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Four employees of the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability expressed a lack of confidence in director Paul Henderson's leadership, citing budget cuts and workplace harassment. Former policy director Janelle Caywood threatened legal action following her dismissal amid the unrest.
COVID levels in California quadrupled in July, following a seasonal trend, though current variants Stratus and Nimbus are not highly virulent. United Airlines grounded all flights at SFO due to a technical issue, causing widespread delays. A lawsuit has been filed against the federal government concerning threats to deport foreign students at Stanford University over their free speech rights.
Alum Rock Union School District appointed Sandra Garcia as interim superintendent following the firing of German Cerda. The board's decision comes amid financial struggles, including a $20 million budget deficit and declining enrollment. Community members express concern over the district's stability and demand transparency.
San Jose plans to expand AI training programs for city staff, aiming to train at least 1,000 employees by the end of 2026. The AI Upskilling Program and Data Upskilling Program have already trained 80 staffers, yielding significant efficiency gains.
Santa Clara residents can apply to join a 13-member Charter Review Committee to propose amendments to the city charter. The committee, formed by the City Council, aims to identify necessary revisions and recommend changes for better city governance. The proposed amendments will be considered by the City Council and, if approved, presented to voters in November 2026.
SJ’s Recycle Bookstore in San Jose attracts readers with new releases and beloved classics, alongside its resident cat Emma, an Instagram sensation. Emma, described as "prissy, finicky, very loud and opinionated," adds a unique charm to the bookstore experience. Store owner Robert Eliason emphasizes the community's fondness for the bookstore and its feline mascot.
UC Berkeley students increasingly turn to the Berkeley Student Cooperative for affordable housing as campus dormitory prices rise. With rents at co-ops significantly lower than traditional options, students like Ella Mui Shonk have seen their housing costs drop from $19,000 to $9,000 annually. The co-op system, founded during the Great Depression, remains vital for providing accessible living arrangements for thousands of students.
The BayPass program, which offers unlimited transit rides across the Bay Area, is gaining traction among universities and employers following successful pilot trials. Early participants reported increased transit use, especially among low-income students, prompting institutions like UC Berkeley and SFSU to adopt the program in upcoming semesters.
Alameda County prosecutors dropped murder charges against Terryan McDowell, who fatally shot Darnell Parker in January 2025. McDowell claimed self-defense after Parker confronted him at the home of a mutual romantic interest. Prosecutors cited insufficient evidence to prove the shooting was not justifiable.
A 20-year-old woman, Mercedes Rosales, has been arrested for the stabbing murder of 22-year-old Raymond Orozco outside a San Jose nightclub on July 20. An 18-year-old woman, Micaela Van, faces charges as an accessory. Police urge witnesses to come forward with information.