Woman who left babies in car barred from Nordstrom

PLEASANTON (AP) — A Bay Area judge has barred a woman from Nordstrom because she left her twin babies in her car while returning purchases.

The Contra Costa Times says 46-year-old Amanda Nejat of Danville pleaded no contest Thursday to misdemeanor child endangerment.

Under the plea agreement, she must stay away from the Nordstrom store in Pleasanton and can't leave her children unattended.

She'll also pay a $1,000 fine and must attend counseling sessions and parenting classes.

Authorities say that in February, Nejat left her 11-week-old boy and girl in her Cadillac Escalade for at least 40 minutes while returning purchases at a Pleasanton mall.

A shopper heard the babies crying and called security.

Fire on San Francisco pier caused $2M in damage

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Authorities say a fire that tore through an area of San Francisco's waterfront that will host the America's Cup yacht race next year has caused more than $2 million in damage.

Wednesday's blaze damaged an empty warehouse on Pier 29 that was being readied as a food concession venue for the race.

Fire Department spokeswoman Mindy Talmadge said that investigators are still trying to determine what caused the fire but that it doesn't appear suspicious.

Damage is estimated at $2.37 million.

The fire shut power to businesses on nearby piers. Most had power restored Thursday or were using generators.

America's Cup organizers have said they don't expect the blaze to have any impact on plans for the site.

Judge charged with elder theft remains on bench

OAKLAND  (AP) — A judge charged with stealing at least $1.6 million from an elderly neighbor remains on the bench.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Paul Seeman was reassigned this week to handle small-claims cases in Pleasanton.

Seeman is an elected official. Until his criminal case is decided, he can't be removed from the bench unless he's impeached by the state Assembly, recalled by voters or removed by the state Commission on Judicial Performance.

Seeman was charged last week with one count of financial elder abuse and 11 counts of perjury. He pleaded not guilty on Wednesday.

The 57-year-old Seeman is accused of stealing from his 97-year-old neighbor after taking over the management of her finances.

Woman found shot to death off Oakland highway

OAKLAND  (AP) — A young woman has been found shot to death on a highway onramp in the Oakland hills.

Police say the woman was discovered by motorists on the Lincoln Avenue onramp to Highway 13 near the Mormon Temple around 1:30 a.m. Friday. She has not been identified.

Police are also trying to determine whether she was shot at the scene or left there after being shot elsewhere.