If you have tried to bake a cake recently, you might have had a hard time finding eggs. The empty shelves are a sign of the devastating impact of avian influenza, H5N1 or HPAI, on commercial poultry flocks in California. The virus commonly known as bird flu can cause serious illness and death in birds … Read more
A spate of new Bay Area class action lawsuits accuse San Jose’s PayPal Inc. of using “honey,” not to attract flies, but to steal commissions for online sales that are properly due to influencers and affiliate marketers. Seven class action cases have been filed in federal court in San Francisco since late December, all asserting … Read more
According to the state’s first snow survey of 2025, Northern California has much more precipitation than Southern California, and that pattern may persist with climate change. As of Jan. 2, there is 24 inches of snow depth in the northern Sierra Nevada, according to the California Department of Water Resources. That amounts to 9 inches … Read more
After a lengthy investigation, Santa Clara police in October arrested six people on suspicion of crimes including felon in possession of a firearm and drug possession while armed, and also seized illegal firearms, drugs and stolen property, police said Thursday. The operation began Oct. 18, when officers identified a vehicle at a Denny’s restaurant on … Read more
The Humane Society of Silicon Valley, or HSSV, is waiving adoption fees for all animals after a fire damaged half of its Milpitas shelter in mid-December. “Fire damage has impacted animal housing, limiting space at the shelter,” HSSV said in a post to Facebook after the fire. “If you’ve been thinking of adopting a new … Read more
The regional body that sets toll rates for the Bay Area’s seven state-owned bridges voted this week to raise tolls by another $1.25 to $3 for two-axle vehicles, starting in 2026, introducing a “tiered” tolling rate. Changes were also made to carpool lanes, known as high occupancy lanes, with a third person per vehicle now … Read more
City officials in Santa Cruz are working with state and federal partner agencies to clear a massive debris field that has stretched 10 miles south to Manresa State Beach following the collapse of a portion of the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf on Dec. 23. In the meantime, structural assessments of the wharf will be conducted … Read more
The Martinez Refining Company has agreed to pay $4.48 million to settle allegations of federal Clean Water Act violations tied to its Contra Costa County refinery, and the money will go to environmental projects, according to the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board. Owned by PBF Energy Inc., the refinery produces a variety … Read more
At first glance, a valley dragon doesn’t seem to have much in common with a grizzly bear or a condor. Though it has a striking look, large adults can measure a very non-intimidating 15 inches from nose to tail tip. They boast pale stripes and dark spots along their backs. In summer, the males flush … Read more
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday proclaimed a state of emergency to respond to concerns with the bird flu virus. Avian influenza A, or H5N1, also known as bird flu, has been detected in the state and 15 others across the nation, according to Newsom’s office. By declaring a state of emergency, Newsom said the … Read more