Sacramento

Giants owner Johnson says he was unaware of QAnon connections in donations

CaliNews

Charles Johnson, the Giants’ largest shareholder, defended newly revealed political donations in a statement late Friday, saying he did not know that a candidate he supported was linked to the QAnon conspiracy theory. Johnson and his wife Ann each sent $2,800, the maximum contribution, to Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert. Boebert, who was elected in November, has expressed support for the far-right conspiracy theory that alleges Satan-worshipping pedophiles are plotting against President Trump. Boebert and at least 19 other representatives who received donations last year from Johnson voted in support of objections to election certification last week. The vote came just hours after a riotous mob of Trump supporters stormed into the U.S. Capitol Building with unfounded claims of election fraud as their motive. Johnson also made donations to three senators who voted for objections against certification. “It is often difficult to predict the future behavior of candidates and I would never have imagined that any legitimate candidate would participate in undermining the core values of our great country,” Johnson wrote in a statement released by the Giants at 4:51 p.m. Friday. “Nor was I aware that…

Sacramento

Athletes, coaches, parents rally for youth sports in Red Bluff

CaliNews

RED BLUFF — The last time Tehama County high school teams saw competition was March 14, 2020, when the Red Bluff baseball team beat Corning 9-7 in tournament play in Oroville. Since then, all sanctioned high school sports have been stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Derrick Watson, a physical education teacher and coach, addressed the crowd Friday at a Let Them Play CA rally in Red Bluff. (Chip Thompson — Daily News) More than 100 athletes, coaches and parents gathered Friday afternoon in Red Bluff to make sure the student athletes know they are not alone in their desire to return to competition as part of a series of Let Them Play CA rallies held throughout the state. The group gathered near the tennis courts at Lincoln Street School then marched south to Walnut Street, west for a block and back to the start carrying signs and chanting. “Basically we just want to bring awareness of how important it is for our kids to get back to extracurricular activities,” said Darla Lawrence, a parent of two three-sport athletes. “When kids don’t have things to…

Sacramento

Have you ever met a stranger?

CaliNews

Reminiscing with one of my mother’s photo albums, I encountered a snapshot of a long-deceased neighbor (a dear, sweet man) who is still summed up by the phrase “He never met a stranger.” I’m sure all of you know someone like that (or are someone like that): the one-person welcoming committee who is drawn like a moth to the flame and wants every casual acquaintance to feel like they’re loved, appreciated and the survivor of an interrogation by Jack Bauer on “24.” Alas, thanks to social distancing, political minefields (“No, I’m not through with the sports section and you look like one of those tree-huggers who doesn’t even want trees turned into paper in the first place, so you’ll get my Semi-Weekly Clarion when you pry it from my cold, lifeless fingers, you hypocrite!”) and ubiquitous handheld devices, such people are a dying breed. Ironically, most of the people they gladhanded in their lifetime won’t even come to the funeral. (“Well, okay, if you think mourners will bring pigs-in-a-blanket to the funeral home, I might go honor the chatty guy from the interstate rest stop.”)…

Sacramento

Man convicted in Corning storage unit burglary

CaliNews

RED BLUFF — The Tehama County District Attorney’s Office announced Robert Paul Poliquin, 39, was convicted by a jury Thursday for burglarizing a Corning storage unit. Robert Paul Poliquin Poliquin was caught Oct. 16, 2020 by the victim and witness burglarizing the storage unit, according to a press release issued Friday by the DA’s Office. Poliquin was convicted of two counts of felony burglary, one count of misdemeanor vandalism and during the trial admitted a prior conviction for a serious or violent “strike.” The jury convicted him based on the testimony of three witnesses and other evidence presented by the prosecutor, the release said. Deputy District Attorney Joshua Check prosecuted the case on behalf of the DA’s Office, while Christopher Logan appeared as counsel for the defendant. Judge Laura Woods presided over the trial. Poliquin will return to court to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. March 2 in department one of the Tehama County Superior Court. The Corning Police Department investigated this case.

Deserts

Riverside County Announces More Upcoming Vaccine Appointments

CaliNews

Registration is now open for several COVID-19 vaccine clinics planned for those in Phase 1A (all tiers), and 1B (tier 1), which includes individuals 65 and older. There will be more than 11,000 additional appointments available across all RUHS-Public Health clinics from Jan. 19 – Jan. 22. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis within the current tiers. More appointments will be available as additional vaccine is received. “We continue to expand our county vaccine clinics, so that more people can get the vaccine and be protected from the virus,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “Our residents want this vaccine as quickly as possible and these clinics will help get it out to the community.” The clinics will provide vaccines free of charge, however those who show up must register prior to arrival, have an appointment, and show proof of eligibility (badge, business identification, letter of proof from employer). Medical insurance information will be requested. Those 65 and older must have proof of age, such as a driver’s license. Seniors who need help registering can call 2-1-1. To see the description…

Los Angeles

New Jersey expands COVID-19 vaccine to smokers, causing a stir

CaliNews

New Jersey this week made millions of people eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, including smokers, a move that prompted gripes about them skipping to the front of the inoculation line. Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy made people 65 and older and those 16 and older with medical conditions eligible to get the vaccine. That started Thursday. New Jersey’s list of conditions mirrors that of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and includes cancer, kidney disease and other illnesses. Also listed is smoking. Wait. Why? Here’s a closer look at a question that grabbed headlines this week. Why is smoking on a list of medical conditions? It goes back to people who are at “significant risk” of adverse illness from the coronavirus. Smokers are included in the group because their use of tobacco inhibits their lungs, and COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, health officials say. But there’s more to it. Murphy and New Jersey Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said the state’s vaccination schedule is about getting as many people vaccinated as quickly as possible, starting with those who are most susceptible to severe illness from…

Los Angeles

Youth counselor arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting child; additional victims sought: LAPD

CaliNews

Daniel Velasco Moreno is seen in an undated booking photo released by the Los Angeles Police Department on Jan. 15, 2021. Authorities are seeking possible additional victims after a youth counselor was arrested Thursday in Los Angeles on suspicion of sexually assaulting a child, officials said. Daniel Velasco Moreno is accused of the sexual assault of a minor 10 years old or younger, the Los Angeles Police Department said in a news release Friday. He was arrested near the 13100 block of Oxnard Street in the Valley Glen neighborhood Thursday around 2:30 p.m. The alleged acts took place from November 2019 through September 2020, according to LAPD. Moreno was a counselor who worked with children with an absence or deficit in their attention span, language and social skills, the department said. He is being held on $1.25 million bail. The investigation is ongoing and detectives are seeking any additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective John Eastburn at 818-832-0918, or Detective Ruben Arellano at 818-832-1167. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-527-3247. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous…

Bay Area

CHP placed on ‘tactical alert’ ahead of presidential inauguration

CaliNews

SACRAMENTO – The California Highway Patrol is going on “tactical alert” ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration, the agency’s top official announced Friday. In a statement, Commissioner Amanda Ray cited the potential for civil unrest as her reason for placing uniformed CHP personnel on tactical alert for an indefinite period. “This allows for the maximization of resources to protect public safety as well as state buildings and infrastructure,” Ray said. “The CHP will continue to monitor the situation and plan our resources accordingly.” Ray said the protection of state highways and buildings are the responsibility and jurisdiction of the CHP. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also called up the National Guard to help secure the state Capitol in anticipation of armed protests planned around Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday. Six-foot-high fencing is also being erected around the building. There are no permitted events at the state Capitol through Wednesday, said CHP spokesman Joe Ortega. Citing security and safety reasons, Ray said she could not comment further on specific matters involving the tactical alert, local preparedness plans or personnel deployment. Related Articles Feds back away from claim…

Bay Area

U.S. Figure Skating: Alysa Liu is 4th but happy while Karen Chen takes bronze

CaliNews

Richmond’s Alysa Liu finally found a challenge too steep on Friday night in the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Las Vegas. Liu, 15, finished outside of the top three for the first time since winning the 2018 Junior title in San Jose. With 2018 Olympian Bradie Tennell soaring, Liu fell to fourth place in her only competition of a difficult season. Liu, who suffered a hip injury in late October, did not attempt her powerful triple axels instead relying on a much-improved skating performance. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 15: Alysa Liu competes in the ladies free skate during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at the Orleans Arena on January 15, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 15: Bradie Tennell skates in the Ladies Free Skate during the U.S. Figure Skating Championships at Orleans Arena on January 15, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Sound The gallery will resume inseconds Karen Chen performs during the women’s free skate at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Friday, Jan. 15, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP…

Bay Area

Morgan Hill: Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder

CaliNews

MORGAN HILL – A 59-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing at a home in Morgan Hill, police said. The stabbing was reported on the 16000 block of Sundance Drive about 12:30 p.m. Thursday, the Morgan Hill Police Department said in a news release. Officers arrived to find a man standing near the front of the home and detained him without incident. Inside the home, police found an unresponsive woman with multiple stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries. An initial investigation determined the man had stabbed the woman during a disturbance, police said. The man, identified as John Reed, was arrested and booked into Santa Clara County jail on charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. He is being held without bail at the Main Jail in San Jose, according to online jail records. Related Articles San Jose: Police capture ‘armed and dangerous man’ who shot at officers Santa Clara: Man suffers major injuries in hit-and-run Gilroy: 2nd man dies from New Year’s weekend shootings Man killed in shooting south of downtown San Jose…

Bay Area

Norway adjusts advice after vaccine deaths but isn’t alarmed

CaliNews

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Norwegian officials have adjusted their advice on who gets the COVID-19 vaccine in light of a small number of deaths in older people, leaving it up to each doctor to consider who should be vaccinated. The Norwegian Medicines Agency on Thursday reported a total of 29 people had suffered side effects, 13 of them fatal. All the deaths occurred among patients in nursing homes and all were over the age of 80. The agency listed fever and nausea as side effects which “may have led to the deaths of some frail patients,” Sigurd Hortemo of the Norwegian Medicines Agency said in the body’s first report of the side effects. More than 30,000 people have received the first shot of the Pfizer or Moderna coronavirus vaccine in the Scandinavian country since the end of December, according to official figures. “We are not alarmed by this. It is quite clear that these vaccines have very little risk, with a small exception for the frailest patients,” Steinar Madsen, medical director with the agency, told Norwegian broadcaster NRK. “Doctors must now carefully consider who should…

Bay Area

Sundance Film Fest comes to SF drive-in with lots of Bay Area movies

CaliNews

In a historic first, the Sundance Film Festival is coming to a Bay Area drive-in theater. And while most screenings are already sold out, know that additional tickets are expected to be released on Monday. The prestigious independent film festival that usually draws throngs of celebrities, moviemakers, journalists and faux furs to Park City, Utah, has been forced to go virtual this year because of COVID-19. Instead, the festival is presenting the films at drive-ins across the country, including Fort Mason Flix, the recently reopened drive-in at San Francisco’s Fort Mason complex. The screenings will benefit San Francisco’s beloved independent movie house, the Roxie Theater. As always, the festival features Bay Area-fueled films, including Oakland filmmaker Peter Nicks’ third documentary in his Oakland cycle, “Homeroom,” as well as “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.” Both are vying for Sundance’s best U.S. documentary feature award. Also screening are “Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir,” an intimate portrait of the acclaimed Bay Area novelist, and “Try Harder!,” which focuses on the pressures facing students at one of San Francisco’s top-ranked public schools. The fest…

Los Angeles

Short-Handed Clippers Manhandle Kings 138-100

CaliNews

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Kawhi Leonard had 27 points and six assists in three quarters, Paul George scored 26 and the short-handed Los Angeles Clippers manhandled the Sacramento Kings 138-100 on Friday night. Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, right, goes for a layup as Sacramento Kings’ Richaun Holmes, second from left, and Buddy Hield, third from left, watch during the first quarter of Friday night’s game in Sacramento. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli) The Clippers have won 15 consecutive road games against the Kings. Los Angeles hasn’t lost in Sacramento since March 19, 2013. Playing without guards Patrick Beverley (personal reasons) and Lou Williams (sore left hip), the Clippers led by eight at halftime and then broke the game open in the third quarter when they outscored the Kings 37-16. Leonard had 11 points during the blitz, including a jarring, one-handed dunk over Cory Joseph as part of a 17-2 run. Leonard sat out the fourth period as coach Tyronn Lue emptied his bench. Los Angeles’ backups came up big all game to ease the absences of Beverley and Williams. Reggie Jackson started in place of…

Los Angeles

Bonita Fire: Evacuation Orders Lifted As Containment Jumps To 20%

CaliNews

MOUNTAIN CENTER (CBSLA) — Crews were able to stop the forward progress of a 715-acre wildfire burning near Mountain Center Friday, allowing authorities to lift evacuation orders and reopen roads in the area. Jan. 15, 2021. (OnSceneTV) The Bonita Fire was initially reported at about 1:15 a.m. in the 28000 block of Bonita Vista Road, one mile east of the junction for Highways 74 and 243, the Riverside County Fire Department said. Easterly winds pushed the flames to the southwest, threatening the community of Mountain Center and prompting evacuations. As of 6 p.m. Friday, all orders were lifted and residents were able to return to their homes. At nightfall, the blaze was 20% contained after more than 200 firefighters from several agencies, including the Riverside Fire Department, descended on the scene earlier in the day to battle the blaze. There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire. Officials said the cause of the fire remained under investigation. This is the second major fire to break out in the region. On Thursday, the Erbes Fire erupted in Thousand Oaks, also forcing evacuations. Forward…

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