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Bay Area news briefs
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Report: Squabbling over aging SF ambulances

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The firefighters union say aging San Francisco ambulances threaten the safety of paramedics and the public.

KTVU-TV has obtained internal documents showing 24 of the department's 41 ambulances have racked up 120,000 miles or more. And half of the 24 well-worn ambulances are in poor condition.

Records also show 43 of the 88 defibrillators used by emergency medical technicians are 12 years old or older.

The firefighters union and the Fire Department have been squabbling over replacement equipment.

The union wants the chief to spend $6.8 million in state funds on new hires, new equipment and new ambulances.

Union representative Tom O'Connor says the aging equipment jeopardizes the safety of firefighters, paramedics and the public.

The department says the ambulances are safe.

Warnings posted after shark attack near surf spot

SANTA CRUZ (AP) — California park rangers are warning surfers to stay out of the water after a great white shark leaped out of the water and attacked an elephant seal off a Santa Cruz area beach.

Waddell Creek Beach lifeguard supervisor Chip Bochman says surfers spotted the attack about 150 yards off the creek mouth on Sunday.

Signs have been posted the Waddell Creek parking lot and on the beach urging surfers and swimmers to stay out of the water.

The Santa Cruz Sentinel (http://bit.ly/wpcPHM) says rangers have determined there's no "direct threat" because the attack was beyond the surf break.

But as a precaution, the warning signs will be posted through the weekend.

Waddell Creek runs through Big Basin Redwoods State Park to the sea in Santa

Oakland could see four more pot clubs

OAKLAND  (AP) — Oakland officials have given approval for four new medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

The winning applicants were selected on Wednesday and were among 12 considered by the city administrator's office.

One of them, the Oakland Community Collective, received a conditional permit to open at a location downtown. The other three were recommended for permits, but have to find new locations in the next several months.

If all four open, Oakland would double the number of pot dispensaries with city permits.

Officials say the four dispensaries would generate $1.7 million in annual tax revenue for Oakland.

The approvals come despite a crackdown by federal prosecutors on California pot dispensaries.