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San Leandro councilmember Bryan Azevedo pleaded not guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and making false statements. Prosecutors allege he accepted a $2,000 bribe from a housing developer and took actions to benefit the company, including advocating for city ordinances. If convicted, Azevedo faces up to 25 years in prison.
Several Bay Area planning agencies convened in San Francisco to gather public input on the long-term Plan Bay Area 2050+. The initiative aims to shape future infrastructure and housing projects, responding to community needs and regional growth.
San Francisco Superior Court faces a backlog of criminal cases that may lead to dismissals due to a cap on cases accepted by the Public Defender’s Office. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins criticized this move as negligent, while Public Defender Mano Raju defended the office's approach to pretrial diversion.
District 4 supervisor applicants must complete a detailed questionnaire that probes their taxes, social media presence, and local engagement. This enhanced vetting process follows the swift resignation of appointee Beya Alcaraz, who lacked necessary qualifications and faced scrutiny over her business practices. Mayor Daniel Lurie aims to ensure a more qualified candidate represents the Sunset District.
The East Bay Municipal Utility District Board approved a 15-year lease of the former California Shakespeare Theater amphitheater to the Siesta Valley Foundation. The venue, renamed Siesta Valley Bowl, will host 40 to 50 events annually and include a native plant garden and community center, aiming to revive regional arts and provide economic value.
Neysa Fligor leads Rishi Kumar in the Santa Clara County assessor race, with 37.7% of the vote compared to Kumar's 24.0%. As neither candidate reached the 50% threshold needed for an outright win, they will face off in a December 30 runoff. Both candidates advocate for significant reforms in the assessor's office.
San Joaquin County supervisors approved a $1.5 million funding boost to complete the Gospel Center Rescue Mission's expansion, aiming to support homeless individuals and those battling addiction. This funding follows a previous $2 million contribution in 2021, totaling $3.5 million to enhance the mission's capacity. Without the financial aid, the mission risked losing a $2 million grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank.
San Francisco's Tenderloin District will launch its first youth violence prevention program, announced by Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and Mayor Daniel Lurie. The one-year pilot program, funded by a $200,000 donation, aims to serve up to 20 youths aged 12-24 and will be managed by United Playaz, a nonprofit organization.
Beya Alcaraz resigned as supervisor of San Francisco's District 4 just one week after her appointment, amid allegations of mismanagement of her former small business. Community members expressed surprise over her appointment and relief at her resignation, citing a lack of qualifications. Mayor Daniel Lurie acknowledged that new information regarding Alcaraz's conduct would distract from her duties.
AT&T pushes to retire copper landlines in California, a move that could jeopardize emergency services for rural residents. Critics argue that alternatives like wireless may not provide reliable 911 access, especially during disasters. AT&T spent $4.5 million lobbying to ease its obligations, affecting over 500,000 Californians.