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Dining is going to the dogs, and not everyone is happy about it

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Just in time for the summer dining season, the U.S. government has given its blessing to restaurants that want to allow pet dogs in their outdoor spaces.But even though nearly half of states already allow canine dining outdoors, the issue is far from settled, with many diners and restaurants pushing back against the increasing presence of pooches.“I’d like to be able to enjoy my meal without having to worry about fleas, pet hair, barking and entitled dogs and their owners,” said Tracy Chiu Parisi, a food blogger in New York, who was once startled by a dog that stuck its head in her lap while she was reading a menu.Restaurants have been required to allow service dogs for decades. But it wasn’t until the mid-2000’s that a handful of states — including Florida and Illinois — began passing laws allowing dogs in outdoor dining spaces, according to the Animal Legal and Historical Center at Michigan State University. Twenty-three states now have such laws or regulations.But the legal lands...

Worker gets stuck 50 feet up a tree in Ventura County

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

A worker who was pruning a pine tree had to be rescued after getting stuck 50 feet off the ground in Ventura County on Saturday.The rescue occurred in the 800 block of Crest Drive in Westlake where county fire crews arrived to find the man suffering from arm and leg injuries and stranded at the top of the partially trimmed tree.Video released by the fire department shows crews using an aerial ladder to execute a “pick-off rescue.”A firefighter was lowered to the man and secured him with ropes, then both were lowered to the ground.The rescue occurred in the 800 block of Crest Drive in Westlake where county fire crews arrived to find the man suffering from arm and leg injuries and stranded at the top of the partially trimmed tree. May 13, 2023. (Ventura Co. Fire Department)The victim was transported to Los Robles Medical Center in Thousand Oaks in stable condition, a fire department spokesperson said.In April 2022, a tree trimmer died when he was found suspended upside down approximat...

Several Injured in Multi-Car Collision on Interstate 8 [Mission Valley, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Six Vehicles Collision on Interstate 8 Led to Road BlockageMISSION VALLEY, CA (May 15, 2023) – Early Friday morning, police responded to a multi-car collision on Interstate 8.The incident happened May 5th, at around 5:00 a.m., in the westbound lanes of the freeway near Taylor Street/Hotel Circle.According to the CHP, two vehicles collided on the freeway, causing a pile-up behind them, ending in a 6-vehicle crash.As a result, just before 5:45 a.m., a SigAlert was issued on the westbound lanes of the freeway and tow trucks and crews were dispatched at the site.Following the crash, all injured occupants were transported to the hospital for treatment.At this time, it is unclear what caused the collision on Interstate 8.One small driving mistake can lead to multi-vehicle accidents. That is why it is important to always keep your attention on the road and your surroundings when you’re behind the wheel. Always anticipate what other drivers might do, especially on a highway, a f...

1 Killed in Motorcycle Collision on 61st Avenue [Glendale, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Rider Pronounced Dead after Motorcycle Accident near Olive AvenueGLENDALE, AZ (May 15, 2023) – Saturday evening, one victim was killed in a motorcycle collision on 61st Avenue.Authorities responded to the scene around 6:30 p.m., near Olive Avenue on May 6th.Per reports, a motorcyclist was traveling on Olive Avenue when the driver of a vehicle attempted to make a left turn onto 61st Avenue and struck him.Despite life-saving efforts, medics later pronounced him dead. Although, authorities have not yet released his identity.Meanwhile, the driver of the car did not sustain injuries and remained at the scene to cooperate. Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this delicate moment. Deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased victim.Losing a loved one in a motorcycle accident is always a traumatic experience for those left ...

Robert Nira Pronounced Dead in Pedestrian Crash on Interstate 215 [Perris, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Pedestrian-Auto Collision Near Fourth Street Kills 44-Year-Old Perris ManPERRIS, CA (May 15, 2023) – Early Thursday morning, Robert Nira was killed in a pedestrian accident along Interstate 215.The fatal collision happened around 1:00 a.m. on the southbound side of I-215, just south of 4th Street.According to the police, a pedestrian managed to enter the freeway using the east-side shoulder and cross the northbound lanes.Afterward, the pedestrian jumped over the center median wall and started running in the westerly direction.Investigators said a 34-year-old Menifee man driving a 2016 Subaru Outback hit the pedestrian while driving in the fast lane. Reports said the driver immediately stopped and contacted 911.Unfortunately, the pedestrian sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Later, the coroner’s office identified the deceased victim as 44-year-old Robert Nira of Perris.Those who witnessed the pedestrian crash are encouraged to contact the CHP Temecula area office a...

Nathan Oliva Killed in Rollover Crash on Highway 198 [Fresno County, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

17-Year-Old Student Dies after Reckless Accident near Dickenson AvenueFRESNO COUNTY, CA (May 15, 2023) – Saturday morning, police responded to a crash on Highway 198 that claimed the life of Nathan Oliva.The incident happened on May 6th, just before 1:00 a.m., officers were dispatched on Highway 198 at Dickenson Avenue, just west of Lemoore Station, involving a rollover incident.According to the CHP, 17-year-old Oliva was driving a GMC truck at high speeds when he drove off the road and crashed into a dirt shoulder. The truck then drove into an irrigation ditch causing it to overturn.At the time of the crash, Oliva was not wearing a seatbelt and he was ejected from the truck. A 19-year-old passenger also suffered serious injuries.Medics pronounced 17-year-old Nathan Oliva dead at the scene. Police said that he was a student at Mt. Whitney High School.The Sweet James team sends their warm and sincerest sympathies out to the friends and family of Nathan Oliva. May the memories o...

Covet and George Lynch on the Strip

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Covet and George Lynch on the Strip: One of the great things about the Sunset Strip is the close proximity of, in particular, the Whisky, Roxy and Viper Room, enabling us music journos to jump from one venue to the other over the course of an evening and check out a multitude of artists. On Friday night, this made for quite the eclectic bag.At the Roxy, we saw the majority of the Covet show, including the openers. This, as it turned out, was a wise choice. We caught the last couple of songs/opuses by dreamy indie-electronic group altopalo (all lower case, as is their want), and were impressed enough to check them out online when we got home. Lush and atmospheric, we could imagine them scoring movies at some point.Next up was Scarypoolparty, aka former American Idol contestant Alejandro Aranda. It was just him and his acoustic guitar, practically in the dark, shredding and crooning for all he’s worth, and it was a joy. Despite his reality TV background, Scarypoolparty is for re...

Judge releases Bay Area man accused of helping bury body of 2-year-old boy

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

OAKLAND — A man accused of helping bury the body of 2-year-old Jamari Madkins after the young boy was allegedly killed by his mother’s pimp has been released from jail after a judge agreed to waive his $500,000 bail, court records show.Joel Saavedra, 21, is charged with accessory in Jamari’s death after prosecutors allege he helped 22-year-old Keonte Harris bury Jamari’s body in Napa County after Harris drove to Saavedra’s Solano County home seeking assistance. But now, Saavedra’s defense team is pushing back against the allegations, saying that Saavedra had nothing to do with the body disposal and arguing that story appears to have come from Jamari’s mother — known in court records only as “Jane Doe” — who initially withheld information about her son’s death.“The defense sympathizes with Jane Doe and her situation. However, she has history of omitting and lying to police,” attorney Siera Promise Dug...

Kurtenbach: The Warriors’ big offseason signing needs to be Bob Myers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Bob Myers built this Warriors dynasty. He should see it out.As Golden State heads into a pivotal offseason, fraught with questions about the team’s long-term future, there is one short-term decision that should be prioritized over all others:Myers, the team’s president of basketball operations whose contract is set to expire in July, needs to be re-signed.The Warriors’ coaches and players were adamant that this season was not a “last dance” scenario – that while the 2022-23 team “maxed” out the season after winning a title, there is still plenty this core group can achieve together.But there are a great number of moving parts to the Warriors’ roster this offseason and a new collective bargaining agreement – which might as well have named some of the new rules limiting spending after the Warriors — kicks in this summer.This might sound ridiculous, given that this team won a title less than a year ago, but turning these Warriors into true title contenders once again is a tall task. Th...

Reba McEntire joins NBC’s ‘The Voice’ as a coach for season 24

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 10:34:00 GMT

Country music superstar Reba McEntire has signed on to be a coach for season 24 of NBC’s mega-popular “The Voice.”“Reba will draw from her iconic career as she shares her expertise with hopeful up-and-comers, joining veteran coach John Legend and returning coaches Niall Horan and Gwen Stefani,” according to a news release.The move follows McEntire’s role as “the Mega Mentor” for season 23 of the TV talent show.In other Reba news, the singer will release her upcoming lifestyle book — “Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots” — in October. The book is billed as “an enchanting collection of funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips, and recipes.”McEntire will also release an accompanying album, also bearing the “Not That Fancy” moniker, in October. The 14-track collection features stripped-down versions of some of the ar...