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California

All articles tagged with #california

Santa Monica's Tar & Roses to Close After 15-Year Run
california1 hour ago

Santa Monica's Tar & Roses to Close After 15-Year Run

Chef Andrew Kirschner’s acclaimed Santa Monica restaurant, Tar & Roses, will close permanently on October 24, 2026, after 15 years of operation. The wood-fired dining spot, located at 602 Santa Monica Boulevard, announced its final service via social media, inviting patrons for a farewell over the next two weeks. While the restaurant did not disclose specific reasons for the closure, community members expressed shock and gratitude, citing the venue as a cornerstone of local dining and a site for personal milestones. The closure marks the end of a significant era for the neighborhood's culinary scene, with no immediate plans for a successor mentioned in the announcement.

Long Beach Boardwalk Collapses Further as Third Storm Tests Coastal Resilience
california12 hours ago

Long Beach Boardwalk Collapses Further as Third Storm Tests Coastal Resilience

The historic Long Beach boardwalk suffered further collapse between 64th and 65th Place on Sunday after heavy surf from Tropical Storm Rachel breached the bulkhead. This is the third major storm to hit the area since early September, following Hurricanes Marie and Polo. Nine buildings were red-tagged as unsafe, and one was yellow-tagged, with mandatory evacuations remaining in effect for specific waterfront blocks. The city is deploying 3,000-pound sandbags and portable pumps to mitigate damage, with permanent repairs estimated to cost between $1.5 million and $3.6 million. Officials emphasize that the cumulative nature of the damage, driven by an unprecedented cadence of storms, necessitates significant investment in climate-resilient infrastructure.

politics14 hours ago

Newsom Vetoes California Bill to Allow Undocumented Students Campus Jobs, Citing Federal Retaliation Risks

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 713, which would have mandated that public universities and community colleges offer employment to undocumented students. In a veto message issued last month, Newsom cited concerns that the federal government might retaliate against state institutions for implementing the measure. This decision contrasts with his recent aggressive legislative stance against federal immigration enforcement, including signing laws to ban masked ICE agents and restricting enforcement tactics. The veto leaves undocumented students without guaranteed access to campus jobs, despite a favorable court ruling against the University of California’s previous hiring ban. Advocates argue the move leaves students vulnerable, while Newsom prioritized protecting state institutions from potential federal retribution.

Sacramento Festival Attendees Report Fraudulent Towing Scheme and Damaged Vehicles
crime-and-safety1 day ago

Sacramento Festival Attendees Report Fraudulent Towing Scheme and Damaged Vehicles

Multiple concertgoers at the Aftershock rock festival in Sacramento reported their vehicles were towed without proper authorization and subsequently damaged. Drivers were directed to an unmarked dirt lot to retrieve their cars after paying a $562 fee. The towing operation, identified as J&B Towing, faces questions regarding its licensing and the legitimacy of the paperwork used to justify the removals.

Doctors and Insurers Sue to Block California's New Health Tax, Citing Voter Limits
politics1 day ago

Doctors and Insurers Sue to Block California's New Health Tax, Citing Voter Limits

An unusual coalition of doctors and health insurers has sued the California state government, arguing that a new health plan tax violates Proposition 35, a 2024 voter-approved initiative. The tax, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, aims to replace federal funding lost due to new federal restrictions, but critics warn it will raise premiums by $100 per person annually. The state defends the measure as necessary to maintain Medi-Cal funding, while opponents claim it shifts costs to private insurance holders.

California Prepares to Ban Quartz Countertops as Silicosis Crisis Deepens
health-and-policy1 day ago

California Prepares to Ban Quartz Countertops as Silicosis Crisis Deepens

California is set to become the first US state to ban the manufacturing and installation of engineered stone countertops containing more than 1% crystalline silica. This emergency regulation, expected to pass in October 2026, responds to a severe occupational health crisis. Since 2019, the state has recorded 662 silicosis cases among stone workers, including 35 deaths and 75 lung transplants. The move mirrors Australia’s 2024 nationwide ban, which successfully reduced risk without significant job losses.

Placer County Veterans Office Facilitates First Visual Reunion for Brothers Separated by 3,000 Miles
human-interest1 day ago

Placer County Veterans Office Facilitates First Visual Reunion for Brothers Separated by 3,000 Miles

Two veteran brothers separated by nearly 3,000 miles for four decades reconnected via video call after Placer County’s Veterans Service Office arranged the meeting. The office is now partnering with a nonprofit to provide tablets and internet access to facilitate more frequent visual contact, aiming to improve the veterans' mental health.

politics2 days ago

Progressives Target California Insurance Post Amid Wildfire Crisis

California’s state insurance commissioner race has become a focal point for progressive Democrats seeking to counter establishment control. The contest is driven by a severe insurance market crunch caused by escalating wildfire risks. Sen. Bernie Sanders is actively campaigning for candidate Jane Kim, framing the role as a key lever to challenge corporate power and protect consumers.

Federal 'Operation Save Skid Row' Arrests 23 Gang-Linked Dealers in Downtown LA
crime-and-justice2 days ago

Federal 'Operation Save Skid Row' Arrests 23 Gang-Linked Dealers in Downtown LA

Federal and local law enforcement executed 'Operation Save Skid Row' on October 8, 2026, resulting in 23 arrests and 44 search warrants across Los Angeles County. The raid targeted gang-affiliated drug networks selling fentanyl and methamphetamine to homeless individuals. While officials emphasized the operation targeted criminals exploiting the vulnerable, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli criticized California Democratic politicians for weakening state criminal laws and defunding police, contrasting this with the cooperation of local law enforcement.

California Law Ends 'Montana Loophole' for Luxury Vehicle Tax Evasion

California Law Ends 'Montana Loophole' for Luxury Vehicle Tax Evasion

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1406 on Sept. 30, 2026, closing a loophole that allowed residents to avoid sales tax on luxury vehicles by registering them through shell companies in states like Montana. The new law defines any business with a California resident owner as a California entity, regardless of where it is incorporated. It also holds individuals personally liable for unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. The state estimates it lost over $20 million in revenue in the last two years from more than 2,500 such transactions.

Souplantation to Reopen in Fountain Valley in 2027
business3 days ago

Souplantation to Reopen in Fountain Valley in 2027

The all-you-can-eat buffet chain Souplantation will return to California in 2027 with a single location in Fountain Valley, Orange County. The restaurant, located at 11179 Talbert Avenue, will reopen at its former site after closing all 97 locations nationwide in 2020 due to the pandemic. The company, now operating under the sister brand Sweet Tomatoes, promises to preserve the original menu, including signature salads, soups, and desserts. While no exact opening date has been announced, the move marks the first California reopening since the chain's collapse. The company is currently evaluating other markets for future expansion but has not confirmed additional locations.

Lodi McDonald's worker fatally shot by police after injuring colleague
crime3 days ago

Lodi McDonald's worker fatally shot by police after injuring colleague

Lodi police fatally shot 29-year-old McDonald's employee Jonhatan Anguiano on Aug. 24 after he injured a female coworker. Bodycam and surveillance footage show Anguiano pulling a gun from a backpack in a storage area, firing into the ceiling, and later shooting a colleague. Officers arrived to find the injured worker on the floor and opened fire on Anguiano, who died at the scene. The victim was hospitalized and has since returned to work. No motive has been identified, and the officer involved has returned from paid administrative leave.

California poised to ban quartz countertops after silicosis crisis
health-and-safety3 days ago

California poised to ban quartz countertops after silicosis crisis

California is preparing to ban the manufacturing and fabrication of quartz countertops containing more than 1% crystalline silica. This move follows a surge in silicosis cases among workers, with 662 diagnosed cases since 2019. The state aims to protect laborers from incurable lung disease, potentially becoming the first US state to restrict the material.