SFMOMA and MoAD named Cornelia Stokes their first Assistant Curator of the Art of the African Diaspora; the three‑year post begins Jan. 5, 2026 and will sit across both museums.

A Civic Lens poll of 400 likely voters puts Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco atop early California governor polling, but strategists say a large undecided vote keeps the race fluid.

An early-morning shooting on the 3800 block of Telegraph Avenue left one person hospitalized in stable condition. Oakland police are asking witnesses to share video and tips.

The Planning Commission approved Empire Records’ plan to remake One Montgomery into its global HQ after the label agreed to boost public concerts and drop an opt‑out fee. The vote closed a heated debate over a rooftop POPOS and downtown revival strategy.

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.

Novato’s council upheld an appeals‑board order keeping the 14‑unit Romar Court building red‑tagged; tenants remain displaced while the owner pursues repairs.

A white Honda fled after colliding at Ashby and Adeline; a passenger was taken to Highland Hospital and is expected to survive. Police say the stolen vehicle rolled into a parked AC Transit bus.

A speeding car went the wrong way near Bernal and Nevada; Pleasanton police say the driver was arrested for suspected DUI and injuries were minor.

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.

A Reddit clip showing raw meat deliveries at Maiwand Market in Fremont sparked online alarm. The manager and the supplier say procedures were followed and invited inspection.

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.