Latest news with #Diablo
Int'l Business Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Eat Diablo, Save the Wild: How a Kid's Love for Rhinos Sparked 3SonsFoods, A Family-Run Sauce Company with a Purpose
Sometimes, the most powerful movements begin with the simplest intentions. Think a child asking for donations instead of birthday presents, or a mother sharing her homemade green sauce with friends. These moments might seem ordinary. However, when led by heart and vision, they can turn into something bigger. Such is the story of 3SonsFoods, LLC, a family-run business founded on love, purpose, and the belief that good food can make a difference. Based in Katy, Texas, 3SonsFoods began as a venture between a mother and her three sons, united by a goal to enjoy clean, natural food while helping wildlife continue to thrive for generations to come. Luke Johannson, the middle son of the family, was deeply moved by the plight of endangered rhinos from a young age. Instead of asking for toys or video games at his birthday parties, Luke requested that guests donate to the International Rhino Foundation. "He wanted to do more, to raise more," shares his mother and 3SonsFoods CEO, Traci B. Johannson. "That's when I had an idea. What if we started selling my homemade creamy cilantro sauce to raise money?" That sauce, now famously known as Diablo Verde, became a local sensation . Teachers, neighbors, and friends couldn't get enough. When the orders kept rolling, it was evident it was a business in the making. Diabo Verde & Diablo Vegan Sauces With Luke managing inventory and conservation efforts for the rhinos, his older brother Ayden joined in to oversee shipping and logistics. George, the youngest, lent his creative energy to design, marketing, and product development. The trio, led by their fearless and entrepreneurial mom, established 3SonsFoods. From peddling jars by bike and at school to scaling into numerous retail locations across the United States, the brand's growth has been remarkable. Still, despite its immense growth, 3SonsFoods never lost sight of its purpose. It has remained true to its mission to "Make Sauce. Sell Sauce. Save Wildlife." A portion of every sale of Diablo Verde supports rhino conservation through partnerships with the International Rhino Foundation and the Endangered Rhino Conservation . Over the years, the brand has directly supported anti-poaching units, veterinary care, and habitat protection. Left to Right: Ayden, Luke, Traci & George That mission has since expanded. Inspired by Ayden's love for wolves, 3SonsFoods introduced Diablo Vegan, a dairy-free, coconut-cream-based version of the original sauce. Proceeds of this product go to the Saint Francis Wolf Sanctuary. This organization provides lifelong refuge for non-releasable wolves and wolfdogs, educating the public on their ecological importance while offering these majestic animals a life of safety and dignity. Even George, the youngest son, found a way to weave his love for the ocean into the business. The family is currently developing a Diablo red sauce, a smoky chipotle sauce. A portion of its proceeds is set to benefit marine wildlife and ocean cleanup initiatives. "We don't see giving back as a marketing strategy. It's in our DNA," Traci emphasizes. "We run lean intentionally so we can give more." 3SonsFoods' operations reflect this ethos, with jar and packaging recycling practices embedded into its day-to-day. Diablo Vegan Sauce Being Poured 3SonsFoods further stands out for crafting the Diablo lineup with health-conscious consumers in mind. As more people turn to home cooking and embrace wellness-focused lifestyles, the brand meets them where they are. Their sauces are flavorful, versatile, and free of preservatives, gluten, soy, nuts, and synthetic ingredients. Diablo salsas double as a versatile cooking sauce, elevating meals and transforming simple dishes into something restaurant-worthy. Whether being spooned over roasted veggies, mixed into scrambled eggs, used as an enchilada sauce, or poured over baked salmon for an easy weeknight dinner, these sauces are redefining what salsa can be. With each line available in mild, medium, and hot spice levels, there's something for every palate. Customer reviews highlight not just a love for the flavor but also a respect for the company's mission, ethics, and authenticity. One shared, "[The Diablo sauce is] so incredibly, phenomenally delicious! I highly recommend trying this sauce. It's delicious and you get to help a good cause, the rhinos." With its commitment to health and wildlife, it's hardly surprising that 3SonsFoods was named Grand Champion Prize Winner in H-E-B's prestigious "Quest for Texas Best" competition. This milestone propelled the brand into the spotlight. The family and their products have been featured in media outlets, including ABC and FOX . From humble beginnings in a home kitchen to growing into an award-winning brand, the journey has inspired a loyal following of customers who support 3SonsFoods for both its taste and impact. With Diablo's red sauce on the horizon and continued national retail expansion, the Johannson family has their sights set on scaling the brand while staying rooted in what matters: clean ingredients, inspired cooking, and meaningful giving.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hamilton Spectator
B.C. Chilcotin youth speak at UN session on rights of Indigenous peoples
Two Tŝilhqot'in youth ambassadors were in Geneva, Switzerland last week to represent their nation at the international level. Sierra William and Dakota Diablo attended the United Nations' 18th session of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ( EMRIP ). 'I can't even describe how amazing it was to be there,' said William. At 22 years old, William already attended the UN twice before. William graduated last year with a Human Rights Diploma from Thompson Rivers University and is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work. She also aims to get her law degree. 'The purpose of my work for me we can lessen the number of Indigenous youth in the child welfare system,' William said. Her first experience at the UN was last April when she attended the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII) which she again attended this year along with Diablo. The two are part of the Tŝilhqot'in National Government's (TNG) International Youth Ambassador Program, launched in April of 2024 to empower Tŝilhqot'in youth to understand and apply the human rights of Indigenous peoples. Read more: BC First Nations seek funding for Indigenous-led essential services Through the program William and her peers were given training to prepare for PFII. 'It gives us a rundown of what's happening in the United Nations, prepares us to write how to make connections with people,' William said about the training. As for EMRIP, held this year from July 14-18 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, William and Diablo arrived a few days ahead of time to attend training on site. EMRIP is an annual five-day session which encourages dialogue and brings forth recommendations for the UN's seven independent experts on the rights of Indigenous peoples. The experts are appointed by the Human Rights Council to help countries achieve the goals of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Attended by Indigenous peoples, organizations and civil societies from across the world, there are many voices looking to contribute to the conversation. Diablo and William wrote speeches of their own and registered to speak, though they were unable to get their name on the list. William was aiming to talk about the importance of language revitalization, and how it ties into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action. She highlighted her own nation's efforts on that front, including the community radio station which broadcasts in the Tŝilhqot'in language. 'I say it's important to me because I'm the first generation not to go to residential school,' William said, explaining how residential schools stripped many First Nations peoples in Canada from their culture, songs and language. 'They (her family) kept our language alive, our culture alive, and they're the reasons why I want to continue this work, to keep our language alive.' William added that she aspires to be a fluent speaker of the Tŝilhqot'in language. The youth ambassadors may not have had the chance to read their own speeches at the UN, but they were able to speak on behalf of Nits'ilʔin (Chief) of the community of Tl'esqox Francis Laceese, vice chief of the TNG. 'He made sure that me and Dakota were able to speak on the floor,' William said. She addressed everyone gathered at the mechanism twice, first about how Canada's Human Rights Commission falls short in meeting the principles of UNDRIP. She later spoke about enhancing the direct participation and involvement of Indigenous peoples at the UN. Both William and Diablo were also invited to provide an opening song at a side event on Tuesday, July 15. William said it was amazing to see some of her greatest idols in the field and their passion for what they do. William said she will definitely be continuing this type of work, which she was inspired to pursue by her parents who work in social work and leadership roles. When William isn't busy representing her nation's youth or working on her degree, she makes traditional clothing such as ribbon skirts and regalia through her business Chi?ela's Designs. TNG is the governing body for the Tŝilhqot'in Nation which comprises of six communities located throughout the Tŝilhqot'in (Chilcotin) territory. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time Magazine
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
The True Story Behind Trainwreck: P.I. Moms
On August 24, 2010, Pete Crooks, a senior writer at Diablo magazine, received a call from a Los Angeles-based publicist representing Chris Butler's private investigation firm. The pitch he got was intriguing: Butler had hired a group of local mothers to run surveillance on cheating husbands, and business was beginning to boom. The firm was featured in People, The Today Show, and Dr. Phil—and most recently, Lifetime Television had just greenlit a new reality show called P.I. Moms San Francisco about its East Bay operation. Butler had a proposal for Crooks: Take part in a ride-along with one of the mothers, watch them catch a philanderous man in the act, and write about it. It smelled like a great story and Crooks eventually hopped in a car with Denise Antoon, one of four moms Butler had employed. The mission went like clockwork. The man they were following met up with a young woman and began kissing her in a parking lot, all while Denise grabbed photos and video. Crooks understood why Lifetime was eager to turn this into a series. But did everything go down a little too perfectly? Soon after returning home, Crooks got an email from someone named Ronald Rutherford that made him question everything. 'It would be a mistake to write a story on the P.I. moms and Chris Butler,' the email stated. 'Chris totally played you. The case that you sat in on was totally scripted. All the participants or employees are paid actors. I hope that publishing it is not in your plans.' As chronicled in Netflix's new documentary Trainwreck: P.I. Moms, that mysterious message was just the beginning of a scandal that involved lying, cheating, wire-tapping, methamphetamines, and jail time, and would ultimately kill the Lifetime reality series before it ever aired. In this retelling, director Phil Bowman interviews a couple of the moms, Lifetime producers, and several others involved with the show to paint a better picture of how Butler's enterprise wasn't everything it seemed to be. Reality show origins When Butler started his investigation firm around 2000, the former police officer hired a lot of off-duty, law enforcement officers to work on cases, but he found that the men were all too competitive and impatient to be good investigators. 'Then, I hired a mom, and she was the best investigator I had worked with,' he told Crooks. 'She was patient and a good team player, and she could multitask." Eventually, he hired moms Michelle Allen, Charmagne Peters, Denise Antoon, and Ami Wilt to fill out a team. Butler used their skills and inconspicuousness to perform undercover operations, stings, and other kinds of investigative work, which secretly included a 'Dirty DUIs' scheme in which they'd encourage men to drink alcohol, encourage them to drive, and then alert the police. (The doc doesn't interrogate this aspect of the business.) As the moms started getting media attention throughout the reality TV boom, Lifetime saw potential for a show—along with spin-offs in other cities—centered around them. The network soon reached out to Lucas Platt about showrunning the series. The TV veteran liked the general concept of 'showing this group of women busting criminals together,' he says in the doc, but he also wanted to explore their lives outside the job. As Denise and Ami attest, the moms didn't want to be treated like a group on Real Housewives and create fake drama, so Platt agreed to share more personal and meaningful anecdotes about their lives. Lifetime eventually gave Platt three camera crews and a four-million budget to produce eight episodes with Butler's group, which also included Carl Marino, a former law enforcement agent who helped with cases that needed a male presence. But Platt and the moms could tell there was something off about him—that he was eager to be a television star at any cost. 'It felt like egotism run amok,' Platt says. 'Its called P.I. Moms, and he's not a mom.' Repeated sabotage After Crooks received the anonymous tip about the staged ride-along, he reached out to Platt to share the information. 'If Chris did this to me, how could he not do it for TV?' he thought. The showrunner was confident in the veracity of the women and the cases they were pursuing, until their next sting operation, when their target told Denise that he'd been tipped off. Now Platt was curious. He began investigating and soon discovered the tipster (and the man responsible behind the Rutherford email) was actually Marino. The show wouldn't work if employees were breaking up operations out of spite and jealousy, so Platt told Butler that his employee had been sabotaging the show. But instead of firing Marino, Butler told Platt not to worry about it—an odd reaction, especially for someone hoping to make bank from a reality series. 'Clearly he had other things that were happening that were taking precedence,' Denise says. Marino knew all about those other things, and was willing to spill the information. He continued corresponding with Crooks and explained that Butler was involved in serious criminal activity, selling marijuana, prescription Xanax, and steroids that had been confiscated by a Contra Costa Country Task Force commander. Once in possession of the drugs, Butler would then give them to Marino inside the office. 'I have not sold any and don't want to,' Marino messaged Crooks. 'I don't want anything to do with this.' At the same time, Marino continued to scheme, eventually using insider case files to solve a missing person's case that Platt and the P.I. Moms had hoped would be their opportunity to save the series. As both Ami and Denise remember, Marino was determined to have his 15 minutes of fame, even if that meant continuing to sabotage the show he was so desperate to be on. 'How dumb are you that they're going to push this out and you're going to be the star of the show?' Ami says. The final sting After Crooks reached out to Contra Costa D.A. Daryl Jackson with his information, Marino ultimately came forward and agreed to wear a wire for law enforcement, who was ready to bust Butler after discovering he had planned to sell three pounds of methamphetamines. They arranged a buy at the P.I. firm between the corrupt officer, Butler, and Marino, and as soon as the sale went through, authorities quickly arrested Butler. The news officially sealed the show's fate. Lifetime cancelled P.I. Moms San Francisco and forced Platt to break the bad news to the women and crew. It was an emotional moment, especially for Ami, who had opened up over the course of the show's production and shared intimate details about losing her son at an early age. She hoped her testimony would help other women struggling with something similar. Instead, it would never air. On May 4th, 2012, nearly two years after telling Crooks to write a story about him, Butler pleaded guilty to selling drugs, extortion, robbery and planting illegal wiretaps, and was later sentenced to eight years in prison. The fallout also impacted the P.I. moms themselves—they were called frauds and took heat from their community for collaborating with Butler. (Crooks eventually did write a 10,000-word story about his experience.) Marino eventually got his moment in the sun, playing lead Detective Lt. Joe Kenda, on the Investigation Discovery TV show Homicide Hunter. But to everyone involved with P.I. Moms, he and Butler will always be known as the ultimate schemers that killed their TV careers. 'Chris and Carl just took it away from everybody,' Denise says. 'They put their desires above everyone else's.'
San Francisco Chronicle
7 days ago
- Science
- San Francisco Chronicle
Winds behind fierce California wildfires will change, study finds. Here's what it means
Santa Ana winds have driven some of California's most devastating wildfires, including the destructive Palisades and Eaton fires that scorched Los Angeles in January. A new study reports that these hot, dry winds will become less frequent in the future. But the more rare Santa Ana winds could bring increasing danger, researchers from Princeton University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory found. When the winds do arrive, they will be drier than they are today and could pose greater wildfire risk to coastal Southern California, according to the study. Southern California's Santa Ana winds are close cousins to the Bay Area's Diablo winds, which have also whipped up catastrophic blazes. The winds are a product of cold, dense air hundreds of miles away, in the Great Basin. Temperature and pressure differences drive air toward California's coast. The air compresses as it barrels down mountain slopes, making it heat up and become drier. The resulting hot, dry winds can spread flames and even propel embers forward, causing blazes to explode in size. The study used high-resolution computer models to simulate how Santa Ana winds will change in the future. The authors used an extreme emission climate scenario to probe the impacts of human-caused climate change. They found that, in the future, Santa Ana winds will become less frequent, echoing previous studies. The authors propose that because land warms faster than the ocean, in the future, the temperature gradient that produces offshore winds — driven by cold air inland — will become weaker. Consequently, Santa Ana winds will occur less frequently. High-resolution models, however, revealed that Santa Ana winds will be drier than they are today, exacerbating wildfire risk. These patterns didn't pop out when the scientists used lower-resolution models. This could be because Santa Ana winds, as well as Diabo winds, are greatly influenced by small features in the landscape. 'If you have a higher-resolution model that can depict the topography of the region, you will have a more reliable result, ' said Janin Guzman-Morales, a regional climate scientist at San Jose State University, who wasn't part of the new research. Guzman-Morales led a 2019 study that reported climate change suppressed Santa Ana Winds via changes to atmospheric pressure patterns. The new study makes the earlier findings more robust, Guzman-Morales said. Alex Hall, a professor of atmospheric and oceanic science at UCLA, agreed that the main contribution of the study is 'highlighting the need for high resolution to simulate the impact of climate change on the Santa Ana wind phenomenon.' Hall, who also wasn't part of the new research, co-authored a 2011 study that reported a reduced frequency of wintertime Santa Ana winds in the mid-21st century, due to human-caused climate. The new research relied on one global climate model, produced by the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. Hall said that it will be valuable to analyze additional models, to quantify uncertainty and identify the most likely magnitude of Santa Ana wind weakening. Another question is how future changes to seasonal precipitation will impact wildfire risk associated with Santa Ana winds, Hall said. While the Los Angeles wildfires in January were driven by offshore winds, a lack of rain in preceding months set the stage for blazes to take off. Climate change could have similar effects on Diablo winds, given their similarity to Santa Ana winds, Guzman-Morales said. But additional research needs to be done to confirm that. 'There is an absolute need for that research,' Guzman-Morales said.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Overwatch 2 director says Blizzard is interested in a TV series
Overwatch 2 director Aaron Keller has stated that Blizzard is interested in producing a TV series for the game and bringing back animated shorts. Keller shared these comments while speaking with Twitch streamer Jay3, where he discussed the future of Overwatch 2's story following the cancellation of its PvE content. Keller said the team would 'love to do that' when asked about a potential TV series for Overwatch 2. He also noted, 'Even more than just a TV series, one of the things we see or hear our players talk about is Overwatch has dropped the ball when it comes to story and lore.' Blizzard previously released animated shorts to introduce heroes and expand the game's universe before the launch of the first Overwatch. While Overwatch 2 has had some shorts, they have been less frequent, and Keller expressed a desire to increase their presence. 'For me, personally, for us to say that Overwatch 2 is firing on all cylinders, we need to have some of those [shorts] come back,' Keller said during the discussion. Reports cited by journalist Jason Schreier have indicated that an Overwatch TV series was previously in development along with series for Warcraft and Diablo, but plans were cancelled following legal disputes between Blizzard and Netflix.
