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Is California rolling back public access to police misconduct records?

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

In September 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers touted a package of bills creating a system to decertify law enforcement officers for serious misconduct and increasing transparency of their personnel records — a move aimed at weeding cops with a history of troubling behavior out of law enforcement.It was hardly revolutionary: California had been one of only five states in the country without a system to revoke the badges of rogue cops.The new laws came amid shocking revelations of abuses of power at police departments around the state, including the Bay Area. The Antioch Police Department, where eight current and former cops are under investigation for civil rights crimes, made national headlines in April over racially and sexually biased banter among dozens of officers. Statewide, officials expect some 3,500 of California’s 90,000 cops could face decertification for misconduct.But civil rights advocates say a money-saving budget scheme by the Newsom administrati...

What is ‘watermelon snow’? The phenomenon turning Utah’s mountains pink and red

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

By Ashley R. Williams | CNNPeople in Utah have been seeing snow on the ground tinged with a red and pinkish hue.It’s certainly pretty to look at, but what’s behind the natural phenomenon that’s nicknamed “watermelon snow”?Experts say it’s a normal occurrence that appears across mountainous locations all over the world.Though you might not suspect it from the snow’s colors, it is the result of green algae bloom that thrives in cold, snowy environments, according to Scott Hotaling, an assistant professor at Utah State University’s watershed sciences department.The species of algae causing the colorful Utah snow is called Chlamydomonas nivalis.Hotaling said though the snow in Utah has appeared red – the most common color of the phenomenon – there are types of algae living on ice and snow that can turn the usually white frozen precipitation into all kinds of colors, including purple, green and orange.“(The algae is) normally in this kind of dormant cyst form, and when there’s enough mel...

Housing tower could sprout next to Google village in downtown San Jose

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

SAN JOSE — A housing highrise that’s slated to include affordable units could sprout in downtown San Jose next to the footprint of Google’s proposed transit village, city public documents show.The 11-story project would add 80 units on a parcel at 101 Delmas Avenue in downtown San Jose.The development site’s perch at the corner of Delmas Avenue and West San Fernando Street places it across the street from the footprint of Google’s proposed transit-oriented neighborhood near the SAP Center and Diridon train station.101 Delmas Avenue in downtown San Jose, shown within the outline. The footprint of Google’s proposed transit-oriented neighborhood is located above and to the left of the outlined property. The SAP Center is at the upper left. The new Adobe Founders Tower is at the upper right. State Route 87 is visible to the right. Boundaries are approximate. (Google Maps)Google has proposed a transit village that would include office buildings, h...

Bay Area Titanic photographer ‘appalled’ by sub implosion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

Underwater cinematographer Al Giddings talks about the photo he made of the bow of the RMS Titanic, printed in a poster in front of him at home in San Rafael on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)Underwater cinematographer Al Giddings makes a sketch of the Russian submarine he took to film the sunken RMS Titanic at home in San Rafael on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)Underwater cinematographer Al Giddings gives his thoughts about the search for the Titan at his home in San Rafael on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)Underwater cinematographer Al Giddings talks about the photo he made of the bow of the RMS Titanic, printed in a poster in front of him at home in San Rafael on Friday, June 23, 2023. (Alan Dep/Marin Independent Journal)Show Caption of ExpandWhen famed underwater photographer Al Giddings heard an expedition submersible went missing this week on a deep sea dive to the Titanic shipwreck, he groane...

Teenage boy shot after altercation between groups in Santa Rosa

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

(BCN) -- A Santa Rosa boy was in critical condition Sunday night after being shot Saturday night. Man dies in Hayward ATV crash, high-speed suspected Police received several calls at 8:04 p.m. Saturday about gunshots and a person lying in the roadway in the 2000 block of Blacksmith Way.Officers found a 15-year-old boy in the street without a pulse. They started CPR until paramedics arrived, who were able to revive the teen and take him to a local hospital.Police said the suspects fled before they arrived. Officers found a handgun under the victim, several shell casings, and other evidence. Police said Sunday two groups of males in their teens and early 20s got into an argument on Blacksmith Way, near Arrowhead Drive. At least one member of each group pulled guns and started shooting. Police said they don't believe the incident was gang related and are still trying to determine whether the shooting was related to a homicide last week. The victim was in critical condition ...

Amsterdam’s Hermitage museum is renamed after cutting ties with Russia following Ukraine invasion

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — An Amsterdam museum that severed ties with St. Petersburg’s Hermitage collection after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine last year has been renamed and on Monday announced partnerships with renowned galleries in London, Paris and Washington, D.C.Starting in September, the Hermitage Amsterdam will be called H’ART Museum. It has established partnerships with the British Museum, Centre Pompidou and the Smithsonian American Art Museum to bring art to the historic building on the banks of the Dutch capital’s Amstel River.“It’s an exciting new step for us, a contemporary and future-proof model,” museum director Annabelle Birnie said in a statement. She said the museum’s program will be “multi-voiced reflecting the times we live in” and will range from major art exhibitions to smaller presentations.The first major show — scheduled to open midway through 2024 — will be a partnership with Paris’ Centre Pompidou focused on Wassily K...

1 man seriously injured in Southeast DC apartment fire

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

A man has suffered life-threatening injuries during a fire in a Southeast D.C. apartment building early Monday morning.It happened just before 3:30 a.m. at a three-floor apartment building in the 700 block of Brandywine Street, according to a tweet from D.C. Fire and EMS.The flames were confined to the kitchen area of a first-floor apartment in the Washington Highlands neighborhood, a spokesperson with the fire department told WTOP.The man was removed from the fire with critical life-threatening injuries, according to the fire department.Others on the floors above the fire sheltered in place, the spokesperson said.The fire department is investigating what started the flames.Here’s a map of the area where the fire happened: Source

Former champion Egan Bernal returns to Tour de France after life-threatening crash

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Former Tour de France champion Egan Bernal is returning to cycling’s biggest race for the first time since his life-threatening crash at the start of last year.The 26-year-old Colombian climber was selected Monday in the eight-man Ineos Grenadiers squad that will compete at the three-week Tour, which starts Saturday in Bilbao, Spain.Bernal, who won the 2019 Tour, said he was very close to becoming paralyzed after an accident involving a bus in January 2022 in Colombia during training. Bernal said he had a “95% chance of ending quadriplegic” after the accident. “Making my return to the Tour has always been a major goal for me. I’m so excited to be able to experience every kilometer of this race again,” Bernal said in comments provided by his team.“I’m sure many people have followed everything that has happened to me since my accident in January last year, and the journey I’ve been through to overcome the greatest test of my life. Being a part of this ...

James Crown killed after crash at motorsports park near Aspen

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) -- A 70-year-old businessman was killed after a crash at Aspen Motorsports Park in Woody Creek on Sunday, according to the Pitkin County Sheriff's Office.James Crown of Chicago, Illinois, was identified as the man who died. In a single-vehicle crash at the park. He was a part-time Pitkin County resident. 3 injured after ziplining collision in Castle Rock, 2 in critical condition He reportedly failed to navigate a turn while driving, resulting in a collision with an impact barrier, according to the original press release from the Pitkin County Coroner's Office.The official cause of death was pending, however, Pitkin County said "Multiple blunt force trauma is evident." No further details were released.

New site added for tree debris drop-off in Douglas County

Published Thu, 20 Feb 2025 11:11:43 GMT

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (KDVR) - A new site will be available Monday morning for Highlands Ranch residents needing to drop off tree debris following last week’s tornado and storms.Tree limbs and trampolines flew around, uprooted trees were on top of cars and blocking roads, and even roofing flew off of buildings and homes. Photos: Cleanup and repair after Highlands Ranch tornado Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, you can take tree debris – including previously excluded root balls – to an added drop-off site. Where to find drop-off sitesOne site is on the West side of town at Redstone Park, located at 3280 Redstone Park Circle. There are signs and cones that will guide you to the south side of the Halftime Help Stadium. You can drop off material here between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., according to the website.Another is on the East side at the Highland Heritage Regional Park, located at 9651 S. Quebec St. where signs and cones will direct you towards Hound Hill Dog Park. This site will be open fro...