.Janice Bitters

Many downtown businesses don't expect to survive for much longer.

You and your beau or your favorite roomie have probably gotten pretty comfortable with each other by now, especially after nine consecutive months of quarantining together. But any good date night with a friend or partner comes with a little planning up front.

This strange and quiet New Year's Eve is about one thing and one thing only: celebrating in whatever Covid-safe way that can leave 2020 with at least one, sparkly, happy memory. And here at Metro, we're determined to help you do that.

On your own for New Year's Eve? No problem. While changing the calendar in our makeshift home office won't magically melt away the problems of the year, we can surely raise the bar a little from the last nine months on this final night. Let's start with the basics: food and drink.

Do you have to be crazy to open a new restaurant in the pandemic?

Prop. 13 has divided Californians for years. Supporters praise it for keeping homeowners in their homes. Opponents say it crippled schools and local governments....