Police and the FBI searched an East Oakland chop‑shop this week as detectives probe the disappearance of two men missing since May. Families now fear foul play after earlier raids recovered stolen vehicles but no remains.

A software update and payment‑processor error left roughly 200 Bay Area customers temporarily charged 100x for gas; 7‑Eleven says it will issue refunds plus $500 payouts.

Oakland fire crews and Santa rolled into Kaiser Oakland this week, posing by Engine 15 and Truck 4 and handing out holiday cheer to young patients. The visit was part of the department’s Random Acts outreach.

Instacart settled with the FTC for $60 million over claims of deceptive fees and marketing, including hidden costs and issues with its membership program. The company denies wrongdoing but faces share drops and scrutiny.

A man was found dead in Concord during a welfare check, with three others injured, in what is being investigated as a homicide resulting from a domestic dispute.

The concrete 'China Banks' over Kearny Street will be removed as part of a long-delayed Portsmouth Square redesign, closing a five-decade chapter of skate history. Bids are open and demolition is slated early in construction.

Jimmy Smits and Wanda De Jesús will headline Berkeley Rep’s reimagined All My Sons, running Feb. 20–Mar. 29, 2026.

The Oakland Police Department's Ceasefire Unit made multiple arrests and confiscated illegal firearms in two incidents, emphasizing their role in reducing gun violence.

A 27-year-old man was found unresponsive in a holding cell at Oakland’s Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse and later died. Sheriff’s investigators have opened a probe and an autopsy is pending.

A pickup plowed through the windows of Hot Couture Vintage Fashion in downtown Santa Rosa Thursday; the building was red‑tagged and one person sustained minor injuries. Investigators are still working to determine how the crash unfolded.

The California Department of Education told Tahoe‑Truckee to move its high‑school sports into the California federation after Nevada tightened transgender‑athlete rules, touching off fights over travel and fairness.

La Perla Taqueria, an East San Jose fixture for four decades, will close Dec. 29. Owner José Guitron blames ICE arrests, inflation and construction for the drop in customers.

The NWS San Francisco forecasts a week of heavy rain in the Bay Area, beginning Friday, with consecutive rainstorms posing risks of flash floods, poor drainage, and river flooding. Travelers are advised to prepare for hazardous conditions.