Inside Trump’s speech | Oakland surveillance cameras | Bigger storm coming
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President Donald Trump discusses the economy: In an 18-minute speech, the nation’s leader said he was sending a $1,776 bonus check to troops for Christmas, saying tariffs were funding the payments. Trump’s speech was an effort to quell concerns about rising costs and a weakened labor market.
Prison time for PG&E transformer bombing: Peter Karasev, of San Jose, was given 10 years in federal prison for blasts that struck the electrical infrastructure in 2022 and 2023, prosecutors said. The attack caused blackouts, and the raid on his home led to the evacuation of a neighborhood.
Oakland approves Flock cameras: The city voted to keep the license-plate surveillance system in place for two more years while police search for a long-term vendor. The council amended the deal that would terminate the contract if Flock violates this term.
More rain ahead: The Bay Area dealt with a light drizzle Wednesday, but forecasters said a stronger system is on the way and it will deliver a haymaker to the region.
A step toward independent lives: Las Trampas has been around since 1938 and has helped those with developmental disabilities live on their own terms, but Trump’s cuts to Medicaid are threatening the nonprofit and the people it helps. The group hopes to raise $10,000 through the Share the Spirit campaign to pay staff and help more adults.
New leader at the public defender’s office: Santa Clara County supervisors tapped Damon Silver, a veteran South Bay attorney, to head the agency. He has spent three decades there in multiple roles.
DA’s office expands to Pittsburg: The Contra Costa County agency will open a new location on Railroad Avenue. It brings these essential services closer to East County residents, rather than requiring them to travel to Martinez or Richmond.
San Jose extends tobacco retailer ban: The moratorium on smoke shops will last through this date as it examines ways to “strengthen” current laws and crack down on illegal operations.
Cupertino takes step to overhaul City Hall: The 60-year-old building is at risk of collapsing during a major quake, but a revamp will cost $54 million and take years to complete. The council set aside $2.5 million to kick off the project.
Coffeeshop recovering after car crash: A speeding car smashed into the business on Thanksgiving night, but the cafe is on its way back after opening the espresso bar earlier this month.
Police and court reports: An anti-ICE protester pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor after slashing the tire of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle in San Francisco. She was sentenced to probation.
- Oakland: A third man has been charged with a May shooting near City Hall, records show. Police said he was involved in a fracas that escalated into gunfire.
Opinion: Trump has seized on the killing of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to condemn all Afghans in the U.S. as potential terrorists, and in doing so, he has created angst among refugees and other law-abiding members of the community who fear repatriation to the Taliban, writes the president emerita of Chabot College.
Nonprofit buys housing complex: A group led by Step Up Housing purchased the 186-unit Woodchase Apartment Homes in San Leandro for $47.4 million, filings show. That’s below the site’s assessed value.
- More Bay Area layoffs: Zebra Technologies and bioMerieux will eliminate 196 combined jobs, according to a state filing. The cuts will come in this city.
- San Carlos housing developer chosen: San Mateo County picked MidPen Housing to build at least 75 affordable apartments within walking distance of the San Carlos Caltrain station. Here’s who will be eligible for the units.
- Tesla shares rally: Despite lower electric car sales, investors remain excited for the company’s artificial intelligence and autonomous-driving technology efforts that have boosted its stock 25% since it hit a November low.