Week #10 March 1st 2026
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 7
Cats and Dogs Found Shot, Dismembered and Dumped in Trash Bags in Los Angeles
Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating a disturbing case after multiple cats and dogs were discovered shot, dismembered, and left inside trash bags in different areas of the city. Animal welfare officials say the remains were found in plastic bags and appeared to have been left to decompose, raising concerns that someone may be intentionally targeting pets. Investigators believe some of the animals were shot with pellet guns before being mutilated, according to reports.
Animal control officers and police are now working to determine whether the incidents are connected and whether the animals were stray pets or stolen from nearby neighborhoods. Officials have urged residents to report missing pets or suspicious activity as the investigation continues. The case has sparked outrage among local residents and animal-rights advocates who are calling for stronger enforcement and harsher penalties for animal cruelty.
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Video Shows Santa Rita Jail Deputy Acknowledging Cell Temperatures Reaching 120 Degrees
Body-camera footage from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California shows a sheriff’s deputy acknowledging that the temperature inside an inmate’s cell reached between 118 and 120 degrees, according to a report by KTVU. The footage involves Leonard Jones, who has spent many years at the facility and has repeatedly complained about extreme heat conditions inside his cell.
In the video, a deputy tells Jones that a work order had already been submitted to address the issue and that several supervisors were aware of the dangerously high temperatures. The deputy said the readings in the cell were “118, 120 degrees” and confirmed that the matter had been reported up the chain of command. In another clip, a deputy moves Jones to a temporary cell that was described as cooler, acknowledging that some cells inside the facility can become significantly hotter than others.
The jail’s aging 1980s HVAC system has been cited as a possible cause of temperature fluctuations throughout parts of the facility. According to the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, the jail has received 34 climate-related complaints since 2020, including those from Jones. The inmate also reportedly developed a heat rash and was referred to mental-health services due to the frequency of his complaints, though a therapist reportedly found no mental health issues.
The case has raised concerns among advocates about conditions inside the jail and whether extreme temperatures could pose health risks to incarcerated individuals.
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San Francisco Touts RV Program as Fewer People Live in Vehicles
San Francisco officials say a city program aimed at addressing people living in RVs is showing early signs of progress. According to new data released by the mayor’s office, the number of people living in vehicles across the city dropped from 529 in February of last year to 435 this February, marking the largest decline among visible homelessness indicators.
City officials track tents, structures, and vehicles every three months as part of an internal monitoring system. The latest report found about 61 tents and 94 structures on city streets, numbers that are roughly unchanged from the same time last year.
The decline in vehicle dwellers follows a policy requiring people living in RVs to apply for a temporary six-month permit while the city works to transition them into housing. Critics argue that counting tents and vehicles does not necessarily reflect the number of homeless individuals and say other metrics, such as waiting lists for housing, may better capture the scale of the problem.
Officials say the program is part of a broader effort to move people off the streets and into housing, though advocates emphasize that tens of thousands of households still remain on waiting lists for permanent housing assistance.
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Chevron Warns Newsom’s Energy Agenda Could Cripple California Economy and Drive Gas Prices Higher
Chevron is warning that proposed climate regulations in California could significantly harm the state’s fuel industry, increase gasoline prices, and threaten jobs. In a letter addressed to Gavin Newsom and regulators, Chevron President Andy Walz criticized what he called the state’s “adversarial” energy policies, particularly proposed changes to California’s cap-and-trade program that would further limit carbon emissions from refineries and fuel producers.
Chevron argues the policy changes could make it difficult for the state’s remaining refineries to remain economically viable. Walz warned that stricter caps on emissions and reduced allowances in the carbon market could lead to refinery closures, reduced fuel supply, and job losses across the industry. The company estimates that as many as 536,770 energy-related jobs could be at risk if the policies take effect.
The company also predicts the regulations could increase gasoline costs by more than $1 per gallon by 2030, adding to already high fuel prices in California. As of early March 2026, the average gas price in the state was about $4.81 per gallon, compared with the national average of roughly $3.25, according to AAA data cited in the report.
Chevron further argued that refinery shutdowns could weaken the West Coast’s fuel supply and national energy security, noting that California’s refining infrastructure plays a key role in supplying transportation and aviation fuel. The company urged state regulators to reconsider the proposed rules before they cause what it called “lasting and irreversible harm” to California’s economy and energy system.
State officials say the proposed changes are part of California’s long-term plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% by 2045. Regulators say they are continuing to review feedback from industry and the public before the proposal is finalized.
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Fury as California Car Insurance Rates Skyrocket as Millions Get Shock Bills
Drivers across California are reacting with frustration as car insurance premiums surge sharply, leaving many residents facing unexpectedly high bills. Since 2022, auto insurance costs in California have risen by more than 30%, driven by factors such as higher repair costs, expensive vehicle technology, rising accident claims, and increased regulatory requirements. Some drivers say their premiums have jumped hundreds of dollars annually, making coverage increasingly difficult to afford.
Industry analysts say insurers have also been adjusting prices after years of pandemic-era restrictions that limited rate increases. As companies catch up with rising costs, millions of policyholders are now seeing higher premiums at renewal time. Critics argue the increases are difficult for households already dealing with high living expenses in the state, while insurers say the adjustments reflect the true cost of covering modern vehicles and claims.
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Oakland Homeowners Turn to Home-Equity Loans to Build Backyard Apartments Amid Housing Shortage
As housing shortages continue in the Bay Area, some Oakland homeowners are using home-equity loans to finance the construction of backyard apartments, also known as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These small housing units—often built in backyards or converted garages—are increasingly viewed as a way to generate rental income while helping address the region’s housing crisis.
In Oakland, construction costs for an ADU can range from about $200,000 to more than $400,000, making financing a major challenge. Some homeowners are tapping the equity built up in their properties to fund construction. Supporters say ADUs can increase housing supply and provide homeowners with extra income, while critics warn that high borrowing costs and construction expenses can create financial risks if rental income does not meet expectations.
The trend highlights how homeowners are adapting to the Bay Area’s high housing prices and limited development opportunities by adding smaller units to existing residential properties rather than building large new apartment complexes.
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Registered Sex Offender Running for Fresno City Council Sparks Outrage
A political controversy has erupted in Fresno, California, after Rene Campos, a registered sex offender, announced his campaign for the District 7 seat on the Fresno City Council. Campos, who pleaded no contest in 2018 to a misdemeanor charge involving possession of child sexual abuse material, is legally allowed to run for office under California law because the state does not automatically bar registered sex offenders from seeking local elected positions.
His candidacy has drawn strong reactions from city officials and community members. Several council members, including Annalisa Perea, said they find the situation disturbing and have discussed potential legislation that could prevent registered sex offenders from holding public office. Critics argue that someone required to register as a sex offender may not be able to fully participate in civic duties, particularly those involving schools and youth programs.
Campos has defended his campaign, saying he has fulfilled all legal obligations and believes voters—not government officials—should decide whether he is fit to serve. The debate has expanded beyond Fresno, raising broader questions about rehabilitation, civil rights after criminal convictions, and eligibility for public office.
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Gen Z Is Bringing Parents to Job Interviews With Them
A growing trend among Gen Z job seekers shows young applicants increasingly bringing their parents to job interviews, according to a Newsweek report. Some Gen Z candidates say they feel more confident and supported when a parent accompanies them, especially in high-pressure or unfamiliar settings.
Employers have mixed reactions — some view the practice as a sign of strong family support, while others see it as unprofessional or inappropriate for a professional interview environment.
Career experts note that this trend reflects broader generational differences in workplace norms, economic pressures, and evolving approaches to mentorship and job-seeking strategies.
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Delroy Lindo Praises Michael B. Jordan’s BAFTA Support as Awards Spotlight Black British Talent
At the 2026 BAFTA Awards, acclaimed actor Delroy Lindo publicly expressed his admiration for Michael B. Jordan, highlighting Jordan’s ongoing support and advocacy for Black British talent in film.
In an interview with The Guardian, Lindo reflected on how Jordan’s presence at the ceremony and commitment to elevating underrepresented voices resonates with the broader goals of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
The article explores the cultural significance of the BAFTAs as a platform for recognizing global talent, and it frames Jordan’s engagement not just as celebrity support but as part of a growing movement to amplify stories and artists from historically marginalized communities.
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Mass Layoffs Begin at These Major Bay Area Companies
Several major employers in the Bay Area have begun issuing mass layoff notices, signaling continued economic strain in the region’s tech and business sectors.
According to the report, companies spanning technology, retail, and other industries are cutting jobs as they adjust to slower revenue growth, shifting market conditions, or cost-cutting measures.
Affected workers are receiving notices under the California WARN Act, which requires advance warning when large-scale layoffs are planned.
The wave of layoffs reflects broader challenges in the Bay Area job market, where once-rapid hiring has slowed and many firms are restructuring to maintain financial stability.
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Oil jumps 10% on Iran conflict and could spike to $100 a barrel, analysts say
Global oil prices surged roughly 10 % to about $80 a barrel after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran heightened fears of a widening conflict in the Middle East, a key oil-producing region.
Analysts warn that if the situation disrupts supply routes — especially through the Strait of Hormuz, where over 20 % of the world’s oil flows — prices could climb as high as $100 a barrel or more. Many tanker operators have suspended shipments via the strait following warnings from Tehran, and shipping disruptions have already pushed traders to bid up crude.
Although OPEC+ agreed to a modest production increase of about 206,000 barrels per day starting in April, most experts say this will be insufficient to offset potential losses if the strait remains closed and supply is constrained.
(turn0news0)
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California Bill Seeks to Restore Medi-Cal Coverage for Undocumented Adults in 2027
California legislators have introduced a new bill, the Medi-Cal Access Restoration Act, aimed at reversing the enrollment freeze that currently prevents undocumented adults 19 and older from signing up for full-scope Medi-Cal health coverage.
Under Senate Bill 1422, co-sponsored by State Senator Maria Elena Durazo and Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula, the state would reopen eligibility and restore comprehensive Medi-Cal access beginning January 1, 2027 for otherwise qualifying undocumented residents.
Supporters argue that restoring coverage will reduce uncompensated care costs and expand access to preventive and routine health services, especially given existing budget actions that froze enrollments in 2026 after earlier program expansions.
The bill reflects ongoing debate in Sacramento over Medi-Cal policy, immigration, and how to balance healthcare access with fiscal pressures.
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(Article discussed via KTLA social posts and related reporting) https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/california-bill-seeks-restore-medi-220939201.html
Novartis Settles With Henrietta Lacks’ Estate Over Use of Her “Stolen” Cells to Advance Medicine
Pharmaceutical giant Novartis has reached a confidential settlement with the estate of Henrietta Lacks over a lawsuit claiming the company unjustly profited from the use of her famous HeLa cell line, which was taken without her knowledge in 1951 during cancer treatment.
TheHeLa cells, derived from Lacks’ tumor biopsy, became the first human cells capable of indefinite reproduction in the lab and have been vital for countless medical advances, including vaccines and disease research. The terms of the settlement, finalized in a federal court in Maryland, were not disclosed.
This marks the second settlement in a wave of lawsuits by the Lacks family targeting biotech and pharmaceutical firms that used her cells without compensation, following a 2023 agreement with another company. Litigation against other firms remains underway as the family continues seeking accountability and recognition. �
cbsnews.com +1
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Alysa Liu now has her own massive Oakland mural (SFGATE)
A new 15-foot mural celebrating Olympic figure skater Alysa Liu was unveiled in Oakland’s Temescal neighborhood by local artist collective The Illuminaries. The artwork at 43rd Street and Telegraph Avenue depicts Liu holding her gold medal and making a pose tied to Bay Area rap culture.
Liu, who grew up in the Bay Area and recently won Olympic gold, has become a widely celebrated local figure, with other tributes including an ice cream flavor named after her and plans for a community-wide celebration in Oakland.
(SFGATE)
East Bay Man Charged With Kidnapping an On-Duty Police Officer
Prosecutors in the East Bay have charged a man with kidnapping an on-duty police officer during a chaotic incident that began with a law-enforcement investigation. Authorities say the suspect allegedly forced the officer to remain with him against the officer’s will while making threats and attempting to flee. During the confrontation, the officer reportedly feared for his life as the situation escalated.
Investigators later arrested the suspect and filed multiple felony charges related to the alleged kidnapping and threats. The case is now moving through the court system, and officials say the incident highlights the dangers officers can face even during routine law-enforcement actions.
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