The California Flyover

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1854, California’s first State Fair opened in San Francisco, where the new state’s agricultural society showed off prize livestock, crops, and manufactured goods before the fair eventually found a permanent home in Sacramento.

San Diego has found a pretty convincing way to lure families south this month: let the kids in free! More than 70 museums and attractions are offering complimentary admission for children 12 and younger with a paying adult, giving families the perfect excuse to visit the zoo, explore an aquarium, meet a LEGO character, or climb aboard a historic aircraft carrier. Find out more in Top Stories!

In case you missed it on The Flyover Podcast, Ayla counted down the seven pets linked to longer lives. One study that followed 3.4 million people over 12 years found that owners of a particular pet were 40% less likely to die during that period, and it’s not the one you’d guess. Some surprising animals made the cut, and the pet that landed at No. 1 isn’t even the most popular choice in American homes. Ayla ran through the full countdown and the research behind each one. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Dr. Steven Gundry, is sharing why he recommends an alternative to bone broth for collagen support and the simple “collagen reset technique” he says can help your body support its own collagen production.

NFL Suspends 49ers Owner

The NFL suspended Jed York for six regular-season games and fined him $500,000 for violating its Personal Conduct Policy following his August arrest in an Ohio prostitution sting.

York allegedly responded to an online ad and was arrested after arriving at the arranged location. He pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and possessing criminal tools after the original prostitution charge was amended.

The first three games of the suspension have already been credited because York stayed away from the 49ers during the league’s investigation. He must miss three more games and can return to team duties Oct. 20.

York accepted the decision, apologized to his family, team, and fans, and called his actions an “inexcusable mistake.” He said he understands that their trust will have to be earned back over time.

Kelvin Wave Could Raise California Sea Levels

Sea levels along the California coast could rise by as much as a foot as an El Niño-driven Kelvin wave moves north, increasing flooding and erosion risks.

The bulge of water, measuring up to 18 miles wide, is traveling about 6 mph and is expected to reach San Diego within the next week before continuing north. Unlike a tsunami, it will not crash ashore, but each pulse could keep coastal water elevated for roughly one-to-three weeks.

Southern California is especially vulnerable following recent coastal damage, while the Bay Area could experience higher water by mid-October. Risks will be greatest if the wave coincides with storms, large swells, or unusually high tides.

Kids Go Free across San Diego

Families can save big in San Diego this month, with more than 150 businesses offering free or discounted attractions, meals, hotel stays, and activities for children.

Kids 12 and younger can receive free admission with a paying adult at more than 70 museums, aquariums, gardens, historic sites, and attractions through Oct. 31. Participants include LEGOLAND California, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, SeaWorld, Birch Aquarium, and the USS Midway Museum.

The San Diego Zoo’s offer saves $68 per child, while SeaWorld’s deal saves $130 for each eligible child. Participating hotels are offering discounts of up to 25%, and several restaurants are providing free children’s meals with an adult purchase.

Age limits, coupons, and other offer restrictions vary by destination, so families should review the details before visiting.

Flying together with our sponsor

Doctor unveils dark bone broth secret (avoid now)

If you think bone broth is a great way to get collagen, think again.

According to a former surgeon, animal bones are known for absorbing heavy metals.

This can potentially lead to brain fog, fatigue, or even muscle weakness.

That’s why he recommends a “collagen reset technique” instead.

To his knowledge, it’s the only technique that can help your body build its own collagen.

Anyone can do it without drinking broths.

See the technique here.

➤ Sacramento: The parks commission declined to endorse Union Plaza as the new name for César Chávez Plaza and voted to revisit the process amid concerns the proposal did not adequately honor the park’s Mexican American heritage. (More)

➤ Chico: Police linked three teenagers to multiple axe attacks and a stolen car during a one-week span. (More)

➤ Oakland: Bryan and Michelle Walker, the CEO and founder of Berkeley clothing brand Bryn Walker, were found fatally shot outside their Panoramic Hill home; police recovered a firearm and said they were not searching for anyone else. (More)

➤ Kern County: State wildlife officers arrested a suspect after serving search warrants in Bakersfield and Stallion Springs during a poaching investigation, seizing large quantities of fish, suspected deer and bear meat, and antlers; the suspect was booked on alleged violations including unlawfully taking and possessing deer and hunting without a license. (More)

➤ Fresno County: PG&E is warning residents about impostors offering to lower their energy costs if shown a copy of their utility bill, advising customers to request identification and verify unexpected visitors directly with the company. (More)

➤ Bakersfield: A carrot spill shut down streets near Sumner and Baker streets Friday afternoon after the produce scattered across the roadway, creating an unusually colorful traffic disruption. (More)

➤ Hollywood: Private investors are taking a larger role in filmmaking, backing projects overlooked by major studios and opening doors for more diverse, unconventional stories. (More)

➤ Mar Vista: Police arrested a 55-year-old passenger accused of fatally shooting a Culver City bus driver after an argument over a missed turn, with bail set at $3 million. (More)

➤ Cypress: Disney purchased Yamaha Motor Corp.’s former 25-acre headquarters near Disneyland for about $115 million, though the company has not disclosed how it plans to use the property. (More)

➤ The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Atlanta Braves 5-3 in Game 1 of the NLDS on Saturday, as Tarik Skubal allowed one run over six innings in 100-degree heat at Dodger Stadium. (Watch Highlights)

➤ The San Diego Padres fell 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 1 of the NLDS after Ty France’s potential go-ahead drive with a runner aboard struck the stadium roof and was caught in fair territory for an out. (Watch Video)

➤ No. 18 USC erased a 21-10 second-half deficit to beat Washington 25-21, sealing the comeback by breaking up a fourth-down pass in the end zone in the final seconds. (Watch Play)

➤ Stanford’s road skid reached a school-record 13 games with a 57-3 loss at Wake Forest, while shorthanded Cal erased a 17-point halftime deficit at UNLV but fell 39-31. (See Scores)

➤ The Golden State Valkyries won their first-ever playoff series Friday, erasing a 16-point deficit to beat Dallas 77-73 behind Gabby Williams’ 19 points. Golden State hosts the defending champion Las Vegas Aces today in Game 1 of the semifinals. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ FREE Full-Size Tube: This “CMO Key” cream is replacing standard joint creams that rely on temporary icy-hot distractions. Most formulas never get past your skin’s natural “Dermal Dam.” Rub On Relief uses CMO to help unlock deeper soothing support instead of another 20-minute menthol trick. Claim your free tube!

Flying together with our sponsor

California Surgeon: “Muscle Loss in Seniors is Real, But It Doesn’t Have to Be”

If you think collagen is only for supporting healthier skin, hair, and nails, think again.

Not only does it play a role in holding the teeth in your mouth, keeping your heart walls intact, and reinforcing your gut lining…

It’s also what allows you to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities without getting tired.

But unfortunately, eating more collagen isn’t the answer.

That’s why Dr. Steven Gundry has created what he calls the “collagen reset technique.”

And to his knowledge, it’s the only technique that’s designed to help your body build its own collagen.

See the technique here ==>

➤ Ivan’s Baked Potatoes, a family business that started under a canopy at the Watsonville Farmers Market 30 years ago, landed a spot at every San Jose Sharks home game this season, serving a four-pound “three meater” potato that can feed four to five fans. (More)

➤ The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway reopens Monday after a monthlong maintenance closure, just in time for autumn visitors to ride the world’s largest rotating tramcars into the San Jacinto Mountains. (More)

➤ Jim Carrey tied the knot with actress and artist Min Ah in a small, private Los Angeles ceremony, months after the couple made their awards-show debut in Paris. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ “Impossible” Bone Density Improvements Linked to Overlooked Protein. Recent DEXA scans have shown surprising bone density improvements in some women over 60 after adding a specific protein to their diets. Researchers are examining how this protein compound may provide nutritional support that calcium supplements alone cannot, potentially offering a new approach to maintaining stronger bones as you age. Learn More

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.

➤ Senior Trump officials gathered at Camp David as the seven-month Iran war fueled fresh fighting and a major U.S. military buildup. (Hear More)

➤ Amazon’s refund drama landed in shoppers’ inboxes with a proposed $309.5 million settlement and a deadline worth circling. (Listen Now)

➤ A ranking of America’s best fall foliage destinations revealed where travelers headed for autumn’s brightest reds, oranges, and golds. (Podcast Available)