California has more international students than any other state, per data from NAFSA, an international education nonprofit.

Why it matters: The Trump administration is halting student visa interviews and revoking visas for Chinese students amid a political pressure campaign against colleges and universities and a broader immigration crackdown.

By the numbers: Of all international students studying in the U.S. during the 2023-24 school year, about 12.5% were doing so in California, 12.1% in New York and 8% in Texas.

The big picture: The student visa pause comes amid the Trump administration's criticism of U.S. colleges and universities for failing to crack down on what it describes as heightened antisemitism as students protest Israel's actions in Gaza.

• The revocation of Chinese students' visas in particular is tied to concerns that their government is using them "to steal intellectual property on Beijing's behalf," a State Department official told Axios.

Zoom in: UC Berkeley and Stanford University are especially exposed to the administration's crackdown.

• At the start of the 2024-25 school year, UC Berkeley had 7,355 international students, or about 16% of the campus population.
• While just 9% of Stanford's undergraduate students in the 2023-24 academic year were international, they accounted for 35% of graduate students, per the university.
• The largest share of international students from both universities were of Asian descent, with UC Berkeley's largest representation (35.6%) coming from China.

What they're saying: The UC system believes it is critical that student visa interviews "resume as quickly as possible to ensure that applicants are able to go through the process and receive their visas on time so they can pursue their education," spokesperson Rachel Zaentz told Axios in a statement.

• Stanford University President Jon Levin wrote in a Linkedin post in late May that "it's self-defeating to send away young people with so much potential to contribute to the country."

Flashback: The international student population at many UCs started falling after bending to pressure from state officials that it concentrate more of its resources on state residents.

• At UC Berkeley, new international student enrollees dropped by 42% last year.

What we're watching

🏀 The Golden State Valkyries aren't doing so hot, but that doesn't mean a clearer picture of the team's identity hasn't emerged.

• The Valks are 2-4, losing three straight after playing the two teams who were in the WNBA Finals last year — the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx.
• Forward Kayla Thornton is tied for the league lead, averaging 2.3 steals per game.

What they're saying: "It is very clear what the identity of Golden State is," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves said Sunday after the Lynx beat the Valkyries 86-55.

• "They shoot threes, they play defense and protect the paint. And they out-effort people with the effort at every position, with everybody that comes into the game."

⚾ The Giants head into June with a major league-best 2.64 ERA despite going 14 straight games entering Monday without scoring more than four runs.

• They need to figure out their offense stat as they begin a seven-game home stretch.

🏈 Ahead of the 49ers' training camp, Jauan Jennings is the uncontested No. 1 wide receiver on the team.

• All eyes are on the expected dates of return for Brandon Aiyuk (torn ACL and MCL) and Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle procedure).

More details

❌ Fog City diner, which overlooked the Embarcadero, has closed abruptly after 40 years. (SFGATE)

✈️ A British Airways flight attendant was arrested last week after allegedly dancing naked in what was described as a "one-man disco" in a restroom aboard a flight from SFO to London. (SF Chronicle)

🗳️ Almost all Democrats vying to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom are positioning themselves as anti-Newsom. (SF Chronicle)

Many Americans say companies support Pride Month more for profit or pressure than principle, according to Pew Research Center data.

By the numbers: Among LGBTQ adults surveyed in mid-January, 68% said all or most companies promoting Pride do so because they think it's good for business, 35% because they feel pressured to do so and 16% out of genuine desire, per Pew's findings.

• Among non-LGBTQ adults surveyed in mid-February, those shares were 54%, 45% and 13%, respectively.

The big picture: The last few months have been a major test for corporate America, with some companies sticking to their advertised core tenets and others bending to political or consumer pressure.

• That also comes amid increased skepticism of "rainbow capitalism," a term used to describe businesses' practice of using Pride imagery and language to appeal to LGBTQ+ shoppers.

Yes, but: Several longtime sponsors pulled out of SF Pride this year — held at the end of June — resulting in a $300,000 loss for the $3.2 million event that depends on $2.3 million in corporate sponsorships.

A surf pool could be coming to the Bay Area soon.

Driving the news: Alameda is considering a proposal to construct an aquatic recreation zone near Encinal Beach, between the Encinal Boat Ramp and the USS Hornet.

• Enterprise Park would feature a pool that generates waves for surfing, meant to be used year-round by people of all skill levels and ages.
• It'd be the first of its kind in Northern California.

Why it matters: Surf pools provide the advantage of precision and predictability, removing variables like rip currents and marine animals to create a controlled environment both for beginners and pros wanting to fine-tune their technique.

• Different wave types, sizes and breaking points can be programmed through the pools' pneumatic or hydrofoil technology systems.

What's next: If approved, operator Neptune Beach Surf Club aims to open the park in 2029.

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