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We’re professional critics on this page. A large part of our job is to find fault, to point out what’s wrong, to reveal follies and foibles. Consequently, we may appear cynical. If so, our apologies. We intend to be skeptical. There’s a world of difference.But at this time of year permit us not to dwell on the negative. There’s plenty of time for that in the next 12 months. Instead, please indulge us today to express a little optimism for the coming year, which offers grand opportunities for improvement, along with the customary snares for disaster.California has many faults, but…

For the first time since Proposition 36 passed overwhelmingly — 68% to 32% — in November, Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly addressed the matter.At a press conference in crime-racked Oakland, the governor reiterated some of the same concerns about the anti-crime measure that we made in our editorial opposing it.“Prop. 36 never included organized retail theft, it never addressed that issue,” Newsom said, per the Sacramento Bee. “It never addressed the issue of vehicle crimes. … (I)t “locks out money because at the same time it cuts drug treatment money for local governments. That’s a conundrum for local municipalities, and one…

By CORA LEWIS and ADRIANA MORGANEW YORK (AP) — With the end of 2024 around the corner, you might be reflecting on financial goals for 2025.Whether you’re saving to move out of your parents’ house or pay off student loan debt, financial resolutions can help you stay motivated, said Courtney Alev, consumer advocate for Credit Karma.“Entering a new year doesn’t erase all our financial challenges from the prior year,” Alev said. “But it can really help to bring a fresh-start mentality to how you’re managing your finances.”If you’re planning to make financial resolutions for the new year, experts recommend that…

By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National WriterATLANTA — The Texas Longhorns were in Atlanta less than a month ago, playing for a championship.That one didn’t go as planned.Now, the Longhorns get an A-T-L do-over when they face Arizona State at the Peach Bowl in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game on New Year’s Day.Fifth-seeded Texas (12-2) insists it has gotten over the disappointment of losing an overtime thriller to Georgia on Dec. 7, a result that denied the Longhorns a title in their debut season as a member of the SEC.“Of course we’re going to kind of feel that a little bit, but…

By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports WriterNEW ORLEANS — If Georgia playing Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl has a classic ring to it, it should.Fighting Irish linebacker Jack Kiser and Bulldogs tight end Oscar Delp know all about the first time their storied programs met in the Superdome at the end of the 1980 season – some two decades before they were born.A national championship hung in the balance, and a freshman running back named Herschel Walker (150 yards, two touchdowns rushing) helped the Bulldogs capture it, 17-10.The stakes won’t be quite as high on Wednesday night when No. 2…

By JOHN MARSHALL AP Sports WriterGLENDALE, Ariz. — Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes and sixth-seeded Penn State bottled up Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty for a 31-14 victory over No. 3 seed Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday night, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.The Nittany Lions (13-2) opened their first CFP berth with a blowout victory over SMU and appeared headed toward the latest lopsided victory in the new 12-team format by jumping out to a 14-0 lead against Boise State.But the Broncos (12-2) have relished the role of underdog, going back to…

ANAHEIM — The Ducks’ last four wins had been of the wagon-circling variety, and while they never trailed on Tuesday night, there was no shortage of intrigue in their 3-2 victory over the New Jersey Devils at Honda Center.It was their fifth victory in their past eight games, and over a team that entered the day leading the Metropolitan Division but that had slipped behind the Washington Capitals by the end of the evening.The Ducks went ahead 2-0, but retroceded that lead before Ryan Strome’s slap shot from above the right circle found the net on the far side thanks…

By RAUL DOMINGUEZ The Associated PressSAN ANTONIO — A Clippers team playing on short rest was no match for an energized Victor Wembanyama.Wembanyama closed out his historic month with 27 points, nine rebounds, five assists and three blocked shots in 26 minutes and set the tone with an explosive first quarter as the San Antonio Spurs rolled to a 122-86 victory on Tuesday night.Wembanyama is the first player in league history with 300 points, 100 rebounds, 50 blocks, 50 assists and 40 3-pointers in a single month.The Clippers were playing the second game of a road back-to-back set that started…

LOS ANGELES — Going into Tuesday night’s home game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lakers coach JJ Redick found himself with more options for his frontcourt lineups than he’s had in a while.Not only was Dorian Finney-Smith available on Tuesday after the Lakers acquired him in a trade on Sunday, but backup center Jaxson Hayes was available after missing the past 14 and 20 of the previous 21 games because of right ankle ailments.In light of Hayes’ absence over the last month, the Lakers had leaned more on small-ball lineups featuring Rui Hachimura or LeBron James as the center when Anthony…

LOS ANGELES — Oregon football players Matayo Uiagalelei and Keyon Ware-Hudson sat next to each other during media day for the Rose Bowl game. In previous chapters of their football careers, however, they were part of one of the most high-profile high school rivalries in the nation.Uiagalelei, a sophomore linebacker, prepped at St. John Bosco and Ware-Hudson, a defensive lineman, played for Mater Dei. The recruiting pipeline linking SoCal and Oregon brought them together – and has attracted plenty more talent from the region.“A lot of kids my age will say this was their dream school growing up,” Uiagalelei said.St.…