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This California couple bought a house in France for $36,000 and it completely changed their lives

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

By Tamara Hardingham-Gill | CNNThey were only planning to drop in on a friend, but the lives of Robin Johnson and Jim Thaman changed for good when they paid a visit to Cajarc, a small village in southwestern France, in the summer of 2001.The US couple, who had been enjoying a vacation in the European country, were so taken with the pretty town, located in the center of the bucolic Lot Valley region, that they found themselves wondering what it would be like to live there.And a year later, they were doing just that.“When people ask, ‘how did you find this place?’ We say, ‘well the place found us,’” Johnson, who is an artist, tells CNN Travel.The pair, who’d been together for around two years before the trip, say they’d always dreamed of living in a different country and were in a position where they could “semi-retire.”“This offered us a way to start our life together with a blank canvas,” adds Johnson, originally from Michigan.Blank canvasRobin and Jim say they’ve spent betwee...

Milpitas Art Walk intended to help make Main Street ‘vibrant’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

In her State of City address on June 22, Mayor Carmen Montano said one of her passions is revitalizing Main Street in Milpitas.“Main Street has long been the heart and soul of Milpitas, and it is time to unleash its full potential,” Montano added. “Together, we can create a vibrant, thriving and welcoming hub that will be a pedestrian-friendly area to stroll, shop, eat and be a destination place here in our city.”The mayor’s words were put into action at the Milpitas Art Walk on Oct. 7. This was Milpitas’ second art walk, but the first one held on Main Street. Milpitas Recreation and Community Services invited residents to stroll down Main Street from the Milpitas Library to Sinnott Lane and discover new artists, admire artwork, enjoy live performances and dine at local restaurants.Singers, dancers, comics and jugglers were invited to apply to be street performers, and fine artists and craftspeople of all ages and skill levels were invited to enter a Community Art Contest and have t...

One person dies in fiery toll booth crash on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

RICHMOND — A deadly big-rig crash forced lane closures on westbound Interstate 580 on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge late Monday and into Tuesday, according to the California Highway Patrol.The collision, reported just before 10 p.m. Monday, occurred when a semi-truck hit a toll booth at the bridge’s east end. The fiery crash killed the driver, the CHP confirmed.No further details were immediately made available.#UPDATE: Lanes #1, 2, 3, out of 7 are back open on WB I-580 at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge. Morning commuters, plan ahead and give yourself a little extra time! Consider using State Route 37 and I-80 as alternate routes to ensure a smooth journey. #CommuteSmart — Caltrans District 4 (@CaltransD4) October 10, 2023Related ArticlesCrashes and Disasters | Motorcyclist struck from behind, killed in Antioch collision Crashes and Disasters | Train hits, kills man in East Oakland Crashes and Disasters | California cop, su...

Unicyclist causes traffic hazard in Los Gatos

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

Oct. 2GRAND THEFT: 7:26 a.m. at North 40 on South Turner Street and Lark Avenue. Electrical equipment was stolen.AUTO BURGLARY4:18 p.m. at Vasona Park on Garden Hill Drive. Someone entered a locked vehicle and stole a purse, driver’s license, registration, cash, a passport and other items.PETTY THEFT 5:09 p.m. on Los Gatos Boulevard. Someone stole a woman’s wallet while she shopped at Trader Joe’s. A charge for $1,900 was made at Apple.PETTY THEFT: 5:25 p.m. on Calle Marguerita. Someone stole the rear plate off a gray Ford F150.Oct. 3PETTY THEFT: 6:13 a.m. on Via De Tesoros. Someone entered a vehicle and stole several tools and other items.STOLEN VEHICLE: 7:30 a.m. on Via De Tesoros. A 2016 silver Mazda CX-5 was missing after the keys were left in the vehicle. It was tracked to Oakland.AUTO BURGLARY: 7:38 a.m. on San Benito Avenue. A white Ford truck was parked with all four doors open and a broken window. Property was found outside the vehicle.AUTO BURGLARY: 7:38 a.m. on Old Adobe ...

Electric vehicle ‘parking equity’ likely to change as more drivers convert: Roadshow

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

Q: I own a Genesis GV60. Like all Hyundai electric global modular platform (EGMP) EVs, they charge from 20% to 80% in 15 minutes. No need to wring hands over tying up parking spaces. After the initial period of complimentary public charging, we will all be charging at home anyway.Anyone buying a new car should get an EV, not an ICE (internal combustion engine). We can all slowly fry together or get with the program.Robert Wahler, San Jose A: Yours was one of many responses to recent columns about EVs and charging stations, including a reader asking why the charging stations are typically close to building entrances.Q: The most practical reason to place EV charging equipment close to the building has to do with access to electrical service. The further away from existing service, the more expensive the installation.Kevin Hickman, San RamonA: And…Q: EV proponent and mechanical engineer here. My theory is that they stick EV charging near the building at many businesses because ch...

Top San Jose Sharks top storylines for 2023-2024: Will one end in Celebrini?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

SAN JOSE – Those who follow the San Jose Sharks can see that the organization — for the last year or two — has been trying to put in place some building blocks for the future.Forwards Thomas Bordeleau and William Eklund, drafted in 2020 and 2021, respectively, will be starting the season in the NHL. Defensive prospects Henry Thrun, Shakir Mukhamadullin, and Nikita Okhotiuk, acquired last season in a separate pair of trades, are all 22 or younger with upside.Recent early-round draft picks like Will Smith, Filip Bystedt, Quentin Musty, Mattias Havelid, and Cameron Lund project to be in San Jose within the next one to three years. There’s also the potential for an elite forward like Macklin Celebrini or Cole Eiserman to be added to the franchise next year.But the chance at a bright future can’t hide the real possibility that the Sharks will be the worst team in the NHL this season.The Sharks are now without their leading goal scorer (Timo Meier), point producer (Erik Karlss...

Suspects pistol-whip, rob victim of jewelry in Redwood City

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

REDWOOD CITY – A person was pistol-whipped and robbed of jewelry Sunday in Redwood City, police said.Related ArticlesCrime and Public Safety | San Francisco police arrest suspects during blitz operations against retail theft Crime and Public Safety | Redwood City: Teenager arrested on suspicion of stabbing elderly man Crime and Public Safety | Five people arrested after beating, attempted stabbing in San Mateo Crime and Public Safety | San Mateo County: Man pleads no contest for role in deadly police pursuit while under influence of fentanyl Crime and Public Safety | Peninsula man dead, two others injured in Hayward shooting The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. at the Food Stop Market in the 1300 block of Arguello Street, the Redwood City Police Department said in a statement.The victim told police he was approached by two armed and masked men, one of whom pistol-whipped him twice in the head and snatc...

3 westbound lanes reopen on Richmond-San Rafael Bridge after fatal big rig crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

(KRON) -- Three westbound lanes on the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge were reopened early Tuesday morning after a big rig truck struck a toll booth and caught fire Monday night, according to California Highway Patrol. Officials reported that one person died following the crash.The big rig hit the booth on the westbound lanes just before 10 p.m., CHP said. Both the truck and the toll booth caught fire, according to the traffic log from police. Crews at the scene removed the engine of the big rig.There was only one occupant of the big rig, CHP said.This is a developing story. Stick with KRON4 for updates.Bay City News contributed to this report.

Westbound lanes of San Mateo Bridge blocked following injury crash

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

(KRON) -- All lanes of westbound CA-92 east of the San Mateo Bridge are blocked after a traffic collision with injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol.The blocked lanes were reported by the CHP at 6:41 a.m. There is no estimated time for the roadway to reopen. No further details are known about the collision or the injuries.Motorists are advised to expect delays heading west on the San Mateo Bridge and to use alternative routes to avoid the area, the severe traffic alert said.

Woman carjacked while parking at UC Berkeley Monday night

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:48:48 GMT

(KRON) -- A woman was parking her car near the University of California, Berkeley campus Monday night when two armed suspects approached the victim and ordered her out of the car, according to UC Berkeley police.The reported carjacking occurred at 8:50 p.m. on Dwight Way and Benvenue Avenue, which is one block east of People’s Park. The two suspects fled the area in the victim’s car, and a third suspect fled the area in a dark-colored sedan, police said. Berkeley native missing after Hamas invades Israeli music festival Anyone with information on this incident or similar incidents is asked to contact the Berkeley Police Department at (510)-981-5900.