The Pac-12 holds a second spot in the New Year’s Six (courtesy of UW) Before we get into the latest Pac-12 bowl forecast, here are a few helpful reminders about the postseason selection process: — The College Football Playoff semifinals will be held in the Rose Bowl and Sugar Bowl, leaving the Pac-12 champion to…

This year, National Taco Day falls on Wednesday, October 4, but it still brings Taco Tuesday-style deals with it. Taco Bell’s push for “Tuesday Drops,” offers for its rewards members, is one of them this year. Several other promotions are also aimed at loyalty members and app users. Here’s a taste of what’s available. Del…

Lassics lupine, a small wildflower found in only two areas of Northern California, was added to the Endangered Species List on Thursday. According to those who have studied the flower, this listing is much needed, and the species requires action to prevent extinction. “It’s so darn beautiful,” said Dave Imper, a retired botanist and the…

I’ve been toying with the idea of writing a column about concert etiquette for years. But I’ve always resisted doing so, assuming that the people who needed to read it would never do so. This year, things changed. The concert industry not only survived the pandemic, but it is now larger than ever, with artists…

The seasonal respiratory virus lineup includes influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the upcoming fall and winter will have a similar number of respiratory disease hospitalizations as last year. They emphasize, however, that these hospitalization rates are higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic, when…

Other agencies, including the Marin County Sheriff’s Office and National Park Service, were continuing the search Monday REYES POINT — The US Coast Guard suspended its search for a swimmer believed to have been attacked by a shark near Point Reyes on Monday, but other local agencies said they would continue to look. At 8…

Summer’s hot and crowded days are over, and many of us are looking for relaxing fall getaways in nature. Here’s a tip: cross the Sierra Nevada to Mono County and the Mammoth Lakes region for a big dose of high elevation mountain scenery—think rushing streams, dense forest, tranquil lakes, and fall color. The eastern Sierra…

Cookbook authors around the country share four new autumnal desserts that aren’t pumpkin pie. School is in full swing, the weather is cooling down, and pumpkins can be found everywhere, from front porches to grocery store displays… All of this points to one thing: the start of the fall baking season! Instead of celebrating pumpkin…

Mix pumpkin and maple flavors in this autumnal dessert centerpiece. Looking for a different take on pumpkin pie? This pumpkin Bundt cake is an excellent choice. It’s topped with a maple-mascarpone glaze and baked with pumpkin pie spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. “Bake Smart: Sweets and Secrets from My Oven to Yours,” a…