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California's law aimed at fast food wages is on hold. Lawmakers may have found a way around it

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

A new California law aimed in part at boosting salaries for fast food workers has been delayed for nearly two years following industry resistance. Now, the Democrats who control the state Legislature might have figured out how to raise worker pay anyway.Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law last year. It created a 10-member council with the authority, among other things, to increase the state's $15.50 minimum wage to a maximum of $22 per hour for some fast food workers. Some experts quickly hailed the law as one of the “most significant pieces of employment legislation passed in a generation.”But unlike in most states, California voters have the power to overturn some laws passed by the Legislature. Business groups who opposed the law gathered enough signatures to qualify a referendum in 2024. In the meantime, the law does not take effect. California-based In-N-Out Burger poised for major expansion Business groups were confident the law would ultimately be blocked a...

George Dobbs, Ariahh Slemaker, and Three Others Killed Solo-Vehicle Crash on 710 Freeway [Long Beach, CA]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

Car Accident at 91 Freeway Connector Kills 5 People Including Two 15-Year-OldsLONG BEACH, CA (June 27, 2023) – Early Monday morning, a solo-vehicle crash on the northbound 710 Freeway claimed the lives of George Dobbs, Ariahh Slemaker, and three other people.The deadly incident occurred around 4:14 a.m. between 91 Freeway and Alondra Boulevard.According to CHP, a black Hyundai Sonata collided with crash attenuators while traveling at a high rate of speed before bursting into flames.In total, there were six occupants inside the vehicle, several of which were ejected upon impact. Unfortunately, five of the occupants died at the scene. Paramedics transported the remaining adult occupant to a hospital for treatment of major injuries.Later, officials identified the two deceased teenage passengers as George Dobbs and Ariahh Slemaker, both were 15 years old.Long Beach Officials closed down all the northbound lanes of 710 Freeway as crews cleared out the scene. Those who witnessed the...

Ken Balayev Killed and Three Injured in Head-on Crash on 110 Freeway [Los Angeles, CA]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

71-Year-Old Taxi Driver Dies after a Fatal Wrong-way CollisionLOS ANGELES, CA (June 27, 2023) – Early Friday morning, police responded to a wrong-way collision that claimed the life of Ken Balayev.The incident happened on May 26th, shortly after 2:50 p.m. in the northbound of 110 Freeway at Exposition Boulevard.According to the CHP, a Toyota Prius taxi driven by 71-year-old Balayev, a Chevy Cruz driven by 23-year-old Samantha Molina, and several other vehicles were involved in the collision.Upon investigation, the officers have learned that Molina was travelling southbound in the northbound lanes and collided head-on with Balayev.Following the collision, Molina and her passenger were both extricated from the Chevy and a passenger of Balayev was also extricated. Officials pronounced 71-year-old Ken Balayev dead at the scene. Meanwhile, medics transported the other three victims to a local hospital for treatment of major injuries.Afterward, crews shut down the northbound 110 Fre...

It’s International Pineapple Day – Here’s How To Celebrate

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

From upside-down cake to Dole Whip, the ancient pineapple has been a symbol of royalty for generations, stemming from its beautiful crown. It’s International Pineapple Day, a time to celebrate the tropical ground fruit indigenous to South America that has been cultivated for centuries and was first consumed by the Tupi people, the Mayas, and the Aztecs. After their introduction to Europe in the 17th century, pineapples were quickly considered a luxury good that fascinated rulers across the continent, often depicted in art and architecture.  Here’s how to celebrate the treat of kings, which is packed with phosphorus, zinc, manganese, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K:Long Beach Tiki bar, The Bamboo Club, has launched a summer weekday lunch special featuring Tiki-inspired sandwich and salad options for $12 each. Available Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The special lunch menu selections come with a fountain drink, with the option to upgrade the drink to a Mai Tai or draf...

Man Killed after Motorcycle Crash on Highway 198 [Tulare County, CA]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

Motorcycle Accident Near Horse Creek Road Kills 19-Year-Old ManTULARE COUNTY, CA June 27, 2023) – A rider died in a motorcycle crash on Highway 198 in the Three Rivers area Sunday afternoon.On June 11th, CHP officers responded to a crash at around 2:00 p.m. east of Horse Creek Road.Upon arrival, investigators determined that an eastbound 2023 Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle veered off the road while traveling at a high rate of speed.As a result, the Kawasaki crashed into a large boulder at the edge of the road and ejected the motorcyclist. In addition, the motorcycle overturned multiple times before coming to a stop.Unfortunately, the first responders declared the 19-year-old motorcyclist dead at the scene. His identity remains undisclosed to the public, pending notification from the next of kin.Alcohol and drugs did not appear to be a factor in the incident, according to the California Highway Patrol. Those with additional information about the Highway 198 motorcycle crash are aske...

Zachary Brown, Lucas Braner, Lane Castro Were Killed in Power Pole Crash on Vineyard Road [Placer County, CA]

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

Single-Vehicle Accident Near Cook Riolo Road Left Three DeadPLACER COUNTRY, CA (June 27, 2023) – Early Sunday morning, a power pole crash in Placer County Killed Zachary Brown, Lucas Braner, and Lane Castro.The incident happened around 1:50 a.m. along westbound Vineyard Road, just west of Cook Riolo Road.According to the investigators, a BMW was traveling along Vineyard Road at a high rate of speed. For reasons currently unknown, the driver lost control of the vehicle and it struck a power pole. The BMW then continued on, hit a brick gate, and came to a stop on the south shoulder of Vineyard Road.Emergency crews arrived to the site of the collision shortly after. After assessing the situation, officials pronounced the three occupants of the BMW dead at the scene. The County Coroner’s office later identified the victims as Zachary Brown, Lucas Braner, and Lane Castro. All of the men were 21 years old.The team at Sweet James sends their sincere sympathies to the family and...

Into the Bebeverse with Bebe Rexha

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

Into the Bebeverse with Bebe Rexha: Multi-platinum pop hitmaker Bebe Rexha is now at the level where she can play two nights at the not-exactly-small Wiltern, fully confident that her hoards of adoring fans will show up for her. She hasn’t been an overnight success, writing for Eminem and more before treading her own ground. But new album Bebe, her third, is a pop monster. Zolita opens.Back in May, Rexha invited fans into her “Bebeverse” to celebrate the release of the new album.“As you enter the Bebeverse, you become a Bebe avatar in a multi-player environment (mobile and desktop) with a bunch of other Bebe‘s,” reads the press release. “You will enter a 70’s roller disco lobby featuring an arcade, classic heart car, disco ball, and multi-colored party lights. The user will be prompted to plug in party lights and the space will be animated with neon lights, which sends them to the Disco Roller Rink. The roller rink will be filled with disco balls ...

H.E.R.’s massive Lights On Festival moving from East Bay to Peninsula

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

H.E.R. is saying goodbye to Concord and hello to Mountain View.The multi-Grammy-winner, who also has an Emmy and an Oscar to her credit, is moving her Lights On Festival from its old home of Concord Pavilion to the much-larger Shoreline Amphitheatre in 2023.Lights On — which sold out its first two runs, in 2019 and 2021 — takes place Sept. 16-17 at the Mountain View venue. Jazmine Sullivan headlines the first night, while H.E.R. & Friends play Sept. 17. Other acts on the ample bill include Don Toliver, Alina Baraz, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Doechii, DVSN, and many more.Pre-sales run from noon June 29 to 10 p.m. June 29. The general on-sale starts at noon June 30, livenation.com.“I’m so excited Lights On Fest will be making its return,” says Bay Area native H.E.R. “It’s my favorite way to wind down the summer by having two days filled with great R&B music. I am so proud to reveal the extraordinary talent we have on the bill this year and can’t wait for everyone to see what’s...

Man accused of entering East Palo Alto home, sexually assaulting victim still at large

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

EAST PALO ALTO — Police are still looking for a 46-year-old man accused of entering a home and sexually assaulting someone on June 3.46-year-old Juan Ortiz is wanted for entering an East Palo Alto home and committing a sexual assault on June 3, police say. The San Mateo County District Attorney’s office filed charged and issued a $100,000 arrest warrant Tuesday for Juan Tapia Ortiz of East Palo Alto on June 13.Police consider Ortiz armed and dangerous, according to a press release, and are warning anyone who sees him not to attempt a stop or contact.8Anyone with information is asked to call the East Palo Alto Police Department. The dispatcher will need Ortiz’ location, a detailed description of his appearance including clothing, facial hair and other defining features, a vehicle description if applicable, and whether or not he appears to be armed, police say.

South Bay restaurants strive to make employees feel valued

Published Wed, 12 Feb 2025 12:23:10 GMT

Editor’s note: This story is part of the annual Mosaic Journalism Workshop for Bay Area high school students, a two-week intensive course in journalism. Students in the program report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.Known for the authenticity of its food, Luna Mexican Kitchen is a small locally owned  business that not only welcomes its customers but also acknowledges its workers by showing appreciation in multiple ways.Behind the scenes, co-owners John Lopez and his wife Jo Lerma-Lopez have built a family culture at their two restaurants —– one on The Alameda in San Jose and the other in the Pruneyard in Campbell — with elaborate Christmas and Easter events, and even bowling nights.“They do not see the employees as machines. They see them as human beings,” said Jose Cerda, manager of the kitchen at the San Jose restaurant. “It’s important to the owners for us to be balanced between work and family.”Owners Jo Lerma-Lopez, left, and John Lo...