Latest news with #TheSanFranciscoStandard
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
College dropouts celebrate at unconventional 'graduation' ceremony in San Francisco
"F--- school," said dropout and tech entrepreneur Haz Hubble at a graduation ceremony for college dropouts, a sentiment that captured the mood of the event. "If you're smart and high-agency, you don't need to go to school," he said. Though a "dropout graduation" might sound like satire, a crowd of quitters packed into San Francisco's Marina Theater seized the opportunity to mark a declaration of freedom – from tradition, academia and expectations. Dozens of 20-somethings donned regular button-ups, casual dresses or otherwise everyday clothing, with the occasional outlier donning a cap and gown – but one thing they all shared was the suspicion that college just isn't for everyone. Gen Z Branded As 'The Ghosted Generation' As Dates, Colleges And Employers Keep Saying 'No' "Our natural instinct as children is to question everything: authority, tradition, the status quo," Cory Levy, founder of the Z fellows program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs make their way into Silicon Valley, told The San Francisco Standard. Read On The Fox News App "But somehow, when it comes to college, we stop questioning it. This is a room full of exceptions," he added. It's no secret that some of the world's top earners dropped out of college – Bill Gates, Michael Dell, Mark Zuckerberg and the late Steve Jobs among them – and their imprint on the technology sector is clear. The doubt their success creates toward the traditional college path is only supplemented with a rising skepticism that's driving many to select different avenues – trade school, apprenticeships and online learning programs among them. Vivek Ramaswamy Exposes 'National Security Risk' As Students Fall Behind In School The Standard writes that this skepticism is even more prevalent in a place like San Francisco, where many tech companies aren't concerned about someone lacking a 4-year degree. "Meanwhile, college graduates struggle to field job offers; bosses say those who do make it into the office — remote or otherwise — are often unprofessional; and AI is getting better at tasks previously reserved for white-collar workers," the article, published Sunday, continues. The traditional college approach has lost credibility with some members of Gen Z, many of whom have become notorious for questioning authority. In some circles, they've become the "toolbelt generation," opting to learn a skill that translates into a high-paying job without shelling out the cost of a 4-year college experience. Nearly Half Of All Us College Students Reject Mandatory Dei Courses On Campus: Study But, as former construction worker "Blue Collar Cash" author Ken Rusk once mentioned to "Fox & Friends," the traditional college path is deeply embedded into the educational structure. "So, if you think you might want to do that [trade] job, you're walking down the hallway and all you hear is 'college prep,'" he said. "And you're thinking, 'Wow, do I not fit in here?'" Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture Ali Debow, who helped co-organize the dropout graduation, described it as a "really lonely, very isolating" feeling because families often have the expectation that everyone goes to college, and they become dissatisfied when someone breaks that college mold. But, The Standard writes, the key takeaway from the mingling of dropouts isn't as black and white as college or no college – rather, it's about recognizing autonomy and trusting yourself to follow a path to your own article source: College dropouts celebrate at unconventional 'graduation' ceremony in San Francisco
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Beloved Michelin-Star Restaurant Closes Due to Rent Issue
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways A popular Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco is preparing to close its doors for good this weekend. Osito, which earned its one Michelin star in December 2022 after opening a little more than a year prior, will serve its final meal on Sunday, chef and owner Seth Stowaway told The San Francisco Standard. While Stowaway says the restaurant remained "very busy," its monthly rent of $15,000 became too expensive. "Our landlord just wasn't interested in making it work. They feel that the space is worth what it's worth,' Stowaway said. Offering "All live fire, coastal California dining" and "Bringing #firetotable cooking to the Mission" according to its Instagram profile, Osito began with a single tasting menu before expanding to four-course and a la carte options. A close-up of a plate of food from The Olde Pink House Restaurant. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)'We are proud of the restaurant that we created and grew from the ground up in 2021,' Stowaway said in a statement to KRON4. 'Less than a year after opening, Osito won our first Michelin star and since day one, we've been proud of the food and service that we were able to provide our guests. While the restaurant had seen many iterations throughout the years, this was a great restaurant. "I am full of joy that we are closing our doors at a time where we are busy and serving things we are super proud of. Unfortunately, the economy in San Francisco does not always make it sustainable for restaurants and for that reason, we must close our doors. I'm sure you'll hear more from us in the future.' This Sunday, Osito will serve Mother's Day brunch to conclude its service, offering a menu of grilled pork loin with creamed collard greens, johnny cakes with roasted cherries and fermented honey, smoked corn cake and more. Just three weeks ago, Osito had announced it was bringing its brunch menu back for the spring and summer, but obviously plans have changed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CA Insurance Commissioner travels world as state burns — Official on hot seat as insurance options dwindle
San Francisco ABC affiliate 7 On Your Side and The San Francisco Standard report that California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has been having a good time on the taxpayers' dime — during an unprecedented insurance crisis. The news outlets reveal that Commissioner Lara used campaign funding to pay for $30,000 in fancy meals and taxpayer dollars to travel to Paris, Bogota and beyond. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The state has launched a probe in the wake of the news investigations. Lara's spokesperson has responded to a request for comment by saying the Insurance Commissioner is 'laser focused on his job serving Californians as we face unprecedented times and bringing solutions to the insurance crisis.' Here's a look at what the commissioner has been doing and what critics are saying about it. According to ABC7, Commissioner Lara has gone on at least 46 cross-country and international trips with taxpayer funds. His office has not revealed the function of the trips. He has spent $30,000 at some of the fanciest restaurants in California, dining on lobster salpicón, sea urchin, rack of lamb, and a $16 grapefruit. The San Francisco Standard reports that the meals were listed as 'campaign meetings' and paid for with funds from a campaign committee he created during his run for lieutenant governor years ago. Even though his run was never publicly announced, he kept collecting campaign donations — coincidentally amounting to $30,000. As Insurance Commissioner, Lara's job is to lead the Department of Insurance, which licenses insurance companies, establishes rate regulations, punishes insurance companies for rule violations and investigates consumer complaints. Critics say he's not doing his job. Since 2019, he's missed eight of 14 of the state's insurance hearings. Dozens of insurers have left under his watch — 22 since 2021 according to the management consulting firm Milliman. Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80% — claims 'Armageddon' is coming. Don't believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Here's 3 ways to protect yourself While many insurers are fleeing California due to climate change risks, critics argue that Lara's actions have worsened the crisis. For example, CNBC reports that some insurers have pulled out because California has set strict limits on rate increases. Commissioner Lara blocked companies from raising premiums, despite huge losses, in part because of the potential impact of price increases on his re-election chances. Now California insurers are being sued for allegedly colluding to limit coverage in high-risk areas. Critics suggest that Lara is too cozy with insurers — especially after he was caught collecting tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations in 2019. If critics are right that Lara's actions made things worse, Californians are the ones footing the bill. 'Lara is not serious. It was always a game to him,' political scientist David Letterman told the San Francisco Standard. 'And now insurers are leaving. People are being priced out; they can't get insurance. It's gone beyond like, 'Oh, he's just not up for the job.' Many Californians have had to turn to the FAIR Plan. FAIR has issued 555,000 home policies in California — double the number in 2020 — covering $458 billion in properties. The FAIR Plan was established by statute to make sure everyone could get coverage. Essentially, it's a high-risk pool. All insurers licensed to sell property and casualty coverage in California come together to cover FAIR plan participants. The insurers share profits, losses, and expenses. The problem is that FAIR Plans are costly and provide limited coverage to homeowners. With so many homeowners stuck with few choices, it's no wonder people are mad at the commissioner for living his best life on taxpayer and campaign funds. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
San Francisco's Asian voters tell local news why they are 'walking away' from the Democrats
Asian Americans in liberal San Francisco are speaking out about how members of their community, ranging from Trump supporters to left-leaning organizers, are leaving the modern Democratic Party, according to a new report in The San Francisco Standard. The Standard reporters Han Li and Noah Baustin shared a piece highlighting how, even in one of America's most well-known liberal cities, one of its historic ethnic communities is growing wary of far-left policy. The piece opened with an anecdote about local State Sen. Scott Wiener speaking to seniors at a Chinese New Year celebration, where he attempted to warn them about the hazards of Trump's return to the White House. "The message fell on deaf ears for some in the audience," the Standard's reporters said. "Quite a few voted for Trump and are no fans of Democrats, who have long dominated San Francisco politics." The story is headlined, "Why SF's Asian American voters are walking away from the Democratic party." San Francisco Crime Problems Leave Asian Americans Frustrated, Angry With Mayor Breed: Report The authors quoted Lai Wah Hun, a local Trump-supporting resident who attended the event, "Many of my neighbors support Trump," he said. "Democrats are too left. I don't like them." While he noted he has more relaxed views on immigration than Trump, he argued, "Democrats are making America like a sinking ship." Read On The Fox News App His views are surprisingly widespread in the area, the story claims. The authors note the Visitacion Valley and Portola took the biggest swing toward Trump in this past election and have large Asian populations. "The seven neighborhoods that voted for Trump at the highest rates in 2024 have the city's largest Asian populations. Six of the 10 neighborhoods that saw the largest increase in Trump voting between 2020 and 2024 were close to or majority Asian," the reporters said. "Underlying this turn to the right among Asian voters is a mounting distrust of the Democratic Party." Rex Tabora, the executive director of the Asian Pacific American Community Center in Visitacion Valley told the local news outlet that famous incidents of crimes against Asian victims have made locals increasingly wary of their officials. "When it comes to public safety, Asians are law-and-order kind of folks," he said. In the same neighborhood, a loyal supporter of the president who has run for mayor multiple times, Ellen Lee Zhou, was credited by the news outlet as having "likely played a role in the shift toward Trump." Zhou, The Standard reported, makes regular appearances on "Companion on the road," a Chinese-language radio where she discusses politics and criticizes Democratic leadership. Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture "I want to educate law-abiding citizens to support Trump, and illegal immigrants are exploiting our welfare system," Zhou explained to The Standard in Chinese, estimating her audience is between 30,000 and 50,000 listeners. The Standard also spoke to left-leaning Asian politicians as local Democrats grow wary of their slipping hold on this demographic. "It's clear that voters are frustrated with national Democrats, including many in the Chinese community in San Francisco," Nancy Tung, chair of San Francisco's Democratic Party said. "I'm committed to making sure we engage the Chinese community and other immigrant communities to hear their concerns and win them back in the next and future elections." One example of the Democratic Party's tattered brand is how a local progressive Asian group, The Rose Pak Democratic Club, changed its name by removing "Democratic" from its name, as noted in a separate piece by The San Francisco Standard. "Club leaders said they wanted the move to serve as a wake-up call to the party about the increasing detachment in the Asian community," The Standard summarized. Club president Jeremy Lee said that the Democrats are particularly struggling with immigrants who exclusively speak Chinese. He said that "Some of the seniors were saying, 'I like you, but I don't like the Democratic Party,'" and that concepts like "defund the police" fall flat with the Chinese American community. The Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC), a moderate group, has reportedly met success by contrasting itself against progressivism. CADC president Josephine Zhao touted in a statement to The San Francisco Standard, "We are proud to help our community in voicing their centrist views."Original article source: San Francisco's Asian voters tell local news why they are 'walking away' from the Democrats


Fox News
22-02-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
San Francisco's Asian voters tell local news why they are 'walking away' from the Democrats
Asian Americans in liberal San Francisco are speaking out about how members of their community, ranging from Trump supporters to left-leaning organizers, are leaving the modern Democratic Party, according to a new report in The San Francisco Standard. The Standard reporters Han Li and Noah Baustin shared a piece highlighting how, even in one of America's most well-known liberal cities, one of its historic ethnic communities is growing wary of far-left policy. The piece opened with an anecdote about local State Sen. Scott Wiener speaking to seniors at a Chinese New Year celebration, where he attempted to warn them about the hazards of Trump's return to the White House. "The message fell on deaf ears for some in the audience," the Standard's reporters said. "Quite a few voted for Trump and are no fans of Democrats, who have long dominated San Francisco politics." The story is headlined, "Why SF's Asian American voters are walking away from the Democratic party." The authors quoted Lai Wah Hun, a local Trump-supporting resident who attended the event, "Many of my neighbors support Trump," he said. "Democrats are too left. I don't like them." While he noted he has more relaxed views on immigration than Trump, he argued, "Democrats are making America like a sinking ship." His views are surprisingly widespread in the area, the story claims. The authors note the Visitacion Valley and Portola took the biggest swing toward Trump in this past election and have large Asian populations. "The seven neighborhoods that voted for Trump at the highest rates in 2024 have the city's largest Asian populations. Six of the 10 neighborhoods that saw the largest increase in Trump voting between 2020 and 2024 were close to or majority Asian," the reporters said. "Underlying this turn to the right among Asian voters is a mounting distrust of the Democratic Party." Rex Tabora, the executive director of the Asian Pacific American Community Center in Visitacion Valley told the local news outlet that famous incidents of crimes against Asian victims have made locals increasingly wary of their officials. "When it comes to public safety, Asians are law-and-order kind of folks," he said. In the same neighborhood, a loyal supporter of the president who has run for mayor multiple times, Ellen Lee Zhou, was credited by the news outlet as having "likely played a role in the shift toward Trump." Zhou, The Standard reported, makes regular appearances on "Companion on the road," a Chinese-language radio where she discusses politics and criticizes Democratic leadership. "I want to educate law-abiding citizens to support Trump, and illegal immigrants are exploiting our welfare system," Zhou explained to The Standard in Chinese, estimating her audience is between 30,000 and 50,000 listeners. The Standard also spoke to left-leaning Asian politicians as local Democrats grow wary of their slipping hold on this demographic. "It's clear that voters are frustrated with national Democrats, including many in the Chinese community in San Francisco," Nancy Tung, chair of San Francisco's Democratic Party said. "I'm committed to making sure we engage the Chinese community and other immigrant communities to hear their concerns and win them back in the next and future elections." One example of the Democratic Party's tattered brand is how a local progressive Asian group, The Rose Pak Democratic Club, changed its name by removing "Democratic" from its name, as noted in a separate piece by The San Francisco Standard. "Club leaders said they wanted the move to serve as a wake-up call to the party about the increasing detachment in the Asian community," The Standard summarized. Club president Jeremy Lee said that the Democrats are particularly struggling with immigrants who exclusively speak Chinese. He said that "Some of the seniors were saying, 'I like you, but I don't like the Democratic Party,'" and that concepts like "defund the police" fall flat with the Chinese American community. The Chinese American Democratic Club (CADC), a moderate group, has reportedly met success by contrasting itself against progressivism. CADC president Josephine Zhao touted in a statement to The San Francisco Standard, "We are proud to help our community in voicing their centrist views."