Alameda Death Row Case Blown Up Over Racist Tactics, Judge Orders Do-over
An Alameda judge vacated Franklin Lynch’s conviction and death sentence after finding prosecutors’ racially biased jury tactics. The ruling grows out of a wider county review that has already altered many capital cases.
BART Shrinks Trains to Save Millions and Police the Cars
BART republished a note saying shorter trains let police cover cars faster, keep trains cleaner and save roughly $12M a year while experts warn of capacity trade-offs.
San Mateo Scramble: County Warns Residents To Fix Medi-Cal, CalFresh Files Or Risk Gaps
San Mateo County warns that rolling federal and state changes to Medi‑Cal and CalFresh could affect eligibility and renewals. Officials say updating BenefitsCal info and responding to county mail is critical.
Richmond Schools In Hot Seat Over Substitute Teacher Shuffle
An appellate panel heard arguments over claims that WCCUSD used long‑term substitutes at Helms, Stege and Kennedy. The decision could reshape how California enforces the Williams guarantee.
Acme Burger Duo Trades Patties For Prix Fixe At Occidental’s Bohemian Bistro
Acme Burger founders Todd and Erica Kniess will open Bohemian Bistro in the former Hazel space in Occidental. Chef James Millar will lead multi-course prix‑fixe dinners.
South Palo Alto Motel Set To Vanish As Developer Drops $18M On Townhome Makeover
SummerHill paid roughly $18M for two El Camino Real parcels and has filed plans for 29 townhomes that would replace a motel and a commercial strip. The project is now in the city's review pipeline.
Richmond Family Takes Cops to Federal Court Over 'Preventable' Killing
The family of Jose de Jesus Mendez‑Rios sued Richmond and two officers, calling the Feb. 4, 2025 shooting a "preventable tragedy" amid an ongoing state AB 1506 review.












