Coronavirus Disinfecting Services : September 2021

Thursday, 30 September 2021

Rampaging wild pigs return to Lafayette

LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KRON) - Wild pigs are back to terrorizing homeowners in the East Bay.

People living in Lafayette have been complaining about the pigs running wild and trampling their well-manicured yards but officials say they're working to stop these problematic pests.

These feral hogs are back to pigging out on people's lawns. It first became a problem in 2019 and a trapper was brought in to help out.

They did but now the invasive animals are back to searching for food and water and their fight for survival is once again becoming a big issue in the area.

Jonathan Katayanagi is Lafayette's Parks Trails and Recreation director but over the last few years of fielding more than a hundred wild hog complaint calls, he now has the unofficial title as the area's pig professional.

The city has dealt with this pig problem once before.

In 2019, the invasive animals chewed through neighborhoods and athletic fields causing more than $25,000 in damage. A trapper was able to get rid of more than a dozen of them but now they're back.

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Linda Mooers has lived in the Burton Valley neighborhood for more than 20 years and she couldn't believe what was happening.

Charles Tian moved to Lafayette just over a year ago -- He's sympathetic to the pigs’ fight for survival but also wants the city to stop them.

For now, sections of trails within Lafayette Community Park have been closed off to keep people and pets safe from the pigs.

Katayanagi is expecting to get a handle on the hungry hogs.

As for what you can do about the pig problem, it's not much other than contacting the city or getting a trapper.

The city is also asking people to keep their dogs on a leash at Lafayette Community Park to avoid any possible unwanted run-ins with wild pigs.

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Special meeting held to discuss student vaccine mandate in West Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA, Calif. (KRON) - West Contra Costa Unified School District was in an ongoing special meeting on Thursday night discussing a proposal to require all eligible students 12 years and older to get vaccinated.

If passed, the school district would be the fourth East Bay school system to require student vaccinations.

After three and a half hours, school board members are still in discussions on this heated topic.

So far, a lot of passionate parents and teachers spoke up in the meeting.

In addition to those who showed up in person, more than 350 people tuned in on Zoom.

Public comments have been a mixed bag -- Several people speaking out against vaccination mandates and others in strong support, saying this is the best way to protect students and the community.

Contra Costa County's health officer put out a letter on Thursday reading in part:

"For the safety and health of students, families and the community, and as an effective tool to help keep students in the classroom, I offer my strong support for each and every school district that takes continued and additional steps to promote COVID-19 vaccination for their students."

Earlier this month, West Contra Costa Unified was on the verge of becoming the first Bay Area school district to approve student vaccinations, however that original meeting was pushed back to Thursday.

Instead, Oakland Unified School District became the first to approve such a mandate last week and several others have since followed.

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Dine & Dish: Boulevard reopening

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) - Restaurants come and go, particularly since the pandemic but a precious few endure -- This is the case of San Francisco's iconic 'Boulevard.'

Celebrating its 28th anniversary and for fans of the famous eatery, starting Thursday night, you can finally make a reservation.

"If you've missed Boulevard on the San Francisco waterfront like I have, you'll be happy to know that it's back better than ever."

Chef Nancy Oaks couldn't be happier.

Serving San Francisco diners for 28 years, Boulevard shut for renovations, and several long months, the chef shows off the beautifully refreshed digs - whimsical and posh.

Chef Oaks managed to keep her staff she considers family. The bar boasts new cocktail concoctions.

The reinvented Boulevard menu as always, seasonal, artistic and mouth-watering.

Like the yellowtail Crudo with shaved ice or the calamari with beans and burrata cheese dish or the green and gorgeous pesto risotto with shaved truffle, topped off by a deconstructed carrot cake with carrot sorbet and pecan ice cream.

That pretty much sums up the Boulevard experience - a bit of adult but the same childhood spoon it up and love quality diners keep coming back for.

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Native community celebrates tradition, history in San Jose

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) - The native community is celebrating their tradition and history at a free event called Indigenous Peoples Day this weekend in San Jose.

For many locals, this is one of a few opportunities to come together and pass along those traditions to the next generation.

Yeitochtli Mitlalpilli has been dazzling Bay Area audiences with an Aztec dance group for more than 20 years.

This weekend, he is hosting yet another event in San Jose welcoming natives of all tribes to share and observe age-old traditions.

Starting with a land recognition, and featuring Miwok along with Aztec dancers and artisan creations.

"It's important to do this and teach our children here in the Bay Area there is a large population not only of Native Americans but also Mexican or what some people call Chicano or Mexicano or Latino some people say community and most of those children and most of those people have indigenous blood in them so we also want to empower them with identity, with culture, with community, with traditions," Mitlalpilli said.

Many Northern California tribes are not federally recognized and without land where they can gather.

There has been a growing movement to reconnect to ancient roots and proclaim that their people and customs are alive and well today.

After searching for his own Apache, Pima and Aztec family history, Jay Guerra of Sunnyvale launched the Unified Indigenous Movement page on Instagram during the pandemic which quickly amassed tens of thousands of followers in search of community.

“I love the fact that I am able to help people reconnect, I love the fact that I'm able to spread awareness," Jay Guerra said.

Guerra explains that like his own family, many Native Americans pretended to be Mexican taking on new last names to hide from Spanish settlers.

He's looking forward to this weekend to instead honor their ancestors and pass down lessons to his own kids.

“Now that I found out more about my history and my roots I feel more connected and I feel more at home. I feel more at peace that I know how I am and I can raise my kids with this knowledge, I could teach them and they could teach their kids so we can keep it going so it never dies out,” Guerra said.

Guerra encourages people to move past roadblocks in their search for their identity.

The Indigenous Peoples Day event starts Friday and goes on through Sunday at the Garden at the Flea on Berryessa in San Jose.

Weekend Schedule

Fri, Oct 1, 5-9 pm RasK DJ
Sat, Oct 2, 11 am Miwok Dancers
Sat, Oct 2, 12-2 pm, Audiopharmacy
Sat, Oct 2, 3-5 pm, SupaManHiphop
Sun, Oct 3, 9-5 pm, DJ Chuy Gomez

Parking

$3 on Fridays.
$7 on Saturdays.
$15 on Sundays

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Marin Transit begins free fare pilot program to assist those impacted by pandemic

MARIN, Calif. (KRON) - Some residents in Marin County will now be offered free fares to ride Marin Transit starting October 1.

In a pilot program to help those impacted by the pandemic, free fares will be for older adults and people with disabilities.

Free transit passes will also be offered to families of low-income students. Students will be offered free fares for the summer of 2022 starting in June.

The program is a way to get ridership back up while offering a discounted fare as post-pandemic relief.

The temporary free fares would be for six months.

Ridership data will be closely monitored and Marin Transit will evaluate its options moving forward.

More than 1.3 million passenger trips were made during the pandemic by Marin Transit.

A rider survey from Marin Transit showed that fares are not a barrier for everyone -- Free fares are being offered to those most in need.

“This is an equity-driven plan to rebuild ridership and deliver results to people who most need financial relief,” said Nancy Whelan, General Manager of Marin Transit. “Throughout the pandemic, Marin Transit service has been a lifeline for low-income and essential workers who continued to rely on transit while some sectors of the workforce have shifted to a remote work paradigm. This program will maximize Marin Transit’s contribution to the regional economic recovery.”

In this program, the following will be offered:

Free transit passes to the families of low-income students who qualify to receive Marin Transit Free Youth Pass. This offering would provide free transit access to low-income riders in the form of three free one-month passes to eligible families in November 2021.
Free rides on local fixed route service countywide for older adults age 65+ and persons with disabilities as a 6-month pilot from October 2021 through March 2022.
Free Summer Pass for students for approximately 9 weeks in the summer of 2022. The passes will be offered with a valid student identification or proof of age.

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Concerns raised after California eviction moratorium ends

SAN MATEO COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) -- Concerns among renters and their advocates across California now that the state’s eviction moratorium is ending.

Owners don’t want to evict and that’s not their business model.

Officials with the California Apartment Association say landlords are not chomping at the bit to evict tenants, though they are pleased the moratorium is ending.

After extending the moratorium several times, the state legislature no longer had the support to do it again. But renters still have protection as long as they apply for rental assistance before the end of March.

During a speech Wednesday the governor referenced California's COVID-19 rent relief program, applying is simply a matter of going to the state’s housing is key website so far this fund has paid or is about to pay $1.5 billion in rental assistance.

While the state’s eviction moratorium is ending, several cities and counties have their own eviction moratorium. You should check with your local jurisdiction to see if that also applies to you.

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Lawyer for man accused of shooting Alex Murdaugh says his client was set up

HAMPTON, S.C. (NewsNation Now) — The lawyer for the man accused of shooting Alex Murdaugh in a failed insurance fraud scheme says his client is being used as the fall guy.

Jarrett Bouchette is representing Curtis Smith. The 61-year-old is being charged with a slew of crimes including assisted suicide and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. The charges stem from Smith allegedly shooting Murdaugh during Labor Day weekend in what investigators say was a ploy to get Murdaugh’s remaining son Buster a $10 million insurance payout.

Smith’s accounts of what happened differs greatly from what Murdaugh told South Carolina investigators. His lawyer says the accusations don’t make sense.

Smith says Murdaugh called him to bring him work, which he didn’t think was out of the ordinary because he had done odd mechanic work for Murdaugh before.

Smith told investigators when he got to that rural road Murdaugh was suicidal and agitated. They tussled with each other over the gun and it went off. Then, Smith took it with him and got rid of it.

Murdaugh’s lawyer told investigators Smith was Murdaugh’s drug dealer. Bouchette says based on his client's financials, that doesn’t add up.

NewsNationNow.com reached out to the Attorney General's Office. It had no comment.

Meanwhile, an outside judge has been assigned to oversea the Murdaugh criminal cases.

On Thursday, the $100,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in the murder of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh is set to expire. Its been three months and no arrests.

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Resolution filed to make Bible 'official book of Texas'

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A Texas lawmaker filed a resolution Wednesday to designate the Bible as the official state book.

The resolution, filed by State Rep. Glenn Rogers, explained the Bible has served as a source of "wisdom and inspiration" for Texas historical figures like Davy Crockett and Sam Houston. The resolution also said 30 governors have been sworn in with a Bible believed to have belonged to Houston, who was the first president of the Republic of Texas, then later a U.S. senator representing the state.

"As a prominent element in the rich fabric of our Texas heritage, the Bible is truly deserving of such acknowledgment," the resolution said.

The short resolution doesn't outline which Bible would become the state's official book, however. Cambridge University explains 11 of the most popular versions in English include the English Standard Version, the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version (NIV), and the most popular, the King James.

Data from the Pew Research Center shows that about 77% of religious adults in Texas identified as Christian. Non-Christian faiths accounted for about 4% of the state's religious composition, while about 18% of those who answered identified as non-religious or atheist.

Earlier this year, a Tennessee lawmaker pushed for official Bible designation in his own state. Similar resolutions failed in Louisiana in 2014 and Mississippi in 2015.

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Santa Clara County approves $40M to jumpstart numerous homeless housing sites

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) -- The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors recently approved millions of dollars in funding to combat the county’s ongoing homeless crisis, paving the way for more homeless housing.

On Tuesday, county supervisors approved a “Challenge Grant” of up to $40 million to begin developing as many as 16 housing sites and projects for homeless individuals across the county.

“What I think has been so disheartening for so many people is that as much work that has been done there’s still much work still left to be done,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian.

“We know that notwithstanding the creation of more permanent, supportive, affordable housing, and the creation of additional shelters, that the number of folks we’ve got who are homeless and out there on the streets continues to grow.”

Santa Clara County Supervisors Otto Lee and Joe Simitian holding a press conference at the LifeMoves site in Mountain View.

The motion was put forth by Supervisors Joe Simitian and Otto Lee and had originally proposed a smaller program of $25 million for 10 sites in response to an announcement from LifeMoves in hopes to identify 10 sites and develop 10 projects.

Earlier this week, both supervisors held a press conference at the LifeMoves site in Mountain View to show their support and to challenge partners from the public and private sector to join the county in supporting the development of 10 additional transitional housing sites.

“What we’re doing here in Santa Clara County is asking ourselves what can we try that might be a little more creative and that frankly can help more people,” said Simitian.

“But we’ve also got to change our thinking, if we keep doing what we’re doing we’re going to keep getting what we got and that’s not acceptable.”

According to the county’s most recent homeless census, approximately 9,706 county residents were experiencing homeleness as of 2019, with over 80% who are living unsheltered.

By contrast, the county’s shelter capacity was at 1,882 beds as of Jan. 2020 and rising to as much as 2,336 during the pandemic.

The grant money approved by the county will be used to develop more cost-efficient housing solutions like the prefabricated modular housing units, a model pioneered by LifeMoves.

“It’s a very creative approach, what people think of as containers, these are a little bit more flexible, a little more affordable, and if done right it can be a very flexible approach to site constraints,” said Simitian.

Inside one of the several units available for unhoused individuals at the LifeMoves site in Mountain View.

Traditional emergency shelters can take years to build and oftentimes at a cost of $400,000 to $800,000 per unit.

According to Aubrey Merriman, CEO of LifeMoves, the organization’s prefabricated modular model costs between $50,000 and $200,000 per unit and can take less than six months to construct.

The portable units can also be relocated to different sites as needs and circumstances change, and can even be transitioned for permanent housing.

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Massive illegal marijuana bust yields $10M, 100K plants in Bay Area

ALAMEDA COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) -- The Alameda County Sheriff's Office said it made the "biggest illegal marijuana bust in Bay Area history" after serving search warrants in the East Bay.

They estimate finding hundreds of thousands of marijuana plants on Wednesday.

"This organized and sophisticated network of individuals were making tens of millions of dollars in profit and avoiding California Marijuana Regulations," the sheriff's office said in a press release, calling it "unbelievable."

Massive illegal marijuana operation busted in the Bay Area. (Courtesy: Alameda County Sheriff's Office)
Massive illegal marijuana operation busted in the Bay Area. (Courtesy: Alameda County Sheriff's Office)
Massive illegal marijuana operation busted in the Bay Area. (Courtesy: Alameda County Sheriff's Office)
Massive illegal marijuana operation busted in the Bay Area. (Courtesy: Alameda County Sheriff's Office)

The bust included finding millions of dollars worth of infrastructure, equipment, lighting, generators and supplies used to facilitate the grows, officials added.

On Thursday, officials were recorded using gas-powered trimmers to cut down the plans to save time.

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New drought restrictions effective immediately in Livermore

LIVERMORE, Calif. (BCN) -- Livermore is officially in a Stage 2 Water Shortage Emergency, meaning greater water use restrictions are effective immediately, Livermore City Council voted Monday.

In an effort to reduce the city's water use by 15 percent compared to levels in 2020, all landscaping irrigation is limited to certain days and times, at a maximum of three times per week.

Odd numbered addresses can only water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and even numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Residents also cannot use sprinklers between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. However, residents are allowed to water at any time during their approved water days with tools like hoses with shut-off nozzles, watering cans or drip irrigation systems

The water restrictions will apply to all properties in city limits, and will remain until drought conditions improve or water supplies replenish.

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California's vaccine mandate goes into effect

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) - KRON4's Sara Stinson reports from the South Bay on California's requirement to have all government employees vaccinated by today.

90% of city workers in San Jose have been vaccinated so far.

People who do not comply with the mandate are subject to consequences including being fired from their jobs.

In San Jose, 8% of the fire department was still unvaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Police and firefighters against the shot say they want options and a continuation of the current policy that allows for regular testing in place of vaccinations, which started in August.

The police union in San Jose says as many as 140 officers might quit or retire early because of the policy.

The city is hoping it doesn't come to that.

"Were looking at a host of intermediate sanctions so that we don't have to jump to termination," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. "And even if we did that process would take several months."

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San Jose homicide suspect arrested

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) - San Jose police announced that they have made an arrest in the city's 28th homicide of the year.

On September 25th, at around 4:06 PM, officers responded to Remillard Court and Story Road for a report of a dead body.

One man, who police believe was homeless, was found dead near a creek trail, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

After investigating, police identified 31-year-old Ricardo Miranda of San Jose as the suspect and took him into custody on September 28 and booked him for homicide.

The motive and circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation.

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'Not Brian Laundrie': Lookalike goes viral on TikTok as he tries to clear his name

**For previous coverage, watch the above video.

(WJW) -- A man who many say looks like Brian Laundrie has amassed millions of views on TikTok after sharing several videos in which he says he is not the man wanted in Gabby Petito's disappearance and death.

The man, who goes by user name @notbrianlaundrie, first started posting videos earlier this week, wanting to "put rumors to bed" that he is Laundrie.

In one video, he asks for advice on what to tell people who think he is Brian Laundrie. The video has more than 2.2 million views.

In another, which has more than 3 million views, he said he was about to travel cross country from a wedding and asked how "not to get attacked or accused of being this guy."

The FBI issued a warrant for Laundrie’s arrest, but he was previously only wanted for questioning after his fiancé disappeared and was later found dead in Wyoming on Sept. 19.

The case has generated massive nationwide interest since an investigation began a few weeks ago.

Laundrie was last seen Sept. 14 entering the 24,000-acre Carlton Reserve in Florida, but he was not reported missing until a few days later. Investigators had focused intently on the area after Laundrie’s parents told police he may have gone there.

Another search, by Duane Chapman — known as Dog the Bounty Hunter — is being conducted in Fort De Soto Campground in Pinellas County, Florida.

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Protestors block Golden Gate Bridge for immigrant protections

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Protestors have shut down the Golden Gate Bridge on Thursday morning.

Organizers from the Bay Area Coalition for Economic Justice and Citizenship for All say they are demanding Democrats take action to protect immigrant families, according to a press release.

It appears the protest is currently impacting northbound lanes heading towards Marin County.

The organization said 25 cars are stopping traffic on the bridge.

A Facebook Live stream from Bay Resistance shows the protestors on the back of a truck making speeches and chanting in Spanish.

"We just want what is fair, we just want human dignity like everyone wants," one of the protestors could be heard saying.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back for details.

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Broadway's 'Aladdin' shuts down due to COVID just 1 night after reopening

NEW YORK CITY (WPIX) – The show won't go on.

Wednesday night's performance of "Aladdin" on Broadway was canceled due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases within the company at the New Amsterdam Theatre, according to a statement.

Important information regarding tonight's performance. pic.twitter.com/zVHzgHuuSi
— Aladdin the Musical (@aladdin) September 29, 2021

After a lengthy hiatus spanning about a year-and-a-half due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "Aladdin" had returned to Broadway for its reopening-night performance on Tuesday night.

The statement, posted to the production's Twitter account, said tickets for Wednesday's show will be refunded, and the status of future shows will be communicated in the same fashion.

"We will continue to provide support to the affected 'Aladdin' company members as they recover," the statement concluded.

All Broadway theaters in New York currently require audience members and performers to be fully vaccinated with an FDA- or WHO-approved vaccine, per the latest guidance from the Broadway League. Those who cannot be vaccinated for religious and medical reasons are required to provide proof of a negative COVID test prior to the show. Masks are also required inside the theater, except while eating or drinking, or in designated areas.

The policy extends at least through Oct. 31. The Broadway League was said to be revisiting these policies for shows beyond October, and "may include a relaxation of certain provisions if the science dictates."

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Earthquake strikes Santa Rosa

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KRON) -- An earthquake shook Santa Rosa early Thursday morning.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports it was a 3.4 magnitude earthquake.

Did you feel it? Minor quake minutes ago just Southeast of Santa Rosa. Just over 100 reports of minor shaking in the area on the USGS site so far. @kron4news pic.twitter.com/6S5VbnWv4A
— John Shrable (@JohnShrable) September 30, 2021

It struck around 5:45 a.m.

Some Twitter users shared that the quake woke them up:

Yes! It woke me up.
— Linda Ferguson (@Linda_Alimi) September 30, 2021

Intensity reports are coming in, with people at this time saying it was weak to light shaking.

Residents from Windsor to Petaluma and in between are contacting USGS about the rumbling.

South Santa Rosa shook pretty good.
— David Kiddoo (@mrbreeze54) September 30, 2021

This story will be updated as intensity reports come in.

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Dog the Bounty Hunter pitching new reality show as he chases Brian Laundrie, report says

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — With the search for Brian Laundrie garnering worldwide attention, a familiar face has been thrust into the national spotlight.

Duane "Dog" Chapman, who starred in A&E’s “Dog the Bounty Hunter” for eight seasons, made the rounds on the news this week after he was seen knocking on the door of Laundrie's parents home in North Port and reportedly searching Fort De Soto for signs of Laundrie.

“We have received an avalanche of tips on the whereabouts of Brian Laundrie,” Dog told E! News. “There is a remarkable amount of information being shared from neighbors, friends and people who may have very recently seen Brian. For those close to Brian, I’d like to restate our goal is to capture him alive. His best chance is if we bring him in. If family and friends want to help Brian, they will help us locate him so we can help end this peacefully.”

As he makes his way back into the headlines, Variety reports Chapman has been plotting his return to reality TV.

According to the report, the bounty hunter has been working with the production company Thinkfactory on pitching a new show about his daily life and exploits.

Authorities are still searching for Laundrie after his family reported him missing on Sept. 17. On Tuesday, the family's attorney Steven Bertolino confirmed Laundrie went camping with his parents in September, before his fiancée Gabby Petito was reported missing. Laundrie is the sole person of interest in Petito's death.

The FBI last week said the U.S. District Court of Wyoming issued a federal arrest warrant for Laundrie in relation to a grand jury indictment for his “activities following the death of Gabrielle Petito," and alleged that Laundrie "knowingly and with intent to defraud, used one or more unauthorized access devices, namely a Capitol One Bank debit card" and personal identification numbers for two accounts.

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Ex-Nazi camp secretary, 96, flees instead of facing 11K counts in her murder trial

BERLIN (AP) — A former secretary for the SS commander of the Stutthof concentration camp was being sought on an arrest warrant Thursday after skipping the planned start of her trial in Germany on more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder, officials said.

The 96-year-old woman left the home where she lives in a taxi on Thursday morning, heading for a subway station on the outskirts of Hamburg, German news agency dpa quoted Itzehoe state court spokeswoman Frederike Milhoffer as saying. Her destination wasn't known.

Presiding judge Dominik Gross said the court had issued an arrest warrant, and it remained to be seen whether she would be caught.

Prosecutors argue that the woman was part of the apparatus that helped the Nazi camp function during World War II more than 75 years ago.

The court said in a statement before the trial that the defendant allegedly “aided and abetted those in charge of the camp in the systematic killing of those imprisoned there between June 1943 and April 1945 in her function as a stenographer and typist in the camp commandant’s office.”

The wooden main gate leads into the former Nazi German Stutthof concentration camp in Sztutowo, Poland. An elderly secretary of the former SS commandant of Stutthof is going on trial on Thursday in Germany on charges of more than 11,000 counts of accessory to murder. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski, file)

Despite her advanced age, the German woman was to be tried in juvenile court because she was under 21 at the time of the alleged crimes. German media identified her as Irmgard Furchner.

Efraim Zuroff, the head Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s office in Jerusalem, said the defendant had claimed in a recent letter to the court that she was too frail to appear for trial.

“Apparently, that’s not exactly the case," he said.

“If she is healthy enough to flee, she is healthy enough to be incarcerated,” Zuroff told The Associated Press. Her flight, he added, “should also affect the punishment.”

The case against Furchner relies on German legal precedent established in cases over the past decade that anyone who helped Nazi death camps and concentration camps function can be prosecuted as an accessory to the murders committed there, even without evidence of participation in a specific crime.

A defense lawyer told Der Spiegel magazine that the trial would center on whether the 96-year-old had knowledge of the atrocities that happened at the camp.

“My client worked in the midst of SS men who were experienced in violence — however, does that mean she shared their state of knowledge? That is not necessarily obvious,” lawyer Wolf Molkentin said.

According to other media reports, Furchner was questioned as a witness during past Nazi trials and said at the time that the former SS commandant of Stutthof, Paul Werner Hoppe, dictated daily letters and radio messages to her.

Furchner testified she was not aware of the killings that occurred at the camp while she worked there, dpa reported.

Initially a collection point for Jews and non-Jewish Poles removed from Danzig — now the Polish city of Gdansk — Stutthof from about 1940 was used as a so-called “work education camp” where forced laborers, primarily Polish and Soviet citizens, were sent to serve sentences and often died.

From mid-1944, tens of thousands of Jews from ghettos in the Baltics and from Auschwitz filled the camp, along with thousands of Polish civilians swept up in the brutal Nazi suppression of the Warsaw uprising.

Others incarcerated there included political prisoners, accused criminals, people suspected of homosexual activity and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

More than 60,000 people were killed there by being given lethal injections of gasoline or phenol directly to their hearts, or being shot or starved. Others were forced outside in winter without clothing until they died of exposure, or were put to death in a gas chamber.

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Tommy Kirk of 'Old Yeller', 'Swiss Family Robinson' and 'Shaggy Dog' dies at 79

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tommy Kirk, a child star who played in Disney films such as “Old Yeller” and “The Shaggy Dog,” has died. He was 79.

Kirk’s longtime friend and former child star, Paul Petersen, said he was found dead in his Las Vegas home on Tuesday. The cause of death has not been released.

Petersen said Kirk lived a private life as a gay man and was estranged from what “remains of his blood family.”

“He was very much a part of our kid star community,” Peterson said. “He made some wonderful films back in the day. We saw and enjoyed them. He was respected in his church. He lived a quiet, but full life.”

Kirk started his career with several television shows including the Mickey Mouse Club's serialized adventure “The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Applegate Treasure” and “The Hardy Boys: The Mystery of the Ghost Farm,” which aired in 1956-1957. His big break came when he starred as Travis Coates in the 1957 film “Old Yeller,” a story about a teenage boy and his heroic yellow dog.

In “The Shaggy Dog,” Kirk portrayed a teenage boy who was cursed with occasionally turning into a sheepdog. He played the middle son alongside James MacArthur and Kevin Corcoran — who played his brothers — in the 1960 film “Swiss Family Robinson.”

Kirk played in a slew of other films in the 1960s including “The Absent-Minded Professor” and its sequel “Son of Flubber.” He also starred in “The Misadventures of Merlin Jones.”

In 1973, Kirk publicly came out as gay during an interview. The actor opened up 20 years later that he realized he was gay at age 17 or 18 and that his career was destroyed by his sexual orientation.

Kirk made some appearances in the 1990s and 2000s in films such as “Billy Frankenstein” and “The Education of a Vampire,” his final film.

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Do I need a COVID vaccine booster to be fully vaccinated?

Am I fully vaccinated without a COVID-19 vaccine booster?

Yes, people who got a two-dose vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot are considered fully vaccinated — even without a booster.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says you're fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one dose of the J&J.

The vaccines offer strong protection against serious illness. But U.S. health officials now recommend boosters for some people at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 based on evidence that protection against milder disease can wane, especially among older adults.

The CDC says people 65 and older, long-term care residents and others ages 50 to 64 with health problems such as diabetes or heart disease should get boosters if they got Pfizer shots at least six months ago.

The agency stopped short of recommending boosters for people 18 to 49 with health problems, but says they can also get the shot after considering their individual risk. The same is true for anyone 18 to 64 whose job could put them at higher risk for infection, such as health care workers, teachers, first responders, agriculture workers and public transit workers.

People who got the Moderna and J&J vaccines aren't eligible for boosters yet, but that's likely coming soon.

The availability of boosters varies around the world. Britain and Israel have also been giving boosters, despite objections from the World Health Organization that poor countries still don’t have enough for their initial doses.

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Wednesday, 29 September 2021

Non-profit provides free meals to those in need on Treasure Island

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) - As part of Hunger Action Month, KRON4 is shining a spotlight on local programs that help people in need one meal at a time.

It's just a short drive on the Bay Bridge but it can feel far removed from the city that's why the tight knit community has banded together.

One Treasure Island is a non-profit that has been providing essential services to residents there since the mid -90's and they have really stepped up during the pandemic.

It takes an island to save an island, that's why after the pandemic took a financial toll on local residents, a non-profit called 'One Treasure Island' got a half a million dollar grant from the Crank Start Foundation to provide free meals five days a week to whoever may be in need, at times serving up to 500 meals every week.

“We’ve got a nice, fun, uplifting vibe out there where they can grab their food and take it back to their families. People are really grateful and very happy,” Chantel Ginochio said.

They're making it all happen with the help of two local restaurants, a food truck and a pantry.

Co-owner of ‘Mersea Restaurant,' Meesun Boice, said when they chose Treasure Island to call home they made a commitment to uplift low-income residents around them by providing jobs.

As if running a restaurant wasn't hard enough, her partners along with Aracely Restaurant put more on their plate to further give back by putting in long hours for a good cause.

“Must confess it is exhausting, but again it's a labor of love and this is one of the biggest programs that we have participated in and I think that it's wonderful to see a community come together,” Boice said.

Since June, One Treasure Island has served up 60,000 meals and it doesn't end here.

The program is set to run through June 2022.

People can keep looking forward to Meal Kit Mondays, Food Pantry Tuesdays, and Food Truck Saturdays between noon and 2 p.m.

In addition to the ready-made dinners at both restaurants on Wednesday and Thursdays.

Boice says she hopes this will also serve as an inspiration to other communities.

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Lafayette leaders discuss safety after crossing guard hit, killed by driver

LAFAYETTE, Calif. (KRON) - It has been three weeks since school crossing guard Ashely Dias was struck and killed by a driver in front of Stanley Middle School in Lafayette.

His death has prompted calls for improved road safety in the city.

On Wednesday night, city leaders held a special meeting to discuss issues surrounding pedestrian and bicycle safety.

Residents in Lafayette had the opportunity to voice their concerns about safety here on the roads.

Many of them said that there needs to be improvements especially near schools where kids are often crossing the street.

The September 8th killing of Dias brought sadness and a want for change in Lafayette.

Witnesses say the 45-year-old was helping children cross the street in front of the school when he was hit.

Dias' death has renewed calls for street safety in the city.

“There have been six deaths. Pedestrian and traffic deaths since 2014 in crosswalks, in a roundabout the crosswalk where Mr. Dias was killed was known to be an issue.”

“Walking my kids to school should be a happy thing and yet it's terrifying.”

Lafayette city and school leaders listened to the public's concerns in a special meeting Wednesday night.

Issues ranging from speeding to drivers not paying attention.

Officials have said there are road improvements being made. Some projects already underway involve pedestrian crossings at a number of local schools, such as Happy Valley Elementary and Acalanes High School.

Dias' recent death has strongly affected the Stanley Middle School community. Some students also weighed in with their concerns.

The school's student council is requesting speed humps and flashing crosswalk signs be put in front of the campus to prevent another tragedy. Some residents are simply urging for more to be done.

KRON4 reached out to the Lafayette Police Department for more information about the September 8th accident that killed Dias -- They have not released what led up to the crash or the driver's identity.

They're only saying that the investigation is ongoing.

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Hundreds show up for Marin COVID-19 booster vaccine clinic

MARIN COUNTY, Calif. (KRON) - Hundreds came out to the Northgate Mall in San Rafael on Wednesday to receive their COVID booster shot.

Marin County Health partnered with Safeway for the new vaccine clinic.

They opened the county's first Pfizer booster vaccine clinic. Those 75 and older who had received their second dose of a Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago were encouraged to come and get their third dose.

“We knew we needed to prioritize access for some of our older residents who were first to receive the vaccine and may be experiencing waning immunity,” Dr. Lisa Santora said.

Marin County Deputy Health Officer Dr. Lisa Santora says the Pfizer vaccine clinic will be in this location for the foreseeable future and starting Thursday, all eligible groups can come to the site for their shots.

Flu shots are also available at the site and once the Pfizer vaccine is available for children aged 5 to 11, those will be administered here too.

“This was a great location. It’s centered in Marin County so it has access for both north and south Marin. It’s right off 101 so people can get on and off,” Dr. Santora said.

Currently 91-percent of Marin County residents are considered fully vaccinated

The flu and Pfizer vaccine clinic will be open five days a week, Tuesday through Saturday.

On weekdays, the clinic will stay open through 7 p.m.

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Hawaii County officials say Kīlauea volcano eruption is contained to Halemaʻumaʻu crater; no residents in danger

HONOLULU (KHON2) -- The US Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) confirmed that the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea has erupted, as of 3:42 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 29.

At around 3:20 p.m., HVO officials detected a glow in the Kīlauea summit webcam images. This shows that an eruption had started at the Halemaʻumaʻu crater in Kīlauea's summit caldera.

There is no current threat to the public.

"At this time, we don't believe anybody or any residents are in danger, but we do want to remind folks the park remains open," Cyrus Johnasen, Hawaii County spokesperson, told KHON2 Wednesday evening. "It will remain open until the evening. Please proceed with caution. You know, folks with heavy breathing, respiratory issues, stay far away as possible."

HVO reported that Kīlauea's volcano alert level changed from an orange 'WATCH' to a red 'WARNING.' The eruption is currently contained to Halemaʻumaʻu.

To view photos from the summit webcams, click here. For more information, click here.

Kilauea had a major eruption in 2018 that destroyed homes and forced hundreds of residents to evacuate.

This year, the Hawaii County Council passed two measures to provide about $84 million in funding for recovery projects. The federal grant allows people whose homes were destroyed by the 2018 Kilauea eruption to sell their homes to the county government for up to $230,000.

University of Hawaii researchers have said that the 2018 volcanic eruption was caused by long build-up of pressure in the upper parts of the volcano. The build-up over 10 years included small and fast changes.

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CDC issues urgent alert for pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccine

(NEXSTAR) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an alert Wednesday urging pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The CDC said it "strongly recommends" the shot for women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or who may want children in the future.

Data from hospitals across the country show that roughly 97% of pregnant women who were hospitalized with a confirmed case of COVID-19 were unvaccinated. Along with the risks of severe illness and death for pregnant and recently pregnant women, the virus also puts babies at increased risk of preterm birth and admission to the ICU, according to the CDC. Stillbirths have also been reported.

The vaccination numbers are lower among pregnant women than non-pregnant women, despite the known risks.

“I strongly encourage those who are pregnant or considering pregnancy to talk with their health care provider about the protective benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine to keep their babies and themselves safe,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky in a statement.

Just 31% of pregnant people were fully vaccinated before or during their pregnancy as of Sept. 18, COVID Data Tracker stats show, with distinct differences among races and ethnicities. For non-Hispanic Black women, that percentage is even lower, at just 15.6%.

The lack of vaccination has led to more than 125,000 cases, 22,000 hospitalizations and 161 deaths among pregnant women with COVID-19, according to the CDC. Twenty-two of those deaths came in August alone, the highest number on record for a single month.

The CDC, which announced there was enough data to deem the vaccine safe for pregnant women last month, issued the alert in a bid to "accelerate" vaccinations to protect higher risk pregnant women and their unborn children.

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Livermore activates water restrictions amid drought

LIVERMORE, Calif. (KRON) - As drought conditions continue, Livermore is working to conserve water.

Effective immediately, the city has started stricter water restrictions for stage 2 in the Water Shortage Emergency.

The City Council activated stage 2 on Monday, September 27 -- It will be in place until water levels recover.

If the drought conditions worsen, however, the city will initiate more restrictions.

California began permanent water restrictions in 2017 to prevent water waste. This is applicable whether the state is in a drought or not.

Stage 2 restrictions are as follows:

All landscaping throughout the City of Livermore may now only be watered a maximum of three times per week. If your property has an odd numbered street address, you may only water on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. If your property has an even numbered street address, you may only water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. No watering is allowed on Sundays.
Sprinkler irrigation is only allowed after 6:00 p.m. or before 9:00 a.m. on approved watering days.
Watering is allowed at any time on your approved watering days if you use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle, a hand-held container like a watering can, or a drip irrigation system.

If you are looking to report water waste, you can contact Cal Water by calling (925) 447-4900 or fill out an online form.

For more information, you can visit the city of Livermore website.

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SF Giants host fundraiser to raise awareness for Alzheimer's

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (KRON) -- The San Francisco Giants are getting ready for their first postseason run in five years.

The Giants are dedicating a game this week to a very special cause. The team is doing an Alzheimer's awareness game Thursday at Oracle Park.

Organizer Terry Raymond came up with the fundraiser with the help of volunteer, advocate and Alzheimer's patient Pam Montana.

The two joined KRON4 Wednesday to talk more about Thursday's game and the importance of bringing awareness.

You can watch the full video above.

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Narcotics suspect arrested in Redwood City

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. (KRON) - Redwood City police have arrested a man suspected of stealing a car and selling narcotics.

Police observed a reported stolen vehicle on September 28 at around 5:10 a.m. parked in the driveway of a residence on Glenwood Avenue.

Officers attempted to contact the driver, later identified as David Tadasse.

Tadasse exited the vehicle and aggressively yelled and charged at officers.

After telling Tadasse to get on the ground, police ended up tasing him when he failed to follow orders and continued to advance toward the officers.

Upon searching the vehicle, police found an un-serialized 9mm handgun, 19.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine and several hundred dollars was located in the vehicle.

Tadasse was transported and booked at the San Mateo County Jail for felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a stolen vehicle.

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Airbnb offers $5 overnight stay in the SCREAM house for Halloween

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- This October, Airbnb is offering the ultimate immersive Halloween fright.

You and three others can spend the night at the SCREAM house for just $5, the company said. They're allowing three different groups to book for the nights of October 27, October 29 and October 31.

The house in Marin County, California will be set up like it was back in 1996 - with markings from Ghostface's knife notched into doors. There's even a phone that may ring with a cryptic call from the killer himself.

Start your spooky evening with a virtual check-in with Sheriff Dewey Riley (played by David Arquette), who will give you some warnings to stay safe from Ghostface throughout the night.

Once you've explored the estate, you can settle on the couch for a VHS movie marathon of all four SCREAM movies, with a kitchen stocked with snacks and pizza.

(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)
(Credit Helynn Ospina)

If you survive the night, you'll get to go home with unique SCREAM merch, like a DVD bundle, Woodsboro High School gear and posters of the SCREAM 2022 release, Airbnb said.

The eerie-fun experience hopefully won't end in a COVID-19 scare - the company said its onsite staff will be following safety guidelines like wearing a mask and social distancing.

Booking requests open on Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET at this link. Guests are responsible for their own transportation, and it's only open to U.S. residents, according to Airbnb.

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