Sacramento

A’s may be gone from Oakland, but sense of community remains at Fans Fest

OAKLAND — The Athletics’ official address is in West Sacramento, but if a celebration of Oakland sports Saturday is any indication, the community that supported them for the last 57 years is thriving without them. Fans Fest 2025 had a different vibe than the inaugural event a year ago, before news had broken of the A’s plans for a temporary stopover in the state capital while awaiting new digs in Las Vegas. Skepticism about the A’s actually winding up in a minor league park in 2025 and beyond has given way to resignation. “It’s kind of like an ex-girlfriend,” said Jorge Leon of the non-profit Oakland 68s. “You don’t want me? I’ll move on.” The 68s and Last Dive Bar put on the event, staged in the area of Raimondi Park (home of the Pioneer League Oakland Ballers) and the Prescott Market. There was no admission and no official attendance, but a blustery day did nothing to dampen the size and enthusiasm of a crowd that fans believe was similar in size to last year’s Fans Fest. There were the onsite eateries at Prescott Market

Bay Area

The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia AWD Limited Hybrid SUV

What is a Crown? The Crown is a midsize sedan built in Aichi, Japan and sold world wide by Toyota. The Signia model is the SUV edition of the Crown sedan. The 2025 Toyota Crown Signia Limited is the top tier trim, with 4 doors, 2 rows of seats, and can carry 5 passengers, with the ability to tow up to 2,700 lbs. The Toyota Crown Signia Limited has the extra space and power to take more of your life on the road with you. The Crown Signia is lower, longer, and wider than the Toyota RAV4. If one were to separate SUVs from station wagons based on interior volume, height, ground clearance, and overall shape and proportions, the Crown Signia would appear to be more station wagon than SUV, and that’s a good thing, as I like roomy crossover station wagons. The Toyota Crown Signia creates a driving experience that’s second to none. A variety of climate controls takes the cabin to the next level, maximizing comfort with a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. As the highest

Bay Area

Analysis: Making English the official US language can’t erase the fact that the US has millions of Spanish speakers and a long multilingual history

Daniel J. Olson (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Daniel J. Olson, Purdue University (THE CONVERSATION) English should be the official language of the United States, says a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on March 1, 2025. The move follows the Trump administration’s termination of the Spanish-language version of the White House website and its Spanish-language account on X, formerly Twitter. Both were abruptly shut down within hours of Trump’s second presidential inauguration. Visitors to whitehouse.gov/espanol were met with “page not found” and a “GO HOME” button that sent the user to the English-language page. This button was later updated to read, “GO TO HOME PAGE.” In halting its Spanish-language communications, the White House is ignoring the demographic reality of the U.S. and rejecting a long-standing tradition in American government of making key civic information accessible to the public. These changes, while mostly symbolic, signal the Trump administration’s unwelcoming stance toward Spanish specifically and multilingualism in general. US is a Spanish-speaking country “This is a country where we speak English, not Spanish.,”

Inland Empire

Neighbor of the Week: Claudia Rodriguez

Claudia grew up in Arlington Heights, but it wasn’t until the Mission Inn reopened in the early 1990s that she truly fell in love with Riverside’s history. That passion for local heritage stayed with her through a 35-year career in the insurance industry, where she rose to an executive role leading a nationwide operation. After decades of long hours and commuting to Orange County, Claudia retired and turned her focus to family and community. Inspired by her siblings’ “Walk of the Week,” she set out to visit all 149 of Riverside’s Cultural Landmarks—an accomplishment she now proudly claims. She deepened her involvement by joining the Old Riverside Foundation, Friends of Mt. Rubidoux, Riverside Museum Associates, Mission Inn Foundation, and Riverside Historical Society. She also became a member of the Riverside Woman’s Club and the City of Riverside’s Nonprofit Collaborative, staying engaged in preserving the city’s cultural legacy. Claudia and her husband raised their daughter here, and she’s proud to see her carry on their family’s Riverside pride—just as she once did, exploring a city that has always felt like home. What does Riverside mean to

Inland Empire

New “Daylighting” Law: What Drivers Need to Know

A new California law is changing the way we park near crosswalks—and if you drive in Riverside, you’ll want to take note. As of January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 413 (AB 413), also known as the “daylighting” law, is in effect. The goal? To make intersections safer for pedestrians by increasing visibility at crosswalks. Under this new law, parking is no longer allowed within 20 feet of any crosswalk—whether it’s marked or unmarked. If the crosswalk has curb extensions (those sidewalk bump-outs designed to slow traffic and shorten crossing distances), the no-parking zone extends to 15 feet. The idea is simple: fewer cars blocking sightlines means drivers can better see pedestrians stepping into the street, reducing accidents and close calls. For Riverside, where busy streets and pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown, Brockton Arcade, and university districts see a lot of foot traffic, this law could make a real difference. City officials are still working on the specifics of enforcement, but as in other cities across California, drivers should expect citations if they park too close to a crosswalk—even if there’s no red curb or sign marking

Inland Empire

Riverside Public Library Launches New Book Locker Service

The City of Riverside Public Library is expanding access to books with the introduction of a new locker service at seven convenient locations throughout the city. The library held a ribbon cutting ceremony in the breezeway of the Main Library to celebrate the launch of the Library Locker program. The service enhances accessibility for patrons with a streamlined process for retrieving reserved materials. By placing lockers in community locations, the library extends its reach beyond traditional branch hours. Library Director Erin Christmas, who spoke at the ceremony, emphasized the convenience of the new system. “We understand that our community members have busy lives,” said Library Director, Erin Christmas. “These book lockers provide a flexible and convenient way for everyone to enjoy the resources our library offers. We’re bringing the library closer to where people live and spend their time.” The process is designed for simplicity: patrons can browse the library’s online catalog, select their desired book, and choose a locker location for pick-up. Once the book is ready, they receive an email or text notification, and can then retrieve their item using their library card

Los Angeles

‘I’m very concerned’: SLO County residents voice concerns over wildfire preparedness following SoCal fires

Growing concerns are coming from the San Luis Obispo County community after hearing about the destruction from the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. Given what’s happened in Palisades, and Eaton Canyon and Altadena… I’m very concerned [about] what is going to happen if (god forbid) something like this were to happen in our community, said Sara Elena Loaiza, an Avila Beach resident. Sara Elena Loaiza has lived in her Avila Beach home for nearly a decade. She’s worried a big fire could destroy the small city, especially because there’s only one way in and out of town. The surrounding areas are full of dry palm branches from the palm trees that need to be cut back, said Loaiza. In response to community concern, CAL Fire SLO and San Luis Obispo County Fire held a meeting on Saturday bringing together speakers from multiple agencies around the county. They each discussed with the community what they do and their role in a massive fire breaking out. Some of that time involved answering questions from the community. We are trying to be very proactive about trying to

Los Angeles

Chance of rain prompts warming centers in SLO, Arroyo Grande to open Saturday

With the chances of rain over 50% on Saturday night and early Sunday morning, warming centers in Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo are opening their doors to the community. Guests can check in at the Five Cities Homeless Coalition (5CHC) Warming Center at 1023 East Grand Avenue in Arroyo Grande from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The facility will close at 6 a.m. On Sunday morning, Ride On will provide the following drop-off services for guests: Depart 5CHC Warming Center at 7:00 a.m. Oceano Duck Pond Ramona Park Fin’s Restaurant Pismo Beach Outlets Bus StopIn San Luis Obispo, guests can check into the Warming Center at 40 Prado Road from 7 to 9 p.m. Those already enrolled in services with the Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO) may check in before 7 p.m. The warming center will close at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Both facilities will reportedly provide overnight guests with a hot meal, a shower, clean clothing, and a safe and warm place to sleep. Space is also available for vaccinated pets, emotional support animals, and registered service animals at both

Inland Empire

Protesters rally against Elon Musk, DOGE at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne

Hundreds converged in front of SpaceX’s Hawthorne headquarters on Saturday afternoon, March 1, to protest Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency, along with decisions taken by the Trump Administration. The rally, which crowded both sidewalks along Crenshaw Boulevard, was organized by three democratic organizations: 5051, Indivisible and Westside Democratic HQ. The protest was dubbed “Destruction of Our Government by Elon” – a play on words of Musk’s task force. “Today, we helped people share their voice,” said Emily W., an organizer with 5051, an ongoing political action organization. “We’re non-violent. but we did prepare for violent counter-protesters, but we didn’t see any today. It’s been peaceful, we hope that it’s been inspiring to folks to keep fighting.” Hundreds lined Crenshaw Boulevard in front of SpaceX’s Hawthorne headquarters in protest of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency on Saturday, March 1, 2025.(Photo by Gene Blevins, Contributing Photographer) Zachary Mckinnon from Long Beach was among the crowd of hundreds in front of the SpaceX Hawthorne headquarters on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in protest of Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. (Photo

Los Angeles

97th Academy Awards Ceremony Set for Sunday

The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is set to take place Sunday, with “Emilia Pérez” carrying a leading 13 nominations into the evening (along with a post-nomination scandal related to its star) — while “Anora,” “The Brutalist” and “The Substance” bring best-picture and best-acting buzz to Hollywood’s most glittering night. Conan O’Brien will make his debut as Oscar host for the 4 p.m. ceremonies, which will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and air live on ABC and Hulu. The “Oscars Red Carpet Show,” hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer, starts at 3:30 p.m., also on ABC and Hulu. The 13 nods for “Emilia Pérez” — including best picture — are second-most in Oscar history, trailing only the 14 garnered by “All About Eve” in 1950, “Titanic in 1997” and “La La Land” in 2016. The next-most nominated films Sunday are “The Brutalist” and “Wicked” with 10 nods each, “Conclave” and “A Complete Unknown” with eight apiece, “Anora” with six and “Dune: Part Two” with five. Joining “Emilia Pérez” in the best picture category Sunday are “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,”

Sacramento

Steph Curry declares rare dunk against 76ers will be his last

PHILADELPHIA — Saturday morning at shootaround in the Wells Fargo Center, Warriors assistant coach Jerry Stackhouse told Steph Curry that he wanted to see a dunk. Curry, the 36-year-old superstar, hadn’t heard that in years. The last in-game dunk he had was in 2019, before the team moved to Chase Center. The Curry world has a way of manifesting. In the fourth quarter against Philadelphia, Curry found himself wide open, cherry-picking alone after a broken play. Instead of kissing a layup off the glass, he rose up off two feet and stuffed in a one-handed dunk. Right after the ball fell through the nylon, the two-time MVP pointed at Stackhouse on the visitor’s bench. “It was a very random comment this morning, and the fact that it happened was hilarious,” Curry said. It also, according to Curry, will be the last slam dunk of his career. “For sure,” Curry insisted. “I will only lay the ball up. It took everything out of me to get up there.” Curry finished with 29 points and a season-high 13 assists in a 126-119 Warriors loss. The Warriors won

Sacramento

Grimes pours in career-high 44 to out-duel Curry in Warriors loss

PHILADELPHIA — Steph Curry did his best to will a comeback win, but the Warriors were too thinned out by Jimmy Butler’s absence to pick him up. Butler missed his first game as Warrior with back spasms, and the Warriors felt the pain. Golden State won Curry’s minutes by 12 in a seven-point loss. Curry finished with 29 points and a season-high 13 assists, but Sixers guard Quentin Grimes outshined him with a career-best 44 points on scorching 18-for-24 shooting. The Warriors (32-18) tied the game up late in the fourth after trailing almost the entire night, but couldn’t get over the hump in a 126-119 defeat. “Quentin Grimes,” Curry said when asked what the difference in the game was. “Second half, we fought hard to get back in the game, but too many momentum plays that went their way. Turnover or missed layup turned into a 3 or an and-1. We knew they would play desperate, they were on a crazy losing streak and we were coming in hot.” The 76ers, who had lost nine straight games entering Saturday night, shot 19-for-33 from deep

Sacramento

San Jose Sharks find another way to lose as skid reaches eight games

The Sharks caught a bad break in the third period of their game against the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. Oh, they still made mistakes in the final 20 minutes, such as taking a delay-of-game penalty to set up a 5-on-3 goal for the Senators or making a bad change, which led to another Ottawa goal. But with the game still tied early in the third period, a Ridly Greig shot into the Sharks’ zone took a weird carom off the boards. The puck then went to the front of an open Sharks net, after goalie Vitek Vanecek left his crease to play the Greig pass. That left an open net for Tim Stützle, who scored his 19th goal of the season, giving the Senators the lead for good as they handed the Sharks a 5-3 loss at Canadian Tire Centre. The Sharks allowed consecutive goals to Brady Tkachuk, Stützle, and David Perron as their third-period foibles continued in what became their eighth straight loss. Perron’s goal at the 8:31 mark of the third period, which became the game-winner, came after the Sharks made a

Sacramento

Jimmy Butler scratched ahead of Warriors-76ers game

PHILADELPHIA — In the visitor’s locker room at Wells Fargo Center, a television flashed “Welcome Back” messages to all the Warriors returning to Philadelphia. Buddy Hield, Jerry Stackhouse, Ron Adams, video coordinator Lainn Wilson, and Jimmy Butler. Butler played only 55 games for the Sixers in the 2018-19 season, but he made a major impact with Joel Embiid, taking Philadelphia to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals in the game remembered for Kawhi Leonard’s game-winning shot. He won’t get to bring back memories for Sixers fans on Saturday. Butler was ruled out due to back spasms ahead of tipoff, marking his first missed game as a Warrior. Golden State is 7-1 in games he has played since coming aboard in the trade that sent Andrew Wiggins to Miami. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said he doesn’t think Butler’s injury will be a long-term ordeal and described it as day-to-day for now. As a Warrior, Butler is averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. His all-around floor game has changed the trajectory of Golden State’s season that was going nowhere before he

San Diego

Man arrested in connection with Lilac, Pala fires

Cal Fire arrested a man Friday on suspicion of arson related to the recent Lilac and Pala wildfires, officials said. The 48-year-old man was arrested by Cal Fire Law Enforcement Investigators who were examining the cause of two fires that ignited on Jan. 21., officials said.  The Pala fire began around 12:15 a.m. west of I-15 and north of Highway 76. About half an hour later, the Lilac fire was reported north of West Lilac Road and just west of Interstate 15. Together, the Lilac and Pala fires burned about 100 acres, Cal Fire said. Most of that acreage was scorched by the Lilac fire, which burned about 85 acres in a rural area with some homes on large plots of land.  Cal Fire said their investigation efforts and witness reports led to the arrest nearly a month after the fires. The man is accused of two counts of felony arson and was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, officials said. Cal Fire said the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, North County Fire Protection District, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the San Diego County

San Diego

Robots and experiments spark inspiration at San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering

Seven-year-old Lucas Fuentes and his 4-year-old sister, Luna, were on hand Saturday morning to learn about extracting DNA from a strawberry. The siblings were among thousands of learning-eager people who attended the annual San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, which returned to Petco Park for its 17th year. The festival featured specialty areas about cybersecurity, robotics, sustainable building, arts, and a mixed-reality experience by the U.S. Navy, among others. “It’s important that they get to know that there’s many things out there for them to learn,” said their father, Martín Fuentes. The free event seeks to encourage the community to learn more about science, technology, engineering, arts and math through fun and educational activities for all ages. Organizers were expecting 20,000 people to attend throughout the day. Eason Zhang, 2, of Mira Mesa works to create large bubbles at the Fleet Science Center booth at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering held at Petco Park on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in San Diego, CA.  (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune) “Science, technology, engineering and math, it’s in everything we do

San Diego

21 detained after Coast Guard intercepts suspected smuggling boat off Point Loma

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Haddock interdicted a suspected smuggling boat carrying 21 people off the Point Loma coast Friday, officials said. Coast Guard officials worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection aircraft to intercept the 25-foot boat located approximately 20 miles west of Point Loma. Officials said all 21 people on board the vessel were taken into custody. The nationalities of the people detained were not shared by officials.