LIVERMORE CALIFORNIA

May 30 2026BUSINESS

Small fixes, big headaches: How California's ADA rules hurt small businesses

California's reputation for strict accessibility laws actually creates a messy situation for small businesses. While the state leads the nation in ADA-related lawsuits, most violations are minor—like a slightly off-center handicap parking sign or a bathroom mirror positioned an inch too high. These

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May 28 2026POLITICS

Beard Battle: California’s Governor Race Gets Facial‑Haired

California voters are seeing a new twist in their upcoming governor race—an unexpected showdown over facial hair. Two Republican contenders, Sheriff Chad Bianco and former commentator Steve Hilton, are not only debating policy but also competing for the most impressive mustache or beard. Bianco,

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May 27 2026POLITICS

Money, power, and California’s governor race

California’s race for governor just got stranger as a billionaire spends millions trying to win. Tom Steyer has poured $200 million of his own money into the campaign, mostly on ads and paying influencers across California. Even his own supporters call it “disgusting, ” but they hope all this spendi

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May 25 2026BUSINESS

Why Jobs Matter More Than You Think for California Home Prices

California’s housing market moves in strange ways. One big reason? Jobs. When work is easy to find, home prices usually climb. But when jobs dry up, so do price gains—sometimes they even drop. Looking back to 1990, the best years for job growth in California saw home prices jump nearly 8% a year. D

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May 23 2026POLITICS

Gas prices jump across California—what it means for your wallet and beyond

California drivers are now paying over six dollars a gallon for gas, a sharp jump that didn’t happen overnight. Back in late winter, regular gasoline cost less than half that amount. War tensions in the Persian Gulf have cut oil shipments, squeezing the global supply like never before. Prices aren’

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May 19 2026EDUCATION

Who should lead California’s schools? Ten candidates want the job

California has to keep over 5. 7 million students in safe classrooms and good programs. Some kids speak English at home, some don’t. Some have disabilities, some are top performers. All of them need a state leader who can help districts meet those needs. The current superintendent can’t run again, s

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May 15 2026POLITICS

California's Money Surplus: How Tech is Filling State Coffers

California's latest budget update shows the state sitting on $16. 5 billion more than expected, thanks largely to the tech industry's AI gold rush. This extra cash means no immediate budget shortfalls, allowing the governor to keep funding favorite programs without cutting corners. While this might

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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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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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