Life Style & Travel

The New Cities UNITED STATES—First I came for the dream. The dream was the thing, and for the dream I could afford anything. I could sleep on a wooden sidewalk –a sign of civilization then. Somebody one night offered me a blanket. After that I slept with a blanket and the crook of my elbow was a pillow while the blanket...

UNITED STATES—Dr. Simone Gold, a board certified emergency physician who appeared in the hydroxychloroquine viral video and led "America’s Frontline Doctors," lost her job, according to a report by Fox News on July 30. Dr. Simone, 54, graduated from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Science, The Chicago Medical School in 1989. She has worked in Emergency Rooms across Los Angeles,...

CALIFORNIA—California health providers started collecting new data on gender identity and sexual orientation from patients infected with COVID-19. According to an announcement by the California Department of Public Health and Human Services on Tuesday, July 28, this order to understand the impact of COVID-19 on diverse communities. Mark Ghaly, California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary, stated that the regulations...

UNITED STATES—Grapevines that were not pruned aggressively enough last winter are tangled messes by now. Many grapevines that were pruned properly are tangled messes as well. That is their nature. Woody vines like grapevines grow rapidly and vigorously. They rely on other plants for support, and do what they must to get to the top. Woody vines are not...

UNITED STATES—On Thursday, July 23, The Federal Communications Commision approved a shorter number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to be used in 2022. The Suicide Prevention Lifeline, currently reachable at 1-800-273-8255, will additionally use 988 starting on July 16, 2022. Prior to the vote which approved this measure, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai stated: “My hope is that by establishing...

SAN FRANCISCO—According to a report from Yelp on Thursday, July 23, nearly 400 restaurants in the area have permanently closed since March, as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. A restaurant named Nopalito in the Sunset District has closed its doors. There is a sign saying "thank you 9th Avenue we will miss you." According to Yelp,  the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward...

SAN FRANCISCO—Through the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s website, residents can find information on coronavirus services, news, and resources, including an interactive map of testing locations available to you no matter your insurance coverage. The website includes step-by-step instructions for anyone trying to get tested for COVID-19. This is a resource mainly for individuals without health insurance, as a...

THE BAY AREA—Childcare facilities are facing a difficult choice between the two: closing their institutions as to avoid the spread of coronavirus versus the idea of opening their facilities to escape financial collapse. Childcare programs are in crisis since a current rise in COVID-19 cases makes them reluctant to reopen their services. However, the facilities’ long-term closure will potentially...

BERKELEY—Due to the current increase in cases of COVID-19, UC Berkeley announced that all classes would be taught online at the start of the coming fall semester. The statement says that even though the school may prepare hybrid-learning model instructions when the situation improves, students won't need to attend in-person classes. According to data from the Alameda County COVID-19 dashboard...

UNITED STATES—Trader Joe’s will comply with an online petition to remove "racist packaging" from its stores. Trader Joe’s opened its first store in Pasadena, California, in 1967 and sells original brand food at a low price. Trader Joe’s is also known for its friendly store culture and unique labeling of ethnic food products. However, some of their product labels...