Category: Bay Area

Content oversight and quality assurance provided by Bay Area News Group. Bay Area News Group advertising leadership oversees sponsored, native, and paid content on this platform, ensuring its quality, relevance, and helpfulness for our audience. Articles attributed to this byline are authored by paying advertisers. The editorial team did not contribute to these pieces, and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the editorial staff. Refer to our partner statement to better understand the nature of the relationship. The sponsor retains responsibility for the content and holds the copyright to their material. SPONSORED CONTENT The global vaping market offers a wide range of vape stores, which can make it challenging to find one that matches all your needs and preferences. Thankfully, we can help with that! We carefully searched for the best online shops that sell disposable vapes, mods, and accessories, focusing on those that enhance your overall vaping experience while offering enticing deals and discounts and a wide variety of products. Though all of the featured shops are great, our top pick is  Vaporfi , which sells high-quality disposable vapes that makes

Three years after revealing their dating relationship, the children of comedians Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy are engaged. The happy couple posted to Instagram video of the romantic moment when Eric Murphy popped the question to Jasmin Lawrence. “We’re engaged!! God truly blessed us with a love that feels like destiny,” the over-the-moon kids captioned their video. “We couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter.” Murphy first set up a room with candles, bouquets of roses and strewn flower petals before a wall covered in a huge red heart. Their engagement video caught all the action, from Lawrence’s reaction upon walking in, to her pleased surprise when he dropped down on one knee. “It’s beautiful. Oh my gosh,” she gushed. “Yes!” Eric Murphy is the eldest of Eddie Murphy’s 10 children, and the son of the comedian’s ex Paulette McNeely. Jasmin Lawrence is the eldest daughter of Martin Lawrence and his ex, former beauty queen Patricia Southall, who is mother to two of the comedian’s three children. The newly engaged couple first went public in 2021 when Murphy posted that he was “head over

Elton John said Sunday that he has lost his eyesight and can’t even see the new musical he scored. John, 77, attended the premiere of “The Devil Wears Prada” in London and revealed to the audience that he couldn’t even watch it. “I haven’t been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I have lost my eyesight,” he said on stage. “So it’s hard for me to see it, but I love to hear it and, boy, it sounded good tonight.” Back in September, John revealed that an eye infection had rendered his right eye mostly useless, and he called his left eye “not the greatest.” Last week on “Good Morning America,” the “Rocket Man” singer said he was unlikely to record more music because he couldn’t even read lyrics in the studio. “It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,” he said on the ABC program. John said the infection struck him in July, when he was vacationing in France. He credited his husband, David Furnish, with helping him

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Stephen King’s raucous rock ‘n’ roll radio station is going silent at year’s end. The renowned author and lifelong rocker who used to perform with the Rock Bottom Remainders, a rock band that featured literary icons, said Monday that at age 77, it’s time to say good-bye to three Bangor, Maine, stations that have been bleeding money. King kept the stations afloat for decades, and he said he and his wife, Tabitha, are proud to have kept them going for so long. “While radio across the country has been overtaken by giant corporate broadcasting groups, I’ve loved being a local, independent owner all these years,” King said in a statement. “I’ve loved the people who’ve gone to these stations every day and entertained folks, kept the equipment running, and given local advertisers a way to connect with their customers.” King’s foray into radio began at age 36 with his 1983 purchase of a radio station that was rebranded WZON in deference to his book, “The Dead Zone.” That station went through a few permutations before closing, and then being reacquired by

Vaping has revolutionized the cannabis market, and it’s easy to see why! Not only is it convenient and more discreet than smoking, but it also offers an easy, flavorful way to enjoy cannabis. Whether you want to enjoy the mild effects of Delta-8 THC or the more intense effects of Delta-9 THC, there is a perfect vape pen out there to suit any of your needs. With so many THC vape pens on the market, it’s beyond easy to find a weed vape pen that will deliver the pleasant psychoactive effect you seek. If you’re looking for fast-acting effects and portability, then a vape pen will be perfect for you. After thorough research, the TRĒHouse Delta-8 Vape Pens rank at the top of our list for their potency and unique flavor, followed closely by four other top-notch weed pens. Come along with us as we explore the best weed pens on the market! Where to Buy Vape Pens ●     TRĒHouse – Buy potent THC vape pens ●     Delta Extrax – Best D9 vape pens ●     Binoid – Best THCp vape pens A First Look at

After his prolific start to his Ontario Hockey League season, defenseman and San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson has been named to the Canadian national junior team’s selection camp roster. Dickinson, 18, has a staggering 45 points in 24 games for the London Knights so far this season, making him the OHL’s third-leading scorer. On Sunday, Dickinson had two goals and three assists in London’s 10-3 win over the Ottawa 67s. Dickinson, who the Sharks selected 11th overall at the NHL Draft in June, is one of 10 defensemen invited to the camp, which has 32 players in all and runs from Dec. 10 to 13 in Ottawa. The roster that will compete for Canada at the IIHF World Junior Championships will be announced shortly afterward. Dickinson was the only Sharks prospect invited to the Canadian camp. Forward Carson Wetsch, defensemen Colton Roberts, and Nate Misskey — all drafted by the Sharks earlier this year — will remain with their respective CHL teams. Last year’s Canadian world junior team featured center Macklin Celebrini, who has 14 points in 15 games for the Sharks this season

Authorities on Monday identified a bicyclist who was killed last week while on an East Bay highway. Cynthia Perez, 34, of Concord was on state Highway 242 in the far right lane Nov. 24 going south toward Walnut Creek, when a GMC Yukon hit her, the California Highway Patrol said. The collision happened just north of the Oliveira Road overpass. She died at the scene. The CHP did not arrest the driver of the Yukon, who stopped after the collision and spoke with them. The investigation remains open. The CHP encouraged anyone with information to contact them at 320Investigations@chp.ca.gov or 925-646-4980. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 9:37 AM PST

ANTIOCH — A fire Sunday afternoon burned two houses and sent one person to a hospital, authorities said. Five people were displaced and put in touch with the Red Cross following the blaze, which broke out about 4:30 p.m. at a residence at E. 18th Street and Crestwood Drive. In a statement on social media, the Contra Costa Fire Protection District said the injured person suffered smoke inhalation. Authorities did not have a condition for that person Monday morning. The blaze also took down a power line in the area. The fire eventually grew to two alarms to protect the other homes in the area. One house was damaged enough that inhabitants were not allowed back into it. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 9:14 AM PST

SUBSCRIBER ONLY California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway The view of the Pacific Ocean from Huntington Beach stretches seemingly forever. (Getty Images) This sunny California city makes a great escape from winter’s chill, complete with endless sand, splashy waves, a rooftop lounge and a perfect waterside hotel. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST

Abandon hope, all souls who dare partake of an afternoon tea bereft of clotted cream. TikTok’s afternoon-tea critic is introducing the British-born tradition to a new generation. And the Bay Area boasts plenty of places to raise a pinky. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST

DEAR JOAN: There has been a lot in the media recently about humans catching bird flu. I am concerned about the possible risks to us from feeding birds in our yard. We have two feeders – a seed feeder and a hummingbird feeder for fast birds. With each, we find thank-you deposits on the feeders. We have not found any dead birds. Are these deposits a risk to us? In your article dated Nov. 18, you suggest removing feeders and water sources from the yard to prevent the spread of bird flu.  We enjoy watching the birds from our breakfast table and would miss the pleasure. Is removal the answer for us? — Paul Christensen, Pleasanton DEAR PAUL: Avian flu (H5N1) is a highly contagious virus that spreads from bird to bird, and in rare instances, from bird to humans. There are no known cases of human-to-human transmission. The majority of infections are within waterfowl and domestic poultry, but other mammals can contract avian flu. Cats that spend time outdoors, especially if they kill an infected bird, have contracted avian flu, and there is one reported case

The Bay Area News Group’s intrepid readers have circled the globe this last year, road-tripping through Tuscany, touring the Taj Mahal, exploring Bolivia and in this case, biking through Bali. And once back home, they wrote in to share their stories and photos and offer helpful travel tips. Along the way, they’ve shared their journeys and offered helpful travel tips. Find even more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/. Wish You Were Here INDONESIA: Vallejo resident Mel Orpilla and Redding’s Kathleen Saxer traveled to Bali this summer on a trip that included all sorts of adventures, including a bike ride near the island’s rice fields. TRAVEL TIPS: from Redding taking a rest in a rice field during a bike ride on the island of Bali. Bali is a very diverse island with beaches, volcanoes, bustling cities and small villages. You can see it all in a week. Join the fun! Send a photo of yourself on your latest adventures — local, domestic or international — to jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com. Tell us where you are, who everyone is and where they’re from, and share a travel tip or two

SUBSCRIBER ONLY They wanted good schools, nature and ‘a feeling of privacy.’ What could they find on the Peninsula with $3.5 million? A couple from Menlo Park decided to trade up their ‘starter home’ for more space Tej Ravindra, right, and her husband, Niket Sirsi, on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group) The couple looked at homes for nearly three years before they made an offer that was accepted. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 6:01 AM PST

SUBSCRIBER ONLY Kurtenbach: The music has stopped playing for the ‘last dance’ 49ers San Francisco 49ers 10 – Buffalo Bills 35: The Niners have been outscored 73-20 in their last two games. San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) dives forward during the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) The Niners have been outscored 73-20 in their last two games, but they say they can make the playoffs. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 5:45 AM PST

Had you sat by Alizé Satberry a few years ago at Kearny High School or Herbert Hoover High School or one of several charters she attended, you might have noticed that her dresses were a few years out of style. Maybe you flagged that she never seemed to come on a field trip. But the fact that she, her mom and three siblings were bouncing from hotel to hotel and shelter to shelter? That probably slipped by. And she could just as easily have missed if you were in the same boat. The thing is, it’s a crowded boat. When Satberry and her family first got to San Diego in 2016, there were about 16,500 students countywide who lacked a steady roof, according to the California Department of Education. By last academic year the total had risen to more than 17,800, including children who’ve temporarily doubled up in houses with other families. The problem has become so pervasive that Barrio Logan’s Monarch School, which only serves unhoused families, has started to train educators at other organizations about how to spot and care for families on

A man who was reported to be holding a rifle that turned out to be fake died after police shot him in Downtown Santa Ana on Sunday night, Dec. 1. Officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to the area of Broadway and 2nd Street following reports that a man was armed with and loading a rifle, according to the Santa Ana Police Department. When they arrived, two officers shot the man, who was in his 30s, in a parking lot, police said. Police didn’t immediately specify how many times they fired. The rifle the man was reported to be carrying turned out to be fake, said Officer Natalie Garcia, a spokesperson for the Police Department. The man was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No officers or bystanders reported injuries following the shooting. The investigation is ongoing. Originally Published: December 2, 2024 at 3:29 AM PST

TODAY’S WORD — QUERYING QUERYING: KWER-ee-ing: Questioning. Average mark 13 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 18 or more words in QUERYING? The list will be published tomorrow. SATURDAY’S WORD — KITTIWAKES: kite kitties kittiwake kiwi ikat take task taste teak teat test tikka tweak twist twit waist wait wake waste watt weak weskit west wise askew east sake saki sate seat sika site skat skate skew skit stake state steak stet stew swat sweat To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last! RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not allowed. Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.

Dear Eric: I am friends with a person I dated for a short while. We’re in our 50s. The only reason I still see her is that she doesn’t have any other friends. She is also a sole parent to a difficult teen who also has no friends and has no desire to make any (she tells me this). I do not enjoy her company, although she is a good person. It’s not as though I have a stellar social life myself, but I really do not want to hang out with her anymore. I do it because if I don’t she will have no one, but it is getting harder to do. I also think that she hopes that we will eventually become romantic partners again but I have no interest in that with her and have been clear about that. Also, I feel I can’t date anyone else because she will be hurt (she has told me that). I do care about her welfare. I think I need to limit how often we meet. It used to be weekly but because of vacations

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Aaron Rodgers, 41; Britney Spears, 43; Monica Seles, 51; Rena Sofer, 56. Happy Birthday: Simplify your life, take a step back and take a moment to think. Moderation, organization and decluttering will help you release people and possessions that weigh you down. Make room for what is meaningful to you, helps you focus on what makes sense and gives you a purpose that fills your heart with joy. Choose to be innovative and follow the path that gratifies. Make personal growth your goal. Your numbers are 5, 12, 19, 24, 32, 36, 47. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Interact and adjust to suit your situation, but don’t jeopardize your health or physical well-being. Question everything and everyone. Show interest and gain insight into the possibilities. Open doors that offer hope and promise, but be selective and aware of risks or scammers. When in doubt, say no. 5 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Pay attention to details and surpass expectations. A unique alteration will give you the edge you need to be competitive. Don’t wait until action is necessary to reach your

DEAR ABBY: My husband and I have a beautiful daughter, soon to be 2 years old. Before her birth, my parents and my husband’s parents were eagerly awaiting her arrival and discussing their plans for what life as new grandparents would be. We just “knew” they would be involved so much it would drive us crazy. Instead, it’s the opposite! My parents work 40-plus hours a week and care for my 5-year-old half-brother, who was recently diagnosed with autism. Naturally, I have to cut them some slack. My husband’s parents, on the other hand, aren’t workaholics. They spend their time doing things like spending a couple of weeks on the lake, taking scuba lessons and participating in a quilting club. They tell us about their fun, then ask how our daughter is. (They haven’t seen her in weeks.) I know the role of a grandparent has changed. They are getting a taste of freedom from raising children. However, they are not free child care to me. They are my family, and I wanted to see all those plans they had for her before she was