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How a California caviar producer with a fake Russian name became the vanguard of sustainable aquaculture

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

Sample a spoonful of Tsar Nicoulai caviar at the Caviar Cafe at the Ferry Building Marketplace or a high-end San Francisco restaurant such as Gary Danko or Aphotic, and you might be surprised that the salty, buttery beads melting in your mouth aren’t from Russia or anywhere near the Caspian Sea.They’re from Wilton, a small farming community near Sacramento. On a recent summer afternoon, Duke, the farm dog, swims splashy laps in the hyacinth ponds. Duckweed swirls in the fish tanks, cooling their piscine inhabitants. And the prehistoric snout of a sturgeon breaks the surface of the water every now and then.Tsar Nicoulai farm is part of a vanguard of sturgeon farmers that includes Sterling Caviar and The Fishery Inc., which are reshaping the future of sustainable aquaculture. These Sacramento County farms supply roughly 90% of the caviar produced in the United States, according to Jackson Gross, an aquaculture expert and assistant professor at UC Davis.It’s a relatively small portion ...

Meet the San Francisco 49ers’ body-painted, banjo-playing superfans

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

It’s the beginning of the San Francisco 49ers game against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in late 2022. The booming sound of drums fills Levi’s Stadium as fireworks shoot off and jets scream overhead. Cheering it on from a high perch is Frank Roldan, a firefighter from Roseville who’s dressed in a red leather jacket, red shirt, red gloves and gold cowboy hat.Roldan is here to support the team he’s rooted for since his parents took him to the big San Francisco victory parade in 1982. “It got to the point where you automatically assumed they were going to make it in the playoffs or Super Bowl every year,” he recalls. “How could they not win? It was just a joy to watch, because they were so dominant.”It’s those formative memories that turned Roldan into the person he is today – a full-grown adult strutting in public like a glam-metal version of Deadpool. “My favorite time was probably watching Joe Montana when he had 34 seconds left against the Ben...

Taylor impressed with Daniels’ poise in first college start, next test for Stanford QB is No. 6 USC

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

STANFORD — Making your first collegiate start on the road can be intimidating. But when coach Troy Taylor saw Ashton Daniels early on in Stanford’s 37-24 season-opening win at Hawaii on Friday night, Taylor knew his quarterback would be just fine.“Just his demeanor,” Taylor said. “You can see in his facial expressions, the tightness of his skin, his eyes — all those things that we all do as human beings, you can see that on the sideline, and he was the same guy that he was in practice.”After throwing just six passes last year as a freshman, Daniels completed 25 of 36 passes for 248 yards and two TDs and rushed a team-high 11 times for 42 yards against the Rainbow Warriors. The sophomore didn’t turn the ball over or take a sack.Daniels and Stanford stay on the road Saturday to play No. 6 USC (2-0) at the L.A. Coliseum. It will be a far more intimidating environment and a far better opponent, but at least Daniels showed he wasn’t fazed by his first start.“You’re always won...

Top 10 most beautiful cities in the world include one that’s right here

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

Earlier this year, TheLuxuryTravelExpert.com embarked upon a potentially controversial mission: ranking the most beautiful cities in the world. Why? Well, because they could. Because it’s fun. Because we all love lists?We especially love this one, because it includes several cities near and dear to our hearts — and one most of all.The voice behind the list — a well-traveled doctor and devoted blogger who keeps his identity under wraps — admitted that choosing cosmopolitan beauties “may sound like a mission impossible.” Some people gravitate to historic wonders, he pointed out, and others to spectacular views, “but although we all have our personal favorites, there are some cities that are so exceptionally beautiful – whether it be because of their historical character or natural setting – that they should be on everyone’s bucket list.”The list skews European with four out of the 10, but Cape Town takes the top spot, thanks to its beaut...

Bassitt goes 8 strong for Jays, who improve playoff positioning in 7-1 win over Athletics

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

OAKLAND — Former Athletics ace Chris Bassitt allowed one run in eight strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays took sole possession of the third AL wild card spot with a 7-1 win over Oakland on Tuesday night.Toronto’s fifth win in six games moved the Blue Jays past the Rangers in the crowded AL playoff race. Texas lost to Houston 14-1 earlier in the day.“We’re showing a lot of maturity behind the scenes of not chasing a 3½-game deficit within one game,” Bassitt said. “Just concentrate on ourselves and win every series. If we win every series the rest of the way, we’re going to be world champions. That’s the way it is.”The Blue Jays did it behind plenty of offense and a superb outing from Bassitt (14-7), who was 30-24 over six seasons with the A’s and was an All-Star in his final season with Oakland in 2021. The 6-foot-5 right-hander allowed seven hits and didn’t walk anyone while striking out seven.Despite his history with the A’s, Bassitt said he didn’t have any added motivation ot...

How to contact the DMV for a special driving test: Roadshow

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

Q: I really enjoy your informative column. Perhaps you can help me with my problem. My husband has been diagnosed with  dementia. Twice Kaiser has sent a report to the DMV requesting them to schedule him for a driving test for medical reasons, in order to keep his license. I don’t think he should be driving.Kaiser said the DMV would contact us to set up an appointment, but we have heard nothing. Kaiser now says I must contact the DMV, but who do I contact? I would appreciate any help in finding out who to contact. The DMV website has me befuddled and frustrated.Linda SchlageterA: You wrote this email a few weeks ago. I forwarded it to the DMV. Recently you wrote again.Q: Thank you! I did get to the right department to set up the test.Linda SchlageterA: I’m glad you’ve reached the right person now. If others are facing a similar circumstance, the DMV’s senior ombudsman program may be able to help. For more information and phone numbers to call, visit the DMV&#...

Alameda County prosecutors seek shutdown of flavored tobacco, synthetic cannabis company

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

LIVERMORE – Alameda County prosecutors are taking aim at a Livermore-based company they claim is illegally selling flavored tobacco products to children and manufacturing illegal synthetic cannabis products.A lawsuit filed by the district attorney’s office seeks to shutdown Apollo Future Technology, which does business as Apollo E-cigs, prosecutors said in a statement Tuesday.The company, prosecutors said, “poses a grave threat to the children of Alameda County.”On Friday, the district attorney’s office obtained a temporary restraining order that bars Apollo from selling flavored tobacco products or synthetic cannabis products locally and online pending the resolution of a preliminary injunction hearing on Sept. 21.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Time capsules, social media or parking disputes – what was the motive for Mission Peak pole vandalism? Crime and Public Safety | Killing of East Bay girl ended with juvenile court sentence for shooter, c...

Driver shot on I-280 in San Bruno in possible road rage incident: CHP

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

(KRON) -- Southbound Interstate 280 was blocked on Tuesday due to a shooting in San Bruno, according to a 511 alert. All lanes have since reopened. California Highway Patrol said it received a call at 5:38 p.m. regarding the incident. The shooting happened on I-280 near the San Bruno Avenue exit. According to CHP, both the victim and suspect vehicles were possibly involved in a road rage incident. Shooting at Skyline High in Oakland results in 2 arrests The victim pulled off to the side of the road on I-280 near the Trousdale Drive off-ramp. He had two gunshot wounds, and was conscious, breathing and talking, per CHP. He was taken to Stanford Hospital. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. CHP shut down all lanes of southbound I-280 at 6:12 p.m., and by 6:37 p.m. most of them had reopened. Drivers are told to expect delays on the highway.The San Bruno Police Department is investigating the shooting. It is unknown whether the victim and attacker knew each other. This i...

Ordinances aim to improve fire safety, disaster response in SF

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

(BCN) -- San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan introduced a package of legislation Tuesday in efforts to improve fire safety and disaster response in the city. During the Board of Supervisors' meeting, Chan, who represents the Richmond District, said the city can do more to increase emergency preparedness and response efforts. Chan said she worked with San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu to create a set of ordinances that would amend the San Francisco fire code to improve the sprinkler system inspection process. If passed, the city's five-year inspection process would require permit filing and additional training and licensing. Her ordinances would also mandate sprinkler systems for new accessory dwelling units and require a minimum of five feet of fire safety access from the public way to a divided lot. 2 men shot in SJ, police pursue suspects in chase Chan said these amendments to the fire code could improve fire safety and increase the fire department's capacit...

Thieves arrested after assaulting Macy's loss prevention agent in San Mateo

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 11:10:00 GMT

(KRON) -- Two people were arrested Saturday night after stealing merchandise from a Macy's store at the Hillsdale Shopping Center and assaulting a loss prevention agent, according to the San Mateo Police Department.Around 7:52 p.m., the loss prevention agent confronted the suspects after they stole several items and was punched by one of the suspects. The thieves, Anson Lopez, 36, and Taneisha Morales, 37, were located a few blocks away from the shopping center by police and were arrested, San Mateo police said. Driver shot on I-280 in San Bruno in possible road rage incident: CHP The stolen merchandise was also located by SMPD. Lopez and Morales, both residents of San Francisco, were booked into the San Mateo County Jail on robbery charges and conspiracy to commit a crime.