CIF state football championship scoreboard: Results from this weekend’s finals

CIF state football championships OPEN DIVISION De La Salle (12-0) vs. Mater Dei-Santa Ana (12-0) at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, Saturday, 8 p.m. DIVISION 1-AA Friday at Saddleback College: Lincoln-San Diego 28, Pittsburg 26 DIVISION 1-A Central-Fresno (12-2) vs. Edison (11-4) at Saddleback College, Saturday, 3:30 p.m. DIVISION 2-AA Friday at Saddleback College: Grant-Sacramento 35, Pacifica-Oxnard 28 DIVISION 2-A Saturday at Saddleback College: Palos Verdes 55, Twelve Bridges 19 DIVISION 3-AA Friday at Long Beach City College: Frontier-Bakersfield 18, Amador Valley 14 DIVISION 3-A Vanden (12-2) vs. Rio Hondo Prep (13-1) at Long Beach City College, Saturday, 7 p.m. DIVISION 4-AA Friday at Long Beach City College: St. Vincent de Paul 25, Highland-Palmdale 23 DIVISION 4-A Sonora (12-2) vs. St. Pius X-St. Matthias (6-9) at Long Beach City College, Saturday, 3 p.m. DIVISION 5-AA Friday at Fullerton UHSD Stadium: Carmel 48, El Capitan-Lakeside 7 DIVISION 5-A Saturday at Long Beach City College: American Canyon 68, Palmdale 47 DIVISION 6-AA Arcata (13-1) vs. Portola-Irvine (9-6) at Fullerton UHSD Stadium, Saturday, 7 p.m. DIVISION 6-A Summerville (13-1) vs. Monte Vista-Spring Valley (9-5) at Fullerton UHSD Stadium, Saturday

San Jose police ID suspect, vehicle allegedly used in kidnapping

By Bay City News A 17-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped from her home in San Jose on Friday night in a brazen assault in front of the girl’s father. San Jose police sought help after a man allegedly kidnapped Yasmin Carrera-Bravo, 17, from her home on Dec. 13, 2024. Police are looking for a silver 2006 Honda Accord with license plate 9NNZ977. (SJPD via Bay City News)  San Jose police asked for the public’s help on Saturday finding Yasmin Carrera-Bravo, who was allegedly forced into a vehicle at her home in the 1300 block of Lexington Drive at about 10:45 p.m. Friday by a man who had driven there. Police are looking for a silver 2006 Honda Accord with California plate 9NNZ977, with the front bumper possibly missing. Police said a CHP Amber Alert had been issued. Police said in a press release that Carrera-Bravo’s father and an adult woman tried to stop the man and pull Carrera-Bravo from the vehicle but could not. The man backed the vehicle into the woman and fled. The suspect was identified as 25-year-old Noah Pimentel. He is described

Mystery drone sightings keep happening in New Jersey. Here’s what we know (and don’t know)

By Bruce Shipkowski and Ken Miller | Associated Press A large number of mysterious drones have been reported flying over parts of New Jersey and the East Coast in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey’s new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety, but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft. The FBI is among several agencies investigating and has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones. What’s the deal with the drones in New Jersey? Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November. At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest

Remains of missing Illinois man discovered in pickup buried in Mississippi River

EAST MOLINE, Ill. (AP) — Human remains discovered three months ago in a pickup truck in the Mississippi River have been identified as a man who was reported missing in 2019, Illinois authorities said. “The East Moline Police Department continues to investigate this incident as a homicide,” Chief Jeff Ramsey said in a written statement. The remains were identified as Daniel Claeys, a local man who was in his early 30s when his family said he was missing in 2019. The pickup truck was reported stolen in 2017. The vehicle, buried in deep mud, was found in September in the Mississippi River near a boat ramp in East Moline. DNA helped investigators determine the identity of the remains. “Family has been notified and they now have some closure knowing their family member has been located,” Ramsey said Thursday. He said investigators will continue to try to solve Claeys’ disappearance and death. Originally Published: December 14, 2024 at 11:41 AM PST

Fighting in eastern Congo between army and rebels intensifies ahead of peace talks Sunday

By Justin Kabumba | Associated Press GOMA, Congo — Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group intensified in eastern Congo in recent days ahead of much-anticipated peace talks on Sunday, the army said. Congo’s army accused the M23 of killing 12 civilians earlier this week in villages of the Lubero territory in the eastern province of North Kivu in a statement on Friday. An M23 spokesperson told The Associated Press it denied the accusation, discrediting it as “propaganda” from Congo’s government. M23 is one of about 100 armed groups that have been vying for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the border with Rwanda, in a conflict that has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. More than 7 million people have been displaced. Congo and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of backing M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate there are up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo. Last month

YouTube singer arrested in Iran after performing an online concert while not wearing a hijab

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian authorities have arrested a female singer who performed a virtual concert on YouTube, a lawyer said. Milad Panahipour, an Iranian lawyer, said Parastoo Ahmady, 27, was arrested in Sari City, capital of the northern province of Mazandaran, on Saturday. On Thursday, the judiciary had filed a case regarding Ahmady’s concert performance, in which she performed wearing a long black sleeveless and collarless dress, but no hijab. She was accompanied by four male musicians. Ahmady had posted her concert on YouTube the day before, saying: “I am Parastoo, a girl who wants to sing for the people I love. This is a right I could not ignore; singing for the land I love passionately.” The online concert has been viewed more than 1.4 million times. Panahipour told The Associated Press: “Unfortunately, we do not know the charges against Ms. Ahmady, who arrested her, or her place of detention, but we will follow up on the matter through legal authorities.” He also said two musicians in Ahmady’s band — Soheil Faghih Nasiri and Ehsan Beiraghdar — were arrested in Tehran

West Coast recruiting roundup: USC’s in-state shift, Oregon keeps cooking and the crazy calendar

The Hotline is delighted to provide fans with a regular dive into the recruiting process through the eyes and ears of Brandon Huffman, the Seattle-based national recruiting editor for 247Sports. He submitted the following report on Dec. 13 … Winding Down 2024 It’s an unprecedented time in college football. As we have noted numerous times, the NCAA recruiting calendar has been directly impacted by the broad national trends. The calendar changed dramatically with the early-signing period on Dec. 4 and the transfer portal opening on Dec. 9. Schools can host official visitors, either from the high school ranks or the portal, until Dec. 22. After that, the dead period begins. Transfers are permitted to visit schools from Jan. 1-5, followed by a week-long stretch in which high school recruits can tour campuses, as well. Another dead period takes place Jan. 13-15, followed by two more weeks of visits. Got that? One thing has been missing this year: The frequent social media postings, so common in December, that feature coaches visiting with recruits in their homes while making the last, desperate pitch for a signature. We

Tornado warning lifted for San Francisco

Bay Area residents are in  for a rough weather today as rain and wind pound the Bay Area, San Francisco residents were jolted awake early Saturday morning by the first tornado warning ever issued for the city. It lasted about 20 minutes before ending at around 6:10 a.m. The National Weather Service has lifted a tornado threat for San Francisco and northern San Mateo County Saturday morning. The NWS initially sent a Tornado Warning at around 5:56 a.m. for northern San Mateo County and portions of downtown San Francisco. Radar detected possible tornado conditions near San Francisco, South San Francisco and Pacifica around 5:55 a.m. The agency also reminds everyone of possible flash flooding due to torrential rains. Everyone is encouraged to stay vigilant and aware of weather conditions. Originally Published: December 14, 2024 at 8:38 AM PST

Harry and Meghan’s ‘Polo’: What ‘unintentionally hilarious’ show about ‘world’s stupidest sport’ might say about them

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have reportedly tried to distance themselves from their new Netflix series “Polo,” as critics have savaged it as a plodding, “cringy,” and tone-deaf portrayal of the privileged and self-important people – like Harry and Meghan? – who participate in the world’s “stupidest sport.” It’s been widely reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex barely appear in the series, while the Daily Beast noted Friday that they have not participated in any interviews to promote the five-part series about the elite equestrian sport. Meanwhile, sources purportedly close to the couple have tried to put out the message that the final result was “pretty much out of their control.” A source told Closer that the Montecito-based Sussexes despaired of the way that Netflix bosses wanted to make the series “appeal to the masses,” by pushing a reality TV approach that would dish on the secret lives of “dirty, sweaty” polo players and their neglected but glamorous wives and girlfriends. SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – AUGUST 12: Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and players of the Royal Salute Sentebale and Singapore Polo Club

California vs. Trump: How will the economic sequel go?

Projecting California’s 2025 economy is like reviewing a movie sequel with familiar combatants. The upcoming, second-edition Donald Trump presidency again pits a pro-business force against a pro-consumer state. Ponder the massive chasms in policies – from immigration to business regulation to green energy. Add in personalities who don’t get along – the Republican president-elect vs. California’s high-profile Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom. Yet, let me suggest a simple starting point from which to dissect the emerging plot. Remember, this is Round Two. So, my trusty spreadsheet looked back to 2017, when Trump first entered the White House. The basic math goes like this: Using broad economic yardsticks, how did California’s economy fare when compared with the previous year? Remember, economies don’t change on a dime just because there’s a new boss at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. So, no matter who becomes president, the previous administration’s economic momentum – good or bad – is a factor in a president’s first year. And no matter who gets the credit, the trend lines show us that 2016 and 2017 were pretty good years. Background sounds To help recall 2017, ponder some

San Jose Symphonic Choir celebrating 100th season with special performance

The San Jose Symphonic Choir has launched its 100th season in the past month, marking an amazing century of “ordinary people making extraordinary music,” as the group’s motto proclaims. Following a sold-out performance of Felix Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” last month in Campbell and their signature “You-Sing-It Messiah” at the Hammer Theatre in San Jose, the choir will give a special free performance on Dec. 16 at the St. Joseph Cathedral Basilica in downtown San Jose. As a double treat, the 7:30 p.m. concert will also be a one-night return of the Season of Hope, a series of free concerts held at the cathedral for three decades before the COVID-19 pandemic. The San Jose Symphonic Choir has partnered with the Silicon Valley Arts Coalition on the event, which will support Catholic Charities. Artistic Director Leroy Kromm said the 100th season is a tribute to generations of singers, conductors and supporters who’ve taken the journey with the organization. “This 100th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past, but a powerful testament to the strength, passion, dedication, and artistry that have carried this choir through the past

Berkeley man pleads guilty to federal gun charges

OAKLAND – A 45-year-old Berkeley man is headed to prison for six years after he pleaded guilty to possessing guns and bullets as a convicted felon, according to prosecutors. The federal case stemmed from a shooting in Oakland on Feb. 17, 2023. Rufus Rogers, armed with a gun, approached another person outside of a liquor store on San Pablo Avenue and followed them around the corner, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said in a news release Friday. After a verbal confrontation, the person fired a single shot into the air. Rogers then raised his firearm toward the person and fired a total of three rounds, according to prosecutors. No one was injured in the shooting. Rogers pleaded guilty to one count each of being a felon in possession of a firearm and being a felon in possession of ammunition. He was remanded into custody on Wednesday. In addition to the prison term, Rogers was sentenced to a three-year period of supervised release.

Wish Book: Volunteers help find lasting homes for those on the street in Santa Clara County

For more than four years, Angela Montoya lived in a gutted shuttle bus in suburban Mountain View. It was better than a tent, but the converted airport bus still lacked a bathroom or running water. And to avoid getting towed, she was forced to stake out new street parking every few days. But the hardest part, Montoya said, was stepping through the piles of trash and used needles left by fellow vehicle-dwellers, worried that neighbors may be watching from inside their multimillion-dollar homes. “It was embarrassing because I don’t know what these people think of me,” Montoya, 61, said. “I didn’t want to be lumped into the category. I always thought of myself as better than that, and I am better than that.” Then about a year ago, a community outreach officer with the Mountain View police department connected her with The United Effort Organization, and the nonprofit helped her sort through stacks of paperwork to get on a list for a low-income apartment. One volunteer even took time out of her day to drive Montoya to her housing appointments. It wasn’t long before she

Legal aid groups sue to get California Supreme Court to expand electronic recording for civil cases

Breaking News Crime and Public Safety | ‘A shell of my former self’: Catholic clergy abuse victims recall decades of abuse at hearing, call on Diocese of Oakland to ‘do the right thing’ News Crime and Public Safety News News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Petition to high court says indigent clients are losing due process rights because they don’t have verbatim records of court hearings due to reporter shortage By Robert Salonga | rsalonga@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: December 14, 2024 at 6:15 AM PST The petition to the high court says indigent clients are losing due process rights because they don’t have verbatim records of court hearings due to an ongoing reporter shortage. Subscribe to continue reading this article. Already subscribed? To login in, click here.

Word Game: Dec. 14, 2024

TODAY’S WORD — NYMPHALID NYMPHALID: nim-FAL-id: Any of a family of butterflies with the first pair of legs useless for walking. Average mark 45 words Time limit 60 minutes Can you find 56 or more words in NYMPHALID? The list will be published Monday. YESTERDAY’S WORD — CARAMEL: calm calmer came camel camera care clam clear cram cream acme acre alarm area areal race rale real realm ream mace malar male marc marcel mare marl meal earl lace lacer lama lame lamer 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. (EDITORS: For editorial questions, please contact Andrews McMeel Syndication Editorial Dept. -uueditorial@amuniversal.com.) COPYRIGHT 2024 UNITED FEATURE

Asking Eric: Is he flirting with young women or is it me misreading things?

Dear Eric: I’m a woman in a new relationship with a fabulous man who doesn’t seem to understand an issue I’ve brought to his attention. I noted recently that when he checks out other women in front of me, I feel disrespected. He listened and said he understood completely. I didn’t have the courage to take it a step further, which is ridiculous given my age (58) and the fact that this “problem” will likely lead to the end of our relationship. He very often engages with the most attractive woman in his vicinity, often his own daughter’s age, in a very friendly manner. He doesn’t interact with any males this way, and I’ve certainly noticed his increased engagement with younger women. There’s a line between simply friendly and overly friendly, especially when there’s a pattern that seems to show a preference for attractive and younger women. I feel like we punish people, especially women, who bring this up in a relationship and everyone is quick to deem the accuser as controlling, insecure and jealous. The root of my frustration is that I feel like

Harriette Cole: I’m just realizing the repercussions of my unusual childhood

DEAR HARRIETTE: I grew up as an army brat, and while there were many positives to that experience, it also came with significant challenges that I’m still grappling with as an adult. My family moved frequently during my childhood — sometimes multiple times within a single year. Each time we moved, I had to leave behind friends, schools and communities I had just started to get comfortable with. I learned to adapt quickly to new environments, but I never stayed anywhere long enough to develop deep, lasting friendships. Now, as an adult, I’m realizing how much that transient lifestyle has shaped me in ways I didn’t fully understand before. I find it difficult to make long-term connections with people. Even when I meet someone I get along with, I often hold back emotionally because I’m so used to the idea that relationships are temporary. I worry that I’ll come across as distant or uninterested, but the truth is, I’m just afraid of getting attached and losing someone again. This struggle has left me feeling isolated, and I’m not sure how to break the cycle. I

Miss Manners: I’m not trying to hit on you, I’m just being nice

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was brought up to always be polite to others, but as I reach 50, it seems that society cares less about this. Sometimes even ordering a coffee is fraught with potential misunderstanding. Common decency is misinterpreted as “hitting on” someone, when all I’m doing is trying to be nice. Sometimes I feel like just being abrupt, as my politeness gets rejected so frequently. I believe other men experience this, too. GENTLE READER: Before Miss Manners admonishes the rest of the impolite world and rushes to your aid, she wants to check on a few key things: Does your “trying to be nice” include calling servers “honey” or “sweetie”? Looking anywhere other than their eyes when ordering? Making comments on their physical appearance in any way? Did you answer “no,” “no” and “definitely not!”? Great. The world can indeed be rude, but you must soldier on being polite anyway. That is the only way to make it better. DEAR MISS MANNERS: I am seeking a polite way to rein in a friend who is overly generous. I am in a community of

Horoscopes Dec. 14, 2024: Vanessa Hudgens, make room for new endeavors

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Vanessa Hudgens, 36; Sophie Monk, 45; Beth Orton, 54; Dee Wallace, 76. Happy Birthday: Digest information, analyze your situation and contact experts for input this year. Knowledge is the path to success. Question what you don’t understand or have difficulty believing, and clear up uncertainty. Make room for new endeavors, put a budget in place and make every move count. Procrastination will set you back; let your confidence lead the way and make every move count. Charm will win favors. Your numbers are 9, 14, 24, 30, 33, 41, 48. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Avoid overspending. Put a budget in place and avoid hidden costs and point-of-purchase sales at the checkout register. Don’t let your generosity and desire to please get the better of you. Donate time and items you no longer use. Share your feelings with someone you love. Romance is favored. 4 stars TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Embrace change. A different environment or engaging in conversations with people you encounter while out and about will help you envision what you want to pursue next. Don’t limit what you

Amador Valley rally falls short in CIF Division 3-AA championship game defeat

Amador Valley’s final drive results in turnover on downs as Frontier-Bakersfield wins 3-AA state title Amador Valley quarterback Tristan Tia (3) is sacked by Frontier’s Tyler Ayala (6) in the second quarter of their CIF Division 3-AA state football championship game at Long Beach City College in Long Beach, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) Amador Valley’s final drive results in turnover on downs as Frontier-Bakersfield wins 3-AA state title. Originally Published: December 13, 2024 at 11:09 PM PST