California

The Latest

An earthquake was recorded off the coast of northern California near the town of Eureka on Dec. 5, 2024.

Northern California parish evacuates after earthquake, tsunami warning

Dec 6, 2024

By Matt McDonald

The earthquake, which measured 7.0 on the magnitude scale, was felt at about 10:45 a.m. local time in Humboldt County,... Read more

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Law enforcement course correction underway in California

Nov 8, 2024

By Madalaine Elhabbal

The overwhelmingly popular amendment makes the theft of items worth $950 or less a felony rather than a misdemeanor in... Read more

The statue of the patron saint of St. Francis de Sales Parish in Sherman Oaks has been vandalized three times total in September and August. The vandalism in the photograph is being investigated as a “hate crime” by local police, according to the church's pastor.

Los Angeles Catholic church repeatedly vandalized in possible ‘hate crime’

Oct 8, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

“It is dispiriting and unnerving,” Father Michael Wakefield said. “Our churches are places of peace where God’s love is proclaimed.” Read more

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Bishop’s message to women contemplating abortion: ‘Go to any Catholic church’

Oct 3, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

Here’s a roundup of the latest developments in the U.S. regarding abortion and pro-life issues. Read more

A sign for the Providence St. Joseph Medical Center is on display near the hospital in Burbank, California.

California Catholic hospital apologizes after lawsuit claims it denied pregnant woman care

“While elective abortions are not performed in Providence facilities, we do not deny emergency care,” a Providence St. Joseph Hospital... Read more

Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris arrives to speak on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago.

How Kamala Harris targeted pro-life pregnancy centers in California

Aug 28, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

From 2015 through mid-2018, the centers fought against a state law that forced them to display notices that include information... Read more

California Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters in the spin room following the CNN presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former president Donald Trump at the McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus on June 27, 2024, in Atlanta.

California bishops urge officials to place homeless in mental health, housing programs

Aug 2, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

“The greatest travesty would be for those whose camps are removed to be then left in this hot climate without... Read more

Elon Musk attends a session during the Cannes Lions International Festival Of Creativity 2024 on June 19, 2024 in Cannes, France.

Elon Musk moves companies from California, blasts law that hides gender transition from parents

Jul 18, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

The law prohibits school districts from adopting policies that require parental notification if a child begins to identify as a... Read more

Sonja Shaw (center), president of the Chino Valley Unified School District in California, speaks at a press conference before the education committee hearing in the assembly on June 26, 2024.

California parents sue governor over law banning notification of student gender identity

Jul 17, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

Nine parents, with the legal aid of the Texas-based nonprofit Liberty Justice Center, on Tuesday filed Chino Valley Unified School... Read more

View of Father Serra Statue and California Street from steps of Ventura City Hall.

St. Junípero Serra statue targeted by protests in 2020 is now settled in a new home

Jul 1, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

July 1 is the feast day of St. Junípero Serra, the 18th-century Spanish Franciscan priest who brought Catholicism to California.  Read more

Asylum seekers wait in line to be processed by the Border Patrol at a makeshift camp near the U.S.-Mexico border east of Jacumba, San Diego County, California, Jan. 2, 2024.

San Diego Catholic Charities struggles with security risks after accusation of ‘smuggling’

Jun 20, 2024

By Daniel Payne

Catholic Charities San Diego has been dealing with protests and harassing messages following a claim that it is hosting an... Read more

California Gov. Gavin Newsom attends an event with fellow governors in the East Room of the White House on Feb. 23, 2024, in Washington, D.C.

California governor: Pope Francis told me he was ‘proud’ of state’s death penalty moratorium

May 17, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

No one has been executed in California since 2006, due in part to a moratorium beginning in 2019 that Newsom... Read more

Mark Kretschmer, vice president for operations at Thomas Aquinas College (TAC), pictured with Thomas Kaiser, a biologist and researcher, and Lawerence Youngblood, an electrical engineer and director of Brompton Energy.

Thomas Aquinas College goes off the grid with green power plan

May 16, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

The Catholic college launched an energy program that has nearly eliminated the college’s carbon footprint while saving $600,000 a year. Read more

Bishop Oscar Cantú of San Jose, California.

California bishop praises district attorney for seeking to change death sentences

Apr 11, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

“Catholic social teaching urges us to recognize the dignity of every human being, especially the most vulnerable,” Bishop Oscar Cantú... Read more

A person attempts to clear away debris from a mudslide as a powerful long-duration atmospheric river storm, the second in less than a week, continues to impact Southern California on Feb. 5, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California.

Catholic Charities seeks donations to offer help amid California flooding, mudslides

Feb 7, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

After four straight days of heavy rain ended on Wednesday, some parts of the L.A. metro area, such as Bel... Read more

Members of the Houston-based Catholic Organization of Life carry their flag, alongside the state flag, at the 2024 Texas March for Life.

Pro-life leaders are ‘laser-focused’ on state marches this election year: Here’s what you need to know

Jan 31, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

With abortion set to be on the ballot this year in many states across the country, pro-life groups in several... Read more

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A founder with a vision: Tech-based Catholic university in Los Angeles to open this fall

Jan 23, 2024

By Kate Quiñones

The Catholic Polytechnic University (CPU) in Los Angeles announced that it will welcome its first inaugural class of students in... Read more

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Mass at California Catholic church interrupted by armed police pursuit

Jan 17, 2024

By Peter Pinedo

As the priest was elevating the Eucharist just after the consecration, officers entered the sanctuary, shouting at a suspected gunman... Read more

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Franciscan Friars of California announce bankruptcy filing over dozens of sex abuse claims

Jan 3, 2024

By Daniel Payne

The Franciscans of the Province of St. Barbara said on its website on Tuesday that it had filed a Chapter... Read more

Bishop Jaime Soto.

Diocese of Sacramento to file for bankruptcy amid over 250 clergy abuse lawsuits

Dec 11, 2023

By Peter Pinedo

The bishop of the Diocese of Sacramento, California, announced on Saturday that the diocese will file for bankruptcy amid a... Read more