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For More Than 20 Years, Via Veneto is Still An Essential Italian Classic in Venice

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Whether it’s the private loft above the chandeliers or a candlelit table by the window, Via Veneto is still one of the most romantic classic Italian restaurants in Los Angeles, celebrating more than 20 years on Main Street.And while the intimate feel of the low-lit dining room isn’t lost on the likes of regulars that include Chris Hemsworth, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen, owner and founder Fabrizio Bianconi warmly welcomes each and every patron, serving them as if they were a guest in his own home. Bianconi came to the United States from Rome in 2003, working his way hosting through the California restaurant industry. After many months searching for the perfect space, Bianconi, with the help of rock star partner Warren Cuccurullo (Duran Duran, Frank Zappa, Steve Vai), stumbled on the charming venue on Main Street with high ceilings and a beautiful stone floor. The walls are lined with a carefully curated selection of Italian wines including Sicilian Donna...

Officer Hurt after Police Pursuit Ends in Crash on 5 Freeway [Burbank, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

2 Teens Arrested after High-Speed Chase at Burbank Town Center MallBURBANK, CA (July 24, 2023) – Wednesday evening, police arrested two teenagers after a police pursuit ended in a crash on 5 Freeway.Initially, officers responded to reports of a reckless driver around 9:20 p.m. at the garage of Burbank Town Center Mall at 550 North First Street.Upon arrival, the authorities located the vehicle and attempted to stop the driver. However, the two teens inside the vehicle sped off towards the exit where it collided with a patrol vehicle.The crash left an officer hospitalized for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.According to the police, the suspects led the other officers to a high-speed chase while breaking several traffic laws.Ultimately, the suspect lost control of the vehicle on 5 Freeway near Empire Avenue. Authorities arrested the 16-year-old girl and the 17-year-old boy at the scene. Both teens were identified to be residents of Bakersfield, where the car was determ...

1 Killed in Car Accident on Interstate 15 [Fallbrook, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Unidentified Victim Fatally Struck in Auto Collision near State Route 76FALLBROOK, CA (July 24, 2023) – Monday night, one unidentified victim was killed in a car accident on Interstate 15.Authorities responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m., near State Route 76 on July 17th.At this time, the events leading up to the crash remain unclear. However, reports indicate that multiple vehicles were involved in the fatal collision.First responders arrived and pronounced one victim dead at the scene. Although, authorities have not yet released their name or place of residency.Emergency crews closed off the surrounding area for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. Once available, further details about the fatal car accident on Interstate 15 will be provided.The Sweet James team sends out their warm and sincerest sympathies to the friends and family of the deceased victim. May the memories of your loved one give you strength in the days ahead.If you have lost someone in a se...

Driver Arrested in Hit-and-Run Chase Crash on Desoto Avenue [San Fernando Valley, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Hit-and-Run Rider Prompted Pursuit Crash near Lassen StreetSAN FERNANDO, CA (July 24, 2023) – On Wednesday, police arrested one driver after a chase crash on Desoto Avenue.The incident began around 7:20 a.m. along DeSoto Avenue on July 20th.As per police, a truck was suspected as a stolen vehicle. They tried to stop the driver but ended up crashing into other cars.The truck then fled the accident on DeSoto but eventually, police caught him.Moreover, the cause of the hit-and-run crash is still underway. Anyways, at this time, officials will release updates once available.Thousands of people are injured each year due to reckless driving. Pay full attention to the road and your surroundings if you’re behind the wheel. Do not engage in any non-driving activity that creates a potential distraction. You can help prevent an accident by following all traffic laws and observing safety precautions.It is essential to have solid legal representation on your side when injured in a hit-and-...

Ricky Bryant Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on 29th Avenue [Oakland, CA]

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Bicycle-Auto Collision near International Boulevard Left 62-Year-Old Man DeadOAKLAND, CA (July 24, 2023) – Friday morning, bicyclist Ricky Bryant lost his life in a hit-and-run collision.The collision occurred on July 12th, at around 9:30 p.m., near the intersection of 29th Avenue and International Boulevard.According to reports, a Hyundai Elantra, believed to have been stolen in Fremont, was traveling eastbound on International Boulevard. There, the driver collided with a van traveling in the same direction for unknown reasons.The impact of the first collision caused the Hyundai to spit out of control and crash into Bryant at the intersection. The crash ejected Bryant from his bicycle before he landed on the pavement.Emergency crews transported the bicyclist to a local hospital with serious injuries. At the hospital, officials pronounced 62-year-old Ricky Bryant, of Oakland dead, due to the extent of his condition.Following the collision, police said the driver of the stolen ...

Where California lands on list of world’s most shark-filled waters

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

By Maureen O’Hare | CNNThis time of year, the shark-related news stories start to circle. New York increases patrols after five bites in two days; a shiver of at least 50 sharks is filmed off Long Island; beachgoers spot a shark swimming near a crowded Florida shore.Despite our fearful fascination with these majestic beasts of the ocean, the chances of one of those needle-like teeth ever puncturing your skin are staggeringly low: more than one in four million, according to the International Shark Attack File (ISAF), the world’s most comprehensive database of all known shark attacks.The 35th official Shark Week takes place from July 23 to July 29 on the Discovery Channel and aims to increase conversation and education about these ancient marine predators that are key to the health of the ocean. (Discovery Channel and CNN share parent company Warner Bros. Discovery.)There were just 57 confirmed unprovoked shark attacks last year, out of a global population of 8 billion, five of ...

Snail Bar’s wine-slinging cousin, Slug, is shutting down in Oakland

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Prepare to lower the disco ball to half-mast. Just one year after opening, Slug in downtown Oakland is shutting down.The natural wine bar, known for its late-night party atmosphere and elevated small-bites cuisine (that fishwich!), will have its final public day on Aug. 4. Its sister restaurant, the Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning Snail Bar up the road, remains in business.In an Instagram post titled “No easy way to lay this out,” one of the Slug team members writes:“This was a decision made by me and my family, and we have personal reasons why we’re doing it. We had an amazing time this past year and we’re so honored to have had the opportunity to have worked with such amazing artists, djs, food vendors and our amazing staff past and present.“Honestly it’s been such a f—— blast, but I think it’s time to move on who knows maybe we’ll move to a new location? Or do something else somewhere idk? Either way we are listing the location as a turn key situ...

Mitchell Katz, owner of Livermore vineyard bearing his name, dies in two-car crash

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

LIVERMORE — A two-car crash on Friday afternoon killed the 59-year-old owner of a well-known Livermore winery, according to police and family members.Mitchell Katz, the owner of Mitchell Katz Winery, was driving a white GMC SUV that Livermore police said was hit by the driver of a black Subaru. He died at a hospital.The Alameda County Coroner’s Office released Katz’s identity publicly on Monday.“We have suffered a tragic loss,” Mitchell Katz’s sons, Jackson and Wes, wrote on the winery’s social media page Sunday. “At this time, we don’t have any additional information to offer. As expected, we his family and extended family are all devastated and saddened by this tragedy.”The crash happened about 3:20 p.m. at East Avenue at Mitra Street, according to a statement from Livermore police. Katz was changing lanes on East Avenue when the Subaru hit the GMC, police said.The driver of the Subaru stayed at the scene and spoke with p...

Estranged Individuals win Battle of the Bands at Milpitas Library

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Teen and adult bands faced off live on July 22 at Milpitas Library at the Battle of the Bands produced by the Santa Clara County Library District.With this second annual event, the district hoped to give a chance for these half a dozen bands to make an impression and maybe make it big, and to celebrate and encourage the local music scene in Santa Clara County.The local bands competed in teen and adult categories. Interested bands first submitted their application online with an audition tape of one song. Over 5,000 votes from the community helped selected the top three bands in both categories to perform live. Each band invited to the showcase had 20 minutes on stage to wow the audience and the judging panel.The teen division featured the Funky Monkeys, made up of Bradley and Zach on guitar, Josh on the drums and Isaac on piano. The Estranged Individuals, a Milpitas band, had Mohamed on bass, Aiden on drums and Lucas on vocals and guitar. Znnia took the stage playing the audience fa...

Bay Area luxury picnic planners share stories and tips on how to throw the ultimate pop-up picnic

Published Sun, 23 Feb 2025 12:46:51 GMT

Charcuterie boards and dog-friendly “charpoocherie” platters. Tablescapes with floral centerpieces. Matching place settings, cushions and rugs. And ethereal canopies. And balloon art installations.Head to a public park this weekend, and you might see that the humble picnic has undergone a makeover. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the Bay Area, where a new wave of Instagram-savvy entrepreneurs are pushing the limits on just how posh an outdoor meal can be.The luxury pop-up picnic industry boomed during the pandemic, when people around the world sought ways to gather safely with friends and family for special occasions. Three years in, these businesses are stronger than ever, hosting alfresco showers and romantic celebrations and — team meetings? Turns out growing numbers of corporate clients are searching for new ways to motivate their workers to meet up in person — and a fancy picnic might be just the ticket.So what is a pop-up picnic? Clients book a date and choos...