Local Politics: Galt City Council District 5 race heats up as Tom Silva challenges incumbent Paul Sandhu, pitching neighborhood representation, growth management, and youth activities. Civil Rights & Immigration: California Supreme Court ruling says initials on deportation plea forms aren’t enough—courts must look at whether noncitizens truly understood the consequences, a potential lifeline for others. LGBTQ+ Culture: San Francisco’s Gilbert Baker Rainbow Flag heads to Cork, Ireland for a historic museum loan—an international moment for Pride history. Arts & Education: La Brea Tar Pits gets a major $236M renovation bond for new galleries, research space, and public-facing Ice Age science ahead of a 2028 reopening. Community & Food: Smorgasburg LA’s BBQ Day returns Aug. 30 with a lineup spanning Texas, Filipino, Cambodian, Japanese, Cuban, and Santa Maria styles. Sports & Community Events: MLB confirms the 2028 All-Star Game at Oracle Park, adding another marquee Bay Area moment alongside LA28. Public Safety & Lifestyle: Ocean literacy piece highlights how lifeguards rescued 34 people and made 5,000+ preventative contacts—rip currents can turn a beach day fast. Entertainment: Marvel’s X-Men reboot casts Adam Driver as Mister Sinister and Inde Navarette as Rogue, with a May 2028 release.