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The former bookkeeper accused of embezzling more than $400,000 from the Humboldt County Fair Association has pleaded guilty to five federal counts of wire fraud. Tafarella, 49, faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or both for each count when she’s sentenced at a hearing scheduled for April 30 at the federal courthouse in San Francisco. After multiple delays in holding a change of plea hearing, Tafarella formally applied to enter pleas of guilty in the case Dec. 18, with the application signed by federal Judge Charles R. Breyer the same day. Tafarella remains free after posting $15,000 bond in the case, which stems from an alleged “ghost payroll” scheme used to defraud the association and a Eureka nonprofit. She was arrested Nov. 15, 2022, by Ferndale police at a local casino after allegations surfaced that she’d embezzled from the two entities over the course of almost two years, channeling funds to her own bank accounts through fraudulent payroll entries to fictitious employees. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is prosecuting the case, is also seeking

San Diego

American Airlines lifts ground stop order after technical issue

(NewsNation) — American Airlines experienced system-wide technical difficulties that grounded flights around the country Tuesday, just as passengers try to reach their holiday destinations. The carrier lifted the order after initially issuing a statement saying it was working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible and apologized for any inconvenience travelers may experience. The airline said Tuesday morning that the ground order lasted about an hour after a vendor technology issue briefly affected flights. The technology affected American Airlines systems that are needed to release flights, the airline said. Where is Santa? How to track his Christmas 2024 journey “That issue has been resolved and flights have resumed.” the airline said. “We sincerely apologize to our customers for the inconvenience this morning. It’s all hands on deck as our team is working diligently to get customers where they need to go as quickly as possible.” While the ground order was lifted, flights at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport – a main hub for American – are grounded until 11 a.m. CT due to storms in the area, the airline said. In other related weather

Sacramento

American Airlines flights nationwide briefly delayed by “technical issue”

American Airlines requested a nationwide ground stop, which was later canceled, on the morning of Christmas Eve due to technical problems.

Sacramento

How to find the most affordable car insurance

Auto insurance costs are rising, but drivers can still find affordable car insurance with the help of these tips.

Starbucks strike to expand to more than 300 stores, union says

Starbucks workers expand strike Starbucks strike grows as workers demand higher pay and better conditions 02:06 A walkout at Starbucks is expanding to more than 300 U.S. stores on Tuesday, with roughly 5,000 workers expected to join the five-day labor action that comes to a close later in the day, according to the employees’ union. Workers at 60-plus stores walked off their jobs in 12 major cities on Monday, with the Christmas Eve expansion projected to be the biggest yet by Starbucks Workers Union, which represents workers at 525 stores across the country. “Half the baristas in my store drive 30 minutes one way because they can’t afford to live closer to work,” said Lauren Hollingsworth, a barista from Ashland, Oregon, in a union release.”These strikes are an initial show of strength,” she added. “Only around 170 Starbucks stores did not open as planned. With over 10,000 company-operated stores, 98% of our stores and nearly 200,000 green apron partners continuing to operate and serve customers during the holidays,” Starbucks said in an emailed statement to CBS MoneyWatch late Tuesday morning. The five-day strike started on

“Club Cardio” brings hip-hop and step aerobics together for a viral workout experience

“Club Cardio” brings hip-hop and step aerobics together for a viral workout experience – CBS News Watch CBS News “Club Cardio” is a unique workout that blends hip-hop and step aerobics. The class has gone viral with millions of views on social media, and gained celebrity fans like Ciara. Michelle Miller has more on how the family-run business is transforming fitness. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

L.A. Metro offering free rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve

An L.A. County Metro train pulls into the Chinatown station in downtown Los Angeles. All Metro bus and rail services will be free Tuesday starting from 4 a.m. through 3 a.m. Christmas morning. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times) L.A. Metro is in the giving spirit and offering free rides on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. All Metro bus and rail services will be free Tuesday starting from 4 a.m. through 3 a.m. Christmas morning. The same offer will be in effect on New Year’s Eve from 4 a.m. through 3 a.m. on New Year’s Day, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced. Micro, the on-demand rideshare service offered by Metro, will also be free when riders use the code “Merry24” on Christmas Eve and “Ring24” on New Year’s Eve. Riders can hail the service through the Metro app and find more information about the travel zones. Metro Bike Share is currently free through Jan. 1 when riders use the code 010125. Station maps can be found throughout the region. Earlier this year, Metro announced that more than 400,000 Los Angeles-area students

Soprano Angel Blue on being named “Vocalist of the Year” and returning to the Met stage

Soprano Angel Blue on being named “Vocalist of the Year” and returning to the Met stage – CBS News Watch CBS News Angel Blue, who was recently named Classical Music’s “Vocalist of the Year,” is set to perform the title role in “Aida” at the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her Grammy-winning performances, Blue will take the stage in New York beginning on Dec. 31. She joins “CBS Mornings Plus.” Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Expert tips to support your immune system and stay healthy this winter

Expert tips to support your immune system and stay healthy this winter – CBS News Watch CBS News With flu levels rising, Dr. Rabia De Latour shares ways to support your immune system and stay healthy during the holidays. Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

Biden signs defense bill, despite ban on transgender health care for military kids

December 24, 2024 / 9:56 AM EST / AP U.S. Space Force celebrates five years As U.S. Space Force celebrates five years, experts warn of potential space conflicts 06:33 President Biden on Monday signed into law a defense bill that authorizes significant pay raises for junior enlisted service members, aims to counter China’s growing power and boosts overall military spending to $895 billion despite his objections to language stripping coverage of transgender medical treatments for children in military families. Mr. Biden said his administration strongly opposes the provision because it targets a group based on gender identity and “interferes with parents’ roles to determine the best care for their children.” He said it also undermines the all-volunteer military’s ability to recruit and retain talent. “No service member should have to decide between their family’s health care access and their call to serve our nation,” the president said in a statement. The Senate forwarded the bill to Mr. Biden after passing it last week by a vote of 85-14. In the House, a majority of Democrats voted against the bill after House Speaker Mike Johnson insisted

Big rig crash, fuel spill close WB 101 Freeway through Encino

A big rig crash and fuel spill closed the westbound 101 Freeway through the Encino area Tuesday morning. A crash involving the big rig and another vehicle on the freeway was reported just after 5:15 a.m. near Hayvenhurst Avenue. The collision caused the big rig to overturn blocking all lanes on the westbound side of the freeway, the California Highway Patrol stated. A big rig overturned in lanes on the westbound 101 Freeway in the Encino area on Dec. 24, 2024. (KTLA) Aerial video from Sky5 showed all westbound lanes and one eastbound lane remained closed at 6:49 a.m. Officials said that diesel fuel was spilling from the big rig and crews were using an absorbent to help clean the freeway. The CHP indicated in an update that two westbound lanes had reopened as of 8 a.m. but it was unclear how long the rest of the closure would remain in place. There was no immediate word on whether anyone was injured in the incident and the cause of the crash was under investigation. Check back for updates on this developing story.

Technical issue grounds American Airlines flights for 1 hour on Christmas Eve

A nationwide ground stop was in place for about an hour for all American Airlines flights on Christmas Eve morning. “American Airlines reported a technical issue this morning and requested a nationwide ground stop. The ground stop has now been lifted,” the Federal Aviation Administration stated following the disruption Tuesday morning. The FAA issued the ground stop just before 4 a.m. at the request of American Airlines. “We’re currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights. Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we’ll have you safely on your way to your destination,” American Airlines initially posted on X in response to a passenger whose plane from St. Louis to Miami was delayed. When the disruptions were first reported, it was unclear how long the ground stop would be in place. “Our team is currently working to get this done. An estimated timeframe has not been provided, but they’re trying to fix it in the shortest possible time,” a second reply to the passenger stated. American Airlines has not provided details about the technical issue that prompted the stop. The

East Bay woman accused of elder theft hit with federal charge

A suspect accused of defrauding a Greenbrae resident is now facing a federal case in addition to a local one. Qingyun Chen, 30, of San Leandro was arrested last month on allegations she stole more than $50,000 from a 79-year-old woman through an internet scam. The Marin County District Attorney’s Office charged her with grand theft and theft from an elderly adult. Since then, federal authorities have charged Chen with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An FBI affidavit says the victim received an online alert that claimed that her laptop was frozen and that she needed to call an 800 number to unfreeze it. Chen conned the victim into paying couriers money to fix the computer, the FBI alleges. In the Marin case, Judge Kelly Simmons set a hearing for March 6 to take Chen’s plea and get an update on the federal case. Originally Published: December 24, 2024 at 6:46 AM PST

Live map: When will Christmas Eve rain end in Bay Area

The rain that began Monday night in the Bay Area is expected to end before noon on Christmas Eve. The updating radar map above shows current areas of precipitation in green, with greater intensities indicated by yellow and orange. Rainfall was light to moderate over most of the Bay Area. A coastal flood warning in effect Tuesday morning was a response to a big swell, with waves breaking at 25 to 35 feet. The National Weather Service warned of “life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions” off beaches from Sonoma to Monterey counties and advised people to stay off jetties and piers. The Yosemite area was under warnings Tuesday for flooding as well as a winter storm, with up to 10 inches of snow expected above 6,000 feet elevation. Less snow was expected at Lake Tahoe — about 2 inches at lake level, the weather service said. After Tuesday’s rain, dry weather is forecast for the Bay Area on Christmas. Originally Published: December 24, 2024 at 6:39 AM PST

Crowded field of candidates eyeing District 3 seat as city seeks Torres replacement

Breaking News Election | Person dies after being trapped by debris at Santa Cruz County beach News Politics Election News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Election | Crowded field of candidates eyeing District 3 seat as city seeks Torres replacement At least 10 candidates have requested nomination paperwork to run in special election San Jose City Hall lies between S. 4th and S. 6th streets on Santa Clara St. in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, July 14, 2015. (LiPo Ching/Bay Area News Group) By Devan Patel | dpatel@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 24, 2024 at 6:15 AM PST At least ten candidates have requested nomination paperwork from the city clerk’s office to run in special election to fill the San Jose City Council’s District 3 seat. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

Wish Book: Healthier Kids Foundation brings life changes into focus with vision exams, aids

SAN JOSE — When 11-year-old Destiny Hernandez broke her glasses while playing ball with the other kids at school, her grandmother struggled to get her a replacement pair. Susana Trejo Martinez — Destiny’s legal guardian — said her granddaughter’s needed glasses since she was five years old for nearsightedness and recalled how she often complained about headaches, pain behind her eyes and redness when she didn’t have her glasses for just a few days. But although Trejo Martinez had vision insurance for the family and could see a doctor to ask for another pair of glasses, the insurer declined her request, saying it wasn’t time for Destiny to get a new pair. Trejo Martinez reached out to Healthier Kids Foundation on the recommendation of a teacher. The foundation staff spoke with the doctors and her insurance provider and were able to get Destiny a new pair of glasses in just three days, much to their delight. “I’m immensely grateful for the foundation and the people (who helped us). When I needed it most, they helped me,” Trejo Martinez said in Spanish. “In this case, I

What is solarpunk? Inside an audaciously hopeful environmental movement that’s thriving in the Bay Area

What is solarpunk? Inside an audaciously hopeful environmental movement that’s thriving in the Bay Area The Bay Area Solarpunk movement has a vision for a harmonious future between humanity and nature – if the public dares to support its boldest ideas. Solar Punk Farms cofounders Spencer Scott, left, and Nick Schwanz look on from the greenhouse they built as part of their bioregional regenerative and sustainable movement at their property in Guerneville, Calif., on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) The quickest adopters of the movement’s values seem to be in the Bay Area, where a local solarpunk chapter formed this year and ventures like Solar Punk Farms in Sonoma County are working as a functional model for its lifestyle of ecological sustainability.

LA Galaxy continúa la celebración de su título de la MLS con un evento de tatuajes en Los Ángeles

El equipo más laureado en la historia de la Major League Soccer (MLS), el LA Galaxy, celebró su sexto campeonato con un evento que reunió a fanáticos y artistas del tatuaje el pasado sábado en el Centro de Los Ángeles. Decenas de seguidores del club se dieron cita, con previa reservación, para inmortalizar su pasión por el club angelino con diseños relacionados con el equipo. El studio, que lleva dos años de haber sido inaugurado y famoso por recibir a celebridades como Miley Cyrus, sirvió como el epicentro de esta celebración que reforzó el vínculo entre el club y su leal afición tras 10 años de incertidumbre. “Es algo grande para la ciudad, yo he sido aficionado también del LA Galaxy desde hace mucho y esto lo hace aún más especial”, dijo Jaime López, el dueño de JOY Studios LA, en donde se realizó el evento de los tatuajes. “Realicé los diseños basados en la cultura del LA Galaxy, de la cultura del fútbol y esperamos completar esto para por lo menos 60 personas que ya se habían registrado”. El campeonato conseguido por el LA

American Airlines Resumes Flights for Christmas Eve

American Airlines flights across the nation were disrupted Tuesday by a reported technical issue, but the ground stop has been lifted and flights have resumed at airports, including Los Angeles International Airport. The disruption came on Christmas Eve, one of the busiest travel days of the year. “Our teams are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,” American said in a statement. The Federal Aviation Administration lifted the ground stop for American Airlines flights Tuesday. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen nearly 40 million travelers from Dec. 19 to Jan. 2, an increase of 6.2% from 2023.

Celebrate Christmas Eve at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels