Features

Winemaker Dan Petroski leads a tour of Larkmead Vineyards in Napa Valley. (Courtesy Lyle Norton)

Larkmead Vineyards helping shape Napa Valley’s future

Historic winery’s operations are a role model for responsible viticulture

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has signed a bill that would require schools to notify parents before providing students with instruction about sexual orientation or gender identity. (Courtesy photo)

Don’t mess with California: Supreme Court tells Texas to sit down

State takes action against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the South

Leo-born writer P.L. Travers, creator of Mary Poppins, said the character was a version of the Mother Goddess. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of June 17, 2021

Leo, take a cue from “Mary Poppins’” writer P.L. Travers, who paid attention to silence

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Ynez Valley offers pet-friendly hikes of varying lengths. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to The Examiner)

Wagging tails and happy trails in Santa Ynez Valley

Six pet-friendly towns offer parks, hikes, wine and fine dining

Lake Cachuma in the Santa Ynez Valley offers pet-friendly hikes of varying lengths. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to The Examiner)
Notable South African red wines were the focus of a recent tasting. (Lyle Norton/Special to The Examiner)

South African pinotage pairs well with summer barbecue

Diverse topography, soils, climate in Western Cape produce distinctive nuances

Notable South African red wines were the focus of a recent tasting. (Lyle Norton/Special to The Examiner)
A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)

Workplace violence is increasing: how to stay safe (Part 2)

Employees may obtain restraining orders to protect themselves against harassment, stalking

A person accused of electronic harassment could face misdemeanor charges in California. (Shutterstock)
Fyodor Dostoevsky, who had a gambling addiction, wrote the novella “The Gambler” to pay off a debt. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of June 10, 2021

Scorpio may find a gambit that makes use of the problem will generate a cure

Fyodor Dostoevsky, who had a gambling addiction, wrote the novella “The Gambler” to pay off a debt. (Shutterstock)
San Francisco Public Library’s Summer Stride is a learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities. (Screenshot)

Tips for summer learning

School’s out for the season, but educational activities continue

San Francisco Public Library’s Summer Stride is a learning, reading and exploration program for all ages and abilities. (Screenshot)
A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)

Light winter promises good hiking on Pacific Crest Trail

Even a short section on the transnational path delivers rewards

A Pacific Crest Trail segment through the San Gabriel Mountains makes a good introduction. (Matt Johanson/Special to The Examiner)
Angry and argumentative behavior may be a sign of impending violence in the workplace. (Shutterstock)

Workplace shootings are increasing: how to stay safe

Employers may obtain temporary restraining orders against threatening people

Angry and argumentative behavior may be a sign of impending violence in the workplace. (Shutterstock)
Swedish playwright August Strindberg also liked to dabble in visual arts, like painting and photography. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of June 3, 2021

Aquarius, it’s a good time to playfully pursue hobbies, amateur activities

Swedish playwright August Strindberg also liked to dabble in visual arts, like painting and photography. (Shutterstock)
The San Francisco Unified School District salutes its 2021 graduates. (Shutterstock)

Celebrating the Class of 2021

Graduation is a special time for students to celebrate the years of…

The San Francisco Unified School District salutes its 2021 graduates. (Shutterstock)
Getting dressed up in fun clothes — SF Pride in 2019 is pictured — is a popular type of Pride self-expression. <ins>(Saul Sugarman/Special to The Examiner)</ins>

Why kink belongs at Pride, and why everything else does, too

Events, venues and festivals once LGBTQ-exclusive are now big melting pots

Getting dressed up in fun clothes — SF Pride in 2019 is pictured — is a popular type of Pride self-expression. <ins>(Saul Sugarman/Special to The Examiner)</ins>
Acting great Ingrid Bergman said, “I was the shyest human ever invented, but I had a lion inside me that wouldn’t shut up.” (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of May 27, 2021

Virgo, your inner lion may awaken or come into greater glory

Acting great Ingrid Bergman said, “I was the shyest human ever invented, but I had a lion inside me that wouldn’t shut up.” (Shutterstock)
Employers may be able to make allowances for people returning to the workplace who have pandemic-related mental health challenges. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>

There are options for pandemic-stressed workers

Employees may seek mental health accommodations post-COVID

Employers may be able to make allowances for people returning to the workplace who have pandemic-related mental health challenges. <ins>(Shutterstock)</ins>
All of San Francisco Unified School District high schools, including SF International High School, pictured on April 26, 2021, have Wellness Centers. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)

SFUSD offers mental health support in May and year-round

Case management, nurses, check-ins, curriculum are dedicated to students’ wellness

All of San Francisco Unified School District high schools, including SF International High School, pictured on April 26, 2021, have Wellness Centers. (Kevin N. Hume/S.F. Examiner)
Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)

The bounty, beauty of backpacking

Part 4 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment

Backpackers trek past Split Mountain in Inyo National Forest. (Matt Johanson/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit suites all boast ocean views. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Running and a respite at Riviera Nayarit

Return to international travel: Magnífico Mother’s Day in Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit suites all boast ocean views. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)
If a foxtail gets stuck in your animal’s ear, nose, throat or eye, it needs to be treated as an emergency. (Courtesy SPCA)

Foxtails and fleas are safety issues in summer

When pets are outdoors more, problems may pop up

If a foxtail gets stuck in your animal’s ear, nose, throat or eye, it needs to be treated as an emergency. (Courtesy SPCA)
Zen Buddhist practitioners warn about the strong power of illusions. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of May 20, 2021

Cancer, be on the lookout for granting undue value to something you’ve imagined

Zen Buddhist practitioners warn about the strong power of illusions. (Shutterstock)