Councilmember Ken Houston filed a charter amendment to curb the Police Commission’s hiring and IG‑appointment powers, setting up a November ballot fight. The change would shift key oversight roles to elected officials.

Dr. Jeffrey Scott Johnson, 54, was arrested in Walnut Creek and charged with three counts of sexual abuse; his case returns to court May 11.

Thieves made off with Moonchild’s 20‑foot U‑Haul full of instruments and stage gear in Oakland, forcing multiple California shows to be postponed as police investigate.

About two dozen bronze memorial bench plaques were stolen from Alameda parks, leaving donors and officials scrambling for answers.

Mixt will open a Walnut Creek location in July, bringing seasonal salads and sustainability‑focused operations to South California Boulevard.

Oakland's rebuilt Mosswood Recreation Center reopens Saturday with tours and remarks from city leaders. The two‑story mass‑timber building restores classrooms, a kitchen and a maker space.

Antioch police say 115 auto burglaries have been reported this year — a roughly 70% jump — as thieves zero in on work trucks and tools. Several victims report lost income and stepped-up patrols are underway.

A woman's decomposed remains were found in a dumpster off the 17th Street offramp from northbound I-980 in Oakland. CHP and the Alameda County coroner are investigating.

Fairfield police arrested Enrique Escalante after officers say a stolen handgun and illegal narcotics were found in his vehicle following a weapons report. The suspect was booked into Solano County Jail.

Olivia Rodrigo will play two nights at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center in December; presales begin May 5 and the general sale starts May 7. The dates mark her first shows in the city.

A pre‑dawn wrong‑way crash on westbound I‑580 near Seminary Avenue killed one person and briefly shut the westbound lanes, authorities said. CHP is investigating.

CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit requires burn permits for residential hazard burning starting May 1. Apply online and confirm permissive burn days with your air district.

Samsung phone users in California can now add driver’s licenses to Samsung Wallet; airport acceptance will be limited at first.