SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA

May 05 2026BUSINESS

State Farm Faces Big Penalties Over LA Wildfire Claims

California regulators say State Farm mishandled claims from the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. The department is seeking up to $4 million in fines if the company is found guilty of willful violations. State Farm denies any wrongdoing and says it has already paid $5. 7 billion in wildfire claims

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May 05 2026POLITICS

One in a dozen: How San Diego County might pay for bigger services

San Diego County could soon ask its residents to pay a little more at the cash register to fund services that many agree are stretched thin. Volunteers backing a half-cent sales-tax boost just delivered 151, 000 signatures—far more than the 103, 000 needed to land the question on the November ballot

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May 01 2026OPINION

San Diego’s Missing Bike‑Share: A Chance for Faster, Cleaner Trips

San Diego is one of the few large U. S. cities that has not yet launched a bike‑share system, even though many places around the country use it to cut traffic and pollution. The idea is simple: tap a card, unlock a bike at one station, ride to your destination, and lock it at another. The city

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Apr 30 2026WEATHER

California’s Summer: What to Expect When Weather Forecasts Can’t Be Sure

California’s summer weather for June to August looks set to lean warmer than usual, but don’t expect a clear trend in rain. The National Weather Service’s latest outlook calls it “equal chances” for precipitation, meaning anything—from dry patches to sudden downpours—could happen. The forecast relie

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

California’s Billionaire Tax: A Bold Move or a Costly Mistake?

California is testing a new idea that might backfire. The state now has a “billionaire tax” on the ballot, pushed by union leaders who argue it will help fund public services. But the plan has already started a quiet exodus—not of the poor, but of some of the state’s wealthiest residents. Many had s

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

Who Should Really Lead California’s Insurance Reforms?

California’s insurance commissioner race might not grab headlines like governor or senator, but it plays a huge role in keeping homes, businesses, and the economy stable. For years, insurance companies struggled with wildfires, rising costs, and outdated rules that made it hard to adjust rates fairl

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Apr 25 2026OPINION

Living Costs Push Californians Westward

California has become expensive. Many people move away because homes, groceries, gas and taxes cost more than the national average. A recent study shows that those who leave tend to end up richer and own homes sooner than those who stay. The research from the California Policy Lab points out that

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Apr 24 2026FINANCE

Santa Rosa's Budget Struggle: Why Cutting Services May Not Be the Only Answer

Santa Rosa's financial problems didn't appear overnight. Over the past three years, the city has watched its sales tax income shrink steadily, a trend that mirrors broader changes in how people shop. More purchases happen online now, and spending has shifted from goods to services, leaving local sto

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Apr 23 2026EDUCATION

Schools in California face stronger rules on handling abuse cases

California’s top lawyer has sent a clear warning to every public school in the state. Rob Bonta, the Attorney General, used a recent legal notice to remind districts that sexual harassment and assault among students are not just bad behavior—they are illegal. The message is simple: schools must act

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Apr 21 2026ENTERTAINMENT

Sanrio Starts Its Own Game Lineup

Sanrio is stepping into the world of video games by launching a new brand called Sanrio Games. Before this, the company let other developers use its characters in many games. Now it will plan and build some of those titles itself while still giving out licenses to others. The goal is to releas

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