California knows how to party

Mazel tov, Gov. 🏆

Tuning into CNN a few days ago, I noticed a couple of eyebrow-raising things.

One: Jeffrey Toobin is back. Huh!

And two: Gavin Newsom appeared to be arriving to the podium for a campaign speech to the tune of “California Love.” Fun!

Then came a spot of fun rewriting the lyrics with girlfriends on our group chat thread to suit the moment:

“It’s all good, from Diego to French Laun-dray…”

“In the cittaayyyy, city of Yountville…”

A little gallows laughter always helps get us through.

Anyway, all’s well that ends well: Progressive values, facts, and science still win here. And thank heaven for that.

(Speaking of California wine country, my latest story is a piece for Insider on the best hotels in Napa and Sonoma, including the brand new Four Seasons in Calistoga, opening this fall.)

Wishing everyone who observes Yom Kippur a meaningful fast as the sun goes down tonight. Or at least, whether or not you fast or observe the holiday, I hope you all get a period of quiet reflection and peace amid the absolute lunacy of human existence these days. (Perhaps you’d noticed?)

Open Press Opportunities

• I’m looking for an organizational expert or related pro who can talk about tips/hacks/strategies for packing necklaces for transporting them safely.

• I’m seeking an appraiser, general contractor, and real estate lawyer to weigh in on various real estate topics geared toward the buyer side.

• I’m working on a variety of roundups featuring new venues in San Diego. These venues should be new within the last six months and available for event booking. Please include with your pitch a link to interior photos as well as capacity information for full or partial buyout of the space.

Recently Published

• 10 picturesque hotels in Napa and Sonoma with tasting rooms, vineyard views, and indulgent outdoor tubs (Insider)

• How FHA Down Payment Assistance Works — And Where to Find It (HomeLight)

• I used Swimply to rent a stranger's pool for a few hours and it was a cheap and relaxing way to spend the day (Insider)

• 25 best Thanksgiving facts to share around the table (Woman’s Day)

Et Cetera

• Don’t forget: The next quarterly estimated tax payment deadline for the 2021 tax year is coming up on September 15 — that’s tomorrow. If you run a freelance business, send in those payments (and you might want to be aware of these interesting freelancer biz developments, too).

• Follow me on Instagram for visuals on my reporting in action (plus my kids and my latest nail art).