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Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

East Bay Times Letters to the Editor for March 21, 2023

In Trump probe, NY grand jury hears from potential last witness

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

By Eric Tucker and Michael R. Sisak | Associated PressNEW YORK — A grand jury heard from a potential final witness Monday in the investigation into Donald Trump as law enforcement officials accelerated security preparations in advance of a possible indictment and as fellow Republicans staked out positions in a criminal probe expected to shake up the 2024 presidential race.The testimony from Robert Costello, a lawyer who had a falling out with the key government witness in the Trump investigation, came as the grand jury that for months has been investigating Trump over hush money paid to a porn star during his 2016 campaign appeared to be wrapping up its work.Costello was invited to appear after saying he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation who has already appeared multiple times before the grand jury. Costello’s testimony was expected to give the former president an indirect opportunity to make a case tha...

Union-backed bill would make it harder for industries to seek voter veto on new laws

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

A bill backed by labor unions and environmental groups would make it harder for industries to subject recently passed legislation to voter approval.The bill, AB 421 by Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Culver City, would make it more difficult to qualify referendums or similar ballot measures that overturn parts of recently passed legislation by requiring some signature gatherers be unpaid volunteers and requiring that information about who is paying for the petitions be disclosed.“In recent years, we’ve seen some of tools of our democracy subverted from their original intent,” Bryan, who chairs the Assembly Elections Committee, said at a news conference Monday announcing his bill. “Direct democracy is supposed to be the people’s check on corruption and bias in our government; but over the years we have seen increasing abuse of the referendum process.”Joined by union and environmental leaders, Bryan said they were frustrated by industries that successful...

Miami Beach struggles with big spring break crowds, violence

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

By David Fischer and Curt Anderson | Associated PressMIAMI BEACH, Fla. — For the third year in a row, Miami Beach finds itself struggling with spring break violence, including two fatal shootings and unruly crowds, despite a massive police presence and activities designed to give people alternatives to drinking alcohol and roaming the streets.The party-all-the-time vibe in the South Beach section of the popular barrier island city has already led officials to ban alcohol sales at larger clubs after 2 a.m. Police are stationed everywhere, including in mobile towers that give officers a birds-eye view of the streets. Art, music, yoga and volleyball tournaments were added this year to give people something to do, at least during the day.Yet the violence and street chaos continues at night. All night.The city imposed an overnight curfew that ended Monday morning but decided at a City Commission meeting not to enact a second curfew next weekend, when the Ultra Music Festival will draw th...

Newsom's prison reform plan could impact death row inmate who teaches at Stanford

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KRON) -- An incarcerated man on death row at California State Prison - San Quentin is teaching a class at Stanford University, but a new plan announced by Governor Gavin Newsom could throw his future ability to teach into question. Anti-trans rant at SF Cheesecake Factory caught on video Bill Clark has been on death row since 1998, after he was convicted for his alleged role in two murders. Since he became incarcerated, he has focused his energy on artistic growth and connection, two things that he says can be challenging to come across on death row. Clark says that his creative work has allowed his imagination to grow and help cope with his death row sentence, or what Clark refers to as his "predicament."About three years ago, Clark posted a note on the Write a Prisoner website, and he described how lonely he was. Alex Ketley, an artist and professor at Stanford University, came across Clark's post and decided to write him a one-page letter. About a week later,...

Gas station robbery suspect arrested in front of Hercules High School

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

HERCULES, Calif. (KRON) -- A man was robbed while fueling his car at a Hercules gas station on Monday, the city's police department said in a Facebook post. The suspect was later arrested in front of Hercules High School. Police said the victim was filling his gas tank and returned to his driver's seat to use his cell phone. The suspect then approached the victim and attempted to grab the phone. Postmaster describes ‘disturbing’ rise in crimes against Oakland postal workers The victim tried to drive away, and the suspect reached for his waist as if he had a gun, according to the Hercules Police Department. He threatened to shoot the victim and robbed him of cash, jewelry and the phone. The victim provided the suspect's vehicle information to police. Officers were later told the suspect was going east on Refugio Valley Road and he was taken into custody in front of the high school.KRON ON is streaming news live now.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; heigh...

Two lanes of eastbound 580 in Livermore closed due to crack

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

(KRON) -- Two lanes of the eastbound Interstate 580 are closed near North Flynn Road in Livermore are closed due to a crack in the lanes, according to Caltrans. The two right lanes are closed while Caltrans crews work to repair the crack. Caltrans said it is working to repair and reopen the lanes, but that it will not be possible to do so in time for the Monday evening commute. Video: Stonestown Mall brawls involving teens overwhelm security, result in injuries There is signage in place to notify the public of the lane closure. Drivers are being advised to use alternate routes. "Caltrans thanks the motoring public for your patience during the closure as we work to restore the lanes to service," Caltrans said in a statement.

Panthers retooled offense designed to help No. 1 pick win

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers aren’t making any secrets about their plans to select a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, even if they aren’t saying which one.So, this offseason has been about acquiring the right pieces to help him succeed when he arrives.In recent days the Panthers have agreed to terms with running back Miles Sanders, wide receiver Adam Thielen, tight end Hayden Hurst and backup quarterback and soon-to-be mentor Andy Dalton in free agency. They also plan to add another wide receiver who is a vertical threat in the draft or later on in free agency.“If you’re gonna go with a young quarterback, you have to have a running back, you have to have the tight end and you have to have the receivers,” Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Monday. “We feel like we have the offensive line, and we have cemented the starting five.”Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis are the four...

In Trump probe, grand jury hears from potential last witness

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — A grand jury heard from a potential final witness Monday in the investigation into Donald Trump as law enforcement officials accelerated security preparations in advance of a possible indictment and as fellow Republicans staked out positions in a criminal probe expected to shake up the 2024 presidential race.The testimony from Robert Costello, a lawyer who had a falling out with the key government witness in the Trump investigation, came as the grand jury that for months has been investigating Trump over hush money paid to a porn star during his 2016 campaign appeared to be wrapping up its work.Costello was invited to appear after saying he had information raising questions about the credibility of Michael Cohen, a key witness in the investigation who has already appeared multiple times before the grand jury. Costello’s testimony was expected to give the former president an indirect opportunity to make a case that he shouldn’t face criminal charges, though ther...

No. 3 Ohio St beats No. 6 UNC 71-69, advances to Sweet 16

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:05:59 GMT

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Jacy Sheldon made a tiebreaking jumper in the lane with 1.8 seconds left to lift No. 3 Ohio State to a 71-69 win over No. 6 seed North Carolina on Monday and help the Buckeyes advance to the Sweet 16 for the second straight season.With the game tied, Sheldon took the pass from Eboni Walker and floated in the game-winning score. North Carolina had one final chance, but turned it over with a second remaining.Ohio State (27-7) saw its 12-point lead with 7:02 to go erased as the Tar Heels went on a 13-2 run midway through the fourth quarter. The Tar Heels did most of that run without star Deja Kelly, who exited midway through the final quarter with a leg injury. She went to the locker room, but returned to the court a short time later. Trailing 66-63, Kelly made two free throws before Paulina Paris made a layup in transition to give the Tar Heels (22-11) its first lead of the game with 2:09 left.Sheldon scored to give the Buckeyes the lead back with 1:07 left. She ...