Category: Bay Area

TODAY’S WORD — PLANGENT PLANGENT: PLAN-jent: Having a loud reverberating sound. Average mark 45 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 53 or more words in PLANGENT? The list will be published Monday. YESTERDAY’S WORD — INVARIABLY: inlay inly nail nary naval navy nyala vail vain vainly varia variably vary viably vial viny viral ably airily airy alibi anvil aria avail avian aviary rail rain rainy rani rival bail banal barn bialy binary blain blini brail brain brainy bran bray briny lain lair lanai larva lava layin liar yarn To purchase the Word Game book, visit WordGameBooks.com. Order it now for just $5 while supplies last! RULES OF THE GAME: 1. Words must be of four or more letters. 2. Words that acquire four letters by the addition of “s,” such as “bats” or “dies,” are not allowed. 3. Additional words made by adding a “d” or an “s” may not be used. For example, if “bake” is used, “baked” or “bakes” are not allowed, but “bake” and “baking” are admissible. 4. Proper nouns, slang words, or vulgar or sexually explicit words are not

Dear Eric: I allowed a new boyfriend to move in with me. I am six years widowed and thought this would be wonderful. He has some issues after being forced to move out from a previous relationship and has stated how thankful he is that I came into his life. I guess my problem is he can be very negative and at times resents my grown children being around me. He states he would probably be living in his car or lying dead somewhere if he weren’t with me. He does have family from whom he is somewhat estranged. I feel like I have lost some of my independence and that now it would be better to be somewhat alone. – Feeling Regrets Dear Regrets: Resenting your kids being around is a red flag. Coupled with his negativity and the comments he makes about what would happen if you hadn’t let him move in, his behavior strikes me as manipulative. I worry that this is a pattern of behavior for him. You should ask yourself if this person is taking advantage of you and your

DEAR HARRIETTE: An old friend of mine recently passed away. As I was trying to help the family coordinate some details, I realized that I was no longer friends with him on social media. We had a falling-out years ago, and he must have blocked me. I have since learned that other former friends had been blocked, too. It seems like he held a grudge against a number of us toward the end of his life. I feel so conflicted over this. I loved him as a friend for years, but now I’m feeling dissed all over again. I don’t want to harbor bad feelings about him, but this is making me sad. How can I handle this compounded grief? — In Agony DEAR IN AGONY: My best recommendation is to hold on to the good memories you have of your friend and forgive him for whatever else occurred. It is sad that you and others experienced negativity with this person, but there is nothing you can do about it now. To heal from this loss and all that it means to you will take

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have always been the person to plan fun events for my friends. In retirement, my husband and I have moved to a golf community in a new state, and I’ve continued to organize outings — from just a few friends out for lunch to large holiday outings for ladies only. (My husband is not well and does not care to socialize, so I don’t plan couples events.) Some women are always happy to attend, but never reciprocate. I’m thinking of no longer inviting those women, and wonder what I should say if they ask why they were not invited. Years ago, a friend remarked that I hadn’t called her to do anything that winter, and I replied, “The phone works both ways.” Apparently, that was too harsh. Any more subtle replies? GENTLE READER: For that years-ago comment: “I assumed since I hadn’t heard from you that you were busy this season.” As for your current situation, omitting those women from future outings seems reasonable to Miss Manners. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I have a long train journey to work each day, and

NEWARK — A 22-year-old man was injured in a shooting Friday morning in Newark, according to authorities. Officers were called to a home in the 6000 block of Noel Avenue around 4:50 a.m. for reports of shots fired, the Newark Police Department said in a news release. They arrived to find the man suffering from a single gunshot wound. Vehicles in the area were also hit by gunfire. Officers provided medical assistance until Alameda County Fire Department crews arrived at the scene. The victim was then taken to a hospital. Police said his injuries were not life-threatening. Police did not release any other details about the case. No arrests were announced Friday. Anyone with information related to the case can contact Detective Sgt. Matt Warren at 510-578-4960 or matt.warren@newarkca.gov. Check back for updates.

By MICHAEL MAROT SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Jeremiyah Love tied the Notre Dame record with a 98-yard touchdown run, Riley Leonard added two more scores and the Fighting Irish shut down the highest-scoring team in the College Football Playoff, overwhelming Indiana 27-17 on Friday night. The seventh-seeded Fighting Irish (12-1) won their 11th straight — and their first playoff victory. They’ll face second-seeded Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman got the biggest win of his three-year career by extending his Irish record to 12 victories over ranked teams in three seasons. Tenth-seeded Indiana (11-2) completed a magical season by finishing with its second fewest points this season on a cold, brisk night in the first CFP game ever played on a campus site. Both of the Hoosiers’ losses came to top-five opponents. Indiana set a single-season school record for wins but still hasn’t won at Notre Dame since 1898. Notre Dame took control on its third offensive play when Love scooted around the right side of Indiana’s defense, eluded one tackle and sprinted down the sideline to

SAN FRANCISCO – A holiday break couldn’t come at a better time for the Stanford women’s basketball team.  In the Cardinal’s last game of 2024, No. 11 Ohio State routed Stanford 84-59 in the Bay Area Women’s Classic at Chase Center on Friday night.  With legendary coach Tara VanDerveer in attendance – now as a fan – her Cardinal had 19 turnovers and were totally outmatched by its Big 10 opponent.  “They jumped on us from the very beginning, and I think their press rattled us early on and kind of shook u and our confidence,” Stanford coach Kate Paye said. “We were total no-shows in the first half.” Nunu Agara led Stanford with 17 points, and Tess Heal had 10. Meanwhile, Cotie McMahon paced Ohio State with 16 points as all five Buckeyes starters scored in double-figures. Stanford, in its first season under coach Paye, came into the game without much momentum. The Cardinal had lost at No. 5 LSU 94-88 in overtime, and followed that up with a stunning 83-63 defeat at rival Cal.  Stanford’s Nunu Agara #3 is well defended by Ohio

Bay Area Home Report 1075 Longridge Road – Google Street View The spacious historic property located in the 1000 block of Longridge Road in Oakland was sold on Sept. 12, 2024 for $2,225,000, or $817 per square foot. The house, built in 1929, has an interior space of 2,722 square feet. This two-story house boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and three bathrooms. On the exterior, the home features composition shingles on the roof. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. Additionally, the home includes a garage. The property occupies a sizable 5,712-square-foot lot. Additional houses have recently changed hands nearby: In October 2022, a 2,821-square-foot home on Hubert Road in Oakland sold for $3,250,000, a price per square foot of $1,152. The home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. On Sunnyhills Road, Oakland, in September 2024, a 2,043-square-foot home was sold for $1,650,000, a price per square foot of $808. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A 2,285-square-foot home on the 700 block of Carlston Avenue in Oakland sold in October 2022, for $2,450,000, a price per square foot

By Terry Hacienda, The Fresh Toast Kratom is increasing in popularity – here is the 411 on what to know. Curious about high-potency Kratom, you’re not alone. There are many vendors offering high-potency kratom: what you need to know if you are new or experienced with the plant. More and more experienced Kratom users are on the hunt for stronger strains to get their fix. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for when you’re shopping around. In this guide, we’re gonna break down everything you need to know about finding a solid vendor for high-potency Kratom. What is High-Potency Kratom High-potency kratom refers to strains with elevated concentrations of key alkaloids. Some of the most renowned high-potency strains include: Maeng Da (available in red, white, and green varieties) Bentuangie Red Bali Factors like the maturity of the leaves at harvest, growing conditions, and post-harvest handling all play crucial roles in determining the final alkaloid content. For instance, some kratom products have been found to contain mitragynine concentrations ranging from 1% to 6% of leaf content, while 7-hydroxymitragynine levels typically fall between 0.01% to 0.04%1.

SAN JOSE — A jury has found a man guilty of voluntary manslaughter for killing an elderly stranger two years ago in a blindside assault spurred by the victim shining a flashlight at him during a chance encounter on a quiet South San Jose street. There was no dispute that 35-year-old Amiel Joey Mirador killed 81-year-old Allen Dournaee with a brief flurry of punches from behind — two of them after Dournaee was already unconscious after falling face-down onto a sidewalk. But a two-week trial that ended Friday with the verdict revolved around whether Mirador was expressly looking to kill Dournaee in a fit of anger over the flashlight, with the prosecution pointing to the viciousness of the attack and the vulnerability of the octogenarian victim as grounds for a second-degree murder conviction. Mirador’s defense — including his own trial testimony — asserted that the flashlight shining was a more serious provocation than how it might have sounded, and that his punches were never meant to kill. Combined with the injuries Dournaee suffered from falling to the ground, they argued the death was a freak

MARTINEZ — Two men who were charged in a shooting where a baby was struck by gunfire have been ordered to stand trial, but had their bail lowered significantly, records show. Teron Simon, 19, of San Francisco, and Daysaun Williams, 18, of Bay Point, were ordered to stand trial on charges of attempted murder, child cruelty, and several more shooting-related counts. Their bail was also lowered from $2.42 million to $600,000, according to court records. Simon and Williams were arrested after a police helicopter spotted them in a field near a shooting on the 3600 block of Desanie Circle in Bay Point. Police say the suspects and victims were associated with two different homes on the block and that groups from both residences began to argue. At some point, Simon and Williams allegedly began firing into the other home. A woman was struck in the foot and a 7-month-old baby was grazed in the shooting, police said. Both victims survived. One resident returned fire but wasn’t charged, records show. The suspects allegedly fled into a nearby field and were arrested shortly thereafter. Williams reportedly denied any

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. Reasons pile up not to make BART free Re: “To help BART, makes rides free and raise taxes to cover cost” (Page A6, Dec. 11). I was surprised at the suggestion by Michael O’Hare that we make BART free to all riders by increasing taxes on each person $3.23 a week, which he minimizes by saying it’s “less than your Monday latte.” That works out to $167.96 per year, and $671.84 for a family of four. • Opening the taxpayer’s wallet to BART will only increase the demands of unions and workers for more pay as they sense there is no limit to taxpayer funds. • People place a value on what they pay for. Zero cost equals zero value. People care for things they pay for and are vested in the product or service. We pay road taxes for roads, bridge tolls for bridge access, etc., although I’m sure bridges would be the next “free service” desired by Mr. O’Hare. • Free rides would turn BART into a rolling

SAN RAMON — A 45-year-old New York resident was arrested on suspicion of coming to the East Bay to pull off a bizarre scam whereby the victim allows the trickster to remove expensive jewelry from their neck. The man was arrested after allegedly pulling off the scam in San Leandro, where police pulled him over after the victim reported the incident. They also traced him to incidents in San Ramon, and a cohort. San Ramon police warned of numerous incidents involving the so-called jewelry swap scam, which requires the perpetrators to trick the victims into taking off their jewelry without realizing what’s going on. In what typical incident last Halloween, a man was approached by two scammers who asked him for money. When he gave them a couple dollars, they chatted more and asked him if he’d be willing to buy one of their necklaces. They even places it around his neck to show him how good he looked in it, but when he declined, they removed his real necklace instead, for a loss of an estimated $4,000, authorities said. When police raided an Oakland

PINOLE — A 25-year-old Richmond man has been charged with felony for allegedly shooting into another vehicle during a road rage incident and nearly killing a passenger inside. Otis Keller was charged with shooting into an occupied vehicle, with an enhancement for allegedly causing great bodily injury to the victim. The man who Keller allegedly shot, a 24-year-old also from Richmond, was hospitalized in critical condition and remains at a hospital 11 days later, police said. The charge carried a potential life sentence, authorities said. The shooting occurred around 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 9. It began as a road rage incident near an Appian Way offramp for Interstate 80 and continued onto Fitzgerald Drive, where the shooting occurred. Keller was arrested the next day, and charged on Dec. 12. He was identified in part through surveillance footage from cameras in the area, police said. Keller’s bail has been set at $1.25 million. Police are still encouraging witnesses to come forward by calling 510-724-1111 or via email at investigations@pinole.gov

A man chased down and choked a journalist working for Grand Junction, Colorado, broadcasters KKCO and KJCT in front of the news stations’ offices after berating them about their nationality, police say. Patrick Egan, 39, was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of second-degree assault and bias-motivated crimes, both felonies, as well as harassment, a misdemeanor. Egan began following the victim earlier in the day and confronted them at a stoplight, according to Egan’s arrest affidavit. The victim told police, according to the affidavit, that Egan rolled down his window and said, “Are you even a U.S. citizen? This is Trump’s America now! I’m a Marine, and I took an oath to protect this country from people like you!” The victim called the director of the news station, who told them to drive to the office, located about a mile away. When they arrived, Egan got out of his vehicle and continued to badger them, demanding to see their ID. The victim tried to run inside the building, and Egan tackled and choked them until he was restrained by other KKCO/KJCT employees. Police said in a news

Despite stormy weather and a potential government shutdown, millions of people were gearing up Friday to travel across the state and the nation for the holidays. Jimmy Pham, 20, attends UC Berkeley and was at San Jose Mineta International Airport on Friday, preparing to fly to San Diego for winter break. His travel plans have gone smoothly so far, he said, except for a small delay on his flight. “I don’t think it’s anything that’s heartbreaking or anything too impactful,” he said, adding that potential weather impacts or a government shutdown would “definitely” impact his decision to take a flight for a potential snowboarding trip during his break. “I guess I have to wait to see if anything happens,” he said. The American Automobile Association estimated that 119.3 million people would travel 50 or more miles for the holidays between Dec. 21 and Jan. 1. Domestic travel this year is projected to surpass by some 64,000 people the previous record set in 2019, according to a news release from the association. They also estimated that 3 million more people will be traveling home for the

Forty minutes before opening on a recent Friday night, San Francisco’s Four Kings had a line of nearly 20 people waiting outside. The first 10 without reservations made it for the first seating at the counter; the next 10 provided a phone number and option for the second seating. Late arrivals weren’t so lucky. The tiny Cantonese restaurant is nestled in a quiet alleyway in the Chinatown neighborhood. And for five hours, five days a week, it might be the hottest place in town. Last week, Esquire named Four Kings the Restaurant of the Year while applauding the daring flavors and vibrant atmosphere created by chefs Franky Ho and Mike Long. It’s the latest in a line of accolades for an operation less than 10 months old. As artistic as they are skillful, Ho and Long met while working at Mister Jiu’s, the Michelin-starred Chinatown restaurant. Their goal was to create an environment where people enjoyed working, in the hopes that the joy would translate to the customer. Four Kings co-owner Mike Long prepares salted egg squash croquettes for dinner, Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at the new

During tumultuous times, we look for comfort. And we often find it in our go-to dishes at our longtime favorite restaurants. But every year we say goodbye to many of those establishments. The ones we pay tribute to here had been landmarks for years, even generations. Some chefs and owners decided to retire or take a break. Others couldn’t weather the costs of doing business in this inflationary, post-pandemic era. Or ran up against redevelopment plans. Here, in order of longevity, are 12 businesses that shut their doors after 25 years or more, plus a few revivals and relocations that we’re thrilled about. Let us know if we missed one of your favorite legacy restaurants. CASPERS HOT DOGS, Hayward, 76 years Customers line up outside Caspers Hot Dogs on C Street in downtown Hayward on June 26, 2024. The diner that company founders built in the 1940s closed July 13, but other locations remain open.. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group)  In late June, folks began rushing to the Caspers on C Street in downtown Hayward not just to savor one of the chain’s classic hot

Bay Area Home Report 2283 Shelley Avenue – Google Street View A 2,022-square-foot house built in 1979 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 2200 block of Shelley Avenue in San Jose was sold on Nov. 14, 2024. The $1,635,000 purchase price works out to $809 per square foot. This two-story house presents a roomy floor plan, featuring four bedrooms and three bathrooms. In addition, the home includes a two-car garage, offering generous space for vehicles and storage requirements. The lot of the property covers an area of 3,000 square feet. Additional houses that have recently been purchased close by include: On Mount Davidson Drive, San Jose, in April 2024, a 1,595-square-foot home was sold for $1,420,000, a price per square foot of $890. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. In October 2024, a 1,485-square-foot home on Mount Davidson Court in San Jose sold for $1,672,000, a price per square foot of $1,126. The home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A 1,568-square-foot home on the 3500 block of Calvin Avenue in San Jose sold in July 2023, for $1,700,000, a

By Sarah Johns, The Fresh Toast They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree? While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are many felines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. The branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are  attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree? Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive

WALNUT CREEK — A suspect was arrested Friday morning in the stabbing late Wednesday night of a BART train passenger, officials said. The condition of the victim, a 45-year-old San Jose man, was not available at midday Friday. The suspect, a 58-year-old man who authorities said was a transient, was arrested by BART Police about 5:55 a.m. Friday at the Pittsburg/Bay Point Station. He was to be booked at the Martinez Detention Facility. The stabbing happened onboard a San Francisco-bound train late Wednesday night. The injured man got off the train at the Walnut Creek station and made his way to a station bathroom, where he was found by first responders shortly after 12 a.m. Thursday. He was transported to a hospital from the station for treatment of at least one wound. BART officials did not specify how police identified the suspect or whether he knew the victim. Authorities also did not offer a possible motive for the stabbing. Originally Published: December 20, 2024 at 12:00 PM PST