Category: Bay Area

By Justin Katumwa, Jean-Yves Kamale and Wilson McMakin | Associated Press KINSHASA, Congo — An overcrowded boat capsized on a river in central Congo on Tuesday, killing at least 25 people, including children, and leaving dozens missing, officials and local residents said. The vessel was believed to have more than 100 passengers on board after leaving from the town of Inongo, northeast of the capital of Kinshasa. It capsized a few hundred meters (yards) into the journey along the Fimi River, the latest such tragedy to strike Congo. A search was underway for the missing hours later on Tuesday as concerns rose that the death toll could be far higher. “There was overloading at roof level and, as far as the lifeless human bodies are concerned, at least 25 have been recovered so far,” said David Kalemba, Inongo’s river commissioner. The capsized boat was also loaded with goods, according to Alex Mbumba, a resident of the area. “Among the dead are children, but it’s difficult to give an exact death toll at the moment as … the boat had a lot of passengers,” said Mbumba.

Siddharth Philip, Albertina Torsoli and David Welch (Bloomberg) — Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are exploring a potential merger, according to people familiar with the matter, which would create a singular rival to Toyota Motor Corp. in Japan and better position the combined company to face competitive challenges around the world. Honda is considering several options including a merger, capital tie-up or the establishment of a holding company, Executive Vice President Shinji Aoyama said on Wednesday, following reports overnight of talks between the carmakers. The two have been holding preliminary talks about a combination, said the people, who asked not to be identified because discussions are private. One option being considered is the creation of a new holding company under which the combined businesses would operate, one of the people said. The transaction could also be expanded to include Mitsubishi Motors Corp., which already has capital ties with Nissan, the person said. Discussions are early stage and may not lead to an agreement, the people said. Nissan shares weren’t trading early Wednesday and were set to rise due to increased buying interest, while

In his home studio in Alameda, composer Brian Baumbusch creates and records music that a friend says is like a diamond because each composition’s structure is so strong it can’t crumble, even when listened to 10 times or more. “I write music that’s not difficult on the ear, music that’s pleasing on the surface and internally, inconspicuously complex,” Baumbusch says of his recent album, “Polytempo Music” (othermindsrecords.bandcamp.com/album/polytempo-music). “The average person can listen to the music, and it’s stimulating and beautiful. You don’t have to understand it’s harmonic lineage to want to hear it again and again.” Baumbusch, like his music, has a complex, poly-influenced lineage (brianbaumbusch.com/bio). He grew up in a Washington, D.C., suburb in a family whose members include an architect, tax lawyer, fine art painter, polymaths and musicians. His parents were supportive of science, technology and the arts and took their three sons to operas and symphonies but also emphasized academics. Baumbusch says that, playing in the family’s Presbyterian church bell choir, he discovered at a young age that music came easily to him. “I always had music running in my mind —

With the vast majority of waterway pollution caused by homeless encampments, San Jose officials and nonprofit partners have begun to assess the extent of the problem along the worst stretches of the city’s creeks and streams. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan joined staff from homeless nonprofit providers on Tuesday morning to conduct a manual count of homeless residents living along Coyote Creek as the city pushes to ban encampments and establish no-return zones as it connects them to services and more stable housing. “We need to preserve our progress,” Mahan told The Mercury News. “We should be offering basic, dignified shelter to folks and repeatedly do outreach and offer it. Eventually, we have to convey to people who refuse shelter and are in public spaces, along major roadways, near schools, or otherwise sensitive areas that we need to ban encampments.” As part of the requirements to maintain its stormwater permits and comply with the Clean Water Act, San Jose has targeted the cleanup and banning of encampments along 12 miles of its 140 mile-plus waterway system. City officials have estimated that 88% of pollution comes

By RONALD BLUM NEW YORK (AP) — A yearlong study by Major League Baseball concluded rising velocities, pitch shaping and emphasis on maximum effort are the likely causes of the vast increase in pitcher injuries and recommended exploring rules changes to address the problem. The 62-page report released Tuesday said the trends extended to high school and youth baseball because of the incentive to get noticed by professional scouts. The study said there is no evidence linking the pitch clock to injuries. Illustrated with 26 tables of data, the report was based on interviews with more than 200 people that included players, front office executives, orthopedic surgeons, athletic trainers, physical therapists, biochemists, major league, college and independent coaches, and international trainers. “This is a landmark event,” said Glenn Fleisig, director of biomechanics research at the American Sports Medicine Institute in Birmingham, Alabama, who participated in the study. “This is a very important first step, which is to identify the problem and identify the likely risk factors. I am pleased that there was such a consensus. … The next step is to do various types of

PG&E bills might hop higher due to fed’s $15 billion loan to utility Some advocates fear higher bills while PG&E claims customers will benefit (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group file) PG&E crews work to restore electrical power in Los Gatos, 2023. PG&E says it is getting a $15 billion federal loan that will help customers save money — but multiple consumer groups warn monthly bills could rise as a result. Originally Published: December 17, 2024 at 12:35 PM PST

By TIM REYNOLDS LAS VEGAS (AP) — The NBA All-Star Game is going to be an All-Star tournament this season, with the league announcing on Tuesday that it has finalized plans to use a different format for the upcoming midseason showcase in San Francisco. And scoring is sure to be down — way, way, way down. This season’s format is a four-team, three-game, one-night tournament, three teams of eight All-Stars apiece and the fourth team being the winner of the Rising Stars challenge for first- and second-year players. The winning team in all games will be the first to score 40 points. It’ll happen Feb. 16 at the Chase Center, the Warriors’ home arena. The Rising Stars event is there Feb. 14, headlining All-Star Friday as part of the league’s takeover of the Bay Area. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has wanted a more competitive All-Star event for some time, and this change comes after the teams combined to score a record 397 points — 211-186 was the final —  in last season’s game at Indianapolis. The teams combined to take 289 shot attempts in last year’s

Bay Area Home Report 1218 Ashmount Avenue – Google Street View A spacious historic house located in the 1200 block of Ashmount Avenue in Piedmont has a new owner. The 3,442-square-foot property, built in 1927, was sold on Sept. 4, 2024. The $3,250,000 purchase price works out to $944 per square foot. This two-story house boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and four baths. Outside, the home presents roofing composed of tiles materials. Inside, a fireplace enhances the ambiance of the living area. In addition, the home includes a garage. The property encompasses a generous 8,775 square feet of land. These nearby houses have also recently changed hands: In November 2022, a 2,765-square-foot home on La Salle Avenue in Piedmont sold for $3,100,000, a price per square foot of $1,121. The home has 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. A 1,952-square-foot home on the 300 block of Sea View Avenue in Piedmont sold in September 2022, for $2,319,000, a price per square foot of $1,188. The home has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Mandana Boulevard, Oakland, in July 2024, a 1,641-square-foot home was

By Anthony Washington, The Fresh Toast There is lots of talk about indica, sativa, and hybrids – but does it really matter? All of Canadian and over 50% of the US population have access to legal cannabis, and use is increasing and people are being more open. Sales are rocketing, but like spririts and wine, do people really focus type of strain?  Do marijuana strains really matter and what should you know? A YouGov survey asked how people purchased wine, which sells more than the cannabis industry. The top three factors in choosing a wine is price (by far), brand and ratings. With marijuana, it is markets by strain and price. Marijuana, derived from the cannabis plant, is commonly categorized into three main types: indica, sativa, and hybrid. While these classifications have been widely used, recent research suggests that the distinctions may not be as clear-cut as once believed. Indica Cannabis indica plants are typically short and bushy with wide leaves. Originating from the Hindu Kush mountains of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, these plants adapted to harsh, dry climates. Indica strains are often associated with relaxing and calming effects, making them popular

By CHRIS MEGERIAN WASHINGTON  — President Joe Biden endorsed a ban on congressional stock trading in an interview that’s being released this week, belatedly weighing in on an issue that has been debated on Capitol Hill for years. “Nobody in the Congress should be able to make money in the stock market while they’re in the Congress,” Biden said. The interview was conducted by Faiz Shakir, a political adviser for Sen. Bernie Sanders, and published by A More Perfect Union, a pro-labor advocacy and journalism organization. The Associated Press reviewed a video of the interview before its release. It’s unclear what impact Biden’s statement could have, coming only a month before his term ends. The Democratic president spoke to Shakir about his economic legacy, which includes supporting unions, investing in clean energy projects and signing infrastructure. But Shakir also asked about congressional stock trading, which has been a catalyst for populist anger at Washington. For example, when the coronavirus pandemic was approaching, some lawmakers bought and sold millions of dollars worth of stock after being briefed on the virus. A bipartisan proposal to ban trading

Ritchie Valens was rescued from obscurity by a 1987 movie, “La Bamba,” that finally put the Southern California teen’s story ahead of Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper, the two older singers who died in the same Feb. 3, 1959 plane crash. The movie became a cultural touchstone. Books about Valens, though, have been scarce. The only biography was 1987’s “Ritchie Valens, the First Latino Rocker” by Beverly Mendheim, who struggled to turn her research into a narrative. Since then, the miserable and frigid Winter Dance Party tour that included the doomed trio has been the subject of a book. Others have been penned on Chicano rock in Southern California and on Valens’ guitars (really). But that’s it. Until now, with the publication of “Come On Baby, Let’s Rock, Rock, Rock!”, subtitled “The inspired life and enduring legacy of Ritchie Valens.” Corey Long, Valens’ biographer, is a 46-year-old White man from Toronto who has visited Southern California only once. But he tells Valens’ story skillfully, without getting lost in the details. While he had to publish “Come On Baby” himself, and acknowledges he could have

Taco Bell will begin serving its take on chicken nuggets nationwide on Thursday, Dec. 19. Taco Bell’s Crispy Chicken Nuggets feature crunchy tortilla chip breading and will be served with Hidden Valley Fire Ranch Sauce, according to a news release. RELATED: Taco Bell brings back its Caramel Apple Empanada This is the Irvine-based fast food chain’s first collaboration with Hidden Valley, maker of a popular ranch dressing. Other dipping sauces will include Bell Sauce:, which the chain calls a new blend, and Jalapeño Honey Mustard. The price will be about $3.99 for five-piece nuggets and one dipping sauce or $6.99 for 10 nuggets and two sauces. There will also be combos with Nacho Fries and a fountain drink for $5.99 or $8.99 or a meal with a Crunchy Taco, Beef Chalupa  Nacho Fries and a fountain drink for $10.49 Nuggets will be available at participating locations for a limited time. Information: tacobell.com Originally Published: December 17, 2024 at 9:07 AM PST

Various domestic and imported brands of liquors sit on the shelves at Cask Store in Berkeley, Calif., on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 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 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST Experts from three bottle shops around the Bay Area give their recommendations.   Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

These Perfect Chocolate Puddle Cookies are inspired by cookies at San Francisco’s b.Patisserie. (Courtesy Laura McLively) By Laura Mclively, correspondent PUBLISHED: December 17, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST This amazing, gooey chocolate chip cookie oozes dark chocolate. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

A Solano County Superior Court judge on Monday set an April date for the jury trial of a 63-year-old Fairfield man accused of killing his wife on or about Valentine’s Day 2023, then burning her body in Fresno County. Gregory Grant Hobson appeared in Department 25 for the setting, and Judge Janice M. Williams ordered the defendant to face trial beginning at 9 a.m. April 28 in the Justice Center in Fairfield. Williams also scheduled two pretrial matters: a trial confirmation at 8:30 a.m. March 13 and a trial management conference at 8:30 a.m. April 24. Court records on Monday showed the attorneys estimated the trial would take five weeks. During the brief morning proceeding, Chief Deputy Public Defender Oscar Bobrow represented Hobson, and Deputy District Attorney Eric Charm appeared for the District Attorney’s Office. The trial date comes more than 11 months after Hobson’s preliminary hearing on charges related to the disappearance and death of Anu Anand Hobson, 53. Anu Anand Hobson (Courtesy photo, Fairfield Police Department)  Evidence presented during the hearing, which ended in mid-January, revealed a bloody tote bag that forensic analysis

Winter is here which means rain, mud and chilly temperatures — not a great recipe for outdoor fun with our dogs. And a dog that doesn’t get to exercise their brain and body is bound to get into mischief. But just because you’re indoors doesn’t mean your dog can’t have a blast. Here are some fun ways to keep your furry friend entertained and happy during those chilly days. • DIY obstacle course. Turn your living room into an agility course. Use household items like cushions, chairs and blankets to create tunnels and weaving paths. Encourage your dog to go through the course using their favorite toy or treat as a lure. It’s a fantastic way to engage them physically and mentally. Make it a family activity by letting everyone take turns designing the course. • Interactive toys. Invest in puzzle toys or treat-dispensing gadgets to stimulate your dog’s brain. Toys like Kongs filled with peanut butter — make sure it’s xylitol-free — or interactive games where they have to find hidden treats are perfect for indoor entertainment. These activities keep them busy while sharpening

Dec. 14 PETTY THEFT: 9:02 p.m. at Safeway on North Santa Cruz Avenue. A caller reported seeing two juveniles holding alcoholic drinks and running out of the store. BATTERY: 8 p.m. at Pizza My Heart on North Santa Cruz Avenue. A caller reported that their 13-year-old son was shot in the eye with a paintball gun. VANDALISM: 10:31 a.m. at North Santa Cruz Avenue and Blossom Hill Road. A caller reported that she honked at a vehicle and the driver threw “a bottle of something” at her vehicle. Dec. 13 PETTY THEFT: 1:35 p.m. at Ace Hardware on South Santa Cruz Avenue. Seven to 10 propane tanks were reported as stolen from a locked cage at the store. Dec. 12 DRUNK IN PUBLIC: 9:14 p.m. on University Avenue. A caller reported that someone was screaming “hey” and “running up at people.”

San Jose group bids for an expansion team in women’s tackle football league A San Jose group is hoping to land an expansion team in Women’s National Football Conference, currently a 17-team semi-pro tackle football league. (Photo courtesy of the WNFC). Bay Area contingent hopes to join the 6-year-old Women’s National Football Conference, a semi-pro league that will feature a tackle football and flag football team for each franchise.

Looking to round out 2024 and kick off the new year — whatever it will bring — with some fun and revelry? You’re in luck: There’s a wide spectrum of more than 20 New Year’s Eve events scheduled around the Bay Area — for all ages. From 1920’s soirees to bottomless mini-golf — and drinks — to a rooftop party or ’80s Prom Bash, this year, choose your own adventure and count down to midnight in style. For the kids: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 31, Pinstripes, 36 Hillsdale Mall, San Mateo. Ring in the new year – and still make bedtime – at this kid-friendly balloon drop and dance party with crafts, mocktails and yard games. $10 per child. https://www.pinstripes.com/ Noon Year’s Eve: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 31, Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos. Music, puppets, a magician and a balloon drop help to celebrate the new year among the underage crew. $7 and up. https://www.hiller.org/  Jazz Age revelry at Clio’s: 6 p.m., Dec. 31, Clio’s, 353 Grand Avenue Oakland. Oakland’s most charming subterranean bookstore-bar is hosting a 1920’s-themed NYE gala featuring strong

TODAY’S WORD — OVATIONS OVATIONS: oh-VAY-shuns: Expressions of popular acclaim. Average mark 17 words Time limit 30 minutes Can you find 21 or more words in OVATIONS? The list will be published tomorrow. YESTERDAY’S WORD — SAPONIFY: snap snip soap soapy sofa span spay spin spiny pain pansy piano pony posy naif noisy nosy info 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: I have been a Thanksgiving guest of my dear friends for decades. About three years ago, they learned a friend of mine, with whom they are acquainted, had no plans for the day. So, she was invited and now attends annually. The hosts are kind and generous friends, and they offer their guests the opportunity to take home doggie bags. My friend is first in line and often takes enough for two to three people, regardless of the amount of food remaining and the number of people there. She then freezes the bounty since she will be gone (her family does Thanksgiving the weekend after). My hosting friends are too nice to say anything to her. She is financially stable so it’s not that she isn’t sure where her next meal is coming from. Also, the hosts provide the entire meal, so she brings nothing to the mix. Although tone-deaf, my friend is extremely sensitive, so I am reluctant to say anything. Do you have any advice? Do I just accept that this is how my friend is (she has taken advantage of