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Letters: Funding transit | The little guy | Two-state solution | Questions linger | A pushback

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

Submit your letter to the editor via this form. Read more Letters to the Editor.Raising bridge tolls isthe wrong funding planAs the Chair of the Solano Transportation Authority, as well as a board member of Solano Transit (Soltrans), I am a stalwart supporter of public transit and understand its need for a sustainable source of public funding if it is to survive.However, the last-minute proposal (SB 532) by state Sen. Scott Wiener to address this problem by raising bridge tolls even further is not good public policy. Residents of Solano County, the poorest county in the Bay Area, are required to cross a toll bridge to connect to the rest of the Bay Area. Some have to do so twice daily. Residents of more wealthy counties (Santa Clara, Sonoma and Marin) rarely cross one of the toll bridges on a regular basis.Since transit clearly needs an ongoing source of support, it would be far more equitable to place a parcel tax on every piece of property, including commercial buildings.Mayor Ste...

Contra Costa County judge blocks 125-home Tassajara Valley project over water supply concerns

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

A Contra Costa County judge has halted a controversial housing development planned for open space just east of Danville over concerns there’s not enough water for the 125-home subdivision.Judge Danielle Douglas ruled this week that the project’s required environmental review lacked “reasoned analysis regarding water supply issues” and ordered county officials to rescind their approval of the project.The decision is a win for neighbors and environmental advocates who contend the 30-acre development, first proposed over a decade ago, exemplifies the worst of urban sprawl and would harm the ecology of the oak-dotted Tassajara Valley.“It should be encouraging to people that the rule of law matters in terms of their actual lives,” said Donna Gerber, a former county supervisor and longtime opponent of the project.Gerber and the East Bay Municipal Utility District, Sierra Club and another environmental group sued the county and project developers shortly...

Man disputes his role in ‘disgraceful’ Supreme Court LGBTQ ruling

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

By Hannah Rabinowitz and Holmes Lybrand | CNNThe Colorado web designer who wanted to refuse LGBTQ customers and just won her case at the Supreme Court had claimed in court filings that a man inquired about her services for his same-sex wedding.But the man says he never reached out to Lorie Smith, the web designer who argued at the Supreme Court that she shouldn’t be forced to create same-sex wedding websites because of her religious objections. In fact, the man says he’s straight and married to a woman.The man was identified as “Stewart” in court filings and as someone who requested graphic designs for invitations and other materials for a same-sex wedding with his fiancé, Mike. CNN contacted Stewart through information in court filings. He asked for his last name, which is not in the filing, not to be used.In an interview with CNN Friday, Stewart said that he “did not submit a request” to the company, 303 Creative, and is a “happily married man to a woman of 15 years.”“I don’t know...

Key inflation index drops to lowest point in 2 years

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

By Christopher Rugaber | Associated PressWASHINGTON — An inflation index that is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve tumbled last month to its lowest level since April 2021, pulled down by lower gas prices and slower-rising food costs.At the same time, consumers barely increased their spending last month, boosting it just 0.1%, after a solid 0.6% gain in April.The inflation index showed that prices rose 3.8% in May from 12 months earlier, down sharply from a 4.4% year-over-year surge in April. And from April to May, prices ticked up just 0.1%.Still, last month’s progress in easing overall inflation was tempered by an elevated reading of “core” prices, a category that excludes volatile food and energy costs. The increase underscored the Fed’s belief that it will need to keep raising interest rates to conquer high inflation.Core prices rose 4.6% in May from a year earlier, down slightly from the annual increase of 4.7% in April. It was the fifth straight m...

Draymond Green agrees to 4-year, $100 million deal to return to the Warriors

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

Draymond Green isn’t going anywhere after all.Just seconds after free agency opened Friday afternoon, Green agreed to re-sign with Golden State on a four-year, $100 million deal contract that includes a player option in the final season, league sources confirmed.The deal will tie Green with Golden State through the 2026-27 season, one year longer than Stephen Curry, who’s under contract for the next three seasons.Green, whom the Warriors drafted No. 35 overall in 2012, is slated to make $22.6 million in the first year of his deal, which will result in more than $40 million in tax savings, according to a league source.Green, 33, was never going to go to another team, especially with how last season ended, and the writing had been on the wall for weeks that he’d be back next season and beyond.In the immediate aftermath of the Warriors season-ending loss in the Western Conference semifinals, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Green all vowed it wouldn’t be the end...

NCAA committee considers increasing transition cost to FBS from $5,000 to $5 million

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Football Championship Subdivision schools soon could be paying more — a lot more — to move to the NCAA’s top level of competition.The Division I Council is considering a proposal that would increase the transition fee from $5,000 to $5 million, effective upon approval of the measure. All Football Bowl Subdivision schools also would be required to provide 90% of the allowable scholarships in 16 sports, including football, over a rolling two-year period.The measure also calls on FBS schools to offer at least 210 scholarships per year at a price tag no lower than $6 million.If approved, the new rules would take effect Aug. 1, 2027, for current FBS members and FCS schools applying to make the move by 2024-25. Schools that apply after 2024-25 would have to meet the requirements before the end of the two-year transition process.It also would immediately eliminate the FBS attendance requirement.“These requirements will directly benefit college athletes competing i...

Kyrie Irving, Draymond Green, Kyle Kuzma stay put as NBA free agency opens, sources tell AP

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP/Nick Wass) Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) dribbles during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)(AP/Nick Wass) Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic are going to try again together in Dallas. Draymond Green is going to chase more championships with Stephen Curry in Golden State. And Jerami Grant is staying put in Portland, for serious money.Those decisions came quickly Friday night as free agency in the NBA got off to its tradition...

Moore, Pendrith share the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Taylor Moore and Taylor Pendrith shared the Rocket Mortgage Classic lead at 13 under Friday, hoping to hold off a veteran trying to end a victory drought and a promising young pro aiming for his first PGA Tour victory.Pendrith shot an 8-under 64 at Detroit Golf Club, one off the tournament record. Moore, who began the day tied with Monday qualifier Peter Kuest, had a 67 to match Pendrith at 13-under 131.Rickie Fowler (65) and former top-ranked amateur Ludvig Aberg (67) were a shot back after two straight solid rounds.The 34-year-old Fowler jumped into contention, chipping in for eagle from 27 feet on the par-5 17th. Fowler set himself up with a chance to for his first win since 2019 at the U.S. Open two weeks ago with an opening 62 before closing with a 75 to plummet into a fifth-place tie.“We can’t try and press too hard,” he said. “Definitely know we can win. How I’ve played is some of the best, if not the best, I’ve felt about my game and on the course really ever....

Cavaliers come out firing in free agency, get deals with LeVert, Niang in first hour of free agency

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers came out firing in free agency.Looking to improve its roster after an illuminating playoff exit, Cleveland agreed to deals with forwards Caris LeVert and Georges Niang in the first hour on Friday.LeVert, who bounced back and forth between starter and reserve last season, agreed to a two-year, $32 million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.Niang agreed to a three-year, $26 million deal with Cleveland, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, told AP.The moves improve the Cavs’ depth and gives them two proven veterans — and in Niang, a solid outside shooter — to go along with their young core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen following a 51-win season.Niang, who played the past two seasons with Philadelphia, will be reunited in Cleveland with Mitchell, his former teammate for three seasons in Utah. Mitchell quickly responded to the Cavs’ move, posting “Minivan,” Niang’s nickn...

2023 NHL Draft Team By Team

Published Wed, 25 Dec 2024 08:07:14 GMT

Anaheim Ducks1. (2) Leo Carlsson, C, Orebro (Sweden).2. (33) Nico Myatovic, LW, Seattle (WHL).2. (59) Carey Terrance, C, Erie (OHL).2. (60) Damian Clara, G, Farjestad Jr. (Sweden).3. (65) Coulso Pitre, RW, Flint (OHL).3. (85) Yegor Sidorov, RW, Saskatoon (WHL).4. (97) Konnor Smith, D, Peterborough (OHL).5. (129) Rodwin Dionicio, D, Windsor (OHL).6. (161) Vojtech Port, D, Edmonton (WHL).Arizona Coyotes1. (6) Dmitriy Simashev, D, Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia).1. (12) Daniil But, LW, Yaroslavl Jr. (Russia).2. (38) Michael Hrabal, G, Omaha (USHL).3. (70) Jonathan Castagna, C, St. Andrews College (HS-Ontario).3. (72) Noel Nordh, Lw, Brynas Jr. (Sweden).3. (81) Tanner Ludtke, C, Lincoln (USHL).3. (88) Vadim Moroz, RW, Minsk (KHL).4. (102) Terrell Goldsmith, D, Prince Albert (WHL).5. (134) Melker Thelin, G, Bjorkloven U-18 (Sweden).5. (160) Justin Kipkie, D, Victoria (WHL).6. (162) Samu Bau, C, Ilves (Finland).6. (166) Carsen Musser, G, USA U-18 (NTDP).Boston Bruins3. (92) Christopher Pelosi, C, ...