Olivia Harden

Los Angeles

Travel Reporter at SFGate

She/Her | PARAMORE Stan | Travel Reporter @SFGATE | I travel SoCal for a living, the world for the memories

Articles

106-year-old California hotel returns after 50-year hiatus

1 week ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

A hotel in the heart of Ojai, California, is returning to its roots after a storied history for the last half century. Hotel El Roblar originally opened in 1919 but fell into disarray. It was converted into a spa in the 1970s but closed due to the Thomas Fire in 2017. Now Ojai’s longest-standing hotel is reopening on June 19, according to the Ojai Valley News. The hotel was designed by architects Frank Mead and Richard Requa, who helped shape and design Southern California in the early 20th century.
It’s gone viral, but resellers are struggling to sell this Disneyland souvenir

2 weeks ago | sacbee.com | Olivia Harden

With excitement swirling around the 70th anniversary of the happiest place on Earth, Disney has unveiled limited-edition treats, special entertainment and exclusive merchandise. But one sold-out item has some Disney fans questioning their purchase. Parkgoers were off to the races to pick up Disney's Key to Disneyland at various stores around the park.
It's gone viral, but resellers are struggling to sell this Disneyland souvenir

2 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

Parkgoers were off to the races to pick up Disney’s Key to Disneyland at various stores around the park. For $60, the giant key is an interactive blind box that allows guests to visit all nine lands in Disneyland and insert their key into a giant themed lock. After unlocking the key in all lands, they’ll be able to unlock the key itself, which has a surprise pin inside.
TSA approves mobile passport on iPhone for SFO flights

2 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

It’s been a little more than a month since the Transportation Security Administration started enforcing Real ID requirements for domestic travelers at airports across the country. But travelers whose state IDs aren’t Real ID compliant could soon have another option that may already be in their pocket. Apple recently announced that the launch of iOS 26 this fall will allow Apple users to add mobile passports to their digital wallets. Unlike a Costco card, the digital card is Real ID compliant.
Caltrans shares route for Bay Area drivers to skirt Sacramento traffic

3 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

A trio of highway construction projects in the California capital is shaping up to be the migraine of the summer for motorists. As Caltrans prepares to fully close one direction of a key highway in the heart of Sacramento for an entire weekend next week, adding even more congestion to the roads, a spokesperson for the agency shared a tip for how Bay Area drivers might bypass the bottleneck.
This fee could almost double the cost of your BART trip to the airport

3 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

A viral post on X trumpeting public transportation from California gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter sparked confusion over the price of a single ride on BART. But a fee that’s unique to only two cities in California inflated the cost of the former congresswoman’s ride. Porter praised BART, traveling from Oakland to San Francisco, on the 35-minute trip that cost $12.65. However, commenters complained that a train trip was not worth the time or money when compared to driving.
'Out of necessity': Why the drive to Tahoe takes twice as long right now

3 weeks ago | pressdemocrat.com | Olivia Harden

Jun. 2—California travelers are facing lengthy and burdensome traffic delays while driving Sacramento's major freeways, as Caltrans continues work on several major projects. Drivers are experiencing significant construction delays on Highway 50 and Interstate 80 because of three simultaneous capital projects: the I-80 Pavement Rehabilitation project, the Yolo 80 Corridor Improvements project and the Fix50 project.
Flight attendant reportedly found naked during flight from SFO

3 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

A flight attendant for British Airways on an outbound flight from San Francisco International Airport was arrested after he was found naked in the business-class bathroom, the Sun first reported. On Sunday, Flight BA284 took off from SFO around 5 p.m., according to Flight Aware. According to the Sun, one of the crew members, a 41-year-old man, was not present during meal service, prompting the rest of the crew to look for him.
‘Out of necessity’: Why the drive to Tahoe takes twice as long right now

3 weeks ago | sacbee.com | Olivia Harden

California travelers are facing lengthy and burdensome traffic delays while driving Sacramento's major freeways, as Caltrans continues work on several major projects. Drivers are experiencing significant construction delays on Highway 50 and Interstate 80 because of three simultaneous capital projects: the I-80 Pavement Rehabilitation project, the Yolo 80 Corridor Improvements project and the Fix50 project.
Why traffic to Tahoe is more snarled than ever

3 weeks ago | sfgate.com | Olivia Harden

Drivers are experiencing significant construction delays on Highway 50 and Interstate 80 because of three simultaneous capital projects: the I-80 Pavement Rehabilitation project, the Yolo 80 Corridor Improvements project and the Fix50 project. The collective $650 million in funding for the projects goes toward work that includes the replacement of decades-old concrete, upgrading lane barriers and bridge railings and adding carpool lanes.