Newsom signs law silencing loud streaming ads
State & Politics
Californians who binge-watch in peace will soon be spared mid-show jolts: under Senate Bill 576, advertisements on streaming services can no longer exceed the volume of the program they accompany. Governor Gavin Newsom framed the move as a quality-of-life fix and pointed to unanimous legislative support.
Even as Sacramento reins in noise, it is rethinking fuel policy. A recent fire at Chevron’s El Segundo refinery exposed how few plants now serve the state and why leaders, after months of tough talk about gas companies, are suddenly courting them to avoid price spikes, according to state energy analysts.
CalMattersHousing & Economy
Rents in San Francisco jumped 12% over the past year— the fastest climb among major U.S. cities — and vacancy is tightening, the latest Apartment List data show. Analysts say incomes have not kept pace, raising fresh affordability worries for middle-income households.
The luxury market is heating too. Brokers report an AI-driven hiring boom is thinning the supply of large homes; mansions that once lingered on the market now draw multiple offers within days.
On the Peninsula, one alumna is pushing back by replacing office space near Mineta Airport with a 3.8-acre, all-electric affordable complex, part of a plan unveiled in San José Spotlight.
Environment & Energy
Solar advocates say the state’s two biggest utilities miss hookup deadlines up to 73% of the time, slowing the transition to clean power. Their complaint urges regulators to finally penalize PG&E and Edison, details a newly filed case.
North Bay residents, meanwhile, forced startup Resynergi to relocate its plastic-to-oil “advanced recycling” plant after air-quality concerns; opponents argued the process is little more than incineration.
And on the Coastside, firefighters are attacking the School Fire near San Gregorio. Crews reported forward progress Tuesday evening; no structures were damaged.
CalMattersPublic Safety
San José police and county task-forces say they dismantled a sex-trafficking ring run out of the Caravelle Inn; three suspects face pimping and conspiracy charges, according to SJPD. Officials are stepping up operations ahead of next year’s Super Bowl 60 and World Cup matches.
Hours earlier, detectives arrested a 60-year-old man in Capitola, minutes after license-plate readers linked him to the 22nd homicide of the year in San José.
In Oakland, officers are investigating a fatal shooting near Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, while early data show San Francisco’s new speed cameras are already catching 500 violations a day.
Community & Business
Burger-and-pie icon Nation’s opens its first San Francisco outpost at Fisherman’s Wharf today, just ahead of Fleet Week crowds. Mayor Daniel Lurie is expected at the ribbon-cutting.
Retailer Nordstrom debuts a no-inventory, service-only Nordstrom Local on Fillmore Street Wednesday, offering alterations, returns and online-order pickup to meet changing shopping habits.
Palo Alto picked up a new fast-casual option: Michelin-starred chef Brandon Jew’s Mamahuhu is now serving kung pao chicken bowls at Town & Country Village.
Looking up tonight? Clear skies mean the fall supermoon should be visible over much of the Bay.
Bay Area Weather
Today (Wed): Early clouds give way to partial sun, highs around 71 °F near the bay, mid-80s lingering well inland. Breezy southwest winds 6-10 mph.
Trend: A gradual cooldown begins Thursday (upper 60s), followed by a slim chance of light showers Friday. The weekend looks seasonable and bright, highs mid-60s to upper 60s with crisp evenings in the low-50s. Early next week could bring a better shot at rain, but confidence is still low.