Waymo Cleared for Major Expansion

Waymo received state approval to expand its driverless ride-hailing service across much of California, including the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego.

The authorization allows Waymo to operate across the Bay Area from Brentwood to Sonoma County’s Sea Ranch and expand farther throughout the Los Angeles region.

In Sacramento, regulators also cleared Waymo for fully autonomous commercial service after weeks of testing. The company has not announced a launch date there.

Waymo said the rollout will be gradual, with rider-only service in San Diego expected in the coming weeks as the company continues testing in other newly approved markets.

Quartz Workers Face Silicosis

A new California study identified 592 silicosis cases among quartz countertop fabrication workers between January 2019 and June 2026.

The incurable lung disease is caused by inhaling silica dust released while cutting and polishing engineered stone. Among those studied, 65 workers received lung transplants and 31 died.

Workers were diagnosed at a median age of 46, and 98% of cases involved Latino men. State tracking now lists 631 cases and 35 deaths. 

California strengthened workplace protections in 2023, but researchers said hazardous exposures continue and cases are likely undercounted. Some occupational health experts are calling for an engineered-stone ban.

California College Towns Make Beautiful List

Two California cities made House Beautiful’s list of the nation’s 11 most beautiful college towns, with Santa Barbara ranking No. 4 and Santa Cruz No. 7.

Santa Barbara, home to UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College, earned praise for its mountain backdrop, Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial architecture, beaches, restaurants, and wineries.

Santa Cruz, home to UC Santa Cruz, was recognized for its Monterey Bay coastline, historic boardwalk, wharf, hiking opportunities, vintage shops, and cafés.

The two California destinations were the state’s only entries on the national ranking, which considered scenery, local character, shopping, dining, and outdoor attractions.

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➤ San Francisco: Median home prices reached about $1.7 million as the AI boom drives housing demand, while one-bedroom rents jumped nearly 23% year over year. (More)

➤ Kern County: Bakersfield Municipal Airport will receive $226,000 for a new automated weather system, while Tehachapi Municipal Airport gets $1.24 million to reconstruct taxilane pavement. (More)

➤ Monterey County: Residents can reserve up to six free Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets for Sept. 8-20, with admission available from noon to 4 p.m. (More)

➤ Los Angeles County: Armed catalytic converter thieves targeted vehicles in City Terrace, Eagle Rock, and Tujunga, with accomplices reportedly standing guard with rifles during the nighttime thefts. (More)

➤ West Hollywood: Some residents remain displaced nearly a month after a July water main break flooded homes, as insurance and LADWP claims remain unresolved. (More)

➤ Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani threw 35 pitches in his first bullpen session in more than three weeks as he deals with left knee inflammation. (More)

➤ El Camino Real placed multiple teachers and coaches on administrative leave while a third party investigates allegations involving potentially fraudulent CPR and first-aid certification cards. (More)

➤ Kate Douglass came within 0.01 seconds of the 100-meter freestyle world record while helping the U.S. women beat Australia and set an American record in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay at the Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | WNBA | Golf | Tennis | NASCAR | Soccer

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➤ The California High-Speed Rail Authority narrowed the site of a future maintenance facility to areas south of Fresno or Hanford, bringing up to 2,100 permanent jobs. (More)

➤ Self-driving trucks are now testing on California highways after Aurora and Kodiak received state permits, though human safety operators must remain behind the wheel. (More)

➤ A Pacific Beach software engineer ran more than 138 miles over 33 hours to win a backyard ultramarathon, raising $6,500 for the Animal Cancer Foundation. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ College costs outpaced wages and left families scrambling to cover the bill. (Hear More)

➤ Teen trouble prompted one New Jersey town to tighten its summer rules. (Listen Now)

➤  A Supreme Court justice said conservatives faced an unexpected barrier on college campuses. (Podcast Available)

Would you take a ride in a fully driverless car?

1. Absolutely, I’d try it
2. Maybe, after more testing
3. Only for a short trip
4. No thanks, Let’s keep it human

Yesterday’s Results:

The Pacific Coast Open kicks off this week. Ever been to a polo match?

1. No: 47%
2. Yes: 28%
3. No, but plan on it!: 25%

A McDonald’s franchisee in Santa Barbara experimented with Eggs Benedict while developing a unique breakfast item in the early 1970s. What did he invent?

Show me the answer