Category: Bay Area

Marley Alcantara, tenacious defense lead Pittsburg to NorCal championship with victory over Folsom Pittsburg’s RJ Mosley (2) catches a touchdown pass while being guarded by Folsom’s Brooks Dupree (21) during the second quarter of their CIF NorCal Division 1-AA regional championship game at Pittsburg High School in Pittsburg, Calif., on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024. (Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group) Marley Alcantara, tenacious defense lead Pittsburg to NorCal championship with victory over Folsom. Originally Published: December 6, 2024 at 10:36 PM PST

SAN FRANCISCO — Newton’s third law of basketball injuries hurt the Warriors on Friday night in the Chase Center: every return to injury has an equal and opposite unfortunate injury. Although both Steph Curry and Draymond Green returned from brief absences, the Warriors lost Andrew Wiggins and Moses Moody during the game to ankle and knee injuries, respectively. The ailments left Steve Kerr back to where he’s been for the past three weeks — searching for answers. The test came back and revealed the Warriors didn’t have enough shooters, nor enough playmakers to handle Minnesota’s dogged ball pressure. The Warriors (13-9) trailed for the entirety of the final three quarters and got closed out by a defiant Anthony Edwards (30 points, nine assists) . The Warriors’ 107-90 defeat makes it six losses in their past seven games, with a rematch against the Timberwolves upcoming on Sunday. Minnesota forced 21 Golden State turnovers and held the Warriors to below 30% shooting from deep. The Warriors started Jonathan Kuminga at the four and brought Green — in his return from a two-game absence — off the bench.

Anthony Becker’s tenure on the Santa Clara City Council has come to a close just shy of the end of his term as the now former vice mayor handed in his resignation Friday — the day after a jury found him guilty of leaking a civil grand jury report and lying about it under oath. Becker, 39, was elected in 2020 but failed to win his reelection bid last month under the cloud of his legal battle. He was indicted in April 2023 and found guilty by a jury in Santa Clara County Superior Court on Thursday afternoon for leaking a 2022 civil grand jury report about the San Francisco 49ers’ influence on the council, as well as felony perjury. In his resignation letter, which is effective immediately, Becker said that it was “always a dream of mine to be a part of the government process, creating our city’s policies, enhancing development and shaping the City’s direction.” “I’m deeply grateful for the experience, knowledge gained and relationships built with the exceptional city staff and residents over the past ten years,” Becker wrote. “It was the

‘Epic day for our franchise’: Golden State Valkyries pick 11 players in expansion draft Former Iowa standout Kate Martin, veteran free agent Monique Billings among players selected by Bay Area’s WNBA team Kate Martin of the Las Vegas Aces is announced by rapper E-40 as one of the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion draft picks, Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, during a party hosted by the Bay Area’s new WNBA team at the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco, Calif. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group) Former Iowa standout Kate Martin, veteran free agent Monique Billings among players selected by Bay Area’s new WNBA team.

Bay Area Home Report 306 Iris Way – Google Street View A house located in the 300 block of Iris Way in Palo Alto has new owners. The 1,714-square-foot property, built in 1948, was sold on Oct. 31, 2024, for $3,880,000, or $2,264 per square foot. The layout of this single-story home includes three bedrooms and two baths. Inside, there is a fireplace. In addition, the home comes with a one-car garage, ensuring secure parking and storage. Situated on a spacious 5,720-square-foot lot, the property offers ample outdoor space. These nearby houses have also recently been sold: A 1,424-square-foot home on the 1800 block of Channing Avenue in Palo Alto sold in July 2022, for $3,370,000, a price per square foot of $2,367. The home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. In August 2022, a 1,600-square-foot home on Iris Way in Palo Alto sold for $3,300,000, a price per square foot of $2,063. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. On Primrose Way, Palo Alto, in December 2022, a 2,643-square-foot home was sold for $3,875,000, a price per square foot of $1,466. The home

Wake Forest confounded the Stanford women’s soccer team once again on Friday. This time it cost the Cardinal a return to the NCAA championship game. Stanford’s bid for a seventh trip to the title game — and second in a row — was thwarted in a 1-0 loss to the Demon Deacons, the lone goal coming in the 72nd minute of the College Cup semifinals at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The Cardinal was gunning for a shot at its fourth national title, and first as a member of the Athletic Coast Conference. Of the four semifinalists — all members of the ACC — Stanford was the lone school from outside the state of North Carolina. (Duke and North Carolina play later Friday in the other match). The Cardinal also was the only team back from last year’s College Cup, the college soccer version of the Final Four, where its season — and Pac-12 affiliation — ended in a 5-1 loss to Florida State. Stanford won national titles in 2011, ’17 and ’19, and was runner-up in 2009-10 and last season. More than

OAKLAND – The difficult cuts long promised by city officials to combat a historic local financial crisis are at the doorstep — and layoffs are now officially on the table. A new report released Friday said city officials are contemplating up to 91 layoffs early next year, though an unknown number of those could end up being demotions or jobs transferred to the city’s port authority. If the layoffs come to fruition, they would cement the consequences of a devastating financial turn in Oakland, where high interest rates have tanked tax revenues, including from home sales, and the police department has consistently blown through its budget on overtime spending. And while federal relief funds during the pandemic “provided temporary relief” to the city’s problem of outspending the revenue it generates, they also “delayed necessary structural reforms,” a new report prepared by the city administrator’s office and budget team states. “The City’s financial challenges are the results of compounding structural deficits that have developed over several years,” the report makes clear. Officials are now projecting a $129 million structural deficit by the end of this fiscal

OAKLAND — A 30-year-old man has agreed to serve 11 years in state prison for killing a man back in 2021, court records show. Luis Rodriguez-Baires, 30, pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter in the April 18, 2021 shooting death of Nathaniel Martinez. In exchange for his plea, prosecutors dropped a murder charge against Rodriguez-Baires. Rodriguez-Baires remains in Santa Rita Jail, pending formal sentencing. He will be transferred to prison after a judge hands down the sentence, which is expected to happen on Jan. 14, court records show. At the preliminary hearing, a friend of Rodriguez-Baires testified under a grant of immunity that he and Rodriguez-Baires were driving around Oakland on the day of the homicide. They stopped on the 1700 block of 28th Avenue, and Rodriguez-Baires got out. The witness said he heard three to four shots and then saw Rodriguez-Baires return to their car with a gun in his hand. Martinez, a suspected gang member who lived in Oakland, had been arguing with Rodriguez-Baires before the shooting, authorities said. The defense argued at the preliminary hearing that the homicide had been the result

SAN FRANCISCO – The Bay Area’s new WNBA team made Iliana Rupert its first player selected in the 2024 WNBA expansion draft on Friday afternoon. The 6-foot-4 center from France started her career with the champion Las Vegas Aces in 2022. She played for Atlanta in 2023, but did not participate in the 2024 season. She was the first of the 12 picks that general manager Ohemaa Nyanin will make in the nationally-televised draft on ESPN. The Valkyries then took Maria Conde from Chicago, Veronica Burton from Connecticut, Carla Leite from Dallas, Temi Fagbenle from Indiana and Kate Martin from Las Vegas. In the WNBA’s first expansion draft since 2008, the Valkyries are allowed to select one player from each of the other 12 teams, provided that they were not one of the six players each team protected. The list of protected players was finalized on Nov. 26 but the league did not make the names public. Of the unprotected players, the Valkyries can draft only one unrestricted free agent over their 12 picks. After the draft, the Valkyries will be able to make trades

Attorneys for inmates formerly housed at the FCI Dublin federal women’s prison announced a historic settlement Friday afternoon with the Bureau of Prisons, one calling for widespread reforms and federally-monitored oversight of the care those inmates receive at facilities across the nation. The proposed settlement marks a unprecedented end to a lawsuit filed last year alleging years of widespread sexual abuse and retaliation by guards at the scandal-plagued facility, which was recently shuttered with no plans to reopen. Most notably, it plunges the Bureau of Prisons into a two-year monitoring program an agreement intended to protect those inmates from the same types of abuses perpetuated by an alleged “rape club” at the troubled Dublin prison. The settlement still requires final approval by a judge, and inmates who with who raise concerns about the proposed settlement can do so at a hearing scheduled for Feb. 25. Under the settlement agreement, the nearly 500 inmates who joined in the class-action lawsuit and who still remain incarcerated would be overseen by a federal monitor, to ensure they are treated properly by the Bureau of Prisons. The inmates —

NEWARK — The East Bay’s closest Nov. 5 election race ended in dramatic fashion this week. Newark’s five-candidate contest for two council seats was so close that last month the county registrar called for a rare manual recount. Even then, the contest wasn’t over: the candidate up by four votes on Tuesday, lost by three votes on Thursday. After the election was certified Thursday, Julie Del Catancio had won by that slim margin over Jacinta Arteaga. She’ll join Terrence Grindall, the first-place finisher, as the two newest members of the Newark council. Del Catancio said in an interview that she feels “grateful” to the residents who voted for her. “I’m more energized than ever to serve and lead Newark, to lead families to a place where they feel safe, valued and supported,” Catancio said. Grindall won early on with 7,490, but Arteaga and Del Catancio had exchanged leads for the second seat. In late November, Alameda County Registrar of Voters Tim DuPuis called for manually counting the ballots, which initially showed Arteaga up by four votes. But Del Catancio took the lead this week with

Which kids’ earmuffs are best? Whether it’s snow days, plunging temperatures, or a winter getaway, your kids need earmuffs to stay warm outdoors. Earmuffs are uniquely designed to keep tiny ears toasty warm. That means no more stinging red earlobes when your kids are busy sledding or building snowmen. In fact, you won’t need to beg kids to wear their earmuffs anymore since they’re available in fun colors and designs that suit your kids’ personal styles. What to know before you buy kids’ earmuffs Age Kids’ earmuffs are noticeably smaller than adult styles to make sure they’re secure and cover ears fully. Some earmuffs are marked with recommended ages, though if they’re adjustable, the size range is generally larger. Temperatures and climate If your kids spend time outdoors in plunging temperatures, it’s best to choose a style with warm materials, like wool or dense plush. Many earmuffs have insulation for added warmth, which is especially important when it’s both windy and chilly. Another feature to consider is whether kids are exposed to snow or rain. Certain earmuffs are designed with weatherproof materials, like nylon, to prevent

Which back brace is best? Whether it’s because of an injury, poor posture or just a lumpy mattress, most people experience back pain at some point in their life. If you’re having trouble standing, bending or sitting up due to pain, though, a back brace can help provide the support you need to reduce your discomfort. A back brace helps stabilize your back to reduce pain without medication or other treatments. It can work well for pain related to a specific injury or to arthritis. It can even help prevent back injuries when you have to lift heavy items. If you’re looking for a highly effective brace for lower back pain, the NeoMedinaTech Natural Arthritis Pain Relief is the top option. What to know before you buy a back brace Back brace benefits If you suffer from back pain and haven’t responded to conventional pain management methods like medication or physical therapy, a back brace may provide relief. Some ways that a brace can help with pain management include: It limits movement in injured areas to help you recover more quickly. It offers stability to

PITTSBURG – The Pittsburg City Council will meet later this month to decide how to fill the seat of outgoing Councilmember Shanelle Scales-Preston, who is set to become the next Contra Costa County District 5 supervisor. On Tuesday, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder and Registrar of Voters Kristin B. Connelly certified the results of the Nov. 5 general election. Scales-Preston received 41,317 votes while her opponent Mike Barbanica received 37,896. Pittsburg City Manager Garrett Evans said the city has yet to receive Scales-Preston’s resignation letter, which once received will initiate a 60-day requirement for the council to fill the vacancy by appointment or call for a special election – which could cost between $450,000 and $700,000. “We will still have a discussion item during the Dec. 16 (city council meeting) to discuss the council’s preference, (regardless if) we receive the (resignation) letter from Councilmember Scales-Preston,” said Evans. “They (city council) can appoint someone or hold a special election. We’re certainly ready for whichever direction they want us to go.” Whoever is elected or appointed to the position will hold office until 2026, when the current term

Prince Harry is speaking out regarding recent rumors that he and Meghan Markle are headed for divorce. The 40-year-old Duke of Sussex broke his silence on the speculation Wednesday during The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, hosted at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room on Columbus Circle. “Apparently we’ve bought or moved house maybe 10, 12 times,” the reluctant royal deadpanned. “We’ve apparently divorced maybe 10, 12 times as well [laughs]. So it’s just like, what? It’s hard to keep up with. But that’s why you just sort of ignore it.” Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex speak on stage at the “Friends @ Home Event” at the Station Airport during day three of the Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 on September 12, 2023 in Duesseldorf, Germany. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images for the Invictus Games Foundation)  Harry got some chuckles from the crowd when he said he “genuinely” feels sorry for the internet trolls, whose “hopes are just built and built … and then it doesn’t happen.” The latest chatter about trouble in paradise for the polarizing couple comes following multiple

By DANICA KIRKA LONDON (AP) — The Princess of Wales took another step Friday in her return to public life following cancer treatment, in hosting her annual Christmas carol service at Westminster Abbey. Dressed in a festive red coat featuring a large black bow on the collar and black buttons, the princess, often referred to simply as Kate, arrived with her husband Prince William and their three children. They were met by clergy in front of a row of Christmas trees decorated with glittering white lights. Inside the abbey, Kate chatted with members of the congregation and performers, including Gregory Porter. This year’s concert is designed to celebrate the support people give to one another, especially as they struggle through difficult times, a theme that may have particular resonance for the princess after abdominal surgery and chemotherapy forced her to step back from public duties for much of 2024. Kate alluded to this in a letter thanking the 1,600 people invited to attend the event because of their efforts to help others in their communities. “The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and

By JILL COLVIN GREENVALE, N.Y. (AP) — Not yet even in office, Donald Trump said Thursday he’s already accomplished more than President Joe Biden did in his entire term, an outsized claim by the president-elect just a month out from the election. Trump, who has been largely ensconced at his Mar-a-Lago club in recent weeks as he’s worked to staff his new administration, made the comment as he ventured to New York’s Long Island to be honored as part of Fox Nation’s annual Patriot Awards on Fox’s streaming platform. “I think you have seen more happen in the last two weeks than you have in the last four years,” Trump told the crowd at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts. “It was a tremendous day, a tremendous night,” he said, recalling his election victory in a 10-minute acceptance speech that sounded like a highlight reel of his campaign rally speeches. It came complete with a live performance of “God Bless the USA” by the singer Lee Greenwood, calls to “get the criminals out of our country” and an embrace of all-paper election ballots and

Oakland Tech girls basketball needs better guard play. Ken Carter reflects on relationship with Samuel L. Jackson. Ygnacio Valley boys basketball on rise. Oakland Tech girls basketball needs better guard play. Ken Carter reflects on relationship with Samuel L. Jackson. Ygnacio Valley boys basketball on rise. Originally Published: December 6, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST

SF Sketchfest 2025 lineup: Albert Brooks, Bill Murray and a ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ reunion among the main attractions Brooks, 77, is making his first public appearance in the Bay Area in decades debbie reynolds and albert brooks star in “mother” A 20th reunion for the cast of “Napoleon Dynamite” is also among the main attractions at the 22nd version of SF Sketchfest. Originally Published: December 6, 2024 at 9:00 AM PST

By ZEKE MILLER and COLLEEN LONG WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden is weighing whether to issue sweeping pardons for officials and allies who the White House fears could be unjustly targeted by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, a preemptive move that would be a novel and risky use of the president’s extraordinary constitutional power. The deliberations so far are largely at the level of White House lawyers. But Biden himself has discussed the topic with some senior aides, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday to discuss the sensitive subject. No decisions have been made, the people said, and it is possible Biden opts to do nothing at all. Pardons are historically afforded to those accused of specific crimes – and usually those who have already been convicted of an offense — but Biden’s team is considering issuing them for those who have not even been investigated, let alone charged. They fear that Trump and his allies, who have boasted of enemies lists and exacting “retribution,” could launch investigations that would be reputationally and financially costly for

By HALELUYA HADERO | Associated Press A federal appeals court panel on Friday upheld a law that could lead to a ban on TikTok in a few short months, handing a resounding defeat to the popular social media platform as it fights for its survival in the U.S. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok’s petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company’s challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court’s opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first