Celebrating what would have been the 100th birthday of Bay Area icon Neal Cassady on Jan. 17 at the Berkeley Art House is going to be a psychedelically tinged evening of creatives, musicians, deadheads and seekers.
For the uninitiated, Neal Cassady is the Sasquatch of 1960s legends and history. A man so fast he was only glimpsed at some of the most important events of the countercultural revolution. A highlight reel might include him pouring red wine out of a jug at the Six Gallery Reading in San Francisco where Allen Ginsberg first recited Howl. And being Bob Weir’s roommate in the Victorian at 710 Ashbury. He also drove Ken Kesey’s bus full of Merry Pranksters and notoriously appeared as the character Dean Moriarty in Jack Kerouac’s novel, On the Road.
According to beloved Bay Area historian Steve Silberman, “Neal Cassady was the kind of man who was not supposed to exist, basically heterosexual, but willing to fool around if he liked somebody or if the opportunity was there. Neal transcended sexual orientation binaries and shared that sexual awareness with his friend, Jack Kerouac.”
In today’s parlance, Neal Cassady was an influencer.
Playing at this gathering of freaks on Jan. 17 is local band Scarlett Fyre, whose renditions of Dead songs get the good vibes flowing. Guitarist Mark Schwartz got the groove bug early on but spent decades as a scientist, building companies and raising a family.
“I didn’t pick up my guitar for probably 35 years,” Schwartz said. “And one day I told my wife, ‘I want to go play.’ When I picked up my guitar, I sucked. During Covid, for two years, locked in my house, I relearned how to play.” And it paid off, as Fyre covers the music of the Dead with the best of them.
Neal’s daughter, Jami Cassady, holds the key to the estate and legacy, and has been very vocal about preserving the integrity and voice of her father. In late December Jami experienced respiratory ailments that required hospitalization. But don’t fear for her or the event, as her husband Randy will be appearing and telling some as-yet-unheard Neal Cassady stories.
“Nobody really knows what happened when Neal was arrested for having one joint on him. I have all the details,” Randy said from his home in Oakland, where he’s taking care of Jami’s recovery.
In a world of 15-minute-famous individuals, it’s breathtaking to take in an outsider like Neal Cassidy and his effects on culture. There’s an academic argument whether Jack Kerouac made Cassidy famous, or whether it was Cassidy’s ability to write and talk in streams of consciousness that broke down Kerouac’s dogmatic East Coast, Catholic persnicketiness and opened his mind enough to write On the Road.
“Neal was a master at taking the potential in the present moment and making it manifest,” said Silberman, who died in 2024. “He was not waiting for something or someone else to do something. He was always doing it and showing by example how you could live more intensely in the fleeting present moment. This idea can endlessly inspire people who have no idea what it was like to live in the 1950s or 60s.
“Young people have to find new ways that are appropriate to now,” Silberman said. “The worst mistake people make is that Neal was special, that he was a mythical superhero, that he was different from me and my friends, because we were born at the wrong time. Neal would have no patience for that thought.”
Neal Cassady embodied the philosophies of the beats and the hippies, and his writings, books and drawings will be available at the event.
“Go wrong this curve, set up for that, unless you got a flat or some other kind of suspension change, but what really matters is to not go on the other side of the railing unless you of course is really wailing, but they ain’t working against you, remember that, what’s in the way is going to join you, like they say on the railroad, you can always tell by the fear in your belly how limited you are,” he wrote in a letter to his daughter.
Note: Neal Cassady’s actual birthday is Feb. 8, but as they say—Never Trust a Prankster.
The Neal Cassady Birthday Bash happens at the Berkeley Art House and Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave., 7-10pm on Saturday, Jan. 17. Admission is $15-$25; students $10.
Folk- and indie-rock melt into one expression in the music of Bay Area-based Giulia. Like a pendulum, the swing of their voice is transfixing, the lyrics seem to kiss into the air. Whether it’s about loss, longing, love or desire—featured on their newest album, Fish out of Water, every song is a caress. Joining Giulia is non-binary artist Asha Wells, whose music carries an atmospheric, haunting sound and delivers edgy vestiges sourced from jazz, classical music and musical theater. The triple bill has queer and trans singer-songwriter Adrian Matias Bell bringing the Nightjars project. A little trippy, and a little more upbeat. – LOU FANCHER
INFO: Thu, 7:30pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $15. 510.526.5888.
FRIDAY, JAN. 16
HIP-HOP
ILLOGIC
Illogic writes like he’s arguing with himself on the page. Coming out of Columbus, Ohio, his early records pair tightly wound internal rhymes with lines that second-guess success, faith and motive—hip-hop as a space for thinking out loud. Long respected as a writer’s rapper, Illogic’s work feels quietly radical in its refusal to chase trends. His delivery stays measured, almost conversational, so the tension lives in the writing, not theatrics. Across decades of releases, Illogic’s work tracks a mind revising its own beliefs without sanding down the contradictions. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT
Steeped in jazz, guitarist Adam Moezinia has gradually expanded his stylistic palette, creating a cosmopolitan repertoire that embraces folk influences from South Africa and Appalachia to West Africa and the Caribbean. The L.A. native has earned widespread respect on the New York jazz scene working with heavyweights such as Cécile McLorin Salvant, Freddy Cole, George Coleman and Bobby Watson, but he’s carved out a distinctive musical identity with his Folk Element Trio. It’s a melodically expansive concept that’s been in circulation since the Jimmy Giuffre 3 in the 1950s, but Moezinia has tailored it to the contours of his far-ranging curiosity. – ANDREW GILBERT
Flyover States is built around voices first. The Portland trio—Aaron Elliott, Steven Patton and Jessica Rose Patton—writes close, intricate and carefully interwoven modern folk songs, more choir-like than lead-and-backup. Their music builds around tightly arranged, three-part harmonies that move in parallel and counterpoint, drifting in and out of dissonance and swapping lead lines. In their latest, PNW Music Award-winning album, True North, the band traces marriage, parenthood, old wounds resurfacing and the quiet recalibration that follows. At the Back Room, they’ll be joined by Bay Area musicians Steve Gibson on guitar and Jeremy Steinkoler on percussion. – SBB
INFO: Sat, 7pm, The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Ave., Berkeley. $25. 510.381.1997.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17
THEATER
MARGA GOMEZ: ‘SPANISH STEW’
Born in Harlem, Marga Gomez has become a Bay Area theatrical treasure, cutting her dramatic teeth with iconic companies Lilith and the San Francisco Mime Troupe. For years now, she’s created solo shows that depict life’s comedy and conflict. The most recent, Spanish Stew, set in 1976, tells the tale of young Marga fleeing New York for San Francisco after being outed by her mother, then taking a restaurant job where she recreates a family stew recipe. In doing so, she finds a way to blend her birth and chosen families. ¡Buen provecho! Performances go until Feb. 22. – JANIS HASHE
This annual presentation from Living Jazz is a hands-up winner. A spectacular celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and legacy, this year’s concert highlights the music of Sly & the Family Stone. The 22nd anniversary occasion is not just about great music, it’s about community. Featured are some of the Bay Area’s most notable artists and groups: Martin Luther McCoy, Silk E, August Lee Stevens, Black London, Awesöme Orchestra Collective and the original Sly & the Family Stone bassist Rustee Allen—all led by the marvelous music director Kev Choice. Putting the shine on the next generation of musicians, the Living Jazz RootED Choir appears with leader Bryan Dyer and Oaktown Jazz Workshops. – LF
This Sunday, the Bay gets its first Black Eyes show in over two decades. Formed in 2001, this art-punk quintet pushed the envelope of post-punk and arthouse music with their 2003 self-titled debut, with elements of hardcore, punk, indie-rock and funk. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the band decided to do a reunion show in 2023 and liked it so much they quickly began practicing and writing new music. The result was last October’s Hostile Design EP, which continued the band’s tradition of doing whatever the f@#% they want, with elements of post-punk, noise and even a Beastie Boys-esque track. – MAT WEIR
The past decade has seen a growth in the goth scene with darkwave bands like Urban Heat, Twin Tribes and Provoker. Enter Haunt Me. This trio from San Antonio, Texas, formed in 2021 under the lead of Darius Davila. They perfectly capture the sound that filled the goth clubs of the late ’80s and ’90s: dark, romantic, forlorn and as dancey as Halloween skeletons. Last year, they dropped their second LP, Watch You Bleed on—when else—Valentine’s Day and caught the eye of fans and critics alike. For fans of the Cure, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Interpol, it’s easy to see why Haunt Me has grown so popular in such a short time. – MW
At the turn of the century, after the death of Afrobeat patriarch Fela Kuti, a group of Brooklyn musicians coalesced around saxophonist Martín Perna, bassist and Daptone producer Gabriel Roth, and Nigerian vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Duke Amayo. Building on Kuti’s polyrhythmic funk, their group, Antibalas, incorporated Afro-Cuban beats and other influences circulating around the borough. Antibalas has become North America’s premiere Afrobeat-and-beyond ensemble. From Broadway, where they were the house band for the Bill T. Jones-choreographed production Fela!, to Angelique Kidjo’s album reimagining Talking Heads’ Remain in Light from a West African perspective, Antibalas met every creative challenge. Shows on Tuesday and Wednesday. – AG
The phrase “force of nature” is much overused, but the late Tina Turner was its physical incarnation. Anna Mae Bullock, raised in a shack in Brownsville, Tennessee, rose by pure will and talent to become one of the most recognized and beloved entertainers of her time, triumphing over a famously abusive musical partnership and marriage to explode as her Grammy-winning self. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall explores this journey, accompanied by a soundtrack studded with songs that continue to keep on rollin.’ A package including preshow dinner at the Lakeview Club inside the HJK Center is available. Also plays Thursday, Jan. 22. – JH
After dinner at a friend’s house recently, she laid out a small plate with pieces of candy. They were dark chocolate peppermint creams made by Summerdown, a company based in Hampshire, England. Their tagline sounds like it was copied straight out of a Midwich Cuckoos’ chapter: “We are the peppermint people.” The Summerdown cult also makes versions of their mints in the shape or form of dominoes, crisps, fondants and truffles. Like Mr. Creosote, I only required one thin mint to satisfy my sweet tooth.
On another occasion, my friend handed me a bag of Petite LaFleur’s signature salted dark chocolate honeycomb candy. She’d found both of these confections at Rockridge Market Hall. The “market” section of the hall has continued to evolve over time into an haute bourgeois version of Cost Plus, which has been rebranded as World Market since my last visit there. Most of the “world” represented at the College Avenue gourmet grocery store hails from Europe. Its shelves are stacked high with Italian panettone and biscotti, French teas, British jams and curds, Greek olives and Scandinavian tinned fish.
Petite LaFleur is an exception to the European rule at Market Hall Foods. Suzanne LaFleur’s chocolate business is based in Berkeley. A former pastry chef, LaFleur launched her own company after taking a job as a production manager at Dandelion Chocolate in San Francisco. “The whole point of getting that job was because I wanted to learn [about chocolate] manufacturing from a raw agricultural product into a product for the customer,” she said.
As the sole proprietor and chocolatier at Petite LaFleur, she makes two products, a golden popcorn bark and the aforementioned honeycomb candy—which is actually made out of honey and not honeycomb. “It’s called honeycomb because of the texture,” LaFleur said. “Basically, the ‘honeycomb’ I make is an aerated honey toffee.” It has a caramel-like quality on the tongue, but the floral and earthy flavor is informed by the activity of bees as they travel through the air and land on soft beds of pollen.
LaFleur sources her honey from Khaled Almaghafi’s Bee Healthy Honey Shop in Oakland. He’s made and distributed honey in the Bay Area since 1992. His social media account swarms with images of himself draped in blankets of busy bees jauntily strolling around his face and torso. Almaghafi clearly does not suffer from apiphobia. When she picks up her five-gallon order of honey, LaFleur noted that he’s rarely at the shop. “He’s often out in the field removing wasp’s nests and moving bee colonies, things like that,” she said.
While working as a pastry chef, LaFleur made plated desserts with honeycomb as a component “to add a little crunch.” But when a friend of hers handed her a Crunchie bar from the U.K., she had an inspirational “aha” moment. “It’s a honeycomb bar, but it’s very sweet,” LaFleur said.
Instead of actual honey, the Crunchie bar is made with golden syrup. To make her own version, she experimented with the flavor, adding in other notes such as Maldon sea salt. “I try to caramelize the honey so, hopefully if I’ve done my job right, you might have very slight bitter notes,” she said. “I wanted you to be able to eat it without your palate getting bored.”
When it comes to the process of tempering chocolate so it “breaks well with a snap,” LaFleur said that milk, dark and white chocolates all require different temperatures to achieve a shiny finish. Otherwise, they won’t solidify. “If you’re doing it by hand, you melt chocolate to a higher temperature than you want to actually use in the final product,” she said.
Then she adds unmelted chocolate to cool it down. “Without getting super technical, you’re trying to align the crystals so they stay emulsified,” she said. Tempering preserves the layers of honeycomb while also preventing the candy from easily melting in the hand.
The Petite LaFleur production center is set up in the Berkeley Kitchens building, the same one that houses Third Culture Bakery, Batter Bakery and La Noisette Sweets. And, until it closed at the end of 2025—sob—Kelsie Kerr’s Standard Fare operated out of it for more than a decade. “I love this building,” LaFleur said. “It’s really cool to be amongst a community of other kitchens, because if you forget something you can go down the hall for support.”LaFleur doesn’t have retail hours because she’s in production mode there. Pickups can be arranged online, but she’s usually cranking things out for her wholesale accounts. “I also sell on my website and on Etsy,” she said. Petite LaFleur products are also available at Oaktown Spice Shop, Berkeley Bowl, Piedmont Grocery and Blue Willow Tea.
Petite LaFleur, 2701 Eighth St., #104, Berkeley. petitelafleur.com. IG: @petitelafleursf.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Japanese Zen master Hakuin (1686–1769) painted with astonishing vigor well into his 80s. When asked his secret, he said he treated each brushstroke as if it were his first. He approached the ink and paper with a beginner’s inspired innocence. I propose that you adopt a version of Hakuin’s practice. Dive into your familiar routines with virgin eyes. Allow your expertise to be influenced by surprise. As for the mastery you have earned, may I suggest you use it as a launching pad for enthusiastic amateurism? Being skilled is wonderful. Being skilled and willing to experiment like a newcomer? That’s the high art of perpetual combustion, an Aries specialty.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In 1971, NASA’s Apollo 15 mission delivered a new asset to the moon: the Lunar Roving Vehicle. This battery-powered “moon buggy” enabled astronauts to explore farther from their landing site than ever before. They gathered a record haul of rock and soil samples and a deeper understanding of the lunar surface. I think you Bulls would be wise to get your own equivalent of that moon buggy. The apt metaphor here is enhancing your ability to extend your reach and explore beyond the familiar. In the coming weeks, I hope you will seek access to tools, allies and freedoms that expand your range. Use them to push into new territory and scout around for intriguing valuables.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Are you ready to unveil the half-hidden, half-beautiful truths you have been keeping tucked away? I think you are. You might shake, sweat and second-guess yourself right up until the moment the pivotal moment arrives. But then, I predict, you will zone in on how best to carry out your sublime assignment. The perilous blessings or radiant burdens you’ve been hoarding like secret treasures will finally spill out of you in just the right ways.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): A hermit crab finds a new shell not because the old one was bad, but because the creature grew. A similar urge stirs in you now: an instinct to relocate your sensitivity and tenderness into roomier housing. You don’t have to abandon your favorite people or situations. Just ripen and update your containers so your emotional intelligence can flourish even more. Maybe revise your work rhythms. Dream up new bedtime stories. Be braver in declaring your needs. Your ongoing transformations could be a bit bumpy, but mostly healing and cherished. Give them the spaciousness they require.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Poet Jack Gilbert wrote, “We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure but not delight.” Here’s what I think he meant: Pleasure is easy to access, available in many transactions. But delight requires courage. We must be undefended enough to be astonished and elated. Here’s the potential glitch for you Leos: You sometimes feel inclined to perform your joy; you make your happiness into entertainment for others to be inspired by. But true delight is riskier and more real. It comes when you forget to curate yourself because you’re too enchanted to remember you’re being watched. Your next assignment: Conjure up three moments of private delight that no one but you will see.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Many of you are renowned for your precision, but that’s just half the story. The more complete truth is that when you are most robust, you’re a connoisseur of refinement. Your careful edits can transmute muddles into medicines. Your subtle fixes may catalyze major corrections. Here’s my bold declaration: You are now at the height of your Virgo powers. I hope you wield them with utter flair and finesse. Make everything you touch better than it was before you touched it.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Some astrologers work without ever glancing at the night sky. Their bond with the planets lives mostly through abstract ideas. To balance that approach, Daniel Giamario developed a more hands-on approach to astrology. In his retreats, students trek into wild country, far from city lights, and spend the dark hours watching the dance of the heavenly bodies. He teaches that cosmic energies can be sensed through our beautiful bodies as much as they can be understood by our fine minds. In the weeks ahead, I invite you to infuse all your explorations with that spirit. Learn through direct encounters, not just through concepts and recycled reports.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): English is my first language. I love how its wild, hybrid, restless qualities enable me to express myself. I never grow weary of exploring its limits and discovering new ways to use it with flair and care. But I am also very grateful that my horoscopes are translated into Italian, French, Japanese and Spanish. I am supremely blessed to have editors who turn my idiosyncratic prose into language that non-English speakers can enjoy. It’s one of the great gifts that life has given me. In the coming months, Scorpio, I will be wishing and expecting a similar bonus for you: Help and support in expanding your ability to reach further in your self-expression.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Your intrepid spirit is most likely to find exciting adventures if it’s exquisitely prepared. While I love your daring spontaneity and experimental expansiveness, I hope that in the coming weeks you will work hard to support them with good planning and rigorous foresight. Be imaginative and disciplined, wild and calculating, irrepressible and solidly responsible. If you heed my advice, you could break your previous records for making marvelous discoveries in the frontiers. PS: Treat wonder like a muscle. Flex it daily—with gratitude.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sandcastles are good reminders of how temporary everything is. We build them on the damp edge of the shore after the tide recedes, and then they crumble when the sea rolls back a few hours later. Let’s make the sandcastle your power symbol for the months ahead. In doing so, I don’t mean to imply that your certainties will be demolished. Rather, it’s my way of urging you to enjoy and capitalize on the ever-changing nature of all things. In fact, I believe that knack should be one of your specialties in the coming months. As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh told us, we should be grateful for impermanence because it keeps every possibility alive.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): During World War II, the United States faced a natural rubber shortage and funded research into synthetic substitutes. The effort was partly successful, but there were also failed experiments. Among these was a substance that later became a popular toy named Silly Putty. It sold millions of units and made its marketer wealthy. I suspect a metaphorically similar breakthrough is looming for you, Aquarius: an unplanned discovery that holds unforeseen value. You may soon have your own “Silly Putty moment”—an invention, idea or situation that is technically a detour from your original goal but still delivers a gift. So keep your curiosity loose and your judgment soft. Don’t dismiss the byproducts of your efforts. Some diversions may reveal themselves to be the magic you didn’t realize you needed.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I suggest you try an “as-if” exercise, Pisces. Here’s what I propose: Enjoy a five-day period visualizing what your life would be like if you stopped saving yourself for a mythical future—including both the positive and negative aspects. Instead, envision yourself spending the coming months doing exactly what you yearn to do most, gleefully and intensely pursuing your sweetest dreams and prime mission. During this sabbatical, you will refrain from invoking excuses about why you can’t follow your bliss. You will assume that you are attuned with the heart of creation. You will act as if you are a joy specialist who adores your life.
Published in cooperation between Casino Recommendations and the East Bay Express
The legalization of online sportsbooks in the United States has been taking place across multiple states. Now with more than 30 states making online betting apps legal, it is a good time to reflect on the best options that a bettor has at their disposal. This is a guide to finding the best choices in the segment and the various intricacies involved in the betting space. Our expertise and research have helped narrow down CoinPoker as one of the best betting sites in the industry today.
Coinpoker provides a big variety of sports and markers
Crypto-only platform with its own in-house token for added efficiency
150 percent welcome bonus
Things That We Do Not Like
Some fees on withdrawals
How is the Sports Coverage?
When it comes to sports betting, variety is key and CoinPoker delivers here. The platform covers major sports like football, basketball, tennis and boxing, plus niche events like e-sports and mixed martial arts. Whether you’re betting on the latest NBA game or a high-stakes NFL match, their odds are competitive and the interface makes it easy to compare lines.
Live betting is well-integrated, so you can adjust your wagers in real-time as the action unfolds. So, if you’re into the big games, CoinPoker has you covered. The site also offers accumulator bets and in-play options, which we always appreciate.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The only mode of payment at Coin Poker would be through cryptos. The site is able to support several popular cryptocurrencies. A number of networks are supported on Coin poker. This facilitates transfers being possible through:
Bitcoin network
Ethereum network
TRON network
Solana network
Polygon network
Best Aspect:
It’s a fantastic choice for crypto fans who want to dip into sports betting. The sports coverage is excellent for mainstream events, the UX is user-friendly and the bonuses on offer are a nice touch.
2. BetOnline: Best for Comprehensive Sports Betting Options
What We Like
50 percent welcome bonus up to $250 for the sports bettors
Support for big bets
One of the first to open up odds on several markets
VIP program with several rewards including a monthly cashback
Things That We Do Not Like
Fees for non-crypto withdrawals are on the higher side
How is the Sports Coverage?
The sports coverage from BetOnline covers more than 20 sports. The users get to enjoy features like props builder and odds booster from the homepage. The betting slip is easily customizable with the option to seamlessly switch between straight, parlay, teaser and if bets. It is welcoming to see BetOnline not stop covering U.S. sports alone and this is one of the factors that sets itself apart as one of the best betting sites in the country.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
There are numerous ways to make deposits and withdrawals on BetOnline. The brand provides an interesting mix of cryptocurrencies, credit cards and bank transfers for adding funds. The minimum and maximum limits are quite moderate for traditional fiat payment methods. For players who are using cryptos to add funds, they can even bring up to $500,000 (only through Bitcoin) into their account.
For withdrawals, the brand has a limited set of choices with cryptos and bank transfers making up the choices. Unlike some of the other best betting sites, BetOnline has a risk-based approach to withdrawals using different payment options. A maximum limit of $100,000 is applicable for withdrawals using popular coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum. However, a $10,000 limit is applicable for some of the new and upcoming coins.
Best Aspect:
The availability of sportsbook, racebook, live casino, casino and poker sections under one roof is one of the biggest attractions of BetOnline.
A staggering $1,250 worth of welcome bonus in the sportsbook section
Provides betting options on 25+ sports
The live betting opportunities on niche sports are excellent
Racebook and eSports are also part of the package
Easy verification allows for quick payouts
Things That We Do Not Like
It can be cumbersome to reach the customer support
How is the Sports Coverage?
The sports coverage from BetWhale is fantastic if the bettor is particularly after opportunities in niche sports. It is not a surprise that the brand offers excellent coverage of American sports like football, basketball and baseball. Whenever the top leagues in these sports are around, they tend to receive a minimum of 100+ markets just in the pre-match segment. Interestingly, BetWhale is one of the growing best betting sites that tend to provide live markets on niche sports like:
Volleyball
Badminton
Beach volleyball
A number of sportsbooks might offer pre-match markets on these sports but it is quite rare to come across an offering in the in-play betting section.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The world of banking with BetWhale gets easier thanks to the use of cryptos. A player has the freedom to choose among 10 cryptocurrencies for making a transfer while they can also continue to use fiat money. The big advantage between the two can be felt in the limits:
E-wallets like Neosurf—upper limit of $250
Credit cards and debit cards—upper limit of $1,000
e-wallets like PayPal—upper limit of $9,000
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin—unlimited upper limit
Best Aspect:
The availability of betting opportunities on niche sports is a welcome change, but BetWhale goes one better by providing several live betting opportunities on these sports.
Several security measures like Random Number Generator, security audits and intrusion detection
Full suite of responsible gambling products
Things That We Do Not Like
Some countries are on the restricted list and they need a VPN to access Bovada
How is the Sports Coverage?
The sports coverage from Bovada can be fantastic with 30+ options available in the lobby to make a strong case for being one of the best betting sites. Such expansive coverage usually means the ability to bet on niche sports and Bovada does not disappoint on this front. Of course, the best choices on the bench will be to place a wager on:
Football
Basketball
Baseball
Golf
Tennis
Even when tournaments and leagues from these sports take place outside the United States, there is an opportunity to bet on Bovada—often with 30+ markets on individual games. Yet, there is also a sizable segment beyond these top sports. The bettors even have the opportunity to place a wager on politics and entertainment amongst others.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The crypto support makes Bovada a great destination for anonymous wagering on sports. However, it continues to support a decent set of fiat currency options to make the brand very flexible. One can decide to make card or crypto deposits. Unfortunately, this is also a place where Bovada feels let down with the brand requesting fees, which I found to be rather high, for adding funds.
Best Aspect:
There are prop builders and parlayboosters which can be great additions to the betting space, as players can significantly improve their returns with attractive markets.
Initial and reload bonuses in the sportsbook category can be up to 200 percent
Ability to build their props using a builder
The insurance bets provide money back through a powerful rebate program
10 percent of the horse betting losses given back as a weekly rebate
Things That We Do Not Like
Sportsbook design is very plain and not that impressive against the best betting sites mentioned above
Online casino products are not very impressive
How is the Sports Coverage?
The betting platform from BetNow is skewed heavily toward assisting the bettor in placing a wager on American sports. The sports lines from the brand are only available on:
Football
Basketball
Baseball
Hockey
Soccer
Auto Racing
All of the sports enjoy substantial popularity across the United States. The absence of many global sports and niche sports is one of the big highlights, but their absence might only hurt a small section. The volume of markets on American sports can be very impressive throughout the season.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The banking options provided by BetNow are able to meet the expectations of bettors with different backgrounds. The brand has become one of the best betting sites by virtue of featuring:
Credit cards
Crypto transfers
Bank transfer
BetNow has now expanded from just providing support for Bitcoin to a status where they are able to even allow fund additions through altcoins. Interestingly, some of the payment options available in the withdrawal segment like bank transfers may incur fees.
Best Aspect:
BetNow is a great choice for those who are betting on American sports, as concentration from the operator has clearly not been spent on covering sports from around the globe. There is also potential to improve a sizable variety of betting markets.
6. Everygame: Best for Effortless Banking and Betting
What We Like
Availability of poker, casino and sports betting action under one roof
Ability to pick up bonuses for even small deposits of $20 or more
The casino section is well-equipped with several hundred games
Crypto deposits will qualify for a sizeable increment to existing bonuses
Things That We Do Not Like
A fee is applicable on fiat currency withdrawals
How is the Sports Coverage?
The strength of Everygame lies in the sports coverage, which extends to more than 20 different options. The brand does not shy away from focusing heavily on American sporting leagues and tournaments. Therefore, this is one of the best betting sites where a bettor can receive several hundred markets on NFL or NBA games. However, Everygame also has a focus on several of the sporting markets including the option to bet on stock market events and politics.
Whilst it is common for some best offshore sportsbooks to provide an option to bet on upcoming political events, there are very few that offer markets on the stock market. The diversity of coverage means that Everygame is able to excel in terms of bet types as well. These are the major bet types on the brand:
Moneyline
Props
Futures
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
It can be a breeze to make transactions on Everygame since crypto and fiat currencies are supported in a big way. For those smaller transactions, credit cards would be a suitable option. With support for a maximum of $5000 in one transaction, these are considered safe bets. However, the choices for a high-roller would be:
Bitcoin—maximum deposit of $500,000
Other cryptocurrencies—maximum deposit of $100,000
One can also use bank wire transfers, checks and money orders to bring funds. On the withdrawal front, the key choices are:
Cryptos
Bank transfer
Check
A player should be prepared to pay fees while using fiat currencies for withdrawals.
Best Aspect:
Everygame is big on making it convenient for players with several deposit and withdrawal choices in both crypto and fiat currencies.
TG.Casino provides substantial rewards on football bets
This is a sportsbook with connections to the Italian club AC Milan
The loyalty program can result in excellent rewards
Sportsbook is accompanied by a feature-rich casino
Things That We Do Not Like
The volume of markets is smaller for less popular sporting events
How is the Sports Coverage?
It does not take long to understand that TG.Casino’s primary product happens to be the online casino. However, it does not cause a detriment to the sportsbook product. The sportsbook manages to cover more than 30 sports on the platform. The sports which enjoy greater popularity and market coverage would be:
Soccer
American football
Ice hockey
Basketball
Tennis
Even in the live betting segment, TG.Casino does not skip most of the games. In fact, one can even wager on a second-tier football match taking place in Southeast Asia. However, a match in the English Premier League ends up receiving a number of opportunities.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The banking options on TG.Casino is what sets it apart from a full-fledged sportsbook with no casino offerings. The crypto-friendly nature of TG.Casino means that players can make deposits using the likes of Bitcoin and they stand to pick up improved rewards in the bonus program as well. The rakeback bonus is worth 10 ETH while sports bettors get frequent offers.
The key promotional offers on the site would be accumulator boosts and sport-specific tournaments.
Best Aspect:
TG.Casino, which can be considered as one of the best betting sites, is big on soccer and it is apparent from the brand’s partnership with Italian Serie A club AC Milan. As a result, there are several offers specific to soccer available on the site.
BetUS manages to cover almost every top sport in the world
Multiple versions of welcome bonuses in different segments
Several bet types like moneylines and parlays available for sports bettors
Numerous video content available on the BetUS TV
Brilliant website design appears modern and sleek
Things That We Do Not Like
Some payout options require users to pay fees
How is the Sports Coverage?
The volume of sports coverage at BetUS runs into 20+ options. This covers all the top American sports. For fans of basketball, baseball, soccer, football and cricket, there is no corner left unturned at BetUS. Surprisingly, the brand also has enough coverage of less popular sports like darts, cycling and surfing. If the coverage of sports is impressive, there are also visiting opportunities on TV shows, politics, awards ceremonies and more. The eSports betting section is one of the highlights of the brand.
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The deposits can be made on BetUS using:
Credit cards
Bank wire transfer
Cash transfer
Cryptocurrencies
Since all the top choices in this segment are available, users should have no trouble in being able to add funds within a few minutes. A minimum deposit of $10 is required through any of these options, but deposits made using cryptocurrencies do not incur any charges. Meanwhile, the payout request can be made using electronic payout options are cryptocurrencies. Once again, cryptocurrencies do not incur any fees in the withdrawal section.
Best Aspect:
The top aspect of BetUS will be the ability to bet on American sports. The presence of several attractive welcome offers only adds to the positive experience.
MyBookie has a decade of experience in the world of sportsbooks
Several matches are covered in the live stream section
Numerous opportunities in the live betting segment
An impressive set of initial deposit bonuses
Things That We Do Not Like
Numerous limitations in the deposit segment
How is the Sports Coverage?
MyBookie comes with a slew of betting markets on several sports. The brand is very competitive with regards to its odds and it only gets better with the Bet Boost section. The odds are updated frequently and MyBookie prices are among the best in the industry. On the coverage front, MyBookie offers the chance to bet on all professional sports in North America and more. For someone with a starting bankroll, the betting options would appear in:
Basketball (all leagues in North America, Australia, Japan, Spain and more)
Baseball (all leagues in North America like MLB and NCAA along with leagues in South Korea, China and Japan)
Tennis (US Open, all Grand Slams and more)
Soccer (MLS, all top European leagues, all top South American leagues and more)
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
The banking choices at MyBookie can be described as being very limited. The limitation is not just in the withdrawal segment, as even deposits can be made only through:
10+ cryptos
Visa and MasterCard
Cryptocurrencies are likely to be the preferred choice on this site due to the comfortable minimum and upper limits. For card payments, the minimum limit stands at $45 and I find it to be on the higher side from my experience.
Best Aspect:
MyBookie can be one of the best betting sites for wagering with excellent prices. MyBookie is very early with its release of odds, which are frequently updated to keep the brand as one of the best betting sites. The prices are very attractive especially when it comes to North American sports.
10. SportsBetting.ag: Best for Clean Betting Interface
What We Like
Deep betting markets with several moneyline and totals available in various sports
Customer support is excellent, especially through live chat
Impressive bonus available for new players
Things That We Do Not Like
The banking segment either has high deposit requirements or high fees for withdrawal
How is the Sports Coverage?
The betting coverage from SportsBetting.ag can be very deep in most sporting events that it covers. Given that SportsBetting.ag focuses more on the top sports and leagues that enjoy a lack of visibility, this is to be expected from one of the best betting sites in the USA. The user has the convenience of being able to switch between different odds formats. As expected, there is coverage for 20+ sports with a higher focus on American sporting leagues and tournaments. At the same time, there are also several interesting choices to bet on like:
Crypto prices by the year-end
Political situation
TV shows
Is it Easy to Deposit and Withdraw?
SportsBetting.ag ranks as one of the best betting sites by having an excellent cashier section where players can make use of:
Crypto
Credit cards
Wire transfer
There are limits in each segment with cryptos being able to support a maximum of $1 million in a transaction. On the other end, players can start depositing with just $10 as choices like Bitcoin and Litecoin facilitate this aspect.
Best Aspect:
SportsBetting.ag is a rich betting destination with a wide selection of pre-match and live markets.
Crucial Factors for Ranking the Best Sportsbooks in the US
There are several ways through which an online sportsbook can be assessed but these are the crucial factors through which we assess the best betting sites in the United States:
New Player Bonus Offer
The new player bonus is a significant part of the signup experience. For this reason, the best online sports betting destination tries to make sure that they offer outstanding rewards. Due to the various intricacies involved in the terms and conditions of a bonus campaign, it may not be easy for inexperienced bettors to differentiate a great offer from the best sites. Our ranking methodology considers everything like bonus size, turnover requirements, restrictions on use, validity and more.
Flexibility and Depth of Betting Markets
A top reason to join sportsbooks will be to wager on sporting events. The coverage of sports needs to be excellent. Due to globalization, a betting site has to cover 20+ sports as a bare minimum expectation. Rather than provide sports coverage for the namesake, a top betting site has to ensure that the event gets covered with a wide range of props, parlays, spreads and futures.
Design and Interface
The sportsbook can be a difficult place to navigate with a lot of information being available on the home page. Therefore, a site that excels in being able to package all products in a neat and organized manner gets the pick. This is easier said than done with more features being brought into a betting platform.
Availability In the State
Due to different locations in the United States having different laws regarding sports betting, this parameter needs to be considered seriously. Some states tend to have different laws regarding online and in-person betting on sports. The latter may have limits or a hard cap. Even though it is possible to use a VPN and bypass these restrictions, it may not be the smartest solution.
Odds and Their Competitiveness
The competitiveness of odds would ultimately attract bettors more than any other feature, as they would like to get the most bang for the buck. The availability of several comparison tools for odds means that a player does not have to work hard to know if they are getting a good deal. It is not just the pre-match odds that have rigorous scrutiny, as even live bet odds go through the same process.
Features on Desktop and Mobile Apps
The best sports betting app no longer has to be a place for just wagering on sporting events. They have to be well-equipped to handle other requirements of the bettor like being able to get live updates of the game through statistics or commentary. The bettor may also have expectations of watching live streams of the event. Rather than these additional features being available only on a desktop, online betting apps also have to provide these options.
Major Bonuses Offered by Sportsbooks in the US
What do New Players Get?
Welcome Bonus—This is usually the biggest offer available with the sportsbook. Compared to an online casino, the welcome bonuses in the sportsbook section gravitate more towards free bets rather than match bonuses.
First Bet Insurance—This is an insurance bet given by several of the best betting sites that do not pay out if the original bet is successful. The payout is usually offered as a free bet.
What do Existing Players Get?
Referral Bonuses—These are common bonuses available to users when they refer other players to the platform. These can be quite handy rewards worth a couple of hundred dollars depending on the popularity of the site in question.
Odds Boost—This is a very popular offer for existing players and it can significantly boost returns on popular sporting events with little to no effort. The odds boost campaign is available for specific sports and it can even extend to specific tournaments alone—like the World Cup or Super Bowl.
Early Payout Offers—The bettor has to back a team to win a specific contest. However, they can settle their bets even before the match is complete provided that the team reaches a predetermined threshold. For example, a 20-point threshold will be available in NBA matches to activate early payouts.
Best Sports to Bet with Best Online Betting Sites
The top tier of the best betting sites tends to come with coverage of more than 20 sports as standard. However, they tend to prioritize providing markets for those who are into:
NBA Betting
There is no shortage of excitement when trying to bet on NBA matches. More than the result, markets that involve player and team statistics find enormous interest during the season, which is 82 games long for the regular campaign alone. The NBA betting interest peaks during the play-off matches.
NFL Betting
The NFL betting action takes up most of the interest from September to January. A bettor can find an extensive selection of props and parlays available in almost every match. The interest surrounding NFL betting peaks during the playoffs and Super Bowl. Almost every sportsbook tends to come out with special promotions and offers for the Super Bowl.
MLB Betting
As one of the big three in the United States, MLB betting is largely active during the summer months when other sports are going through a break. The 160+ matches available through the regular season are able to offer an immense variety of betting action.
Soccer Betting
Soccer betting opportunities are available throughout the year with the sport immensely popular in Europe and South America. However, there are also several other leagues and tournaments taking place around the globe. Soccer provides one of the best year-round betting possibilities.
Our Final Take on the Best Ranking Sportsbooks in the US
The best betting sites are able to offer bettors with sizable advantages in bonuses, competitive odds, sports coverage and more. However, spotting the top sites can be a difficult task for someone who is not used to experiencing a multitude of betting sites at the same time. Our expertise in trying out different gambling destinations at the same time has helped draw the conclusion of CoinPoker as the choice to pick when seeking the best betting sites.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Online Sportsbooks
Is It Legal to Use the Sportsbook Sites in the United States?
The legal status of using sportsbooks in the United States depends on the location, as it varies significantly between one state and the other. Even sportsbooks have a preference with regard to the states where they operate. If players want to experience a sportsbook that does not have state-specific restrictions, they have to choose offshore sites like Bovada.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for Betting on Sports in the US?
The minimum age requirement for sports betting in the United States depends on the state. It is very common to come across most states implementing a limit on individuals younger than 21 years old from signing up with sportsbooks. Some states, though, are able to relax terms and conditions in such a way that even 18-year-olds can sign up with a sportsbook.
Can Personal Data be Shared with Gambling Sites?
Sports betting sites require a certain degree of personal data in order to comply with the rules and regulations. They are also able to offer a much better service with personal information on board. This information is protected through dataencryption, multi factor authentication and several other security features. Therefore, bettors may not have any apprehension towards sharing data on these best betting websites.
Do Bettors Have to Download Software for Placing Bets?
The answer to this question varies depending on the device. For desktops, bettors need not download software to place bets but a mobile user needs to get sports betting apps for a positive gambling experience. The sportsbooks are also likely to have a mobile site that functions as well as the app without the hassle of additional downloads.
Published in cooperation between CardPlayer and the East Bay Express
Online casinos feel very different today compared to the early days of digital gambling, and many players now approach them with more confidence, curiosity and openness. Better technology, stronger security tools, smoother payments and more thoughtful design make these platforms feel like legitimate entertainment spaces rather than risky experiments. As participation grows and perceptions shift, online casinos continue to shape modern digital lifestyles in ways that feel more mainstream, safer and surprisingly relatable.
Growing trust in online casinos through better tech and smarter security
Many players approach online casinos with more confidence today because the platforms feel safer, clearer and much more professional. Instead of worrying about who runs the site or where their information goes, people focus on the experience. That kind of shift occurs only when technology advances, systems mature and players feel that someone has actually prioritized their safety.
Players also care about how they access these platforms, so features such as stronger identity tools and smarter login systems make a big difference. When a site demonstrates that it takes privacy, account security and responsible access seriously, it signals that it respects the player rather than simply chasing their money. That mindset change really matters to modern users.
Inclave fits into that conversation because it provides a more secure way for people to log in to gambling sites and manage their accounts without stress. The overall focus is on safer entry, improved data handling and smoother player control. This gets clearer when you look at detailed breakdowns of Inclave casinos, features, login mechanics, payment systems and platform protections, as explained by CardPlayer, which really helps players understand what they are dealing with.
When someone can see real information, real structure and real thought behind a platform, they naturally trust it more. Trust means comfort, and comfort means players feel they can enjoy casino entertainment without undue risk. That emotional safety plays a significant role in why more people treat these platforms as legitimate entertainment spaces rather than something to avoid.
Shifting public perception as online casinos feel more mainstream
Public perception changes slowly at first, and then suddenly everyone treats something as normal. Online casinos seem to follow that pattern because more people view them as organized entertainment instead of something hidden or taboo. When you combine accessible information with platforms that behave responsibly, people start to treat online gambling as another part of digital life rather than something unusual.
Cultural acceptance grows further when regulated platforms take center stage rather than shady alternatives. When people see licensing, rules, responsible-play reminders and the real structures behind the experience, they relax a bit. It feels like something legitimate and acknowledged, not something happening in the shadows. That clarity helps everyday users feel better about giving these platforms a chance.
In addition to how people view issues, media coverage shapes their perceptions. It appears we currently have a more balanced approach between the two, focusing not only on risks but also on structure, technology, security measures and lifestyle impacts.
Younger audiences are critical here because they approach online activities differently. They already stream everything, manage finances digitally, socialize online and do most entertainment on screens. Adding online casinos to that same routine feels natural to them. When a generation becomes comfortable with something, it usually becomes mainstream quickly for everyone else.
Convenience and accessibility redefine how people approach gambling
Convenience constantly changes behavior, and online casinos prove that once again. When people do not have to travel, book hotels, or organize entire trips just to enjoy casino entertainment, they feel more open to trying it. Digital access turns gambling from a major outing into something you can treat as casual entertainment when you feel like it.
Another major factor is the number of ways people can play now. Phones, laptops, tablets and desktops all give access, so gambling fits into modern lifestyles the same way streaming or social media does. You can sit on the couch, relax after work and engage when it feels comfortable, rather than planning an event around it.
Flexibility also changes how seriously players treat each session. Instead of treating every visit as high-stakes, many treat it like any other entertainment platform: you pop in, enjoy yourself and leave when you want. That mindset reduces pressure and makes online casinos feel far more approachable and friendly.
Accessibility is typically associated with an easier and more enjoyable gaming experience, for several reasons. The first is that accessibility in gaming is generally perceived as being “easy” or “convenient,” and as such, players are more likely to interact with it at their own discretion. Players will be able to choose when to participate, how much to invest per game and how often to revisit a particular title.
Online casinos evolve into more polished digital entertainment destinations
Modern online casinos invest heavily in improving design, visuals and user experience, and it shows. Instead of clunky menus and confusing layouts, most serious platforms feel smooth, organized and visually appealing. When a site is enjoyable to use, players stay longer and treat it as a genuine entertainment destination rather than just a gambling tool.
Additionally, there are now far more options available in games than ever before. The variety of game options allows all players to enjoy the experience they prefer. For example, some gamers may seek a fast-paced, easy-to-play experience, while others may prefer complex, strategic gameplay. In either case, having options that allow them to access what they desire will attract a broader gaming community and make the platform less restrictive.
Payment experiences change, too, and that matters a lot. People appreciate deposits and withdrawals that make sense, feel transparent and do not cause stress. When platforms simplify those processes, they reduce frustration and build trust. Players value the smooth handling of their money, and online casinos have clearly learned that lesson, as they continue to improve these systems.
When all of these factors combine, users will feel more like they are enjoying a high-end entertainment product than a risky or poorly run operation, and they will feel confident in their ability to use the entire service from beginning to end. The positive change creates the perception that online casinos are modern, reliable and capable of competing side by side with other top digital entertainment products.
Conclusion
All of this shows that online casinos are no longer just a niche corner of the internet but a growing part of everyday digital entertainment. With better security, clearer structure and more thoughtful experiences, more people feel comfortable engaging. The industry continues to evolve, and that momentum does not appear likely to slow anytime soon.
Every year, lawmakers in Sacramento introduce a flurry of bills, most of which are eviscerated during the legislative process and end up in the Assembly or Senate trash heap. A select few make it to the governor’s desk and, assuming they dodge the veto stamp, become new laws.
This year’s Senate bills (SB) and Assembly bills (AB)—most of which take effect on Jan. 1, with some operative in July—include a prohibition on cat declawing, healthier school lunches and a deep dish of workplace protections.
One of the most striking of these laws takes aim at bookcensorship. Under AB 1825,also known as the California Freedom to Read Act, public and school libraries are prohibited from banning books or other materials based on their content. The law specifically bars actions that discriminate on the basis of race, nationality, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, political affiliation and other protected characteristics.
Minimum wage
Minimum wage increases again. Thanks to SB 3, California’s statewide minimum wage rises to $16.90 per hour on Jan. 1.
Work and labor
Equal pay rules get sharper teeth (SB 642). This one updates California’s Equal Pay framework—requiring employers to tell new hires specifically what they’ll be getting paid when they’re hired, and includes benefits. It also broadens the scope of “sex” to include gender identity.
“Stay-or-pay” contracts get kneecapped (AB 692). A growing trend—making workers sign agreements that penalize them for leaving—runs into a new wall. This bill restricts contract terms that impose penalties or debt collection if employment ends, with statutory damages and other remedies available.
Unpaid wage judgments get more expensive (SB 261). This targets employers who lose wage cases and then don’t pay. It allows for three times the judgement amount after 180 days.
Tipped off (SB 648). The Labor Commissioner gets clearer authority to investigate and cite—or sue over—gratuities that are taken or withheld unlawfully. This bill is aimed at speeding up enforcement instead of forcing workers into slow, expensive fights.
Construction trucking classification cleanup (SB 809). Under this law, employers must reimburse employees for the maintenance, upkeep and depreciation of the personal vehicles they use on the job.
Gig driver organizing framework (AB 1340). Drivers for ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft are now allowed to unionize and collectively bargain for higher pay. Industry spokespeople say the new law could mean higher costs for passengers.
Right-to-rehire for certain Covid-era layoffs gets extended (AB 858). In 2021, SB 93 required certain employers in the hospitality industry to rehire employees who were laid off during the Covid-19 pandemic. This law extends the sunset date to Jan. 1, 2027.
Business and consumer
Car buyers get a new escape hatch (SB 766). This first-of-its-kind law, which takes effect on Oct. 1, 2026, gives people who buy a used car a three-day window to get a full refund, if the vehicle costs less than $50,000.
It also requires transparency, requiring dealers to give the full price up front, and prohibiting them from including deceptive or unneeded add-ons, such as oil changes for electric vehicles.
Tipped off (AB 578). Companies that provide food delivery services such as Uber Eats can no longer calculate tips as a way to offset what they pay their drivers.
Restaurants get an expedited path for some retrofits (AB 671). This is good news for those who want to launch a restaurant or renovate their existing one, since it streamlines the permitting process. The law speeds up permitting for restaurant tenant improvements by allowing licensed architects or engineers to certify code compliance, triggering faster local review timelines.
Outdoor dining flexibility expands. Good news for those who like to dine al fresco.AB 592 makes permanent some of the lax outdoor dining rules created during the social-distancing requirements of the Covid pandemic. It also gives restaurants more leeway for open-air layouts such as folding doors, windows and similar features.
Housing and home life
Landlords must provide basic appliances (AB 628). Renters and landlords take note: Most rental units must now come with appliances such as stoves and refrigerators, and landlords must furthermore agree to maintain them.
Paper bag rules tighten again (SB 1053). In a win for environmentalists, and a likely annoyance for plastic bag die-hards, retail stores will be limited to recycled paper bags at checkout, which will set customers back a whopping 10 cents.
Health
Insulin cost-sharing gets capped (SB 40). In an era when pharmaceutical corporations happily gouge their customers, this landmark legislation sets a $35 monthly cap for out-of-pocket for insulin under state-regulated plans. It also prohibits insurance companies from requiring diabetic patients to try therapies other than insulin.
Schools and education
Gender Neutral Bathrooms (SB 760). Starting July 1, all K-12 public schools and charters must have at least one all-gender restroom available for students.
Cell phones in classrooms (AB 3216). This new law takes effect in July, but is sure to raise the hackles of many young people. Also known as the Phone-Free School Act, this law requires school districts to implement policieslimiting or prohibiting student smartphone use. There are exceptions for emergencies, medical needs and teacher permission, but we assume Instagram and video games are out.
ICE on campuses (SB 98, AB 49). These bills require notifications and set boundaries on access to certain campus areas to immigration agents without warrants or judges’ orders. They also put tighter guardrails on the disclosure of education records.
CSU direct admission expands (SB 640). California Senate Bill 640 creates a California State University direct admission program that automatically offers admission to eligible California high school students.
Antisemitism in schools (AB 715). Assembly Bill 715 expands California’s education anti-discrimination laws by strengthening rules around antisemitism and other bias in K–12 schools. The law bars discriminatory instructional and professional development materials, tightens complaint and enforcement processes, and creates a new state Office of Civil Rights, including an antisemitism prevention coordinator. It also requires investigations, corrective action, parent notification and annual reporting when discrimination is found.
Ultra-processed foods (AB 1264). This first-of-its-kind law prohibits or restricts most ultra-processed foods from school lunches by 2035.
Crime and public safety
No “secret police” masks (SB 627). Restricts law-enforcement face coverings during most duties, and requires agencies to adopt and publicly post limiting policies by mid-2026.
Non-uniformed officers must show visible ID (SB 805).Requires non-uniformed law enforcement officers, with specified exceptions, to display identification including agency and either name or badge number while performing enforcement duties.
Immigrant patients get stronger privacy/access protections (SB 81). Limits immigration enforcement access to nonpublic areas of health care facilities without a judicial warrant or court order and restricts the disclosure of certain patient information for immigration enforcement purposes.
A civil claims “revival window” for sexual assault (AB 250). Beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, and lasting through Dec. 31, 2027, victims of sexual assault can revive certain civil claims, even if statutes of limitations have expired.
Pets and animal welfare
Cat declawing gets banned except for medical necessity (AB 867). Long known to be unnecessary and cruel, cat declawing is now banned in most cases, and requires a veterinarian to document and medically justify when declawing is performed.
Third-party pet brokers get blocked (AB 519). Effectively eliminates “puppy mills” and other third-party online pet brokers that sell dogs, cats and rabbits. Just visit a shelter!
Disaster/evacuation protocols for pets (AB 478). Requires jurisdictions to create protocols for animal rescue during evacuations.
Miscellaneous
Diwali becomes a state holiday for schools (AB 268). Diwali—the Hindu Festival of Lights holiday—is based on the Hindu lunar calendar and usually falls between mid-October and mid-November. It is now a state holiday, allowing public schools and community colleges to close. State employees can elect to take the day off.
Oakland chef and restaurateur Michele McQueen and restaurant co-owner Matt Strum went over 51 name iterations before arriving at Lucy Blue. McQueen recounted the brainstorm she had on the phone with her best friend from college.
“A lot of times when I’m thinking of how to name something, I use this phrase that’s like, ‘Hey, you guys want to go to …?’ If it flows, then it works,” McQueen said. “I was super frustrated—‘Fuck it, I’m gonna just call this shit Lucy Blue.’And we were like, ‘Oh!’”
Strum confirmed the name sounded good. The inspiration came not only from the names of McQueen’s two cats—“Lucy” and “Blue”—but also from their behavior.
“What do cats do? They eat, drink and chill,” McQueen said.
The character of Lucy Blue could start out as a premise of a joke. “A cat walks into a bar …” but walks into a cosmic third place. This premise doesn’t end anywhere funny, but it describes the bar’s ethos. On the bar’s website, a page is devoted to The Legend of Lucy Blue: a green-eyed domestic shorthair cat silently witnessing Oakland’s evolving history from the dockside through the Jazz Age, from the protests of the 1960s and 1970s to the present day.
With the name emblazoned in blue fluorescent lighting on the building’s front across the street from the Fox Theater, the bar is a space for distilling in comfort. The promise is met with the first crunch of the buttermilk fried quail. Driving people to gnaw at the ends of the bones, a crispy morsel of meat has one grasping for every last bit of flavor.
For those wanting to indulge in a dish that’s more refreshing, the halibut crudo plays with the lightness of the watermelon radish against the backdrop of the sauce’s tart bitterness, a taste meant to be chased through each mouthful. The elote hushpuppies are a familiar twist that one can pop into their mouth, bite after endless bite.
Lucy Blue defies easy categorization. Despite its reputation for being a place of comfort, surprises keep unfolding inside and outside its walls. McQueen shows photos of “Callie” and “Tinder” from her camera roll. These are not famous musicians or well-known influencers, but horses that visit weekly.
As the staff settles into their rhythm and regulars develop, McQueen and Strum are already planning what’s next. Their sold-out New Year’s party, which kicked off 2026, will be followed by live music on Sundays. The menu will expand too, with the addition of a beef slider with caramelized onions.
A number of local bands will venture through. A friend of the late D’Wayne Wiggins introduced McQueen to a band he played with at Bill Graham—but they don’t have a new name yet for her to promote. In any case, Strum and McQueen are committed to featuring local bands and find relief in the fact that Oakland has incredible talent.
In this season of cooking and translating a restaurant concept into reality, McQueen wanted a place she could visit even if she wasn’t present at its inception. As a part of the Oakland Restaurant Collective, Strum and McQueen are grateful other business owners have supported them. They also appreciate that people come out of the woodwork to visit this location. The community of patrons, fellow owners and visitors sustains them.
Going forward, Strum and McQueen hope their Uptown lounge grows into Oakland’s firmament. As the legend of Lucy Blue continues to add another chapter to Oakland’s story, the joke has written itself. A cat walks into a bar… and decides to stay.
Lucy Blue, 468 19th St., Oakland. Open Sun-Mon, Wed-Thu 4pm to midnight; Fri-Sat 4pm to 1:30am. 510.454.9212. lucybluebar.com
The Southern California indie band, Rainbow Girls, unspools well-crafted songs featuring simple acoustic sounds that flow like rivers, boil as would any water if heat were applied or ride along a surfrider’s dream wave. Their 2024 album, Haunting, captures it all in songs like “SMS to the Void,” “Spread Me Thin” and “Loser.” Placing Sabine McCalla on the same Freight stage with the Rainbow Girls sends this show into lofty territory. McCalla’s debut album, Don’t Call Me Baby, sports the full package: gospel, folk, soul, blues, R&B, classic rock and afro-beat. It might be the year’s finest combo of female voices. – LOU FANCHER
Danish jazz vocalist Sinne Eeg plays a two-night run at the Sound Room with L.A. pianist Josh Nelson. Possessing a rich, burnished tone, she’s a powerhouse who combines effortless swing with a capacious improvisational imagination. The first night focuses on songs from films, with particular attention to tunes gleaned from the James Bond franchise. The second night features originals Eeg and Nelson have collaborated on. He’s a brilliant accompanist and composer best known for his six-year stint touring with Natalie Cole. Avidly sought out by vocalists, he can also be seen with Gaby Moreno, Freda Payne, Alicia Olatuja, Sara Gazarek and Oakland’s Kenny Washington. – ANDREW GILBERT
Dedicated to the spritely, virtuosic Brazilian instrumental tradition known as choro, the Berkeley Choro Ensemble has forged deep relationships with some of Brazil’s most celebrated choro artists. Featuring Rio-reared Oakland guitarist Ricardo Peixoto, percussionist Brian Rice, flutist Jane Lenoir and clarinetist Harvey Wainapel, the BCO gets a rare opportunity to revisit a program with the group’s original guitarist, Carlos Oliveira. A creative force during his Bay Area years who worked closely with Wainapel, including the Ambrosia project featuring piano great and NEA Jazz Master Kenny Barron, Oliveira returned to Recife in 2012. – AG
The celebrated Berkeley High Jazz program gets a shoutout when pianist Ethan Ostrow and trombonist Remee Ashley come back home for a special performance alongside bassist Owen Storey and drummer Elliott Martens. Minneapolis-based Ostrow is fluent in R&B, funk, soul and jazz. Berkeley-native Ashley is also a composer and arranger who’s played the Apollo and Birdland, among many other venues. Ostrow’s playing and vocals range from a wistful rendering of the Carole King classic “So Far Away,” to seriously funked-up originals. Listen up and get down. – JANIS HASHE
INFO: Fri, 8pm, The Back Room, 1984 Bonita Ave., Berkeley. $25. 510.654.3808.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
METAL
CARTILAGE
Warning: Cartilage is not for the weak of heart. After all, they describe themselves as a “gore-soaked death grind from San Francisco,” and it’s 100% true. Their songs are only out-brutalized by their album art and live shows, both featuring plenty of blood. This year they celebrated their 10-year anniversary as a band, releasing the five-song EP, Tales From The Entrails: A Necrology. Vestige, Beheader and Frolic will join this repulsive party. So be ready for blast beats, guttural screams and plenty of headbanging.– MAT WEIR
For more than three decades, the Swingin’ Utters have treated punk not as a phase, but as a long-term practice, one shaped by Bay Area streets, stubborn independence and a refusal to soften with age. Now they’re revered enough to inspire tribute albums and peer devotion. Their recent work sharpens the point: politically direct, musically restless and emotionally aware, moving from breakneck street-punk to moments of surprising melody and reflection. Backed by a reinvigorated rhythm section, the Utters still argue with the world and mean every word. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT
INFO: Sat, 8pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $29. 510.526.5888.
SATURDAY, JAN. 10
SYNTH-POP
LOS MICROWAVES BY MICROWAVE BUDDHA
A show stoked with Los Microwaves by Microwave Buddha, Winston Tong & Lx Rudis, Nasty World and Tropisphere is likely incendiary. The Los Microwaves light up audiences with synthesizer-driven pop, techno-punk mischief. Load on the sonic gymnastics of Baby Buddha—a new-wave duo with Charles Hornaday on vocals, guitar, electronics and drums; and David Javelosa on vocals, electronics and clarinet—and things at Thee Stork get downright fiery. Next comes Winston Tong, contributing a counterpoint cool, electropop element, piling on former Untis member Lx Rudi, Oakland’s Nasty World and Troposphere, and the sounds of the Bay Area. – LF
Formed in 1988, the Belarusian alt-rock group Bi-2 was voted the Best Rock Act at the 2007 MTV Russian Music Awards. But it’s their story that’s truly captivating. Two of the founding members originally moved to Israel in the 1990s and then to Russia in an attempt to relaunch the band. Their opposition to the country’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine left Bi-2 blacklisted, and they immigrated to the U.S. The band got caught up in Thailand in 2023 on expired work visas, causing an international crisis as to where they should go, as several members had multiple citizenships. Thankfully, they were let go. They released a brand-new album this past October. – MW
Yoshi’s is playing host to the Bay Area New Jazz Era Series 1: “The Birth of a New Breed,” and on Jan. 13 presents Oakland-born saxophonist, composer and vocalist Ranzel Merritt, described as “where vintage jazz fusion meets modern swagger.” In any case, listening to him swing on the tenor sax reveals he’s the real deal, honoring some of the greats like Kenny Garrett, with whom he studied, while honing his own unique brilliance. He takes inspiration from his drummer father, he’s said, which shows that when jazz is in one’s blood it can’t be denied. – JH
Nidia Góngora’s voice carries the tides of Colombia’s Pacific Coast. A Latin Grammy–nominated singer, composer and cultural researcher from Timbiquí, Góngora has spent more than two decades bringing the region’s marimba- and drum-rooted traditions into conversation with the wider world. Her recent project, Pacífica Maravilla, moves fluidly between ceremony and songcraft, building on collaborations with artists as varied as reggaetón artist Feid and poet Shirley Campbell Barr. This is music meant to be felt in the body—dance floor open. – SBB
People say less is more, implying abundance is overrated. But during Dry January 2026, less and more become best buddies. The 31-day trek has adults intentionally eliminating alcohol from their beverage list. The motivations to abstain are myriad, ranging from temporary deprivation as an experiment to longterm health goals and lifestyle choices. After years of suffering drinks with the taste and mouth-feel of discarded motor oil or overly sweetened fruit juices, today’s no-alcohol (NA) options are superior to the NA mocktail, beer or wine of the past.
In the East Bay nearly every bar, restaurant and lounge offers NA options. Skilled mixologists and bartenders pour years of research, hands-on trial-and-error knowledge and individual artistry into every glass. To gain special insight into the Dry January movement, we spoke to the owner/operators of two establishments located in Oakland: Chef Nelson German of Sobre Mesa, and Tallboy’s Den Stephens.
Created by Top Chef alum German, Sobre Mesa specializes in Afro-Latino cuisine inspired by his Dominican roots and West African ancestry. Drink flavors—cinnamon, pineapple and others—that represent the slave trade in those countries tell a story.
“Back in the days, an NA drink was just mixing juices,” German said. “Now, it’s taken seriously. It’s a true craft to build a mocktail with unique, fun flavors that trip your mind.”
For the Pineapple Nutmeg Express, Abstinence Spirits blend with Sobre Mesa’s in-house caramelized pineapple juice and a signature syrup created with cinnamon, sugar and West African spices. German suggests that a perfect “live life to its fullest” meal to accompany the drink might be Stuffed Ripe Plantain; the seasonal salad with Macintosh apples, pineapple, mango, pumpkin seeds and parmesan; and the Braised Pork Belly brined in pineapple juice and slow-roasted for five hours.
Tallboy’s Stephens said developing the Espresso Martini and Greensleeves NA drinks was fun. Using Namari as the base spirit provides the former with textures mirroring a classic espresso martini’s depth, grip and punch. “It finishes super long, with complexity,” he said.
Greensleeves offers two expressions—spice and garden—with a blend of Seedlip Spice, Seedlip Garden, snap pea, orgeat and lemon. Inspired by winter salads, the flavors are citrusy, nutty and tart. An upscale hot dog like the Lion Dancing Dog and the Dry Martini Salad—a salad inspired by a drink—bring bold culinary adventure to his recommended meal.
“More guests ask for NA beverages,” Stephens said. “The NA spirits are great, and more technique means silkier textures, less water-dilution, different and skilled infusions of flavors and modifiers to lift up specific characteristics, and great garnishes and pouring techniques that create something visually spectacular. NA beer has reached its peak, and wine increasingly offers more nuanced varietals.
“I think spirits still need to grow,” Stephens added. “The aperitifs are spot-on and NA bourbons or rums are getting there, but not perfected yet. Abstinence and Seedlip are getting close. The espresso martini has blown up in the last two years and people are asking for it. I love mine with spiced rum—it’s perfection. Coffee-based drinks and ones made with new juices and syrups are really growing and often requested.”
Stephens is grateful that after 20 years in the business, the standard expectation is that a bar will serve NA beverages. “It’s de rigueur and no longer something you can phone in,” he said. “There’s an entire group of our guests who were underserved. Now, the competition is not just with each other, but with ourselves. We also have customers with more discerning palates. They want to feel welcome and receive drinks made with the same amount of care and attention as alcoholic drinks.”
Asking themselves if an NA drink sings and fills a gap in the menu, Tallboy’s new offerings must stand on their own and be spectacular, according to Stephens, who believes spirits have developed the most and still have room for growth. The chemistry and science in barrel-aged NAs leave them lagging behind, but Stephens is optimistic, saying, “Remember, alcoholic spirits have a 100-year headstart on NA spirits.”
As the conversations wind up, the discussion circles around the possible contradiction between Dry January’s “get healthy, go NA” message and their establishments’ reliance on selling alcohol for a portion of their revenue.
“First and foremost, our space is a place to gather, to congregate,” Stephens said. “We lost so many large bars and gathering spaces in Oakland during the pandemic. They became insolvent. What people are drinking at Tallboy is a side point. What matters is do they feel warm, welcome, comfortable, safe? Do they enjoy the people they’re with or meet here?
“Alcohol has always been a social lubricant, but it’s not necessary,” he continued. “Dry January is proof positive of that. We don’t see a dip in sales. People still go out to engage with the community, family and friends.”
German said, “It’s a give-and-take. For bars and restaurants, we have to show variety. Young professionals are now beverage enthusiasts; they want to try something new. We have to have alcohol for someone who wants it. For others, we have NA—it’s a way for us to have fun, be more creative and health conscious.
“But classic drinks are never going away,” he added. “There’s actually a pushback called Ginuary. It’s a pun and a new movement, but Dry January is popular. We see people try it and continue doing it all year long.”
Celebrating what would have been the 100th birthday of Bay Area icon Neal Cassady on Jan. 17 at the Berkeley Art House is going to be a psychedelically tinged evening of creatives, musicians, deadheads and seekers.
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After dinner at a friend’s house recently, she laid out a small plate with pieces of candy. They were dark chocolate peppermint creams made by Summerdown, a company based in Hampshire, England. Their tagline sounds like it was copied straight out of a Midwich Cuckoos’ chapter: “We are the peppermint people.” The Summerdown cult also makes versions of their...
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Published in cooperation between Casino Recommendations and the East Bay Express
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Published in cooperation between CardPlayer and the East Bay Express
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Every year, lawmakers in Sacramento introduce a flurry of bills, most of which are eviscerated during the legislative process and end up in the Assembly or Senate trash heap. A select few make it to the governor’s desk and, assuming they dodge the veto stamp, become new laws.
This year’s Senate bills (SB) and Assembly bills (AB)—most of which take...
Oakland chef and restaurateur Michele McQueen and restaurant co-owner Matt Strum went over 51 name iterations before arriving at Lucy Blue. McQueen recounted the brainstorm she had on the phone with her best friend from college.
“A lot of times when I’m thinking of how to name something, I use this phrase that’s like, ‘Hey, you guys want to go...
This week's expertly curated calendar picks feature: Rainbow Girls, Sinne Eeg & Josh Nelson, Carlos Oliveira with the Berkeley Choro Ensemble, Ethan Ostrow & Remee Ashley, Cartilage, Swingin' Utters, Los Microwaves by Microwave Buddha, Winston Tong & Lx Rudis, Nasty World and Tropisphere, Bi-2, and Ranzel Merritt.
People say less is more, implying abundance is overrated. But during Dry January 2026, less and more become best buddies. The 31-day trek has adults intentionally eliminating alcohol from their beverage list. The motivations to abstain are myriad, ranging from temporary deprivation as an experiment to longterm health goals and lifestyle choices. After years of suffering drinks with the...
