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Don't feed the meter. Save money and buy a parking permit at these L.A. and O.C. beaches
If you're a frequent beachgoer, it would be cheaper to purchase a parking permit than to park on the street. Here are the cities in L.A. and Orange counties offering permits.
California’s $20 minimum wage leads 89% of fast-food restaurants to reduce hours
The minimum wage for fast-food workers in California jumped to $20 an hour on April 1, a $4 pay bump for 553,000 fast workers. However, restaurant chain owners raised concerns that the minimum wage increases would hurt their bottom line, and owners have cut workers’ hours, raised food prices, and even shut down some locations. […]
Lafayette Council places sales tax measure for city services on November ballot
City manager claims 1/2-cent increase to 9.25% needed due to inflation, unfunded state mandates; would last 7 years. On July 22, 2024, the Lafayette City Council placed a funding measure on the November 2024 ballot, asking Lafayette voters to authorize a local sales tax increase of 1/2 cent (half a penny for every $1 spent locally) for seven years to maintain the current level of City services. This measure will require a 50% +1 vote to pass.
New laid-back bar Tallboy adds a twist to Oakland’s cocktail scene
H.L. Mencken said the martini is the only American invention as perfect as the sonnet, and E.B. White dubbed the cocktail “an elixir of quietude.” And while it certainly is a timeless classic, the martini’s pretentious reputation can dirty its appeal among casual cocktail enjoyers. But there’s a new bar in the Town that’s rewriting the rules of this perfect, admittedly bourgeoise beverage: Tallboy, a dive bar bringing the briny glory of the martini to the masses.
Influential Wine Country Architect Howard Backen Dies at 88
Anyone who has spent time in Napa has likely been in a Howard Backen-designed building. The prolific co-founder of Backen & Backen Architecture designed upwards of 300 private homes, 40 restaurants and more than 60 wineries, many of which are located in Napa Valley. His signature farmhouse-chic style champions functionality and natural harmony, favors discreet affluence over ostentation, and has defined the Napa aesthetic over the last three decades. Backen, arguably one of Napa's most influential figures without ever touching a wine grape, died July 22 at 88.
Santa Rosa Takes First Step in New Tobacco Regulations
The Santa Rosa City Council has approved new regulations for tobacco retailers. It bans the sale of flavored tobacco products and electronic smoking devices, sets a minimum pack price of $10, and prohibits retailers from offering coupons or discounts. It also prohibits local retailers from selling tobacco products online. Retailers will also have to obtain a license from the city. Additionally, no new tobacco retailers will be allowed within 600 feet of schools, parks and other youth-oriented areas. Also, licensed retailers relocating their business can’t transfer their license if the new location falls within the 600-foot buffer zone. A second formal vote is scheduled for next month. Licensing and enforcement will start in January.
This SF group says it solved the math on affordable housing. Can it get others to follow?
Time kills all deals, so the saying goes. As a process drags on, doubt, uncertainty and expenses tend to multiply. That has been a recurrent lesson in San Francisco, where affordable homes have become too expensive and cumbersome to build, despite overwhelming need. But one local group thinks it has...
Second City takes Berkeley Rep
There’s a none-too-subtle humble-brag in this West Coast show by The Second City. After their first proper sketch, the six cast members address the audience. Not to introduce themselves, mind you, but to boast of the company’s starry alumni: Gilda Radner, Tim Meadows, Chris Farley. It’s to let all assembled know exactly why these unknowns are now gracing the larger stage of one of the most important theaters in the US: We audience members are supposed to see The Next Big Thing.
Prop 32 asks California voters to raise statewide minimum wage to $18
Renato Palisoc has worked at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego for 16 years. He said wages have gone up incrementally during that time, but the cost of living in California has increased exponentially. California's current $16 minimum wage is more than twice the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25....
Controversial Bay Area horseback riding company investigated for animal neglect following horse death
MILPITAS — Santa Clara County authorities are investigating a controversial Bay Area horseback riding company weeks after a horse under their care allegedly died from neglect. Chaparral Ranch — which has been at the center of animal abuse allegations for years — called the county’s Animal Control to their...
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