Category: Bay Area

SANTA CRUZ — The Central Coast seat on the California Coastal Commission is once again open for nominations. That means the seat’s occupant, Santa Cruz County Supervisor and current Coastal Commission Chair Justin Cummings, will have to vie for a full four-year term. California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who wields the authority to make the appointment, sent a letter to the county on March 4 requesting nominations for the position, which represents Santa Cruz, San Mateo and Monterey counties. RELATED: Gov. Newsom orders Coastal Commission to cease ‘erroneous’ guidance on Palisades rebuilding Cummings was chosen from a pool of candidates from all three counties in 2023 by then-Speaker Anthony Rendon who himself was succeeded by Rivas as the Assembly’s leader only a few months later. Cummings was chosen to finish the last two years of the current term after the seat was vacated by its previous occupant, and with that term set to expire in May, Rivas is preparing to make a selection of his own. Cummings, the county’s first representative to serve on the commission since 2012, told the Sentinel he wasn’t surprised when

CIF basketball championships: Storied Mitty program takes on two-time defending state champ Etiwanda on Saturday in Sacramento Archbishop Mitty’s Ze’Ni Patterson (22) fights for a rebound against Clovis West’s Alexis Swillis (11) in the first quarter of their CIF NorCal Open Division girls basketball championship game at Archbishop Mitty in San Jose, Calif., on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group) Mitty hasn’t yet won the big one. Is this the year the Monarchs can break through and win an Open Division state title? Originally Published: March 14, 2025 at 7:30 AM PDT

2025 CIF Open Division basketball championship: Riordan’s lockdown defense will be tested by high-scoring Roosevelt-Eastvale Archbishop Riordan’s Andrew Hilman (2) goes up for a dunk against St. Ignatius in the second half of their CCS Open Division boys basketball championship game at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. Archbishop Riordan defeated St. Ignatius 64-38. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) ‘We’ve been working every day, doing defensive drills more than offensive drills. That’s how we do our thing,’ Riordan forward JP Pihtovs said. Originally Published: March 14, 2025 at 7:00 AM PDT

March 3 Residential burglary: Between Feb. 28 and March 3, someone entered a residence in the 13000 block of Paramount Drive by breaking a glass door. Details of any stolen property were not provided. Check fraud: A Saratoga resident reported that someone obtained their bank check, mailed out from a blue USPS collection box on the corner of Cox Avenue and Paseo Presada, then altered and cashed the check for $4,338. March 6 Check fraud: The City of Saratoga reported that someone attempted to access government funds with fraudulent checks. Finance personnel discovered the activity promptly and prevented any financial loss. False report of an emergency: At 7:18 a.m., the suspect reported a home invasion at a residence in the 14000 block of Springer Avenue by texting 911. Deputies responded and determined there was no home invasion. An investigation revealed the suspect has a history of false emergency reporting. The case is being submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr congratulates Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga (00) as he exits the game in the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, March 13, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) By Danny Emerman | demerman@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: March 14, 2025 at 6:45 AM PDT Jonathan Kuminga returned after missing 31 straight games with an ankle sprain. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

At 2:30 a.m. on Friday, the National Weather Service released an updated winter weather advisory in effect until 11 p.m. for the Greater Lake Tahoe Area. “Below 6000 feet snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches. Above 6000 feet snow accumulations of 10 to 15 inches with locally higher amounts up to 18 inches along the Sierra crest. For the eastern shore of Tahoe: snow accumulations 2 to 6 inches. Ridge winds gusting as high as 60 mph. For Lake Tahoe: southwest winds 15 to 25 mph gusting up to 40 mph with waves 2 to 3 feet,” can be expected according to the NWS Reno NV. “The heaviest snowfall is expected between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. This will affect the afternoon and evening commute across mountain passes.” “Travel could be very difficult at times. The hazardous conditions could impact the peak commutes through Friday evening. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result from gusty winds,” according to the NWS. “Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from

Carquinez Strait and Delta, Central Sacramento Valley, Southern Sacramento Valley and Northern San Joaquin Valley are the focus of a wind advisory released at 1:19 a.m. on Friday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is valid between 5 a.m. and 5 p.m. “South winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected,” according to the NWS Sacramento CA. “Strongest winds expected through the early afternoon.” “Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” the NWS said. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.” Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans. Our data comes from publicly available information. You can report errors to content@bayareanewsgroup.com

San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains are under a wind advisory which was released by the National Weather Service on Friday at 12:17 a.m. The advisory is valid between 4 a.m. and 9 a.m. According to the NWS San Francisco CA, “Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.” “Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” according to the NWS. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.” Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans. Our data comes from publicly available information. You can report errors to content@bayareanewsgroup.com

East Bay Interior Valleys and East Bay Hills are the focus of a wind advisory released at 12:17 a.m. on Friday by the National Weather Service. The advisory is valid between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. According to the NWS San Francisco CA, “Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph expected.” “Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result,” according to the NWS. “Winds this strong can make driving difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Use extra caution.” Sourcing & Methodology This article was generated by software that analyzes National Weather Service warnings and advisories and creates an article based on templates created by humans. Our data comes from publicly available information. You can report errors to content@bayareanewsgroup.com

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I hold an annual party, for which I hire a person to assist me in setting up, maintaining the buffet and serving drinks. She has always done a great job. At the most recent party, however, I noticed she had set up a tip jar next to the drinks. I was horrified. I went over and grabbed the jar, then pulled her aside and said that I was sorry that she did not feel I was paying her enough, and that she felt the need to seek compensation from my guests. I told her to tell me how much she felt like I was underpaying her, and that I would compensate her so she didn’t need a tip jar. I went back to the friends I had been chatting with and explained what happened. They all thought it was perfectly appropriate for her to have a tip jar. After the party, I called my mother and told her what happened. Like me, she was horrified that someone would seek tips at a party that I was hosting. Who do you think is

Yosemite is included in an updated winter storm warning released by the National Weather Service on Friday at 1:54 a.m. The warning is in effect until Saturday, Mar. 15 at 5 a.m. The NWS Hanford CA adds to prepare for, “Additional snow accumulations between 6 and 18 inches. Winds gusting as high as 60 mph.” “Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning and evening commutes. Strong winds could cause tree damage,” the NWS said. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.” The full list of affected locations includes: Yosemite Yosemite Valley San Joaquin River Canyon Upper San Joaquin River Kaiser to Rodgers Ridge Kings Canyon NP Grant Grove area Sequoia NP South End of the Upper Sierra Emergency alerts in the San Francisco Bay Area All enabled mobile phones in the area will receive emergency alerts for “considerable or catastrophic” hazards. To monitor other local risk

By Anthony Washington, The Fresh Toast A traditionally conservative country, what is Poland’s take on marijuana? Poland has been a conservative country. The Catholic Church has been deeply ingrained in Polish culture and identity for centuries. But there is a change stirring, about 70% of population identified as Catholic in the 2021 census, down from 87% a decade earlier. The Church played a significant role in the transition from communism and dictatorship to democracy. It has been in the news recently, so where is Poland and cannabis? While the country has some of Europe’s most restrictive drug laws, recent developments in medical marijuana policy have created a unique situation. Cannabis for recreational use remains illegal in Poland. Possession, consumption, and trafficking of cannabis with more than 0.2% THC content is a criminal offense. However, since 2011, prosecutors have had the option to drop charges for possession of small quantities intended for personal use, especially for first-time offenders. In July 2018, Poland legalized medical cannabis, with the law taking effect in November of that year. This change allowed physicians to prescribe cannabis under the same conditions as other controlled substances. The Polish cannabis market has shown significant growth

SAN FRANCISCO — A 29-year-old San Francisco man is facing allegations he torched half a dozen tow trucks throughout the Bay Area in 2023 to drive business to his towing companies and retaliate against competitors, according to federal authorities. Jose Vicente Badillo is charged with conspiracy to commit arson, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. He made his initial appearance in court Thursday morning. An indictment unsealed Thursday alleges Badillo conspired with others to set fire to two tow trucks in San Francisco on April 4; one tow truck in San Francisco on April 29; one tow truck in East Palo Alto on July 25; and two tow trucks in San Francisco on Oct. 3. The purpose of the scheme was to drive more business to two Bay Area-based towing companies with which Badillo was associated — Auto Towing and Specialty Towing — by hindering the prospects of competitor towing companies and to retaliate against the same companies for perceived wrongs, according to the indictment. Badillo allegedly orchestrated the scheme and then directed others to set fire to the targeted tow trucks. If convicted, he

San Francisco (CNN) — A federal judge has ordered half a dozen federal agencies to “immediately” reinstate probationary employees fired last month as part of the Trump administration’s effort to rapidly shrink the federal workforce, calling the effort a “sham.” The preliminary injunction issued from the bench Thursday by US District Judge William Alsup requires the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior and Treasury to rehire the employees. The judge said that he might extend the order to cover other federal agencies at a later time. Alsup, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, said he was making the ruling because he believes the Office of Personnel Management unlawfully directed the agencies earlier this year to lay off the probationary employees, who generally have been on the job for less than a year. “The court finds that Office of Personnel Management did direct all agencies to terminate probationary employees with the exception of mission critical employees,” he said, rejecting arguments from the Justice Department that OPM merely issued “guidance” to the agencies that then led to the firings. The judge said the order

14674 Fieldstone Drive – Google Street View A 2,173-square-foot condominium built in 1978 has changed hands. The spacious property located in the 14600 block of Fieldstone Drive in Saratoga was sold on Feb. 14, 2025. The $3,300,000 purchase price works out to $1,519 per square foot. The layout of this apartment includes three bedrooms and two baths. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. In addition, the condo is equipped with a two-car garage, accommodating vehicles and storage needs efficiently. The property sits on a 2,295-square-foot lot. Additional units have recently been sold nearby: A 3,645-square-foot unit on the 14600 block of Fieldstone Drive in Saratoga sold in February 2024, for $3,025,000, a price per square foot of $830. The unit has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. On Springer Avenue, Saratoga, in April 2024, a 2,094-square-foot unit was sold for $2,080,000, a price per square foot of $993. The unit has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. In April 2023, a 3,116-square-foot unit on Stoneridge Drive in Saratoga sold for $2,900,000, a price per square foot of $931. The unit has 2 bedrooms and 3

By ADITHI RAMAKRISHNAN A total lunar eclipse will turn the moon coppery red the evening of March 13 and early morning on March 14. The best views will be across North America and South America. Parts of Africa and Europe may catch a glimpse. ___ READ AP’S STORY AND WATCH THE VIDEO Watch the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse in March Video: Watch the moon turn red during a total lunar eclipse in March ___ WHAT IS A LUNAR ECLIPSE? A lunar eclipse happens when the sun, Earth and moon line up in just the right configuration. The Earth casts a shadow that can partially or totally block out the moon. During a total lunar eclipse, stray bits of sunlight filter through Earth’s atmosphere and bend toward the moon, making it look red and giving the spectacle its nickname: the blood moon. ___ HOW OFTEN DO LUNAR ECLIPSES OCCUR? According to NASA, the Earth, moon and sun line up to produce a solar or lunar eclipse anywhere from four to seven times a year. The last total lunar eclipse was in 2022

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. Newsom joins crowd with transgender stance Re: “Newsom breaks from party with comments” (Page A1, March 10). So, Gov. Newsom agrees that transgender girls and women should only play on teams of the gender assigned at birth. I guess it’s official, he’s running for president. Apparently, these people haven’t been watching women’s sports lately if they think just being born a male gives an athlete an advantage. They haven’t seen how competitive and strong today’s women athletes are. I don’t think a transgender woman is going to give a team that much of an advantage. That aside, does that also mean girls are no longer going to be able to go out for boys’ teams such as football? They fought hard to be able to do that. Just because the polls say Americans favor this view doesn’t make it right. Anyone who allows their values to be determined by polls really has no values. Linda Ramus Fremont Oakland must oppose unchecked antisemitism Re: “Oakland leaders are ignoring the city’s antisemitism

Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists. Black History Month kicked off at the San Jose Public Library with a program on what some might consider an unusual topic — hair. But Black hairstyles hold historical and cultural significance as a form of communication among African Americans, according to the Museum of African American History and Culture website. Hair in the African and African American communities has communicated their tribe, status, religion, geographic origins, and ethnic pride. The program early this month at the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library attracted a small but enthusiastic audience. Shawni Wrights, an African American hair stylist, used five mannequins to illustrate different textures of Black hair. “This program is open to all hair textures and all races, simply because Black people are not monolithic, and our hair is not either,” said Tiffany Bradford-Oldman, the head of the Black Affinity Group for San Jose Public Library and the organizer of the event. People participate in “Black Hair

Business Fear and resignation after ‘world’s most powerful company’ pays Trump a $100 billion ‘protection fee’ TSMC was awarded $6.5 billion in grants for its first three plants in Arizona under the bipartisan Chips Act. TSMC CEO CC Wei, right, joins a press conference with President Donald Trump at the White House on March 3. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images via CNN Newsource TSMC was awarded $6.5 billion in grants for its first three plants in Arizona under the bipartisan Chips Act. Originally Published: March 13, 2025 at 4:03 PM PDT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. District 3 needs rep who reflects its views I hope the District 3 election sends a signal to the San Jose City Council that the No. 1 issue for D3 is a councilmember who listens to our community and votes in its interest. We don’t want another rubber stamp for unanimous citywide priorities that fly in the face of D3 public sentiment. You can probably guess that I’m referring to the recent unanimous vote on billboards that our appointed “representative” Carl Salas voted in favor of, despite overwhelming evidence that his district does not support it, and that D3 bears the burden of light pollution and blight while the city at large reaps the benefit. But don’t mistake me for a single-issue voter — this is just the latest example of establishment representatives going with the status quo. Let’s send a message in April by voting in a D3 representative who listens and truly represents our interests. Chris Kurose San Jose Homeless must meet responsibility to others Re: “Homeless have

777 Newell Road – Google Street View A house located in the 700 block of Newell Road in Palo Alto has new owners. The 1,816-square-foot property, built in 1959, was sold on Feb. 12, 2025. The $3,510,000 purchase price works out to $1,933 per square foot. The layout of this single-story home includes three bedrooms and two baths. Inside, a fireplace adds character to the home. Additionally, the house includes a two-car garage. The property occupies a sizable 7,188-square-foot lot. Additional houses that have recently been sold close by include: In January 2025, a 1,821-square-foot home on Pitman Avenue in Palo Alto sold for $4,410,000, a price per square foot of $2,422. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A 1,730-square-foot home on the 1400 block of Kings Lane in Palo Alto sold in May 2023, for $3,720,000, a price per square foot of $2,150. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Newell Place, Palo Alto, in September 2023, a 2,444-square-foot home was sold for $4,000,000, a price per square foot of $1,637. The home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This