Category: Bay Area

As cannabis legalization grows, it’s reshaping the way we celebrate milestones—including New Year’s Eve. From lively themed parties to cozy nights in, cannabis is adding a fresh, fun, and flavorful twist to ringing in the new year. Let’s explore the creative ways enthusiasts are lighting up their celebrations. Cannabis-Themed Parties: Where the Grass is Greener Say goodbye to traditional New Year’s soirees and hello to cannabis-inspired revelry! Transform your space with vibrant, marijuana-themed decorations—think leafy garlands, pot-leaf confetti, and glowing lava lamps. Set the mood with activities like Weed Jenga or Ganjaland, where fun meets creativity. Don’t forget the drinks! Impress your guests with cannabis-infused cocktails or THC-spiked punch. For those steering clear of cannabis, offer mocktails with a festive twist—everyone deserves to raise a glass! Edible Experiences: Tasty Ways to Stay Elevated Edibles are stealing the spotlight at cannabis-friendly New Year’s parties. Hosts are serving up sophisticated infused treats like cannabis deviled eggs, spinach-artichoke dip, and decadent desserts. Want something bubbly? Cannabis-infused Champagne is the toast of the town. Keep the energy flowing with Sativa strains for an uplifting vibe, and remind guests to

The cannabis community is all about good vibes, and more cannabis groups are turning that energy into action with fun and impactful initiatives. From cleaning up neighborhoods to helping those affected by past cannabis convictions, these efforts are changing the narrative and showing that cannabis enthusiasts care about more than just their favorite plant. Clean-Up Events: Turning Weed into Good Deeds One of the coolest ways cannabis groups are making a difference is by hosting community clean-ups. Picture this: cannabis lovers, local residents, and community organizations coming together to clean up public spaces. Whether it’s picking up litter in local parks or sprucing up city streets, these clean-ups promote a positive image of cannabis users as active, responsible members of the community. Cities like Denver and San Francisco have already embraced these events, showing that cannabis groups are about more than just the high—they’re about making the world a cleaner, greener place. Donation Drives: Supporting Those Who Need It Most Cannabis groups are also using their platforms for good by organizing donation drives for individuals impacted by past cannabis convictions and those in need of

Bay Area Home Report 3644 Warner Drive – Google Street View A spacious house located in the 3600 block of Warner Drive in San Jose has new owners. The 2,086-square-foot property, built in 1977, was sold on Nov. 21, 2024. The $1,860,000 purchase price works out to $892 per square foot. The layout of this single-story home includes three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Additionally, the house features a two-car garage. The lot of the property covers a substantial area of 10,080 square feet, complete with a pool for outdoor enjoyment. These nearby houses have also recently changed hands: In August 2024, a 1,977-square-foot home on Warner Drive in San Jose sold for $1,335,000, a price per square foot of $675. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. A 1,450-square-foot home on the 3600 block of Morrie Drive in San Jose sold in March 2024, for $1,330,000, a price per square foot of $917. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Mace Drive, San Jose, in June 2024, a 1,775-square-foot home was sold for $1,365,000, a price per square foot of $769. The

As the world continues to embrace virtual connectivity, cannabis enthusiasts and industry professionals have discovered innovative ways to gather, learn, and celebrate the cannabis culture online. Virtual cannabis events and educational workshops are becoming increasingly popular, offering a platform for education, community building, and entertainment. Here’s a closer look at how these events are shaping the cannabis space. Virtual Cooking Classes One of the most creative ways to explore cannabis is through cooking. Virtual cannabis-infused cooking classes allow participants to learn the art of preparing meals and beverages with cannabis. These sessions are often led by chefs who specialize in culinary cannabis, teaching everything from the basics of decarboxylation to crafting gourmet edibles. For instance, “Cooking with Cannabis,” a popular online class, guides attendees on creating infused olive oils, butter, and even cocktails. These classes also focus on responsible dosing and the science of infusion, ensuring that participants can enjoy their creations safely. According to the Journal of Food Science , cannabis-infused cooking is not just a culinary trend but also a method to explore its potential therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief and relaxation

The last time the 49ers hosted the Detroit Lions, the stakes could hardly be higher. It was the NFC title game, and the 49ers came back from a 17-point halftime deficit to win, 34-31, and advance to the Super Bowl. This time around, the drama will be a bit lighter. The 49ers won’t be in the NFC playoff field after being officially eliminated last week before kickoff of their loss to Miami, their fifth defeat in six games. The Lions may not have a ton to play for, either: Their game next week against the Vikings will determine the NFC North winner and the No. 1 overall seed. The result of Monday’s game will only impact them if they tie Minnesota in the finale. Still, the 49ers have insisted they won’t sandbag this nationally televised rematch. Brock Purdy and the starters — those who aren’t injured — will play as the Niners seek to end the season on a high note. There will be plenty of players missing, though: 49ers stars Trent Williams (ankle), Dre Greenlaw (knee) and Charvarius Ward (personal) were ruled out this

OAKLAND — Three BART police officers injured when their two vehicles collided Saturday were responding to a reported drug overdose at the West Oakland station, officials said Monday. The three officers remained hospitalized Monday. A fourth person who was driving a medical supply van that was hit by one of the BART vehicles was also hospitalized but it was not clear if that person was later released. Officials have not specified the nature of the injuries to any of the four people. The collision happened about 2:45 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Seventh Street and Mandela Parkway. BART officials said Monday the officers were responding to the West Oakland Station for a reported life-threatening overdose. Oakland police, who are investigating the crash, said one of the BART SUVs, with one officer inside, was traveling southbound on Mandela Parkway with its lights and siren on. It first collided with the other BART SUV, with two officers inside, that was going westbound on Seventh Street. The impact of that collision caused the second BART SUV to crash head-on into the medical supply vehicle, police said. Authorities

OAKLAND — A less forbidding economic landscape is coming into view for PG&E customers starting in early 2025 in the form of monthly bills that are poised to be only a bit higher compared to a year ago. A typical PG&E residential customer who receives combined electricity and natural gas services from the utility can expect to pay about $295 a month starting with their January 2025 billing cycle. To be sure, this would be $1 higher, or 0.3% more, than the $294 a month that typical PG&E residential customers were paying for combined electricity and gas services in January 2024. But it’s also a dramatic turnaround from the mammoth increases ratepayers had to endure in recent years. The average $294 a month for combined utility services that typical residential customers paid in January 2024 was a whopping 28% higher than the $173 that customers were paying in January 2023. “We are seeing decreases in electricity but increases in gas,” Benjamin Kolnowski, a PG&E director of electricity rates, said during the conference call. Here is how PG&E customers will arrive at the average $295 a

OAKLAND — After a devastating year of crime in 2023, former Mayor Sheng Thao made a risky promise to the public: homicides would come down, she said, if the city revived a once-lauded approach to curbing gun violence that apparently had ramped down during the pandemic. Thao left office this month after voters recalled her in the November election, but on Monday the city’s current leaders — headed by Thao’s temporary replacement, interim Mayor Nikki Fortunato Bas — took a victory lap in her absence. The newly refurbished Ceasefire initiative, they said, has successfully curbed violence in the crime-stricken city, bringing homicides to a five-year low. “The strategy is proactive rather than reactive,” Bas said Monday at a news conference. “It has proven time and time again that it works.” At its core, Ceasefire involves negotiating de-escalations between people at highest risk of shooting each other, an effort to interrupt cycles of violence by discouraging retaliations. Shooting victims are paid visits at their hospital beds by the program’s assigned police officers, while faith-based leaders help host large “call-in” meetings to offer high-risk individuals a choice:

As the New Year approaches, many are looking for unique ways to celebrate with friends and family. For cannabis enthusiasts, incorporating cannabis-themed games into the festivities adds a fun, laid-back twist to the occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or a more adventurous party, these games offer a great way to break the ice, engage with guests, and keep the party buzzing. Here are the top five cannabis-inspired games to enjoy this New Year. 1. Weed Jenga A cannabis-infused twist on the classic Jenga, Weed Jenga is a must-have for any cannabis-friendly celebration. In this game, each wooden block features a challenge or question related to cannabis culture. From trivia about cannabis strains to hilarious dares, every pull of a block creates new opportunities for fun. It’s an interactive and social game that brings people together and sparks engaging conversations about cannabis. Whether you’re a seasoned smoker or a newcomer, this game is designed to accommodate all levels of knowledge and participation. Weed Jenga is the perfect way to keep your guests entertained and laughing throughout the night. Fardotter offers great options to get

ANTIOCH — A man wanted for allegedly shooting at his girlfriend Saturday evening was arrested Sunday after being spotted driving a vehicle, authorities said. The shooting happened about 6:35 p.m. Saturday in the 4700 block of Knollpark Circle and activated a gunshot detection system alert. Police said as officers were responding, they received multiple 911 calls that a 30-year-old man allegedly shot at his 37-year-old girlfriend inside a residence. Authorities did not say what may have prompted the shooting. Neither the woman or her three children — an 8-year-old boy and two girls, ages 11 and 14 — were injured and they were all able to flee the home, police said. A nearby residence and a vehicle were hit by the gunfire. Initial reports were that the suspect had barricaded himself inside the home. A shelter-in-place order was given to nearby residents while police attempted to contact the suspect. About 1 a.m. Sunday, Antioch police SWAT officers entered the home but found no sign of the suspect. The shelter-in-place order was lifted shortly thereafter. The suspect was arrested about 12:20 p.m. Sunday after he was

SAN JOSE — A second fire in three months has scorched part of a vacant city-owned lot in downtown San Jose that is taking on an increasingly blighted appearance after multiple blazes. The fire broke out in an abandoned residential structure on West St. John Street just around the corner from the SAP sports and entertainment complex in downtown San Jose. A PG&E worker walks near San Jose Fire Department equipment next to a smoke-obscured and fire-torched residential structure on West St. John St. near North Autumn Street in downtown San Jose, as seen in a photo taken on Dec. 30, 2024. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group) A burned-out structure following a fire in mid-Sept. on West St. John Street in downtown San Jose as seen on Sept. 17, 2024. (George Avalos/Bay Area News Group) In September, a blaze broke out that destroyed a small building next to the building engulfed in the blaze on Monday morning. The two properties that burned this year are both owned by the City of San Jose, public property documents show. The city also owns three properties that are adjacent to

To those looking for a fresh start in 2025, avoid getting cold feet before the new year, as National Weather Service meteorologists forecast frigid mornings to continue on the last day of 2024. Braydon Murdock, an NWS meteorologist for the San Francisco Bay Area, said that the most significant weather pattern that many will see is cold morning temperatures. A cold front came in on Sunday and led to frost and freeze advisories being issued for Monday and Tuesday mornings. In fact, Monday night into Tuesday morning was forecast to be one of the coldest nights of the year. “Compared to last week, there’s not a whole lot of aggressive weather, it’s mostly just cold and then things calm down into the week,” Murdock said. Murdock forecast that temperatures on Monday night into Tuesday morning in areas of the interior Bay Area could reach lows in the 30s. Areas further inland, like the valleys in the East Bay, Sonoma County and Monterey County, could see their lows reach the upper 20s. The North Bay cities of Santa Rosa, Napa and San Rafael and Monterey and

OAKLAND — After an Alameda man allegedly ran a red light, causing a collision that killed the 39-year-old driver in another car, he reportedly fled the scene but then called police to turn himself in. But when he did so, 22-year-old Jacob Morgan allegedly displayed “objective signs” of intoxication as police interviewed him inside an Alameda hospital. Authorities wrote in court filings that he smelled like alcohol and was unable to stand as he admitted to running a red light and colliding with a Toyota Avalon, killing 39-year-old Troy Jermaine Lee. Now, Morgan is being charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and leaving the scene of the accident, both felonies. The two-count complaint doesn’t include any DUI charges, records show. Morgan is not in jail, and court records say a $95,000 arrest warrant was issued for him on Dec. 26, the day the charges were filed. His first court appearance has not yet been set. Police said in court records that at about 15 minutes after midnight on June 24, 2023, Morgan’s Toyota Camry ran through a red light while doing a U-turn on

Which snowboards are best? One of the most exhilarating and rewarding outdoor winter sports is snowboarding. While welcoming to all ages and skill levels, it can be a physically challenging, mentally stimulating and emotionally satisfying athletic pursuit. Of course, you need the right snowboard to truly enjoy the slopes. Our guide will help you find the right snowboard for your adventure, as well as inform you as to what to look for as you progress. Our top pick, STAUBER Summit Snowboard & Binding Package, is geared toward more advanced snowboarders. What to know before you buy snowboards Your details Height and weight will influence the length of the board you purchase, while your shoe size will determine the width of the board. Boards that are too long will be harder to control, while undersized boards will be unstable. Generally, women will need a slightly more narrow and lighter board, while men require wider boards. Kids should also get a snowboard made for their height and weight, regardless of their age. Shape Boards are either twin tip or directional. Twin tip boards are symmetrical, and either end

Which winter gloves are best? With winter around the corner, it’s time to take inventory of our winter apparel and make a list of the items we still need to keep us warm. Between winter gloves getting a lot of use or one of them mysteriously running away, it seems like winter gloves are always on the list. There are a ton of different features to consider when buying new winter gloves. However, if you’re looking for a pair of waterproof gloves that will keep your fingers warm in the coldest of temperatures, Carhartt Men’s W.P. Waterproof Insulated Gloves are an ideal choice. What to know before you buy winter gloves Styles of winter gloves Gloves It seems like any piece of fabric that covers your hands is referred to as a glove. However, it’s technically only a glove if each of the fingers is separated. These are ideal for activities where you need more dexterity, like zipping up coats and tying shoes. Mittens When all of your fingers are together with your thumb separated, that is referred to as a mitten. They tend to

As Oregon’s victory total climbed throughout what became a perfect regular season in Eugene, so did our curiosity. What would it take to beat the Ducks? Was there a weakness to exploit? Or were bad bounces and worse luck the only opponents capable of toppling the most complete and consistent team in the nation? As the weeks passed, the Hotline periodically reached out to college football analysts, insiders and former coaches, granted them anonymity and asked for the keys to beating the Ducks. We held the material in reserve until the Ducks’ first College Football Playoff game in order to match the answers to the opponent and circumstances. Some insiders addressed the mental aspect, the need to believe victory was possible. That’s not an issue with Ohio State, which played the Ducks to a one-point game in Autzen Stadium three months ago and was a few yards and seconds away from attempting the game-winning field goal. The Buckeyes won’t be intimidated by the assignment or the stage when they face Oregon on Wednesday in the Rose Bowl, with a berth in the CFP semifinals at

Shonda Scott, the Oakland founder of 12 New Things believes that trying something new every month invigorates the imagination, sparks new interests and just makes life more exciting. Who doesn’t love that?  Whether it’s taking an art class or exploring a new-to-you museum, hitting a trail or diving into something new, here are 12 ideas to get you started. Take a class at the Ruth Bancroft Garden Recently named the most beautiful garden in the world by Trip Advisor , this 3½-acre botanical garden boasts succulents and drought-tolerant plants from all over the world. Signage is minimal — a set-up that designers hope inspires visitors’ curiosity. (Psst, there are self-guided tour booklets available.) An onsite retail nursery offers California native plants, agaves, aloes,  succulents and more. And there are classes, including a Succulent Valentine’s Wreath-making workshop ($50-$65) on Feb. 8. Ruth Bancroft Garden staff will provide both the materials and expertise to help guide your creativity. Details: The garden ($5-$12 admission) is open from 9 am to 4 pm Wednesday-Sunday at 1552 Bancroft Road in Walnut Creek; ruthbancroftgarden.org . Head gardener Brian Kemble walks through

Aragon High School best friends Michelle Tu and Stanislav Kroll couldn’t have known that more than two decades later, they’d start a company together. Today they’re the cofounders of ready-to-drink Daybreak Vietnamese Coffee. After high school, the two San Mateans went to different colleges — Tu to UC Irvine and Kroll to UC Berkeley — but they stayed in touch over the years as Tu pursued a Ph.D. in cell biology and Kroll studied business and went into manufacturing. Eventually, they settled back in their San Mateo hometown with their families. When Tu’s planned trip to Vietnam in 2020 was canceled by the pandemic, she looked for other ways to connect with the coffee culture she remembered from childhood visits and began researching how to make Vietnamese coffee. Fortunately, her friend Stan is “this huge coffee nerd,” Tu says. Daybreak Vietnamese Coffee, a San Mateo-based ready-to-drink Vietnamese coffee brand, is now available at the San Francisco International Airport. (Courtesy Daybreak Vietnamese Coffee)  Kroll, a tinkerer, had invested in different coffee-making tools and was drawn to the ways that geography and influences shape coffee cultures around

DEAR JOAN: My daughter has a dog that has been suffering with Cushing’s disease for several years now. She cannot get up on her own, cries when she wants to go out, wants to endlessly drink water and seriously can’t do anything. If she is not careful going down the step to the yard, she falls and needs to be helped up again. Her body is deteriorating in front of us, and yet my daughter and her vet say, if (the dog) looks happy, leave her be. Just because a dog wags its tail when people enter a room, doesn’t mean she is happy. She is up on her feet for maybe 10 minutes a day on her yard excursions and can’t walk very far if taken for a walk. It is very sad to watch her struggle. Is my daughter being irresponsible to this dog? Seems like the dog’s life is miserable and filled with sadness. Why won’t vets these days tell owners when it is time to put an animal out of its misery? — Carol B., San Jose DEAR CAROL: Knowing when it’s time

TasteFood: A bowl of homemade pork ramen is just the thing for a chilly night This post-holiday take on pork ramen is just the ticket for a chilly winter night. (Courtesy Lynda Balslev for Tastefood) This homemade take on ramen combines roasted pork, mushrooms, spinach and noodles in a fragrant broth. Originally Published: December 30, 2024 at 6:30 AM PST

It’s been a year of adventures for intrepid Bay Area News Group readers. They’ve seen the Northern Lights in Iceland’s Westfjords, learned to make paella in Barcelona and explored the cultural treasures of Austria. And afterward, they shared their stories and offered up helpful travel advice. Read on for a travel tale involving a mother and son’s road trip to the great American Southwest, then find more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/. Wish You Were Here San Jose’s Denie Burgstrom and her son Blaine toured the American Southwest on a bucket list trip that included a stop at Arizona’s Antelope Canyon. (Courtesy of the Burgstrom Family)  ARIZONA AND NEW MEXICO: San Jose resident Denie Burgstrom and her son Blaine took a two-week, “bucket list” road trip to the great American Southwest in October that included Solvang and San Diego before crossing the California border to visit Tombstone, Arizona. “My Mom is a big history buff,” Blaine says. “From there, Las Cruces, New Mexico, Roswell and then Albuquerque, which we used as a base to also see Santa Fe and Taos. Then we travelled to (Arizona’s) Monument