Crews have started shaving about 40 feet off Lafayette Reservoir’s outlet tower as a state‑approved seismic retrofit gets underway. Officials say the shortening will reduce flood risk for Lafayette and Walnut Creek.

A 20-year-old Vallejo man was arrested after a Fourth of July hit-and-run on the 400 block of Santa Clara Street left a woman critically injured.

China’s Mixue opened its first Bay Area shop in Sunnyvale, selling soft‑serve cones for $1.59 and drinks under $5 during a grand‑opening weekend through July 12.

A Good Samaritan found 17 puppies in a Livermore Walmart lot; 16 survived and are now in East Bay SPCA care, with some expected to be ready for adoption soon.

Ceasefire officers stopped a vehicle near Orinda and recovered five handguns, including an AK‑style pistol, plus narcotics. Arrests followed and a follow‑up East Oakland search turned up more drugs and cash.

A Sonoma County judge sentenced James Unick to life in prison for the 1982 rape and murder of 13‑year‑old Sarah Ann Geer. DNA from a discarded cigarette helped prosecutors finally close the case.

The California Coastal Commission unanimously approved a 110‑room Hyatt Place at 1191 Main Street, ending years of debate over views and coastal access.

Lateen Cafe, a Dubai-inspired concept, plans to open on Driscoll Road in Fremont. The business teases Dubai flavors online but has not announced a date.

Police say a 30-year-old man was linked to two residential assaults on the Peninsula; the DA filed charges July 10. Detectives located and arrested the suspect last week.

Beaulieu Vineyard has reopened its restored 1885 stone winery in Rutherford, unveiling new tasting rooms, a Rarity Room and a culinary program as it reopens to visitors. Reservations begin July 13.

The 50th SF Free Folk Festival fills the Music Concourse with free performances, workshops and dance across Golden Gate Park. All events are free and open to all ages.

The CPUC will consider a $22M settlement with PG&E over the 2022 Mosquito Fire. The deal would send $21M to the state and require a $1M inspection review.

Federal agents reported seizing roughly 15,000 fentanyl pills, about 3 kg of powder and around $100,000 in cash in the Eastern District of California.