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Burbank painting business pays almost $500K to employees who worked overtime, DOL says

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

A Burbank business kept nearly half a million dollars from more than 100 workers as overtime pay, then lied to investigators and said that the employees did not work overtime hours, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Tuesday.The Rodin Group, a paint and wall-covering company, paid more than $481,000 to the DOL after investigators found that 117 "employees worked on weekends routinely and, on occasion, worked double shifts on weekdays to exceed 40 hours in a workweek," the DOL said in a news release.The workers who were paid overtime were paid that amount in cash, and the Rodin Group did not "record or pay employees for required hours spent in travel and replenishing supplies," the release said. As a result of these "willful violations," the Rodin Group was charged more than $55,000 in civil penalties.“Our investigation found The Rodin Group deliberately tried to deny more than 100 employees their hard-earned wages, including overtime wages when some employees worked as many as 7...

This is how much money each generation needs to be 'happy,' new study says

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

Money might actually buy happiness, but each generation has a different idea on how much is needed to achieve the goal.A new study from Empower, a financial services company, found that 6 out of 10 Americans, or 59%, believe having more money will make one happy.The study was conducted by The Harris Poll in August and included 2,034 online survey responses from Americans 18 years old or older. This is how much money you need to be ‘happy’ in California, study says Here is how much each generation said they needed to earn annually to truly be happy.Age (Decades)Avg. net worthMedian net worth20s$90,529$6,84730s$275,413$37,83140s$723,419$137,65650s$1,301,538$307,69160s$1,636,000$478,27470s$1,059,400$402,266Data: EmpowerWhile each generation has a different price tag for financial happiness, on average, Americans believe that having $1.2 million in the bank will make one truly happy financially, according to the study. The road to financial happiness isn’t easy, with 73% of respondent...

Man Fatally Struck in Pedestrian Accident on El Camino Real [Encinitas, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

37-Year-Old Man Fatally Struck in Pedestrian Collision near Encinitas BoulevardENCINITAS, CA (November 21, 2023) – One man died Wednesday night in a pedestrian crash on El Camino Real near Encinitas Boulevard.The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 p.m., at the 200 block of North El Camino Real. Dispatchers responded to the scene shortly after.According to reports, the driver of a northbound Hyundai Santa Fe SUV hit a male pedestrian who was running across the road in an easterly direction.Medical personnel arrived and despite life-saving efforts, later pronounced him dead after he was taken to a nearby hospital.In addition, the involved driver remained in the area and cooperated with police officers. Once available, more details will be provided.The team at Sweet James offers their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of the deceased man. May you find comfort and strength during this devastating time.It is important to have strong legal representation o...

Four Women Seriously Injured in Two-Vehicle Crash on Cuesta Street [Santa Ynez, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

Car Collision near Highway 246 Left Three Woman HospitalizedSANTA YNEZ, CA (November 21, 2023) – Early Monday evening, a two-vehicle crash on Cuesta Street sent at least three women to a hospital.The collision happened around 5:00 p.m. at the intersection of Cuesta St and Highway 246.Responding units from Santa Barbara County Fire transported two women via ambulance to Santa Ynez Valley Hospital. The two patients suffered moderate injuries while another woman from the same vehicle sustained minor injuries.In addition, emergency personnel extricated one occupant from the second vehicle and airlifted her to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital. The lone occupant was reported to have suffered significant injuries.No further details regarding the Cuesta Street two-vehicle crash have been released to the public. At this time, the California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.Additionally, a portion of the street was temporarily closed to allow for cleanup and preliminary duties....

Unbinged – Three Unusual Shows for Unusual Times

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

In the latest installment of UNBINGED we find that The Curse might make you want to look away — but you’ll be missing a lot. Similarly, Fargo, in its fifth season, allows compelling characters to shine amid some very dark humor, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Offis entertaining, but only for the already indoctrinated.   The Curse (Showtime and Paramount+)A24’s latest foray into the small-screen space is the hard-to-watch but can’t-look-away cringe “comedy” The Curse, created by and featuring Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, as well as starring Oscar-winner Emma Stone. Taking aim at performance activism, The Curse offers a cold, hard look at reality TV talking heads and YouTubers who exploit the vulnerable for views and likes.In The Curse, Fielder and Stone play Asher and Whitney, two DIY eco-friendly home rehabbers who want to get into the business of making the world a better place. Attempting to make Española, New Mexico, the city of the future, Whitney brings her impractical mirror...

Miguel Angel Machado Fuentes Dies in 2-Car Accident on East Drexel Road [Tucson, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

68-Year-Old Man Fatally Struck in Auto Collision near South Nogales HighwayTUCSON, AZ (November 21, 2023) – Miguel Angel Machado Fuentes died Friday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on East Drexel Road and South Nogales Highway.Emergency personnel arrived at the location just before 2:20 p.m. on November 3rd. According to accounts, the operator of a black 2017 GMC Yukon made a left turn without giving the right of way to another vehicle. Consequently, the GMC collided with a northbound white 2018 Chevrolet Silverado.Medical responders reached the scene and rushed the Chevy driver, Fuentes, to a nearby hospital in critical condition. A few days later, Fuentes, aged 68, was pronounced dead by the attending crews.Simultaneously, the driver of the GMC received a citation for failure to yield the right of way, although it was later dismissed.Authorities indicated the possibility of criminal charges against the GMC driver. Official sources provided no further details, and an ongoing...

The Rise of David S. Traitel II and TKO Precision Machining

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

Precision machining has evolved from a technological discipline into a domain where excellence is non-negotiable, and innovation is its lifeline. In this realm of speed and scalability, one name is in the spotlight for consistently delivering excellence: Dave Traitel and his company, TKO Precision Machining. Dave’s inspiring journey as the CEO and Owner of TKO Precision Machining has propelled his company to the forefront of the industry, making him a role model to many aspiring to enter this competitive space where quality and integrity are indispensable.The key to creating one of the industry’s top precision machining companies lies within Dave’s expertise, professionalism, and unparalleled industry insights. Together, they deliver solutions that transcend the ordinary. This has helped TKO Precision Machining curate exceptional client experiences, gaining a long list of loyal customers.TKO Precision Machining exhibits its hallmark of accuracy in a sprawling 75,000-square-foot, sta...

Sunnyvale: After 29 years, Faultline brewery restaurant will rebrand as Laughing Monk

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

After 29 years of serving Silicon Valley craft beer drinkers, Sunnyvale’s award-winning Faultline Brewing Co. is getting a new identity.The brew restaurant will shut down Thursday for upgrades over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Next Monday, Nov. 27, the 10,000-square-foot property — with outdoor lakeside seating, event space and sports bar appeal — will reopen as Laughing Monk Brewing and Gastropub. The change also applies to Faultline’s Scotts Valley offshoot.Look for a greater number of taps in Sunnyvale — 26 — plus an updated menu and enhanced TV viewing for sports fans.The change was set in motion after Faultline’s owner since 2019, the Bedrock Restaurant Group, purchased Laughing Monk in August and decided to merge the concepts. Joining Bedrock is Andrew Casteel, the founder of Monk, which is known for its Belgian brewing style.Although the Faultline name is being retired, four of the customers’ favorite beers — Kolsch, ...

Tracking device in stolen marijuana container leads East Bay police to arrest two suspected of robbing dispensary driver

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

HERCULES — A man and woman suspected in the robbery of a cannabis dispensary in Modesto were tracked with a device inside a stolen marijuana container, and eventually arrested by Hercules police officers on Sunday, authorities said.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | Oakland murder case falls apart after defense raises questions about impugned detective’s investigation Crime and Public Safety | Man shot while walking to car from Oakland BART station Crime and Public Safety | Two arrested in Oakland shooting that killed mother of two who was struck by stray bullet Crime and Public Safety | Scare for Amazon driver kidnapped in East Bay by pair who smashed into work van Crime and Public Safety | Emotional Oakland court hearing sees pleas for mercy from murder victim’s family, then a life sentence Officers found a handgun, a knife, a ski mask and several bags of marijuana bearing the ...

When people move out, wildlife moves in: 10 abandoned places reclaimed by nature

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:59:49 GMT

By Arya Jyothi | CNNWildlife is under unprecedented threat from human activity, but research suggests that given space and time, even animal and plant species on the brink of extinction can bounce back.A 2022 report commissioned by the non profit Rewilding Europe found many European bird and mammal species were making a comeback, “highlighting the propensity for wildlife to rebound and recolonize when given the opportunity.”Sometimes, that opportunity can be as simple as humans leaving a place to be reclaimed by nature. All over the world, from temple ruins overrun with tree roots to former war zones bustling with new ecosystems, there are striking examples of nature proving that once humans move out, wildlife has the opportunity to move in.Ta Prohm, CambodiaOriginally known as Rajavihara (royal temple), Ta Prohm was built in honour of King Jayavarman VII’s family.(Alexander Arndt/Alamy Stock Photo via CNN) Used as a backdrop in Angelina Jolie’s 2001 movie “Lara Croft: To...