Weekly Roundup for Friday January 9th, 2026
A roundup of the top stories in California this week, plus links to some good reads for your weekend. Governor gives final State of the State address Governor Newsom gave his final State of the State address at a joint session of the California Legislature on Thursday. In his final year as governor, Newsom celebrated […]
A versatile weekend itinerary for art, food & fun in San Francisco
By J.C. Thomas San Francisco is such an exceptional destination that crafting a weekend itinerary can pose a real challenge. There are so many iconic things to see, do and eat in the city, and a one-night stay can only be stretched so far. Embrace the challenge, though, and the reward will be two days […]
Weekly Roundup for Friday January 2nd, 2026
A very happy new year to all! Here’s a roundup of the latest stories in California that caught our eye this week… New Year welcomed with a rainy Rose Parade The 137th Rose Parade, SoCal’s beloved celebration of floral smugness, took place on a rainy New Year’s Day. It’s the first time it’s rained on […]
OPINION: Thoughts on Armenian Christmas & New Year’s Day for 2026
By Rachel Melikian Why is New Year’s Day observed on January 1st instead of August 11th, as it was in the ancient past, or during the spring harvest festival? The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, televised globally, kicks off the US New Year. We moved into AD 2025 in the third millennium with the New […]
2025 “Made in California” Holiday Gift Guide
Happy holidays! It’s high time to start gift shopping and crossing those names off your list. In most of California, the season looks a little different from those typical wintry scenes you see on your greetings cards, wrapping paper and Hallmark Channel movies. But it’s no less merry and even more bright thanks to our […]
Stay with Sojourn and live like a local during your Washington, D.C. trip
By J.C. Thomas Anyone planning a trip to Washington, D.C. for any reason—work, an internship, weekend getaway, or family vacation—will find no shortage of accommodation options. Hotels in the nation’s capital span from budget-friendly chains to the most luxurious of global brands. But, give some serious consideration to the benefits of residential-style short-term rentals such […]
Dining, dancing, sightseeing and memory-making on a Philadelphia Signature Dinner Cruise
By J.C. Thomas Making the most of a family trip to Philadelphia means lots of walking, a full immersion into American history, and the excitement of exploring such a busy, vibrant and all-around awesome city. By the evening, you want to keep exploring. You want to eat some good food and sip a cool drink […]
Stay at The Plaza Hotel for an Immersive Downtown Las Vegas Experience
By J.C. Thomas An intriguing characteristic of Las Vegas is its compulsion for constant reinvention while always keeping a tight grip on nostalgia. The city will blithely demolish its oldest icons (RIP Tropicana, Stardust et. al.) while enticing tens of millions of annual visitors with the promise of vintage glamor. They come in pursuit of […]
2025 Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 11, 2025, so it’s time to get clicking on a gift for your mom, your children’s mom, or any other special mother figure in your life. Here are some great gift ideas with wide appeal, sure to be appreciated by mothers of all ages and interests. Many of them […]
A First Timer’s Guide to Atlanta, Georgia
Of all the awesome American cities worth flying to from California, Atlanta, Georgia, is surely among the most enticing. One of the most visited cities in the United States, it is packed with diverse tourist attractions that appeal to all ages and vacation styles. Atlanta’s communities are diverse and creative, with a vibrant, modern cityscape […]
Stay at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa for Pismo Beach Perfection
By J.C. Thomas Pismo Beach is the quintessential Central Coast beach town. Getaway perfection is found in Pismo’s setting, just off Highway 101, midway between LA and the Bay Area, with stunning oceanfront scenery and a relaxed, visitor-friendly vibe. These enticing attributes are all amplified when you stay at the Cliffs Hotel and Spa, a […]
The Celebration of Christmas: A Biblical Perspective
OPINION – By Rachel Melikian Both Christians and non-Christians celebrate Christmas around the world; the latter celebrate secular and commercial aspects, focusing solely on decorating the Christmas tree and Santa Claus bringing gifts to them, but true Christians celebrate Christ’s birth. For the former, Christmas is a worldwide celebration of the biblical event of Jesus’ […]