Bay Area

Today in History: March 13, Francis becomes first non-European pope in over 1,250 years

Today is Thursday, March 13, the 72nd day of 2025. There are 293 days left in the year. Today in history: On March 13, 2013, Jorge Bergoglio of Argentina was elected pope, choosing the papal name Francis. He was the first pontiff from the Americas, and the first from outside Europe since Pope Gregory III’s death in the year 741. Also on this date: In 1781, the seventh planet of the solar system, Uranus, was discovered by astronomer William Herschel. In 1925, the Tennessee General Assembly approved the Butler Act, which prohibited public schools from teaching of the theory of evolution. (Gov. Austin Peay signed the measure on March 21; the bill was challenged in court later that year in the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. Tennessee ultimately repealed the law in 1967.) In 1946, U.S. Army Pfc. Sadao Munemori was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing himself to save fellow soldiers from a grenade explosion in Seravezza, Italy; he was the only Japanese American service member so recognized in the immediate aftermath of World War II. In 1954, the pivotal Battle of Dien

San Diego

San Diego St. women beat Wyoming in triple OT for MWC title

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Veronica Sheffey scored 24 points and Cali Clark recorded a double-double and fourth-seeded San Diego State clinched the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament beating No. 2 seed Wyoming 72-68 in triple overtime of the Mountain West Conference Tournament on Wednesday night. It was the first-ever triple overtime championship game in MWC history. Naomi Panganiban scored 17 points, Clark scored 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds and Kim Villalobos scored 11 for the Aztecs (25-9) who are returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2012. Malene Pedersen scored 19 points, Allyson Fertig scored 17 and grabbed 18 rebounds and reserve McKinley Dickerson 10 for the Cowgirls (22-11). Villalobos’ layup to start the third overtime broke a 64-all tie and the Aztecs led for the remainder. Wyoming never led in three sessions of overtime. Sheffey’s 3-pointer with 2:02 left in the second overtime gave San Diego State a 61-56 lead — its largest — before Wyoming closed with an 8-3 spurt to force a third overtime. Fertig made two free throws with seven seconds left to knot it and

San Diego

Swift water rescue teams prepare for Thursday’s storm

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Last Thursday heavy rain prompted several water rescues by San Diego lifeguards. Now one week later, they’re preparing for an even stronger storm. “Our plan is usually to spread out because we don’t know where the impact is going to be,” said Lt. Jacob Magness. San Diego lifeguards swift water rescue crews already assembling and will be fully staffed Thursday. Three crews will be stationed overnight as the brunt of the rainfall is expected to occur in the early morning hours Thursday. Then, three more crews will join in at 5 a.m., stationed from Sorrento Valley down to the South Bay. “My concern is the timing of the storm being early morning going into rush-hour traffic. If you don’t have to drive, if you’re able to work from home or you can take the day off, tomorrow would be a good day to do that,” Magness said. Last week the region saw flooding in areas Magness says aren’t always common. Several cars were submerged in La Jolla and others needed rescue in Sorrento Valley. A flood watch will be in

Sacramento

Celebrini vs. Bedard: What Sharks rookie had this season that Blackhawks star didn’t

SAN JOSE – Two of the game’s elite young stars will play each other for the first time as NHLers on Thursday when Macklin Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks face Connor Bedard and the Chicago Blackhawks at SAP Center. Celebrini and Bedard figure to be linked together for years to come, maybe throughout their careers, as they play the same position, share the same hometown, and as No. 1 overall picks in back-to-back years, are the crown jewels of each team’s respective rebuild. “You remind yourself a little bit of like the Sidney Crosby-(Alex Ovechkin) days, when they were kind of the one-two punch after each other and the battles that they would have,” Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno said. “And I’m sure that the league is hoping for the same kind of rivalry that begins with these two.” Celebrini was injured for the Sharks’ first two games against the Blackhawks earlier this season, which the two teams split. Maybe a subtle difference between the 18-year-old Sharks center, and Bedard, 19, this year, though, is who they’ve had along for the ride all season. Celebrini

Los Angeles

2 suspects wanted for vehicle theft in Orange County

Police are searching for two men wanted in connection with a vehicle theft in Orange County. The pair allegedly stole a blue Jeep Gladiator truck from the 1000 block of Elements Way in Irvine back in February, according to the Irvine Police Department. The stolen car was later found in Hollywood by Los Angeles police officers.  Police are searching for two men wanted for allegedly stealing a Jeep Gladiator truck in Irvine in February 2025. (Irvine Police Department) Police are searching for two men wanted for allegedly stealing a Jeep Gladiator truck in Irvine in February 2025. (Irvine Police Department) The suspects were captured on surveillance cameras leaving what appears to be a parking area.  Anyone who recognizes the suspects or has information on the theft is asked to email amena@cityofirvine.org.

San Diego

Cal Poly cuts swim program, leaving incoming athletes from SD stranded

Cal Poly cuts swim program, leaving incoming athletes from SD stranded SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — What they were told would never happen is now reality. High school swimmers in San Diego, who committed to continue their careers at Cal Poly, are now treading water after the college abruptly cut its swim program last Friday. Chloe Quarles, a senior at Coronado High School, turned down offers from five other schools to be a Mustang. “I was really excited, obviously, to compete at a higher level,” she said. “The community there seems great.” Kale Lozano, a senior at Torrey Pines High School, said he specifically reached out to the program with the hopes of being recruited. That’s exactly what happened, allowing him to continue pursuing his biggest passion. “It’s really everything to me,” he said. “It’s pretty much defined my life.” The program is coming off a historic season. The men’s team went undefeated in dual meets, and Coach Kim Carlson won Big West Men’s Swimming Coach of the Year. Last Friday, any momentum building for the future was wiped away. Cal Poly athletics cut the program.

San Diego

SDFD fighting fire at abandoned building in Liberty Station

Actions SDFD fighting fire at abandoned building in Liberty Station San Diego Fire-Rescue is working to fight a blaze at an abandoned building in Liberty Station. The fire was called in shortly after 8:30 p.m. along the 2400 block of Cushing Road. Posted and last updated SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — San Diego Fire-Rescue is working to fight a blaze at an abandoned building in Liberty Station. The fire was called in shortly after 8:30 p.m. along the 2400 block of Cushing Road. According to the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, no injuries have been reported. This is a developing story. ABC 10News will keep you updated as soon as we receive more information. Copyright 2025 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Sign up for the Breaking News Newsletter and receive up to date information.

Sacramento

High wind and rain raising concerns as storm moves through Mariposa

Thursday, March 13, 2025 6:16AM The expected snowfall is already delaying the start of school and business Thursday in some Sierra communities. MARIPOSA COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — The expected snowfall is already delaying the start of school and business Thursday in some Sierra communities. The normally busy Pizza Factory in downtown Mariposa had only a couple of quiet tables of customers Wednesday night as rain fell outside. “Normally not too much can keep people out of Pizza Factory, but it seems like they might be anticipating some really bad weather because we are dead,” said Kasie Kelly. The wind whipped flags and pushed around hanging planters. After shops closed Wednesday, tourists found shelter from the weather, leaving mostly locals in downtown restaurants. The rain and snow may even stop some tourists from heading into Yosemite or higher elevations as the California Highway Patrol is warning about the possibility of needing snow chains. Even if you’re just driving through the rain, officers want you to take caution. “We’re just wanting everybody to slow down, especially these winding roads. Upper elevations we could have snow, icy conditions,”

Sacramento

2 suspects arrested for 2019 double murder in Fresno County, deputies say

Thursday, March 13, 2025 6:15AM Two men have been arrested for a deadly shooting in Fresno County more than nine years ago. FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Two men have been arrested for a deadly shooting in Fresno County more than nine years ago. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office arrested 26-year-old Erik Madrigal Garcia and 27-year-old Jonathan Morales Ramos on murder charges. Ramos is currently in prison for another crime. In January 2016, deputies found 31-year-old Alfonso Barbosa and 29-year-old Fray Martin Rodriguez shot dead. The victims were discovered in a car left running on the side of the road near Dinuba and Crawford Avenues — just east of Reedley. After years of investigating, detectives identified Garcia and Ramos as suspects. Investigators believe the two victims were targeted for their involvement in gang activity. Copyright © 2025 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved. Top Stories

Sacramento

Early exit: Fresno State ends historically poor season for Bulldog basketball

Thursday, March 13, 2025 1:41AM The Fresno State men’s basketball season finally came to a close with an 86-71 loss to Nevada in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament. FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — The Fresno State men’s basketball season finally came to a close with an 86-71 loss to Nevada in the first round of the Mountain West Tournament on Wednesday. The Bulldogs finish their campaign with a (6-26) overall record – marking one of, if not the worst season in program history. – Historic for all the wrong reasons – Fewest wins (6) previous worst was 7 in 1977 – Most losses (26) previous worst was 21 in 2024 – Worst win % (.188) previous worst was .259 in 1977 – Head Coach Vance Walberg’s DI record falls to 20-61 Head Coach Vance Walberg addressed the media following the early tournament exit. “I thought we’d be a lot better, but things happen for a reason,” Walberg said. “We’re going to learn and we’re going to get better.” Amid a recent betting scandal, Fresno State found itself with just seven players at its

Sacramento

Fresno City Council candidate responds, denies rape allegation with his wife

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — With political mailers turning a Fresno City Council race personal, candidate Brandon Vang and his wife, May Lee, responded to criminal allegations during an interview with Action News on Wednesday. “I was angry at first. I was shocked that I have been accused of rape, and I have never seen any documents relating to that,” Vang said. He is running to fill the Fresno City Council District 5 seat vacated by now Fresno County Supervisor Luis Chavez. Hundreds of mailers arrived in District 5 last week, alleging Vang engaged in statutory rape leading to a 1993 pregnancy with his now wife before they were married. It was their first of five children. Brandon says he was 20, and Lee confirms she was just 15. “If I had to do it all over again, I probably would have done the same thing because, you know, I love Brandon, and throughout this whole time, I don’t call it a mistake,” Lee said. “Yes, it was a teen pregnancy, but I do not, to this day, call it a mistake.” The law defines the

Sacramento

Killer High: The Silent Crisis (subtítulos en español)

Thursday, March 13, 2025 1:22AM This article can be read in English Killer High: The Silent Crisis (subtítulos en español) FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — ABC30 ofrece nuestro documental Killer High con subtítulos en español. Cuando comience a reproducirse el video de arriba, haga clic en el botón “CC” para ver los subtítulos en español. El rostro del consumo de drogas en Estados Unidos está cambiando. El fentanilo, un opioide altamente adictivo, se está abriendo camino en los dormitorios de los adolescentes, a menudo con solo unos pocos mensajes de texto o unos cuantos tecleados en un teléfono inteligente. Solo una pequeña cantidad de esta peligrosa droga puede tener consecuencias mortales. “Killer High: The Silent Crisis”, un inquietante documental original de ABC Localish Studios y ABC30, explora el impacto del fentanilo, a través de los ojos de las familias afectadas por él, los agentes de la ley desesperados por sacarlo de las calles y los profesionales médicos que tienen que lidiar con sus consecuencias mortales. Escuchamos a dos madres. Amy, enfermera y madre de tres niños que lucha por lidiar con la adicción de su hijo

Los Angeles

Man arrested for identity fraud, stolen credit cards at Costco in Orange County

An Orange County man was arrested for alleged identity theft and credit card fraud targeting victims in Southern California. The suspect was identified as Daniel Cordova of Anaheim, according to the Tustin Police Department. On Sept. 27, 2024, and Jan. 2, 2025, Cordova and an unidentified woman allegedly used stolen credit cards to purchase numerous items at a Costco store in Tustin. Surveillance video captured the pair casually browsing at the store and filling a shopping cart with merchandise. Surveillance video from a Costco shows Daniel Cordova and an unidentified woman allegedly using stolen credit cards to make purchases. (Tustin Police Department) From left: Daniel Cordova of Anaheim, is seen in surveillance footage at a Costco store. / Cordova was arrested on March 10, 2025 for identity theft. (Tustin Police Department) On March 10, a witness reportedly spotted Cordova inside a Costco store once again and reported the sighting to police.  Officers arrived at the business and detained Cordova as he was exiting. During his arrest, police found 14 additional stolen credit cards. He was arrested for identity theft. “That’s approximately 14 more victims of

Los Angeles

Hiker, 71, missing overnight in Southern California mountains located

A 71-year-old woman who was forced to spend a night in the rugged Big Maria Mountains near the Colorado River was safely located Wednesday, authorities announced.   Identified only as a resident of Trona, the 71-year-old, reportedly an experienced outdoorswoman had, fortunately, shared her planned route with a friend before taking off on the March 11 excursion.   Some five hours after her scheduled return, the hiker’s concerned friend phoned authorities with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office for help.   Just before 9 p.m. that night, deputies from the Colorado River Sheriff’s Station searched the area of Powerline and Midland roads in an unincorporated area near Blythe. Weather conditions would not allow the use of a helicopter and while deputies deployed a drone, they were unable to locate the woman.   Big Maria Mountains in Riverside County seen in this Google Maps image. “As nightfall approached, the hiker found herself low on water and still several hours from her vehicle,” according to a RCSO news release.   The following morning, March 12, members of the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit took up the search and located

Bay Area

Update: Be prepared for showers in San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains Wednesday evening

San Francisco Peninsula Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains are included in an updated report for showers by the National Weather Service on Wednesday at 8:09 p.m. The alert is in effect until 8:45 p.m. Wind gusts of up to 40 mph and pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) are likely. “At 8:09 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a heavy shower 12 miles west of Boulder Creek, or 19 miles northwest of Santa Cruz, moving northeast at 30 mph,” according to the NWS San Francisco CA. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is possible.” Locations impacted by the alert include Palo Alto, Saratoga, Boulder Creek and Portola Valley. According to the NWS, “Monitor the weather situation closely and be alert for threatening weather conditions.” Navigating rainy roads: Safety tips for wet weather When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the NWS to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards: Beware of rapid water flow: During heavy rain, avoid playing near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk. Maintain

Bay Area

If Marijuana Is Banned Will The Public Turn To Hemp

By Terry Hacienda, The Fresh Toast The administration has spent very mixed signals…will consumers turn to hemp if marijuana is outlawed again? It is unknown what direction the federal government is going do about cannabis, but if marijuana is banned will the public turn to hemp?  Some cabinet secretaries and definitely House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) are against it, but the direction is still murky. As the cannabis landscape evolves under potential policy changes, hemp emerges as a promising alternative that could revolutionize multiple industries. The potential of hemp offers a lifeline for cannabis enthusiasts and medical marijuana consumers alike. Hemp, a variety of the cannabis plant containing less than 0.3% THC, has already seen significant growth since its legalization under the Senator Mitch McConnell backed 2018 Farm Bill . This opened doors for a crop  prohibited for over 80 years, creating a massive market and new opportunities for farmers and businesses. Kentucky became a grow center and cannabis business leaders saw an opportunity. Hemp’s versatility is unmatched. From textiles to construction materials, this wonder crop offers sustainable alternatives to traditional products. Hemp fibers can be used to create strong forms of concrete

Bay Area

Bay Area counties grew in 2024, countering exodus concerns

The Bay Area is growing again. Every county in the region saw an increase in population last year, a resounding reversal after a drop in population at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic that had some economists worried about an enduring exodus. Santa Clara County — a hub for the emerging artificial intelligence industry — grew the most, by 1.5%, from around 1,897,000 on July 1, 2023, to about 1,926,00 on July 1, 2024, according to population estimates released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. Still, most Bay Area counties are home to fewer people now than before COVID-19 hit. The region has 91,000 fewer residents than the high of 6,409,000 in July 2020. But there were an estimated 68,000 more residents, a 1.08% increase, from 2023 to 2024. Contra Costa now has 6,400 more residents than it did in 2020, the previous high for the county. “We’re still in a funny in-between place,” said Russell Hancock, president and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley, a nonprofit think tank. “We don’t know where we’re going yet. There are new forces acting on the Valley.

Bay Area

How Cannabis Can Help You During Lent

By Amy Hansen, The Fresh Toast Even a planned sacrifice can use a little help, here is how marijuana can help you during Lent The start of Lent is a time observed in many Christian traditions, including Catholic, Lutheran, Moravian, Anglican, United Protestant, and Orthodox.  It  is usually a 40-day period, which echoes the time Jesus spent fasting in the desert.  The time is thought to symbolize testing, trial, and renewal. In addition to donating time, talent and treasure along with self reflection, the true believer believes you should give us something you love. For some it is wine or alcohol, for others it could be more.  Here is how cannabis can help you during Lent. Cannabis use during Lent, a traditional Christian period of fasting and spiritual reflection, is a complex and controversial topic requiring careful consideration. While some may view cannabis as incompatible with Lenten practices, others argue it can potentially aid in spiritual growth and personal reflection when used mindfully. Done correctly, it can help you reach your goals. Studies suggest cannabis can be used as a replacement for alcohol and can improve

Los Angeles

Burbank Man Pleads Guilty to Dark Web Drugs Scheme

A Burbank man pleaded guilty Wednesday to his role in a drug ring that shipped hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of fentanyl-laced pills and cocaine to buyers nationwide who purchased the narcotics on dark web marketplaces. Austin Blacano, 21, entered a plea in Los Angeles federal court to one count of aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Sentencing was set for June 9. In his plea agreement, Blacano admitted packaging drugs sold on darknet marketplaces, and then assisting with the shipment of drug-filled parcels to customers. For months, he says, he filled orders for fentanyl-laced pills throughout the weeks, with each parcel containing dozens, and sometimes hundreds, of the tablets. In August 2021, Blacano and others packaged an order of 50 fentanyl-laced pills, and arranged for the pills to be shipped to an individual they believed was a drug customer, but who in fact was an undercover agent working for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the plea agreement states. Co-defendant Alejandro Soto, 21, also of Burbank has agreed to plead guilty to a federal charge on April

San Diego

Hotel del Coronado to debut Nobu, Veranda this spring

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Hotel del Coronado is preparing for the opening of two new restaurants this spring. The iconic hotel is adding Veranda and Nobu to its repertoire of attractions. Veranda, which is set to debut in April, will offer guests oceanfront views in a garden-inspired environment. “When Hotel del Coronado opened in 1888, a 20-foot-wide veranda encircled the building, offering a continuous walk of 1,800 feet around the hotel. This iconic feature allowed visitors to take in the soothing ocean breeze and remains a symbol of the hotel’s historic charm,” the hotel said in a news release about the origin of the restaurant’s name. Gaylord Pacific Resort ends job fair registration due to ‘overwhelming demand’ Veranda’s menu includes dishes like Veranda’s French Dip, grilled Whole Red Mountain Trout Noisette, Certified Angus Beef Steaks and a Dungeness Crab “Wedge.”  In May, Nobu will open at the Hotel del Coronado, making it the second location to the San Diego area — the other in the Gaslamp Quarter. Some of the signature dishes include Black Miso Cod, Yellowtail Jalapeño and sushi that can be selected at the