A 51-year-old man faces two counts of vehicular homicide and several other charges stemming from an alleged drunken-driving crash on State Highway 35 near Woodside last month, San Mateo County prosecutors said Monday.
Woodside resident James Morton Worthington had dinner and drinks on June 21 with two friends, Henry Keating and Josh McGuigan, at Alice's Restaurant on Highway 35, also known as Skyline Boulevard, according to the county district attorney's office.
The three then got into Worthington’s sedan and allegedly drove down winding Skyline Boulevard at speeds of about 90 mph before Worthington lost control of the car in the area of Reids Roost Road and crashed head-on into a tree, causing the car to catch fire, prosecutors said.
Witnesses pulled Worthington, who was unconscious, from the vehicle and took him to Stanford Hospital with broken ribs and other injuries, while Keating and McGuigan were pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities.
At the hospital, officers noticed the smell of alcohol on Worthington, whose blood alcohol content was .10 percent three and a half hours after the crash.
The defendant made his initial court appearance last Friday to face charges of vehicular manslaughter and DUI, to which he pleaded not guilty.
Worthington, whose defense attorney was not immediately available for comment, remains in custody on $1 million bail and is due back in court Aug. 4 for a preliminary hearing.
Faced with the threat of extreme temperatures and natural disasters, a series of measures have been prepared to inform the population about the actions they must take in the event of forest fires and the smoke they generate, heat, power outages and dangerous conditions of the environment. water, all in order to avoid unfortunate events such as accidents or human losses.
For this summer, California is expected to reach very high temperatures, which is why the Summer Safety Package has been implemented, initiatives implemented by ready california and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services –Cal OES, por sus siglas en inglés–, el cual busca implementar acciones y materiales que ayuden a las comunidades a mantenerse informadas.
During a press conference organized by Ethnic Media Services, un grupo de especialistas explicaron las condiciones climáticas de California, expusieron los recursos visuales que se están implementando y tres expertos en desastres naturales compartieron sus experiencias.
Brayden Murdock, meteorólogo especialista, explicó las condiciones climáticas que se viven en el estado dorado y cómo se están formando olas de calor extremo, al tiempo que señaló que al derretirse la nieve de las montañas se generan corrientes peligrosas que podrían poner en riesgo a las personas.
«Vamos a ver temperaturas más altas en el día, pero también en la noche. No habrá oportunidad de disminuir la temperatura en estos días, más adelante vamos a estar en un patrón más regular, pero no tenemos que estar solo preocupados por el calor. Tuvimos también mucha nieve en la sierra y vamos a ver por estos calores que nuestros ríos van a recibir más agua de la nieve que se está derritiendo y seguramente tendremos inundaciones», puntualizó.
Para Diana Crofts-Pelayo, subdirectora de Comunicación de Crisis y Asuntos Públicos, la prevención es la pieza clave, es por eso que se cuenta con información al alcance de todos que puede incluso salvar vidas, pero también se toman medidas nuevas que buscan garantizar el bienestar de las comunidades más vulnerables.
«Estamos notando que el clima de California, especialmente los veranos, están siendo más calientes y secos. Ahora estoy en la Oficina del Gobernador mostrándole a todas las personas las formas innovadoras en que nos preparamos para esta época de incendios. Es importante que sepamos que todos estos elementos están interrelacionados, como los problemas de seguridad del agua, energía, y calor», enfatizó.
Alf LaMont, cofundadora de LaMont Digital, explicó que contar con material visual sencillo y didáctico es esencial para llegar a más gente. Es importante comunicar a la sociedad las 5 amenazas principales que son los incendios forestales: humo, agua rápida y peligrosa, cortes de electricidad, incendios y calor extremo.
Durante la conferencia, LaMont compartió y explicó el material visual que se está implementando e invitó a todos a descargar las imágenes en el Resource Center de la página de ready california y compartirlas con sus conocidos, amigos y familiares, ya que a cualquiera le pueden servir en una situación de riesgo.
Peter Thao, especialista en programas del Instituto Asiático de Negocios y Centro de Recursos de Fresno, platicó sobre el apoyo que se brinda a los agricultores y pequeños propietarios. A través de asistencia e información, su grupo de especialistas apoya a las personas que están en riesgo de vivir un incendio, inundación o algún otro desastre natural.
Por su parte, George Hernandez Mejia, director de Operaciones de Emergencia de Community Organized Relief Effort, aseguró que cada comunidad tiene necesidades diferentes y aunque se realice un plan de acción, las personas tienen dudas y es necesario apoyarles con todos los recursos necesarios para garantizar su bienestar.
En su momento, Jacqueline Nushi experta en la gestión de emergencias y en la aplicación de la ley, habló de los niños como una pieza clave en la preparación y prevención de incendios. Para ella, es sorprendente cómo se involucran los menores y el beneficio que se puede obtener al incluirlos.
«Los niños son muy resilientes y es increíble verlos soportar ciertas cosas. Ellos también necesitan tiempo para procesar lo que sucede a su alrededor y tenemos que asegurarnos de que estamos haciéndolo bien y aprender de ellos, así como darles las herramientas que necesitan, esa es un buena forma de preparar a las comunidades para los desastres naturales», agregó.
Los climas extremos van a llegar y no hay manera de evitarlos, pero se está trabajando para mantener a las comunidades informadas y brindarles apoyos para que cuiden de sus familias y su patrimonio. Sin duda alguna la prevención será la clave para mantenerse a salvo.
The city of Redwood City has decided to celebrate in style this July 4th, the most important date for Americans, as they commemorate another year of being independent from the British crown, an event that this year is marked by a parade, a festival and hundreds of fireworks.
Take part in the largest Independence Day parade in Northern California. Since 1939, Redwood City has been the place to be on the 4th of July. The parade starts promptly at 10 a.m. and you'll know it's started when you hear the cannon fire.
This parade attracts thousands of spectators from all over the state and beyond, as well as tourists from all over the world.
The parade route, which includes hundreds of people and floats, runs through historic downtown Redwood City and covers 1.3 miles. 69 organizations have joined together to celebrate this incredible event.
This year, the Peninsula Celebration Association welcomes Redwood City native Linda Cardellini as the 2023 Parade Grand Marshall.
Linda has been nominated for an Emmy Award, a SAG Award, and a Spirit Award. She attended Saint Pius School where she discovered her love for acting.
After the parade, get ready for the festival, which will provide an opportunity for community service organizations to raise funds by selling food, merchandise or providing information about their organization. There are also craft booths and entertainment for the thousands of people who attend the event.
Presented by California Artists, there is a wide variety of items, all handmade by talented artists that are available for purchase. Items include paintings, fine jewelry, pottery, clothing, floral arrangements, woodwork, sculpture, toys and more.
Attendees will also be able to enjoy food and drinks at an area located in Middlefield.
Support your favorite local nonprofit. Many of them in the area use this event as a great opportunity to raise funds. Much of their income for the year will come from this event, so don't hesitate to purchase something.
This year, there will also be a Chalk Festival, where artists of all levels will create their masterpieces on July 3 and 4.
In addition to the above, there is a children's area, information booths and much more.
But if you like pancakes, join the Redwood City Fire Department at the main fire station on Marshall Street for a pancake breakfast. The breakfast runs from 8 to 11 a.m. and benefits the Redwood City Firefighters Association. The breakfast will cost $10.
End your Fourth of July celebration with fireworks over Redwood City Harbor. The spectacular display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and can be viewed from all over the central peninsula.
It should be noted that the majority of the Parade budget is used for cash prizes for participants, many of whom are from Redwood City.
The Palo Alto Police Department arrests a Redwood City teenager in connection with a phone robbery that occurred last year, but said Friday that they are still looking for a second suspect involved.
Police said their dispatch center received a call from a woman on March 14, 2022 at 9:41 a.m. alleging that two suspects had stolen her cell phone in the 2000 block of Webster Street.
After an investigation, police learned that the victim had been walking and talking on her cell phone when she allegedly noticed two men walking behind her for about two minutes.
Police said the woman heard running footsteps as the two suspects ran past her and one of them grabbed her cell phone from her hand.
The robbers ran across the street to a white four-door sedan that was parked around the corner and fled the area.
The woman said she last saw the car heading west on Santa Rita Avenue and ran back to her home to notify police.
Authorities ultimately said they responded to the area immediately but were unable to locate the suspects.
Extensive follow-up investigations by detectives resulted in the identification of one of the suspects, a 17-year-old male from Redwood City.
Police said he was arrested June 28 in the 500 block of Alden Street in Redwood City and taken to the Santa Clara County Juvenile Center. They said the robbery case will remain open until they can identify and arrest the second suspect.
Anyone with information related to the robbery is asked to contact the Palo Alto Police Department's 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413.
Gabriel R. Trujillo, a graduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, was killed in Sonora, Mexico, while conducting field research investigating plants endemic to the region.
The murder of Gabriel R. Trujillo occurred on June 19, and according to his family and fiancée, his body was found several days after his disappearance.
A statement issued by UC Berkeley details that Gabriel Trujillo was a graduate student at that university, and that he was in Mexico doing field research.
“…was murdered last week in Sonora, Mexico. Local police authorities are investigating. This is heartbreaking news and campus officials have reached out to his family to offer support and assistance. Trujillo, a botanist, was a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Integrative Biology department. The campus received confirmation of his death on Friday, June 23.”
The Attorney General's Office of the State of Sonora reported that the young man's body was found on the stretch of highway that leads from the town of San Nicolás to Tepoca, on June 22. Meanwhile, the car that he drove from his home in Oakland to Sonora was found a few meters from his body.
"Her body was located in a ravine by agents of the State Public Security Police (PESP), a few meters from the edge of the road. Her five-door, black, 2009 model BMW MPW station wagon with California license plates was found a few meters from the body, from where several clues were collected that are being analyzed by the institution's forensic laboratories," Mexican authorities said.
The autopsy revealed that Trujillo's cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds and that he had been dead for three to five days.
He added that Gabriel's body was analyzed by Forensic Services and fully identified by his relatives to whom it was handed over.
Roxanne Cruz-de Hoyos, Trujillo's fiancée, has opened a GoFundMe account asking for help to cover the cost of transporting his body from Mexico to the United States.
“Due to the international travel logistics required to bring Gabriel from Mexico to the U.S. and because of the travel costs his family members will incur for his ceremonies in Michigan and California, we are asking for this amount to cover costs and assist his family in this heartbreaking time. Anything you can do to contribute or share is greatly appreciated.”
So far, the family has raised more than $62,000.
The family also announced that two memorial services will be held: one in Fenton, Michigan, on July 5-6 and another in the Bay Area of California, with no specific location yet specified. All who wish to attend are welcome to attend both ceremonies.
Here's the local news you need to know from June 24-30 to stay up to date.
Another month. The second half of 2023 begins and the most important date for the United States is approaching: Independence Day. July 4 is a day where all Americans celebrate in different ways the day when freedom from the British Empire was proclaimed.
Parades, flags, fairs, costumes and fireworks fill every corner of the country. Independence Day is celebrated in style, and Americans love to get together and organize barbecues to commemorate this important date in the history of their country.
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The city government plans to build five new affordable housing projects in San Francisco, creating 550 new homes for seniors, families and low-income people transitioning out of homelessness, Mayor London Breed's office announced Friday.
Construction could begin as early as 2026 and residents would move in by late 2028, depending on the availability of deficit funding.
Projects were announced in five neighborhoods: Bernal Heights, Sunset District, Potrero Hill, Alamo Square and Forest Hill. Each project will be developed by different groups in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD), other city agencies and community partners.
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San Mateo police have arrested a so-called "serial thief" after multiple robberies in the past week.
Police arrested Victor Bell, 29, of Daly City, on Saturday after two early-morning raids, the last of which was interrupted by residents.
Bell had two warrants for his arrest and was on probation for a previous robbery offense.
The robber was booked into the San Mateo County Jail on suspicion of first-degree robbery, attempted robbery, carrying a concealed knife or dagger and warrants for his arrest.
San Mateo police say Bell is likely connected to similar incidents in Foster City and could be connected to others in San Mateo.
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In an effort to crack down, San Mateo County officials announced a new list of July 4 fireworks fines for anyone who sells, buys and sets off fireworks on Independence Day.
Such actions include, for the first time, penalties for spectators, owners, and parents or guardians.
All fireworks are illegal in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, as well as all county and state parks and the Crystal Springs Basin, where wildfire risks are high despite heavy rains this year.
Violations of the county's fireworks ordinance carry fines of up to $2,000, including for discharging fireworks within 500 feet of humane societies or pet rescue shelters or consuming alcohol when cited for fireworks violations, among other situations.
Coming into 2023, first-time violators may be responsible for county costs to respond to violations of the fireworks ordinance.
The above includes “the cost of any medical treatment for any public safety personnel injured in response to the violation, and the cost of repairing any public safety equipment or property damage incurred in response to the violation.”
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County supervisors unanimously approved a $7.7 billion two-year budget for San Mateo over the next fiscal years, spanning 2023 through 2025, that will prioritize ending homelessness in the area, among other things.
After three days of public hearings, supervisors approved the recommended budget, however, the Board will hold hearings in September on a revised final budget based on emerging needs and changing economic conditions.
Guided by priorities set by the Board of Supervisors, the plan emphasizes investments in maintaining existing initiatives rather than launching new programs.
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A Lodi man suspected of shooting was arrested Tuesday by San Mateo County police.
San Mateo County sheriff's deputies arrested Peter Sim Jr., 20, on a warrant after a license plate reader notification alerted them to the location of the wanted vehicle around 6:30 p.m. Deputies stopped Sim and arrested him with the assistance of Burlingame police.
Sim is suspected of a shooting on Oro Way in Lodi around 11:15 p.m. Monday, Lodi police said.
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The San Mateo County Office of Arts and Culture is looking for volunteers to help paint a series of panels along the crosswalk for the new mural on Fifth Avenue in North Fair Oaks under the Caltrain tracks.
Families and children ages 8 and older are welcome to attend the five-week event. The artwork has been designed by local artist Emily Fromm, with the theme “Healthy Community.”
No experience is necessary to participate. All painting materials and instructions will be provided for participants. Attendees only need to bring water, sunscreen, some snacks and arrive in comfortable shoes and clothing that they don't mind getting paint on.
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The Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the number of California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers deployed in a joint operation in San Francisco will be doubled, while authorizing targeted increases in police forces to improve public safety and stop fentanyl trafficking.
The increase in officers will be aimed at conducting targeted surges with law enforcement partners to combat crime and further crack down on the fentanyl crisis affecting San Francisco.
Personnel assigned to the expanded operation are expected to include some of the more than 100 new CHP officers scheduled to graduate from the CHP Academy this week, as well as active officers within the Golden Gate Division.
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A dog is dead and 10 people are displaced after a house fire broke out in Redwood City Thursday afternoon. The fire, in the 3300 block of Bay Road, was centered in the attic of a home. The fire was reported around 4 p.m.
A Redwood City Fire Department spokesman confirmed that a dog died in the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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On July 1, 1983, East Palo Alto succeeded in its long battle for incorporation, becoming an independent city that would determine its own destiny.
In light of this, East Palo Alto will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a grand event, where everyone is invited.
This Friday night, singer Goapele will welcome attendees while the history of East Palo Alto is projected.
On Saturday, everyone will be able to enjoy the sounds of La Sonora Dinamita, Rafa and Artelia Green & the Bandannas, among many others.
In Guatemala, the emblematic country of the atrocities committed during the Cold War in the Americas, plundered by oligarchs, military, narco-politicians and fundamentalist pastors, there is a growing possibility that the presidential duo of Semilla, the center-left movement led by Bernardo Arévalo and Karin Herrera, will win the presidency in the second round on August 20.
Arévalo, an academic and politician, is the son of former president Juan José Arévalo, who together with Jacobo Arbenz led the failed attempt to modernize national capitalism, the October Revolution frustrated in 1954 by the anti-communist paranoia of the United States, the oligarchy and the conservative clergy.
Almost seventy years after that infamy, Guatemala is about to resume the legacy of revolutionary nationalism.
The Semilla candidates will face Sandra Torres of the National Union of Hope, an enemy of the CICIG (International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala), linked to drug trafficking, a former convict and with 23 open legal cases.
Following the electoral failure of General Ríos Montt's daughter, Torres is now the candidate of the "Guatemalan Frankenstein», as Piero Gleijeses called the machinery of death set up with money and advice from the Kennedy and Johnson governments.
The winds of change are returning, as on the eve of the 1944 Revolution, and there is growing public repudiation of the debasement of society and the degradation of the art of politics by the criminal and regressive scum that will continue to control a good number of mayoralties and seats in Congress.
Bernardo and Karin can sweep the second round and begin to reverse the inhumanity that Guatemala has suffered since 1954.
The intense activity in the virtual world heralds that the frankenstein it is not invincible and a new light is opening on the Central American horizon.
San Mateo County deputies arrested a Redwood City man for rape of a minor.
Christopher Esquivel, 23, of Redwood City, was arrested on suspicion of forcible rape, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
On March 16, detectives began investigating the case of a minor who was raped by a known person.
Investigators identified Esquivel as the suspect and, following the investigation, detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest, according to the sheriff's office.
On Thursday, Esquivel was located in San Bruno and was arrested. He has since posted bail and is no longer in custody, authorities said.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call (650) 363-4060.
The sheriff's office is also investigating whether there are additional victims.
California Attorney General, Rob Bonta, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ), announced four settlements totaling $68 million against three health care providers and one public health agency, all based in Central and Southern California, for fraudulent Medi-Cal claims.
The settlement resolves allegations that Community Health Centers of the Central Coast (CHC), Cottage Health System (Cottage), Sansum Clinic (Sansum) and CenCal Health submitted or caused the submission of fraudulent Medi-Cal claims in violation of state and federal false claims laws.
The filings are further alleged to be part of an organized scheme to improperly withhold federal funds that financed the expansion of Medi-Cal for adults.
“Medi-Cal is a lifeline that provides access to free or affordable health care services for millions of Californians and their families,” said Attorney General Bonta.
“When any health care provider or agency defrauds the program, they break the public’s trust and put profits ahead of the patients who count on them for honest, quality care and services. The California Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who defraud the Medi-Cal program and protect those it serves,” she said.
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), beginning in January 2014, Medi-Cal was expanded to cover the previously uninsured “Adult Expansion” population: adults between the ages of 19 and 64 with no dependent children and with annual incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level.
The four settlements resolve allegations that CHC, Cottage, Sansum and CenCal Health knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to Medi-Cal for “additional services” provided to Adult Expansion Medi-Cal members.
California and the United States alleged that the payments were not “allowable medical expenses” under CenCal’s health contract with DHCS, were predetermined amounts that did not reflect the fair market value of the additional services provided, and/or the additional services were a duplication of services already required to be provided.
California and the United States further argued that the payments were illegal gifts of public funds in violation of the California Constitution.
The AE program was funded by the federal government. Therefore, most of the settlement amount will go to the federal government. California will receive a 10 percent share of Medicaid recoveries because the case involves California's False Claims Act and the alleged fraud affected Medi-Cal.
Specifically, CenCal Health will pay $49.5 million to the United States; CHC will pay $3.15 million to the United States and $350,000 to California; Cottage will pay $9 million to the United States and $1 million to California; and Sansum will pay $4.5 million to the United States and $500,000 to California. In total, California will receive $1.85 million.
East Palo Alto celebrates 40 years of becoming an independent city
On July 1, 1983, East Palo Alto succeeded in its long battle for incorporation, becoming an independent city that would determine its own destiny.
In light of this, East Palo Alto will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a grand event, where everyone is invited.
This Friday night, singer Goapele will welcome attendees while the history of East Palo Alto is projected.
On Saturday, everyone will be able to enjoy the sounds of La Sonora Dinamita, Rafa and Artelia Green & the Bandannas, among many others.
"We hope you can join us at one or both events as we celebrate our city's pride and fight for independence," the city said in a statement.
This Friday evening's gala will allow you to take a trip through the history of East Palo Alto while enjoying a dining experience overlooking the incredible city.
The appointment is at University Circle, at 1950 University Avenue in East Palo Alto, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Meanwhile, this Saturday, July 1, there will be a parade and a popular festival.
Join the celebration by marching with city officials and employees through the streets of East Palo Alto. The parade will culminate at Pulgas/Bay Road where there will be an all-day party with music, games, vendors and more!
The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp and will depart from Westside at University Circle, 1950 University Ave.
To find out all the details and have more information for both events, those interested can visit the site www.cityofepa.org/celebrate40.
