A Merced County civil suit names Gustine Unified, the county office and ex‑vice principal Brian Chubon, alleging repeated sexual abuse and negligent oversight. The filing follows a criminal plea earlier this year.

Antonio Lawson has been named executive director of Oakland’s police watchdog, stepping in as CPRA faces staffing and procedural shortfalls. His state-level legal background is central to the hire.

Liberation Park will pair 119 affordable apartments with a multi‑story market hall in East Oakland, with a Guzman‑Focon JV general contractor and a mid‑2026 groundbreaking.

A global Nature Medicine analysis links nearly 40% of cancers to avoidable causes. Experts say vaccines, quitting tobacco and regular screening could cut many local cases.

California State Parks bought the 153‑acre NoraBella tract for $2.415M, expanding Big Basin to protect watersheds and anchor a Saddle Mountain welcome area.

Mixt opens in downtown San Mateo with a week of giveaways, fitness tie‑ins and a scavenger hunt as it marks its 20th location. Expect daily freebies March 3–8.

Lucid is cutting 12% of its U.S. workforce to improve margins; hourly production workers at its Arizona plant are excluded.

In a 6–3 ruling on Feb. 20, 2026 the Supreme Court found IEEPA did not authorize sweeping presidential tariffs; billions in duties and potential refunds are now in limbo.

More than $12 million in FY26 community‑project funding will flow to San Francisco, backing Jerrold Commons upgrades, Muni lighting, police vehicles, UCSF research and other local projects.

A vehicle struck a pedestrian at Redwood Way and Castro Street; the westbound I‑580 on‑ramp was closed while investigators worked. Officials urged drivers to avoid the area.

Palo Alto’s police overtime climbed into the millions after expanded retail-theft patrols. State grants and partner reimbursements have softened the hit but staffing gaps matter.

Santa Cruz and other towns have cut ties with Flock Safety after audits showed federal access and possible immigration‑related searches.

Trustees narrowly approved a plan to send preliminary layoff notices that could affect roughly 300 AUSD employees as officials try to close an estimated $30M gap. Parents and staff warned the cuts would hollow out student supports.