For citizens to function in a democracy, they need, along with effective government, a strong and free press to inform them. And with newspapers and other traditional media outlets shrinking and failing all across the country, that can be hard to find. One place that is bucking that woeful trend is California Watch, a nonprofit news operation based in Sacramento and supported by the Hewlett Foundation and The James Irvine Foundation, among others. California Watch reporters pursue in-depth coverage of issues such as education, public safety, health care, and the environment, with an emphasis on solutions. Started in 2009 by the nonpartisan Center for Investigative Reporting, California Watch partners with dozens of media outlets throughout the state to share the fruits of its reporting. But you can go right to the source and make it part of your daily news habit at http://californiawatch.org/.