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Obituary: Bill Leavy passes away after decades as NFL official, San Jose policeman and firefighter

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

Bill Leavy, a retired police officer and firefighter in San Jose and a longtime NFL referee, has passed away. He was 76.Leavy worked as an NFL official from 1995 to 2015, then became a referee supervisor for the officiating department and a treasured mentor for officials around the country. He received the league’s 2019 Art McNally Award reflecting professionalism, leadership and sportsmanship.Leavy died Tuesday, three days after his birthday, the NFL confirmed on Wednesday.Related ArticlesNFL | 49ers likely heading to Vegas for camp practices with Raiders, Garoppolo NFL | 49ers seek funds to spruce up Levi’s Stadium for World Cup, Super Bowl bid NFL | 49ers: Shanahan eager to see Lance, Darnold as Purdy recovers NFL | 49ers eye training camp return for Purdy after elbow surgery, GM Lynch says NFL | How 49ers’ prize free agent Javon Hargrave went from hoops prodigy to NFL stardom “We are sadd...

Contra Costa authorities link at least 18 burglaries to same home invasion crew

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

Authorities have linked 18 home burglaries around Contra Costa County to the same crew, including one instance where $30,000 in jewelry was stolen and another where an Alamo couple awoke to find a burglar in their home, court records show.The tally includes eight burglaries in central Contra Costa on one January weekend, all of which involved a similar modus operandi: multiple burglars broke through backyard sliding glass doors, briefly searched through the home, then sped away in a similar-looking black or dark-colored sedan. Of those eight, four involved no loss of property, while the others saw suspects leave with thousands of dollars worth of valuables, authorities say.As many as a half-dozen suspects could be involved, according to police, but thus far, only one has been arrested and charged. His name is Israel Diaz-Rondan, 30, and he’s now facing 24 felony counts related to home burglaries in Contra Costa County.Originally charged with 18 counts of residential burglary, ...

British comedian Paul O’Grady dies at 67; hosted several TV, radio shows

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

By Jill Lawless | Associated PressLONDON — Entertainer Paul O’Grady, who achieved fame as drag queen Lily Savage before becoming a much-loved comedian and host on British television, has died. He was 67.Lily Savage dresses as the wicked queen before a performance of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 2004 in London. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images Archives)Britain’s queen consort, who worked with O’Grady to support animal charities, led tributes to a performer who emerged from the alternative gay comedy scene and became a national treasure.O’Grady’s partner Andre Portasio said he died “unexpectedly but peacefully” on Tuesday evening.“He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humor, wit and compassion,” Portasio said in a statement.Born in Birkenhead, near Liverpool, in 1955, O’Grady was working as a local-authority care worker when he began perform...

Letters: Party of no | Repeal Second | Embarrassing office | Objectivity abandoned | Fundamentally racist

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.GOP unlikely to actafter latest shootingRe: “3 children, 3 adults killed in Nashville school shooting” (Page A1, March 28).Well, it has happened again, and the GOP has the standard answer: “We are just devastated and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families.”I wonder how they would feel if it was to happen to one of their own. Then they would know that prayers and thoughts don’t show much concern to a family who has just lost a loved one in this manner.It is high time for them to get a backbone and stand up to their leaders and the NRA, but you know they will not do anything if it means losing their $1,000 suits, their $500 shoes or their cushy job.Let’s see if they can take some action to do something about the problem of gun violence. I will bet not.Robert KlingenbergAntiochRepeal 2nd Amendmentto  make nation saferRe: “Body of teen suspected in Denver hi...

New details released in sting operation against East Bay school security guard

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

ANTIOCH, Calif. (KRON) -- A former security guard at an Antioch high school is facing charges for lewd acts with a minor, and authorities believe he may have been in contact with more victims, the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office states. Drugs, guns found in convicted felon's home near Santa Rosa school The investigation into Christopher George Miller, 29, began in June of 2022. A parent of a student at Deer Valley High School told administrators that Miller was sending "inappropriate texts" to the student about marijuana use at the school. She also said the messages were "sexually suggestive," the DA's office says. Miller had been employed at the school for only seven days when the parent reported his actions, and he was terminated the same day. School administrators also contacted police to file a report at the time. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now KRON4 Breaking News ...

SF firefighters knock down fire on top floor of building in the Tenderloin

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) -- Firefighters have knocked down a fire on the top floor of a five-story building in the Tenderloin, according to the San Francisco Fire Department on Twitter. The one-alarm fire was burning in the top floor of a building on 656 O'Farrell Street. There are no reported injuries. People are being advised to avoid the area.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Stolen vehicle stop leads to unrelated DUI arrest in San Mateo

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

(KRON) -- Police who stopped a stolen vehicle on Wednesday, detaining four suspects, also simultaneously arrested another driver on an unrelated DUI charge, according to the San Mateo Police Department. Officers with SMPD were alerted to a stolen vehicle at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, police said. Frank Somerville makes first TV appearance since DUI crash: Exclusive Officers canvassed the area around East Poplar Avenue and North Amphlett Boulevard but were unable to locate the vehicle. Officers eventually located it heading southbound on the US 101 near Holly Road.An enforcement stop of the vehicle was initiated, but it refused to yield. A pursuit ensued as the vehicle continued southbound on the 101. It finally came to a stop on the right shoulder near University Drive, police said.With assistance from Menlo Park PD, officers ordered the four suspects out of the vehicle. All four were detained. During the detention, officers contacted the driver of another vehicle stopped during ...

Over $10K worth of vintage collectibles, electronics stolen in San Carlos: sheriff

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

SAN CARLOS, Calif. (KRON) -- A man was arrested last Wednesday in connection to a commercial burglary in San Carlos on March 19, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office (SMCSO) announced in a press release. Authorities said two suspects broke into a building and stole over $10,000 worth of property.The items stolen were "vintage collectibles and electronics," according to SMCSO Sgt. Javier Acosta. No other specifics were disclosed. Hayward Home Depot employee arrested for allegedly stealing $50K of goods The suspect arrested was identified as 52-year-old Burlingame man Danny Lynn Simpson Jr. After identifying the car used in the burglary, detectives found it in South San Francisco where property from the burglary was seen in plain sight inside the car, the release said.Authorities then obtained a warrant to search Simpson Jr.'s storage locker. They found a large amount of the stolen property inside, according to the press release. Simpson Jr. was arrested on two felony counts of co...

Tickets to MLS All-Star game at Audi Field sold out

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

Soccer fans looking to watch the best in Major League Soccer take on English Premier League side Arsenal in D.C. this summer may be out of luck.Tickets to the MLS All-Star game, featuring the London-based club, at Audi Field on July 19 are now sold out, venue officials tell WTOP. Arsenal, currently in first place in the English Premier League, was recently unveiled as the All-Stars opponent last Tuesday.More DC United NewsMore Sports NewsMore DC Sports News Fans bought up all the tickets to MLS’ summer marquee event within five hours of tickets being made available to the general public on Wednesday.The All-Star game becomes the fourth-ever match to sell out the Buzzard Point venue.Resell tickets available on Ticketmaster, the game’s official ticketing partner, start at $389 and go as high as $10,000.D.C. last hosted the MLS All-Star game in 2002 and 2004 at RFK Stadium. Major League Baseball was the last sports league to hold its All-Star festivities in the District, in 2018....

Bulls C Drummond ruled out after posting about mental health

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:01:11 GMT

CHICAGO (AP) — Bulls center Andre Drummond missed Chicago’s game Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after he posted on Twitter that he was deleting his social media apps to focus on his mental health.Drummond was ruled out because of personal reasons, according to the Bulls. Coach Billy Donovan said he is hopeful about the possibility of Drummond traveling with the team ahead of Friday night’s game at Charlotte.“As we come here and play games there’s also a human side, a personal side to all these guys,” Donovan said, “and you feel bad when anybody’s going through something like that. I think you try to give as much support as you can.”The 29-year-old Drummond is in his first year with Chicago and his 11th season in the NBA overall. The two-time All-Star posted on Tuesday that he was deleting his apps and changing his number.“Time to focus on my mental health,” Drummond wrote. “If you too are struggling with your mental health, you are not alone R...