Robert Francis evacuated his family from the Los Angeles fires. His new album was recorded using his sister’s soot-covered synths.

Janet Fitch, Dylan Landis, and host John Freeman discussed White Oleander, the California Book Club’s March selection.

Hannah Lillith Assadi’s Paradiso 17 tells the life story of a Palestinian man forever in search of home.

From Paul Thomas Anderson to Ryan Coogler, this year’s contenders reflect the state’s enduring influence on film.