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Photos: SantaCon fills San Francisco’s Union Square for 28th annual event

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

Related ArticlesThings To Do | The Italian town where Santa Claus is buried Things To Do | Los Gatos, Portola Valley and La Honda wineries offering cabernets for the holidays Things To Do | Let it snow: Free, one-day winter wonderland planned for East Bay park Things To Do | Tips on preserving your poinsettias, Christmas cacti and other holiday greenery Things To Do | No Christmas crab: California’s commercial Dungeness season delayed again An event started in 1994 by a few dozen revelers from the Cacaphony Society and eventually becoming a  global phenomenon, SantaCon returned Saturday to the city of its birth for the annual crush of red velvet and grinch green attendees filling San Francisco’s Union Square.After the economic slowdown of the pandemic, the city’s premier shopping district (well, at least its bars) appreciated the energetic jolt brought by thousands of attendees dressed ...

Getting car insurance gets harder: California drivers face delays, higher rates

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

BY LEVI SUMAGAYSAY | CalMattersIf you’re having trouble finding affordable car insurance, you’re not alone. Drivers across California say they’re having to wait longer than usual to get coverage — and when they finally find an insurer and a plan, they’re having to pay their premiums up front.“Something is definitely not right,” said Willis Lai, a 36-year-old driver from the Bay Area who said it took him three weeks to find insurance for his new Honda Accord hybrid after he contacted all the major insurance providers whose jingles he could remember.He’s not the only one. For the past year, drivers have been complaining in online forums such as Reddit and Facebook about higher premiums, delayed quotes, questionable insurer behavior and more. The California Department of Insurance is looking into similar complaints. Meanwhile, insurers have complained that their costs are rising, and that the state has been slow to approve their requests to raise their rates partly because of what they...

Supreme Court lets stand Washington state law barring conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

By Devan Cole | CNNThe Supreme Court on Monday let stand a Washington state law prohibiting licensed health care professionals from practicing “conversion therapy” – a scientifically discredited practice intended to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity – as it applies to minors.Critics say the practice – which attempts to convert people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning – into straight or cisgender people, causes serious emotional harm and can have deadly results.The practice ranges from psychotherapy to medical and faith-based methods that can include talk therapy, hormone or steroid treatment or faith-based consultation.The vote was 6-3, with Justices Brett Kavanaugh, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas publicly saying they would have taken up the case.Thomas wrote in a five-page dissent that he would have taken up the case to consider a First Amendment challenge to the law.Under the state law, Thomas wrote, “licensed counsel...

2 California tickets win Mega Millions jackpot — and both were sold at the same store

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

Two California tickets split the $394 million Mega Millions jackpot — and both were sold at the same gas station.Friday’s drawing yielded the first jackpot win since Oct. 6, with the numbers 21, 26, 53, 66, 70 and Mega Ball 13.The winning tickets were sold at a Chevron station at 18081 Ventura Blvd. in Encino.The lump sum payout for each winner would be $94.3 million before federal taxes.The jackpot for Tuesday’s drawing resets to $20 million. The jackpot for Monday’s Powerball drawing is $477 million.

Californian teen passes state bar exam and is sworn in as an attorney

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

VISALIA — A county prosecutor’s office says one of its law clerks passed the State Bar of California exam at age 17.The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office said that, according to research, Peter Park is the youngest person to pass the exam.The State Bar said Friday in an email to The Associated Press that it could not confirm that Park is the youngest, but it hailed his achievement.“Passing the California Bar exam is a major accomplishment at any age, and for someone as young as Mr. Park, it is quite an extraordinary feat and one worth celebrating,” Executive Director Leah Wilson said.Park took the exam in July and received the test results on Nov. 9, according to a news release issued by the District Attorney’s office this week.“It was not easy, but it was worth it,” Park said in a statement.Related ArticlesEducation | Liz Magill, U. Penn’s president, and board chair resign as antisemitism testimony draws backlash Education | Goldberg: Backlash to a...

Prince Louis appears to lose finger in Christmas card photo editing fail

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

One UK newspaper praised the newly released family portrait for Prince William and Kate Middleton’s annual Christmas card, saying it presents a “modern,” relatable image of the British monarchy, with the couple and their three children dressed casually in jeans and white, button-down shirts.Taken by a photographer best known for his work with celebrities and fashion magazines, the Telegraph said the “striking,” black-and-white image of the Waleses also shows the three children, George, Charlotte and Louis, “looking suddenly more mature, gazing directly at the camera.” The Wales represent the monarchy’s  “future,” the Telegraph said.In this undated handout provided by Kensington Palace, and taken by the photographer Josh Shinner earlier this year in Windsor, Prince William, Prince of Wales and Catherine, Princess of Wales pose with their three children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. (Photo by Josh Shinne...

49ers’ defense overcomes key injuries to stifle Seahawks in second half

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

SANTA CLARA — The Seahawks with backup quarterback Drew Lock never presented a championship-caliber challenge to the 49ers, but San Francisco still overcame a serious test on Sunday in Levi’s Stadium.Despite several injuries, the 49ers’ elite defense remained stout.The 49ers lost top cornerback Charvarius Ward (groin) on the first series of the game. Pro Bowl tackle Javon Hargrave also didn’t return after suffering what the 49ers hope is just a pulled hamstring. Linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Oren Burks also missed some time. San Francisco was already without Talanoa Hufanga — out for the season with a torn ACL — and Arik Armstead.But defensive coordinator Steve Wilks’ unit held tough, limiting the Seahawks to 16 points — about a touchdown below their season average. In San Francisco’s fifth straight win, a 28-16 cruise past Seattle, the 49ers’ (10-3) defensive depth was on display. The group turned Seattle (6-7) over twice, frustrated star receiver DK Metcalf to the point...

California teacher arrested, accused of public intoxication at school

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

A teacher for the Moreno Valley Unified School District was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 9, on suspicion of being intoxicated while on school grounds for Saturday school, authorities said.Around 10:30 a.m. Saturday at a campus along the 13000 block of Nason Street, which corresponds with the location of Valley View High School, a parent notified school administration that a teacher conducting Saturday school was possibly under the influence, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. At least 25 students were on school grounds at the time for Saturday school, a sheriff’s news release said.The teacher, 30-year-old Salvador Martinez, was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication based on his behavior, authorities said. He was also booked on suspicion of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. A Salvador Martinez is listed on the district website as a secondary teacher (9-12) at Valley View.Parents and guardians were notified about the incident by school officials, au...

Midtown San Jose restaurant puts a spin on breakfast

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

(BCN) -- Groucho Marx once said he would not care to belong to any club that would have him as a member. But if he'd seen the fantasyland of selections at The Breakfast Club at Midtown San Jose, it is likely he would have made an exception.While the menu is broken down into traditional breakfast and brunch such as pancakes, omelets, salads and sandwiches, the individual dishes show a range of influences and creativity. There are Greek salads side by side with Korean chicken fried rice. Bacon, pecan and coconut waffles can be paired with vodka-enhanced sweet spiced pear mimosas that arrive from the well-stocked bar."We're not just any breakfast diner," server Veronica Cuebas told San Jose Spotlight. "We're vibey. We have good music, fun people and the very best menu with a lot of choices. I always tell customers, 'Take some time with our book.'"Owner Spiro Tsaboukos' father arrived from Greece in the 1970s. After working in local kitchens, he bought Lou's, a coffee shop in Los Gatos,...

Forecasters: wet weather to return next week 

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:11:59 GMT

(KRON) – A potential rainy period is expected to return to the Bay Area next week. As forecasters with the National Weather Service say the likelihood of precipitation will increase to "above-average." San Francisco Weather Early next week, the NWS is predicting a chance of rain that may last into late December. It is currently too early to speculate on the amount, timing, and intensity of rain, according to the NWS. As a precaution, residents should consider ensuring storm drains and gutters are free of debris.