Features

SFUSD’s website offers information, including videos, about all of the district’s schools, an invaluable source in the application process. (SFUSD screenshot)

Deadline to apply for SF public schools rapidly approaching

Families participating in Main Round typically get one of their primary choices

SFUSD’s website offers information, including videos, about all of the district’s schools, an invaluable source in the application process. (SFUSD screenshot)
Philippe Langner controls all aspects in the creation and production of Hesperian Wines. (Courtesy Karen Norton)

Hesperian Wines express the passion and resiliency of a true vigneron

Despite setbacks due to fire losses, Philippe Langner keeps producing great wine

Philippe Langner controls all aspects in the creation and production of Hesperian Wines. (Courtesy Karen Norton)
Now, while we’re sheltering in place, is a great time to focus on your dog’s education. (Courtesy Rob Schroeder/SF SPCA)

Train your dog with motivation, not dominance

Using the right technique will result in bonding, better behavior

  • Jan 10, 2021
Now, while we’re sheltering in place, is a great time to focus on your dog’s education. (Courtesy Rob Schroeder/SF SPCA)
Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)

Despite hardships, the outdoors has seen good news during pandemic

Adventurers climbed and rowed, firefighters bravely battled, wildlife flourished in 2020

Members of the Johanson family submitted Mount Diablo together on a cloudy but happy day. (Courtesy photo)
While Taureans aren’t likely to become as rich as George Clooney (pictured in 2016’s “Hail, Caesar!”), 2021 is a good year for them to set their sights on their finances. (Courtesy Universal)

Free Will Astrology for Jan. 7, 2021

Taurus, it’s a favorable time to set in motion a master plan for financial stability

While Taureans aren’t likely to become as rich as George Clooney (pictured in 2016’s “Hail, Caesar!”), 2021 is a good year for them to set their sights on their finances. (Courtesy Universal)
San Francisco schools’ coordinated care teams will include staffers as well as members of students’ families. (SFUSD screenshot)

New coordinated care teams help SFUSD better serve students

Schools will have individual site leaders and facilitators

San Francisco schools’ coordinated care teams will include staffers as well as members of students’ families. (SFUSD screenshot)
To celebrate a new year, mix up a festive Pear Martini Sparkler. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Will we see a second roaring 20s?

Looking forward to ‘epic’ celebration when dry spell is over

To celebrate a new year, mix up a festive Pear Martini Sparkler. (Saul Sugarman/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Workers with health issues that aren’t related to COVID may qualify for medical leave under the California Family Rights Act.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>

Medical leave coverage expanded for state workers

Employees needing time off for health care are protected during pandemic

Workers with health issues that aren’t related to COVID may qualify for medical leave under the California Family Rights Act.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>
In coming months, Virgo may want to take note of singer-songwriter Pink’s lyric, “You can’t move mountains by whispering at them.” (Courtesy Sølve Sundsbø)

Free Will Astrology for Dec. 31, 2020

Virgo, upcoming days are not the time to be mild-mannered … be robust and loud

In coming months, Virgo may want to take note of singer-songwriter Pink’s lyric, “You can’t move mountains by whispering at them.” (Courtesy Sølve Sundsbø)
Wine Spectator named the Bodegas Marques de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 as its best of 2020. (Courtesy photo)

A close look at Wine Spectator’s best of 2020

California vintages are well represented on the top 100 list

Wine Spectator named the Bodegas Marques de Murrieta Rioja Castillo Ygay Gran Reserva Especial 2010 as its best of 2020. (Courtesy photo)
Employees in offices not following social distancing protocols may be putting their coworkers at risk for COVID-19.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>

Workers’ compensation could cover COVID exposure

Employees may claim benefits under certain criteria

Employees in offices not following social distancing protocols may be putting their coworkers at risk for COVID-19.<ins> (Shutterstock)</ins>
Gene Wilder, right, with Clevon Little in the hilarious “Blazing Saddles,” cultivated comedy skills as youngster trying to make his mother, who had health problems, laugh; Virgo might also make something positive out of a challenge. (Courtesy Warner Bros.)

Free Will Astrology for week of Dec. 24, 2020

A challenging situation will inspire Virgo in ways that generate a blessing

Gene Wilder, right, with Clevon Little in the hilarious “Blazing Saddles,” cultivated comedy skills as youngster trying to make his mother, who had health problems, laugh; Virgo might also make something positive out of a challenge. (Courtesy Warner Bros.)
Raven Bar SF offers the tequila, lime and cranberry Red Christmas. (Courtesy Raven Bar SF)

The eight shots of Christmas

Attempt for seasonally-themed 12-drink column falls a bit short

Raven Bar SF offers the tequila, lime and cranberry Red Christmas. (Courtesy Raven Bar SF)
Harassment based on race, national origin and disability is prohibited in the workplace.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>

Workers should know their employment rights during COVID-19

Discrimination is prohibited under state and federal law

Harassment based on race, national origin and disability is prohibited in the workplace.<ins> (Shutterstock photo)</ins>
Leos can benefit from lessons learned by Ariana Grande, who had Japanese characters tattooed on her palm that she thought corresponded with sentiments in her song “7 Rings,” but in actuality did not. (Courtesy photo)

Free Will Astrology for week of Dec. 17, 2020

Leo, express your creativity and innovative spirit with good planning and discernment

Leos can benefit from lessons learned by Ariana Grande, who had Japanese characters tattooed on her palm that she thought corresponded with sentiments in her song “7 Rings,” but in actuality did not. (Courtesy photo)
The San Francisco Unified School District is working with its teachers and families to get youngsters back in classrooms in a safe and effective manner. (SFUSD Screenshot)

Systematic approach to reopening classrooms is well underway

Modifying learning plans and schedules, deploying protocols and training among tasks at hand

The San Francisco Unified School District is working with its teachers and families to get youngsters back in classrooms in a safe and effective manner. (SFUSD Screenshot)
Expansive views atop DAOU Mountain add to the enjoyment of the great wines. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)

A plethora of pinot and plenty of pooches in Paso Robles

Getaway offers fine wine, dining and an encounter with dogs

Expansive views atop DAOU Mountain add to the enjoyment of the great wines. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Winemaker Theresa Heredia has been at Gary Farrell Vineyards since 2012. (Courtesy photo)

Russian River Valley Neighborhood wines are notable

Gary Farrell releases are among the area’s most striking offerings

Winemaker Theresa Heredia has been at Gary Farrell Vineyards since 2012. (Courtesy photo)
General Services Administrator Emily Murphy, whose job is to determine “the apparent successful candidate” for president, did not authorize the transition process for the president-elect until 16 days after Joe Biden was widely accepted as the winner. <ins>(Courtesy General Services Administration)</ins>

Ascertainment: A closer look at the presidential transition of power

General Services Administration head determines ‘apparent successful candidate’

General Services Administrator Emily Murphy, whose job is to determine “the apparent successful candidate” for president, did not authorize the transition process for the president-elect until 16 days after Joe Biden was widely accepted as the winner. <ins>(Courtesy General Services Administration)</ins>
Scorpios in need of healing may want to use restorative mistletoe as a symbolic power object in coming months. (Shutterstock)

Free Will Astrology for week of Dec. 10, 2020

Scorpio will deal with potencies and energies that could potentially be problematic

Scorpios in need of healing may want to use restorative mistletoe as a symbolic power object in coming months. (Shutterstock)