An Afghan family who aided U.S. forces left the Bay Area for Britain after new Trump‑era immigration moves left them fearing detention and deportation.

FEMA’s 2025 equipment schedule cuts hourly reimbursements for wildland engines, and California chiefs warn those cuts could shrink mutual‑aid response. Small districts say the math won’t add up.

San Mateo County collected $4.1 billion in property taxes in FY 2024–25, a 6% increase that boosts school and local budgets while highlighting a state funding shortfall.

Fire Chief Lewis Broschard will retire March 30 after leading major expansions, ISO upgrades and new wildfire resources across Contra Costa County.

Santa Clara County is considering $290 fees for most homeowners and $675 for larger commercial appeals to cover the cost of its assessment appeals program.

Sen. Scott Wiener will step down as co-chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus amid backlash over his Gaza comments.

Michael Doty has returned as Santa Clara County undersheriff, rejoining Sheriff Robert Jonsen with a focus on training, custody care and staff support.

Longtime Los Altos trustee Vladimir Ivanovic will step down in March, saying the board’s plan to place Bullis Charter School on the 10th site privileges the charter and risks bond support.

Milpitas’ council unanimously named Police Chief Jared Hernandez acting city manager as the city restarts a search for a permanent hire. The move aims to steady City Hall after recent turnover.

Oakland officers released a suspected illegal dumper after a call from Councilmember Ken Houston — a move that clashes with the city charter’s no‑contact rules.

A bipartisan group of California senators pressed Gov. Newsom for detailed budget numbers Thursday, citing conflicting forecasts and volatile AI-driven revenues.

Nearly 100 people packed the Marin supervisors’ chamber on Tuesday to demand a debate over the county’s participation in a federal program tied to ICE. Activists say oversight and a petition of thousands should force action.

Alexandra Shepard, the federal prosecutor who helped convict Mohammed Nuru, is San Francisco’s first inspector general with new powers to probe city contracting and misconduct.