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California's two biggest issues have the same root cause

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

When Californians are asked to identify the biggest problems facing the state, homelessness and the high cost of living consistently rise to the top of the list.While they are not one and the same, experts say both can trace their roots to the same problem: a housing shortage in the Golden State.A recent study conducted by the University of California, San Francisco found that in the six months prior to becoming homeless, survey participants reported a median monthly household income of $960, which amounts to just $11,520 a year.According to Zillow, the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment in California is three times that: $2,869 a month or $34,428 per year.“The results of the study confirm that far too many Californians experience homelessness because they cannot afford housing,” said Dr. Margot Kushel, one of the study’s authors. “I think it’s really important to note how desperately poor people are, and how much it is their poverty and the high housing costs that are leading ...

Would you pay $35 a month to stream ESPN?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

Disney has made no secret of its desire to finally offer an ESPN streaming service. A lack of access to sports has been a key reason many people have yet to cut the cable cord.The trick to streaming sports, though, is the cost.Simply put, sports is by the far the most expensive content available. Cable companies got around this by bundling sports channels with other programming, thus making non-sports fans subsidize the cost for sports enthusiasts.You can't do that with a streaming service, which by definition will be subscribed to only by people who want to watch sports.It was widely reported Friday that Disney is now in preliminary talks with Amazon on partnering for an ESPN streaming service and sharing the financial risks.Neither Disney nor Amazon has commented on the reports, but such a partnership makes sense.Disney would get a deep-pocketed affiliate to help shoulder the financial load, and Amazon presumably would gain access to more sports for its Prime Video service.But eve...

Connie Oliver Killed in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on 27th Avenue [Phoenix, AZ]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

49-Year-Old Woman Pronounced Dead after Fatal Pedestrian Collision near Northern AvenuePHOENIX, AZ (August 25, 2023) – Early Tuesday morning, Connie Oliver was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian crash on 27th Avenue.Police responded to the scene just after 5:00 a.m., near Northern Avenue on August 22nd.Investigators say the driver of a vehicle struck Oliver and immediately fled the scene without contacting authorities or rendering aid.Paramedics arrived and transported 49-year-old Oliver to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of Connie Oliver. May you find comfort and strength during this difficult time.Losing someone in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident is always a traumatic experience for the surviving family....

2 Women Hospitalized after Rollover Collision on Highway 1 [Santa Barbara County, CA]

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

Two Injured in Rollover Car Accident near Firefighter RoadSANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA (August 25, 2023) – Monday afternoon, two women were hospitalized after a rollover collision on Highway 1.Police responded to the scene around 1:41 p.m., near Vandenberg Space Force Base and Firefighter Road.Emergency crews arrived and extricated two female occupants from inside their vehicle. Paramedics then transported them both to Marian Regional Medical Center for treatment of minor to moderate injuries.At this time, the circumstances that led up to the crash and the identities of the people involved remain unknown. Santa Barbara County Officials temporarily closed the northbound lane of Highway 1 as crews cleared the scene.No further details regarding the rollover crash have been released to the public. Authorities will provide more information about the crash once available.Driving can be very dangerous and almost anything can happen if you are not prepared. Always check behind your vehicl...

Let’s Go to SLO: The Kitschy Cool of Madonna Inn and Downtown San Luis Obispo

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

There are certain excursions and experiences that every pop culture vulture should have at some point in their lives, and a stay at the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo is definitely one of them. Known for its themed rooms and outlandish Barbie-esque interiors and exteriors, the inn provides a colorful escape from the daily drudgery of a work-driven life. Planning a getaway around a stay at this iconic hotel can make for a uniquely romantic romp, a glam getaway with friends, or a singular special occasion jaunt, especially for Angelenos. In the summer, when the weather is still comfortably cool, a charming adventure awaits in SLO, as San Luis Obispo is called, with Madonna as the must-see centerpiece.As we’ve done with past travel guides to Las Vegas, San Diego and Santa Barbara, we worked with area tourism groups and the local chamber of commerce to find out what’s new and what’s special to traipse, taste and try near the inn, and we dug deeper, talking to locals and frequent visitor...

Sale closed in Los Gatos: $2.9 million for a four-bedroom home

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

A spacious house located in the 100 block of Privada Luisita in Los Gatos has a new owner. The 2,145-square-foot property, built in 1965, was sold on Aug. 3, 2023. The $2,932,000 purchase price works out to $1,367 per square foot. This single-story home offers a spacious layout with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the exterior, the house is characterized by the use of wood shake roofing / shingles. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. In addition, the home includes a two-car garage, ensuring ample room for parking and storage. The property’s backyard also includes both a spa and a pool.Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include:A 3,557-square-foot home on the 100 block of Bersano Lane in Los Gatos sold in June 2023, for $3,450,000, a price per square foot of $970. The home has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.On Bersano Lane, Los Gatos, in March 2023, a 2,389-square-foot home was sold for $3,125,000, a price per square foot of $1,308. The home h...

Could the Chinese government fund construction of huge new dam in Santa Clara County?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

Six years after unveiling plans to build a 320-foot high dam and reservoir at Pacheco Pass in southern Santa Clara County, the largest water agency in Silicon Valley still hasn’t found any other water agencies willing to help fund the project.But this week an unusual potential partner came to light: China.The revelation of interest from one of the United States’ most contentious rivals is the latest twist in the project’s shaky history: The price tag has tripled to $2.8 billion since 2018 due to unstable geology found in the area. The Santa Clara Valley Water District, which is pursuing the plan, has delayed groundbreaking by at least three years, to 2027, instead of 2024 announced five years ago. And environmentalists won a lawsuit this summer that will require more study of how ongoing geological work will affect endangered plants and animals.During questioning from water district board members at a public meeting Tuesday night, Rick Callender, the district’...

Cruise car crashes into vehicle after attempting to make turn: SFPD

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- An autonomous vehicle was involved in a crash Thursday night near Geary Boulevard and Gough Street, the San Francisco Police Department said. Around 9:53 p.m., officers responded to a report of a Cruise car being involved in a collision. The Cruise car was going southbound on Gough and attempted to make a left turn from the middle lane onto eastbound on Geary, according to SFPD. The autonomous vehicle then collided with another car driving in the left lane of Gough. Video from the Citizen App (above) shows the scene of the crash moments after it happened. Authorities did not report any injuries from this crash. KRON4 reached out to Cruise for comment but has not yet received a response. Police cruiser crashes into Wells Fargo Bank in Orinda VIDEO: Cruise cars block traffic in SF's North Beach "Further investigation will be conducted by the appropriate California regulatory agencies charged with overseeing the deployment of autonomous vehicles," SFPD sai...

Suspect in Oakland Sunday homicide turns himself in

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

(BCN) -- A man turned himself in to police in connection with a Sunday morning homicide in Oakland, police said Thursday. Juan Sura-Martinez was charged by the Alameda County District Attorney's Office in the death of Guillermo Kelly-Torres. 6-year-old San Jose boy’s accused killer behind bars Kelly-Torres was found with a gunshot wound just before 6 a.m. Sunday in the 9200 block of E Street. Sura-Martinez turned himself in later that morning, police said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department's homicide section at (510) 238-3821 or its tip line at (510) 238-7950.  Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc.

Novato police seeking public's help in finding missing 91-year-old woman

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:08:01 GMT

(BCN) -- Police in Novato are hoping the public can help them locate a 91-year-old woman who has been missing for nine days. Police received a missing persons report Thursday for Novato resident Janet Tighe from her neighbors, who said they had not seen her since Aug. 17. Neighbors said Tighe's vehicle was also not at her house and police verified that it was missing as well. Police obtained surveillance camera footage showing Tighe driving away from her home on Aug. 16 around 2 p.m. and she did not return. 6-year-old San Jose boy’s accused killer behind bars Novato police said they have not been able to reach any of Tighe's relatives and they do not have any emergency contacts for her. Tighe is a white woman who is 5 feet tall and about 150 pounds. She has gray hair and brown eyes. She drives a dark green 2005 Scion xB with license plate number 5MBF342. Anyone who may have information about Tighe's whereabouts or who may know anyone close to her, such as family and...