Each year is unique in the joy, wonder, and heartache it can bring. Each year is the same in that our photographers and visual journalists spend it traversing the state to bring you these moments.
A chinook helicopter releases water over the Palisades Fire as it burns in Mandeville Canyon in Los Angeles in January. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters
California Highway Patrol troopers attempt to clear demonstrators from the 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles in June. Photo by Ted Soqui for CalMatters
A small group of people sing during a gathering of the Universidad Popular Posada in San Marcos, in December 2025. Photo by Zoë Meyers for CalMatters
Protesters gather over the 101 freeway in downtown Los Angeles in support of the “Day Without Immigrants” march, in February. Photo by J.W. Hendricks for CalMatters
Students prepare for a graduation ceremony at Mi Escuelita, a therapeutic preschool in San Diego for children affected by domestic violence in June. The school provides on-site therapy and social-emotional learning to help students heal from trauma. Photo by Adriana Heldiz for CalMatters
