So, if you're working on today's Mini on Friday, December 12, 2025, and need some help (I've been there), get ready to read the clues and solutions for each line. We have them separated into hints first for both "Across" and "Down" words, followed by "Across Answers" and "Down Answers," so be careful if you want to avoid spoilers as you scroll!

Since the New York Times paywalled its mini crossword, SFGATE's culture reporter Timothy Karoff has been bringing his solving chops to the California Mini — snagging a spot on our staff leaderboard five times.