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State task force approves payments, apology to Black Californians

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — California's reparations task force voted Saturday to approve recommendations on how the state may compensate and apologize to Black residents for generations of harm caused by discriminatory policies. The nine-member committee, which first convened nearly two years ago, gave final approval at a meeting in Oakland to a hefty list of proposals that now go to state lawmakers to consider for reparations legislation. Black Californians could receive up to $1.2 million in reparations payments, task force says U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland, who is cosponsoring a bill in Congress to study restitution proposals for African Americans, at the meeting called on states and the federal government to pass reparations legislation.“Reparations are not only morally justifiable, but they have the potential to address longstanding racial disparities and inequalities,” Lee said.The panel’s first vote approved a detailed account of historical discrimination against Black Cali...

California readies for treasure hunt as floods wash up 'Gold Rush 2.0'

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

In the aftermath of an unusually wet winter, Californians are bracing not only for flooded fields and raging rapids, but also for a potential treasure hunt that experts are dubbing “Gold Rush 2.0.” “It's one of those 100-years events,” Mark Dayton, a Sacramento Valley metal detector expert, told The Hill. With one atmospheric river after another this past winter, snowpack on the Golden State’s mountain peaks piled up to unprecedented heights. But as that snow gushes down the hillsides, the fast and furious flow is shuttling other materials along with it.    “When it melts, it comes rushing down at crazy speeds through narrow gorges and canyons, and it's a torrent of raging water,” Dayton said. “This is even crazier than whitewater.” The flow cascades like a waterfall from about 5,000 feet to 3,500 feet, at which point it begins “meandering into some of the foothills” and into creeks and streams, Dayton explained. “What happens is the material ...

'We started running': 8 killed in Texas outlet mall shooting

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

ALLEN, Texas (AP) — Hundreds of terrified shoppers fled in panic after a gunman stepped out of a sedan and opened fire at a Dallas-area outlet mall, killing eight people and wounding seven before being killed by a police officer who happened to be nearby, authorities said.Saturday's shooting in Allen, Texas, was the latest eruption of gun violence in the U.S., which has seen an unprecedented pace of mass killings this year. Barely a week before, five people were fatally shot in Cleveland, Texas, after a neighbor asked a man to stop firing his weapon while a baby slept, authorities said.Police did not immediately provide details about the victims at Allen Premium Outlets, a sprawling outdoor shopping center, but witnesses reported seeing children among them. Some said they also saw what appeared to be a police officer and a mall security guard unconscious on the ground.A 16-year-old pretzel stand employee, Maxwell Gum, described a virtual stampede of shoppers. He and others sheltered...

Foothill-De Anza district fields 4 finalists to succeed chancellor

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

Four finalists have been chosen to succeed Judy Miner as chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District. Miner is set to retire Sept. 1 after 35 years with the district and eight years as chancellor.The finalists are Farouk Dey, vice provost of Johns Hopkins University; Lee Lambert, chancellor of Pima Community College; Richard Storti, executive vice chancellor of administrative services for the San Mateo Community College District; and Rowena Tomaneng, president of San José City College.Prior to joining Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore as the inaugural vice provost for integrative learning and life design in 2018, Dey served as dean and associate vice provost of career and experiential education at Stanford University. He holds doctorate degrees in educational leadership from the University of Florida.Chancellor at Pima Community College in Tucson for nearly 10 years, Lambert previously served as president of Shoreline Community College in Washington. He holds a...

Milpitas leaders express ‘tempered optimism’ about FY 2023-24 budget

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

Budget hearing setThe City of Milpitas last month release its proposed $231.7 million budget for fiscal year 2023-24, expressing “tempered optimism” that it would help transition the city toward fiscal stability.In addition to possible near-term economic impacts from a variety of issues, Milpitas is looking toward the sunset of Measure F, its public services measure, in fiscal year 2028-29.The proposed balanced budget calls for an additional $1.6 million in staffing and equipment to address maintenance of city facilities, trees, parks, streets and utilities. It allocates about $750,000 to public safety and $450,000 to economic development and housing, and leverages funding from the Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of $16.7 million to support impacted residents and businesses in the community.The proposed budget is scheduled for a public hearing and adoption on June 6. The meeting will be livestreamed on the city’s Facebook page.Rebuilding DayVolunteers did home maintenance wo...

Campbell crime report for the week of May 12

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

April 24Overnight in the 300 block of Budd Avenue: Someone spray-painted graffiti in the men’s bathroom.10:04 a.m. in the 900 block of Gale Drive: A man, 27, was contacted in his motorhome. During a probation search,  fentanyl, paraphernalia, meth and personal ID information were located.2 p.m. in the 1090 block of Lenor Way: Someone took chainsaws from a trailer.3:08 p.m. in the 1800 block of South Bascom Avenue: A man, 33, spray-painted a window. He was found to be under the influence.5 p.m. at Grant and First streets: A man, 19, was stopped for a vehicle code violation, and Xanax for sale was located.5:15 p.m. in the 500 block of East Hamilton Avenue: Five suspects entered a store and stole merchandise.7:05 p.m. in the 1200 block of Camden Avenue: A woman, 55, was rummaging through garbage and refused to leave. She had two outstanding warrants and was arrested.April 251:15 p.m. in the 300 block of Budd Avenue: Someone took $600 out of the victim’s bank account.3:38 p.m. in the 50...

Music is in the air and on South Bay stages this month

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

The merry month of May brings with it a number of new theatrical productions in the South Bay.South Bay Musical Theatre is staging “Singin’ in the Rain” May 13-June 3 at Saratoga Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. in Saratoga. Based on the 1952 MGM film, the musical features a book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, with lyrics by Arthur Freed. Tickets are $28-$53 at www.southbaymt.com or 408-266-4734.May 19 is opening night for Santa Clara Players’ “Tangled Webbs,” the story of a wealthy family that schemes to save the Webb fortune in many zany ways. Directed by Dave Leon, “Webbs” runs through June 10 in the Hall Pavilion at Triton Museum of Art in Santa Clara. Tickets are $10-$23 at www.scplayers.org or 408-248-7993.Coming to Palo Alto’s Spangenberg Theater on Saturday, May 20, for one night only is John Alasdair Fraser and the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers. The rousing evening of music starts at 7 p.m. for two hours. Tickets are $14-$28 at www.sfscottishfiddlers.org.On May 20-2...

Los Gatos’ ‘Seniors of Distinction’ awards return for the first time in 3 years

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

Seniors of DistinctionA longstanding Los Gatos awards ceremony is back after a three year pause due to the pandemic. The 24th annual Seniors of Distinction Awards, sponsored by the Terraces of Los Gatos retirement community, will recognize several Los Gatos and Monte Sereno residents who have contributed greatly to their community.This year’s ceremony will take place Thursday, June 22 at 3 p.m. at The Terraces of Los Gatos, located at 800 Blossom Hill Rd. Los Gatos Mayor Maria Ristow and Monte Sereno Mayor Bryan Mekechuk will be in attendance.Supervisor office hoursLos Gatos residents can once again get face-time with Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian during his walk-up public office hours. The supervisor, who represents District Five, will be stopping by multiple area farmers’ markets this weekend. He’ll be at the Los Gatos Farmers’ Market this Sunday, May 14, from noon to 1 p.m.National River Cleanup DayNext Saturday, May 20, people across the country will give some TLC t...

Sunnyvale Public Library unveils new library cards designed by children and teens

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

New library cardsThe Sunnyvale Public Library unveiled five new library cards designed by children and teens, including two from Iizuka, Sunnyvale’s Sister City in Japan. The winning designs were chosen from over 200 entries in three different age categories: grades K-2, 3-5 and 6-12.New library cards will be available while supplies last. To get a new card or replace an old one, visit the library’s customer service desk at 665 W. Olive Ave. For more information, call 408-730-7300.Rebuilding DayVolunteers from BNI Sunnyvale took part in National Rebuilding Day Saturday, April 29. Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley coordinated more than 450 volunteers to perform home maintenance and repairs at 20 project sites across Santa Clara County.Rebuilding Together is looking for volunteers for its Fall Rebuilding Day in October. Email Alaina at [email protected] for older adultsBay Area Older is hosting an expert-led walking tour of the Silicon Valley water purification center on May 12 ...

Willow Glen concert features world premiere concertino

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:50:49 GMT

Neighborhood NotesWILLOW GLEN>>The San Jose Chamber Orchestra is performing the world premiere of “ZOFO Encajonado,” a concertino in three movements for piano four hands, cajon and strings, on May 14 at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1025 Pine Ave.Pablo Ortiz wrote the piece for ZOFO—pianists Eva-Maria Zimmermann and Keisuke Nakagoshi—who will play  with the San José Chamber Orchestra under conductor Barbara Day Turner.The program also features the Bach Violin Concerto in A minor, with 2022 Klein winner Jaewon Wee as violin soloist, and a trio of short works by composers Brent Heisinger, Vivian Fung and Astor Piazzolla.Tickets are $75 at https://sjco.org or 408-295-4416.ALMADEN>>Stratford School San Jose-Almaden is expanding from a preschool-kindergarten campus and will now be enrolling students in preschool-grade 5. This expansion features a complete renovation of the campus at 5200 Dent Ave. and offers Mandarin and Spanish language classes for students.Enrollm...