Category: Bay Area

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers will be without some key players when they visit the Arizona Cardinals Sunday to close out the regular season. Which sounds about right for a 6-10 team that has 15 players on injured reserve and another on the physically unable to perform list. Arizona has lost five of its last six games and is 7-9, so both teams will get an early start on the 2025 season. Among those listed as “out” Friday by 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan were wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/wrist), cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder), tackle Spencer Burford (calf) and defensive end Ronald Beal (ankle). Linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) was listed as doubtful, while those who were questionable and likely to play include tight end George Kittle (ankle/hamstring), tackle Colton McKivitz (knee), safety Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle) and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (pelvis). Defensive end Nick Bosa, who missed some practice time earlier in the week with a knee issue, was taken off the injury list entirely and conceded it was a strange feeling to be shutting it down after Sunday’s game. “I feel like

By MEG KINNARD President-elect Donald Trump has expressed frustration that flags will be flying at half-staff when he takes office later this month. It’s an action put in place by President Joe Biden to honor the late President Jimmy Carter, who died Sunday at 100. And while Trump will be the first president sworn in with U.S. flags lowered to half-staff, it’s not a timeline that he can do anything about — until after he takes office. Here’s what to know about why flags are lowered when a president dies, who can issue that order and how long the process lasts: Why are U.S. flags being flown at half-staff? On Sunday, Biden ordered that U.S. flags be flown at half-staff in honor of the late former president. It’s an honor that indicates that the country or a state is in mourning. The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including

OAKLAND — The city will rely on the wet winter and early spring months to afford the temporary closure of two fire stations until June, an effort to help resolve a crippling budget crisis that promises more cuts in the coming weeks. One station set to be closed is near Joaquin Miller Park and the other is on Grass Valley Road near Chabot Regional Park. Both are in more forested areas of Oakland that fetch fewer emergency calls outside the peak wildfire months, fire officials said Friday. Four additional fire stations are expected to be “browned out” next month, but their locations have yet to be determined. City officials said they are negotiating with the firefighters’ union, IAFF Local 55, to see if the union could possibly concede some salary to stave off those temporary closures. The cuts announced Friday signaled yet more consequences from the city’s $130 million budget deficit, which is expected to result next month in somewhere around 91 layoffs to the city’s workforce. Combined, the two brownouts will save roughly $5 million. “We are looking at all angles to make sure

Getting to and from the Bay Area to Lake Tahoe in the winter can turn into a traffic nightmare. Real-time digital maps and tools on both sides of the lake can help you plan your journey and avoid getting stuck in the car. California-side #TrafficAlert – US-50 is currently holding traffic.– Westbound traffic is being held at Meyers– Eastbound traffic is being held at Echo Summit This is due to multiple spin-outs caused by current road conditions. pic.twitter.com/NB4bdtSxFq — Caltrans District 3 (@CaltransDist3) January 3, 2025 With Caltrans’ QuickMap you can customize your view for bottlenecks, chain controls or accidents on I-80, U.S. 50 and other roads around Lake Tahoe in California. Select traffic cam view for a closer look and plan accordingly. Nevada-side Similarly like QuickMap, NVroads displays a map of traffic conditions, cams and chain controls on all roadways on the Nevada side of the Sierra. You can also check Waze traffic reports in the area. Hopefully soon a flying ferry could help alleviate Tahoe’s traffic problem. But in the meantime, use these maps to help ease the pain. Originally Published: January 3

Bay Area Home Report 2207 Lincoln Avenue – Google Street View A spacious historic house located in the 2200 block of Lincoln Avenue in Alameda has a new owner. The 2,308-square-foot property, built in 1892, was sold on Oct. 10, 2024, for $1,652,000, or $716 per square foot. This two-story house boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and three baths. Outside, the home presents roofing composed of tar and gravel materials. The property’s lot measures 4,650 square feet square feet in area. Additional houses have recently changed hands nearby: A 996-square-foot home on the 2200 block of Pacific Avenue in Alameda sold in October 2024, for $1,101,000, a price per square foot of $1,105. The home has 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom. On Pacific Avenue, Alameda, in August 2023, a 2,265-square-foot home was sold for $1,475,000, a price per square foot of $651. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. In June 2024, a 2,073-square-foot home on Walnut Street in Alameda sold for $1,300,000, a price per square foot of $627. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This article was generated

Bay Area Home Report 4786 Golden Road – Google Street View A 1,696-square-foot house built in 1964 has changed hands. The property located in the 4700 block of Golden Road in Pleasanton was sold on Oct. 9, 2024. The $1,500,000 purchase price works out to $884 per square foot. The layout of this single-story house consists of three bedrooms and two baths. Additionally, the house provides a garage. The property encompasses a generous 6,500 square feet of land. Additional houses have recently been sold nearby: On Greenwood Road, Pleasanton, in June 2022, a 2,140-square-foot home was sold for $2,000,000, a price per square foot of $935. The home has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. A 2,300-square-foot home on the 1400 block of Parkview Court in Pleasanton sold in September 2022, for $1,800,000, a price per square foot of $783. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. In July 2023, a 1,933-square-foot home on Greenwood Road in Pleasanton sold for $1,825,000, a price per square foot of $944. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. This article was generated by the Bay Area Home

By Terry Hacienda, The Fresh Toast It is a quiet question people want to know – how long does cannabis stay with you The most common reason a police officer pulls a car over is speeding. E xceeding the posted speed limit is considered the primary reason for traffic stops by most law enforcement agencies. But once pulled over, the officials can asks for tests.  Also, many companies (including parts of the federal government) still conduct drug testing. Marijuana’s presence in the human body can be detected for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. Understanding how long does cannabis stay in your system is crucial for both medical and legal reasons. There are a variety of factors in play which determines how long cannabis is in your system. THC, the primary psychoactive component in marijuana, is metabolized by the body into various compounds. Some metabolites have half-lives of 20 hours, while others can last 10-13 days. Complete elimination can take between five and 65 days, depending on individual factors. Different drug tests have varying sensitivity levels and detection windows. Urine tests are the most common and can

CHICO — A Chico man has been arrested in connection with the Bidwell Mansion fire. Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of arson to a structure with use of an accelerant, according to Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey. RELATED: A brief history of the iconic Bidwell Mansion The mansion fire on Dec. 11 was determined to be caused by an intentional act of arson by Cal Fire on Dec. 17. Ramsey said a warrant was obtained by a local judge and was served Thursday for Carlson’s arrest by officers with California State Parks, Cal Fire, Chico Police Department and Chico State Police Department Carlson is currently being held without bail at Butte County Jail, Ramsey said. An excavator brought in by California State Parks to further the fire investigation sits to the right of Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California, on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Evan Tuchinsky/Enterprise-Record) 1 of 13 An excavator brought in by California State Parks to further the fire investigation sits to the right of Bidwell Mansion in Chico, California, on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. (Evan Tuchinsky/Enterprise-Record) Expand According

Breaking News San Francisco 49ers | 119th Congress Latest: Mike Johnson narrowly reelected House speaker Sports NFL San Francisco 49ers Analysis, News Analysis, News Based on factual reporting, although it Incorporates the expertise of the author/producer and may offer interpretations and conclusions., Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. San Francisco 49ers | Kurtenbach: The 49ers’ biggest off-season need? It’s been the same for five years San Francisco 49ers: Five years after trading DeForest Buckner, the Niners are still looking for a long-term replacement. San Francisco 49ers General Manager John Lynch speaks during a press conference on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in Santa Clara, Calif. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group) By Dieter Kurtenbach | dkurtenbach@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: January 3, 2025 at 11:31 AM PST The good news: luck might be turning the 49ers’ way. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

By MARY CLARE JALONICK WASHINGTON (AP) — New Senate Majority Leader John Thune is kicking off the new session with a promise to preserve the filibuster, saying in his first floor speech as leader that his priority will be to “ensure the Senate stays the Senate.” Thune, R-S.D., and Senate Republicans are taking power on Friday a little more than two weeks before Donald Trump will be inaugurated, cementing a firm GOP hold on Washington. And Thune will have to navigate his new responsibilities along with the new president, who has made clear he expects allegiance from Congress – and has previously called for eliminating the filibuster. Opening up the two-year Senate session Friday after new and returning senators were sworn in, Thune said the legislative tactic that allows senators to delay consideration of a measure and require 60 votes for passage has “perhaps the greatest impact in preserving the Founders’ vision of the Senate.” “There are a lot of people out there who would like to see the Senate turn into a copy of the House of Representatives,” Thune said. “And that is not

Which bomber jackets are best? From the American pilots in the first World War to stars of Hollywood in the 1950s and varsity athletes in the 1970s and 1980s, bomber jackets have been a fashion staple for generations. The quintessential style of a bomber jacket is casual yet practical. Its tight cuffs, loose sleeves and high collar allow you to stay warm while still looking stylish. Whether you’re a fan of vintage clothing or modern aesthetics, bomber jackets are great all-around choice. The top bomber jacket choice is the Levi’s Faux Leather Sherpa Bomber Jacket, a contemporary version of the traditional bomber aviator jackets. What to know before you buy a bomber jacket Original bomber jacket style During World War I, pilots needed something to keep them warm because the planes did not have fully enclosed cockpits. At the time, heavy-duty leather was the best material available. The jackets have high collars, zip closures and tight cuffs around the wrists and waists. Of course, this was all to keep the cold wind off the pilot’s skin. The jackets also featured a series of flaps that

By AMANDA SEITZ WASHINGTON (AP) — Alcohol is a leading cause of cancer, a risk that should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said on Friday. Murthy’s advisory comes as research and evidence mounts about the bad effects that alcohol has on human health. Americans should particularly be better informed about the link between alcohol and cancer, Murthy argues in his advisory, noting alcohol consumption is to blame for nearly 1 million preventable cancer cases in the U.S. over the last decade. About 20,000 people die every year from those alcohol-related cancer cases, according to his advisory. Since 1988, bottles of beer, wine and liquor have carried warning labels about the risk of birth defects when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol. But Murthy’s proposed label would go even further, raising awareness about the risk for cancer, too. Such mandatory warnings would require congressional approval. Consuming alcohol raises the risk of developing at least seven types of cancer diseases, including liver, breast and throat cancer, research has found. His advisory also notes that as a person’s alcohol consumption goes up, so

PITTSBURG — A man who allegedly killed a 50-year-old man during a physical confrontation was sentenced to 26 years in prison through a plea deal, records show. Juan Mendez-Medina, 47, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter, use of a deadly weapon and mayhem in the death of 50-year-old Allan Flores. In exchange for his pleas, prosecutors dismissed a murder charge and related counts against him. The plea deal was finalized last April but has not been previously reported. Mendez-Medina is currently at Avenal State Prison, records show. Police said at the time that Flores and Mendez-Medina were seen fighting around 1:45 a.m. on June 17, 2023, near Railroad Avenue and East Leland Road in Pittsburg. By the time emergency responders got there, Flores was dead.

After Bay FC’s record-setting first season, CEO Brady Stewart sees a movement coming in women’s sports Bay FC set a new record for most wins by an NWSL expansion team Brady Stewart, CEO of Bay FC, strikes a pose at the Bay FC headquarters office in San Francisco, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) Bay FC set a record for most wins (11) by an NWSL expansion club while averaging more than 14,000 fans, ranking No. 3 in ticket revenue, No. 4 in average attendance and No. 1 in merchandise sales.

By LINLEY SANDERS and NICHOLAS RICCARDI WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of Republicans say they are confident in the 2024 vote count after Donald Trump’s win, according to a new poll that finds a sharp turnaround from GOP voters’ skepticism about U.S. elections after the president-elect spent four years lying about his loss to President Joe Biden. About 6 in 10 Republicans said they have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of confidence that the votes in last year’s presidential election were counted correctly nationwide, according to the poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. That’s a sharp rise from about 2 in 10 Republicans who were confident in an AP-NORC poll in October. And about two-thirds of Republicans in the new survey said they were confident in their state’s vote count, up from about 4 in 10 before the election. That helped drive up the share of Americans saying they have “a great deal” or “quite a bit” of confidence in the accuracy of the election to about 6 in 10. That’s higher than in October, when roughly half of

John Bagala and Dan Peters were staying at a New Orleans hotel just a few blocks from Bourbon Street when a driver struck and killed at least 14 people and injured nearly 30 people there on New Year’s Day. Bagala and Peters — members of Marin Professional Firefighters, the local affiliate of the International Association of Firefighters — were in town to attend a union conference. They joined a New Year’s Eve celebration near the Mississippi River and made their way through the Bourbon Street site that would be attacked a few hours later. “Everybody was here to celebrate the new year,” Bagala, Local 1755 president, said Thursday. He recalled hearing sirens in his hotel room around 3 a.m. and he assumed it was a response to a fire. A few hours later, he received several phone messages from people who heard about the attack and checked in on him. “My biggest reflection is what an awful thing to do to a community and what an awful way to bring in the new year,” Bagala said. Authorities identified the driver as Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S.

This country has always had a hypocritical relationship with the undocumented workers who keep America’s agricultural, construction and hospitality industries humming. On one hand, we simply cannot function without them. On the other, xenophobic politicians whip up fear and mistrust of workers on the lowest economic rungs when it serves their purposes. And voters, who may be angry about all sorts of things, often find it easier to blame outsiders for woes they have nothing to do with, such as inflation. But we can’t delude ourselves: President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to deport as many undocumented immigrants as possible threatens devastating consequences for the country’s economy, for prices and for the people who come to this country to pick our fruits and vegetables, build our homes and wash our dishes. California, where some economists estimate that half of our 900,000 farmworkers are undocumented, would be especially hard hit. Joe Del Bosque, 75, has grown cantaloupes, almonds and asparagus on the San Joaquin Valley’s west side for decades. During the picking season, his employment rolls can swell to as many as 200 workers, none of whom is native-born and white. Some

49ers’ Ricky Pearsall ‘finds positives in darkness’ of rookie season Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall returns to his native Arizona after the first 100-yard game of the 49ers’ top pick’s dramatic rookie season San Francisco 49ers’ Ricky Pearsall (14) leaves the field after their 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall expressed extreme gratitude to his 49ers teammates for helping him through the most difficult of rookie seasons. Originally Published: January 3, 2025 at 5:30 AM PST

SANTA CRUZ — After a structural assessment was completed of the Santa Cruz Wharf after about 150 feet of the structure’s south end fell into the ocean Dec. 23., the city of Santa Cruz announced Thursday afternoon that the Wharf is structurally sound and will reopen to the public Saturday. According to the city’s announcement, the Wharf has been deemed safe to reopen based on a recently completed sonar and engineering assessment, which was conducted by engineering firm Moffatt and Nichol. RELATED: Why Santa Cruz Harbor was so devastated by storm surge “Moffat and Nichol did not observe any damage to the Wharf’s structural capacity beyond the area affected by storm damage and noted that it has the same strength it did before the storm,” said Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation Director Tony Elliot in a statement. “Bents (substructures) 169, 170 and 171 do have some damage, and this is the narrower part that remains at the very end of the Wharf and is closed off.” A sonar scan of the sea floor showed that the heavy equipment that fell into the ocean along with the

TODAY’S WORD — CARILLON CARILLON: KER-ih-lon: A set of fixed chromatically tuned bells controlled from a keyboard. Average mark 34 words Time limit 40 minutes Can you find 45 or more words in CARILLON? The list will be published tomorrow. YESTERDAY’S WORD — SOLEMNLY: sell sloe smell smelly sole solely solemn some sone omen only lemon lemony lens lone lonely lose melon mole moll molly money mosey noel noes nose nosey nosy yell 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 allowed. Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.

Dear Eric: I am a gay male and have been with my husband for many years now, married six of them. Every time an issue comes up, whether it’s the landlord knocking on the door or someone else, he comes running to me to deal with it and I am fed up with it. I deal with paying all the bills each month. I work full time just like my husband, and I have told him numerous times to be a man and start dealing with it, as I want a husband, not a wife. But he doesn’t listen. It’s exhausting. What can I do? – Tired Husband Dear Husband: Let’s first unpack the phrase “I want a husband, not a wife.” I’m not trying to attack you; I just want to point something out that will, hopefully, help you. In the way that you used it, the phrase has sexist connotations because it strongly suggests that a woman in a marriage is helpless or needy or any of the negative traits you’re seeing in your husband. That’s not true. Anybody can be overly dependent