2ordered to stand trial in Richmond gang rape
RICHMOND  (AP) — Two men are facing trial in the gang rape of a lesbian in Richmond.
A judge ordered 34-year-old Humberto Salvador and 18-year-old Robert Ortiz to stand trial on kidnapping, gang rape and other charges at the end of a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.
Salvador is also facing a hate crime enhancement for allegedly referring to the woman's sexual orientation during the December 2008 attack. The two men are suspected gang members.
Authorities say the woman was gang raped on the street outside her home and then again under the stairs of an apartment complex, where she was left naked.
A third man, 19-year-old Darrell Albert Hodges, pleaded guilty last month to one count of oral copulation in concert. A fourth defendant, 24-year-old Josue Gonzalez, has pleaded guilty to carjacking and robbery.
Challenge to the
America's Cup EIR
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Sierra Club is challenging San Francisco's approval of an America's Cup environmental impact report.
The group's San Francisco chapter cites concerns about pollution and other aspects of America's Cup-related construction projects.
San Francisco planning commissioners approved the EIR on Dec. 15.
An earlier appeal was filed by the environmental and neighborhood groups the Telegraph Hill Dwellers, the Golden Gate Audubon Society, Waterfront Watch and San Francisco Tomorrow.
Environmentalists claim planners failed to analyze water and air pollution as well as possible diesel fuel leaks from the giant floating TV screen to be installed in Aquatic Park.
Preliminary races for the sailing event are this summer. City officials estimate the America's Cup will generate 8,000 jobs and inject $1.8 billion into the local economy.
2 arrested during protest at Oakland City Hall
OAKLAND (AP) — Oakland police say two people were arrested when anti-Wall Street protesters tried to occupy Mayor Jean Quan's office at City Hall.
Police closed the building around 2 p.m. Thursday. The people who were arrested allegedly refused to leave and pounded on a side entrance door and yelled at officers.
Police later allowed four members of the Interfaith Council to enter the building and meet with city staffers about concerns related to Occupy Oakland.
City spokeswoman Karen Boyd says the two sides plan to meet again next week.
The attempt to occupy Quan's office came after police the night before cleared Occupy Oakland protesters from the plaza in front of City Hall and dismantled the teepee they had set up.
Twelve people were arrested on suspicion of resisting police during the raid.