postcard

Californians were mailed inaccurate voter guides about the November special election asking them whether to redraw congressional district boundaries, according to the secretary of state’s office. The state agency announced that it would mail postcards correcting the information to voters, which is likely to cost millions of dollars.

“Accuracy in voter information is essential to maintaining public trust in California’s elections,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “We are taking swift, transparent action to ensure voters receive correct information. This mislabeling does not affect proposed districts, ballots, or the election process; it is solely a labeling error. Every eligible Californian can have full confidence that their vote will be counted and their representation is secure.”

The voter guide was sent to California registered voters about Proposition 50, a ballot measure championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state Democrats to try to boost the number of Democrats in Congress. The proposal was in response to Texas and other GOP-led states trying to increase the number of Republicans in the House at the behest of President Trump to enable him to continue to enact his agenda during his final two years in office.

The special election will take place on Nov. 4, but voters will begin receiving mail ballots in early October.

On page 11 of the voter guide, a proposed and hotly contested congressional district that includes swaths of the San Fernando and Antelope valleys and is currently represented by Rep. George Whitesides (D-Agua Dulce) was mislabeled as Congressional District 22. However, on more detailed maps in the voter guide, the district is properly labeled as District 27.

“It is unfortunate that it was incorrect on the statewide map in the voter guide,” said Paul Mitchell, the Democratic redistricting expert who drew the new proposed congressional districts. “But the important thing is it is correct in the L.A. County and the Southern California maps,” allowing people who live in the region to accurately see their new proposed congressional district.

There are 23 million registered voters in California, but it’s unclear whether the postcards will be mailed to each registered voter or to households of registered voters. The secretary of state’s office did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday evening.

Even if the corrective notices are mailed to voter households rather than individual voters, the postage alone is likely to be millions of dollars, in addition to the cost of printing the postcards. The special election, which the Legislature called for in August, was already expected to cost taxpayers $284 million.

Opponents of Proposition 50 seized upon the error as proof that the measure was hastily placed on the ballot.

“When politicians force the Secretary of State to rush an election, mistakes are bound to happen,” said Amy Thoma, a spokesperson for one of the campaigns opposing the effort. “It’s unfortunate that this one will cost taxpayers millions of dollars.”

Former state GOP Chairwoman Jessica Millan Patterson, who leads another anti-Proposition 50 campaign supported by congressional Republicans, added that such mistakes were inevitable given how quickly the ballot measure was written and the special election was called.

“The Prop. 50 power grab was rushed through so fast by greedy politicians that glaring mistakes were made, raising serious questions about what else was missed,” she said. “California taxpayers are already on the hook for a nearly $300 million special election, and now they’re paying to fix mistakes too. Californians deserve transparency, not backroom politics. Secretary Weber should release the cost of issuing this correction immediately.”

The campaign supporting the ballot measure did not respond to requests for comment.

Brixham is a charming seaside town that seems to have sprung straight from a postcard – here’s everything you need to know about the stunning coastal retreat

There’s a picturesque seaside town in Devon that could easily be mistaken for a scene from a postcard, known for its vibrant houses that tumble down the hillside towards the bustling harbour.

If you’re looking for a last-minute holiday plan, Brixham may have you covered. This quintessential British seaside experience captivates visitors from the moment they step foot in the town. The heart of Brixham is its lively harbour, where fishing boats, yachts and pleasure crafts bob gently on the water.

With a rich maritime history, Brixham has been one of the UK’s most significant fishing ports for centuries. In similar travel stories, here’s a small fishing village with some of UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Visitors can still witness fishermen hauling in their daily catch, with Brixham’s fish market providing some of the country’s finest seafood, reports the Express. This fresh bounty is celebrated in the town’s numerous seafood restaurants, where you can savour everything from traditional fish and chips to gourmet dishes.

A stroll through Brixham’s narrow, winding streets feels like stepping back in time. The beautifully maintained pastel-coloured cottages and shops add to the town’s picture-perfect charm.

Many of these buildings are adorned with hanging baskets brimming with flowers, enhancing the town’s already considerable appeal. For those seeking panoramic views of the harbour and surrounding coastline, a trek up to the Berry Head Nature Reserve is a must.

This dramatic headland offers breathtaking views across Tor Bay, and on a clear day, the vista stretches for miles. The area is teeming with wildlife, offering the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals and a variety of seabirds.

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Brixham forms part of the breathtaking English Riviera, a stretch of South Devon coastline famed for its mild climate, stunning beaches, and quaint towns.

From Brixham, you can easily venture to nearby towns such as Paignton and Torquay, each boasting their own unique attractions. Whether you’re after a tranquil retreat, a maritime adventure, or simply a place to savour some of the UK’s finest seafood, Brixham caters to all tastes.

So, if you’re looking for a short staycation away from the hustle and bustle of city life, Brixham is the perfect place. Ideal for couples, families and even as a solo retreat. Not too far away from home, yet it still feels like a holiday abroad.

This Cotswolds village stands apart from its popular neighbours with distinctly red-hued cottages and some impressive former locals including great writers and thinkers

Sitting on the edge of the Cotswolds is a village not as traditional as its neighbours. The ‘picture postcard’ destination is defined by cottages in a different shade but just as charming and impressive.

Great Tew is located five miles east of Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire. The village overlooks the Worton Valley from a limestone ridge, offering a distinct perspective on the well-trodden UK holiday destination that is the Cotswolds.

One thing that distinguishes Great Tew from other Cotswolds villages is the predominant stone used in the construction of local cottages. While the yellow Cotswold stone has become synonymous with the region, Great Tew cottages boast a different style.

In this part of the region, ironstone dominates and has a much darker red hue. Furthermore, the cottages in Great Tew are thatched, which is not a particularly common feature in the Cotswolds.

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There is evidence that people lived in the landscape of Great Tew in pre-Roman times but the first sign of habitation is during the Roman occupation in the 3rd and 4th centuries. During the Saxon period, Great Tew acquired the name Ciric Tiwa, or Church Tew.

At one point, the famed Great Tew Estate was inherited by Lucius Carey, Second Viscount Falkland, during which time it gained notoriety because of the ‘Great Tew Circle’ of writers and scholars who often met for political and theological debates.

In 1914, the Great Tew Estate was held in public trusteeship for almost fifty years, during which time very little was done to maintain the Estate or its buildings. In 1962 Major Eustace Robb inherited the estate and immediately set about a gradual programme of improvements that made the village prosper and laid the foundations for its future health.

Farms were reclaimed, cottages were refurbished and a sewage system for the village was installed under Major Robb. Today, the Great Tew Estate belongs to the Johnston family who are just as committed to the village’s prosperity.

While Great Tew is an example of a thriving Cotswold village, it stands in slight contrast to its popular neighbours that are struggling under the weight of overtourism.

Bibury – often called the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’ – sees thousands of tourists visit from across the world annually. Plans for a new car and coach park were withdrawn in the area earlier this year to deter more tourists from visiting.

Locals have grown increasingly unnerved by the massive tourist crowds descending on the area. To address the problem of overtourism, residents have formed a working group that includes councillors and police. Gloucestershire County Council has also announced plans to tackle overtourism in the village.

In 2025, reports emerged that coaches could soon be banned from stopping and parking in the village. Longer-term recommendations from the working group also include improving signs to direct coaches away from the village’s narrow lanes.

Runswick Bay, just nine miles north of Whitby, has earned rave reviews from visitors, who have praised its “secluded” bay, “gorgeous” beach and “amazing views” – and it’s easy to see why

A picturesque North Yorkshire coast village has been named one of England’s best-kept secrets – and it’s no wonder why.

The delightful Runswick Bay, tucked away just nine miles from Whitby between Sandsend and Staithes, has captivated visitors with its “secluded” bay, “gorgeous” beach, and “amazing views,” as noted by York Press.

Perched on the brink of the North Sea, the quaint village scored an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on Tripadvisor and has now been highlighted by Millets as one of the nation’s hidden jewels in their latest travel recommendations.

Outdoor experts at Millets assembled their hidden treasures list using insights from Reddit, TikTok, and various travel features, before validating their selections with Tripadvisor ratings to showcase the cream of the crop.

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Millets’ blog writer and adventure aficionado Sam Chadwick remarked: “In recent years, more people have uncovered the joy of being outdoors, with favourites like Mam Tor and Scafell Pike becoming increasingly popular. We’ve curated a list of England’s hidden treasures for those seeking tranquil escapes amidst nature.”, reports the Express.

Runswick Bay absolutely lives up to this description.

Touted on its official website as “a picture postcard North Yorkshire coastal village, boasting a mile of secluded bay and gorgeous beach”, the spot is favoured by fossil hunters, ramblers, and even those hoping to glimpse a dolphin or seal amid the surf.

Its sandy shores sit along the Cleveland Way, a renowned walking route gracing the coastline. The bay is a haven for sandcastle architects and budding explorers eager to discover rockpools at low tide, while the jetty becomes a prime spot for crabbing during the high tide.

“Seals, dolphins and whales have all been spotted in the waters, which are excellent for fishing, especially cod and mackerel,” the travel site notes.

The spot has received over 400 effusive reviews on Tripadvisor, with many reviewers highlighting the “relaxing” ambiance of the beachfront café.

One happy visitor shared their experience: “We walked here from Staithes, lovely walk with amazing views (steep in places). Well worth the walk! Cafe at Runswick bay was lovely, great coffee and cakes, lovely place to sit and relax before walking back. We had our dog in tow and she was made welcome at the cafe.”

Another satisfied guest enthused: “Absolutely stunning! Well worth a walk along the beach and doing a bit of fossil hunting, glass spotting, shell collecting. Lovely ice cream.”

Commenting on their Easter weekend visit, another reviewer remarked: “We are here for easter weekend, we visited the lovely modern cafe just on the beachfront, delicious cakes and light bites and beverages. Lovely staff and plenty of seats although we imagine it will get busy. Will definitely be back as its perfectly positioned to sit eat a slice of yummy cakes and a cuppa tea while u admire the views. The beach was great so happy to see so many dogs enjoying themselves and not a poo bag in sight as mentioned previously. We found so lovely fossils so interesting.”

One visitor was so enchanted by the BBC’s ‘Villages by the Sea’ that they felt compelled to see Runswick Bay for themselves.

“Had to come here as Ben Robinson the archaeologist came here from his programmes ‘Villages by the Sea’ and he was not not wrong, beautiful houses, I found most of what he showed on his programme. Lovely walk and dog run along the beach. Fabulous, Thanks Ben.”

Wondering about parking at Runswick Bay?

“The car park closest to the beach is chargeable throughout spring and summer, but get in quick as there are only 80 spaces. Pop the postcode TS13 5HT into your satnav and you’re away. You’ll pay a minimum charge of £3.00 between the months of March and October.”

They also mention: “In busier periods, you’ll find a second car park at the top of the hill, a bit further away from the beach. With over 100 spaces and charged at £6 for 24 hours, it’s well worth the trek, even just for the breathtaking views along the way.”

Do bear in mind that car park charges are subject to change.