Category: Bay Area

MOUNTAIN VIEW — If at first you don’t succeed, get ‘em later in the week.  That’s the opportunity Serra baseball was afforded on Friday night in Mountain View three days after losing 4-0 to St. Francis in San Mateo. The Padres, the No. 1 team in the Bay Area News Group rankings , had begun the season 10-0 with a big nonleague win over Los Gatos and a sweep of Bellarmine to commence West Catholic Athletic League play. After Serra was blanked by St. Francis on Tuesday, the Padres made the trip down Interstate 280 and salvaged a series split, winning 5-3. “It was good to see the team bounce back,” Serra coach Mat Keplinger said. “We suffered our first loss on Tuesday, and we hadn’t been punched in the mouth. So it was good to see us respond today.” Serra (11-1) led the entire game on Friday, going up 2-0 in the top of the first inning and stretching its lead to 5-1 by the fifth inning. St. Francis got two runs back in the sixth and brought the tying run to the plate

As the sun set, a Palestinian-owned coffee shop in Los Gatos lit up with life as dozens of people observing Ramadan stopped by to break their fasts last Saturday. Kenz Coffee Bar operates out of a trailer across the street from Leigh High School and next to the recreational and educational organization Bay Area Muslim Recreation, or BAMREC. During the month of Ramadan, they put on a series of events, launching new coffee flavors and hosting a food truck iftar for people observing Ramadan. Mohammad Subeh, an emergency room doctor and owner of Kenz, said he wanted to hold these events to bring people together and create a sense of community, since he felt that people were becoming more isolated in the last decade or so. “It’s really to open up a space for people to be here amongst their fellow human beings, to learn from one another, and also to not turn a blind eye to a lot of the struggles that people face — not only locally, but abroad,” Subeh said.

OAKLAND — The attorney for a man accused of fatally shooting his half-brother has raised a possible self-defense theory in a failed bid to get him released from jail. Matthew John, 21, was arrested and charged last month in the Feb. 22, 2023 shooting death of 22-year-old Joshua Hopkins. In a motion to set John’s bail to $40,000, deputy public defender Desiree Woods argued there was a possible self-defense case based on the police investigation’s conclusions. “According to the (police) declaration of probable cause, the suspected shooter was pushed, punched in the face, followed to his car, and had a rock and a paint can thrown at him by the decedent,” Woods wrote in court filings. A judge denied the motion earlier this month. In addition to the possible self-defense theory, Woods wrote that her client had secured a job at a moving company and wanted to get back to work. Hopkins was shot and killed on the 2200 block of Seminary Avenue, at a second-floor apartment there. He was arguing with his killer just before the shooting, according to police. He was found lying

By DAVE SKRETTA BOSTON (AP) — Alysa Liu skated around the ice in disbelief, her golden dress shimmering in the lights of TD Garden, and the appreciative roar from a sellout crowd reminded her why she had returned to the sport following a nearly two-year retirement. When her score was finally read, the 19-year-old who grew up in Fremont had made history. Liu became the first American women’s figure skating world champion in nearly two decades, dethroning three-time defending champ Kaori Sakamoto with a brilliant free skate Friday night. Her program to a rendition of “MacArthur Park” by Boston native Donna Summer earned her a standing ovation, and allowed Liu to finish with 222.97 points. “I mean, it means so much to me and everything I’ve been through,” said Liu, who was born in Clovis. “My last skating experience, my time away and this time around — I’m so happy, I guess. I’m mostly glad I could put out two of my best performances.” Gold medalist Alysa Liu, of the United States poses for photos during a medal ceremony for the women’s free skating program

When San Jose Earthquakes forward Ousseni Bouda  faces the Seattle Sounders Saturday night at PayPal Park, he may run to the sideline more than normal during breaks in the action to sneak some water or electrolytes. A practicing Muslim, Bouda is abstaining from food and drinks from sunrise to sundown this month in observance of Ramadan, which ends Sunday. It may seem challenging for a pro athlete to compete under these restrictions. But that’s the point. “On game days, it’s a little bit harder, but in general, it’s just such a month that’s full of blessings for Muslims,” Bouda said. “It’s something that we’re really proud of. It’s a month that makes us think about other people more than ourselves, because when you fast and you can’t eat or drink, it makes you feel the pain that those who don’t have enough to eat or water to drink feel. “So, if it is hard, that’s how it’s supposed to be. That’s just the way I think about it.” SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 16: San Jose Earthquakes’ Ousseni Bouda (25) runs with the ball during

Since resuming office, President Donald Trump has not for one minute parted from his promise to leverage tariffs to ignite a new “golden age.” At times, he seems to be working continually to stimulate major trading partners into arrangements that make America great again. However, anyone attempting to follow the bouncing tariff proposals may get dizzy. What is the president trying to do, and why does it seem so hard to make final decisions? To whatever degree the tariffs are about controlling access to America’s economy and securing something in return, a fluid situation will result. Trump’s expensive bargaining chip may also require him to navigate a strange political alliance — one that frequently forms when the government puts its thumb on the scale of business matters. In February, Trump announced 25% tariffs on all goods from Mexico and Canada and a 10% added tariff on China. Days later, after outcries, the tariffs were delayed and coverage modified. More recently, we were told that tariffs would be expanded to more nations — perhaps all nations — with each border tax charged equal to what they charge America. A “sauce

Last fall, when initial data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a surprising drop in drug overdose deaths, the universal response was relief. We were finally getting something right in addressing the opioid epidemic, which accounted for most of the decrease and has killed hundreds of thousands of Americans. That progress has been hard-won and should be celebrated. Addiction specialists are hopeful we can push the still-too-high numbers of opioid deaths even lower in 2025. But we also shouldn’t miss the trees for the forest. So much more work is needed to understand what’s behind the decline and how to ensure everyone who needs help gets it. And the Trump administration, which made tackling the opioid crisis a priority during the president’s first term, should more carefully consider how some of its proposed policy and funding changes could upend all of this. Let’s start with the general themes that appear to be responsible for the improvement on a national level. People working on the ground and studying interventions all agree that making naloxone (Narcan), which can reverse an overdose, widely available and increasing access

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Megan Hilty, 44; Lucy Lawless, 57; Amy Sedaris, 64; Eric Idle, 82. Happy Birthday: Set your sights on self-improvement, personal progress and lifestyle changes centered around activities, people and projects that make you feel good about yourself and your contributions. Look for openings that help you segue into positions that allow you to make a difference and overcome pitfalls standing between you and the life you want to live. Let your mind wander, and encourage your creativity to lead the way. Your numbers are 8, 13, 21, 24, 27, 34, 45. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Share your thoughts and feelings. You must do the legwork to achieve something new or make positive lifestyle changes. Reach out to people in the know and pick their brains. The information you gather will help you fine-tune your plans, giving you the best chance to achieve your goals. 3 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Position yourself strategically, and revise your plans to ensure you can reach your objective with time to compensate for last-minute changes. Handle matters personally. Pay attention, and you’ll recognize when

TODAY’S WORD — EPARCHY (EPARCHY: EP-ar-kee: A diocese of an Eastern church.) Average mark 35 words Time limit 50 minutes Can you find 45 or more words in EPARCHY? The list will be published Monday. YESTERDAY’S WORD — MONOCLES: melon mole mono monocle moon moose oleo omen once noel noes noose nose clone close cole colon come cone console cool lemon lens lone loom loon loose loosen lose scone sloe sole solemn solo solon some sone soon 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 allowed. Contact Word Game creator Kathleen Saxe at kzsaxe@gmail.com.

Dear Eric: My husband’s best friend of 18 years is married to “Martha,” who is bipolar. She self-medicates with THC. I’ve become uncomfortable being around her. My husband is supportive of my feelings, to a point. He doesn’t want to lose John’s friendship, which I totally understand. Two weeks ago, Martha had asked me to come over. The minute John was out the door, Martha told me that her son was coming over and that it was not for John to know. Red flags! Minutes later, here came her son, drunk, with a bag full of pot for Martha. I was really uncomfortable because her drunk, stoned son scared me. I left my ex for this exact behavior. Unfortunately for Martha, John came back early and saw Martha’s son leaving. When we had lunch with John and Martha yesterday, my husband was sure something would be said to clear the air. Nothing was said. I can beg off only so often from the four of us getting together. Martha will tell John to ask my husband why I’m not answering the phone. I don’t want

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am in my late 30s and childless, not by choice. I prefer to have a small circle of friends, but I have found it difficult to find other childless friends. Statistically, most people my age have children — especially in church settings, where I spend a lot of my time. It often leaves me feeling like I don’t fit in, as I cannot relate to the conversations revolving around pregnancy and childrearing. One close friend, who is aware of how I feel, and with whom I converse nearly every day, often shares stories with me that I cannot relate to. I often find it hard to cope with this, as they bring up a lot of grief and feelings of being the odd one out. She just shared her excitement over a conversation she had with two friends (whom I do not know) about the similarities in how they raised their now-adult children and some of the relational results of their various parenting choices. I don’t want to squash my friend’s excitement, nor do I want to discourage her from sharing

DEAR ABBY: My husband is soon to have his first book published. We have both waited a long time for this moment and are thrilled that he’ll finally have this achievement under his belt. While I never had any real expectation about a possible dedication, I thought I might get a short mention. Instead, the dedication went to someone he doesn’t know personally, and I was completely left out. His co-author took the opportunity to acknowledge their spouse in addition to other people. I am sad that my husband wouldn’t acknowledge my support. I’m not sure if I should say anything to him about it. If I do and he changes the dedication, it won’t really be from him. If I wait, I will continue to feel slighted. He is a dedicated husband and supports me in everything I do, so is this a big deal just because I feel like it is? What to do, if anything? — UNACKNOWLEDGED IN THE EAST DEAR UNACKNOWLEDGED: I am sure your husband had his reasons for dedicating the book the way he did. Because this is a

Today is Saturday, March 29, the 88th day of 2025. There are 277 days left in the year. Today in history: On March 29, 1974, a group of Chinese farmers digging a well struck fragments of terra-cotta buried underground; archaeologists would ultimately discover terra-cotta sculptures of more than 8,000 soldiers and other figures. The “Terra-cotta Army” would become one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Also on this date: In 1943, World War II rationing of meat, fats and cheese began, limiting American consumers to store purchases of an average of about two pounds a week for beef, pork, lamb and mutton using a coupon system. In 1951, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were convicted in New York of conspiracy to commit espionage for the Soviet Union. (They were executed in June 1953.) In 1961, the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, allowing residents of Washington, D.C., to vote in presidential elections. In 1971, Army Lt. William L. Calley Jr. was convicted of murdering 22 Vietnamese civilians in the 1968 My Lai massacre. (Initially sentenced to life imprisonment with hard

REDWOOD CITY — Mills softball was a good team last year. The Vikings finished the season with a record of 14-7, losing in the quarterfinals of the Central Coast Section Division IV tournament to Aragon. But this season, Mills has taken things to another level.  Currently No. 6 in the Bay Area News Group rankings, the Vikings are now 9-2-1 after run-ruling Sequoia 13-3 on Friday. Mills has multiple impressive wins on its resume, including a signature 5-3 defeat of No. 5 Mitty, a perennial powerhouse in the Bay Area. So what’s made the difference for the Vikings this year? “The camaraderie with the team,” Mills coach Michelle Beauchemin said. “Most of the girls have been playing together since they were six. So when the freshmen came up, everyone was welcoming and already knew how they played, so they just molded back together from when they were playing rec ball and things like that.  Mills High School infielders high five each other before the start of the fourth inning at Sequoia High School in Redwood City, Calif., on Friday, March 28, 2025. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area

By Amy Hansen, The Fresh Toast Not everyone has access to marijuana to help them sleep – good news, hemp is available. It’s estimated 50 to 70 million Canadian and American adults experience sleep disorders or disturbances, and about one-third of adults don’t regularly get the recommended amount. Hemp has emerged as a promising natural remedy for those seeking better sleep. With its calming properties and potential to address various sleep-related issues, hemp-derived products are gaining popularity among individuals looking to improve their rest. Here is how hemp helps you sleep. Hemp contains several compounds contributing to better sleep quality. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of hemp, has shown potential in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can often interfere with a good night’s rest. Studies suggest that CBD may help individuals fall asleep faster and experience fewer sleep disturbances throughout the night. When formulated and used properly, preliminary research and user reports suggest that hemp gummies improve subjective sleep quality. Users of quality hemp sleep gummies report feeling more rested, a better quality of sleep and fewer awakenings in the night. However, clinical research has shown that

SAN JOSE — Four police officers acted lawfully when they shot and killed an armed man outside a San Jose convenience store last September, according to prosecutors. In a report released Friday, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office said 50-year-old Roberto Rivera Jr. gave officers no other choice but to use lethal force when he refused to drop a semiautomatic handgun he was carrying and aimed it at them. On the night of Sept. 8, Rivera sent suicidal group texts to his family, walked into a taqueria on Senter Road and fired several rounds into the ceiling, according to prosecutors. Just prior to opening fire, Rivera told patrons, “Everyone here is about to get U-Visas,” an immigration status that is sometimes given to violent crime victims, prosecutors said. He then walked out of the taqueria and into a parking lot, where he shot a driver in the neck, according to prosecutors. Afterward, Rivera walked toward Senter Road but stopped in front of a 7-Eleven as four police cars arrived at the scene. Rivera, facing half a dozen armed officers to his right and left

MARTINEZ — A 34-year-old Lafayette man is facing a possible life sentence after a jury found him guilty of holding a family hostage in their apartment, according to prosecutors. On Thursday, a jury convicted Kenneth McIsaac on multiple felony charges, including two counts of kidnapping to commit robbery, two counts of kidnapping for ransom, first-degree residential robbery, child abuse, false imprisonment and criminal threats, the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. The harrowing incident happened on Sept. 24, 2022. As a mother and her children returned from the pool in their apartment complex, McIsaac followed them into their unit, shut the door and announced he was there to rob them, according to prosecutors. He also lifted his shirt to reveal what appeared to be a gun that was later found to be a replica. The mother called for her husband, who entered the living room. Prosecutors said McIsaac then forced the family to the floor, retrieved kitchen knives, and handed the mother duct tape to tie up her husband and children before binding her himself. For more than four hours

April 20th, commonly known as 4/20, has evolved from an underground counterculture reference to a significant day of activism, public demonstration, and policy advocacy for cannabis legalization. While its origins trace back to a group of California high school students in the 1970s who used “420” as a code for smoking marijuana, the date has since grown into a powerful symbol in the fight for cannabis reform. Public demonstrations and rallies held on 4/20 have historically provided a platform for advocates to voice their support for cannabis legalization. These events, often drawing thousands of participants, bring attention to issues such as criminal justice reform, medical marijuana access, and economic opportunities tied to cannabis industries. Cities like Denver, San Francisco, and Vancouver have become hubs for these celebrations, where activists push for policy changes alongside festivities. The impact of 4/20 on legislative progress is evident. Colorado and Washington, both of which have hosted large-scale 4/20 events, were among the first states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, 91% of Americans supported some form of cannabis legalization, a stark

Ashley Hatch flirted with a hat trick for the Washington Spirit, while Bay FC had a pair of goals waved off and fell Friday night, 2-0. Hatch headed home both her goals in a three-minute span midway through the first half, providing all the firepower Washington would need to hand Bay FC (1-1-1) its first defeat of the season. The Spirit (2-0-1) opened a 1-0 advantage in the 24th minute, with an assist from Leicy Santos, and extended it to 2-0 in the 27th minute after Narumi Miura was awarded a free kick on a foul by Asisat Oshoala and found Hatch, who used her head again to best goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz. “We knew we could get the ball wide and get some crosses in,” Hatch told the Amazon Prime broadcast after the game. Silkowitz hadn’t surrendered more than one goal through Bay’s first two matches. Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury also let a pair of shots past her but instead handed Bay FC its first shutout of the season. Trailing 2-0 at halftime, coach Albertin Montoya made a pair of substitutions looking to boost Bay’s

GILROY — The Gilroy Garlic Festival is returning six years after a mass shooting brought the annual tradition to an abrupt end. On Friday afternoon, the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association announced that the event will take place July 25-27 at Gilroy Gardens. “We are grateful for the continued support of the Gilroy community, city of Gilroy, Gilroy Gardens, and our dedicated partners who have helped make this return possible,” the association said. The festival will be a limited-capacity experience, welcoming up to 3,000 guests with presold tickets per day, according to the association. “Guests can expect signature garlic dishes, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and the cherished traditions that have long made this event a community favorite,” the association said, adding that additional event details, including ticketing and programming, will be revealed in the coming weeks. The festival was last held in 2019. On July 28 of that year, a gunman wounded 17 people and killed three — Stephen Romero, 6, of San Jose; Keyla Salazar, 13, of San Jose; and Trevor Irby, 25, of Santa Cruz. Previously, the Gilroy Garlic Festival enjoyed international acclaim

1579 Hopkins Drive – Google Street View A spacious house located in the 1500 block of Hopkins Drive in San Jose has a new owner. The 2,764-square-foot property, built in 2005, was sold on Feb. 18, 2025. The $1,435,000 purchase price works out to $519 per square foot. This is a two-story house. The property is equipped with 236 heating and 112 cooling. Additionally, the home includes type not specified. The property encompasses a generous 6,100 square feet of land. These nearby houses have also recently changed hands: A 1,150-square-foot home on the 2000 block of Sullivan Avenue in San Jose sold in August 2024, for $905,000, a price per square foot of $787. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Sullivan Avenue, San Jose, in May 2024, a 1,150-square-foot home was sold for $825,000, a price per square foot of $717. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. In August 2024, a 2,250-square-foot home on Bal Harbor Way in San Jose sold for $1,120,000, a price per square foot of $498. The home has 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This article