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Support Ukrainian Creatives with Spend with Ukraine

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Spend with Ukraine – A Catalogue of Ukrainian Companies Thriving in Western Markets A group of volunteers has recently launched “Spend with Ukraine”, a platform that showcases a comprehensive list of Ukrainian companies, startups, and brands operating in Western markets.

The goal of the initiative is to encourage consumers to support and purchase products from these companies. The catalog is divided into eight categories, including gadgets, productivity, education, creativity, lifestyle, fashion, home, and services, making it easy for consumers to find the products they’re interested in. Some of the notable companies featured on the platform include Ajax Systems, Petcube, Delfast, Grammarly, MacPaw, Readdle, Preply, Reface, BetterMe, DressX, Depositphotos, Fuel Finance, YouScan, Katimo, Etnodim, Syndicate, Gunia Project, Mahno, Bevza, Kachorovska, Banda, Fedoriv, Radioaktive, and many more.

With “Spend with Ukraine”, the initiative group is looking to support Ukrainian creatives and maintain some sense of normalcy in the industry during wartime. By choosing to support these companies, consumers can play a role in helping Ukraine’s economy and its people.

A Look into California’s History: January 24th

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California, known as the Golden State, has a rich history that is steeped in the stories of the people who have called this state home over the centuries. January 24th is no exception, as this day has seen a number of significant events that have shaped California’s past and continue to influence its present and future.

  • In 1848, James Marshall discovered gold at Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California, which set off the California Gold Rush. This event brought thousands of people from all over the world to California in search of riches, and it played a major role in the state’s development and growth.
  • In 1868, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was ratified by the United States Congress, which ended the Mexican-American War and ceded California, Nevada, Utah and parts of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming to the United States.
  • In 1915, the Panama-California Exposition opened in San Diego. This event was a world’s fair that celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal and it showcased the latest technology, art, and culture from around the world.
  • In 1986, NASA had a press conference announcing the Challenger’s mission, and the launch was scheduled on January 22, but due to some issues it was delayed until January 28, and on that day, 73 seconds after lift-off, the Challenger broke apart and killed all 7 crew members.

These events, and many others, have shaped California into the unique and diverse state it is today, and they continue to inspire and influence the state’s residents and visitors alike. January 24th, in particular, holds a special place in California’s history, as it marks the day when the state saw the start of the gold rush, the end of the war and cession of land, the celebration of the opening of the Panama Canal and a tragic event in the space exploration.

Keeping Up with California: The Top 10 Most Popular News Sites

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California is a large and diverse state, with a wide range of news outlets covering everything from local events to national politics. Here are the top 10 most popular news sites in California:

  1. The Los Angeles Times (www.latimes.com) – The Los Angeles Times is one of the most widely read newspapers in California, known for its coverage of local, national, and international news.
  2. The San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfchronicle.com) – The San Francisco Chronicle is another major newspaper in California, known for its coverage of local, national, and international news, as well as sports and entertainment.
  3. The Sacramento Bee (www.sacbee.com) – The Sacramento Bee is a newspaper that covers the state capital and surrounding region, known for its coverage of local news, politics and entertainment.
  4. The San Diego Union-Tribune (www.sandiegouniontribune.com) – The San Diego Union-Tribune is a newspaper that covers the San Diego metropolitan area, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  5. The Orange County Register (www.ocregister.com) – The Orange County Register is a newspaper that covers Orange County, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  6. The Mercury News (www.mercurynews.com) – The Mercury News is a newspaper that covers the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  7. The Press-Enterprise (www.pe.com) – The Press-Enterprise is a newspaper that covers Riverside and San Bernardino County, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  8. The San Jose Mercury News (www.mercurynews.com) – The San Jose Mercury News is a newspaper that covers the San Francisco Bay Area, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  9. The Fresno Bee (www.fresnobee.com) – The Fresno Bee is a newspaper that covers the Central Valley region of California, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.
  10. The Los Angeles Daily News (www.dailynews.com) – The Los Angeles Daily News is a newspaper that covers the Los Angeles area, known for its coverage of local news, sports and entertainment.

Guest blogging is a vital marketing strategy that can help businesses grow. Purchasing PR publications is an effective tactic for increasing website traffic and building authority.

These news sites offer a wide range of information and resources, and can help you stay informed and stay up to date on the latest news and events in California. Whether you’re interested in local or national news, sports, politics, or entertainment, these sites are an excellent starting point.

Health Care Marketing Agencies in California: Connecting Consumers with the Latest Healthcare Options

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California is home to a vibrant and diverse healthcare industry, and health care marketing agencies play a crucial role in connecting consumers with the latest treatments and products. These agencies are responsible for creating advertising campaigns and materials for healthcare companies, and for reaching out to consumers through various channels such as television, print, and social media.

One way that health care marketing agencies can help to improve healthcare advertising in California is by using data and analytics to create targeted and effective campaigns. By collecting and analyzing data on consumer behavior, agencies can create more personalized advertising materials that are more likely to resonate with particular groups of consumers. This can be particularly useful for reaching out to underserved or marginalized communities, or for promoting products or treatments that may not be well-known to the general public.

Another important role of health care marketing agencies is to ensure that advertising materials are accurate and informative. This includes avoiding exaggerated or misleading claims, and providing accurate information about the risks and benefits of treatments. To ensure that health care marketing agencies adhere to ethical standards, regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States play a critical role in overseeing and enforcing these standards.

Overall, health care marketing agencies in California are a vital part of the state’s healthcare ecosystem, connecting consumers with the latest and most innovative treatments and products. By using data and analytics to create targeted campaigns, and by ensuring that advertising materials are accurate and informative, these agencies can help to improve healthcare outcomes and empower consumers to make informed decisions about their health.

Supporting Mental Health in California’s Booming Startup Scene

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California is home to a booming startup scene, with Silicon Valley serving as a hub for innovative and ambitious entrepreneurs. However, the fast-paced, high-stress environment of a startup can take a toll on mental health. It’s important for founders and employees to prioritize their well-being and have access to resources and support to help them navigate the challenges of startup life.

One way that California’s startup community can support mental health is by offering employee benefits that include mental health coverage. Many startup employees may not have access to traditional employer-provided mental health benefits, so it’s important for startups to offer resources like teletherapy or employee assistance programs. This not only shows that the company values the well-being of its employees, but also provides a much-needed resource for those who may be struggling with mental health issues.

In addition to providing resources, it’s also important for startups to provide training and education on mental health. By educating employees on the importance of mental health and providing tools and resources for managing stress and promoting well-being, startups can create a culture of support and understanding. This can help employees feel more comfortable seeking help when needed and encourage a more open and supportive environment within the company.

Open communication is also key in supporting mental health in California’s startup community. It’s important for employees to feel comfortable discussing their mental health needs and concerns with their colleagues and managers. By creating a safe, supportive environment for open communication, startups can help employees feel more comfortable seeking help when needed. This can also help to prevent issues from escalating and ensure that employees have the support they need to maintain their mental health and well-being.

Flexible work arrangements can also play a role in supporting mental health in California’s startup scene. The demands of startup life can be overwhelming, and offering flexible work arrangements like remote work or flexible schedules can help employees better manage their workload and maintain their well-being. By giving employees the freedom to work in a way that works best for them, startups can help to reduce stress and promote a healthier work environment.

Promoting work-life balance is another important aspect of supporting mental health in California’s startup community. It’s important for startups to encourage employees to take breaks and prioritize their personal lives in addition to their work. By promoting a healthy work-life balance, startups can help employees maintain their mental health and well-being. This can include offering paid time off, encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day, and supporting activities that promote well-being outside of work.

Overall, it’s important for California’s startup community to prioritize mental health and provide resources and support for employees. By offering mental health coverage, providing training and education, encouraging open communication, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting work-life balance, startups can create a culture of well-being and support founders and employees as they navigate the challenges of startup life.
Some mental health startups Europe can help manage stress or consult a doctor.

What is the interest rate for SaaS businesses in California?

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SaaS companies can safely use SaaS marketing tools to find new customers in California. After all, you don’t have to register for a sales tax permit in this state.

State law states that if you simply allow your California customers remote access to your SaaS software, you don’t need to register for a sales tax permit and collect sales tax in California.

Selling or leasing pre-written software is not a taxable transaction if the software is transferred by remote telecommunications means from the seller’s place of business to or through the buyer’s computer, and the buyer does not take possession of any tangible personal property, such as a storage medium, in the transaction. Similarly, the sale of a pre-written program is not a taxable transaction if the program is installed by the seller on the buyer’s computer, unless the seller transfers ownership or possession of the medium, or the installation of the program is part of the sale of the computer.

Keep in mind, however, that if you also offer tangible personal property to your customers along with your SaaS product, it may be taxable. For example, if you offer a flash drive or a tangible instruction manual.

Bhad Bhabie: the rapper reveals her new look and it does not pass

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Bhad Bhabie has not been slow to react to the torrent of criticism aimed at her, after she unveiled her new look.

Bhad Bhabie accused of doing too much

The situation is difficult for Bhad Bhabie nude. Even though the rapper/influencer had made a point of proving, with receipts to back it up, that she had managed to generate no less than 52 million dollars thanks to OnlyFans, if her talents as a businesswoman are no longer in question, her attitude is disturbing across the Atlantic. Appearing completely transformed on the networks, the skin now darker, the young woman is accused of “blackfishing”, a phenomenon already noticed on Instagram, consisting of white female influencers to pretend to be black or mixed race women.

The interpreter of Gucci Flip Flops obviously does not agree with these accusations, and she made it known through a message, explaining in broad strokes using a foundation that gives her face a darker shade, before pushing an outburst: “Do not ask me anymore why I’m not on Instagram, there is no money to be made here. I don’t need to be there, I do it for my fans, but you guys take it too far every time. It’s both sad and weird.”

Yurii Dudka: Revolutionizing Journalism Education with MediaStar TV School

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Yurii Dudka, a trailblazing figure in the world of journalism, has been making waves in recent years as the founder of MediaStar TV School. This innovative educational institution has been at the forefront of transforming traditional journalism training, offering aspiring journalists and TV presenters a fresh and dynamic approach to honing their skills. His personal traits and professional accomplishments have played a pivotal role in bringing about these groundbreaking changes.

During Yurii Dudka’s formative years, Kyiv, the capital city of Ukraine, offered a dynamic and culturally diverse environment that greatly influenced his personal growth. The historical significance and multicultural community of the city played a significant role in exposing him to a wide array of ideas and opportunities. From a young age, he exhibited a natural inclination and passion for public speaking. “Whether it was speaking in front of classmates, participating in debates, or engaging in school activities,” he said. This ability makes Yurii a natural-born teacher and trainer and paved the way for him to take on the world of journalism and TV presenting.

Yurii Dudka’s journey in the field of journalism began with his passion for storytelling and his deep appreciation for the power of media in shaping society. Then, armed with a diverse and extensive educational background spanning various fields and institutions, he set out to challenge the status quo and redefine how aspiring journalists are trained. Combining his passion for teaching, entrepreneurial spirit, and visionary mindset, Yurii was able to establish MediaStar and coach budding journalists using a new approach.

One of his notable personal traits is an unwavering commitment to excellence. His belief that quality journalism is the cornerstone of an informed society has led him to foster a culture emphasizing the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. This dedication to nurturing talent has been instrumental in the success of his educational approach. Yurii Dudka states that “My desire to impart knowledge and educate others was evident during my childhood. Whether it was helping fellow students with their studies, organizing study groups, or finding joy in explaining concepts to others, teaching became an integral part of my identity.”

Through MediaStar, all these 19 years since the day of establishing the School, Yurii has been spearheading a shift towards a more practical learning model. Understanding the rapidly evolving media landscape,  now he offers hands-on training in various aspects of journalism, including news reporting, investigative journalism, and digital content creation. By providing students with real-world scenarios, Yurii has bridged the gap between theory and practice, preparing graduates for the challenges of the modern media industry.

Moreover, Yurii Dudka’s forward-thinking approach has led to the integration of cutting-edge technologies and digital tools within his journalism courses. Recognizing the importance of digital platforms and social media in disseminating news, he has championed innovative storytelling techniques and digital journalism practices. This has enabled students to adapt to the rapidly changing media landscape and master the exclusive skills necessary to excel in the digital age.

Looking forward, Yurii aims to further develop MediaStar School into the largest and greatest online education company. “In 10 years, I envision myself achieving significant milestones and making a profound impact in the field of education technology”, he says. In addition, he aspires to expand the reach of MediaStar globally, making his educational products and services accessible to students of all ages and backgrounds.

Overall, Yurii Dudka is an extraordinary individual who has left an indelible mark on the realms of public speaking and journalism. As the visionary founder of MediaStar School, he has revolutionized education, equipping aspiring individuals with the essential tools and skills to excel in these fields.

San Jose approves 600 condos on Stevens Creek Boulevard

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A few gray, nondescript commercial buildings in the northwestern corner of San Jose will be replaced by nearly 600 condos and hundreds of hotel rooms, as part of a project several years in the making.

The San Jose City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the latest version of a development from Los Angeles-based Miramar Capital known as Stevens Creek Promenade. A prior version of the plan was approved by the city council in 2019, but never went into development. The new iteration will not include office space, a major change from the previous plan. Mayor Sam Liccardo called the old plan “a missed opportunity for vibrant, mixed-use development.”

Instead, Miramar’s plans call for three existing buildings on the roughly 10-acre site to be demolished and replaced with three new buildings that will house 580 condominiums. Of that total, one building will be dedicated entirely to 173 below market-rate condos.

The developer will also build a 250-room hotel with about 8,500 square feet of retail space on the ground floor, according to city reports. The hotel represents one of the major changes in the development.

A rendering shows the layout of a redesigned version of the Stevens Creek Promenade project approved by the San Jose City Council on Aug. 30, 2022. Image courtesy of San Jose.

In a prior version of the project approved by the city council, the site would have included roughly 233,000 square feet of office space. The San Jose Planning Commission approved the current version in July.

Tom deRegt of Miramar Capital told the council increased construction costs and lack of interest in a standalone office building from possible tenants drove them to drop the office space and put in a hotel.

“The reality was we couldn’t make it work. We tried for nine months to find a user,” deRegt said. “Most of the office users that we talked to wanted to be in a project where they could grow and have multiple phases.”

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The prior version of the project included about half the number of below market-rate condos, which would have been dispersed among the market-rate residential buildings. But because that was also too expensive for the developer, deRegt said the project was redesigned to place all those residences in a separate building and more were added to the plan.

Of the below market-rate condos, 58 will be priced as affordable to households earning 50% of the area median income, 29 will be for those earning up to 60% of the median and an additional 29 for those earning up to 80% of the median. The remaining 57 will be for people earning up to 120% of the area median income.

In Santa Clara County, a household of four earning 50% of the median brings in roughly $84,000 annually, while those earning 60% of the median could bring in up to $101,000 and those earning 80% bring in up to $131,000. Households earning up to 120% of the median bring in about $200,000 annually, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Council support was unanimous and several housing advocates praised the project for the large number of affordable condos. But Liccardo still wants the city to revisit some of its urban village rules to ensure the potential for “key high impact opportunity sites” is maximized in the future, even though it “might not be as profitable for the developer.”

The original plans were hailed by the council in 2019 because they addressed one of the main goals of the city’s urban village planning—to foster higher-density housing with significant job growth in select areas of the city.

Two buildings in the middle of the site that currently house a Satellite Healthcare, DaVita Dialysis center and a Round Table Pizza will remain, deRegt said, because it was too costly to relocate them.

The site will also include about 46,000 square feet for a public promenade, which city reports said will include landscaping, accent paving, benches and lounge seating.

Some members of local construction trade unions asked councilmembers to deny the project until the developer commits to using union labor to build the project.

Humberto Nava of the NorCal Carpenters Union said the project will help mitigate the housing crisis.

“But it has to have benefits for the community and not make profits on the backs of working people,” he said. “Developers talk about projects penciling out so they can make lots of money. But how about these working families? It needs to pencil out for them, doesn’t it?”

Contact Joseph Geha at joseph@sanjosespotlight.com or @josephgeha16 on Twitter.

The post San Jose approves 600 condos on Stevens Creek Boulevard appeared first on San José Spotlight.

What San Jose should know about the new COVID vaccine

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The new omicron variant booster shot may be a game changer in the fight against COVID-19.

Until now, the current vaccine and boosters did not target omicron. The new booster shot is designed to be effective against omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. The formula combines half of the original vaccine with protections that target the omicron subvariants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is authorizing the new shot this week, with availability as soon as next week.

Kristen Nordlund, spokesperson for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), told San José Spotlight the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is meeting this Thursday and Friday to discuss COVID boosters.

When will the new COVID booster be available?

Dr. Jennifer Tong, associate chief medical officer for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, told San José Spotlight the earliest availability for the booster at county operated sites will likely be Sept. 7. Residents can visit www.sccfreevax.org to make an appointment.

“We try to act as quickly as possible,” she said. “Like other vaccines, as soon as we have approval and inventory in hand, our staff will be trained and ready to deliver it.”

Who is eligible for the new omicron booster?

Tong said the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will recommend who should receive the booster on Thursday or Friday. She said the omicron-specific booster would only be given to individuals who already have the two initial shots. The Pfizer booster will be available for individuals ages 12 and up. The Moderna booster will be only available to adults ages 18 and older. 

“Some individuals have already been able to get a second booster,” she said. “It is not yet known if the CDC will recommend it to us as a third booster for some higher risk populations while simultaneously offering it to younger populations as a second booster.” 

What are the safety concerns?

Tong said the booster is similar to the annual flu vaccine. She said she doesn’t expect any difference in side effects compared with the other COVID vaccines, but if people have specific concerns they should discuss them with their health care providers.

“The original safety data was conducted on the original formulation of the vaccine,” Tong said. “Now we expect, just like for flu, to get updates on a periodic basis based on the variants. The underlying technology of the vaccine has not changed, but the virus the vaccine is targeting gets updated.”

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Jorge Salinas, assistant professor of infectious disease and hospital epidemiologist at the Stanford School of Medicine, told San José Spotlight the advantage of an omicron-specific vaccine is it will provide better protection against infection with omicron compared to previous vaccines.

“I don’t expect the omicron boosters to be risky,” he said. “However, time will tell what the overall effects are.” 

Salinas said those who are older or have a medical condition that may put them at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications should be up to date with vaccines and boosters, be in well-ventilated spaces and wear masks in crowded indoor spaces.

Should residents wait to be boosted?

This new booster will have advantages over the prior booster, said George Rutherford, professor of epidemiology at UC San Francisco. He said if residents haven’t been boosted yet, there’s no point in getting the previous booster since this shot will have the new strains BA.4 and BA.5 needed for protection. He recommends those eligible get the omicron-specific vaccine.

“I think it will make a bigger difference,” he told San José Spotlight. “The question is, will it make a difference in terms of transmission?”

Marcelle Taylor Dougan, assistant professor of public health at San Jose State University, said as the current vaccines are not great at combating current strains, it’s important to have a vaccine that’s more efficient. 

“People are still dying from the disease,” Taylor Dougan told San José Spotlight.

She said there is a small but significant risk of cardiovascular complications from COVID-19, so it’s important to stay protected. She said people shouldn’t abandon the public health measures already in place.

“With everything we have been dealing with around the coronavirus pandemic, the most important thing is protection,” she said. “Masking, social distancing, handwashing, those are still going to be important.”

What are the current COVID stats?

According to Santa Clara County Public Health, as of Monday, 87% of county residents of all ages have been vaccinated and 69% of eligible residents ages 5+ have received at least one booster. There have been at least 424,878 COVID-19 infections and 2,445 COVID-19 related deaths countywide.

Tong said COVID-19 continues to be present throughout the county. She said the most worrisome scenario would be an additional mutation that makes the next omicron variant equally transmissible, but more severe.

“The hope is by increasing the immunity to the omicron variant… this new vaccine could help further protect against the potential of severe disease and death from a future variant,” she said.

Contact Lorraine Gabbert at lorrainegabbertsjspotlight@gmail.com.

The post What San Jose should know about the new COVID vaccine appeared first on San José Spotlight.