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Here's what the new Universal Studios coaster could look like

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

Hang on for a wild ride. A veteran theme park enthusiast has obtained what appears to be the detailed track layout for the new "Fast & Furious" roller coaster at Universal Studios Hollywood.  The ride, known only as Project 409 at this point, will begin in the park’s upper lot, descend into the lower lot, and then return to the station after looping around the Starway escalator. That much we already knew thanks to a geotechnical permit obtained by Alicia Stella of Theme Park Stop. Information released by the park itself has been far less specific. "Equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic 'Fast & Furious' universe, this all-new roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences' decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme park destinations," Universal Studios said in its July announcement.The area wh...

From L7 to Spoon — the New LA Weekly Playlist is Live

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

From L7 to Spoon: The 175th LA Weekly playlist, reviewing the musicians that we’ve been writing about all week, is live now. There’s electronic music from Apashe, hip-hop from Sugarhill Dot, R&B/funk from the Commodores and Earth, Wind & Fire, punk from L7 and Bikini Kill, and so much more.Find us on Spotify here,or on Soundcloud here.Don’t forget to “Like” the playlists and “Follow” the profiles.Sarah Avrin (Courtesy of Charm School Media)From L7 to SpoonAlso this week:In our Women in Business issue, Sarah Avril of Charm School Media told us that, “My career in the music industry began with me being a DJ at my college radio station and eventually becoming the program director. I switched [my course] to music business, and then did some internships. Through interning at Shorefire Media, and then Girlie Action. I just loved all of the bands that were at Girlie Action. Their roster very much spoke to me and my feminist punk heart. I kept interning there for, I think, alm...

Heart of Oakley Festival on tap this Saturday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

The 11th annual Heart of Oakley Festival will return Saturday at Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street  between Vintage Parkway and Norcross Lane.The open-air market brings local families and community members together to highlight local businesses and artisans selling their handmade crafts and wares. It will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Delta OG and Latin Touch will be the headliners providing live music at the event, which will also feature an array of food vendors, beer and wine.For more information, go to www.heartofoakleyfestival.com.  

UC regents meet, mull, confer and ultimately decide to take more control of Cal, UCLA athletics

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

The University of California regents did not finalize the so-called Berkeley tax when they gathered Thursday at UCLA, but they agreed to wade deeper into the world of college sports.Much, much deeper.The regents formalized a special committee designed to “assist the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities for oversight of intercollegiate athletics programs,” according to the regents’ website.Just what the Bruins and Bears need: More bureaucracy!As the schools prepare to enter new conferences next season, their governing board is expected to require UCLA to provide Cal with financial support. The amount has not been determined. Nor have the regents offered a clear timeline for resolution to the controversial issue, which amounts to an unprecedented subsidy between UC athletic departments.The regents met Thursday in closed session to discuss what the agenda described as “UC Berkeley Atlantic Coast Conference Membership.” No details were provided after th...

Bay Area bishop acquitted in first United Methodist court trial of its kind in nearly a century

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

By PETER SMITH | Associated PressA United Methodist Church court acquitted a California bishop Friday of all charges in the first trial of one of the church’s bishops in nearly a century.Bishop Minerva Carcaño, the first Latina bishop in the denomination and a prominent voice on behalf of immigrants, faced four charges of violating church law. They were for alleged harassment, fiscal malfeasance, disobedience to the order and discipline of the UMC and the undermining of another pastor’s ministry. The jury reached its verdict after a few hours of deliberation Thursday evening. It was announced Friday morning.Among other particulars, the prosecution alleged Carcaño retaliated against clergy and staff who challenged her decisions and that she took actions or allowed them to be taken while sidestepping committees and other staff that should have been consulted about decisions.The prosecution also said she benefited from her use of a San Francisco parsonage, which was renovated through a...

Why does Donald Trump attack the Ronald Reagan Library?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

When the Republican National Committee announced that it would hold its second debate in the primary at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, the decision drew ire from former President Donald Trump. He said President Ronald Reagan wouldn’t approve of the leadership of Frederick Ryan Jr., the library’s longtime board chair.Trump threatened to skip the presidential debate altogether.The former president wrote on his social media platform Truth Social in April, “When you’re leading by seemingly insurmountable numbers, and you have hostile networks with angry Trump & MAGA hitting anchors asking the ‘questions,’ why subject yourself to being libeled and abused? Also, the second debate is being held at the Reagan Library, the chairman of which is, amazingly, Fred Ryan, publisher of the Washington Post. No!”The Reagan Library, a sprawling complex of buildings and gardens, has hosted numerous GOP presidential candidate debates. Over the years, it has also welcomed worl...

DUI driver tried to buy alcohol after crashing into North Bay store: police

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

(KRON) -- A man suspected of driving under the influence crashed his truck into a Santa Rosa business Wednesday before he entered the store and attempted to purchase alcohol, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department.Police said the driver, identified as 34-year-old Jesus Carreno-Ortiz of Santa Rosa, didn’t slow down his Toyota truck after entering the parking lot of a business on the 2400 block of Dutton Avenue. The truck then slammed into the southeast corner of the business. Following the crash, Carreno-Ortiz got out of the truck, walked into the store and attempted to purchase alcohol, Santa Rosa police said.A photo released by authorities shows the truck outside of Ray's Food Center.Responding authorities from Santa Rosa PD, along with the Santa Rosa Fire Department and medical personnel, determined that Carreno-Ortiz had operated the vehicle under the influence of alcohol. His preliminary blood alcohol content (BAC) was 0.32, police said. VIDEO: Tourists chase car in att...

WTOP’s Beer of the Week: Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Festbier

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

(new Image()).src = "https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=9be9c680-c459-4acb-af21-654a2ccca384&cid=c2ffed0c-3624-46c0-b10f-97c976d290a3";cnx.cmd.push(function() { cnx({ playerId: "9be9c680-c459-4acb-af21-654a2ccca384",mediaId: "5c75b387-72d0-4168-a691-7e5af4196595"}).render("e9aae4b0d502417bbd4d3931ddd37c6f"); });If you can’t make it to the big party in Germany, some of it has come to you!WTOP’s Brennan Haselton is joined by Neighborhood Restaurant Group Beer Director and Food and Wine Sommelier of the Year Greg Engert to talk about Sierra Nevada Oktoberfest Festbier for the latest edition of WTOP’s Beer of the Week.Brewery: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., Chico, California and Mills River, North CarolinaDescription: Brewed in collaboration with German craft brewery Kehrwieder, this festbier is bright like polished copper, rich with biscuity malt and balanced by a punchy blend of German and American hops.ABV: 6%Pairing suggestions: Schnitzels, grilled pork chops, sausages, fall...

Spain is removing the word ‘women’ from national team name to show ‘conceptual shift’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — By eliminating the phrase for “women’s soccer” from the name of its national team, the Spanish Football Federation is hoping to show it has made a “conceptual shift” in its view of the sport. It remains to be seen if more countries will follow suit. Spain made the move towards greater equality this week as part of an agreement between the governing body and its World Cup winning team, which have been in dispute since former federation president Luis Rubiales kissed player Jenni Hermoso on the lips during the trophy ceremony as Spain was crowned world champion in Australia last month. The name for the women’s team traditionally included the phrase “de fútbol femenino” — translated as “women’s soccer.” Going forward, the men’s and women’s national teams will both officially be known as “Selección Española de fútbol” or “Spain’s national soccer team.”“More than a symbolic change, we want this to represent a conceptual shift, and recognition ...

Aces, Liberty, Sun and Wings set for WNBA semifinal playoff clashes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:50:13 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces cruised through the opening round of the playoffs and now stand six wins away from becoming the WNBA’s first repeat champion in over two decades.Next up for the defending champions are the Dallas Wings — a team that handed the Aces one of their few losses during the regular season. New York faces Connecticut in the other semifinal matchup. Both best-of-five series begin Sunday.Las Vegas, which is looking to be the first team to repeat as champs since Los Angeles in 2001-02, had no trouble sweeping Chicago. The Aces didn’t trail in winning both games. Now Wilson and her teammates will have to deal with the formidable front line of the Wings, which features 6-foot-7 Teaira McCowan, 6-4 Satou Sabally and 6-2 Natasha Howard.“They are going to clog the paint up. That’s their bread and butter. It’s rare you see all five crash (for rebounds),” Wilson said. “When it comes to Dallas, they are all cra...