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Olivia Harden

Travel Reporter at SFGATE -- based in California. Writing about social justice and mental health everywhere else. Passionate about food, exploring the world, and uplifting the voices of those who often go unheard.

SFGATE •

Newly discovered California species is already endangered

A California biologist discovered a new plant species in 2021 while on a nature walk in a small community on the Central Coast. Now, a housing development project in the area could jeopardize the future of the newly found shrub.

A California biologist discovered a new plant species in 2021 while on a nature walk in a small community on the Central Coast. Now, a housing development project in the area could jeopardize the future of the newly found shrub.

On Jan. 16, researchers from San Francis...
SFGATE •

Only 650 windmills remain near Palm Springs. That number could shrink even more.

Up close, the stoic giants in the desert are even bigger than they seem from the highway. Including the stem and blade, the tallest machines reach about 500 feet — nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. The region has over 650 wind turbines, and just one can power 1,500 homes annually.

Up close, the stoic giants in the desert are even bigger than they seem from the highway. Including the stem and blade, the tallest machines reach about 500 feet — nearly twice the height of the Statue...
SFGATE •

Major snowblast leaves drivers stranded in Southern California mountain towns

As a significant storm system made its way through California, a snowblast hitting Southern California mountain town communities forced many people to abandon their vehicles Thursday evening.

As a significant storm system made its way through California, a snowblast hitting Southern California mountain town communities forced many people to abandon their vehicles Thursday evening.

California Highway Patrol told local station KNBC-TV that it received several calls Thursday night from drivers st...
SFGATE •

Hikers bypass safety rail on Sierra peak where 23 people have fallen

In the latest instance of tourists misbehaving at national parks, a Redditor’s post was a hot topic of discussion, as it showed a group of tourists appearing reckless at Sequoia National Park.

In the latest instance of tourists misbehaving at national parks, a Redditor’s post was a hot topic of discussion, as it showed a group of tourists appearing reckless at Sequoia National Park.

In the national parks subreddit, user zackk3030 posted a video at the start of February of several tourists bypa...
SFGATE •

High-end California hotel begins banning children

In a note on its website, the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, north of San Diego, said it “plans to transition to an adults-only resort, welcoming guests aged 18 and over.” The policy change, effective Feb. 14, is to “provide a serene and tranquil environment tailored to adult travelers seeking relaxation, exploration and a peaceful stay by the beach.”

In a note on its website, the Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas, north of San Diego, said it “plans to transition to an adults-only r...
SFGATE •

Major Oakland hotel defaults on loan following huge sports renovation

In another blow to Oakland’s tourism industry, the largest hotel in the city’s downtown is defaulting on its loan.

In another blow to Oakland’s tourism industry, the largest hotel in the city’s downtown is defaulting on its loan.

The owners of the Oakland Marriott City Center, a 500-room hotel on Broadway, defaulted on its $100 million loan from Invesco CMI Investments, putting the property at risk of foreclosure, according to the Mercury News, citing Alameda County public records filed earlie...
SFGATE •

'Earth-shaking boom': Several injured by explosion near Hawaii beach

On Feb. 20, police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Kaanapali Beach at 2481 Kaanapali Parkway, Maui Police Department spokesperson Alana Pico told SFGATE in a statement. The explosion happened near the pool area at the Whaler condominiums, officials told KHON-TV.

On Feb. 20, police, firefighters and emergency medical services responded to multiple reports of an explosion on Kaanapali Beach at 2481 Kaanapali Parkway, Maui Police Depart...
SFGATE •

Cruise ships haven't returned to this Calif. city in 2 years. But at what cost?

In December 2023, a group of California students fought to effectively ban the cruise ship industry from operating in a major city on the Central Coast. Two years later, as mega boats are still missing from Monterey’s shores — the outcome of a teenager-led environmental effort to protect the bay from spills or disasters — impacts from the absent travelers have rippled to some on land.

In December 2023, a group of California students fought to effectively ban the cruise ship industry from operat...
SFGATE •

In 'unprecedented' move, Southwest sacks 15% of corporate employees

For the first time in its 53-year history, Southwest Airlines announced mass layoffs that are specifically affecting its corporate workforce. Southwest plans to cut 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate leg.

For the first time in its 53-year history, Southwest Airlines announced mass layoffs that are specifically affecting its corporate workforce. Southwest plans to cut 1,750 jobs, or 15% of its corporate leg.

Senior leadership will lose 11 employees with the title of vice president or higher, a...
SFGATE •

Disney sued for alleged discrimination after changes to disability service

In the lawsuit, plaintiff Trisha Malone of San Diego — described as “an individual with a physical disability as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Unruh Civil Rights Act” — alleges that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts’ changes to DAS “systematically discriminate against individuals with physical disabilities and violate their rights to equal access, privacy, and dignity.” The lawsuit also alleges that Inspire Health Alliance, a California health care provider, was con...
SFGATE •

Judge sides with California couple building home within national park

After hearing arguments in January, a federal judge sided with the couple whose half-built home sits next to a creek in a national park.

After hearing arguments in January, a federal judge sided with the couple whose half-built home sits next to a creek in a national park.

Previously, the Flathead Conservation District ordered the couple, John and Stacy Ambler of San Diego, to tear down the home they had started building on a 2,300-square-foot piece of private land in Apgar Village. The house...
SFGATE •

Handful of investors quietly purchase private land within Joshua Tree

A handful of privately owned lots within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park in the Whispering Pines area were recently purchased, sparking concerns among environmentalists and some residents about what's coming to the California desert.

A handful of privately owned lots within the boundaries of Joshua Tree National Park in the Whispering Pines area were recently purchased, sparking concerns among environmentalists and some residents about what's coming to the California desert.

The ro...
SFGATE •

Calif. woman, 30, dies while climbing famed red rock formations

A California woman fell to her death on Jan. 18 while climbing in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas. Identified as Micah Manalese, 30, of Aliso Viejo, the woman was climbing with a friend when "human error" caused the fall, the Las Vegas Metro Police Department told Climbing.

A California woman fell to her death on Jan. 18 while climbing in Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area near Las Vegas. Identified as Micah Manalese, 30, of Aliso Viejo, the woman was climbing...
SFGATE •

Bay Area airport narrowly avoids losing its air traffic controllers

After tense contract negotiations, a Bay Area airport narrowly avoided losing all of its air traffic controllers. The incident occurs in the wake of a tragic crash at Ronald Reagan National Airport, which a preliminary safety report about the collision from the Federal Aviation Administration suggests was caused by abnormal air traffic control tower staffing issues.

After tense contract negotiations, a Bay Area airport narrowly avoided losing all of its air traffic controllers. The incident occ...
SFGATE •

Waterfront Hotel overlooking San Francisco Bay to close after 35 years

The Waterfront Hotel, operated by hotel conglomerate Hyatt Corp., is closing its doors on Friday. The boutique hotel with a nautical theme — its blue spire looms over Jack London Square like a lifeguard tower —is located on Washington Street adjacent the Port of Oakland. The Waterfront Hotel opened its doors in 1990 as part of the Port of Oakland’s $100 million development plan to revitalize Jack London Square.

The Waterfront Hotel, operated by hotel conglomerate Hyatt Corp., is closing its doo...
SFGATE •

Yosemite tries to control February crowds after damage done to park

Each year in mid-February, Horsetail Falls transforms into a unique spectacle when the waterfall is backlit by the sunset. In the winter light, the waterfall glows bright orange as through it was on fire, and the event is therefore nicknamed named Firefall.

Each year in mid-February, Horsetail Falls transforms into a unique spectacle when the waterfall is backlit by the sunset. In the winter light, the waterfall glows bright orange as through it was on fire, and the event is therefore nicknamed...
SFGATE •

Ticket prices leaked for high-speed rail between California, Vegas

High-speed rail proponents who look forward to the bullet train connecting Southern California to Las Vegas may get sticker shock from the initial ticket prices.

High-speed rail proponents who look forward to the bullet train connecting Southern California to Las Vegas may get sticker shock from the initial ticket prices.

In recent filings that seek to raise $2.5 billion in a bond offering, Brightline West revealed that ticket prices for the trip would range from about $119 to $133 one way. In...
SFGATE •

Spirit tightens rules on dress code in new contract of carriage

Spirit Airlines is adding another caveat to flying with the ultra-low-cost carrier — a more stringent dress code.

Spirit Airlines is adding another caveat to flying with the ultra-low-cost carrier — a more stringent dress code.

On Jan. 22, Spirit updated its contract of carriage to specify fashion faux pas that could leave certain customers grounded at the gate.

On Jan. 22, Spirit updated its contract of carriage to specify fashion faux pas that could leave certain customers grounded at the g...
SFGATE •

'It’s just math': United CEO says airlines like Southwest are in trouble

A legacy carrier CEO is back to criticizing the business model of low-cost carriers — this time, precisely their place at San Francisco International Airport.

A legacy carrier CEO is back to criticizing the business model of low-cost carriers — this time, precisely their place at San Francisco International Airport.

On Jan. 22, during United Airlines’ quarterly earnings call, CEO Scott Kirby said it wasn’t profitable for low-cost carriers to operate at SFO and other major airports, the San Fra...
SFGATE •

California couple sues airline, says ice 'size of watermelon' fell on home

A couple in Inglewood, California, sued JetBlue Airways for $1 million after a block of ice allegedly fell during a flight to Los Angeles International Airport and landed in their bedroom last year.

A couple in Inglewood, California, sued JetBlue Airways for $1 million after a block of ice allegedly fell during a flight to Los Angeles International Airport and landed in their bedroom last year.

Around 8:09 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024,  a large block of ice — “the size of watermelon” — fell through th...
SFGATE •

'Clearly a sham': Hawaiians, Texans unite against Elon Musk company

SpaceX asked the FAA to increase the number of rocket landings from five a year to 25. The company, owned by Elon Musk, also asked the FAA to expand the landing zone to around 20 times its current size. The rockets take off from Boca Chica in Texas and land in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii or the Indian Ocean near Australia.

SpaceX asked the FAA to increase the number of rocket landings from five a year to 25. The company, owned by Elon Musk, also asked the FAA to expand the landing zone to aro...
SFGATE •

Disneyland quietly removes suspected AI art after blowback

After backlash from hawkeyed Disney fans, Disneyland has removed a piece of artwork rumored to have been created by generative artificial intelligence.

After backlash from hawkeyed Disney fans, Disneyland has removed a piece of artwork rumored to have been created by generative artificial intelligence.

Disneyland recently opened its highly anticipated add-on to the Haunted Mansion — Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, a stand-alone gift shop near the ride. Even better, in a “Nightmare Before Chri...
SFGATE •

Disneyland quietly takes down suspected AI art from new gift shop

After backlash from hawkeyed Disney fans, Disneyland has removed a piece of artwork rumored to have been created by generative artificial intelligence.

After backlash from hawkeyed Disney fans, Disneyland has removed a piece of artwork rumored to have been created by generative artificial intelligence.

Disneyland recently opened its highly anticipated add-on to the Haunted Mansion — Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, a stand-alone gift shop near the ride. Even better, in a “Nightmare Before Chri...
SFGATE •

California couple's half-built home stirs dispute within national park

On Wednesday, a federal judge in Missoula is set to hear oral arguments on whether the region’s conservation district has jurisdiction over the home. The Flathead Conservation District previously ordered the couple, John and Stacy Ambler of San Diego, to tear down the house. The district claimed the couple violated state law because they did not obtain necessary building permits.

On Wednesday, a federal judge in Missoula is set to hear oral arguments on whether the region’s conservation distric...
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