The Santa Clara Mail

As the winter swell approaches, researchers at UC Santa Cruz are working on potentially life-saving artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and funded by UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Coastal Climate Resilience, Alex Pang and his team are developing algorithms, which are sets of programmed instructions. These algorithms aim to monitor changes in the shoreline, identify rip currents, and alert lifeguards to potential hazards, with the goal of enhancing beach safety and saving lives....

UC Santa Cruz researchers build AI to prevent drownings As the winter swell approaches, researchers at UC Santa Cruz are working on potentially life-saving artificial intelligence (AI) technology. In collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospher…

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, deliberately crafted its social platforms to capture the attention of children, and it was aware, yet undisclosed, that it had received millions of complaints regarding underage users on Instagram. California Attorney General Rob Bonta made these claims, referencing a recently unredacted complaint. Originally presented in a redacted form, this complaint marked the beginning of a lawsuit filed in late October by the attorneys general of 33 states....

A legal document asserts that Meta intentionally engineered its platforms to attract and engage children Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, deliberately crafted its social platforms to capture the attention of children, and it was aware, yet undisclosed, that it had received millions of c…

Downtown Disney is set to introduce a novel $8 million food hall-style concept, housed in a new 11,000-square-foot building currently under construction. Disneyland submitted building permits valued at $8.2 million to the city of Anaheim in October for the ongoing Downtown Disney project, with expectations for the Parkside Market to open by late 2024. The commercial construction permits outline plans for a quick-service restaurant featuring four distinct concepts and second-floor outdoor dining....

Disneyland files construction permits for $8 million food hall Downtown Disney is set to introduce a novel $8 million food hall-style concept, housed in a new 11,000-square-foot building currently under construction. Disneyland submitted building permits value…

Google has revealed that an advanced geothermal project has commenced supplying carbon-free electricity to the Nevada grid, powering Google's data centers in the region. The successful injection of electrons into the grid, a significant achievement, is a milestone that many emerging energy companies often fail to reach, according to Tim Latimer, CEO and co-founder of Fervo Energy, Google's geothermal partner in the project, based in Houston....

Google’s latest initiative in geothermal electricity could mark a significant breakthrough for clean energy Google has revealed that an advanced geothermal project has commenced supplying carbon-free electricity to the Nevada grid, powering Google’s data centers in the region. The successful inject…

The focus of the case revolves around an 18-month-old girl whose death, according to prosecutors, resulted from exposure to fentanyl. Kelly Richardson and Derek Rayo, currently held without bail, refrained from entering a plea during their court appearance. The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office is handling six other cases involving fatal fentanyl incidents. The Richardson and Rayo case stands out as the first in the county where parents are charged with murder in connection to a fentanyl-related fatality....

San Jose parents charged in toddler’s fentanyl-related death appear in court The focus of the case revolves around an 18-month-old girl whose death, according to prosecutors, resulted from exposure to fentanyl. Kelly Richardson and Derek Rayo, currently held without bail, r…

Rising home prices in the Bay Area are making it increasingly challenging for Californians to afford a home, and a recent study reveals a corresponding increase in the average age at which individuals in the state can finally purchase a home. Ruben Montes, a 37-year-old registered nurse, and his fiancée have been attempting to buy a home in the Bay Area for the past two years....

Reduced number of residents in California can afford to purchase a home Rising home prices in the Bay Area are making it increasingly challenging for Californians to afford a home, and a recent study reveals a corresponding increase in the average age at which individu…

A 26-year-old man was arrested Sunday after he removed his clothes on the "It's a Small World" attraction at Disneyland, Anaheim Police said. Video from a guest on the ride showed the man, wearing only underwear, climbing among the mechanical props and scenery. The ride's theme music stops and calls for the man to get down, including warnings that he could get hurt, can be heard in the background as guests watched from the ride boats....

Man arrested after removing clothes on Disneyland’s ‘It’s a Small World’ ride A 26-year-old man was arrested Sunday after he removed his clothes on the “It’s a Small World” attraction at Disneyland, Anaheim Police said. Video from a guest on the ride showed…

Police arrested a suspected DUI driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian and fled early Sunday in South San Jose. The collision was reported about 12:30 a.m. near Capitol Expressway and Bluefield Drive. A woman was driving a 2016 white Range Rover with two juvenile passengers, headed east on Capitol Expressway, when the SUV reportedly hit a man in a crosswalk, according to San Jose police....

Suspect arrested in deadly San Jose hit-and-run Police arrested a suspected DUI driver who allegedly hit a pedestrian and fled early Sunday in South San Jose. The collision was reported about 12:30 a.m. near Capitol Expressway and Bluefield Driv…

A 5-year-old boy in Santa Cruz County was stabbed to death by his twin brother as they were fighting Wednesday, the sheriff's office said. Deputies responded at about 4 p.m. to the 200 block of Tucker Road in unincorporated Scotts Valley to investigate a stabbing, according to the sheriff's office. The deputies learned that the twins had been fighting. During the fight, one of them grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed the other, the sheriff's office said....

5-year-old boy stabbed to death by twin in Santa Cruz County A 5-year-old boy in Santa Cruz County was stabbed to death by his twin brother as they were fighting Wednesday, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies responded at about 4 p.m. to the 200 block …

The Transportation Security Adminitration expects the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to be one of the busiest travel periods yet. Already this year, the TSA has seen seven of the top 10 busiest travel days in the agency’s 22-year history. The peak travel window for Thanksgiving is Friday through Thursday, when more than 4 million people are expected to pass through airports for the holiday, a 6% jump from last year....

Tens of millions expected to travel during Thanksgiving week The Transportation Security Adminitration expects the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday to be one of the busiest travel periods yet. Already this year, the TSA has seen seven of the top 10 busiest trav…

The Oakland Unified School District is warning the public about alleged scam calls that attempt to extort money from parents by making it seem like their children have been kidnapped. Some families have reportedly received phone calls from strangers who claimed to have kidnapped their child, saying they were holding them for ransom, the school district said in a statement this week....

Parents warned about scam calls demanding ransom for ‘kidnapped’ children The Oakland Unified School District is warning the public about alleged scam calls that attempt to extort money from parents by making it seem like their children have been kidnapped. Some families…

A former San Jose police officer, previously dismissed for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct while on duty at a crime scene, is now facing new legal issues. Mathew Dominguez has been arrested on various charges, including assault with a deadly weapon. Despite being terminated, he has had continued interactions with the justice system and is currently held in custody with bail set at over $100,000....

Ex-San Jose police officer arrested once again A former San Jose police officer, previously dismissed for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct while on duty at a crime scene, is now facing new legal issues. Mathew Dominguez has been arre…

Amazon is reiterating its emphasis on employees returning to the office, cautioning that non-compliance could adversely affect their prospects of receiving promotions. The company has specified that employees who do not work in an office for at least three days a week may face an additional layer of leadership approval when being considered for promotion, as confirmed by the e-commerce giant on Friday....

Amazon warns employees that those who choose not to return to the office may face increased challenges in securing promotions. Amazon is reiterating its emphasis on employees returning to the office, cautioning that non-compliance could adversely affect their prospects of receiving promotions. The company has specified tha…

There was a lot of buzz in the South Bay from the city and businesses alike Monday as one of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly, revealed a personalized “San Jose edition.” The city is getting its own edition of the game, with all the traditional spots on the board replaced by local landmarks. It shared its excitement with the Monopoly mascot at the Wi******er Mystery House, the iconic home that took the coveted position, where Boardwalk usually is....

Monopoly releases personalized ‘San Jose edition’ There was a lot of buzz in the South Bay from the city and businesses alike Monday as one of the most popular board games in the world, Monopoly, revealed a personalized “San Jose edition.”  T…

Several Disneyland visitors were injured Monday morning when a light pole at the Anaheim theme park was knocked down on a day of strong winds throughout Southern California. Details about the injured guests' conditions were not immediately available, but one person was hospitalized. "At Disneyland park this morning, due to the high winds, a light pole blew over, injuring a few guests," Disneyland said in a statement....

Disneyland visitors injured when strong winds knock down light pole Several Disneyland visitors were injured Monday morning when a light pole at the Anaheim theme park was knocked down on a day of strong winds throughout Southern California. Details about the injur…

President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in California on Wednesday for discussions on trade, Taiwan, and the complex U.S.-Chinese relations. This marks the first meeting between the leaders of the world's two largest economies in almost a year. Although the White House had previously indicated the expectation of a meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, the final negotiations occurred just before the gathering, which commences on Saturday....

Biden and Xi will meet Wednesday for talks on trade, Taiwan and managing fraught US-China relations President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in California on Wednesday for discussions on trade, Taiwan, and the complex U.S.-Chinese relations. This marks the first …

San Francisco firefighters rescued a man trapped under a collapsed dock near Pier 90 early Friday morning, according to fire officials. Video posted by the San Francisco Fire Department on social media showed a rescuer had to swim toward the man, who could be seen clinging to a beam. The collapsed dock was near the area of Amador Street, fire officials said. The man was evaluated by paramedics after the rescue, according to the fire department.

Man rescued from under collapsed dock in San Francisco San Francisco firefighters rescued a man trapped under a collapsed dock near Pier 90 early Friday morning, according to fire officials. Video posted by the San Francisco Fire Department on social m…

During Shabbat, traditionally a time for families to celebrate a day of rest in the Jewish community, the Israel-Hamas war has cast a somber shadow over the observance. In Foster City, a poignant display was set up, one of six across the Bay Area and part of similar exhibits worldwide. The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) arranged a long table at Leo Ryan Park with 240 empty chairs, symbolizing the kidnapped hostages held by Hamas....

The Jewish community in the Bay Area raises awareness about hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict during Shabbat events. During Shabbat, traditionally a time for families to celebrate a day of rest in the Jewish community, the Israel-Hamas war has cast a somber shadow over the observance. In Foster City, a poignant d…

San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared on Friday that the city's faith communities and religious institutions will once more offer extra beds for homeless individuals throughout the winter season. The Interfaith Winter Shelter initiative aims to augment shelter capacity by 30 to 80 beds per night until March 24. The overnight shelter operates across five different locations, each associated with a distinct faith community: Canon Kip Senior Center, Saint Mary's Cathedral, St....

San Francisco faith communities to offer more shelter space over the winter San Francisco Mayor London Breed declared on Friday that the city’s faith communities and religious institutions will once more offer extra beds for homeless individuals throughout the winter…

The FBI is leading an investigation after a body was found near Crissy Field in San Francisco Sunday morning. Officers with the United States Park Police and San Francisco Fire Department personnel found the body in the parking lot at around 6:30 a.m. The FBI is leading the investigation because it’s taking place “in an area of exclusive federal jurisdiction,” the U.S. Park Police said. More information was not immediately available.

FBI leads investigation after body found near Crissy Field in San Francisco The FBI is leading an investigation after a body was found near Crissy Field in San Francisco Sunday morning.  Officers with the United States Park Police and San Francisco Fire Department per…

On Tuesday, tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to express solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This event is part of a series of global protests related to the ongoing conflict. The rally, lasting several hours, not only demonstrated support for Israel but also advocated for the release of the 240 hostages in Gaza and called for an end to antisemitism in the United States....

Bay Area residents show up to National Mall in Washington DC in support for Israel On Tuesday, tens of thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to express solidarity with Israel in its conflict with Hamas. This event is part of a series of global protests relate…

The Pentagon, on Monday, officially identified the five members of the Army aviation special operations forces who lost their lives in the UH-60 helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean over the weekend. The incident occurred during an air refueling mission as part of military training, according to the military’s European Command. The five service members who perished are Chief Warrant Officer 3 Stephen R....

5 US troops killed in a military helicopter crash over the Mediterranean identified The Pentagon, on Monday, officially identified the five members of the Army aviation special operations forces who lost their lives in the UH-60 helicopter crash in the Eastern Mediterranean over t…

The first significant rainstorm of the season is expected to hit the Bay Area this week. San Jose and Valley Water officials on Monday showed how they have been preparing for the wet weather and what crews have done to prevent future flooding. "We will be available around the clock, 24/7 to respond to flooding and other hazards," San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan said....

San Jose city crews and water district prepare for rainstorm The first significant rainstorm of the season is expected to hit the Bay Area this week. San Jose and Valley Water officials on Monday showed how they have been preparing for the wet weather and wh…

University, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for inappropriately touching female athletes under the guise of medical treatment. Shaw pleaded guilty in August to unlawfully touching the breasts and buttocks of four students without their consent and without any valid medical reason between 2017 and 2020. In addition to his role as the director of sports medicine, Shaw served as the head athletic trainer at SJSU, responsible for treating injuries sustained by student athletes....

Former director of sports medicine at San Jose State University has been sentenced to a two-year prison term for sexually assaulting female athletes. University, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for inappropriately touching female athletes under the guise of medical treatment. Shaw pleaded guilty in August to unlawfully touching…

Celebrating Hispanic heritage also means highlighting the changes the community wants to see to better their culture. And doctors at Santa Clara Valley Healthcare are calling for a change in the number of Latine physicians -- an amount they say is much too low. "While 20% of our population in Santa Clara County identifies as Latine, the overwhelming number of our patients here at this hospital -- more than 50% identify as Latine," said Santa Clara Valley Healthcare Pediatric Gastroenterologist Rachel Ruiz....

Santa Clara Valley Healthcare doctors call for more Latine representation in industry Celebrating Hispanic heritage also means highlighting the changes the community wants to see to better their culture. And doctors at Santa Clara Valley Healthcare are calling for a change in the nu…

For a couple accustomed to having everything and always seeking more, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have directed some of their considerable wealth towards a distinctive project: an underground clock embedded deep within the West Texas mountain range. According to Sanchez, the "10,000-Year Clock" serves as a means for her and her future husband, the second wealthiest individual globally, to contemplate the future....

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have recently invested in an extravagant venture: a ‘10,000-Year Clock’ constructed within a mountain. For a couple accustomed to having everything and always seeking more, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have directed some of their considerable wealth towards a distinctive project: an underground clo…

Apple has agreed to pay $25 million to settle allegations that it engaged in a pattern of discriminatory hiring practices when filling some of its jobs during 2018 and 2019. The deal announced Thursday resolved a lengthy investigation by the Department of Justice into alleged violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Federal regulators said an inquiry that began in 2019 determined that Apple’s hiring practices discriminated against U.S....

Apple to pay $25 million to settle allegations of discriminatory hiring practices in 2018, 2019 Apple has agreed to pay $25 million to settle allegations that it engaged in a pattern of discriminatory hiring practices when filling some of its jobs during 2018 and 2019. The deal announced Thur…

Hollywood's actors union has reached a preliminary agreement with studios, marking the end of a prolonged strike that disrupted the entertainment industry for months. The three-year contract, subject to approval by the union's board and members in the coming days, is set to conclude the strike at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday. Over 60,000 members of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Performers participated in the strike, which commenced on July 14, joining the earlier walkout by screenwriters....

Hollywood actors strike to end after union reaches tentative deal with studios Hollywood’s actors union has reached a preliminary agreement with studios, marking the end of a prolonged strike that disrupted the entertainment industry for months. The three-year contract,…

Increases in Disneyland’s attendance and ticket prices during the summer helped improve Disney’s bottom line as the Anaheim theme park remained a bright spot for the company while Disney World continued to recover from a 50th anniversary celebration hangover. Disney Parks & Experiences operating income increased more than 30% during the company’s fourth quarter compared to the prior year, according to a financial report released by Disney on Wednesday, Nov....

Disneyland’s bigger crowds and higher ticket prices boost company profits Increases in Disneyland’s attendance and ticket prices during the summer helped improve Disney’s bottom line as the Anaheim theme park remained a bright spot for the company while Disney World cont…

A recently published report in The Lancet emphasizes that climate change is increasingly affecting the well-being and survival of people globally. Scientists caution that without prompt action, the risks associated with climate change will escalate rapidly. The report, released on Tuesday in the esteemed medical journal, predicts a surge in heat-related fatalities and food insecurity by the middle of the century, particularly in developing regions....

Scientists warn of ‘dangerous future’ if global emissions aren’t cut A recently published report in The Lancet emphasizes that climate change is increasingly affecting the well-being and survival of people globally. Scientists caution that without prompt action, the…