Judge tosses challenge to 49ers stadium deal
SANTA CLARA (AP) — A judge says the issue of building a stadium for the San Francisco 49ers cannot go before Santa Clara voters a second time.
The judge made the ruling Monday in a last-ditch attempt by a group to block the city's stadium deal.
The group, Santa Clara Plays Fair, is opposed to officials' approval of $850 million in bank loans to fund the $1 billion stadium. It argued that the bank loan wasn't part of the measure that voters approved in 2010.
The group tried to put the issue back on the June ballot. The city countered that the loan was an "administrative" act that didn't need voter approval.
49ers officials praised the ruling and say construction could begin this spring.
Woman's body in water off SF's Fisherman's Wharf
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — San Francisco police are investigating the death of a woman whose body was spotted floating in the water near Fisherman's Wharf.
Two people at the popular tourist destination reported seeing the body off Pier 45 around 11:20 a.m. Tuesday.
Man shot while driving in Oakland, crashes, dies
OAKLAND (AP) — Police say an Oakland man who was shot while driving a Bentley died after crashing into at least two cars.
Authorities identified the man Tuesday as 34-year-old Kelly Surrell.
Police have not released a possible motive for the Monday night shooting. They believe Surrell tried to drive himself to the hospital after being shot, but he lost control and struck two cars, including a Chevrolet Monte Carlo that was carrying an 8-year-old girl and 4-year-old boy.
Surrell was taken to the hospital, where he died.
4 charged in triple-murder outside warehouse party
SAN LEANDRO (AP) — Alameda County prosecutors have filed murder charges against four men accused of gunning down three people outside a tattoo party last October.
Authorities have not discussed a possible motive for the shooting outside a San Leandro warehouse. They arrested Aaron Stewart, Anthony Perry, Stevenson and Stanley Turner, whose ages range from 18 to 21.
Stewart, Perry and Stevenson are accused of opening fire on a Ford Explorer that was carrying the victims, while Turner is accused of providing a gun that was used. All were charged Monday with three counts of murder, four counts of attempted murder, plus special circumstances.
Those killed were 16-year-old Leneasha Worthington, 23-year-old Joshua Alford and 19-year-old Shanice Kiel. Three others in the SUV were injured, and a fourth ran away.
Not guilty plea in '84 Pleasanton classmate murder
OAKLAND (AP) — A man has pleaded not guilty to charges in a Pleasanton cold case involving the 1984 murder of his high school classmate.
Fourteen-year-old Tina Faelz was stabbed to death while walking home from Foothill High School. Her body was found on a popular shortcut trail used by students.
Investigators say a DNA match led them last August to Steven John Carlson.
Carlson's case initially landed in juvenile court because he was 16 at the time. But an Alameda County judge recently transferred it to adult court, citing the brutal nature of the crime and previous failed attempts at rehabilitation.