Category: Bay Area

OAKLAND — The Diocese of Oakland this week proposed creating a trust worth at least $117 million to help settle hundreds of lawsuits alleging decades of sexual abuse by its priests, in a deal that victims’ attorneys immediately labeled “pathetic.” The diocese’s proposed payout highlighted a reorganization plan it filed late Friday to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy and settle roughly 350 lawsuits from people claiming to have been abused by the Catholic church’s leaders. The trust would be funded over the course of several years and include the title to a Livermore property the church says could add tens of millions of dollars in value to the victims’ trust. Attorneys for the sexual assault victims called the plan “a scam and a sham” on Saturday, alleging the diocese undervalued its assets as a means to avoid paying more. If approved, the payout would be less than an $880 million settlement reached last month between the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and more than 1,350 people who sued church leaders in Southern California. “It’s what we call a cram-down plan,” said Rick Simons, an attorney for numerous

ANTIOCH — A nearly eight-hour standoff with a 61-year-old man, who was armed with a knife and suspected of domestic violence, ended late Friday with the man being taken into custody by members of the Antioch Police Department SWAT team. The standoff began after police were called to a home in the 1000 block of Stonecrest Drive about 3:43 p.m. Friday, according to an Antioch police press release. A woman had reportedly been assaulted, kidnapped and robbed by the suspect. When officers arrived at the home, they found the woman, 47, outside, with her alleged assailant barricaded inside, the press release said. The man also was believed to be armed. Police also learned that he had violated the terms of a court order and was wanted on several unrelated felony warrants for violating the terms of his probation. Officers attempted to negotiate with the man for several hours, but he refused to come out and surrender, the release said. He instead displayed a large knife at the officers. The Antioch Police Department’s Crisis Negotiation and SWAT teams soon responded and continued negotiations. During that time

SUBSCRIBER ONLY San Jose State beats Oregon State to clinch bowl eligibility Spartans score 14 points in fourth quarter to win on road against Oregon State, improve to 6-3 San Jose State’s Nick Nash (3) runs with the ball against Oregon State at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, OR, on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Courtesy of San Jose State Athletics) Spartans score 14 points in fourth quarter to win on road against Oregon State, improve to 6-3. Originally Published: November 9, 2024 at 4:22 PM PST

By Paolo Santalucia and Joseph Wilson | Associated Press VALENCIA, Spain — Tens of thousands of Spaniards marched in the eastern city of Valencia on Saturday to demand the resignation of the regional president in charge of the emergency response to last week’s catastrophic floods that left more than 200 dead and others missing. A group of protestors clashed with riot police in front of Valencia’s city hall, where the protestors started their march to the seat of the regional government. Police used batons to beat them back. Regional leader Carlos Mazón is under immense pressure after his administration failed to issue flood alerts to citizens’ cellphones until hours after the flooding started on the night of Oct. 29. Many marchers held up homemade signs or chanted “Mazón Resign!” Others carried signs with messages like “You Killed Us!” Upon arrival at the regional government seat, some protesters slung mud on the building and left handprints of the muck on its facade. Earlier on Saturday, Mazón told regional broadcaster À Punt that “there will be time to hold officials accountable,” but that now “is time to

Lateefah Simon will take over Rep. Barbara Lee’s District 12 seat in the House of Representatives, defeating competitor Jennifer Tran. As of 5:19 p.m. Friday, Simon had received about 67% of the vote to Tran’s 36%, with about 38% of votes counted, the Associated Press reported. “CA-12, I’m honored that you’ve elected me as your next Congresswoman,” Simon said on her social media platforms. “Like I’ve done throughout my entire career, I will fight for representation and equality for ALL of our East Bay communities. Next stop, Congress!” The open congressional seat in District 12 opened up after Rep. Barbara Lee lost in her run for California senator and did not seek reelection. District 12 includes Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont and San Leandro. The question of whether or not to recall Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also called Friday with 65% of voters backing the recall and 35% voting against, according to the Associated Press. The Associated Press also called two California State Assembly races Friday. Democrat Anamarie Avila Farias came out victorious against Republican Sonia Ledo in the race to represent

Breaking News College Sports | Bomb threat forces evacuation of Santa Clara County election office Sports College Sports News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. SUBSCRIBER ONLY San Jose State’s women’s volleyball team has now had seven matches canceled amid transgender controversy San Jose State players huddle before an NCAA college volleyball match against Colorado State, Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) By Justice delos Santos | jdelossantos@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: November 9, 2024 at 1:35 PM PST San Jose State’s women’s volleyball team has now had seven matches canceled amid transgender controversy. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

SAN JOSE — A bomb threat prompted officials to evacuate the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office in San Jose on Saturday morning, NBC Bay Area reported. The bomb threat was “communicated to” the registrar’s main facility on Berger Drive in North San Jose about 8 a.m. Saturday, leading to the evacuation of the building. Vote counting was suspended until the building can be cleared, according to the report. Officials with the Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office as well as San Jose police, fire, bomb squad and hazmat teams responded to the incident. The Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The San Jose Police Department did not provide comment given that the incident is under Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department investigate a possible bomb threat at the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters Office in San Jose, Calif., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)  Originally Published: November 9, 2024 at 12:19 PM PST

Breaking News High School Sports | Bomb threat forces evacuation of Santa Clara County election office Sports High School Sports 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. SUBSCRIBER ONLY Jhadis Luckey breaks school single-game rushing touchdown record en route to crazy win over Amador Valley California head coach Danny Calcagno speaks to his players during warm-ups before their game against San Ramon Valley at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. San Ramon Valley defeated California 38-26.(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) By Nathan Canilao | Bay Area News Group UPDATED: November 9, 2024 at 12:22 PM PST California beats Amador Valley 54-48 in overtime in classic game. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here. Originally Published: November 9, 2024 at 12:04 PM PST

California air quality regulators late Friday approved a plan to strengthen limits on the planet-warming emissions from gasoline and diesel fuels, a move expected to raise gas prices while bringing public health benefits. Members of the California Air Resources Board approved amendments to the state low carbon fuel standard during a meeting in Riverside that stretched 11 hours and featured scores of public speakers. Twelve of the appointed board members voted for the changes and two voted against. The new standard will carry lower limits for the carbon intensity of transportation fuels that can be sold in the state without penalty. The tougher regulations will reduce asthma symptoms for more than 70,000 Californians, according to the board’s estimate, and pump $100 billion of private investment into clean energy infrastructure over the next two decades. Board chair Liane Randolph said that will help protect residents from air pollution and climate-fueled natural disasters — as well as price hikes by gas companies. “We cannot afford to continue with the status quo,” Randolph said. But the change is controversial. State Republicans have pilloried the board and Gov. Gavin

SUBSCRIBER ONLY Bay Area high school football roundup 2024: Best of Week 11 action The King’s Academy stuns Capuchino. Las Lomas upsets Acalanes. Menlo School edges Sacred Heart Prep in Valpo Bowl, Campolindo heats up in final quarter to top Miramonte. Las Lomas’ Kaden Lagaya, shown here running in a file photo, rushed for 128 yards and a touchdown on Friday night as the Knights upset Acalanes in a DAL Foothill game. (Doug Duran/Bay Area News Group) The King’s Academy stuns Capuchino. Las Lomas upsets Acalanes. Menlo School edges Sacred Heart Prep in Valpo Bowl, Campolindo heats up in final quarter to top Miramonte. Originally Published: November 9, 2024 at 8:05 AM PST

Sports High School Sports 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. SUBSCRIBER ONLY Stephen Johnson will be stepping down as Branham’s football coach after the 2024 season, he exclusively told the Bay Area News Group Branham head coach Stephen Johnson watches the play unfold during the 2nd half of the Branham at Silver Creek BVAL football game at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, Calif., on Friday, October 27, 2023. (Thien-An Truong for Bay Area News Group) By Christian Babcock | cbabcock@bayareanewsgroup.com PUBLISHED: November 9, 2024 at 7:30 AM PST Stephen Johnson will be stepping down as Branham’s football coach after the 2024 season, he exclusively told the Bay Area News Group. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

SUBSCRIBER ONLY Tara VanDerveer, who retired with the most wins in college basketball history, will be honored before Stanford’s home game Sunday against Gonzaga Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer celebrates her 1,000th coaching victory at Maples Pavilion in Stanford, Calif., on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. VanDerveer becomes the third Division 1 basketball coach to win 1,000 games. (Anda Chu/Bay Area News Group) Tara VanDerveer, who retired with the most wins in college basketball history, will be honored before Stanford’s home game Sunday against Gonzaga

How about we not let the weather rain on San Jose’s downtown Veterans Day parade Monday? Yes, there is a chance of rain forecast during the parade, but the veterans taking part in the 106th annual celebration in downtown San Jose would likely tell you they’ve endured a lot worse. And given the monumental effort from a number of companies, civic organizations and individuals — elected or not — to make sure the parade happened at all this year, it would be sad to not have a good crowd lining downtown’s streets, even with umbrellas. Retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Hager, a native of Mountain View and a graduate of Santa Clara University, will serve as grand marshal of the Veterans Day parade in downtown San Jose on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024. (Photo courtesy U.S. Army)  This year’s grand marshal is retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Stephen Hager, a native of Mountain View and a Santa Clara University alum who graduated with a degree in mathematics. So yeah, he’s a Silicon Valley guy. Hager finished his 35-year military career as deputy commanding general for

ANTIOCH — Incoming Mayor Ron Bernal is focused on addressing public safety and crime, particularly in the Sycamore corridor, which has experienced a string of gun violence. While putting an emphasis on needs such as a permanent community-focused police chief, the re-establishment of neighborhood watch programs and other holistic approaches, Bernal, who is expected to be sworn in as the next mayor, said one of the overwhelming responses he’s received from Antioch residents is the lack of safety in the city. The former Antioch city manager said the multiple shootings in the city — three that took place on Election Day alone — wasn’t surprising, based on how things have been handled previously. “They don’t feel safe in Antioch, and they want something different, the residents want a different plan of attack,” said Bernal, who as of Friday’s latest election results was leading current Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe with 62.77% of the vote. The Sycamore corridor, which has been plagued by shootings, will be Bernal’s core focus, but that can only be done with the right police chief in place and ensuring the department has enough

Drive or bike across the Bay Area and you’ll notice aging asphalt turning to smooth pavement and back again to cracks and potholes. Chalk up the differences in road quality to city limits. The condition of Bay Area roads varies widely by jurisdiction, according to a recent report by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the regional transportation agency for the nine counties. On the whole, it’s not particularly good. The Bay Area’s roads are graded by condition, and an index gives a quick glimpse into which are most in need of repairs. The commission’s goal is an average of 85 out of 100 over the course of three years on the pavement condition index, meaning streets are only in moderate distress and require mostly preventative maintenance. But only a handful of jurisdictions are performing close to that level — typically smaller, wealthier cities with fewer miles of road to maintain. The top-scoring cities were Palo Alto, Orinda and Larkspur, with scores of 83, and Cupertino, with a score of 82. The cities and counties with the worst-maintained roads, all receiving “poor” ratings, were Vallejo (45), Pacifica (47)

WALNUT CREEK — Northgate and Mt. Diablo both understood the stakes, that they controlled their own destiny. Win and lock up a spot in the playoffs. Lose, and their future was out of their hands. With a chance at the dance on the line, Blayne Ballard and the Broncos handled business swiftly yet mercilessly. Behind Ballard’s three receiving touchdowns, pick-six and strip-six — five scores in total — Northgate easily defeated Mt. Diablo, 63-26, to secure the Diablo Athletic League’s second automatic playoff spot. “I haven’t had a game like that ever,” said Ballard, who also converted seven-of-eight extra points and a two-point conversion. “Usually, he’s an offensive guy,” said Northgate coach Ben Ballard, Blayne’s father. “But the pick-six and the strip recovery, that was just the icing on top.” Blayne Ballard wasn’t the only Bronco who filled up the stat sheet. Senior quarterback Brady Willis completed six-of-eight passes for four touchdowns and 159 passing yards. Sophomore Deangelo Smith compiled 168 rushing yards on eight carries with a rushing touchdown. Sophomores Tristan Tolerton and Dax Gordon contributed rushing touchdowns as well. As far as the

For bridge players, the recap of their life is an “oughtabiography.” We should have done this or that but, for reasons unknown, we didn’t. At today’s 3NT, South took the ace of clubs and led a diamond, starting on dummy’s long suit. West played low, won the next diamond and continued clubs. Declarer won and needed two dummy entries: one to set up the diamonds, one to return to cash the winners. He tried leading the four of hearts to the jack, but East took the queen and led a spade. Since South couldn’t bring in the diamonds, he took only eight tricks: two spades, two hearts, a diamond and three clubs. NINE TRICKS To make at least 3NT, South leads the ten of hearts at Trick Five. If West had the queen and covered, South would have nine tricks; if West played low, South would let the ten ride. If East had the queen and won, dummy’s ace and jack would serve as entries so South could use the diamonds. We all have “I shoulda” moments. Nobody ever played a perfect session. The aim

TODAY’S WORD — MORTISE MORTISE: MOR-tis: A hole, groove or slot into or through which another part fits or passes. Average mark 43 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 54 or more words in MORTISE? YESTERDAY’S WORD — LOUNGED: lend lode loden lodge loge lone long longed loud lounge luge lune lung lunge ogle olden udon undo node nodule noel nude nudge geld glen glue gold, golden gone dole done dongle duel dune dung 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 Readers: On Sept. 23, I published two letters from older adults struggling to find a connection (“Still Grieving” and “Wants a Connection”). I asked those of you who have successfully found friendship and romantic partnership at a later stage in life to write in. I shared some of those great responses last week and, as promised, some more today. In 2023, United States Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, released a Surgeon General Advisory on what he termed “the public health crisis of loneliness, isolation, and lack of connection in our country.” Even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said, approximately half of U.S. adults reported experiencing measurable levels of loneliness. You’re not alone. But there are solutions in the letters below and also in the wonderful new book “Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner” by Meghan Keane, the founder and producer of NPR’s “Life Kit.” It has practical and witty guidance for people of every age and stage of life. Dear Eric: After being widowed at 48 after a 28-year marriage, it did take me a bit of time

DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been feeling really hurt and frustrated lately with one of my closest friends, and it’s causing a lot of tension between us. For a while now, I’ve noticed that she wants to hang out with me only when her other friend is busy. It’s like I’m her backup plan, and I can’t help but feel like a second-class friend. Whenever her other friend is around, she barely makes time for me, but as soon as that friend is unavailable, she’ll reach out as if nothing is wrong. I’ve tried to brush it off, but it’s starting to really bother me. I feel like I’m being used, and it’s making me question our friendship. I confronted her about it recently, and instead of understanding how hurt I am, she got defensive and said I was overreacting. Now we’re not speaking, and I’m not sure what to do. I miss our friendship, but I also don’t want to feel like I’m someone’s second choice. How do I handle this without feeling guilty for wanting to be treated better? — Second-Class DEAR SECOND-CLASS: Open your

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Nick Lachey, 51; Eric Dane, 52; Susan Tedeschi, 54; Lou Ferrigno, 73. Happy Birthday: Keep money and emotions separate. A moderate, disciplined attitude regarding financial and domestic matters will help you lower your overhead, leaving room for what matters to you. You may crave change, but maintaining balance and security will ease stress and clear your head when dealing with situations that influence lifestyle, personal gains and overall happiness. Do what’s best for you. Your numbers are 8, 14, 20, 27, 33, 41, 45. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Stick to basics. A last-minute plan will put you in a vulnerable position. Research is essential if you want to make the right choice. Use your intelligence and make smart money and health choices. Don’t limit yourself for the sake of someone else’s feelings; do what’s best for you. 4 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Keep your eye on what’s unfolding, and be ready to take charge and do whatever is necessary to preserve your rights and prospects. Anger is not the answer; reasonable action and common sense will help you get