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Real World Economics: High court education decisions raise fairness questions

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

Edward LottermanIt is likely that few people were surprised by the 6-3 Supreme Court decision released Friday quashing President Joe Biden’s attempt to forgive all or part of the student loans of some 27 million Americans.Elections have consequences, including the long-run composition of the Supreme Court. Among other factors, progressives bemoaning this decision who felt conscience bound to vote for Ralph Nader in 2000 or Bernie Sanders in 2016 need to look in the mirror.But putting my sympathies with beleaguered student borrowers aside, I stand with many others who were troubled by the Biden program. It stretched the U.S. Constitution’s clear requirement for congressional action to both “authorize” and “appropriate” any U.S. Treasury outlays to the breaking point. It strains credulity to accept that members of Congress who voted for the 2003 HEROS bill intended it to enable a $400 billion student loan forgiveness action two decades later. But that’s what Biden tried to do.Th...

Thousands of L.A. County residents could lose Medi-Cal coverage after pandemic rules expire

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

Health officials are raising concerns now that thousands of Los Angeles County residents may lose their Medi-Cal access. According to L.A. Care – a publicly operated health plan in L.A. County – 40,000 residents could be removed from their programs now that the COVID-19 pandemic is over. In the early days of the coronavirus outbreak, the federal government prevented states from removing people from their programs, which allowed people to keep their coverage without turning in paperwork to prove that they were eligible for the coverage. However, now the paperwork must be submitted to determine if you qualify.  Local hotel worker strike looms amid upcoming holiday weekend “The county sent the annual renewal packet out and requested information from [individuals],” said Medi-Cal Director of Product Management Karla Romero. “[If] they didn’t send it back in time, their Medi-Cal coverage will be discontinued.” The rollback has already pushed 1.5 million people...

LASD seeking public’s assistance in locating critical missing teenager in Palmdale 

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s help in locating a missing teen from Palmdale. According to LASD, 17-year-old Eduardo Alvarez was last seen on Saturday around 4 p.m. in the 37400 block of Silk Tree Lane in Palmdale. Eduardo is 5 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 130 pounds. He has brown curly hair and brown eyes and was last seen wearing a blue shirt and black pants. According to LASD, Eduardo may be driving this white newer model Toyota Camry. (LASD)He may be driving a white newer model Toyota Camry. According to his family, he has no history of running away, and they are concerned for his well-being. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Castle or the Palmdale Station Watch Commander at 661-272-2400. Anonymous information can be submitted by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or by visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org 

Facts about the Declaration of Independence you may not know

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

(KTAL/KMSS) – As children, Americans are taught about a fateful day in July when 56 people approved the Declaration of Independence to initiate the escape from the reign of King George III, but there are key facts about that day in 1776 that are overlooked or misunderstood, including the date of the signing itself. Independence Day is could "technically" be July 2 or August 2nd The Continental Congress actually voted to declare independence on July 2, through what is known as the Lee Resolution, however, the Declaration was edited, finalized and adopted on July 4. In 1941, July 4 became the day the nation collectively would celebrate its independence. However, it wasn't until August 2nd that the document was signed by the larger group of founding fathers. There may have been an obvious reason for John Hancock's large signatureJohn Hancock’s bold signature has inspired patriotic lore, with one popular telling explaining that he wanted the British to be able to "read his name withou...

Man in critical condition after being shot while driving in Oakland

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

OAKLAND — An 18-year-old man who was shot while driving in East Oakland Saturday was in critical condition, authorities said.The man was found  just before 4 p.m. Saturday inside a car that had crashed into a parked vehicle in the 1400 block of 85th Avenue.Authorities said the man was shot while he was driving and was able to continue to where he crashed.Exactly where the shooting happened has not been confirmed, authorities said.Police have not released a motive yet for the shooting and have not made any arrests.Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $5,000 in reward money for information leading to the arrest of the shooter.  Anyone with information may call police at 510-238-3326 or Crime Stoppers at 510-777-8572. 

Summer BBQ at Milpitas senior center has island vibe

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

Milpitas Recreation and Community Services hosted a colorful annual Summer BBQ with a Hawaiian flair on June 24 at the Milpitas Barbara Lee Senior Center.About 70 guests were decked out their best aloha attire and checked in for the event to receive Hawaiian leis and a souvenir Tiki glass.The tables were decorated in a luau theme, ornamented by pineapples. The barbecue featured Hawaiian rice and other delicacies, capped off by Hawaiian shave ice. The Hui’llima Dancers provided entertainment—singing, playing ukulele and dancing—and led a dance class for guests to join in and perform.The event was also a birthday party for Marie Kaiser, who turned 102 in May. The former registered nurse and educator now lives in the Milpitas Calaveras Hills. To this day, Kaiser is actively running a business with her daughter Dr. Arlene Kaiser, a professional speaker, teacher and author.Her age didn’t prevent Kaiser from joining her family and friends on the dance floor when local DJ Oh Henry played r...

Motorcyclist dies in Oakland traffic collision

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

OAKLAND — A 44-year-old motorcyclist died Saturday after he had a collision with an SUV in East Oakland, authorities said.The name of the man killed, an Oakland resident, has not yet been released.The collision happened just before 3 p.m. Saturday in the 1600 block of 90th Avenue.Police said that based on witness statements and video from the area that was recovered, the motorcyclist was riding northbound on 90th Avenue at a high rate of speed when he crossed over a double yellow line while failing to stop at a posted stop sign at Walnut Street.The motorcyclist then struck a Mercedes SUV which was making a legal U-turn at the intersection, police said.The motorcyclist, who police said was not wearing a helmet, was ejected onto the roadway. He was taken to a hospital where he later died.The Mercedes driver remained at the scene, police said.Police said it is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were also factors in the collision.The police investigation is continuing. Anyone with...

Magical Bridge Playground hosts inclusive story times

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

Free inclusive story timesThe Magical Bridge Playground at Fair Oaks Park, 540 N. Fair Oaks Ave., is hosting free inclusive story times are for all children, with and without disabilities, twice a month through November.All story times run 11-11:30 a.m. on the following dates: Friday, July 14; Thursday, July 20; Thursday, Aug. 17; Friday, Sept. 1; Thursday, Sept. 21; Friday, Oct. 6; Thursday, Oct. 19; Friday, Nov. 3 (weather permitting); and Thursday, Nov. 16 (weather permitting)This program is recommended for children up to age 5 and their caregivers, but everyone is welcome. Registration is not required. For more information, call 408-730-7350.Slurry sealing on Mary AvenueTraffic control measures will be in place along Mary Avenue between Homestead Road and El Camino Real July 7-14 while the road is being will be slurry sealed in segments. These measures will be in effect Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., along Mary and Reed avenues until the work is completed in mid-August.The contra...

Cupertino neighborhoods can register for National Night Out

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

National Night OutCupertino residents are being asked to spend an evening outside with their neighbors on Aug. 1 for the 39th National Night Out.The event is an annual community-building campaign that promotes public safety, community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. National Night Out is meant to enhance the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement by bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Residents can invite representatives from Cupertino’s Office of Emergency Management, Santa Clara County Fire and the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office to attend their potluck, barbecue, ice cream social or other neighborhood gathering from 6-8 p.m. Deputies and firefighters are on duty and may not be able to attend or may leave early to respond to a call.To date, National Night Out organizers estimate that 38 million neighbors from 17,000 communities across the country have participated in the event. In 2022 Cupertino hosted 16 registered events...

Saratoga Historical Foundation hosts July 22 foundraiser

Published Sun, 16 Feb 2025 16:16:36 GMT

Historical galaThe Saratoga Historical Foundation is hosting a Blacksmith’s Revival Gala July 22 at San Jose History Park. The fundraiser includes a sparkling wine and appetizer reception, 15-minute guided tours of three historical exhibits, a four-course gourmet meal with House Family wines, a visit to the History San Jose museum and a favor bag. Attire is business casual and comfortable shoes.Reservations are $250 for foundation members and $275 for non-members and must be made by July 8 to http://www.saratogahistory.com/gala.htm.Bus transportation to and from the venue will be provided from the Saratoga History Museum located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road. Those who make reservations for the first shift check in at the museum at 3:10 p.m. and return around 8 p.m. Check-in for the second shift is 4:10 p.m.; guests will return to the museum around 9:45 p.m.For questions call Marilyn Marchetti at 408-821-0554.Opioid overdose preventionThe Santa Clara County Library District and t...