California

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California
fromcalmatters.org
40 minutes ago

California state agency spent millions on cellphones it workers didn't use, audit says

California's Employment Development Department paid $4.6 million in monthly service fees for thousands of unused cellphones and hotspots due to inadequate device inventory controls.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 hour ago

Three hospitalized in explosion near Hayward listed in stable condition

A PG&E gas line explosion during repairs in Hayward hospitalized six people, with three critically injured and homes heavily damaged.
fromLos Angeles Times
1 hour ago

California, other states sue Trump administration over $100,000 fee for H-1B visas

California and a coalition of other states are suing the Trump administration over a policy charging employers $100,000 for each new H-1B visa they request for foreign employees to work in the U.S. - calling it a threat not only to major industry but to public education and healthcare services. "As the world's fourth largest economy, California knows that when skilled talent from around the world joins our workforce, it drives our state forward," said California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta, who announced the litigation Friday.
California
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 hour ago

PG&E bills estimated to be 18% higher this December amid 'frigid' Bay Area temps

Bay Area cold snaps have increased home heating use, raising PG&E bills approximately 18% over last year.
#drowning
California
fromFuncheap
2 hours ago

Chanukah on Ice: Menorah Lighting + Skating (Petaluma Fairgrounds)

Hanukkah menorah lighting and ice skating at Luma Ice Skating, Sunday December 21, 4–6pm; tickets: adults $20, children and seniors $15, toddlers free.
California
fromFuncheap
2 hours ago

19th Annual Holiday Celebration + Free Festivities (Oakland)

An in-person 19th annual holiday celebration with food, activities, music, community, and toy distribution (pre-registration required) at 816 98th Ave, Oakland.
#political-civility
fromThe Mercury News
19 hours ago
California

Letters: Gavin Newsom isn't the main mudslinger in Trump spat

Political incivility is driven largely by President Trump's conduct; local governments must enforce property cleanup and reconsider juvenile charging ages.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
19 hours ago
California

Letters: Gavin Newsom isn't the main mudslinger in Trump spat

Federal leadership's problematic behavior exacerbates political incivility, while local authorities must enforce cleanup of abandoned properties to combat blight.
California
fromStreetsblog
19 hours ago

CA Approves $1.1 Billion in Transportation Grants, Including Zero-Emission Transit - Streetsblog California

California approved $1.1 billion to expand zero-emission transit, improve local roadway safety, and strengthen resilient transportation infrastructure under the Build More, Faster agenda.
California
fromLos Angeles Times
19 hours ago

District attorney announces charges against unlicensed contractors in Altadena fire zone

Unlicensed contractors in Altadena were charged after undercover stings for rebuilding homes without licenses, risking misdemeanor or felony penalties.
#aptos
fromLos Angeles Times
15 hours ago

Dramatic explosion caught on video destroys homes, injures six, officials say

A natural gas line leak triggered a dramatic explosion that destroyed a Bay Area home on Thursday, injuring six people and damaging several other properties. At least one person was inside the home before it was leveled in the blast. The individual managed to escape without injury, but six others were hurt, including three who suffered serious injuries, Alameda County Fire Department spokesperson Cheryl Hurd said.
California
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
5 hours ago

Bay Area man accused of flashing hikers in state park

A 25-year-old man was arrested at China Camp State Park on suspicion of multiple indecent exposures; charges filed and trial tentatively set for Jan. 5.
#gas-line-rupture
#dui
fromThe Mercury News
7 hours ago

Officials reveal mistakes that impacted Martinez refinery fire response

New details emerged this week about the massive February fire that erupted at the Martinez Refinery Company and released more than 7,000 gallons of hydrocarbon materials into the air, as officials revealed that oil crews had been using incompatible radio systems that prevented immediate contact with local public safety agencies. While county firefighters arrived on the scene 14 minutes after being notified of a fire at MRC, crews were stalled outside, unable to contact the refinery operators on site - a communication gap that delayed the establishment of a unified command center by nearly two hours.
California
California
fromPadailypost
3 hours ago

Menlo Park man accused of trying to torch winery

A 42-year-old Menlo Park man tried to set fire at a Saratoga winery, crashed into parked cars, barricaded himself in his Tesla, and was arrested.
California
fromwww.ocregister.com
5 hours ago

Howard's demise: Appliance stores meet retail's graveyard

Howard's Appliance abruptly closed Southern California stores due to consumers favoring big-box retailers, price-driven shopping, economic sensitivity, tariffs, and pandemic-era turmoil.
fromSFGATE
4 hours ago

Caltrans to open new bridge on I-80 near Truckee

Construction is near Lake Spaulding, about 25 miles west of Truckee. Caltrans said the work will impact traffic in both directions; crews are slated to begin reducing traffic to a single lane on Sunday at 7 p.m. The agency expects to begin directing motorists headed east onto the new bridge span beginning Tuesday. Work on the westbound bridge is slated for the spring.
California
fromSFGATE
19 hours ago

Family sues after 19-year-old UC Berkeley student dies after fraternity party

The lawsuit alleges that there were no inspections of the event, which violated city permit codes, and that there weren't any lifeguards, sober monitors or safety coordinators at the party. It further alleges "overcrowding in the pool with people, pool items which impeded visibility" and "slippery substances" that made staying in the shallow end "difficult, if not impossible." The family also said there weren't any markings that separated the shallow end of the pool from the deep end.
California
fromPadailypost
3 hours ago

Woman charged in alleged scams to lease apartments and selling cars

Velasquez would rent cars from dealerships and list them for sale online, Chang said. When interested buyers would contact her, Velasquez would ask for a down payment or monthly payments, and once they paid it off, she promised to give them the car, Chang said. The cars would end up being repossessed or reported stolen and buyers never got their cars, according to Chang.
California
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
3 hours ago

Within a day, two East Bay friends vanished without a trace. Police are ramping up efforts to find them

Two East Bay friends, Justin Wayne Lee and Esmeraldo Hernandez Vivero, have been missing since mid-May with no trace seven months later.
California
fromSan Jose Spotlight
3 hours ago

San Jose Viet Museum's future unclear - San Jose Spotlight

Leadership disputes at the Immigrant Resettlement and Cultural Center threaten the Viet Museum's operation, prompting History San Jose to consider terminating the nonprofit's contract soon.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
6 hours ago

How Fernando Mendoza's push to rise at Cal prepared him for Heisman run

Heisman Trophy favorite Fernando Mendoza was a redshirt freshman and Cal's third-string quarterback at the start of the 2023 season when he walked into the office of tight ends coach Tim Plough. Would you be willing to meet with me? Mendoza asked. Would you be willing to teach me the offense and talk to me about quarterback play, go through the game plan with me?
California
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
4 hours ago

EXCLUSIVE: Bay Area funeral director gives son's brain to parents who requested his clothing

A San Jose funeral home allegedly handed a grieving father a bag containing his son's brain instead of clothing, prompting a lawsuit.
#homicide
fromLos Angeles Times
7 hours ago

Prep talk: Santa Margarita's Isaia Vandermade has become sack machine in playoffs

If you want an individual who has been reaching peak form in the postseason, that would be junior defensive lineman Isaia Vandermade of Santa Margarita High. He has recorded eight of his nine sacks in his last three games after becoming healthy and gaining confidence. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound junior is the son of Santa Margarita offensive coordinator Lenny Vandermade, who played at Mater Dei and USC.
California
California
fromLos Angeles Times
8 hours ago

Faith unshaken, an Altadena congregation works to rebuild their church, and their lives

Altadena Baptist Church lost its sanctuary and congregants' homes in the Eaton fire and now faces prolonged rebuilding, displacement, and fundraising while strengthening communal bonds.
California
fromThe Mercury News
6 hours ago

How Fernando Mendoza's push to rise at Cal prepared him for Heisman run

Fernando Mendoza rose from Cal third-string redshirt to Heisman favorite, leading Indiana with 33 touchdown passes and an unbeaten, No.1 College Football Playoff top seed.
California
fromwww.thereporter.com
5 hours ago

Anheuser-Busch to close Bay Area brewery, a loss of 475 jobs

Anheuser-Busch will close its Fairfield brewery in early 2026, eliminating a major employer and causing substantial local economic and utility revenue losses.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
19 hours ago

Danville celebrates first SantaCon and the event's creators approve

SantaCon began as John Law's anti-Christmas stunt in San Francisco and evolved into mixed revelry and community fundraisers like Danville's first event.
California
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

Pro-housing group sues Newsom over duplex ban in wildfire zones

YIMBY Law sued Governor Newsom, arguing his executive order suspending SB 9 in fire-affected areas unlawfully exceeds emergency powers.
California
fromwww.housingwire.com
21 hours ago

YIMBY group sues Newsom over SB 9 pause in L.A. wildfire zones

An August executive order exempts fire-ravaged Los Angeles areas from SB 9, prompting YIMBY activists to sue and alleging favoritism toward wealthy homeowners.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

Crews battling large building with possible injuries in Hayward after reported explosion

A three-alarm fire, possibly caused by an explosion, heavily damaged a mixed residential and commercial building on East Lewelling Blvd in Hayward, with possible injuries.
#retail-theft
California
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

From San Diego to Del Norte, a tally of recent scandals plaguing local fairs

Numerous California county fairs faced allegations and audits revealing embezzlement, nepotism, improper spending, and mismanagement over the past decade.
fromPadailypost
23 hours ago

Supervisors reject claim of Corpus trainee

Jasmine De La Cruz, a trainee at the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, requested the board to cover her lost wages, benefits and damaged reputation, but supervisors denied her request on Tuesday. De La Cruz's attorney, Ryan Kraft from the Venardi Aurada firm, submitted the claim on Oct 29, alleging that she was discriminated against for not accommodating her disability.
California
#human-trafficking
California
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

With Altadena burning, L.A. County lacked satellite mapping tool used by other agencies

L.A. County Fire lacked access to the National Guard's FireGuard satellite fire-tracking data during the Eaton fire, hindering evacuation decisions and situational awareness.
California
fromSFGATE
22 hours ago

6 hospitalized after explosion in Bay Area neighborhood

Construction crews struck an underground gas line on Lewelling Boulevard, releasing gas that later exploded, injuring six and damaging homes and a workshop.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

Man followed woman to Berkeley with car full of sex toys, condoms, crack pipes, Taser, and a gun, police say

San Francisco man with eight prior felonies arrested in Berkeley after allegedly following a woman; police found a pistol, stun device, sex toys and suspected drugs.
California
fromwww.berkeleyside.org
1 day ago

Family of man killed in homeless shelter sues Berkeley, BOSS for failing to protect him

An unhoused Black man was fatally shot at a Berkeley shelter; his family sued the shelter, the city and the accused roommate.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

Three-alarm fire being fought in Ashland area

A three-alarm fire erupted on E. Lewelling Boulevard in Ashland, burning at least one structure while firefighters battled flames amid downed power lines.
fromSan Jose Inside
21 hours ago

San Jose Police Move on Gang Members, Arrest Five Men, Four Juveniles

On Nov. 19, detectives located and arrested Haro and the two 16-year-olds at Haro's residence, where they found a loaded firearm, large quantities of narcotics and two homemade improvised explosive devices. The department's bomb squad quickly responded and took custody of the explosive devices, police said. During the execution of the search warrant at one of the juvenile suspect's residence, detectives contacted an additional suspect, Alejandro Villa, 27, of San Jose, who was in possession of illegal narcotics for sale.
California
California
fromThe Mercury News
1 day ago

Plan for new Bay Area casino faces scrutiny amid shifting gaming operations

Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians' Vallejo casino project faces legal scrutiny over trailer slot machines and federal gaming eligibility reconsideration.
fromSan Jose Spotlight
23 hours ago

San Jose to study reforming historic preservation rules - San Jose Spotlight

The effort, spearheaded by District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos, comes in response to growing outcry from San Jose business leaders. They say existing preservation rules intended to protect the city's historic character have instead created a tangle of cumbersome requirements that have, paradoxically, caused many historic buildings to fall into blight and disrepair. Some of the loudest warnings have been issued from leaders in Japantown, a neighborhood home to a large number of properties on the city's official inventory of historic buildings.
California
#airport-security
California
fromThe Mercury News
1 day ago

Nine arrested in San Jose gang-motivated crime sting

Nine suspects — five adult men and four teenage boys — were arrested in San Jose during a gang-motivated crime operation involving firearms, narcotics and explosives.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
23 hours ago

Parents of UC Berkeley student who drowned during frat party file wrongful death lawsuit

Parents of a 19-year-old UC Berkeley student sued Alpha Delta Phi for wrongful death after son drowned at an overcrowded fraternity party with no lifeguard.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

String of home burglaries targeting 4 East Contra Costa Co. cities possibly connected: police

Juvenile suspects enter unlocked homes across Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and Oakley targeting vehicle keys to steal cars; secure keys and lock doors and windows.
California
fromwww.presstelegram.com
1 day ago

California transit agency apologizes, promises to change policy after ICE recruitment ad seen on bus

Long Beach Transit apologized and removed an ICE recruitment advertisement from buses, pledging to strengthen advertising vetting and policies.
California
fromwww.pressdemocrat.com
1 day ago

Armed Santa' joins police in Bay Area tree, wreath theft arrest

Two Vallejo residents were arrested after allegedly stealing 24 Christmas trees and wreaths from a Safeway; all items were recovered and no charges had been filed yet.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
22 hours ago

Around the East Bay, cannabis drivers would take deliveries only to get a gun stuck in their faces

A man and woman have been charged with being part of a robbery crew that lured cannabis delivery drivers into thinking they were fulfilling legitimate orders, only to rob them at gunpoint upon arrive, court records show. Jordan Cook and her boyfriend. Larue Henderson, were charged with conspiracy and robbery in federal court. The criminal complaint against them describes six similar armed robberies of cannabis delivery drivers this year, all in Berkeley, Hayward, or San Leandro.
California
fromwww.ocregister.com
1 day ago

Probe continues into high-speed driver on taxiway at California airport

An investigation continued Wednesday, Dec. 10, into the actions of a John Wayne Airport contract security guard who was caught on video driving a white sedan on the airport's taxiway, speeding past a series of aircraft. No injuries were reported from the incident, which occurred around 1:15 p.m. Monday at the Orange County airport. Cell phone video taken by an airport employee on the taxiway and shared by ABC7 shows the white Toyota Camry whizzing down the taxiway with several aircraft moving slowly nearby.
California
California
fromwww.ocregister.com
1 day ago

8 California high school athletes out on a run hit, injured by car in suspected DUI collision

A car swerved onto a sidewalk in Anaheim, striking eight Anaheim High School runners; eight teens injured and driver arrested on suspicion of DUI.
California
fromABC7 Chicago
1 day ago

8 high school running team members struck by vehicle in Southern California in possible DUI crash

A vehicle struck eight Anaheim High School runners at an intersection, injuring teens and prompting a possible DUI investigation while the driver was detained.
California
fromThe Mercury News
1 day ago

Judge orders new trial in decade-old murder case, as scrutiny of Oakland detective grows

Police misconduct by veteran detective Phong Tran led to overturned murder convictions, a review of over 200 homicide cases, and new trials or dismissals.
#antisemitism
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

Donation saves part of Mount Diablo from future development

Known as the Nunn-Paulsen inholding, the land was donated to the nonprofit Save Mount Diablo by Bob Nunn in memory of his late father, Ron Nunn, who died in August at 92. Although my father had many stories to tell, one that always stuck with me and that I also share is when he could look and see Mount Diablo, he knew he was home, Bob Nunn said in a statement.
California
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 day ago

Man convicted of San Jose rape faces life sentence due to sex crime history in Norway

Emari O'Garrow was convicted of rape and attempted rape in San Jose, and prior Norway rape convictions increase his sentencing exposure to a potential life term.
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

Santa's Jolly Landing Via Helicopter (Concord)

Santa Claus will be making his grand entrance aboard a REACH Air Medical helicopter at 10:00 a.m., weather permitting. Attendees can witness their arrival by entering the Concord Plaza Hotel and proceeding to the area behind the hotel. Following his spectacular arrival, Santa will proceed to the Concord Plaza Hotel Atrium at 45 John Glenn Drive, where children can take a picture with him until 12:00 p.m. There is no charge for photos.
California
California
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

After 97 years and a catastrophic fire, the Palisadian-Post newspaper ceases publication

The 97-year-old Palisadian-Post ceased publication after the January fire destroyed advertisers and displaced subscribers, making continued printing financially unsustainable.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

LIVE: Public memorial for legendary football coach John Beam being held in Oakland

A public memorial walk in Oakland will honor legendary football coach John Beam, who was shot and killed last month at Laney College.
California
fromsfist.com
1 day ago

Man Steals Dog In San Mateo, Flees Down Highway 101, Gets Caught

Masked suspect grabbed a leashed poodle/goldendoodle in San Mateo; police stopped a vehicle on 101, arrested a suspect, and returned the dog.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

Family 'blindsided' as Alameda County DA moves to dismiss case in killing of Steven Taylor again

Alameda County D.A. moved to dismiss the 2020 case against the officer accused of killing Steven Taylor, prompting family outrage and a new judge review.
fromStreetsblog
2 days ago

What Is an E-Bike, and What's an Unlicensed Motorcycle: A Parents' Guide - Streetsblog California

According to California law, an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts of power. California has established three classes of e-bikes, which the DMV describes as follows: Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached.
California
California
fromThe Mercury News
21 hours ago

San Jose's Christmas in the Park has a busy weekend ahead

VTA's Stuff the Bus toy drive and the 14th annual Santa Run Silicon Valley occur this weekend at Plaza de Cesar Chavez, San Jose.
California
fromFuncheap
1 day ago

Holiday Market at Felton Covered Bridge Park

Holiday Market at Felton Covered Bridge Park brings local artisans, festive food, music, lights, and caroling on Sunday, December 14 at Graham Hill Rd, Felton.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 days ago

California again delays wildfire protection rules for homes

California will delay implementing Zone Zero ember-resistant rules until at least March 2026, likely pushing mandates for existing high-risk homes to mid-2029 or later.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 days ago

Suspect in huge Sierra wildfire is freed, and sheriff speaks out: Would this happen in Palisades case?

A 73-year-old man suspected of starting the Oak Fire was released pretrial with an ankle monitor after 30 months in jail for medical reasons.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 days ago

Letters: Rishi Kumar is best pick for Assessor's Office

Rishi Kumar is a tax reformer and experienced local official advocating efficiency, modernization, and a statewide property-tax exemption for homeowners aged 60 and over.
California
fromSan Jose Spotlight
2 days ago

Hundreds of Santa Clara County families face displacement - San Jose Spotlight

Expiration of Emergency Housing Vouchers at the end of 2026 threatens Santa Clara County's gains in housing families despite doubled shelter capacity and thousands placed in permanent housing.
California
fromThe Mercury News
2 days ago

Letters: Rishi Kumar is best pick for Assessor's Office

Rishi Kumar advocates efficiency, modernization, and a statewide property-tax exemption for homeowners aged 60 and over.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

San Jose mayor wants to allow juveniles to waive Miranda Rights without lawyer | Here's why

San Jose mayor proposes allowing minors to waive Miranda rights without attorney consultation so police can hold gang-involved youths accountable for violent crimes.
California
fromenglish.elpais.com
2 days ago

How much will the minimum wage increase in California in 2026?

California's minimum wage will rise to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, raising exempt-employee thresholds and affecting employers and local higher wage jurisdictions.
California
fromStreetsblog
2 days ago

Report: Speed Camera Programs Working in San Francisco, Floundering in Bureaucracy in L.A. - Streetsblog California

Speed safety cameras in Bay Area cities reduce speeding; San Francisco saw a 72% average reduction while Los Angeles County cities lag implementation.
fromLos Angeles Times
2 days ago

Former Compton councilman pleads guilty in scheme involving secret bribes and corrupt officials

Former Compton City Councilmember Isaac Galvan pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal criminal charges for bribing a Baldwin Park city councilman, whom he paid $70,000 in exchange for city marijuana permits. Galvan, who ran a consulting service, was involved in a scheme in which he facilitated bribes to Councilman Ricardo Pacheco from one of Galvan's clients who wanted a marijuana permit in Baldwin Park.
California
California
fromThe Mercury News
2 days ago

Bay Area man arrested after undercover sting targeting alleged sex-for-'auditions' scheme

A man allegedly posed as a recruiter to solicit women for filmed sex acts and arranged to meet someone he believed was 14, prompting arrest.
California
fromLos Angeles Times
2 days ago

L.A. City Council passes ordinance to streamline affordable housing

Los Angeles permanently fast-tracked approvals for 100% affordable housing, reducing review timelines from six–nine months to a required 60 days.
California
fromThe Mercury News
2 days ago

Highway 1 slide repairs continue to make strides along Big Sur coast

Highway 1 at Regent's Slide is being stabilized using top-down excavation and slope reinforcement, targeting a full reopening to through traffic by March 2026.
fromwww.sandiegouniontribune.com
2 days ago

I-5 closure snarled traffic as officers talked with man on bridge. Angry motorists have questions.

For eight hours on Friday, Interstate 5 at Del Mar Heights Road was closed, at times in both directions, as police talked with a suicidal man perched on a bridge above the freeway. And for miles around that spot, motorists endured a massive, extended transportation nightmare that slowed travel around the region. Social media posts captured some of the pain.
California
California
fromSFGATE
2 days ago

UC Berkeley PhD student facing felony charges over $46K in intentional damage

A UC Berkeley Ph.D. student faces three felony vandalism charges for allegedly damaging about $46,855 in university and a peer's equipment over two years.
fromThe Mercury News
1 day ago

Lawrence Lab researcher allegedly downloaded child porn for 30 years, avoided charges until this week

He's also allegedly been downloading child sexual abuse material for decades, onto encrypted hard drives on his home and work computer, apparently avoiding detection by either employers or law enforcement until this year. Last September, the California Highway Patrol raided Kolbe's Albany home, the culmination of an investigation that started in January 2024 with a look into secret peer-to-peer networks where child pornography was being shared.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 days ago

Los Gatos swears in Rob Moore as mayor and Maria Ristow as vice mayor

I didn't think we could ever live here, let alone own a home, become part of a community, and eventually serve as mayor, outgoing mayor Matthew Hudes said. What a privilege all of that is.
California
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