Adoption fees waived to find homes for pets after fire at humane society

Homes are urgently needed for animals following a fire at the Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) earlier this month. And you can help out by adopting a dog or a cat — or, really, both — and it won’t cost you thing. That’s because adoption fees at the Milpitas shelter are temporarily being covered through a large donation at the Milpitas shelter in order to find “forever homes” for these animals while officials deal with fire damage. “In response to the recent fire at HSSV, adoption fees FOR ALL ANIMALS are sponsored thanks to the generosity of The Sobrato Family and The Family of Wilbur and Indy,” HSSV posted on Facebook. “While we work to rebuild, we need your help now more than ever to find safe, loving homes for our adoptables! Visit https://www.hssv.org/adopt/ to meet them all!” The fire occurred on Dec. 16 at HSSV’s facility at 901 Ames Street. It reportedly started in the laundry room, but the damage extended into other areas. “After a week of assessment, we confirmed that half of the shelter was damaged, including the medical center, shelter operations

LeBron James defies his age once again in thrilling Lakers win over Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO —  LeBron James walked through the visiting locker room Christmas afternoon and wondered if there was music playing inside the Chase Center. As a DJ bumped early 2000s Ludacris near the hoop the Lakers were warming up on, James broke routine to dance and smile. As much as any player in the league before or after, James is aware of the stage. And even after doing it 18 previous times over 21 seasons, a spot on the court Christmas evening with everyone watching hit him like a triple espresso. Facing Stephen Curry and the Warriors in a big game? Old news for James, who competed against one of his biggest rivals in five different playoff series (and one play-in game). But in the context of this season, with James days away from his 40th birthday, he looked like someone intent on savoring things. He embraced Curry pregame, the two Olympic teammates from the summer still enjoying that experience. He ran onto the court after halftime, stopping at the end of the tunnel to playfully dance to “Not Like Us” with Chase Center security. And

12/25: CBS Evening News

12/25: CBS Evening News – CBS News Watch CBS News Dozens killed in Kazakhstan plane crash, but some survive; Atlanta academy teaches students the art of playing Santa Be the first to know Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Not Now Turn On

What to know about death of a woman set on fire in NYC subway

NEW YORK (NewsNation) — Attorneys for the suspect accused of burning a woman to death on a New York subway are gearing up for a possible insanity defense. New York City police have arrested a man on murder and arson charges in the death of a woman who was set on fire inside a subway train early Sunday morning. Sebastian Zapeta-Calil, 33, was arrested Monday after being taken into custody the previous day. He’s charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and arson. It is unclear if Zapeta-Calil has an attorney and when he would be arraigned. One Menendez brother could be freed: DA Immigration officials say Zapeta-Calil, who is from Guatemala, had been deported in 2018 and didn’t have permission to be in the U.S. Zapeta-Calil is currently being held at Brooklyn Central Brooking. It is unclear when and where Zapeta reentered the U.S. Here’s what else is known so far. Defense may seek insanity plea: Source Zapeta-Calil’s attorneys are seeking a psychological evaluation, according to a source familiar with the investigation. The suspect was taken to Interfaith Medical Center Monday night; however, officials have not confirmed if he was given a

Laugh Factory serves over 2,000 holiday meals to those in need for 45th year

For the 45th consecutive year, the Laugh Factory in Hollywood opened its doors on Christmas Day to serve thousands of free meals to the homeless and those in need. Owner Jamie Masada and a team of volunteers, including stars like Tim Allen, Tiffany Haddish, and Craig Robinson, hosted the annual event, which featured food, comedy shows, and holiday cheer.  More than 2,000 meals were served throughout the day, accompanied by live performances to keep spirits high. “I’m lucky I’m asked to do this,” comedian Tim Allen told KTLA’s Gene Kang. “Feed everyone who needs to be fed.” Among the attendees was Army veteran Ned Moore, who reflected on the importance of compassion during the holidays. “The Christmas spirit is to care about people all year, not just one day,” he said. In addition to meals and laughter, children were given free toys, bringing smiles to many young faces. “When I see the joy on the children and parents’ faces, just to have a place to go, it’s a blessing,” said Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer. For one couple, the event was a memorable holiday date

Austin Reaves helps deliver Lakers to thrilling Christmas win over Warriors

SAN FRANCISCO —  LeBron James walked through the visiting locker room Christmas afternoon and wondered if there was music playing inside the Chase Center. As a DJ bumped early 2000s Ludacris near the hoop the Lakers were warming up on, James broke routine to dance and smile. As much as any player in the league before or after, James is aware of the stage. And even after doing it 18 previous times over 21 seasons, a spot on the court Christmas evening with everyone watching hit him like a triple espresso. Facing Stephen Curry and the Warriors in a big game? Old news for James, who competed against one of his biggest rivals in five different playoff series (and one play-in game). But in the context of this season, with James days away from his 40th birthday, he looked like someone intent on savoring things. He embraced Curry pregame, the two Olympic teammates from the summer still enjoying that experience. He ran onto the court after halftime, stopping at the end of the tunnel to playfully dance to “Not Like Us” with Chase Center security. And

Steph Curry, LeBron James live up to billing, but Austin Reaves steals Christmas

SAN FRANCISCO — Steph Curry and LeBron James played like they know they might not have too many Christmas Day games left in their careers. Curry and James traded buckets and the Warriors superstar scored the team’s last eight points, nearly putting Golden State on his back. With 12.2 seconds left, Curry drained a high-arcing corner 3 over James’ contest to cut the Lakers’ lead to 111-110. He tied it six seconds later with another trey off a gorgeous Steve Kerr inbounds play. But Austin Reaves, who finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, beat Andrew Wiggins (21 points, 12 rebounds) off the dribble and banked home the game-winner. For two middling teams, the all-time legends levitated like they have for the bulk of the past two decades. But Reaves, stepping up in Anthony Davis’ absence, had the game-winner. For Warriors fans, Reaves was the Grinch. For the Lakers, he was their Santa Claus. Reaves lifted the Lakers over the Warriors, 115-113, to hand Golden State (15-14) its 11th loss in the past 14 games. Curry finished with 38 points — a personal

Fire destroys abandoned InCahoots building in Mission Valley

Firefighters contained a fire reported Wednesday morning at the abandoned InCahoots Dance Hall & Saloon in Mission Valley, a spokesperson with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said. The fire at 5373 Mission Center Road was reported around 10 a.m. Hours later, officials said the fire was fully contained and the building was completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. It is the second time in two months that the vacant building has caught fire, and the third one since 2020. The former country western saloon closed in early 2019. The building was sold for $3.7 million. The cause of the fire is not yet known. No further information was available.

Oakland man dies in Christmas house fire after rescuing his family

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A man in Oakland was found dead Christmas morning after his house caught on fire, officials said. Firefighters responded around 6:15 a.m. to a residential fire in the area. A 37-year-old man had alerted his family to the fire and rescued his father and aunt as well as his brother, according to Michael Hunt, a spokesperson for the Oakland Fire Department. The man either stayed inside or returned to gather his belongings, but may have been disoriented or affected by the smoke, Hunt said. Firefighters were able to put out the flames in 30 minutes and found the man inside, who appeared to have died from smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire is still under investigation but appears to be accidental, Hunt said.

Holiday Bowl football players visit SeaWorld San Diego

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Football players from the two teams facing off in the DIRECTV Holiday Bowl spent a few hours Wednesday morning celebrating Christmas at SeaWorld San Diego. The amusement park hosted players from Washington State and Syracuse universities, as well as coaching staff, taking them through a number of thrilling rides and attractions and educating them about animal welfare. A parade, 5K and tailgate party: San Diego ramps up for Holiday Bowl A selected group of players from Washington State University got up close and personal with the California sea lions, while some from Syracuse interacted with the dolphins and learned how the park’s specialists care for them. Other activities taking place leading up to the big game include the Snapdragon Bowl Bash in downtown San Diego as well as the annual Holiday Bowl Parade, set to take place along the harbor front. The teams will play at Snapdragon Stadium on Friday, Dec. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (8 p.m. Eastern).

Loved ones search for 21-year-old missing in Los Angeles County

Detectives and loved ones are looking for an at-risk woman who was last seen in the San Gabriel Valley on Christmas afternoon, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to bring her home. The sheriff’s office said Sara Powell, a 21-year-old resident of L.A. County, was last seen around 12:40 p.m. near the 15700 block of Fellowship Street in the city of Valinda. LASD said Powell has a possible destination of Baldwin Park. Officials describe Powell as a white woman who stands 5 feet and 7 inches tall, weighs about 162 pounds, has blonde shoulder length, wavy hair and blue eyes. When Powell was last seen, the sheriff’s office said she was wearing a black leather jacket, blue leggings and was carrying a white handbag. According to LASD, Powell requires medication and her family is concerned for her well-being. Detectives encourage anyone with information about Powell’s possible whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Missing Persons Detail at 323-890-5500. To provide information anonymously, callers can contact “Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), or can use the website

Beyoncé’s halftime show the highlight of a lackluster NFL Christmas slate

Updated on: December 26, 2024 / 8:27 AM EST / AP Beyoncé provided more excitement than either game during Netflix’s NFL debut on Christmas Day. Riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse, the 32-time Grammy winner rocked her hometown Houston crowd with a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday. She surprised fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” and Post Malone joined her for “Levii’s Jeans.” Beyonce and Blue Ivy perform during the halftime show for the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Getty Images The action on the field didn’t live up to expectations as the NFL showcased four of the AFC’s top five teams. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce exposed a glitch in Pittsburgh’s defense during Kansas City’s 29-10 rout in the first game. The broadcast itself went off just fine, quickly becoming the second-most popular live title on Netflix to date, according to NFL Media. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens led C.J. Stroud and the Texans 17-2 at halftime before Beyoncé stole the show. Baltimore

High surf to continue on the Southern California coast, fire weather in the mountains

Officials are forecasting weather with moderate risk levels to continue this week for Southern California’s coastal and inland regions. The National Weather Service predicts that large seas and high surf with chances for strong rip currents and minor coastal flooding will continue through Friday for Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. “A large, long period west to northwest swell will bring high surf to area beaches, highest on west facing beaches, along with strong rip currents, strong long-shore currents and powerful breaking waves,” NWS wrote in an online release. “Use caution in or near the water, stay back from the water’s edge and never turn your back on the ocean.” NWS issued a high surf advisory until 9 p.m. as experts predict swells between 10 and 15 feet on the Central Coast, about 7 to 11 feet in Ventura County (highest near Ventura Harbor), and about 5 to 8 feet in LA and Santa Barbara counties. “There is an increased risk for ocean drowning,” said NWS. “Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people

Family and Pet Escape House Fire in Santa Ana

A family and their pet dog escaped a fire in Santa Ana Wednesday. Around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, the residents smelled smoke and noticed fast-moving flames in their house on South Linda Way, according to the Orange County Fire Authority. Firefighters knocked down the fire and one person was assessed for smoke inhalation, OCFA added. Details on what caused the fire were unavailable.

21-Year-Old At-Risk Woman Missing in Valinda

Authorities sought the public’s help Wednesday in locating an at-risk 21-year-old who was last seen in the city of Valinda. Sara Powell, was last seen at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday on the 15700 block of Fellowship Street, next to Griffith Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Powell was described as a 5-foot-7-inch white woman, weighing about 162 pounds with blonde shoulder length wavy hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black leather jacket, blue leggings and carrying a white handbag. Powell’s possible location was Baldwin Park according to LASD. Anyone with information about Powell’s whereabouts was urged to call the Missing Persons Unit at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.

Photos: Christmas celebrations around the Bay Area and the world

Colorful Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations took place around the Bay Area and worldwide on Wednesday. Pope Francis in his traditional Christmas message on Wednesday urged “all people of all nations” to find courage during this Holy Year “to silence the sounds of arms and overcome divisions” plaguing the world, from the Middle East to Ukraine, Africa to Asia. Here in California, among the elite class of Bay Area holiday lights enthusiasts, Joseph Leake goes the extra mile – literally – to transform his family’s property into a bright and brilliant spectacle every winter season. Leake lives in San Francisco, where he often works long weeks and double shifts in the Sheriff’s Department’s DNA and forensics unit. This year, Leake’s portfolio as a holiday lights enthusiast is growing as he takes over running the famous California Christmas Lights website. The site has become the go-to place for Bay Area people who want to enjoy a festive winter night outing by exploring extraordinary holiday lights displays in their neighborhoods or nearby communities. Click here to see where to view the best local holiday light displays. Swimmers celebrate after taking

Could this be the last Steph Curry-LeBron James Christmas matchup?

SAN FRANCISCO — The two biggest titans of the NBA’s 21st Century are meeting for the fourth time on Christmas Day. Given the point each of them are in their careers, it could be one of, if not the last, time Steph Curry and LeBron James match up on the NBA’s signature regular season day. But until they retire, whenever that may be, they’re still the main attractions. “The same way that Magic and Larry in the 80s, MJ in the 90s, Kobe for a long time, (in some ways) they’ve carried the league,” Lakers head coach JJ Redick said. “Popularity, growth, all that stuff. They’ve had a big part in that. Certainly those consecutive Finals against each other really helped in that. I think overall, they’re different careers, different legacies, but to me, those guys — both of them — have a strong case if you want to have Mt. Rushmore of the greatest four NBA players of all time.” James turns 40 at the end of the month. Curry turns 37 in March. They’re each still capable of taking over games and rate

Letters: Where were business leaders before vote?

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. Trump taking guardrails off the entire nation Re: “Trump will drive nation into ditch” (Page A6, Dec. 18). A writer says that the president-elect is ‘’undermining institutional effectiveness and credibility” and worries he will ‘’drive the nation into a ditch.” It is much worse than that. Donald Trump and his bootlickers are spreading lies and chaos throughout the world. Insulting our allies and fomenting hate among factions at home and abroad is his shtick. He will torpedo any science-driven help for the environment and accelerate the desecration of our natural habitat, all for money. So, goodbye to safeguards: Industry will now be free to increase dumping poison into our air, water and soil. What could be the harm of that? And, speaking of disease, I can hardly wait to see how they mismanage the next pandemic: get your syringe, bleach and UV light ready. Maybe we’ll get lucky and it will just “go away.” Then we can focus on polio, soon to re-emerge on the heels of withholding vaccines. Marilynn

Letters: Corporations don’t have a monopoly on corruption

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. Let’s leave property management to pros Re: “Homeless providers under scrutiny” (Page B1, Dec. 19). In the Dec. 19 Mercury News, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan points out that “property management” of housing for the homeless is a specialty that perhaps should be contracted out rather than left to nonprofit homeless providers. I know of an apartment complex built on church property in partnership with a nonprofit provider in which serious problems have ensued due to a lack of professional property management. Since one hopes that more of these affordable housing complexes will be built, the experience of this church (in my neighborhood) indicates that there is a serious need for specialized property management experienced with the homeless population to ensure the safety and habitability of such housing. The city should start thinking about effective training and planning for this kind of property management. Susan Price San Jose Corporations don’t have monopoly on corruption Re: “Citizens United is our republic’s greatest threat” (Page A8, Dec. 22). In his letter, Bill

Beyoncé performs ‘Cowboy Carter’ hits live for first time at NFL Christmas Day game

Beyoncé lit up an NFL stage on Christmas Day, performing a medley of hits from her newest album, “Cowboy Carter,” at halftime of a game between the Baltimore Ravens and her hometown Houston Texans. The performance went ahead with no technical issues on the Netflix streaming broadcast. Netflix’s ability to successfully stream both the NFL games and Beyoncé’s performance was questioned before the event — so much so that Beyoncé even teased it in an Instagram post. Beyoncé performs during the halftime show for the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)  After two pretaped songs, she appeared on field in an all-white outfit backed up by dancers and a band in white cowboy outfits. The first surprise guest was Shaboozey, who was followed barely a minute later by Post Malone delivering his verse on “Levii’s Jeans.” And though she didn’t sing, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy joined her mom for a dance on “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Beyoncé performs during the halftime show for the game between

Over 100 migrants rescued trying to cross English Channel on Christmas

December 25, 2024 / 8:59 PM EST / AFP French authorities said they rescued 107 migrants trying to cross the English Channel from France to England on Wednesday. Over the course of Christmas Day, 12 rescue operations were staged along the coast of northern France, including of a boat experiencing engine trouble, France’s Channel and North Sea maritime prefecture said in a statement. In the morning, 30 passengers were rescued from a boat near Dunkirk, while the others onboard wished to continue onwards and were taken into British custody once they reached British waters, the maritime authorities said. Another boat experiencing engine damage was spotted later in the day, also near Dunkirk, and all 51 passengers were rescued. Later, 26 people were taken off a boat experiencing difficulty near Calais. The Channel is “a particularly dangerous area, especially at the height of winter for precarious and overloaded boats,” the statement said. Life jackets, buoys and a deflated inflatable boat are seen after a failed attempt by migrants to cross the English Channel to reach Britain, on the beach of Sangatte, near Calais in northern France