California

In Memoriam: Mourning the death of Sunkist Fruit Gems - opinion

For years, Sunkist Fruit Gems have been the candy thrown at b’nai mitzvah celebrations across American synagogues. Now that the candy is discontinued, communities are searching for replacements.

Sunkist Fruit Gems, the popular kosher candy known for being thrown during b’nai mitzvah services and produced in Northern California, are being discontinued.
A firefighting helicopter makes a water drop in the path of the Lucas Fire burning near Upper Lake, a community in Lake County, California, US, September 12, 2026.

Firefighting helicopter crashes in Yosemite National Park while battling fire, killing two

In an aerial view, residential and commercial buildings are seen in the coastal community of La Jolla on August 28, 2026 in San Diego, CA.

San Diego police investigating two homes vandalized with Swastikas over Rosh Hashanah

(L to R) Ari Meridy, Gary Fayman, Dionne Taylor and Tal Louria

Young ViZionaries: Honorable mentions No.7, 8, 9 & 10


California Gov. Newsom, a presidential hopeful, slams Netanyahu and AIPAC in PBS interview

California Governor Gavin Newsom, who visited Israel shortly after October 7, has called the war in Gaza a "moral catastrophe" while also condemning Hamas' attack on Israel.

Potential 2028 presidential candidate, California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks during an event held by the state Democratic Party at the Clubhouse at King's Grant in Summerville, South Carolina, Sept. 3, 2026.

Republicans defend US House majority as 50 competitive races loom ahead of 2026 midterms

The outcome of the races could decide whether Democrats gain the three seats needed to reclaim control of the chamber from Republicans.

The US Capitol exterior after the US House of Representatives approved legislation to avert a government shutdown before the midterm elections, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, US, September 1, 2026.

California man faces trial over alleged threats to shoot up Jewish community center

Paul Dean Andrews, 43, faces trial after allegedly threatening a Jewish community center in California, months after he was previously ordered to complete an anti-bias program.

Security guards stand watch in front of a synagogue in Los Angeles, Oct. 9, 2023.

Hollywood’s Jews take sides in Mark Ruffalo-Paramount antisemitism row

Several leading Jewish groups have said that Ruffalo's post stepped beyond legitimate criticism of the merger and into classic antisemitic rhetoric about Jewish wealth and power.

Mark Ruffalo attends the European Gala Screening for Amazon's "Crime 101" at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on January 28, 2026 in London, England.

California Legislature passes SB 1387, advancing recognition of Jewish identity as ethnicity

Proponents emphasize that the shift will ensure Jewish Californians are accurately represented in state datasets tracking hate crimes, public health metrics, and educational outcomes.

The Capitol building in Sacramento, California.

California Legislature approves Safe Worship Zone Act, now awaiting Newsom’s stamp

The act was authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and sponsored by Jewish California, ADL, JCRC Bay Area, and Jewish Federation LA.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks at a press conference and bill signing on July 13, 2026 in Oakland, California

California could make Jewish an ethnic identity under groundbreaking new bill

Beyond the role Jewish demographic data could play in fighting antisemitism, Bocarsly also pointed out the practical benefits that access to such information could provide in sectors like education.

The California State Capitol building on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Sacramento, CA.

AIPAC-backed Democrat loses California House special election to Aisha Wahab

Wahab and Hernandez will again face each other in November. The winner of that election will hold the congressional seat for a full two-year term.

U.S. House candidate, California state Sen. Aisha Wahab speaks to the media during an election-night watch party at Firefighters Local 1909 on August 18, 2026 in Hayward, California

California special election becomes battleground over AIPAC's influence in Democratic Party

Bold America, another group that has received funding from the United Democracy Project, has spent roughly $1.8 million, according to The Hill.

Aisha Wahab speaks during the Bay Area Abortion Rights Coalition commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade at City Hall in San Francisco, California, on Jan. 25, 2023.

Jewish, Hindu, Zoroastrian parents sue California school district over mosque field trip

Jewish, Hindu, and Zoroastrian parents allege students were encouraged to wear Islamic attire and exposed to religious advocacy on a school trip.

Santa Clara, California.