Four years after the start of the COVID pandemic, the age and race of its victims in California have dramatically shifted: Now, a Bay Area News Group analysis finds, those who are dying from the virus are much older, and more often White than Latino, a notable switch. While COVID deaths in California have plunged across all race and age groups, a comparison of deaths from the first six months of the pandemic to the most recent six months of data compiled by the California Department of Public Health shows 70% of those dying nowadays are 75 or older — up from just over half in early 2020. And w ..read more

For over a decade, developer Forrest Linebarger has tried to build new multifamily housing on two half-acre parcels in Los Altos Hills. The city has done all it can to stop him. Related Articles Housing | This map reveals where supersized ‘builder’s remedy’ projects could be coming Housing | State green lights Cupertino’s housing plan for more than 4,500 new homes Housing | Developers of two new East Bay housing developments hear that affordability is key Housing | Affordable San Jose homes may rise at Willow Glen restaurant site Housing | Letters: A bad start | Developers’ benefit | Sup ..read more

Growing and selling marijuana on the black market remains a lucrative business in California — long after voters approved recreational pot sales and use in 2016. But state enforcement officials have kept busy trying to dismantle illicit production to better support legal ventures. Roughly $53.6 million in illegal cannabis was seized within the first three months of 2024, according to an April 11 report from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife. Between January 1 and March 31, the Governor’s Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce seized 31,866 pounds of unlicensed cannabis and eradicated 5 ..read more

HAYWARD — A big rig trailer truck overturned early Friday on an East Bay freeway, the second straight day that an overturned truck turned the commute in that area into a mess. Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | San Jose: Pedestrian seriously injured in early morning collision Crashes and Disasters | Once Highway 1 stabilized at Rocky Creek, traffic can return to Big Sur Crashes and Disasters | Big rig overturns on connector to I-880, spilling food, fuel and oil Crashes and Disasters | After 60 car crash deaths on Pacific Coast Highway, state legislators say enough is enough Crashes ..read more

OAKLAND — A 26-year-old Hayward man was shot Monday night in the Eastlake district, authorities said. He was in stable condition at a hospital, where he was being treated for a wound to his lower body, authorities said. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Two juveniles arrested in connection with Fremont carjacking Crime and Public Safety | Man fatally shot in Oakland Crime and Public Safety | Deputies seized an East Bay meth dealer’s phone. The secrets within led to police raids across the county Crime and Public Safety | Years after release in double murder case, East Bay man cha ..read more

A grocery store big rig overturned early Thursday on a freeway connector, causing havoc that lasted through the morning commute, according to the California Highway Patrol. Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | San Jose: Pedestrian seriously injured in early morning collision Crashes and Disasters | Once Highway 1 stabilized at Rocky Creek, traffic can return to Big Sur Crashes and Disasters | After 60 car crash deaths on Pacific Coast Highway, state legislators say enough is enough Crashes and Disasters | Reminder: Closure of Highway 1 in Santa Cruz County set Saturday for 24 hours C ..read more

HAYWARD — A Hayward man suspected of driving a vehicle that fatally hit another man last year has been arrested, police said. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | High-ranking Oakland cops, including deputy chief, face serious discipline for allegedly botching investigation Crime and Public Safety | Authorities identify 9-year-old killed in Concord freeway crash Crime and Public Safety | Aggravated mayhem charge filed after Oakland woman set on fire Crime and Public Safety | Suspect arrested in shooting of East Bay man found dead inside car Crime and Public Safety | Hayward man sho ..read more

HAYWARD — A two-alarm fire ripped through a commercial building on Monday night, according to fire officials. Related Articles Crashes and Disasters | Woman seen on fire, running on Oakland street suffers critical burns Crashes and Disasters | Foul play ruled out in man’s death at East Bay fire scene Crashes and Disasters | Suspected trespasser injured in Hayward house arson fire Crashes and Disasters | Ex-Contra Costa fire battalion chief pleads to $46,000 timekeeping scheme Crashes and Disasters | Two-alarm fire damages small gym at East Bay high school Crews contained the blaze in a ..read more

SAN MATEO – Authorities over the weekend arrested a 53-year-old Hayward man on suspicion of stealing $1,000 worth of merchandise from a San Mateo store and threatening to pepper spray employees. Related Articles Crime and Public Safety | Bus operator assaults rise, lead SamTrans to crack down on violators Crime and Public Safety | Jury convicts man in San Mateo County real-estate swindle Crime and Public Safety | Peninsula police release footage, names of officers involved in fatal shooting Crime and Public Safety | Arrest made in South San Francisco armed robbery, kidnapping Crime and P ..read more

SAN MATEO — A 53-year-old Hayward man suspected in a clothing store robbery Saturday was arrested after crashing his getaway car on Highway 92, police said. Police said that about 1:30 p.m. Saturday officers were dispatched to the Ross Dress for Less store, 640 Concar Dr., for a reported robbery. Management told officers a man, later identified as the Hayward resident, had stolen approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise, including clothing and shoes, and fled the store without paying after threatening staff with pepper spray, police said. The suspect was seen getting into a Hyundai and fleein ..read more