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.
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