🧭 AI, Cannabis Cafes, Tortillas, Bank Fees, and More!

This Week’s Explorations:

• New Year, New State Laws - What Does it All Mean?

• Danville 11-Year Old on Food Network’s Kid Baking Championship!

• Watch Out, Dublin! H Mart is Coming in Hot!

• This Month’s Hidden Gem - Best Donut Cake in the Bay?

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Hundreds of New California Laws - What Does it All Mean?

Hundreds of new California laws went into effect on 1/1/25, these include laws on Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes, artificial intelligence regulation, child sex trafficking charges, and retail theft. Below are 10 new laws that we think you’ll find interesting and we have our full top 40 listed HERE!

AI in Hollywood

• AB 2602: Prohibits unauthorized use of AI to replicate actors’ voices or likenesses.

• AB 1836: Protects deceased actors’ voices or likenesses, requiring estate consent.

Cannabis

• AB 1775: Allows cannabis retailers to sell freshly prepared food and beverages with local government approval.

Cars

• AB 413: Prohibits parking within 20 feet of crosswalks starting January 1.

Consumer Protection

• AB 2863: Requires companies to provide easy cancellation for auto-renewing subscriptions.

• AB 375: Mandates food delivery services display drivers’ names and photos starting March 1.

• AB 1830: Requires that those who make corn masa flour - a key ingredient in tortillas, tamales, and pupusas - include folic acid in their formulation starting in 2026. Folic acid helps to defend against preterm birth defects.

Employment

• SB 1105: Allows agricultural workers to use sick days for hazardous conditions like extreme heat.

• AB 2499: Enables employees to take paid leave for victim-related issues without using vacation time first.

• Minimum Wage: Increases to $16.50 per hour.

Health

• SB 1061: Bans medical debt from appearing on credit reports.

Click here for our full article on new California Laws!

Danville Middle Schooler on Food Network Show!

Danville’s 11-year-old baking superstar, Aria Karayil, is ready to sprinkle some magic on the national stage! 🍪✨ A student at Diablo Vista Middle School, Aria is one of 12 talented contestants competing in the 13th season of Food Network’s Kids Baking Championship, premiering January 6.

Hosted by Duff Goldman and Kardea Brown, this season isn’t just about baking—it’s about building dessert empires! From crafting logos to creating signature treats, Aria is bringing her creativity and flair to every challenge.

Her deliciously imaginative recipes already wow family and friends, and now she’s ready to represent Danville in this sweet showdown. With $25K 💰 and a Food Network Magazine feature up for grabs, Aria is set to rise to the occasion and prove she’s the ultimate dessert boss! Let’s Cheer her on as she represents the Tri-Valley! 🎂🍩

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Skip Dry January—Cabernet Franc is Calling! ONLY 10 TICKETS LEFT!

Escape Dry January with a night of unique and delicious Cabernet Francs! 15 Wines, 8 Regions, 1 Room! Sip your way through wines from Livermore Valley, France, Washington, Oregon, Virginia, Michigan, Texas, and Finger Lakes NY in this laid-back, walk-around tasting event. Enjoy a curated charcuterie board and take home a commemorative stemless wine glass—all for just $20 per person. CLICK HERE For Tickets!

ONLY 10 TICKETS LEFT!

Advertise with Tri-Valley Explorer!

Are you a business owner in the Tri-Valley who wants to reach over 20,000 households across Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, San Ramon, and Danville? Email us for more info about our affordable options. [email protected]

H Mart is Coming To Dublin!

After years of anticipation, H Mart is set to open its doors in mid-2025 at 7884 Dublin Blvd, and we couldn’t be more excited!

If you’re not familiar, H Mart is the destination for Asian groceries and more. Known for its full range of Asian staples, Western groceries, and upscale products, H Mart is America’s premier Asian supermarket with nearly 100 locations across North America.

But what really makes H Mart legendary? Their Food Halls—a mouthwatering blend of food court and Asian street market vibes. While the exact lineup for Dublin isn’t confirmed yet, expect delights like dumplings, bibimbap, crispy Korean fried chicken, potato-wrapped corn dogs, boba tea, and dreamy French-Asian pastries.

Stay tuned as we dish out updates on this exciting grand opening. Dublin’s food scene is about to level up!

This Week’s Forecast

Mostly Clear, mostly sunny, and Dry!

Hidden Gem: Best Donuts in Livermore

Livermore is home to not one but two incredible donut destinations. While The Donut Wheel often steals the spotlight with its iconic downtown location and 24/7 availability, Best Donuts on Stanley Boulevard is the Tri-Valley’s best-kept sweet secret. Operating on classic “baker’s hours” from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, this unassuming shop serves some of the most delicious donuts in the area.

The real hidden gem here? Best Donuts’ legendary Donut Cake. For around $20, you can order a donut the size of a pizza—perfect for feeding a crowd of 12 to 15. Available in Glazed, Chocolate, or Maple, this show-stopper requires 48 hours’ notice, but trust us: it’s worth it. Insider tip? Go for the Maple. 🍁

Whether it’s a special celebration or just a craving for something sweet, Best Donuts is the spot you didn’t know you needed.

Best Donuts 858 E. Stanley Blvd, Livermore. 925-447-7708