Features

“Gay Passover,” a fun Haggadah, includes some cocktail recipes. <ins>(Courtesy Saul Sugarman)</ins>

A Passover journey toward something different

It was nice to see my family, and I look forward to reconnecting with friends

Students returning to classrooms on April 12 should be prepared for open windows and a socially distanced setup. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)

Five things to know about getting back to in-person learning

Timely tips for SFUSD students returning to classrooms

  • Apr 9, 2021
Distance learning has been difficult for some students during the 2020-21 school year. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

What are parents’ rights regarding children’s education during COVID?

State laws offer little detailed guidance for unprecedented times

Focusing on flames has been a form of meditation since prehistoric times. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of April 8, 2021

Leo, use your talent of harnessing the power of fire to serve you

Focusing on flames has been a form of meditation since prehistoric times. (Shutterstock)
Students returning to San Francisco Unified School District classrooms are invited to get online updates with guidelines. (SFUSD screenshot)

New beginnings for SFUSD students

Youngsters returning to classrooms and those continuing distance learning can reach full potential

Students returning to San Francisco Unified School District classrooms are invited to get online updates with guidelines. (SFUSD screenshot)
California is producing appealing white wines of lesser-known varietals. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Opening up to California alternative white wines

Market offers more than chardonnay

California is producing appealing white wines of lesser-known varietals. (Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Demonstrators have rallied In light of recent increased reports of anti-Asian hate crimes in the Bay Area. (Ekevara Kitpowsong/S.F. Examiner file photo)

What to do about hate crimes increasing in the Bay Area

By Christopher Dolan and Mari Bandoma Callado This week’s question from Lin…

Demonstrators have rallied In light of recent increased reports of anti-Asian hate crimes in the Bay Area. (Ekevara Kitpowsong/S.F. Examiner file photo)
Ironic English singer-songwriter and pop culture icon Morrissey (pictured in Spain in 2014) has said, “It’s so old-fashioned to work.” (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of April 1, 2021

A few fun thoughts for April Fools’ Day

Ironic English singer-songwriter and pop culture icon Morrissey (pictured in Spain in 2014) has said, “It’s so old-fashioned to work.” (Shutterstock)
Saul Sugarman is pictured with his students in Yongzhou, China, circa 2007. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)

Stop Asian hate

Reach out to an Asian friend, or make one

Saul Sugarman is pictured with his students in Yongzhou, China, circa 2007. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)
Cal-A-Vie Health Spa’s meticulously manicured grounds alongside Provençal-style buildings and a duck pond inspire calm. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Kicking pandemic pounds to the curb at Cal-A-Vie Health Spa

A visit to the SoCal retreat is the perfect antidote to COVID-related stress

Cal-A-Vie Health Spa’s meticulously manicured grounds alongside Provençal-style buildings and a duck pond inspire calm. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that enables riders to travel at speeds that are significantly higher than that of standard bicycles.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Have fun and stay safe on an electric bike

With increased speed comes increased danger of severe injury

Electric bikes have a battery-powered motor that enables riders to travel at speeds that are significantly higher than that of standard bicycles.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke are pictured the popular “Game of Thrones,” which was censored in China. (Courtesy HBO)

Free Will Astrology for the week of March 25, 2021

Capricorn, do take into account all developments in your own personal drama

Kit Harington and Emilia Clarke are pictured the popular “Game of Thrones,” which was censored in China. (Courtesy HBO)
San Francisco public school elementary science and tech classes are focusing on pioneering women, including astronaut Mae C. Jemison, pictured in 2018 at the National Geographic premiere of the documentary “One Strange Rock” in New York. (Shutterstock)

Women’s History Month in spotlight in SFUSD programming

Around the world, millions of people celebrate Women’s History Month in March.…

San Francisco public school elementary science and tech classes are focusing on pioneering women, including astronaut Mae C. Jemison, pictured in 2018 at the National Geographic premiere of the documentary “One Strange Rock” in New York. (Shutterstock)
A bottle of 2015 Center of Effort Chardonnay is pictured with samples from aging vessels.<ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>

Insight into aging techniques of California chardonnay

Unique processes produce complex, rich wines

A bottle of 2015 Center of Effort Chardonnay is pictured with samples from aging vessels.<ins>(Lyle Norton/Special to S.F. Examiner)</ins>
Biochemist Erwin Chargaff, whose research led to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure, said, “A person who does not oscillate cannot live,” providing sound advice for Libra. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of March 18, 2021

Libra, take into account the thought that correct answers often are paradoxical and nuanced

Biochemist Erwin Chargaff, whose research led to the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure, said, “A person who does not oscillate cannot live,” providing sound advice for Libra. (Shutterstock)
School social workers have played an important role in students’ education particularly during the pandemic. (Shutterstock)

Social workers make important contributions to schools

Mental health professionals support students in myriad ways

School social workers have played an important role in students’ education particularly during the pandemic. (Shutterstock)
Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Run for fun: 50 lessons in 50 years, part 2

Series offers tips for adventurers seeking fulfillment outdoors

Castro Valley teammates reunite for a fun run about 20 years after their graduation. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
SPCA Veterinary Hospitals are ready to treat animals that have ingested something toxic.<ins></ins>

Keep poisonous products out of your pet’s reach

Human medications, certain foods are hazardous to cats and dogs

SPCA Veterinary Hospitals are ready to treat animals that have ingested something toxic.<ins></ins>
With spring on the way, it’s a good time to reflect just once more about the trying days of 2020. <ins>(Courtesy Saul Sugarman)</ins>

This year for me is about starting over

A final remembrance of 2020 before looking head with optimism

With spring on the way, it’s a good time to reflect just once more about the trying days of 2020. <ins>(Courtesy Saul Sugarman)</ins>
A court case involving a defective hoverboard maintains that Amazon sells products, and is more than a platform for buyers and sellers. (Shutterstock)

Amazon should be liable for product-related damages

Online giant should purchase insurance so innocent consumers aren’t left devastated

A court case involving a defective hoverboard maintains that Amazon sells products, and is more than a platform for buyers and sellers. (Shutterstock)