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California rings in 2024 with new laws focused on firearms, cannabis and workers' rights

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

New Year's Day brings a sense of optimism to many of us out there; we can start the new year with a clean slate. But in 2024, there also come new laws taking place in the Golden State, from camping and cannabis to cruising.When the calendar flips to January 2024, new laws will enter the fold.First, there's Senate Bill 2, which establishes new measures for concealed carry firearm permit holders. SB 2 limits where firearms can be carried, such as schools, government buildings and public transit, and requires CCW applicants to be 21 years old, have previous firearm training and pass background checks."If you have a record of domestic abuse, you shouldn't have a gun. If you're on social media threatening the lives of people, you shouldn't have a gun," said the bill's author, State Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank).The law was supposed to take effect on January 1, but was blocked by a U.S. District Judge, meaning the law will make its way to federal court and likely the US Supreme Cour...

Kenneth Caufield Dies in Head-On Collision on Lake Shore Drive [Waco, TX]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

44-Year-Old Man Pronounced Dead after Head-On Accident near Hillcrest DriveWACO, TX (December 26, 2023) – Kenneth Caufield lost his life Friday afternoon in a fatal head-on collision.Emergency responders rushed to the scene in the 4900 block of Lake Shore Drive around 3:00 p.m., on December 15th. According to initial reports, 44-year-old Caufield was traveling west near Hillcrest Drive when he unexpectedly crossed into the eastbound lanes, resulting in a collision with another car.Upon arrival, medical personnel declared Caufield deceased at the crash site. Meanwhile, paramedics attended to the female driver of the other vehicle, transporting her to a nearby hospital for further medical attention.Currently, an active investigation is underway to gather additional information and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.The team at Sweet James sends out their heartfelt sympathies to the friends and family of Kenneth Caufield who are grieving over the loss of their l...

Charley’s Denim S23 Fashion Show

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

Photography Credit: Mike AzriaFashion designer, Charley Giacobetti made her public debut on a candlelit runway to the tune of Dean Martin and Louis Armstrong last Saturday. Tucked away in the Jewelry district of downtown Los Angeles, the historical Dutch Chocolate Shop and its attendees got to be the first to see the Charley’s Denim S23 collection.Handcrafted entirely of deconstructed vintage Levi’s from neighbourhood thrift stores and linens from vintage linen collectors— designer Charley Giacobetti showed off 14 looks that introduced a whole new realm of possibility for denim clothing. Pictured below is O Model’s, Cooper Murphy, walking the runway rocking a custom linen dress and “The Megan” top— named after one of Charley’s 4 older sisters who all flew out to be backstage supporting her.Photography Credit: Mike AzriaIn the attendance was a healthy mix of family, friends and “cool guests,” as described in Charley’s invitation letter, from the fashion, music and tech industri...

Robyn Hills: A Visionary Making the World More Beautiful

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

An artist, fashion designer, property developer and helicopter pilot, Robyn Hills is a multidimensional person who strongly desires to make dreams come true in art, business, and humanitarian work. Robyn’s career as a photographer and winner of Australian Professional Photographer of the Year is remarkable. In addition to her creative abilities, she has surmounted obstacles and social norms to become a resilient role model. Photo Credit: www.RobynHills.comRobyn’s mission statement, “To Make the World a Better and More Beautiful Place,” directs her actions. Because of her strong visual sense, she can see possibilities others might miss and develop innovative ways to improve the world. She has an adventurous spirit and an optimistic outlook on life despite facing challenges, driven by her passion for the world and its inhabitants.Being commissioned from around the world, Robyn creates unique pieces of photographic art to capture her client’s personality with ‘A...

Headwinds Facing the Markets in 2023

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

Despite a rally in the broader S&P 500 index in 2023, which is up slightly more than 14%, smaller stocks with more expansive breath are seeing muted returns. The Russel 2000, which captures a group of smaller stocks, is slightly higher for the year, rising about 5%. Equity indices are made up of the haves and the have-nots. The same can be said for the forex markets and the commodity markets. While some large-cap technology shares are experiencing robust returns, several sectors face significant headwinds and have had little traction during 2023. While the S&P 500 index shows double-digit returns, the equal-weight S&P 500 index is barely higher. While the Russel 2000 is up 5%, the equal-weight Russel 2000 is lower in 2023. Rising interest rates, the continued war in the Black Sea, and the fear of a global recession are weighing on specific sectors. Here are the five things hurting market productivity in 2023.The Haves and Have NotsBefore discussing the different factors...

Meet Ian Robertson-Salt and his Artistic Alchemy that Merges Realism, Abstraction, and Urban Inspirations

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

Summary: Muralist Ian Robertson-Salt, a Los Angeles native, has been creating vibrant murals that explore themes of culture, identity, and ecological awareness.Street artists are freethinkers, disruptors, and risk-takers. They inhabit the spaces we live, work in, and play in, bringing life back to an otherwise mundane urban environment. This is true, especially in Los Angeles. In this vibrant tapestry of Los Angeles’ artistic landscape, Ian Robertson-Salt, a painter and a muralist seamlessly blends in.With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art, Ian began his muralist journey in 2011 and discovered his purpose in preserving murals across Los Angeles and Long Beach. A tribute to his passion, he studied color theory, public art engagement, and various techniques to cultivate a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between art and its surroundings.“The Artist” Mural Painting by Ian Robertson-SaltIn addition to creating stunning murals, Ian has worked on the restoration ...

Why “Being Fabulous” is Entrepreneur Whitney Alexandra’s Top Core Value

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

Years ago, Whitney Alexandra found herself in a familiar space that resonates with many empowered and ambitious women. On the surface, her life appeared to be on track with a coveted “dream job”, marked by financial success and accolades. However, internally, she was grappling with a cacophony of conflicting emotions.She lingered on the precipice of burnout for an extended period, feeling inundated by the demands of both life and work. Despite feeling overwhelmed, Whitney couldn’t find a better, more lasting way forward. “I just kept pushing through to the next day and the next month, waiting for the ‘perfect time’ where I would finally get a rest. It felt like I was living to work, despite dreaming about a very different life.”Then, during a serendipitous visit to Sephora, her perspective shifted. A chance encounter with her now-favorite fragrance, Tom Ford’s “F*cking Fabulous”, served as a powerful reminder of her inherent strength. This moment became a catalyst ...

Hanxi Li: Creative Director Extraordinaire – Elevating Segway’s Brand Awareness

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

Hanxi Li, the gifted Creative Director, has proven her prowess in boosting brand awareness with her innovative approach and strategic partnerships, significantly elevating Segway’s presence in the market.Segway’s distinguished reputation is rooted in its history of innovation, notably with the Segway Personal Transporter (PT) and founder Dean Kamen’s pioneering work. Its wide-ranging applications across industries, key patents, and acquisition by Ninebot in 2015 have expanded its influence and product offerings. Segway’s ongoing commitment to development and global presence solidify its status as a trailblazer in innovative mobility solutions, attracting renowned creative directors like Hanxi Li to enhance its brand and reach.Hanxi Li’s journey within Segway has been marked by her extraordinary ability to blend creativity and strategic thinking, making her a driving force behind the company’s transformative success. As a Creative Director, her mul...

1 Fatally Injured in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crash on Sandhill Road [Las Vegas, NV]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

One Pronounced Dead after Pedestrian Accident on Edison AvenueLAS VEGAS, NV (December 26, 2023) – One victim died Friday night in a hit-and-run pedestrian collision on Sandhill Road and Edison Avenue.Police arrived at the location shortly after 5:00 p.m. on December 8th. Upon investigation, it was revealed that a pedestrian attempting to cross west outside of a marked crosswalk was struck by a northbound 2006 Ford F-250 on Sandhill Road. The impact propelled the pedestrian onto the southbound lanes.The pedestrian was struck again by the driver of a tan or cream-colored sedan traveling south. The sedan driver did not stop and fled the scene. Emergency Medical Personnel reached the site and declared the pedestrian deceased.Meanwhile, the Ford driver remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and showed no signs of impairment. Currently, an active investigation is ongoing to gather additional information.No words can mend the broken hearts and sorrow felt during this d...

Ricky Parraz Died in Single-Vehicle Accident on East Valencia Road [Tucson, AZ]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 07:00:05 GMT

23-Year-Old Driver Dies in a Solo-Car Accident near South Plumer AvenueTUCSON, AZ (December 26, 2023) – Late Monday evening, a solo-vehicle accident claimed the life of Ricky Parraz.On December 18th, just before midnight, police responded in the 2100 block of East Valencia Road near South Plumer Avenue.According to the authorities, the incident involved only a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette driven by 23-year-old Parraz.Upon investigation, the authorities learned that Parraz was speeding in the westbound lanes of Valencia Road. Parraz then switched lanes and lost control of his vehicle.As a result, he veered off the westbound lanes and slammed into a power pole and a block wall. Unfortunately, due to the severity of his injuries, Parraz was pronounced dead at the scene.Furthermore, the authorities stated that excessive speeds and failure to control speed were the contributing factors to the incident. Further investigation is still ongoing.Sincere sympathies to the family and friends o...