Category: Bay Area

TODAY’S WORD — QUINATE QUINATE: KWY-nate: Arranged in groups of five. Average mark 13 words Time limit 20 minutes Can you find 18 or more words in QUINATE? The list will be published tomorrow. SATURDAY’S WORD — TREFOIL: tier tile tiler tire toil toile toiler tole tore trifle trio refit relit rife rifle rift rile riot rite roil role rote roti felt fetor file filer filet filter fire flier flirt flit floe floret foil fore fort forte fret frit oiler oriel left life lift lite liter loft loftier loiter lore 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: My brother and I have been estranged for decades, due to consecutive “family incidents” that accumulated, unresolved, over years. A little over a year ago, I learned through a mutual friend that my brother has an incurable cancer – the kind that is hereditary and would place me at a significantly elevated risk. I immediately booked an appointment with my doctor, which took four months, and then testing that also took months to come back. During this time, I was anxiously awaiting results knowing that the cancer could be silently developing in me. I was upset that my brother and his family had not shared this news with me so that I could undergo testing ASAP. I heard his condition was worsening so I swallowed my pride and resentment and knocked on his door to visit him. He calmly said he was “not interested,” and that was that. Should he pass, do I show up and pay respects knowing his family chose not to give me a “heads up” on the disease I may have? (I tested negative but need annual testing for

DEAR HARRIETTE: I had a hot-and-heavy romance with a man earlier this year, and then it just went cold. We were totally into each other until he stopped being kind. At first, this strong man actually seemed sweet, or at least sweet on me, but then something changed. I’m not sure what happened, and I haven’t been able to get him to talk to me about it at all. I’ve tried to do things that would reignite the spark we had, but now I feel stupid for trying so hard. These days we talk only if I call him and maybe lure him over with a meal or a present. Pathetic, right? But I’m finding it hard to let go. What should I do? It’s like he got my heart, then he discarded it. — Brokenhearted DEAR BROKENHEARTED: Take a deep breath. Assess the situation as objectively as you can. From what you have described, it seems as though you had an exciting love affair that ran its course. By your account, it is over. Now you have to accept that. No matter how good

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I had invited a group of friends and family to my home for Christmas dinner and a celebration: six adults and two young children. The problem was with one guest, who had been bedridden with a severe flu the entire week leading up to Christmas. I kept in touch with this individual throughout her illness. On Christmas Day, she insisted that she was 100% cured, but she still sounded sick and congested over the phone. I felt the need to protect myself, as well as my vulnerable, aging guests. I advised her to stay home and take care of herself, adding that we would get together the following week, when she was better. This is where matters went awry. My sick friend took great offense to this un-invitation and bombarded me with nasty texts and insults. I continued to be respectful; however, the nastiness continued. I have now blocked all texts and communications. Friendship over. Was I wrong for trying to protect myself and my guests from potential illness? GENTLE READER: It depends on how you phrased it. The correct order is

By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung | Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean officials are struggling to determine what caused a deadly plane crash that killed 179 people, with the nation saddened, shocked and ashamed over the country’s worst aviation disaster in decades. Many observers also worry how effectively the South Korean government will handle the aftermath of Sunday’s crash as it grapples with a leadership vacuum following the recent successive impeachments of President Yoon Suk Yeol and Prime Minster Han Duck-soo, the country’s top two officials, amid political tumult caused by Yoon’s brief martial law introduction earlier this month. New Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Monday presided over a task force meeting on the crash and instructed the Transport Ministry and police to launch investigations into its cause. He also ordered the ministry to implement an emergency review of the country’s overall aircraft operation systems. “The essence of a responsible response would be renovating the aviation safety systems on the whole to prevent recurrences of similar incidents and building a safer Republic of South Korea,” said Choi, who is also deputy prime

By Kim Tong-Hyung | Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea — South Korean law enforcement officials on Monday requested a court warrant to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol as they investigate whether his short-lived martial law decree on Dec. 3 amounted to rebellion. The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials, which is leading a joint investigation with police and military authorities into the power grab that lasted only a few hours, confirmed it requested the warrant from the Seoul Western District Court. They plan to question Yoon on charges of abuse of authority and orchestrating a rebellion. Yoon has dodged several requests by the joint investigation team and public prosecutors to appear for questioning and has also blocked searches of his offices. It’s not clear whether the court will grant the warrant or whether Yoon can be compelled to appear for questioning. Under the country’s laws, locations potentially linked to military secrets cannot be seized or searched without the consent of the person in charge, and it’s unlikely that Yoon will voluntarily leave his residence if he faces detainment. Yoon’s presidential powers were suspended after

In the wake of former President Jimmy Carter’s death, Bay Area residents and politicians remembered the impact of his presidency and the example he set as a civil servant. California State Senator Scott Weiner, who represents San Francisco, Broadmoor, Colma, Daly City and parts of South San Francisco, called Carter a “great American” who “continued his public service for the rest of his life after leaving office, showing his love for all people everywhere” in a post on X. The Carter Center confirmed on the social media platform X that the 39th U.S. president had passed away peacefully at his home in Plains, Georgia, on Sunday afternoon. He was 100 years old, the longest-lived president in American history. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke positively of his term, writing, “As President, he protected our air and water, promoted transparency in government, and brokered a historic peace treaty between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.” California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement highlighting Carter’s efforts as “a tireless champion for human rights and democracy whose unparalleled life of service made the world a better place.” “President Carter

— Oct. 1, 1924: James Earl Carter Jr. is born in Plains, Georgia, son of James Sr. and Lillian Gordy Carter. — June 1946: Carter graduates from the U.S. Naval Academy. — July 1946: Carter marries Rosalynn Smith, in Plains. They have four children, John William (“Jack”), born 1947; James Earl 3rd (“Chip”), 1950; Donnel Jeffrey (Jeff), 1952; and Amy Lynn, 1967. — 1946-1953: Carter serves in a Navy nuclear submarine program, attaining rank of lieutenant commander. — Summer 1953: Carter resigns from the Navy, returns to Plains after father’s death. — 1953-1971: Carter helps run the family peanut farm and warehouse business. — 1963-1966: Carter serves in the Georgia state Senate. — 1966: Carter tries unsuccessfully for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. — November 1970: Carter is elected governor of Georgia. Serves 1971-75. — Dec. 12, 1974: Carter announces a presidential bid. Atlanta newspaper answers with headline: “Jimmy Who?” — January 1976: Carter leads the Democratic field in Iowa, a huge campaign boost that also helps to establish Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucus. — July 1976: Carter accepts the Democratic nomination and announces Sen. Walter Mondale of

Some of our most-read stories of the year delved into the big issues of day-to-day life in the Bay Area: affording a home, negotiating traffic, finding a community. Here are five such reports. The home search series: When a Menlo Park family started looking for a place beyond their starter home, they had no interest in settling. “We’re looking for a unicorn,” Niket Sirsi said. The unicorn hunt was the sixth episode in housing reporter Kate Talerico’s series on Bay Area home hunts, following hopeful buyers as they narrowed down their options. Part 6: They wanted good schools, nature and ‘a feeling of privacy.’ What could they find on the Peninsula with $3.5 million? | The whole series They were part of the Bay Area exodus. Now, they’ve decided to return. For the Diaz family, Texas seemed — at first — to align with their more conservative politics and be a better place to raise children. That same summer, Rob Surrency made a major leap of faith with a move to Alaska: “If I’m going to do something drastic, then let’s do it.” Neither of

ATLANTA (AP) — Jimmy Carter, the peanut farmer who won the presidency in the wake of the Watergate scandal and Vietnam War, endured humbling defeat after one tumultuous term and then redefined life after the White House as a global humanitarian, has died. He was 100 years old. The longest-lived American president died on Sunday, more than a year after entering hospice care, at his home in the small town of Plains, Georgia, where he and his wife, Rosalynn, who died at 96 in November 2023, spent most of their lives, The Carter Center said. “Our founder, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, passed away this afternoon in Plains, Georgia,” the center said in posting about his death on the social media platform X. It added in a statement that he died peacefully, surrounded by his family. Businessman, Navy officer, evangelist, politician, negotiator, author, woodworker, citizen of the world — Carter forged a path that still challenges political assumptions and stands out among the 45 men who reached the nation’s highest office. The 39th president leveraged his ambition with a keen intellect, deep religious faith and

Standout running back Jaydn Ott announced on social media Sunday that he’ll return to Cal for his senior season. Ott, who was slowed by a lingering ankle injury this season after rushing for more than 1,300 yards in 2023, posted on X that he’s coming back to Berkeley. Ott’s return is welcome news for the Bears, who lost starting quarterback Fernando Mendoza to the transfer portal, where he eventually landed at Indiana University. Ott ran for 1,315 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023, while also catching 25 passes for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Ott suffered an ankle injury in the season opener and never could seem to get it completely healed as he rush for just 385 yards on 116 carries with four touchdowns. A resurgence by Ott would give Cal a strong backfield as Jaivian Thomas is also back for a Bears squad that went 6-7 and 2-6 in their first year in the Atlantic Coast Conference this season. Thomas was Cal’s leading rusher with 626 yards on 100 carries, and he scored seven touchdowns.

By TIA GOLDENBERG | Associated Press TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — An Israeli hospital says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has undergone successful prostate surgery. Jerusalem’s Hadassah Medical Center said his prostate was removed late Sunday. Netanyahu was placed under full anesthesia for the procedure. Doctors said he was awake and recovering Sunday night. Netanyahu’s office had said Justice Minister Yariv Levin, a close ally, would serve as acting prime minister during the procedure. Doctors ordered the operation after detecting an infection last week. Netanyahu is expected to remain hospitalized for several days. Netanyahu, 75, who has had a series of health issues in recent years, has gone to great lengths to bolster a public image of himself as a healthy, energetic leader. During his trial this month, he boasted about working 18-hour days, accompanied by a cigar. Last year, Netanyahu’s doctors revealed that he had a heart condition, a problem that he had apparently long known about but concealed from the public. A week after a fainting spell, Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker to control his heartbeat. Only then did staff at the Sheba Medical

BERLIN (AP) — Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk caused uproar by backing Germany’s far-right party in a major newspaper ahead of key parliamentary elections in the Western European country, leading to the resignation of the paper’s opinion editor in protest. Germany is to vote in an early election on Feb. 23 after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s three-party governing coalition collapsed last month in a dispute over how to revitalize the country’s stagnant economy. Musk’s guest opinion piece for Welt am Sonntag — a sister publication of POLITICO owned by the Axel Springer Group — was published over the weekend. It was the second time this month he supported the Alternative for Germany, or AfD. “The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is the last spark of hope for this country,” Musk wrote in his translated commentary. He went on to say the far-right party “can lead the country into a future where economic prosperity, cultural integrity and technological innovation are not just wishes, but reality.” The Tesla Motors CEO also wrote that his investment in Germany gave him the right to comment on the country’s condition. The AfD is

When promoting new cars and trucks, all automakers share one marketing trait. Superlatives and slogans reign. New models are “innovative” and “game-changing.” BMW details its vehicles as possessing “raw power.” Genesis says its GV70 “emanates athletic elegance.” Carmakers’ public relations departments have successes and failures, many of which come to mind since the 2024 Buick Envista is Autopia’s Car of the Year. During the 1960s, Buick challenged would-be buyers with the proclamation: “Wouldn’t you really rather have a Buick?” The carmaker hasn’t used the pitch for many years. But since its debut, a consensus consumer answer has been “yes” and “no” many times. The Buick GSX (1970), Buick Riviera (1971-1972) and Buick Regal GS (2012) were wanted. The Buick Regal (2010), Buick Cascada (2016) and Buick Encore (2017) weren’t. With the Envista’s North American introduction in 2023 as a 2024 model, the storied brand (it started in1908) is again offering one of its better vehicles. The compact SUV combines a well-designed, simplistic interior, a handsome exterior, spaciousness and value. It does so as well as any 2024 vehicle. The Envista is only available with a

What is a GX 550? The GX 550 is a midsize luxury SUV built in the Tahara, Japan assembly plant and sold worldwide by Lexus. The 2024 GX is a fan favorite that’s been improved almost beyond recognition. You’ll pay for the driving privilege with the GX 550 Premium price starting at $64,250; up $4,025 from the previous 2023 GX 460 model. Prices go up from there as the Premium+ starts at $67,900, the Luxury model is $77,250 and the top of the line Luxury+ Edition SUV window stickers at $81,250. The 2024 Lexus GX 550 is a very nice midsize luxury SUV. The GX is a 5 door wagon with a body on frame design and a powerful stance. The GX is known for its off road capabilities and ability to handle rough terrain. It has increased ground clearance and squared off body lines. Most GX variants have 3 rows of seats but the off road focused Overtrail version seats 5.  Plus, the GX 550 comes with standard safety features like blind spot monitoring, backup cameras, lane departure warning and 4 wheel stability control. This week

Local News Evacuations ordered in San Leandro due to a gas leak By Bay City News Authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for the Washington and Lewelling areas due to a gas leak, San Leandro police said. It was sent out Sunday at around 6:36 a.m. The evacuation area covers the residential areas west of Washington. Officers are in the area to help with evacuation procedures. Anyone in need of temporary shelter can head to Marina Community Center. The San Leandro senior center will also be opening for anyone in need of shelter. Copyright © 2024 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. CONTACT: San Leandro Police (510) 577-3237

New city website The city of Cupertino soft-launched its new website in December with a caveat. “Over the next couple of weeks, we will be working out the kinks so that the new website is fully ready to go in the New Year,” reads an email sent by city staff. “During this time, there may be some technical issues users may experience such as broken links or pages not loading.” The city is asking users to provide feedback on their user experience to the IT department at webmaster@cupertino.org and to flag any technical issues the encounter while browsing the new website at https://www.cupertino.gov. “We appreciate your understanding as we enhance and refine the site to provide a more seamless and user-friendly experience for our residents,” reads the email. New face for open space Kathy Sutherland was sworn in on Dec. 12 as the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority’s District 4 representative. District 4 includes Campbell and a portion of Cupertino. Sutherland has been a member of the authority’s Citizens’ Advisory Committee for the past 11 years. First Friday Bird Buddies In honor of National

Severe weather program The Sunnyvale City Council on Dec. 10 approved a Severe Weather Hotel Pilot Program for fiscal year 2024-25. The pilot program will run during severe weather events declared by the National Weather Service and Santa Clara County. It offers 10 hotel rooms, available on a first come, first served basis, for up to 20 nights through April 2025. Two meals per day are provided to participants during their stay. The program also offers 24/7 onsite staff support. The WeHOPE Street Outreach team is responsible for identifying and connecting eligible individuals with the program once a severe weather event is confirmed. For more information, contact housing programs technician Janelle Resuello at jresuello@sunnyvale.ca.gov or call 408-730-7402. Library of Things for children Visitors to the Sunnyvale Public Library on Dec. 10 got their first look at the new additions to the Library of Things, aimed at younger patrons. The library added toys, games, electronics, and activities focused on STEM learning to its Library of Things collection for children. Young learners can now borrow a microscope, a junior metal detector and a train kit, among other

SAN FRANCISCO — Draymond Green didn’t mind that microphones picked up him screaming at teammate Buddy Hield to lock in — “Wake the (expletive) up or go sit the (expletive) down!” — during the Warrior’s 109-105 win over Phoenix. The message was necessary in the moment, and when you say something with your chest, as Green often does, backtracking dulls your point. “Mics catch everything today, but I don’t care,” Green said at the postgame podium. “Because anything I’ll say, I’ll say it right into the mic. I don’t give a damn. It was needed.” Green’s plea came after a 24-second violation in which Green had to hoist up a grenade at the end of the possession. Hield missed a read on a post feed, which bungled Golden State’s set. In the game, Hield went scoreless on 0-for-7 shooting and appeared to let his shooting struggles seep into his defense at times. A new Warrior, Hield has been streaky. In games he scores at least 18 points, the Warriors are 8-0. They’re 3-10 when he finishes in single digits. Enter Green’s admonishment. “We need Buddy

Two new trustees for the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District were sworn in on Dec. 17. Marsha Grilli was elected in November to represent Trustee Area 1, which encompasses much of north San Jose, including the Berryessa neighborhood, as well as the City of Milpitas. Buu Thai was sworn in as the trustee for Area 5, which cover areas of south San Jose, including much of the Parkview and Almaden Valley neighborhoods. While they are new to the district’s board of trustees, both are experienced local political leaders. Grilli has served on both the Milpitas Unified School District board and the Milpitas City Council. Thai is a longtime resident of San Jose who has worked extensively in the local government and non-profit sectors. She previously served on the Franklin McKinley School District board. “We are very fortunate to have two new trustees with the level of experience, expertise and knowledge that trustees Grilli and Thai bring to our district,” said chancellor Dr. Beatriz Chaidez in a release. Grilli fills a vacancy created when former trustee Bob Livengood resigned from the board last June. Thai replaces

Two new trustees for the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District were sworn in on Dec. 17. Marsha Grilli was elected in November to represent Trustee Area 1, which encompasses much of north San Jose, including the Berryessa neighborhood, as well as the City of Milpitas. Buu Thai was sworn in as the trustee for Area 5, which cover areas of south San Jose, including much of the Parkview and Almaden Valley neighborhoods. While they are new to the district’s board of trustees, both are experienced local political leaders. Grilli has served on both the Milpitas Unified School District board and the Milpitas City Council. Thai is a longtime resident of San Jose who has worked extensively in the local government and non-profit sectors. She previously served on the Franklin McKinley School District board. “We are very fortunate to have two new trustees with the level of experience, expertise and knowledge that trustees Grilli and Thai bring to our district,” said chancellor Dr. Beatriz Chaidez in a release. Grilli fills a vacancy created when former trustee Bob Livengood resigned from the board last June. Thai replaces