Category: Bay Area

By Kelly Murray and Veronica Miracle | CNN Five skiers were transported to the hospital Monday after an “incident” on a chair lift at Heavenly ski resort in Lake Tahoe, according to Tahoe Douglas Fire Protection District Assistant Chief Bryce Cranch. Skiers injured as lift chairs collided at ski resort in Lake Tahoe. (Courtesy Brett Federico via CNN Newsource) The patients’ conditions are not yet known. The incident happened around 10 a.m. local time, and fire officials said they responded with two fire engines and three rescue ambulances. Photos captured by a skier and shared with CNN show the aftermath of a collision between two chairs. Travis Faanes told CNN that he was in the lift line for the Dipper Express chairlift when he heard someone yell out, “Oh my God!” He said when he turned to his right, he saw people fall and hit the ground. “The chair slid backwards with people on it into the chair behind it,” Faanes said. “The people in the front chair fell off.” He added that this could have been worse. “They [are] lucky this happened at the very

FREMONT – A driver hit and killed a pedestrian over the weekend in Fremont, according to authorities. The fatal traffic collision happened around 5:15 a.m. Saturday near the intersection of Decoto Road and Brookmill Drive, the Fremont Police Department said in a news release. The pedestrian, identified only as a 31-year-old Hayward man, was pronounced dead at the scene. A preliminary investigation indicated a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Decoto Road, approaching Brookmill Drive, when it hit the pedestrian, police said, adding that the pedestrian was crossing Decoto Road outside a marked crosswalk at the time. The driver remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, police said. The cause of the crash is under investigation, but alcohol and drugs did not appear to play a role, police said. The fatal traffic collision is the 15th of the year in Fremont. Nine have happened on city roadways, four on state routes and two on private property, according to police. Anyone with information related to the case can contact the police department at 510-790-6760. Check back for updates.

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor. Who is trying to fix Oakland’s problems? Re: “Broken Oakland needs more than a new mayor” (Page A8, Dec. 22). This is the best analysis I have ever seen of Oakland’s completely disastrous failure to function as a city. I grew up in New York City, then lived in the Chicago suburb of Park Forest, Cambridge, Mass, and I’m now living in Berkeley and I’m invested in Oakland. I have never seen such chaos and complete lack of accountability in city government. Steven Falk’s analysis citing the history and the SPUR report stunningly responds to the questions I have been pondering: Is it simply endemic corruption fueled by apparently endemic racial division? Or is there something even more systemic? Falk’s organizational analysis is clearly important. Is there anyone reading this besides myself? Where are those who are working to fix this in Oakland? Ellen Rodin Oakland Newsom should give state a new CPUC Could California homeowners hope for a Christmas present from Gov. Newsom in appointing a new California Public

OAKLAND — The race to be Oakland’s next mayor may have officially kicked off Monday, but the starting line is eerily quiet — and may continue to be until Rep. Barbara Lee makes up her mind about whether to run. Lee, the longtime East Bay congresswoman and stalwart of progressive politics, said late last week in a social media post that she will announce her decision in early January, noting the decision was “not one I take lightly.” In the meantime, Lee has held numerous private meetings with city officials about the issues affecting Oakland, from the ongoing budget crisis to homelessness to policing, two sources with direct knowledge of those conversations told this news organization. The policy “deep dive,” as a source not authorized to speak publicly put it, might offer reassurance to skeptics who worry that the retiring legislator, who has represented Oakland, Alameda, Berkeley and San Leandro in Congress since 1998, would struggle to adapt to running a city full-time. But the larger consequence of Lee’s decision-making timeline is that the run-up to the April 15 special election to replace Mayor Sheng

Breaking News High School Sports | Santa Cruz Wharf partially collapses; 3 rescued from water 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. McKenna Woliczko named MVP after scoring 25 points against previously undefeated Ontario Christian as Mitty wins second consecutive Nike Tournament of Champions The Archbishop Mitty girls basketball team and coaching staff pose for a photo after winning the 2024 Nike Tournament of Champions (Photo courtesy of Sue Phillips/Mitty basketball) By Joseph Dycus | jdycus@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024 at 3:25 PM PST McKenna Woliczko named MVP after scoring 25 points against previously undefeated Ontario Christian as Mitty wins second consecutive Nike Tournament of Champions Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

SANTA CRUZ — Three workers inspecting the Santa Cruz Wharf fell into the choppy ocean waves and had to be rescued after part of the structure collapsed Monday, said city officials who fear the next storm could cause more damage. Two of the victims were rescued from the waters by lifeguards and a third self-rescued, officials said. The collapse occurred around 12:44 p.m. as the end of the wharf was barraged by powerful west swells, officials said at an afternoon press conference. About 150 feet of the wharf broke off and fell into the water. Mayor Fred Keeley, who toured the wharf with police, fire and public works officials on Monday, said he is “very concerned” that more of the structure will collapse with the next incoming storm. “What we saw this morning is likely to be not as intense as what we may see later today or potentially early tomorrow,” Keeley said. “That was what I was told repeatedly by a number of folks who are out there on the scene who have a very good feel for the ocean and the tides and

SAN FRANCISCO — A woman has been charged with embezzling mail while she was working for the U.S. Postal Service, record show. Navdeep Kaur allegedly “admitted to stealing a large quantity of mail entrusted to her and intended for delivery,” prosecutors said in court filings. She was charged with embezzlement by a mail employee, a charge that carries up to five years behind bars. Kaur was hired by the postal service in April 2023, and prosecutors in court filings said her employment ended the day after Christmas last year. She allegedly confessed to the theft after an internal investigation began, records show. Prosecutors haven’t disclosed exactly what Kaur allegedly stole, but they have filed a forfeiture petition for the stolen property. Kaur pleaded not guilty at her first court appearance on Dec. 18, records show. Originally Published: December 23, 2024 at 2:06 PM PST

Which blackout curtains are best? Blackout curtains are essential for any bedroom with lots of natural light, and they have a lot of other benefits that buyers love as a bonus. Many buy curtains for their design, but choosing a model that effectively blocks light is just as important for those with bright bedrooms. This Eclipse Fresno Black 52-by-84-Inch Modern Single Panel Blackout Curtain offers a single curtain panel at a reasonable price that helps insulate heat, reduce noise, and block light. What to know before you buy blackout curtains Location Where you plan to put your curtains may influence which ones are best for you. Primarily, the best blackout curtains should offer light-blocking qualities and decorative benefits. Many install blackout curtains in bright bedrooms to help block light while they try to sleep in the morning. Other benefits of these curtains include their heat-insulating and noise-reducing qualities, which can also come in handy in bedrooms. Still, it’s not uncommon to install blackout curtains in living rooms and offices, or in other places where it may be helpful to have more control over light levels.

By LISA MASCARO and ALANNA DURKIN RICHER WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Ethics Committee’s long-awaited report on Matt Gaetz documents a trove of salacious allegations, including sex with an underage girl, that tanked the Florida Republican’s bid to lead the Justice Department. Citing text messages, travel receipts, online payments and testimony, the bipartisan committee paints a picture of a lifestyle in which Gaetz and others connected with younger women for drug-fueled parties, events or trips, with the expectation the women would be paid for their participation. The former congressman, who filed a last-minute lawsuit to try to block the report’s release on Monday, slammed the committee’s findings. Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he never had sex with a minor. And a Justice Department investigation into the allegations ended without any criminal charges filed against him. “Giving funds to someone you are dating — that they didn’t ask for — and that isn’t ‘charged’ for sex is now prostitution?!?” Gaetz wrote in one post on Monday. “There is a reason they did this to me in a Christmas Eve-Eve report and not in

Which baby snow boot is best? If you think getting wet, cold feet in the middle of a snowy winter is miserable for you, then try to imagine how miserable it would be for a baby. Getting a good pair of baby snow boots can mean the difference between a day of fun or a day of tears and tantrums. The best baby snow boot is the BMCiTYBM Waterproof Baby Snow Boots With Faux Fur. These baby snow boots are supremely functional, with nonslip soles and a waterproof upper to keep little feet dry. What to know before you buy baby snow boots Size A common misstep when buying clothing for babies is to buy larger sizes so they can grow into them. This is an especially bad idea for baby snow boots, as larger-than-appropriate sizes can lead to your baby walking out of the boot if it gets stuck and allowing snow to enter and fill the voids. Each baby snow-boot manufacturer has different sizing charts, so make sure to order the size that most closely approximates your baby’s feet measurements. Material Material isn’t quite as

Sabrina Ionescu holds the WNBA basketball championship trophy during the New York Liberty’s parade Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) By Joseph Dycus | jdycus@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024 at 12:22 PM PST Sabrina Ionescu won a WNBA title and an Olympic gold medal in 2024, will join new league that will start play in January Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

By JIM VERTUNO AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued the NCAA to block the participation of transgender athletes in women’s sports, arguing that it tricks and misleads fans. The lawsuit filed in state district court in Lubbock and announced Sunday, argues the NCAA violates the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by promoting women’s sports that may include a transgender athlete. The law is designed to protect consumers from being misled or tricked into buying products or services that are not as advertised, the lawsuit said. The Texas lawsuit is the latest attempt by conservative politicians to target transgender athletes and push the NCAA into banning them from competition. President-elect Donald Trump has said he wants to stop trans athletes from competing. The lawsuit seeks an injunction to stop the NCAA from allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports in Texas, or in sports that involve Texas programs. Or it wants the court to require the NCAA to stop marketing events as “women’s” sports if transgender athletes are allowed. In a statement, Paxton appeared to reference the recent controversy involving

By PAUL WISEMAN | Associated Press WASHINGTON  — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What kind of economy is Trump inheriting? A: It is objectively a strong economy. But that doesn’t mean the man in the street agrees. If you look just at the growth numbers, they’ve been strong, and the unemployment rate’s pretty low. But consumer confidence remains muted. Although the inflation rate has come down, the level of prices remains much higher than it used to be. That was obviously weighing on consumer sentiment. Q: What will be the economic priorities for

The Best of the West offers fans a candid assessment of the top teams in the western third of the country — a collection that includes the Mountain West and the former Pac-12 schools now scattered across the ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and West Coast Conference. The rankings will be published on the Hotline each Monday through the remainder of the regular season. 1. UCLA (10-2/2-0 Big Ten) Last week: 1 Results: lost to North Carolina 76-74 NET ranking: 20 Next up: vs. Gonzaga (Saturday) Comment: The Bruins flopped against North Carolina in much the same fashion that Arizona flopped against UCLA a week earlier. Up 16 points with 13 minutes left, they crashed and burned and left Madison Square Garden with a two-point loss that won’t be forgotten — at least for a week. 2. Gonzaga (9-3) Last week: 2 Results: beat Nicholls State 102-72 and Bucknell 86-65 NET ranking: 5 Next up: vs. UCLA Comment: The upcoming showdown with the Bruins (at the Intuit Dome) offers a final chance for the Zags to polish their resume — and grab a third Quadrant

Santa Cruz’s new La Bahia Hotel & Spa, which will open in summer 2025, will offer four dining destinations including the poolside Plunge, a cocktail bar with light bites. (Courtesy La Bahia Hotel & Spa) By Jackie Burrell | jburrell@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST From Seattle’s RailSpur to downtown Healdsburg, here are 10 swanky new hotels and luxe glamping resorts opening in 2025. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

Breaking News Restaurants, Food and Drink | House Ethics report finds evidence Matt Gaetz paid thousands for sex and drugs including paying a 17-year-old for sex in 2017 Things To Do Restaurants, Food and Drink News, Review News, Review Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources., An assessment or critique of a service, product, or creative endeavor such as art, literature or a performance. Restaurants, Food and Drink | The best Bloody Marys in the Bay Area for 2025, plus recipes to try at home The popular hangover cure first came to America in 1934, but the recipe continues to evolve The St. Regis New York hotel claims to have brought the first Bloody Mary cocktail to America in 1934 via French bartender Fernand Petiot (photo courtesy of The St. Regis New York). By John Metcalfe | jmetcalfe@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group, Jason Mastrodonato | jmastrodonato@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group and Kate Bradshaw | kbradshaw@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST The quintessential brunch cocktail

By Sarah McBride | Bloomberg President-elect Donald Trump is handing out high-profile positions to some of the key Silicon Valley players who helped get him elected. At the top of the list, of course, is Elon Musk, with his starring role on the transition team. But there’s a larger coterie of tech world Trump supporters who are now working with the incoming administration, with varying degrees of formality. The roles range from purely advisory to traditional appointments. For example, Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency,” or DOGE, is an advisory group, not an actual US department. The investor Marc Andreessen is advising Trump, but is keeping his day job. And Palantir Technologies Inc. adviser Jacob Helberg is slated to take a more standard role as an undersecretary of state. RELATED: ‘It’s Silicon Valley’s turn’;: Bay Area VC David Sacks pulled into Trump’s close orbit It’s still unclear how influential some of these roles will be. With advisory positions, “this is more an effort for Trump to signal a friendliness to innovation and investment in these sectors than anything else,” said Brian Broughman, a professor at Vanderbilt Law School who focuses on startups.

These nut-filled bar cookies are an easy dessert for parties — or lunch boxes, for that matter. (Lynda Balslev for Tastefood) By Lynda Balslev, Columnist | Columnist PUBLISHED: December 23, 2024 at 6:45 AM PST These pecan bars get their umami richness from an unexpected — and very easy — source. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

By SUSAN HAIGH | Associated Press Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check. The IRS said it’s distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. But the IRS on Friday said it discovered many eligible taxpayers hadn’t done so. “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement. Here’s more about the unexpected cash this group of taxpayers will soon receive: What’s the likelihood I’ll receive a check? Sorry, it’s probably pretty low. The IRS said most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments, have already received them. The special payments announced

DEAR JOAN: I have a hummingbird with a red head that sits atop the feeder and chases away any other birds that come to feed. How can I make him stop or chase him away? — Harry N., San Jose DEAR HARRY: Your little bully bird is most likely a male Anna’s hummer. The male’s head is covered in red feathers, and the Anna’s hummingbird is a permanent resident of the Bay Area, finding our warmer winters preferable to a long migration. I love hummingbirds. Just seeing one can brighten my day instantly, but we need to be honest here. Hummingbirds can sometimes be little jerks. Some, primarily the males, are known for guarding food sources and territories. They just don’t want to share, and they can become quite aggressive in the winter, when there isn’t as much food to go around. That behavior is more justified when they’re scrapping for survival, but less so in the spring and summer, when food isn’t that much of an issue. Experts have two primary methods for handling bullies, and both involve more work for humans. You need to

Our intrepid readers have embarked on all kinds of treks this year, from hikes in Nepal to a cooking class in Barcelona and adventures in California’s Desolation Wilderness. And once they return home, they’ve shared their stories and helpful travel tips with us. Read on for the Icelandic adventures of a South Bay couple, then find more reader travel inspiration at www.mercurynews.com/tag/wish-you-were-here/. Wish You Were Here ICELAND: Campbell residents Ardis Young and Jim Heck did a 15-day self-drive tour around Iceland in September. The trip, Ardis says, “included three days on the Westfjords peninsula, where we made a stop at Dynjandi — meaning thunderous or resounding — waterfall which cascades 328 feet, is 98 feet wide at the top and 196 feet wide at the bottom. “There are so many beautiful waterfalls in Iceland, but this one stood out. As you hike up approximately 650 feet to this location, you are rewarded by passing by six other smaller waterfalls along the way. September is a great time to visit Iceland.  It’s less crowded, the Fall colors are outstanding and you have a good chance of