Latest news with #WestCoast
CBS News
an hour ago
- Business
- CBS News
Richmond refinery experiences flaring, no emergency response needed, Chevron says
The Chevron Richmond refinery is flaring, forcing a Community Warning System (CWS) Level 1 notification on Saturday, the refinery said in a post on Facebook. The CWS Level 1 is the lowest level alert and indicates a minor incident. It's not expected to have off-site health consequences. Chevron said its workforce is working to minimize and stop the flaring. It said no emergency response or community action is required. Flaring happens when excess gas burns during equipment shutdowns or malfunctions. Chevron Richmond recently installed a real-time, automated system that it says improves the facility's flaring performance. The air quality can be found online.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Americans are now abandoning some of California's once-coveted cities — here's where they're headed instead
It's no secret that California's golden glow has started to dim for many residents. The latest PODS Moving Trends Report reveals a mass migration as people pack up and move out of the Golden State, with seven cities being hit especially hard. The reasons? Soaring housing prices, crime concerns, tax burdens, and the dream of a more affordable life elsewhere. Here are the top five California cities Americans are ditching and the new hot spots where they're landing. 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 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) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) California is home to seven of the top 20 U.S. cities or metro areas with the highest number of residents packing up and moving out, according to the report. But the top five cities experiencing the drain are: Stockton-Modesto People are leaving due to factors such as high crime rates, poverty, and homelessness, making it less attractive for families and businesses, and lacing it in the 13th spot on the report. Santa Barbara Despite coastal beauty and high-end allure, Santa Barbara is seeing an exodus, placing it in 11th spot. According to recent data, the city's population has dropped by over 4% since 2020. Despite its postcard-perfect charm, residents are struggling to keep up with home prices and an unemployment rate above the national average. San Diego Creeping up to the fifth spot from last year's eighth means this city is losing more residents. Beautiful beaches simply can't make up for the soaring cost of living. San Diego's laidback lifestyle is being overshadowed by housing shortages and rising crime, meaning residents are leaving. San Francisco Once a tech-fueled dreamscape, San Francisco is bleeding residents (and businesses) and landing in the second spot again since last year. Eye-watering rents, visible homelessness, and a spike in crime are pushing people to reconsider the Bay. The city ranks at the very bottom of inbound vs. outbound moves, according to moveBuddha. Los Angeles Topping the outbound stats in the PODS study for the second consecutive year in a row, Los Angeles has been the poster child for California's migration crisis. The sky-high taxes, pricey housing, and congested traffic are pushing even celebrities to greener pastures. Not to mention wildfires and issues with insurance coverage. Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it A Public Policy Institute of California survey shows homelessness has increased in many Californian communities and that housing affordability is a problem. The majority of people who leave are heading to states with lower taxes, lower housing costs, and higher perceived quality of life. And according to a survey by SpareFoot, 26% of Americans who moved in 2024 did so for lower living costs, and 51% claimed safety was a major motivator. Many are looking for better work-life balance and lower taxes. So, where is everybody going? Here are the top relocation destinations: Texas Cities like Dallas-Fort Worth are rolling out the welcome mat. In fact, it's fifth according to PODS on a list of the 20 top cities people are moving to in 2025. One of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, the area's affordability, economic opportunities, and high quality of life make it an obvious choice for budget-conscious movers. Florida The Sunshine State is another no-tax haven that's especially attractive to retirees and remote workers. Cities like Ocala (second on PODS) and Jacksonville (10th) are booming with growth and sunshine. North Carolina Raleigh (third) and Wilmington (tied for first) are stealing some of California's spotlight with booming tech and healthcare sectors, low living costs, and family-friendly communities. North Carolina offers a strong job market without the sticker shock of California. South Carolina Greenville-Spartanburg (fourth) and Myrtle Beach (tied for first) are charming, offer job opportunities, and have a much lower cost of living. It's Southern hospitality that's attracting many Californians. California's still got the sunshine, but for many, it's just not worth the price tag anymore. Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Daily Mail
11 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
In-N-Out dethrones bitter rival to claim America's best burger chain... as McDonald's is also humiliated
The billboard trash talk didn't age well. Just a year ago Habit Burger & Grill used a roadside sign to boast about beating In-N-Out's iconic Double-Double in a fast food burger showdown. Now, a new ranking puts the California cult favorite the top spot in its annual list of the nation's best burger chains. The list, released by Yelp for International Burger Day, ranked chains with more than 100 locations across multiple states based on user reviews and brand performance. Struggling brands like Wahlburgers and Jack in the Box made the list, and BurgerFi was in the 13th slot despite its bankruptcy filing last year. McDonald's and Burger King, two of the largest fast food chains in the world, were down at 17 and 19 on the list, while smaller chains like Cook Out and Fatburger were 12th and 21st respectively. Scroll down for the full list. 'Today's consumers prioritize quality ingredients and customization in addition to convenience,' Yelp's Kadecia Ber told 'What's evident from our rankings is that burger chains resonating most with customers today are those finding the right balance between consistency, quality, and a distinctive brand identity.' In-N-Out Burger Founded in 1948, In-N-Out Burger is known for serving simple and inventive burgers and fries. More than 119,000 Yelp reviewers have praised the California based restaurant chain for its service and drive-thru experience. Some of the chain's popular menu items include its Double-Double burgers and Animal Style french fries topped with onions, cheese, and a secret sauce. 'You can never go wrong with Double Doubles, animal style,' a Yelp user wrote, adding it always has 'great service.' With more than 400 locations, In-N-Out Burger was named the top burger chain in the Western region and is planning to open seven new restaurants while phasing out artificial ingredients from its menu. Habit Burger & Grill The Habit Burger & Grill cracked the top 5 burger chains in the West and Northeast regions and is the second-best burger chain in the US overall. The first restaurant opened in 1969, and it now has nearly 400 restaurants worldwide. Yelp reviewers have praised the chain's Charburger, which comes with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and mayo. 'The menu is precisely thought out, the specialty burgers are just an example of the creativity the kitchen is capable of,' a New Jersey-based customer wrote on Yelp. The chain recently opened new restaurants in Washington and Idaho. Shake Shack What began as a New York hot dog cart in 2001 is now the nation's third-best burger chain that cracked the top 3 burger chain listings in each US region. It's also the top-ranked burger chain in 21 states and Washington DC, and its original New York restaurant has over 5,800 Yelp reviews. 'They have a delicious gluten-free bun and the bacon avocado burger is my go-to.' With over 320 restaurants across the US, the chain plans to open 80 to 85 company-operated restaurants this year and rolled out its first loyalty program this week. Culver's Culver's has served burgers to customers since opening its first restaurant in 1984. It rests at number 4 on the national ranking, but Yelp named it the top burger chain in the South and Midwest regions. Several fans have given positive reviews over its ButterBurgers and frozen custard. 'Great burgers. Very nifty custard ice cream. Good prices. Friendly service. What's not to love!,' a reviewer wrote. There are currently over 1,000 Culver's across 26 states and is adding 55 new locations this year. Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Founded in 1982, the nation's fifth-best burger chain has less than 50 locations and only operates in Arizona and California. Each restaurant provides a beachy atmosphere while serving unique items like the spicy Kilauea and the veggie-friendly Shorebird. 'This is my go to for a burger, never flat soda, cool Cali vibes with plenty of televisions with sports and surf scenes,' a customer stated. Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is famous for its retro décor and fan favorite Steakburgers. However, reviewers have also praised its Original Double and its signature fry sauce. 'I love the old school vibe-a frozen custard and a burger is classic combo,' a customer admitted on Yelp. The brand operates over 500 restaurants in the US and Canada, and has been working on its plan add 130 new locations between 2024 and 2025. Five Guys Five Guys has become a burger chain empire with over 1,800 locations worldwide. Opening its first location in 1986, fans enjoy the variety of options offered when customizing their burgers and food that's 'cooked to perfection.' The restaurant chain is one of the top brands in three US regions, and has already opened more US locations this year. Wayback Burgers Wayback Burgers operates over 170 restaurants worldwide and has experienced consistent franchise system growth. Its also famous for its rotating specials and unique flavor combinations in the eyes of Yelp users. 'Wayback burgers are great to any food places is great these burgers are great to perfection,' a customer wrote. The chain has opened new restaurants in Georgia and North Carolina and plans to open more in Texas, Ohio, and Iowa later this year. MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Founded in California, In-N-Out Burger also beat out Habit Burger & Grill for the top burger chain in the Western region Top 25 burger chains in the US In-N-Out Burger The Habit Burger Grill Shake Shack Culver's Islands Restaurants Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Five Guys Burgers & Fries Wayback Burgers MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes Red Robin Jack in the Box Cook Out BurgerFi Whataburger Wahlburgers Smashburger McDonald's Sonic Drive-In Burger King White Castle Fatburger Wendy's Carl's Jr. Checkers and Rally's Steak 'n Shake SOURCE: Yelp The youngest restaurant chain on the list, MOOYAH brings a high level of burger customization to over 100 restaurants nationwide. Customers can also choose between Angus beef, turkey, or veggie patties when ordering food. 'Amazing lettuce wrapped burger, great spicy kick,' a customer wrote. While it is smaller than several chains, MOOYAH is planning to add 54 locations in Texas by 2030. Red Robin Red Robin has not let their potential 70 restaurant closures stop them from receiving positive Yelp reviews. The family-friendly chain is known for its massive menu and offers multiple fan favorite foods like Whiskey River BBQ Burger and teriyaki-glazed Banzai Burger. 'Red Robin: where the burgers are bold, the broccoli is shockingly tasty, and the fries... well, they play hard to get,' a customer joked. The 56-year-old chain operates over 490 restaurants in the US and Canada, and is one of the top-ranked burger chains in the Northeast.
CNET
11 hours ago
- Health
- CNET
My Top 5 Smart Thermostat Tips to Beat the Summer Heat
It's not summer yet but the West Cost is already bracing for its first heat wave of the year, with other regions not far behind. I'm worried your smart thermostat may not be caught up on summer temperatures. Fortunately, the right changes to your settings can prep your home while ensuring you keep on saving money without your AC going off the rails. Smart thermostats excel at this kind of response, from automated changes to easy app updates even if you aren't home. These recommendations will have you set for the heat to come. Read more: The Best Smart Thermostats for Your Home 1. Set 'at home' heating to 68 Fahrenheit Set your thermostat to 68°F or below when winter comes knocking. Tyler Lacoma/CNET Check your summer scheduling in your app settings (such as the Ecobee app or the Google Home or Apple Home app) and use your scheduling options to set the daytime temperature -- when everyone will be home -- to 76 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. That's enough to keep the house cool without overheating or wasting energy. If you like the heat and can get a reliable breeze by opening windows, you may be able to bump settings up to 80 degrees or so to save more money. But when outdoor temperatures start soaring well above 80 degrees, close the windows so they don't dilute your cool air. Important note: Some US cities have cooling regulations that indicate thermostats can't be set above a certain temperature. They usually do this to prevent landlords from risking the health of the elderly or pets in an effort to save money during the hottest days. Check your city to see if it has any of these laws in place. 2. Set 'away/asleep' heating at 82 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit Google Home makes it easy to apply weekly schedules in minutes. Tyler Lacoma/CNET When everyone is out of the house for work or school, or asleep with a healthy dose of blankets, set your temperature trigger to between 82 and 85 Fahrenheit, depending on what feels the most comfortable. Lower temperatures are typically better when you're sleeping, while the house can usually endure higher temperatures when everyone is away -- although you should also think about what keeps your pets comfortable. Of course, we know that for some, sleeping when you're too hot is impossible. That's why it's also a good idea to remove some bedding for summer and crack open a window when temperatures get lower. Try to avoid setting up indoor rotating fans or similar solutions, as they'll eat into your electricity bill. 3. Turn on your Eco/CNET Most smart thermostats have an Eco mode or a recommended mode for saving as much money as possible. Ecobee even has an Eco Plus mode that adjusts cooling based on local electricity use in peak hours to save more energy. Enable these modes and apply them to your thermostat settings to see their suggestions. Nest thermostats, for example, have a green leaf icon that shows exactly when you're starting to save to make things easier. Usually, Eco modes are the best way to save on your bills without thinking about it and they tend to be reasonable. My Google Nest Thermostat Gen 4, for example, usually sets my "hold" eco mode to 82 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and can be adjusted from there. These modes combine well with learning modes that keep track of your manual preferences and home activity to automate savings suggestions over time. 4. Create a vacation mode Ecobee offers a dedicated vacation mode for its smart thermostat. Ecobee/CNET If your smart thermostat supports a vacation mode or alternate mode, set it up so that this alternate schedule is ready for summer trips. You may want it a little cooler in the day than your full away mode settings to help keep pets and plants comfortable, but maximize your savings by skipping any "at home" temperature bumps. If no one is at home and you're confident your house can withstand anything, close the shades and turn the cooling off entirely. Note that the Nest thermostat doesn't have a full alternate scheduling option but you can choose the "Add event" option for a similar result when creating your vacation plans. Read more: Home Security Prep If You're Taking a Trip 5. Move your satellite sensor to a common room Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor that makes cooling decisions based on location. Nest Newer smart thermostats often come with a satellite temperature sensor or let you buy one as an add-on (here's a Nest version for $40). This allows the thermostat to make cooling decisions based on a different location beyond the often-central thermostat installation. That can be very useful if parts of your home stay too hot (living rooms with lots of electronics, kitchens with active ovens, etc.) while air near the thermostat cools down too quickly. However, be careful with this method because it could cost you more money in the long run (which may be a small price to pay for your comfort). To save money, you can move the sensor to the coolest room, such as a bedroom at night with the windows open. Complete your home prep by learning if a space heater can help you save money and your home checklist for leaving on vacation.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
I bought my 'forever home' with 3 other people. Here's how we manage our finances.
Austin Mark and his husband decided to buy a house with another couple in 2024. Buying a house together allowed all four people to get more bang for their bucks. Here's how they split their mortgage payment and manage their finances. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Austin Mark, 39, who bought a house in July 2024 with three other people — his husband and another couple, Nate and Stephanie. Business Insider has verified Mark's home ownership. His words have been edited for length and clarity. My husband Bryan and I moved from Chicago to the West Coast 14 years ago. We decided to move back to Chicago last year, and our friends Nate Hanak and Stephanie Strother asked if we wanted to purchase property together. They're the only people on the planet who we could imagine doing it with. We have a very balanced relationship with them. We hear a lot of people tell us they've always wanted to buy a big house with their friends, and we've also heard a lot of people say we're absolutely crazy. When we decided to proceed, we started having Zoom calls frequently to ensure everybody was on the same page. Conversation one was, "Let's talk about finances." We wanted to have all of our personal finances on the table so that we knew what everyone was comfortable with. It was helpful to have a really open and honest conversation about where everybody was at. In July 2024 we found a multi-unit building that we all liked. The house was around $800,000. Each couple split the down payment 50/50, and we decided to put down 40% of the total home value. We wanted to put down more to lower our monthly payments since mortgage rates were so high. The 40% down brought us to a place where neither couple would see a significant increase in their monthly housing costs before and after buying the house. For our monthly payments now, instead of each couple paying half of the mortgage every month, we actually switch off. One couple pays the whole mortgage for the whole building every other month. It all breaks down to being the same, but it definitely simplifies things. Not everything is bundled together, though. We decided to separate our taxes and insurance. With what we are each paying, we never could have found something similar separately, even if each couple had something half the size of this house. If you buy a house with other people, it's important to treat it as a business as much as it is a living situation. We had gone through the process with a lawyer of talking about creating an LLC and then ultimately decided that it wasn't necessary because we don't intend to rent any parts of our house. Our operating agreement lays out the terms of how finances are split. The wording of our operating agreement includes all of the legal stuff that you would find in any agreement among business partners purchasing property. We have HOA meetings just like we would if we didn't know each other before doing this. We take care of things by voting. Anything to do with our individual units, like a personal aesthetic choice, is with each couple's own money. We split anything that has to do with common areas or the yard. It's a very old building, so we did run into a plumbing emergency not long after purchasing the building. We split the cost of the sewer line clean out. The property has very large trees on it, so we also paid an arborist to come and clear up the trees and split that evenly. The building at present has four kitchens, four full baths, two half baths, and six bedrooms. Each couple has a primary unit with an identical footprint, and then we have a secondary unit that's pretty different. Stephanie and Nate have an attic unit, and my husband and I have the basement unit. The two primary units have the same footprint, but they look completely different. Mine has all dark wood trim and a very old Chicago prairie style, while theirs is much lighter and a bit more modern. Their attic unit has a really cool skylight, and they like how bright and open it is, while I like playing video games in the basement. The fact that we're not sharing kitchens and bathrooms makes it really easy to feel like we're living our own lives and not in each other's space. We refer to it as the "forever home," which might have been a joke at first, but since we've gotten in here, it does feel like it's a very long-term living solution. We have a ton of space. If anybody ends up having kids, there's room to grow within the building already. Because the apartments are separate, it doesn't feel at all like we're roommates. Read the original article on Business Insider Sign in to access your portfolio
