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Bibi Nooria Assisi flies a kite during the Illuminated Kite Festival in Mountain House on May 9, 2026. Photograph by Annie Barker for Stocktonia/CatchLight Local/Report for America |
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Dear CalMatters reader,
As summer winds down, California in Pictures looks back at a season filled with movement, color and connection. From kites soaring over San Joaquin County and gardens overflowing with harvests to boats sailing along the coast and communities coming together across the state, these photographs offer a glimpse of summer in all its variety. We see efforts to restore native oysters, communities responding to wildfires and people working to care for the places they call home.
We’re sharing some of what made the past few months so memorable. And we want to see your summer experiences too. Share your photographs with us and show us some of your favorite moments from the season.
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| Submit your summer photos |
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Sincerely, |
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Jenny Stratton
Executive Editor, CatchLight |
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Jenny Stratton
Executive Editor, Catchlight |
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A spirited Saturday in San Joaquin County |
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Photograph by Annie Barker for Stocktonia/CatchLight Local/Report for America |
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A large horse kite flies during the Illuminated Kite Festival in Mountain House on May 9, 2026. |
| Read full story → |
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📷 We want to see your best California photos.
Are you a photojournalist or photo-enthusiast? Submit your work to California in Pictures! Selected submissions for inclusion in the newsletter will be paid a licensing fee from CatchLight. |
| Submit your photos |
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This tiny oyster once thrived in California. Now, scientists are bringing it back |
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Photograph by Martin do Nascimento for KQED |
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Jasmine Castro stakes clamshells with baby oysters growing on them in Elkhorn Slough in an effort to reintroduce the oysters to the ecosystem on July 1, 2026. |
| Read full story → |
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The Black Men’s Chess League finds fellowship through friendly competition |
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Photograph by Beth LaBerge for KQED |
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Chris B. (left) teaches chess to Randy, 20, during a Black Men’s Chess League one-year anniversary event at Prescott Market in Oakland on Aug. 16, 2026. The group organizes community chess events and youth programs around the Bay Area. |
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The Trump administration upended how the West fights wildfires. California is bracing too |
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Photograph by Zin Chiang for CalMatters |
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A helicopter drops water on the Sandy Fire in Simi Valley on May 18, 2026. |
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Stockton home gardener shares harvest from his ‘canvas of creativity’ |
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Photograph by Annie Barker for Stocktonia/CatchLight Local/Report for America |
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Miguel Guillen and his dog Peppa at his home in Stockton on Aug. 13 2026. |
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Many California fishermen are nearing retirement. Can the industry save its graying fleet? |
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Photograph by Adriana Heldiz for CalMatters |
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Birds surround a fisherman’s boat near the coast of La Jolla in San Diego on May 26, 2026. |
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She made a fatal choice at 22. Now she’s in prison, figuring herself out one day at a time |
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Photograph by Brian L. Frank for CalMatters/CatchLight |
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Yoga and spirituality help Grace Coleman stay positive while serving her time. She gathers with other women before leading a yoga class.
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| Read full story → |
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The Castro sings goodbye to queer icon Dolly Parton |
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Photograph by Beth LaBerge for KQED |
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The Castro Theatre marquee reads, “We Will Always Love You Dolly Parton,” in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2026.
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