Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 232

Thursday night: The latest on the Moss Landing battery plant fire

The North County Fire Department was keeping an eye on a fire in a building containing batteries well into the night Thursday that reportedly began at 3 p.m. at the Vistra Power Plant in Moss Landing.

According to the County of Monterey, as of 11 p.m. it was unsure how long the “incident” would last.

Flames from a structure containing batteries lit up the night sky and could be seen from as far away as Pacific Grove. The County reported that standard procedure with battery fires is that water can’t be used and the batteries must burn themselves out. As of 11 p.m., the County said it was estimated that 40 percent of the building containing batteries had burned. It also noted battery buildings there can be approximately 50,000 square feet.

Nearby residents were advised to close windows and doors and shut off air systems until further notice. The County said in its press release Vistra was monitoring the atmosphere around the plant.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for areas of Moss Landing south of the Elkhorn Slough, north of Molera Road and Monterey Dunes Way, and west of Castroville Boulevard and Elkhorn Road to the ocean. Those areas encompass more than 1,200 people. The Castroville Recreation Center was opened as a Temporary Evacuation Point at 11261 Crane St, Castroville.

All Vistra employees, law and fire personnel were safe and accounted for according to the County.

A fire rages out of control at the Vistra battery storage plant, one of the world’s largest, in Moss Landing on Thursday. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group)

Several roads in the area, including neighboring Highway 1, were closed, including Dolan Road and Castroville Boulevard.  Motorists on Highway 1 south of Moss Landing were being directed off at Molera Road. Southbound travelers north of the fire on Highway 1 were directed off at Struve Road. For more information visit: https://www.readymontereycounty.org/emergency

The fire also impacted local schools. A Carmel High basketball game at North Monterey County was postponed midway through the third quarter. The Monterey County Office of Education Early Learning Program preschool at North Monterey County Middle School was planning to be closed Friday due to the fire, as well as all North Monterey County Unified School District schools and offices.

Editor’s note: In 2021 the Herald did a deep dive into what had caused two previous ‘smokey’ incidents at the plant and the challenges of battery storage plants. You can read that story here.

Flames from Thursday’s Moss Landing fire could be seen from Pacific Grove. (David Royal/ Monterey Herald Correspondent)

Pacific Grove Council appoints Cynthia Garfield to vacant seat

PACIFIC GROVE – The Pacific Grove City Council has a full quorum, after appointing a seventh member to a seat left vacant since November 2024.

Cynthia Garfield was sworn in Wednesday, succeeding Debby Beck, in a 6-0 vote.

Garfield is a formal councilwoman, elected in 2016 and previously served as the president of the Pacific Grove Library Foundation.

“I commend all of the council for their attention to doing it right and getting a good result. I know we have a difference of opinion, but I really thank you for the unanimous vote, that means a lot to me,” Garfield said.

Mayor Nick Smith praised Garfield for her presentation.

“I think Cynthia is the right choice, she was really prepared and I was impressed by her comments tonight,” Smith said. “She’s ready to tackle the issues and has served before which is a challenge as we all know.”

Seven people applied for the two-year term; Anna Bornstein, Ross Davison, Melvin Dubee, Garfield, Michael Gibbs, Eugene Loh and Donald Murphy. An eighth candidate, Jennifer Kelly withdrew her application.

Of the group, the council nominated Bornstein, Davison, Garfield and Murphy. They went through a second round of voting where council members can select a candidate and asked for a second motion.

Murphy had a lot of support from the public. Residents wrote letters to the council backing Murphy for his well known persona in the community, and calm demeanor.

“We have a unique opportunity to bring in Donald Murphy who brings in all his experience from the planning commission and his experience with the community,” said Councilwoman Lori McDonnell.

Murphy was nominated during the second round of voting, but the vote failed 2-4.

Bornstien and Davison also got a lot of from the public, many who supported a younger group of candidates making their way on the council.

“I think we need people who are going to live with the impact of our decisions, and I think Anna Bornstein and Ross Davison would serve that well,” Councilwoman Tina Rau said.

The council members said the decision was a difficult one, and encouraged several of the candidates to run in a future election.

“The wealth of talent that came forth is incredible and has made this decision monumentally difficult,” Councilman Paul Walkingstick said.

Stevenson student receives prestigious full-ride scholarship

Stevenson School senior Michelle Henaku has received a full-ride scholarship to Columbia University through the QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship. Henaku is among 2,627 students who received the scholarship, from a pool of over 25,000 applicants.

The scholarship, founded in 1994, works to partner high-achieving students from low-income backgrounds with top-ranking universities they may otherwise not have applied to. The scholarship will provide Henaku with a comprehensive financial aid package that covers the full cost of attendance at Columbia.

“I am incredibly grateful to have received this opportunity because I know how rare it is and every day I wake up, it feels like a dream – because this was my dream,” said Henaku, who came to Stevenson from Chicago. When applying to colleges, Henaku’s two criteria were that it preferably be in New York City and that she be surrounded by passionate, intellectually curious peers. “Columbia fit that, and I am glad they (also) saw me as a fit.”

The scholarship was originally birthed as a five-week residential summer program for high school juniors from low-income families to experience day-to-day life at top colleges.

Over the five weeks, founders Ana Rowena Mallari and Michael McCullough “saw the immense, untapped potential in bright, motivated students from low-income backgrounds” according to the Questbridge website. Since 2004, the scholarship has gained 52 college partners and served over 100,000 students.

“It’s rare, in my experience, to find a teenager who is so brilliant and not just want to do well in class, but (want) sustained, deep growing love of learning just for learning’s sake,” said Isa Aguirre, English Department faculty member and Stevenson’s Co-Director of Equity and Inclusion.

Henaku kicked-off this year’s Vespers event at Stevenson. The event is an opportunity for seniors to reflect on their journey. Henaku spoke about her experiences in track and field. (Courtesy photo)

On an East Coast College Tour program, Henaku fell in love with New York. She soon realized “I could not see myself anywhere but New York City, so that was the dream.” Coupled with the magic of being in the city, Columbia’s first-year Core Curriculum resonated with her “as someone who really enjoyed the junior year core U.S. history and literature curriculum at Stevenson.

“I have always wanted to expand my knowledge about pertinent culture, whether that be through books, art, history and more which is something that Columbia aims to instill in all their students through the Core Curriculum,” she said.

Henaku’s junior year was immeasurable in the ways it shaped her as a scholar, she said. “I had never been as intellectually curious as I was in my junior year when I was enrolled in U.S. History with Mr. Bates and English 3 with Dr. Hiles,” said Henaku. “The intersection of American history and literature in the junior year curriculum, and I am biased because these are my two favorite subjects, showed me what it means to be truly passionate and curious about a subject and the joy that comes with that.”

“She would make observations that were mind-blowing to me,” said Aguirre, of teaching Henaku in her freshman English class. “In future English classes, I would cite her … she’s not just a delight to teach but makes you a better teacher.”

Her discovered passion for the two subjects has led Henaku to be interested in political science as a major and future career field. At Stevenson, she realized that history has a “tendency to provide context to whatever’s going on in the world.” She has since found “political science to be the avenue between just learning and applying that in a way that suits me in the real world.”

Along with her academic achievements, Henaku has spent her time at Stevenson learning how to be a leader. As an affinity group leader in the school’s Black Student Union, her main goal in this role is “to create experiences where younger Black students feel like they have the space to be authentically themselves,” she said. “I do this by centering joy, empowerment, and belonging in our meetings … it has been a very healing and rewarding part of my Stevenson journey.”

Henaku’s leadership skills in the classroom and through the Black Student Union are part of what makes her invaluable to the culture at Stevenson, according to Aguirre. “She brings that same kind of brilliance (and) warmth … she has that capacity and skillset in so many realms. It’s not just an academic strength, it’s a permanent strength in all spaces she’s in.”

With her time at Stevenson coming to an end in a few months, Henaku is reflecting on her journey at the school, specifically her junior year, and the opportunities it has awarded her.

“Although this period of my life was so recent and unfolded over just one year,” said Henaku, “it has defined me so profoundly, as both a student and person, that sometimes I can’t even remember who I was before it.”

As Biden warns of an ‘oligarchy,’ Trump will be flanked by tech billionaires at his inauguration

By NICHOLAS RICCARDI and ALI SWENSON

President Joe Biden’s pointed warning about the U.S. becoming an “ oligarchy ” of tech billionaires will be illustrated at Donald Trump’s inauguration, when the world’s three richest men will sit on the dais as Trump is sworn in for a second term.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | Donald Trump vows to help ‘troubled’ Hollywood with Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone National Politics | Trump offered a bountiful batch of campaign promises that come due on Day 1 National Politics | Get ready for an even bigger chill. Siberian air to make Trump swearing-in coldest in 40 years National Politics | Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for public lands boss, questions reliability of renewable power National Politics | Biden warns the US risks becoming an ‘oligarchy.’ What does the term mean? Elon Musk, the world’s wealthiest person, took an unprecedented, hands-on role in the final stretch of Trump’s campaign, spending some $200 million through a super PAC. Musk has a new role reshaping government in the upcoming administration and will be joined on the dais by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Both men’s companies have enormous contracts with the federal government.

Rounding out the trio is Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who recently changed his company’s priorities to align with Trump’s and has cozied up to the president-elect less than six months after Trump threatened to imprison him.

The three men are worth nearly $1 trillion combined and will be joined at the inauguration by the chief executive officers of OpenAI and the social media platform TikTok, which is scheduled to be shut down in the U.S. over the weekend under a new law that Trump opposes.

Meta, Amazon and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman donated $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund.

The mega-rich have long had a prominent role in national politics, and several billionaires helped bankroll the campaign of Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Biden recently gave the presidential medal of freedom to George Soros, a billionaire donor to liberal causes.

But the inaugural display highlights the unusually direct role billionaires have in the incoming administration. Biden’s use of the word “oligarchy” was no accident — it’s a direct reference to the form of government in Russia, whose leader Trump has long spoken warmly about. Russian President Vladimir Putin preserves the uber-rich’s wealth and keeps them under control with threats.

Here’s a look at the dynamics of the incoming administration and the mega-rich:

A new level of wealth

Inequality in the U.S. actually dropped during most of Biden’s term and is slightly lower than it was 10 years ago, but remains quite high historically.

Consider that the wealthiest 0.1% of Americans — about 131,000 households — owned nearly 14% of the nation’s wealth as of last fall, or more than $22 trillion in stocks, bonds, real estate and other assets, according to the most recent data from the Federal Reserve. That is up from up from 10% two decades ago.

The bottom half of the U.S. population — or about 65 million households — collectively own just 2.4% of the nation’s wealth, or just under $4 trillion, according to Federal Reserve data.

A relatively new development, however, is the stratospheric levels of wealth of a handful of the country’s several hundred billionaires.

Musk, for example, is worth $450 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bezos, at $242 billion and Zuckerberg, at $212 billion, have also reached new heights. They are the only people worth more than $200 billion in the world. All but two of the top 10 wealthiest people in the world are technology moguls.

The exploding levels of affluence have led Democrats to try to revamp the U.S. tax code to target wealth. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren proposed a wealth tax during her unsuccessful 2020 bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. Democrats in 10 states last year unsuccessfully tried to create wealth taxes. Several Democratic-leaning states impose higher taxes on those making more than $1 million as a way to address income inequality.

An oligarch who argues he’ll disrupt oligarchy

Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance — who worked as a venture capitalist with conservative Silicon Valley billionaire, Peter Thiel — and others in their inner circle identify themselves as men of the people, promising to wrest back power from interest groups and elites and restore it to Americans.

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative influencer, has repeatedly called the U.S. government an “oligarchy” that rejects the will of the citizens for its own military and financial interests.

Trump, of course, is himself a billionaire. And part of his pitch has always been a billionaire-focused form of populism. He and his allies have argued that a vast array of intellectual elites — lawyers, executives, journalists and academics — have held back the country’s lower and middle class and that rich entrepreneurs can free them.

That tension came out Thursday during the confirmation hearing of Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the Treasury, Scott Bessent. Vermont’s Democratic Sen. Bernie Sanders noted high levels of wealth inequality in the country and the control the mega-rich have over social media.

“Would you agree with President Biden that an oligarchy is taking shape in America?” Sanders asked Bessent.

The nominee replied: “The billionaires you listed make the money themselves.”

Bessent, a hedge fund manager, is one of several billionaires Trump has tapped for his Cabinet.

The Russia example

The term “oligarch” has been most associated with Russia in modern times.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1990s, a group of businessmen took advantage of the privatizing of state industries under then-Russian President Boris Yeltsin to quickly snap up vast holdings.

They became known as “oligarchs,” and by the time Putin came to power in 2000, they had amassed both vast wealth and power while millions of ordinary Russians had struggled through turbulent economic times.

After Putin took office, he met with top oligarchs at a closed-door meeting in the Kremlin and reportedly offered a deal: Stay out of politics and your wealth won’t be touched.

Russian oligarchs who didn’t end up imprisoned or dead became uber-wealthy and largely remain under Putin’s control.

The risk in the U.S.

The U.S. is a long way from Russian-style oligarchy, with a diverse, strong economy and resilient institutions. The risk is that if wealth is increasingly determined by executives’ relationships with the government, it can increase inequality and lead to stagnation for most. That’s the cautionary tale of Russia.

Some worry that’s starting to happen in the U.S. as Trump prepares to take office. Just look at the technology sector, with which Trump spent much of his first term feuding with and vowing to retaliate against if he returned to office.

Google and Microsoft both reportedly donated $1 million to the president-elect’s inauguration fund. Zuckerberg is cohosting a reception with wealthy Republican donors next week for the inauguration, and Microsoft’s chief executive officer had lunch with Trump and Vance at Trump’s Florida headquarters at Mar-A-Lago this week.

And Amazon recently bought exclusive rights to a documentary about Trump’s wife, incoming first lady Melania Trump.

Brooke Harrington, a sociologist at Dartmouth College who studies the world’s wealthiest people, dubbed the new wave of Trump tech supporters “broligarchs.”

“It’s not going to be good for democracy anywhere in the world,” Harrington said of their rise, “because they have essentially acquired so much wealth that they’re more powerful than the governments of individual nations.”

Associated Press writers Josh Boak, Fatima Hussein, Zeke Miller, Gary Fields and Christopher Rugaber in Washington, D.C., David Lieb in Jefferson City, Missouri, Harriet Morris in Tallinn, Estonia, Matt O’Brien in Providence, Rhode Island, and Michelle L. Price in New York contributed to this report.

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Monterey airport in process of choosing new terminal construction firm

MONTEREY – The Monterey Regional Airport is readying the site of its new terminal building as a ceremonial groundbreaking is slated for late spring or early summer, and while a plan for a key component of its interior takes shape.

The construction drawings for the new terminal were completed in mid-November 2024 and the drawings and specifications went out to bid.

“We have elected to go with a project delivery method called ‘Construction Management as Contractor,’” said Monterey Regional Airport Executive Director Mike La Pier. “We have all the plans being reviewed by the firms that expressed interest in the project and will be interviewing all the firms later this month.”

Four construction firms are in the bid process now, and no additional firms will be considered at this time, La Pier said, and initial guaranteed maximum price proposals will be in by March with groundbreaking likely coming in May or June.

“We will have the selection process done and ready for Board approval by March” and the winning candidate announced at that time, he said.

When operations move to the new terminal once its completed in late 2026, the current terminal building will be utilized for different purposes and will continue to house its restaurant.

“The existing terminal will remain for the time being,” said La Pier.

What will become the old terminal building will still have some utility, said La Pier, just not as an airline terminal, and will likely be the site of the U.S. Customs operation for which the airport has been in discussions.

Part of the reason a new terminal is being built is because the existing terminal is too close to aircraft operations and has been operating commercial flights with a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA requires that Monterey Regional Airport relocate the passenger facilities to make way for operational safety enhancements to Taxiway A, which connects to and supports the primary air carrier Runway 10R-28L, according to the airport district.

The footprint for the new terminal building and its corresponding commercial apron, or ramp, to accommodate aircraft, are currently being established.

For more than 25 years, the Monterey airport says it has shoe-horned terminal operations into limited, inefficient space in the existing terminal building which is not designed to support many of today’s aviation-required regulations.

“That does not mean the building has to be demolished,” said La Pier. “It simply means that the airline aircraft can no longer be served by the existing terminal once the taxiway is relocated to meet FAA requirements because the aircraft they use are too large to be accommodated.”

La Pier said the Monterey airport cannot bring the taxiway into compliance until the new terminal is operational and all airline service is relocated.

The design for the new replacement terminal at the Monterey Regional Airport provides a central gate lounge area with views of the courtyard and aircraft gates, seating for 246, with drinks and snacks available for travelers. Woody’s currently has a first right of refusal on the new, smaller restaurant in the new terminal and it has made its interest in working on a lease for the new space known when it is appropriate to do so. (HOK/MPAD)

Among other things, the current terminal houses a popular restaurant that is accessible to the general public, but the new terminal’s design places a restaurant space in the heart of the building after people have gone through the Transportation Security Administration – TSA – checkpoint, making it only accessible to ticketed passengers and airport employees.

La Pier said that established restaurant operator, Woody’s At The Airport, has shown interest in operating both its current restaurant as well as the new terminal restaurant.

“Woody’s still has two years left on their agreement in the existing terminal. We are in discussions about an extension of the existing agreement or a new agreement,” said La Pier, who added that there is a possibility of a new agreement that would cover both restaurants.

“It should be noted that we cannot come to terms with Woody’s on the new space until it is better defined. We are working on that with Tim Wood as part of the final design,” said La Pier. “Once completed, we are confident we will reach an agreement since both parties are interested in making it happen.”

That would mean Woody’s At The Airport remains in its existing location and would have a presence in the new terminal as well.

For the second time in as many years, Woody’s at the Airport in Monterey has been voted “Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant” in the United States in the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice contest. (James Herrera/Monterey Herald)

“The public will have access to the existing facility as they do today,” said La Pier. “The new, smaller operation in the new terminal will be post-security meaning it will only be accessible by airport and airline passengers.”

Woody’s currently has a first right of refusal on the new, smaller restaurant in the new terminal, according to La Pier, and it has made its interest in working on a lease for the new space known when it is appropriate to do so.

“Given they have a first right of refusal, we intend on beginning those negotiations in the next few months,” said La Pier.

For two years running, Woody’s has been voted the “Best Airport Sit-Down Restaurant” in the United States in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice contest, beating out all other restaurants at much bigger airports in the nation.

In its latest tabulation, USA Today said, “There’s a gem of a restaurant at Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), helmed by chef Tim ‘Woody’ Wood, a local Carmel Valley favorite. Woody’s At The Airport is located before security, so travelers can expect to encounter locals who love it too. All gather to sample Woody’s daily specials, as well as his grilled steaks, sautéed sand dabs and award-winning honey chili chicken wings. Be sure to ask to see their wine list, which features several California gems.”

Woody’s at Del Mesa in Carmel Valley is the restaurant’s second location.

Marco Lucido, Workplace Law: New law regulates use of generative artificial intelligence in healthcare

Question: I heard there is a new California law that regulates the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare industry. Is this true?

Answer: Yes. On Jan. 1, California’s Assembly Bill 3030 became effective, marking a significant step in California’s regulation of generative artificial intelligence (known as “GenAI”). In general, AB 3030 requires providers in the healthcare industry to notify patients when they utilize GenAI to generate written or verbal communications with the patient. To understand this new law, a brief overview of GenAI is helpful.

GenAI is a type of artificial intelligence that is capable of creating new digital content, including text, audio, images and video, by analyzing vast amounts of data. In healthcare, this technology has transformative potential and can significantly enhance medical research, diagnostics and patient care.  However, its use also raises ethical and practical concerns about transparency, accountability and data accuracy.  AB 3030 addresses these concerns by requiring healthcare providers to disclose their use of GenAI in creating patient communications.

AB 3030 covers health facilities, clinics, physician’s offices and group practices that use GenAI technology to create verbal or written communications about a “patient’s clinical information.”  Under AB 3030, “patient clinical information” means information relating to the health status of a patient, as errors in care-related communications have potential to cause greater patient harm.

Examples of covered communications include automated emails explaining test results, AI-generated summaries of diagnoses or audio recordings providing treatment instructions.  Businesses that fall under this category must include two important disclosures in their communications with patients.

First, the covered business must include a disclaimer stating that the communication was generated using GenAI. For written communications involving physical and digital media (e.g., letters and emails), the disclaimer must appear at the beginning of each communication. For written communications involving continuous online interactions (e.g., chat-based telehealth), the disclaimer must be displayed throughout the interaction. For audio communications, the disclaimer must be provided verbally at the start and end of the interaction. For video communications, the disclaimer must be displayed throughout the video.

Second, the covered business must provide clear instructions on how patients can contact a licensed or certified healthcare provider or a human employee of the business.  This ensures that patients have access to someone who can clarify or expand on the information provided.

AB 3030 includes a significant exception. Under the law, a covered business does not need to provide these two disclosures if the communication has been reviewed and approved by a licensed or certified healthcare provider. Moreover, because the law only applies to communications about a “patient’s clinical information,” the disclosure is not required for communications pertaining to administrative and business matters, such as appointment scheduling, check-up reminders and billing.

AB 3030 includes significant enforcement measures. Health facilities and clinics that fail to comply will be subject to penalties, including fines and licensure actions.  Similarly, physicians who violate AB 3030 may be subject to disciplinary action against their licenses. Covered businesses can avoid these penalties by being proactive in the areas of communication templates, staff training and revised policies and procedures.

Though AB 3030 is currently focused on the healthcare industry, it represents California’s broader effort to regulate and mitigate the potential risks of GenAI in numerous settings.  Businesses are encouraged stay up-to-date on the changing legal landscape and may contact their legal counsel with questions about AB 3030 or similar laws.

Marco Lucido is a lawyer with Fenton & Keller in Monterey. This column is intended to answer questions of general interest and should not be construed as legal advice. Email queries to email@fentonkeller.com.

Donald Trump vows to help ‘troubled’ Hollywood with Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone

By LINDSEY BAHR and JILL COLVIN, Associated Press

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump wants to make Hollywood “bigger, better and stronger” and has cast Mel Gibson, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone as stars of what he is calling his “Special Ambassadors to a great but very troubled place, Hollywood, California.”

On Wednesday, the President-elect announced on his social media site that the three actors would be his eyes and ears to the moviemaking town.

“It will again be, like The United States of America itself, The Golden Age of Hollywood!” he wrote on Truth Social.

He also called the trio special envoys. Special ambassadors and envoys are typically chosen to respond to troubled hot spots like the Middle East, not California.

Related ArticlesNational Politics | As Biden warns of an ‘oligarchy,’ Trump will be flanked by tech billionaires at his inauguration National Politics | Trump offered a bountiful batch of campaign promises that come due on Day 1 National Politics | Get ready for an even bigger chill. Siberian air to make Trump swearing-in coldest in 40 years National Politics | Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for public lands boss, questions reliability of renewable power National Politics | Biden warns the US risks becoming an ‘oligarchy.’ What does the term mean? Gibson said in a statement that he got the news “at the same time as all of you and was just as surprised. Nevertheless, I heed the call. My duty as a citizen is to give any help and insight I can.”

Gibson, who lost his home in the Palisades fire, added, “Any chance the position comes with an Ambassador’s residence?”

U.S. film and television production has been hampered in recent years, with setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hollywood guild strikes of 2023 and, in the past week, the ongoing wildfires in the Los Angeles area. Overall production in the U.S. was down 26% from 2021, according to data from ProdPro.

In the greater Los Angeles area, productions were down 5.6% from 2023 according to FilmLA, the lowest since 2020. This past October, Governor Gavin Newsom proposed expanding California’s Film & Television Tax Credit program to $750 million annually (up from $330 million). Other U.S. cities like Atlanta, New York, Chicago and San Francisco have used tax incentives to lure film and TV productions to their cities. Actor Mark Wahlberg is even making plans for a Las Vegas production hub.

It’s unclear what exactly Gibson, Voight and Stallone will be doing in this effort to bring productions back to the U.S. Representatives for Voight and Stallone did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Trump’s decision to select the actors as his chosen “ambassadors” underscores his preoccupations with the 1980s and ’90s, when he was a rising tabloid star in New York, and Gibson and Stallone were among the biggest movie stars in the world.

Stallone is a frequent guest at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club and introduced him at a gala in November shortly after the election.

“When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world. Because without him, you could imagine what the world would look like,” Stallone told the crowd. “Guess what? We got the second George Washington. Congratulations!”

The decision also reflects Trump’s willingness to overlook his supporters’ most controversial statements.

Gibson’s reputation has been altered in Hollywood since 2006, when he went on an antisemitic rant while being arrested for allegedly driving under the influence. But he’s also continued to work in mainstream movies and directed the upcoming Wahlberg thriller “Flight Risk.”

Voight is a longtime Trump supporter who has called Trump the greatest president since Abraham Lincoln.

Best neck massagers to ease tension and soothe sore muscles

Which neck massager is best?

Neck pain is a common occurrence in our increasingly technologized world, where it seems like everyone is hunched over a computer or staring down at their smartphone. Neck pain can also be caused by arthritis and other conditions. A professional massage often provides much-needed relief for tight and painful muscles.

When a professional massage is not feasible, there are many options for portable neck massagers that simulate a hands-on massage and provide a therapeutic effect for aching necks. For overall quality and quick recovery, the TheraGun Pro is the top choice.

What to know before you buy a neck massagerWhat is causing your neck pain?

Everyone gets a sore or stiff neck from time to time, but according to the Mayo Clinic, if your pain is severe, has lasted for several days or has spread down your arms or legs, you should consult your healthcare professional to make sure the neck massager won’t make your condition worse.

What is your goal of using a neck massager?

For some people, a neck massager is to help them relax from a stressful day. Fitness buffs and dedicated athletes may use a neck massager to help muscle recovery after an intense workout. The type of massager, its features and attachments will differ based on what you ultimately want to accomplish.

Which type of neck massager is best for you?

There are three main types of neck massagers.

Shiatsu neck massagers use balls that press against pressure points. Based on Japanese tradition, there are many shiatsu massagers in the marketplace. Many of these units incorporate heat and do a good job on deep tissue. Bear in mind that no machine can fully replicate the human hand and fingers, so some shiatsu massagers can be uncomfortable depending on the angle against the pressure point.Handheld neck massagers allow the user to control the wand to reach specific spots with different intensities and attachments. They are lightweight but often corded, which may be limiting. What’s more, remember that handheld neck massagers might be less relaxing since one of your arms will be lifted to maneuver the unit. Some people use handheld neck massagers for other parts of the body.Pillow neck massagers are padded and shaped for reclining as the unit wraps around your neck and upper shoulders. This type of massager is easily transported since most brands are cordless. It can be difficult to pinpoint troublesome areas with this style of neck massager, and the battery life may be limited.What to look for in a quality neck massagerHeat

Many neck massagers feature a heating option to apply soothing warmth while the massage is underway. Padded pillow neck massagers are able to transfer heat more evenly. Look for products that have adjustable heat to control when things are too hot or not warm enough.

Speed and vibration

Look for neck massagers that offer multiple speed options and vibration patterns. Each person is unique and will prefer a different intensity and level of vibration and kneading. Having several options to choose from will increase your chances of finding the right fit or just changing up the experience if you use the neck massager frequently.

Cordless

When possible, look for a cordless neck massager so that you can take it with you and use it in a wide variety of settings. Some handheld neck massagers are corded, which can make it difficult to use freely.

How much you can expect to spend on a neck massager

All three styles of neck massagers start around $15-$20, with mid-range pillow and neck massagers priced from $40-$60. Higher-end shiatsu and handheld massagers may cost as much as $120-$150, depending on their features and attachments.

Neck massager FAQDo neck massagers come with a warranty?

A. Most manufacturers offer a limited warranty, usually for 1 to 2 years. Check the product information to see how long the warranty is and what it covers.

Can a neck massager be used on other body parts?

A. Handheld neck massagers, in particular, can be used on other painful parts of the body, such as the legs or arms. You will need to test run different speeds and attachments since the muscles in other body areas may not respond the same as your neck muscles.

What are the best neck massagers to buy?Top neck massager

TheraGun Pro

What you need to know: This high-quality massage gun is known for the quick recovery it provides active users.

What you’ll love: Boasting an ergonomic design, this massage gun also employs technology for an extra quiet run. It comes with a customizable screen, 5 hours of battery life and Bluetooth capabilities.

What you should consider: There have been reports of difficulty with the control settings.

Top neck massager for the money

iReliev Back and Neck Massager

What you need to know: This flexible shiatsu massager works the neck and back similar to an actual massage.

What you’ll love: Both the heat and massage intensity controls are easy to adjust. This massager works well on the upper back. Made from breathable fabric, it also has arm supports to hold it in place whether at home or work.

What you should consider: Higher heat settings can cause skin irritation in people with sensitivity.

Worth checking out

PlayMakar MVP+ Percussion Massager

What you need to know: Developed by professional athletes, this massager has six speeds for deep tissue impact.

What you’ll love: The high torque motor delivers deep tissue relief. The unit is relatively quiet and has six different attachments. It comes with a carrying case, charger and batteries. This massager is great for both recovery and relaxation.

What you should consider: It’s a bit more pricey than similar models.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Best exercise bikes to keep you moving and motivated

Which exercise bike is best?

Exercise bikes are among the bestselling home fitness equipment. Not only do they offer a great workout and major calorie burn, they also lend themselves to dynamic use.

The main types of exercise bikes include upright, indoor, recumbent and air bikes. Each model offers adjustable resistance to deliver true-to-life riding experiences and intense workouts.

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle, one of the leading indoor models, is full of high-tech features to help cyclists get the most out of every ride.

This article was reviewed and approved by Judd NeSmith, the BestReviews Fitness Expert.

What to know before you buy exercise bikesExercise bike types

With so many exercise bikes to choose from, you might be wondering where to begin your search. Understanding the four basic types and determining which one is best for your exercise needs is an easy way to narrow your options.

Upright: Upright bikes place riders in upright positions, not pitched forward like on bicycles. They often have smooth magnetic resistance that offers a different riding experience than road bicycles.Indoor: Indoor or spinning bikes simulate outdoor cycling experiences with a weighted flywheel that offers realistic resistance. Many models are equipped with a wealth of high-tech features such as Bluetooth connectivity.Recumbent: On recumbent bikes, riders are in a reclined position with their legs positioned almost as high as their hips. Legs do the brunt of work in these models, which are particularly popular for long-distance or resistance training.Air: Air bikes work the upper and lower body simultaneously by pedaling and pulling levers. They have fan-based resistance and the faster a rider pedals, the more the resistance increases.Interactive vs. preset programs

With the exception of air bikes, exercise bikes are equipped with either preset or interactive programs. Preset programs are built into the dashboard or display of budget and midrange models. Each program adjusts the incline or resistance based on difficulty, and some programs adjust it multiple times during a session. Riders can manually adjust settings as well.

Interactive programs, which stream live or on-demand classes, are seen only on premium exercise bikes. Some of the most expensive exercise bikes have high-definition touch screens, whereas other models lack screens. Instead, some bikes allow users to connect smartphones or tablets to access interactive streaming platforms.

What to look for in quality exercise bikesBluetooth capabilities

Many exercise bikes have Bluetooth capabilities, a feature that allows riders to connect compatible earbuds, headphones, smartphones and tablets. Riders can also pair fitness trackers and smartwatches to Bluetooth exercise bikes and log essential health information or performance metrics.

Adjustable features

Adjustable seat height is a standard feature in exercise bikes, and on average, they adjust anywhere from 5 to 14 inches. Certain models also have adjustable handlebars that can be drawn closer to the body or raised.

Exercise bikes introduce new challenges to riders with adjustable incline, decline and resistance levels. Incline and decline simulate uphill and downhill riding, and most bikes offer a range of -15% to 20%. Resistance levels vary considerably among exercise bikes, and depending on the model, they offer up to 100 levels. High-end bikes compatible with interactive classes allow instructors to adjust resistance too.

Pedal design

Most exercise bikes have wide pedals with straps, some of which are adjustable to secure the foot. Other pedals have toe cages that stabilize the forefoot. Some higher-end exercise bikes have clipless pedals compatible with cycling shoes.

How much you can expect to spend on exercise bikes

Entry-level exercise bikes with limited adjustability features cost around $350. Midrange options, particularly models with several preset programs, cost $450-$850. Top-tier exercise bikes with high-tech capabilities range from $900-$1,500, and high-end models run as high as $2,200.

Exercise bikes FAQIs delivery free with an exercise bike?

A. Some retailers and manufacturers offer free delivery, but others charge an additional fee. Although some exercise bikes are delivered in one piece, certain models require assembly. Like delivery, there may or may not be an extra charge for assembly service.

Do exercise bikes have accurate heart rate trackers?

A. At best, the heart rate trackers on exercise bikes provide estimates. This is caused by a few variables, including inconsistent readings and motion artifacts. Instead, many riders prefer using fitness trackers or smartwatches for more accurate monitoring.

What are the best exercise bikes to buy?Top exercise bike

NordicTrack Commercial S22i Studio Cycle

What you need to know: If you’re looking for a studio-quality experience, this high-end cycle offers interactive classes through iFit.

What you’ll love: The bike comes with a 22-inch rotating HD touch screen with brilliant image and video quality. Thanks to an updated drive design, the bike operates quietly and smoothly. There are 24 digital resistance levels and incline controls that offer dynamic workouts.

What you should consider: After the free iFit trial expires, it costs $180-$400 annually.

Top exercise bike for the money

Schwinn IC4 Indoor Cycling Bike

What you need to know: Even when you’re on a budget, you can enjoy immersive classes on this smart Schwinn bike.

What you’ll love: It has a device dock that holds most smartphones and tablets. The dual-sided pedals let users wear sneakers or SPDs. It comes with a one-year Jrny membership with access to unlimited classes and programs. Smooth magnetic resistance is realistic yet easy on knees.

What you should consider: Some riders didn’t like the free weight placement, noting they had to hunch over to reach them.

Worth checking out

XTERRA Fitness Folding Exercise Bike

What you need to know: This portable exercise bike is easy to fold and put away when you’re not using it.

What you’ll love: With 18 inches by 18 inches of floor space when it’s folded up, it can be put into a closet easily for storage. It has a 3.3-pound flywheel that allows for smooth, magnetic resistance levels. It has a simple display that’s easy to read, which includes fitness stats like the time, your heart rate, calories burned, and the distance cycled.

What you should consider: It doesn’t really have a lot of fancy features.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Many Americans doubt Trump will be able to lower prices in his first year, new poll shows

By LINLEY SANDERS and AMELIA THOMSON-DEVEAUX, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Worries about everyday expenses helped return President-elect Donald Trump to the White House. But with his second term quickly approaching, many U.S. adults are skeptical about his ability to bring down costs.

Only about 2 in 10 Americans are “extremely” or “very” confident that Trump will be able to make progress on lowering the cost of groceries, housing or health care this year, according to a survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, while about 2 in 10 are “moderately” confident.

Faith in Trump’s ability to create jobs is a little higher — about 3 in 10 are extremely or very confident the Republican will make progress on this in 2025 — but the poll indicates that despite his sweeping promises about lowering prices, a substantial chunk of his own supporters don’t have high confidence in his ability to quickly alleviate the economic pressures that continue to frustrate many households.

Those tempered expectations haven’t dampened Republicans’ hopes for Trump’s second presidential term, though. And Democrats’ pessimism about his return to office is more muted than it was when he exited the White House in 2020. About 8 in 10 Republicans say Trump will be a “great” or “good” president in his second term, according to the poll.

And while Democrats’ assessments are much more negative — about 8 in 10 say he will be a “poor” or “terrible” president — they are less likely to say he’ll be a “terrible” president in his second term than they were at the end of his first.

Only about 3 in 10 are highly confident in Trump’s handling of the economy

Much of the 2024 presidential campaign revolved around prices — whether President Joe Biden, a Democrat, was to blame for inflation and whether Trump could fix it. AP VoteCast, an extensive survey of voters and nonvoters that aims to tell the story behind election results, showed that about 4 in 10 voters in the November election identified the economy and jobs as the most important issue facing the country and that about 6 in 10 of those voters cast their ballot for Trump.

As Trump takes office, though, the poll shows that many Americans don’t anticipate that he will be able to immediately bring costs down. That includes some of his own supporters. Less than half of Republicans are at least “very” confident that Trump will make progress on lowering food costs, housing costs or health care costs, although about 6 in 10 are at least “very” confident in his ability to create jobs.

Confidence in Trump’s ability to handle the broader economic situation is also fairly low. Only about one-third of Americans are “extremely” or “very” confident in his ability to handle the economy and jobs. Nearly 2 in 10 are “moderately” confident, and about half are “slightly confident” or “not at all confident.”

Here, Republicans have more faith in Trump’s abilities — about 7 in 10 are at least “very” confident in his ability to handle the economy in general.

But there are other policy areas where expectations for Trump aren’t high across the board. Similar to the economy and jobs, about one-third of Americans are at least “very” confident in Trump’s ability to handle immigration and national security, while about 2 in 10 are “moderately” confident and about half are “slightly” or “not at all” confident.

Health care is a particularly weak spot for Trump

Americans are especially skeptical of Trump’s ability to bring down health care costs or handle the issue of health care at all, the poll found. Only about 2 in 10 Americans are extremely or very confident in his ability to tackle health care issues, and 16% are confident in his ability to make progress on lowering health care costs.

During the presidential campaign, Trump said he would look at alternatives to the Affordable Care Act. He has not offered a concrete plan of what his changes to the health care law would be, but he spent a lot of energy during his first term on efforts to dismantle it that were ultimately unsuccessful.

Only about half of Republicans are extremely or very confident in Trump’s ability to handle health care, and about one-third are at least very confident he’ll make progress on lowering the cost of heath care.

About half of Republicans expect a ‘great’ second term from Trump

Trump’s favorability rating has remained steady through four indictments, a criminal conviction and two attempted assassinations, and the new survey shows that Americans’ expectations for his second term match their assessment of his first four years in office. Slightly fewer than half of U.S. adults expect Trump will be a “terrible” or “poor” president in his second term, essentially unchanged from when he left the White House in 2021.

But Republicans are expecting even bigger things from Trump this time, while Democrats’ fears appear to be a little more muted. About half of Republicans say they think Trump will be a “great” president in his second term, while about 4 in 10 Republicans described him as a great president at the end of his first term. Democrats still overwhelmingly expect that Trump will be a “terrible” president, but that concern has lessened. About 6 in 10 Democrats think Trump will be a terrible president in his second term, down from three-quarters who said he was a terrible president at the end of his first term.

The AP-NORC poll of 1,147 adults was conducted Jan. 9-13, using a sample drawn from NORC’s probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.