it. This personal journey, spanning several small towns and villages, opened my eyes to the deeper beauty and authenticity of Spain—something often overlooked by the typical tourist. The adventure began in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where I spent a…

In 2025, Hollywood is experiencing a seismic shift as streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video continue to dominate the entertainment landscape. With more content being produced exclusively for digital audiences, traditional movie theaters and cable networks are facing growing challenges in the battle for viewers’ attention. The digital revolution in entertainment is reshaping how audiences consume media, and Hollywood is adapting to this new reality, with studios focusing more on streaming platforms than ever before. Streaming Platforms Reshaping the Entertainment Landscape Streaming platforms have fully capitalized on the growing demand for on-demand content, producing blockbuster films, original…