Author: Golden State Review Contributor

Jacob Goldsmith’s artistic creations have become a hallmark of originality, vision, and masterful execution in the world of high-end contemporary art. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend abstract, conceptual, and avant-garde styles, Goldsmith has solidified his position as a leading figure in the contemporary art scene. His distinctive approach to art goes beyond traditional boundaries, with works that are not only visually striking but also serve as thought-provoking statements that resonate with a broad audience of collectors, art aficionados, and cultural influencers alike.Goldsmith’s commitment to creating luxurious, one-of-a-kind pieces is at the heart of his artistic philosophy. His works…

Mandy Phillips, also known as Mortgage Mandy, is a pioneering force in the mortgage industry, revolutionizing how homebuyers engage with the home financing process. A licensed loan originator in five states and the branch manager of Omega Mortgage Group, Mandy has turned social media into a powerful platform for educating potential homeowners, making the often confusing mortgage process accessible and easy to understand. Her presence on TikTok, where she shares informative and straightforward mortgage advice, has earned her a loyal following and national recognition from top publications like The Wall Street Journal, HousingWire, and The New York Times. Mandy’s career…

In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump has announced the federal government’s plan to reopen the notorious Alcatraz Island as a high-security detention center. The decision, which reflects the administration’s intensified focus on combating violent crime, marks a significant departure from modern criminal justice reforms, drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. For many, this move reintroduces a dark chapter in American prison history, with the symbol of Alcatraz taking center stage in an increasingly polarized debate over incarceration practices. A Return to Alcatraz: Law and Order or Political Posturing? Alcatraz Island, known for housing some of…

Introduction: The Art of Cocktails in San Francisco From May 7th to May 9th, 2025, San Francisco’s renowned Cocktail Week took over the city, attracting mixologists, industry experts, and cocktail enthusiasts for an exciting celebration of the art and innovation behind cocktails. With a lineup of seminars, tastings, and competitions, the event provided a platform for the city’s best bars, bartenders, and beverage brands to showcase their skills while highlighting the trends shaping the future of mixology. San Francisco, known for its progressive cocktail scene and storied history in cocktail culture, was the perfect backdrop for this week-long event. As…

On May 8, 2025, the Catholic Church made an unprecedented move with the election of Pope Leo XIV, born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost. As the first pope from North America, this historic appointment signals not only a geographic shift but also a transformation in the Church’s approach to modern challenges. Pope Leo XIV’s election has set the stage for significant changes that may redefine the future of the Vatican and its relationship with the world. A Departure from Tradition For centuries, the papacy has been dominated by European, particularly Italian, clerics. Pope Leo XIV’s election marks a groundbreaking moment, as…

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…