Author: Golden State Review Contributor

On July 19, 2025, reports surfaced that cultured foie gras is making its debut in upscale California restaurants. This innovative product, developed collaboratively by biotechnology firms and culinary experts, offers a plant‑based pâté replica that closely mimics the taste and texture of traditional foie gras without involving animal farming or force‑feeding. Chefs in San Francisco introduced the cultured foie gras as part of a tasting menu this week, earning acclaim for both its culinary craftsmanship and ethical sourcing. The emergence of lab‑grown foie gras arrives at a fascinating intersection of gastronomy, animal welfare, and cutting‑edge biotech. Traditional foie gras production…

A coalition of California-based pet welfare organizations announced on July 19, 2025, the launch of an ambitious $1.5 million grant program targeted at improving the lives of senior dogs across the state. This multi-million-dollar initiative will funnel resources into shelters, rescues, and nonprofit agencies, enabling them to expand critical medical care, provide long‑term housing solutions, and bolster adoption services tailored to older canine companions. Senior dogs—commonly defined as those over seven years old—are frequently overlooked in adoption arenas due to concerns about health issues or reduced lifespan. As a result, these aging animals often linger in shelters, where they may face…

The WNBA’s strategy of leveraging free trials and accessible streaming options for high-profile events—like the 2025 All‑Star Game—is paying off, both in audience growth and digital advertising revenue. The league made a notable push to expand its digital footprint by partnering with popular streaming services such as DIRECTV and Disney+. Through DIRECTV’s five-day free trial, new users were able to access key sports networks like ESPN and ABC, allowing them to watch the All‑Star Game at no cost. At the same time, Disney+ integrated the game into its platform alongside ESPN+ and Hulu, making it available to a broader and…

Los Angeles Dodgers fans turned Dodger Stadium into a cauldron of passion and unity during the tense showdown against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite the Dodgers falling short in an 8–7 loss, the game was punctuated by key offensive bursts—like Shohei Ohtani’s 33rd home run of the season—that sent the crowd into roars of approval. The energy carried beyond the scoreboard, exemplifying how live baseball still forges community bonds, even amid tough losses. Fans packed into the iconic Chavez Ravine ballpark, which has a legacy of harnessing its energetic atmosphere—Dodger Stadium is consistently ranked among the loudest MLB venues, thanks to…

When Garrett Eddings first gripped a tire wrench at 16, he didn’t realize he was tightening the bolts on a bigger dream — one that would one day redefine how auto dealers get started in California. Fast forward two decades, and that dream now drives California Dealer Academy — a powerhouse of real-world mentorship, dealer setup support, and compliance mastery helping hundreds of ambitious entrepreneurs across the state break into one of the most heavily regulated markets in the U.S. This isn’t your average pre-licensing school. California Dealer Academy is rewriting the script for what it means to become an…

On July 19, 2024, California officials introduced a new mental health services bill aimed at improving mental health care for high school students across the state. The legislation, known as the California High School Mental Health Access Act, seeks to address the growing mental health needs of students by providing more accessible counseling services and expanding mental health education within the state’s public schools. The bill is the latest in a series of state initiatives designed to combat the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders among young people. Governor Gavin Newsom, who has been a strong…

National Sour Candy Day is celebrated annually on July 18, inviting candy lovers everywhere to indulge in zesty, lip-puckering treats. First established in 2015 by the American Licorice Company to spotlight its Sour Punch line, this day honors sour candies ranging from gummies and hard candies to fizzy and foamy confections. Sour candies are distinguished by acids like citric, malic, and tartaric, creating the signature tingle that leads to scrunched faces and delighted smiles. Classics such as Sour Patch Kids, Warheads (originating in Taiwan in 1975 and imported in 1993), Trolli sour worms, and Lemonheads stand out—so beloved they inspire…

The Pacific Northwest’s fragrant summer tradition is in full bloom as Sequim, Washington, kicked off its annual Lavender Weekend today, running July 18 through July 20. Nestled between the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Sequim has long been celebrated as the “Lavender Capital of North America.” This weekend, the town transforms into a vibrant showcase of purple fields, local art, and community celebration. Lavender Weekend draws thousands of visitors from across the U.S. to experience the serene beauty of blooming lavender farms, the energy of bustling artisan markets, and a wide variety of wellness, culinary, and…

Windstream Communications has joined as a sponsor of the 2025 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, taking place July 17–22 in Minneapolis. This marks the company’s continued commitment to adaptive sports for military veterans, following previous sponsorships in New Orleans (2024), Portland (2023), and Tempe (2022). At this year’s Games, Windstream is enhancing on-site communication infrastructure—such as wi‑fi networks, streaming capabilities, and media coordination—intended to benefit both athletes and spectators. Their goal is to help the event run smoothly and ensure games are accessible to wider audiences, including family members and remote viewers. Windstream’s support builds on its history of sponsoring individual…

The Vegas Golden Knights kicked off their 2025 “VGK Road Trip”—a community-focused, multi‑state initiative—on Saturday, July 12, in South Lake Tahoe, California. Presented by A1 Garage Door Service, the program runs through July 17, with stops across California, Nevada, and Arizona aimed at developing youth hockey talent and expanding the team’s fan base in new markets. The Road Trip features free on‑ice hockey clinics for kids ages 5–13, with dedicated sessions in each host city. Clinics include skill drills in skating, shooting, stickhandling, and small-area games with guidance from VGK youth hockey coaches, team broadcasters, cast members, mascots—including Chance and regional favorites—and…