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Social Eyes: Week of July 4-10
“Drink, dance, eat, celebrate music and thrive!” could be the manifesto behind Les Blank’s get-happy 1978 documentary, Always for Pleasure. When zigging through Mardi Gras and zagging along Saint Patrick’s Day street parties in New Orleans, it’s clear pleasure is paramount and permanently embedded in the city’s spirit. Live music by Professor Longhair, the Wild Tchoupitoulas, the Neville Brothers, Allen Toussaint and Kid Thomas Valentine add to the vibe. Two intriguing shorter films precede and follow the main feature, and all include conversations with Maureen Gosling, Chris Simon, John Santos and Harrod Blank. – LOU FANCHER.
Berkeley scholars: Supreme Court immunity ruling poses risk to democracy
A pair of scholars at the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) warned that the Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity poses a “direct threat” to democracy and the rule of law and raised concerns about what a second term under former President Trump could look like. The Supreme Court handed down the 6-3 decision Monday, ruling…
Hot Weather and Fireworks are a Lethal Combination for Wildfires
Extremely hot weather and the illegal use of fireworks could be a lethal combination for wildfires in Oregon and California this 4th July weekend. Sizzling temperatures reaching 111 degrees in Medford, Oregon, and 116 degrees in Redding, California, are predicted for Friday and Saturday by the National Weather Service (NWS).
‘Nothing will be protected’ — why California environmentalists oppose a ‘green’ energy bill
Nearly every major environmental group in California opposes a bill that would modify the state’s signature environmental law to speed up upgrades to power lines. Supporters say it would help free the state from fossil fuels and make the grid more reliable, but opponents fear it would damage state parks.
Day Around the Bay: Heat Wave Keeps Cooking, Wednesday Expected to Be Even Hotter
This blistering heat wave that got down to business today is now expected to last for the next seven days, with Wednesday likely to be even hotter than today was. The wildfire situation is the most worrisome aspect of this, with evacuations underway with the Thompson Fire in Butte County, and city of St. Helena canceling its July 4 fireworks show because of the Toll Fire. Here in the Bay Area, BART and Caltrain are experiencing lengthy heat-related delays, but hey, at least all SF public pools will be free for everyone on Wednesday. [Chronicle]
‘Ghetto birds’: California has yet to reckon with longstanding bias from police helicopters
Heydy Vasquez, 19, is accustomed to the constant police presence in Echo Park — she grew up near a border where two rival Los Angeles gangs often clash. Over the years, gentrification led to an influx of wealthier people who often mistake innocuous get-togethers for gang activity, prompting what she views as an unnecessary increase in policing.
Unconventional rescue at Lake Havasu State Park as kayakers aid stranded boat
LAKE HAVASU CITY — Two California boaters were stranded this week on the water at Lake Havasu State Park, after their boat's engine may have overheated. And with area temperatures approaching 112 degrees, they could soon have had even more to worry about. California resident Wilma Wambaugh and boyfriend,...
Terner Center report explores financial feasibility of small-scale complexes, 'missing middle housing'
In a recent report from the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley, researchers studied the financial feasibility of building missing middle housing in California, including duplexes, fourplexes and Accessory Dwelling Units. Published June 21, the report titled “Making Missing Middle Pencil: The Math Behind Small-Scale Housing Development” concluded...
California Mega Millions player hits big in Tuesday’s drawing
A Mega Millions player in California won big by matching five numbers in Tuesday night’s drawing. The ticket sold at Diablo Chevron in Danville matched all five numbers but missed the mega number. While the owner of the lucky ticket won’t take home the $137 million jackpot, they can still cash in for a cool […]
PG&E preparing for possible power outages amid extreme heat
Triple-digit temperatures and power outages can be a dangerous combination.That's why PG&E has now activated its local emergency operation center in southeast Fresno as Central California braces for several days of excessive heat.PG&E has tracked weather events since 1970. Central Valley Region Vice President Josh Simes says since then, the utility has only seen severe conditions, like the ones we are about to experience, 18 other times."We ask our PG&E customers, our hometowns, to be prepared for heat outages that could happen," he said. "We ask them to check on their family members, those that are most vulnerable and ensure...
Hamilton Named To Canadian Olympic Team
NCAA Champ Becomes Cal’s Second Male Hammer Thrower To Reach Olympics. Six days after finishing second in the men's hammer throw at the Bell Canadian Track & Field Trials, California track & field alumnus Rowan Hamilton has been officially named to Canada's Olympic team. Hamilton was already the first...
Statewide ballot initiatives finalized in California after record number of initiative withdrawals and legislative action
Welcome to the Wednesday, July 3, Brew. This will be the last Daily Brew of the week due to the July 4 holiday. Check back next Monday, July 8, for an all-new Daily Brew!. Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day:. Statewide ballot initiatives...
Armed carjacking attempt on Fourth Street
Police are investigating an armed carjacking attempt in broad daylight Monday in one of Berkeley's most popular shopping districts. The carjacking attempt took place shortly before 4 p.m. in the 1800 block of Fourth Street in northwest Berkeley. A woman had been returning to her car when she saw that...
Where to find SF Bay Area July 4th parades, festivals and fireworks shows
July 4th festivities will be held across the Bay Area this week through the actual holiday on Thursday with parades, festivals and fireworks shows.Below is a rundown of confirmed events:PARADES AND PICNICSAlameda 10 a.m. The annual July 4th parade returns. There will be additional July 4th festivities held at the USS Hornet starting at 10 a.m. Event infoAmerican Canyon This year's parade starts at 3 p.m. at American Canyon Road and Elliot Drive, traveling north on Elliot Drive to Benton Way, ending at Community Park II where there will be a celebration with food trucks, live music and other activities. Event...
Fireworks display seen before blaze in Berkeley Hills Monday night
The Berkeley Fire Department responded to a fire in the Berkeley Hills after receiving calls from people who reported seeing fireworks and then flames that burned an estimated 3 acres, according to spokesperson Dafina Dailey. The fire department received a call from someone in Aquatic Park who reported seeing a...
4th of July heatwave is ‘exceptionally dangerous situation,' NWS warns
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A days-long heat event that descended on the Bay Area Tuesday and is expected to bring triple digits to much of the region is an “exceptionally dangerous situation,” according to the National Weather Service. An excessive heat warning and heat advisory issued earlier this week has now been extended until next […]
California College Classes in Prison Transformative, Claims State
SAN DIEGO, CA — The recent graduation of 23 incarcerated individuals from UC Irvine’s LIFTED program at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility marks a significant milestone in California’s prison education reforms, according to an opinion piece in the San Diego Tribune. Shannon Swain, Superintendent for the California...
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