Yamashiro Hollywood, a historic landmark in California, is celebrating its 114th anniversary this year with a special Fall menu and cultural events. The restaurant, known for its unique Japanese Revival architecture and authentic artifacts, is committed to preserving its cultural heritage. The anniversary menu, created by renowned chefs, will feature dishes that honor the restaurant’s rich history and traditions.
An unexpected cold front from the Gulf of Alaska brought unseasonal snow to the mountains of California and the Pacific Northwest on Saturday, disrupting summer activities and even closing parts of Lassen Volcanic National Park. While surprising for August, the snow was welcomed by ski resorts as a hint of winter to come. The cold front also brought rain and fire danger, with a flash flood watch issued for the burn scar of California’s largest wildfire this year.
Peter Thiel, a prominent billionaire and political influencer, sparked debate during a recent Joe Rogan podcast episode by comparing California’s progressive culture to Saudi Arabia’s Wahhabism. He argued that both states are heavily influenced by powerful ideologies and rely heavily on lucrative industries, with California’s tech giants mirroring Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth. Thiel’s comments highlight his long-standing criticisms of California’s governance and his influence in U.S. politics through his company Palantir and support for J.D. Vance.
California’s cannabis industry is facing a growing exodus as companies seek refuge in the less regulated hemp market. High taxes, strict regulations, and limited market reach are driving this shift. Companies like Green Bee Botanicals are finding success in the hemp sector, where they can offer lower prices, sell online, and reach a wider market. However, this trend raises questions about the future of the cannabis industry and the role of regulators in a rapidly changing landscape.
Geotab Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) has secured a multi-agency contract with Caltrans, the California Department of Transportation, to provide comprehensive freight data insights across the state. The partnership aims to enhance transportation planning, forecasting, modeling, and funding strategies, leveraging the powerful capabilities of the Geotab ITS Altitude platform.
Disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein will stay in New York to face a retrial on sexual assault charges before being extradited to California to serve a sentence for a separate rape conviction. This decision comes after his 2020 conviction in Manhattan was overturned, and he faces potential new charges in the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has voiced opposition to two proposed casino projects in Sonoma and Solano counties, expressing concerns about their potential impact on local communities and tribal sovereignty. The Governor’s letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior highlights concerns about the lack of consultation with neighboring tribes and the potential for gaming expansion outside historically recognized tribal lands.
California has launched a new initiative, California Wildlife Reconnected, to address wildlife connectivity challenges across the state. The initiative builds on the success of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing and aims to expand the model of wildlife crossings to protect biodiversity and ensure safe passage for wildlife. The initiative is spearheaded by a collaboration of organizations, agencies, and philanthropists, and includes a road trip across the state to raise awareness and support.
Small-scale cannabis farmers in California are abandoning their fields due to a combination of destructive wildfires and plummeting prices, threatening the state’s dominant position in the legal cannabis market. The lack of federal aid for cannabis cultivators, coupled with rising insurance costs and low wholesale prices, makes it increasingly difficult for farmers to stay afloat. This trend is causing a decline in California’s cannabis sales and a shift in market dominance towards other states.
Glass House Brands, facing challenges in the over-taxed California cannabis market, is considering a strategic shift into the hemp sector. CEO Kyle Kazan highlighted the company’s plans to repurpose unused greenhouses for hemp cultivation and capitalize on the growing demand for hemp-derived products. The move mirrors other industry players like Curaleaf, who are leveraging the legal framework of the 2018 Farm Bill to explore the economic potential of hemp.
