California Launches $3,500 EV Rebates

California car shoppers can now claim an instant $3,500 rebate on their first electric vehicle, Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday in Oakland.

The MyFirstEV program pairs $135.5 million in state funds with dollar-for-dollar matches from 13 automakers. New zero-emission vehicles priced under $50,000 qualify, and used models under $25,000 get $1,750 off. Hyundai, Lucid, and Tesla dealers offer the rebate now.

Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, and other brands phase in through November. It follows Washington’s repeal of the $7,500 federal tax credit; zero-emission vehicles were 19.1% of California new car sales last quarter, per the California Energy Commission.

Evacuees Head Home as Gann Fire Slows

Craft Liquor Delivery Nears Last Call

Home delivery of craft spirits in California could end Jan. 1 after the wine industry, Teamsters, and corporate alcohol wholesalers lobbied to block a permanent extension of pandemic-era delivery rules.

State-issued shipping permits are valid only through 2026. “They went directly to legislators’ offices and basically torpedoed any effort we came up with,” said Cris Steller, acting head of the California Distillers Association.

The program was designed as a one-year pilot, and a craft distillery bill that could carry an extension remains pending before the Senate ahead of the Aug. 31 session close.

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➤ Bay Area: BART is expected to launch a new systemwide schedule on Monday, shifting most departures by minutes and redesigning Daly City boarding to reduce waits and crowding without additional spending. (See Details) 

➤ Santa Rosa: The Sonoma County Fair runs through Aug. 16, in Santa Rosa, featuring horse racing, the Hall of Flowers, rodeos, and the World Championship Grape Stomp.  (See Schedule) 

➤ Sacramento: A California bill capping ticket resale markups at 10% for concerts at venues holding 3,000 people or fewer could reach the state Senate floor this month. (See Details)

➤ Kern County: Public health officials confirmed the county’s first two measles cases since 2004, both linked to travel, and are notifying people who may have been exposed. (See Details)

➤ Santa Cruz County: The 2026 point-in-time count found 1,648 people experiencing homelessness, up 12% from last year, largely because officials counted safe-parking participants for the first time. (See Report)

➤ Santa Barbara: Old Spanish Days Fiesta concludes its 103rd year today after five days of parades, mercados, and performances, with Mercado de la Guerra expanding onto State Street for the first time. (More)

➤ Gorman: The Ridge Fire reached 30% containment Saturday after burning 1,057 acres, jumping the 5 Freeway, and closing it for several hours near the Los Angeles-Kern County line. (See Details)

➤ Los Angeles: Two street takeovers turned destructive early Saturday as spectators broke into an East Los Angeles AutoZone and a car went up in flames in Gramercy Park. (More)

➤ Hollywood Hills: Crews restored water to 300 LADWP customers Friday after a 67-year-old Wonderland Avenue main broke for the second time and recorded its fourth leak in 21 years. (See Details)

➤ Former San Francisco 49ers running back and new Hall of Famer Roger Craig, who won three Super Bowls with the franchise in the 1980s, revealed during his taped acceptance speech on Saturday that he has vascular dementia partly linked to concussions from his 11-year NFL career. (More) 

➤ The Athletics and general manager David Forst mutually agreed to part ways Friday, ending his 27 years with the organization. Assistant general manager Dan Feinstein took over on an interim basis. (More)

➤ San Francisco Giants infielders Matt Chapman and Casey Schmitt are both likely done for the season. Chapman is expected to need surgery for a core muscle injury, while Schmitt is recovering from surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee. (More)

➤ Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout homered on his 35th birthday Friday, giving him six birthday home runs and tying Alex Rodriguez and Mark Reynolds for the most in MLB history. (Watch Highlight)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | WNBA | Golf | Soccer | Little League Softball World Series

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➤ State Sen. Scott Wiener is deactivating a chatbot mocking congressional opponent Connie Chan and removing its billboards after backlash from other Democrats, admitting he “clearly missed the mark.” (See Details)

➤ The Perseid meteor shower peaks Wednesday night into Thursday morning, with a new moon providing dark skies and the best viewing from about 11 p.m. until dawn. (See Details)

➤ Sugarloaf Ridge State Park was named California’s Best Hidden Gem in an annual public poll, beating Bodie and China Camp with its 25 miles of trails and observatory. (Read Story)

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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:

➤ The Postal Service’s massive quarterly loss places thousands of post offices at risk. (Hear More)

➤ A new generation of companies view space junk as a potential gold mine. (Listen Now)

➤  Fleetwood Mac’s most famous feud finally came to an unexpected end. (Podcast Available)

Should California craft distilleries be allowed to ship directly to your door?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Would a live Hollywood billboard get your attention?

1. Yes: 43%
2. No: 57%

Nearly all of the world’s best-selling avocados trace back to a single tree grown in the 1920s by a Southern California mail carrier. The variety carries his last name. What is it?

Show me the answer