Friday, April 3, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1860, the first Pony Express riders left Sacramento and St. Joseph, Missouri, simultaneously, launching a fast cross-country mail service that connected California to the East in about 10 days.

Gray whales are showing up early in San Francisco Bay this season, where they share one of the country’s busiest waterways with heavy boat traffic. As we report below in Top Stories, their presence is raising safety concerns after a windsurfer collided with one this week.

Today’s sponsor, Fisher Investments, is offering a free guide to help you build a smarter retirement plan that accounts for inflation, rising costs, and long-term financial security.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

Quake Jolts the Bay Area

A magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck near Boulder Creek in the Santa Cruz Mountains early Thursday, rattling residents across the Bay Area.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the temblor hit at 1:41 a.m., and shaking was felt as far as Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Walnut Creek. Reports came in from dozens of communities stretching from Santa Cruz to Contra Costa County.

No major injuries or structural damage were reported. At a pharmacy in Boulder Creek near the epicenter, some items were knocked from shelves. There were no immediate reports of aftershocks, but USGS seismologist Robert de Groot said there’s about a 40% chance of a magnitude 3.0 or larger quake within the next week.

“There are on the order of 50 earthquakes a day in California,” de Groot said, noting quakes of this size are less common but serve as reminders that the state remains seismically active.

San Diego Ex-SEAL Accused in Yemen Plot

A lawsuit unsealed in federal court in San Diego accuses former Navy SEAL Isaac Gilmore, another U.S. military veteran, and the founder of a private military firm of carrying out an assassination attempt against a Yemeni lawmaker on behalf of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The civil complaint, filed by parliament member Anssaf Ali Mayo, names Gilmore and two others tied to Spear Operations Group, a private military contracting firm. The UAE allegedly paid Spear $1.5 million per month, plus bonuses for successful killings.

On Dec. 29, 2015, Spear operatives planted explosives at Mayo’s office in the Yemeni city of Aden, the complaint says. Mayo fled minutes before the blast and has lived in exile since.

Gilmore and the firm’s founder lived in San Diego and held planning meetings there, according to court documents. The UAE denies targeting political opponents.

Windsurfer Collides with Whale

Video captured a windsurfer colliding with a gray whale in San Francisco Bay, raising concerns about marine safety as six whales migrate through the busy waterway.

The Marine Mammal Center called the collision “certainly concerning” for both the windsurfer, who was not hurt, and the whale. Federal law requires a 100-yard distance from whales.

The bay is a confined space for the animals, with high-speed commuter ferries, container ships, and recreational boaters all sharing the water. Gray whales arrived early this year as they migrate north from Mexico.

Four gray whales have been found dead in the bay this year. The species has lost more than 50% of its overall population since 2016.

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Is your retirement plan prepared for the unexpected? It isn’t just about saving enough—it’s also about making sure your savings last. Over that time, the steady effects of inflation can significantly reduce your purchasing power, especially as costs for essentials like healthcare continue to rise. What seems like a comfortable nest egg today could fall short tomorrow without a forward-looking strategy.

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➤ Oakland: Police launched a 60-day operation with federal agencies targeting illegal gun sales and other firearm-related crimes through undercover work and targeted enforcement. (More)

➤ San Francisco: A 25-year-old man was charged with involuntary manslaughter after fatally shooting his girlfriend in the Sunset District. He told police he was “dry-firing” what he believed was an unloaded gun when it discharged, killing her as she showered. Bail was set at $300,000, with electronic monitoring required if released. (More)

➤ Sacramento County: The Franklin Bridge on Franklin Boulevard will reopen April 10 after an $11.3 million replacement project, serving as a detour when the nearby New Hope Road Bridge closes for construction. (See Details)

➤ Fresno: Six gubernatorial candidates debated water, regulation, and affordability Wednesday at a Fresno State forum hosted by Western Growers and other agriculture groups. Candidates from both parties said regulations are hurting farmers, especially in the Central Valley, and backed boosting water supply. Tom Steyer and Eric Swalwell skipped, drawing “chicken hearts” criticism from moderator Buddy Mendes. (See Details)

➤ Central Valley: Groundwater limits under California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act are tightening, adding pressure on farmers already facing low surface water supplies. Experts say the rules, meant to ensure long-term sustainability, are harder to manage in dry years. (More)

➤ Santa Barbara: Elings Park has until May 1 to raise $200,000 and unlock a $1 million anonymous donation to upgrade its athletic fields. The fields date back to the 1980s and are widely used for sports and community events. (See Details)

➤ Los Angeles County: The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health cited the LA County Sheriff’s Department for “willful” serious safety violations in a July 2025 grenade explosion that killed three deputies at a training facility. Fines total more than $350,000, and the department is appealing. (More)

➤ Fillmore: A bear wandered through a Ventura County neighborhood before wildlife officials tranquilized it. The animal roamed yards and trash cans but caused no injuries. (More)

➤ San Diego: NASA’s Artemis mission drew local attention after its launch Wednesday, with the U.S. Navy set to help recover the Orion capsule when it splashes down off the coast at the end of the 10-day mission. The San Diego Air and Space Museum plans a watch party, with details pending. (More)

➤ UCLA faces Texas tonight in the Women’s Final Four in Phoenix. The Longhorns handed the Bruins their only loss this season in an early November matchup. (More)

➤ The apparent winner of the Modesto Marathon was disqualified after a lead cyclist sent him the wrong way near the 13-mile mark, cutting about 1.5 miles off his race. (More)

➤ LA Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua has entered rehab to “improve his overall behavior,” his attorney said, and is expected back for offseason activities. (More)

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➤ San Bernardino County’s fire department is testing sound wave technology to extinguish fires. The system uses low-frequency acoustic waves to disrupt combustion by vibrating oxygen molecules, potentially reducing water use in drought-prone areas. (See Details)

➤ Woodward Inc. in Santa Clarita, the city’s largest manufacturer, is moving about 300 aerospace jobs to Rockford, Illinois, over the next 12 to 18 months. The relocation affects roughly 40% of the company’s 730-person local workforce. (More)

➤ California residents will see credits on their gas bills this month as the state’s cap-and-invest program returns funds to ratepayers. PG&E customers are expected to receive about a $46.26 bill credit automatically. (See Details)

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➤ Do you shop on Amazon? If so, you might be missing out on huge savings and a chance to earn extra cash on every purchase you make. These 16 different hacks could help you save money, earn cash, cancel unwanted subscriptions, and much more. (LEARN MORE)

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It’s essential to ensure your financial strategy can support the future you imagine. A major challenge many investors face is underestimating how long their retirement will actually last. At the same time, inflation can reduce the value of your money over time, making it harder to cover expenses like healthcare, which often rises faster than other costs.

This is why having a tailored investment strategy is so critical. A plan designed for your specific goals, time horizon, and cash flow needs can help you navigate these risks. The 15-Minute Retirement Plan from Fisher Investments walks you through these key considerations. It can help you define your objectives and understand the trade-offs needed to build a resilient retirement plan.

➤ Easter weekend brings egg hunts, festivals, and family activities across the Central Valley, with dozens of events scheduled through Sunday in communities throughout the region. (See List)

➤ A San Diego man invented the BurriTote, an insulated bag designed to keep burritos warm during transport. The product sold out its initial preorder run before the first batch was delivered. (Read Story)

➤ Several Bay Area state parks are finalists in a statewide poll open through April 11, highlighting hiking, camping, and more. Winners will be announced May 5. (See List)

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➤ A recent report warns that men in certain U.S. areas may be at higher risk of urinary issues linked to toxic mineral buildup, including enlarged or inflamed prostate. Thousands have already reported severe symptoms. New data suggests a geographic link—check the map now to see if your area could be affected.