San Jose Mercury News

• Most Topular Stories

• Body found in bloody scene at Castro Valley home

  Crime & Courts

  <p class="Byline">By Chris De Benedetti, The Daily Review</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:59 pm

  Discovery shocks normally quiet neighborhood

• Man survives being struck by Caltrain in South S.F.

  San Jose / Valley News

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Gomez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mgomez@mercurynews.com'>mgomez@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:20 am

  A man survived being struck by a Caltrain on Tuesday, delaying service by about one hour during the evening commute, according to Caltrain.

• California lawmaker blasts Title IX, Brandi Chastain winces

  Education

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">LISA LEFF , Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 4:00 pm

  If Brandi Chastain could have cried foul, she would have. The world-famous U.S. women's soccer player was in Sacramento on Monday with her Brazilian counterpart Sissi to be honored by the California Assembly as it recognized the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

• Santa Clara Valley Water District under investigation for violating water pollution laws

  San Jose Mercury News Most Emailed

  15 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  District attorney investigating spills of hydraulic oil into Silicon Valley reservoirs by Santa Clara Valley Water District

• San Francisco Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Colorado

  San Jose Mercury News Most Viewed

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• 

  San Jose Mercury News Most Emailed

• Santa Clara Valley Water District under investigation for violating water pollution laws

  15 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  District attorney investigating spills of hydraulic oil into Silicon Valley reservoirs by Santa Clara Valley Water District

• Presbyterian church representatives refuse to rebuke former San Rafael pastor in gay marriage dispute

  15 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  In an unprecedented defiance of a church judicial commission, representatives of Northern California Presbyterian churches Tuesday refused to rebuke a retired pastor for marrying 16 same-sex couples when gay marriage was legal in California in 2008.

• Purdy: Giants, A's ownership should do what's right for baseball

  14 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  There will be no resolution of the A's ballpark situation -- the issue is not on the upcoming MLB meeting agenda. But that, of course, means it will definitely be discussed. More Giants | More A's Mark Purdy on Facebook | Columns

• Review: Roger Waters builds memorable 'Wall' in S.F.

  12 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Roger Waters has hit a towering home run.The former frontman for Pink Floyd has taken The Wall Live Tour -- already a massive commercial and critical success on the arena circuit -- and supersized it to fit baseball stadiums.

• San Mateo County approves $16.5 million for new jail

  8 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Despite opponents' pleas against building more 'cages,' the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors decided Tuesday to spend about $16.5 million to spur the construction of a new jail.

• 

  San Jose Mercury News Most Viewed

• San Francisco Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Colorado

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• 'America's Got Talent' recap: San Francisco auditions weird and wonderful

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  One night after Howard Stern made his splashy debut, "America's Got Talent" arrived in San Francisco and you can probably guess what that means: Yes, host Nick Cannon began the show standing high atop one of the towers on the Golden Gate Bridge.

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos and Derek Hough eliminated

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  The semifinal competition of Season 14 of "Dancing with the Stars" was the best and closest of any season, with only three points separating the four couples on the leaderboard -- Maria Menounos and Derek Hough in first place, William Levy and Cheryl Burke in second, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd in third, and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas at the bottom

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos and Derek Hough eliminated

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  The semifinal competition of Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars' was the best and closest of any season, with only three points separating the four couples on the leaderboard -- Maria Menounos and Derek Hough in first place, William Levy and Cheryl Burke in second, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd in third, and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas at the bottom

• Indiana holds off Miami in Game 2, 78-75

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  MIAMI—LeBron James and Dwyane Wade did almost everything for Miami—until the final minute.

• 

  News

• Palo Alto, police union agree to new contract

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:03 am

  After nine months of difficult negotiations, Palo Alto and its police union have finally agreed to a new labor contract that will ultimately dial back short- and long-term costs for the city.

• Palo Alto Animal Services scores another victory

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  An effort to keep the Palo Alto Animal Services division from being outsourced picked up another key endorsement Tuesday night.

• Palo Alto City Council approves 'gateway' building

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  Following a lengthy debate over public benefits, the Palo Alto City Council voted 7-2 early Tuesday morning in favor of a mixed-used project on a key piece of downtown real estate.

• San Francisco Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Colorado

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 2:05 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• Monte Poole: Carson Palmer's defining year with Oakland Raiders

  <p class="bylinejb">By Monte Poole<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group

  16 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Last year was 'chaotic,' the QB says. And this year?

• 

  Breaking News

• Palo Alto, police union agree to new contract

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:03 am

  After nine months of difficult negotiations, Palo Alto and its police union have finally agreed to a new labor contract that will ultimately dial back short- and long-term costs for the city.

• Palo Alto Animal Services scores another victory

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  An effort to keep the Palo Alto Animal Services division from being outsourced picked up another key endorsement Tuesday night.

• Palo Alto City Council approves 'gateway' building

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  Following a lengthy debate over public benefits, the Palo Alto City Council voted 7-2 early Tuesday morning in favor of a mixed-used project on a key piece of downtown real estate.

• San Francisco Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Colorado

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 2:05 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• Monte Poole: Carson Palmer's defining year with Oakland Raiders

  <p class="bylinejb">By Monte Poole<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group

  16 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Last year was 'chaotic,' the QB says. And this year?

• 

  National News

• Obama assets valued at $2.6 million to $8.3 million

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ken Thomas<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press<br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:28 am

  WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hold assets worth about $2.6 million to nearly $8.

• Republicans warn of new fight on debt limit

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jonathan Weisman <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:50 pm

  House speaker vows to block adding to federal limit without slicing spending

• When Afghan partners attack, U.S. lives and mission are imperiled

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matthew Rosenberg <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Joint training at risk as Afghan soldiers turn on U.S. troops

• Key retired general backs large U.S. nuclear reduction

  <p class="bylinejb">By Thom Shanker <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  Retired general questions number of U.S. warheads

• Prevention is goal of Alzheimer's drug trial

  <p class="bylinejb">By Pam Belluck <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  $100 million study will test treatment to prevent disease

• 

  World News

• Numb to drug war's carnage, life goes on for most Mexicans

  <p class="bylinejb">By Randal C. Archibold and Damien Cave <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Bodies from drug killings in Mexico largely go ignored

• When Afghan partners attack, U.S. lives and mission are imperiled

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matthew Rosenberg <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Joint training at risk as Afghan soldiers turn on U.S. troops

• Lightning sparks Hollande's French presidency

  <p class="bylinejb">By Greg Keller and Sylvie Corbet<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press<br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  New French leader heads to Germany for debt crisis talks

• Key retired general backs large U.S. nuclear reduction

  <p class="bylinejb">By Thom Shanker <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  Retired general questions number of U.S. warheads

• Prevention is goal of Alzheimer's drug trial

  <p class="bylinejb">By Pam Belluck <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  $100 million study will test treatment to prevent disease

• 

  Crime & Courts

• Attorney General Kamala Harris: Bay Area-based international drug ring busted

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  State authorities on Tuesday brought down an international heroin ring based out of the South Bay, where they say young Norteño gang members imported drugs from Mexico and the Central Valley to sell throughout the United States.

• Numb to drug war's carnage, life goes on for most Mexicans

  <p class="bylinejb">By Randal C. Archibold and Damien Cave <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Bodies from drug killings in Mexico largely go ignored

• Oakland: TV news reporter, photographer have camera and tripod stolen in brazen daylight theft

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Kristin J. Bender, Oakland Tribune

  15 May 2012 | 11:34 pm

  Equipment nabbed as journalists were gathering footage

• Body found in bloody scene at Castro Valley home

  <p class="Byline">By Chris De Benedetti, The Daily Review</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:59 pm

  Discovery shocks normally quiet neighborhood

• Appeals court upholds securities fraud findings against former Silicon Valley executive

  <p class="bylinejb">By Howard Mintz<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:hmintz@mercurynews.com'>hmintz@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 7:59 pm

  Judges reject former CFO's bid to overturn jury verdict and orders to repay Maxim Integrated nearly $2 million for role in rigging stock options, misleading investors

• 

  Police Blotter

• Police Blotter

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from police department reports</p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  WEST MENLO PARK2000 block of Manzanita Avenue, 2:40 p.m. Thursday A woman asked a neighbor's gardener why he was taking pictures of her property.

• Police Blotter

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from police department reports</p>

  14 May 2012 | 11:44 pm

  SAN JOSE10200 block of Kenilworth Way, 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Five people, including a person on probation and believed connected to a stolen vehicle and also ex-felon in possession of ammunition, were arrested on multiple charges -- from auto theft and possession of stolen property and a controlled

• Police Blotter

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from police department reports</p>

  11 May 2012 | 11:30 pm

  SAN JOSE2500 block of Cunningham Avenue, 12:45 a.m. May 2 A 33-year-old man spotted on top of hangars at Hillview-Reed Airport was arrested after first trying to fight officers.

• Police Blotter

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from police department reports</p>

  11 May 2012 | 12:36 am

  LOS GATOSLeigh Avenue, 4:32 a.m. Tuesday An arson incident was reported.Los Gatos Boulevard, 7:41 a.m.

• Police Blotter

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from police department reports</p>

  9 May 2012 | 11:07 pm

  MOUNTAIN VIEW100 block of North Rengstorff Avenue, 3:30 p.m. Monday A man seated in a red Jeep exposed himself to a 13-year-old girl on her way home from school.

• 

  Politics

• San Jose City Council votes to cap payday lenders

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:39 am

  The council's 9-1 vote makes San Jose the largest city to limit the number of payday lenders and the first to block them from opening in or near poor areas.

• San Jose City Council OKs developer incentives to build downtown apartment high rises

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tracy Seipel<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:tseipel@mercurynews.com'>tseipel@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:09 am

  City approves incentives to persuade developers to build downtown residences

• Obama assets valued at $2.6 million to $8.3 million

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ken Thomas<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press<br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:28 am

  WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hold assets worth about $2.6 million to nearly $8.

• San Jose approves social host law

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:25 am

  San Jose becomes largest city in region to hold homeowners liable for underage drinking on their property.

• Brown, in 'management mode,' chides those who oppose tax hikes on wealthy

  <p class="bylinejb">By Steven Harmon<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group<br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  A day after releasing a budget that relies heavily on revenues from his not-yet-passed tax initiative, Gov. Jerry Brown chided those who oppose boosting taxes on the wealthy.

• 

  The Merc: Same Sex Marriage

• Presbyterian church representatives refuse to rebuke former San Rafael pastor in gay marriage dispute

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica Bernstein-Wax, Marin Independent Journal

  15 May 2012 | 9:06 pm

  In an unprecedented defiance of a church judicial commission, representatives of Northern California Presbyterian churches Tuesday refused to rebuke a retired pastor for marrying 16 same-sex couples when gay marriage was legal in California in 2008.

• Gov.: RI recognizing out-of-state gay marriages

  <p class="bylinejb">By Erika Niedowski<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  14 May 2012 | 9:08 pm

  PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Rhode Island's governor on Monday declared that the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to health insurance and a slew of other benefits.

• Live chat transcript: Same-sex marriage and Obama

  Bay Area News Group

  11 May 2012 | 9:33 am

  Join us today at 1 p.m. for an online chat to discuss the president's announcement Wednesday that he supports gay marriage.

• President Barack Obama announces support for same-sex marriage

  <p class="bylinejb">By Kathleen Hennessey and Christi Parsons <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times<br /></p>

  10 May 2012 | 9:40 am

  President Barack Obama says he now supports same-sex marriage, ending months of equivocation on a subject with powerful election-year consequences.

• Mercury News editorial: Obama finally does the right thing on gay marriage

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  10 May 2012 | 7:35 am

  Presidential campaigns sometimes seem like just a series of tit-for-tats about small issues. But the presidency is about leadership -- about the future -- and no matter what the political fallout, Obama's pronouncement marks a new day.

• 

  Government Watch

• Government Watch: This week's meetings from around Silicon Valley

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  14 May 2012 | 12:19 am

  ALUM ROCK UNION SCHOOL DISTRICTWhat: School boardWhen and where: 6 p.m. Monday, 2930 Gay Ave., San JoseSUPERINTENDENT: The board will discuss the search for a superintendent or interim superintendent.

• Government Watch: This week's meetings from around Silicon Valley

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  7 May 2012 | 12:13 am

  CAMPBELL UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT What: School boardWhen and where: 7 p.m. Thursday, Campbell Middle School, 295 West Cherry Lane, CampbellVOLUNTEERS: The board will hear information about professional development in math and discuss survey results.

• Government Watch: This week's meetings from around Silicon Valley

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  29 Apr 2012 | 11:47 pm

  ALUM ROCK UNION SCHOOL DISTRICTWhat: School boardWhen and where: 6 p.m. Monday, 2930 Gay Ave., San JoseBOND: The board will hear consultants report on a poll about support for a bond measure, and will consider authorizing the sale of $15 million in refunding bonds and hiring a bond-measure

• Government Watch: This week's meetings from around Silicon Valley

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  23 Apr 2012 | 12:27 am

  CUPERTINO UNION SCHOOL DISTRICTWhat: School boardWhen and where: 6 p.m. Tuesday, 10301 Vista Dr.

• Government Watch: This week's meetings from around Silicon Valley

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  16 Apr 2012 | 12:20 am

  ALUM ROCK UNION SCHOOL DISTRICTWhat: School boardWhen and where: 6:30 p.m. Monday, 2930 Gay Ave., San JoseSUPERINTENDENT: The board will discuss its superintendent search.

• 

  Education

• Lawsuit attacks teacher tenure rules in low-income San Jose school district

  <p class="bylinejb">By Christina Hoag and Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Staff and wire reports

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  Alum Rock district, teachers slam lawsuit, but ex-board member says if suit leads to better teachers in the classroom, he supports it.

• California lawmaker blasts Title IX, Brandi Chastain winces

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">LISA LEFF , Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 4:00 pm

  If Brandi Chastain could have cried foul, she would have. The world-famous U.S. women's soccer player was in Sacramento on Monday with her Brazilian counterpart Sissi to be honored by the California Assembly as it recognized the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

• Herhold: A bully's confession from the '60s

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  15 May 2012 | 10:52 am

  The Washington Post story last week about the young Mitt Romney harassing a gay student in prep school rang a disturbing chord with me.

• Bay Area school districts rescinding layoff notices

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sharon Noguchi<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:snoguchi@mercurynews.com'>snoguchi@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 8:08 am

  Schools are still expecting to have smaller staffs next year because of attrition.

• Slideshow: Google's Eric Schmidt delivers UC Berkeley keynote speech

  12 May 2012 | 10:18 pm

  Caps flew as more than 3,000 students received their degrees during UC Berkeley's commencement ceremonies at Edwards Stadium. The keynote speaker was Eric Schmidt, Google executive chairman and UC Berkeley alumni. A crowd of 16,000 was expected for the event.

• 

  Health

• Prevention is goal of Alzheimer's drug trial

  <p class="bylinejb">By Pam Belluck <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  $100 million study will test treatment to prevent disease

• Los Gatos doctor started drug-dealing operation, DA says

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  15 May 2012 | 10:54 am

  After 35 years in medicine, a Los Gatos doctor is facing serious criminal trouble for charging drug addicts $100 a bottle for prescription painkillers, which they resold and abused -- including one "patient" who overdosed and died, prosecutors said Monday.

• Tick season reveals debate over Lyme disease

  <p class="bylinejb">Beth Marie Mole<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bethmole@mercurynews.com'>bethmole@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 10:50 am

  Vocal patient-advocacy groups say Lyme disease is everywhere, difficult to treat and causes debilitating 'chronic Lyme,' but physicians and health organizations dispute those assertions.

• Q&A: Flesh-eating bacteria and how they attack

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Stobbe<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 9:56 am

  ATLANTA -- Aimee Copeland, a Georgia grad student, is fighting for her life because of the flesh-eating bacteria that infected her after she gashed her leg in a river two weeks ago.

• Political Blotter: House again refuses to stop federal raids on medical marijuana

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Contra Costa Times

  13 May 2012 | 10:27 pm

  This is a sampling from Bay Area News Group's Political Blotter blog. Read more and post comments at www.

• 

  Weather

• It's hot, but not record-breaking hot

  <p class="bylinejb">Stephen Tung<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:stung@mercurynews.com'>stung@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 1:19 pm

  Meteorologists expect temperatures to creep up to 91 on Saturday, five degrees off the high set in 1941.

• It's hot, but not record-breaking hot

  <p class="bylinejb">Stephen Tung<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:stung@mercurynews.com'>stung@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 11:30 pm

  While Wednesday may not have been Concord's hottest day this time of year, it was pretty darn close, but temperatures shouldn't be as high Thursday, forecasters said.

• Lawsuit says wind energy industry hurts condors

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  23 Apr 2012 | 12:22 am

  Advocate groups say additional turbines threaten condors

• Heavy rain in East, and April snowflakes for some

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  22 Apr 2012 | 10:24 pm

  NEW YORK (AP) -- A spring nor'easter rumbled along the East Coast on Sunday and was expected to bring rain and heavy winds and even snow in some places as it strengthens into early Monday, a punctuation to a relatively dry stretch of weather for the Northeast.

• A scorcher: San Jose reaches 91

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dana Hull<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:dhull@mercurynews.com'>dhull@mercurynews.com</a>

  22 Apr 2012 | 12:28 am

  Summary graphyy goes hereyyyyy and hereyyyyyyy

• 

  Traffic

• Nasty nickname once again fits the Nimitz Freeway

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 7:37 pm

  Q I commute to San Jose on Interstate 880. Traffic over the last few weeks has been horrendous between Highway 238 and the Dumbarton Bridge between 7 a.

• Roadshow: Green bike lanes aren't a hit with everyone

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 6:00 pm

  Money for bike and pedestrian improvements is less than 2 percent of transportation funding.

• Private sector edges deeper into space

  <p class="bylinejb">By Kenneth Chang<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  14 May 2012 | 11:12 pm

  First commercial capsule to launch to space station

• Roadshow: Those new green bike lanes — aren't they slippery?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 10:14 am

  Plus: A quick review of the rules for motorists turning across bike lanes, no matter what color they are. More Q&As | Mr. Roadshow on Facebook

• More solo drivers using toll lanes at Highway 237 and Interstate 880

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 5:09 am

  First study shows 12-minute time savings for toll users, plus a smaller easing of the commute for solo drivers not in express lane. More traffic news

• 

  Lottery

• California Lottery pulls ad with slap-happy Lady Luck

  <p class="bylinejb">By Hannah Dreier<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  20 Apr 2012 | 11:14 am

  SACRAMENTO -- The advertisement was meant to help brand a new California lottery game, featuring a "Lady Luck" character in a leather jacket bestowing good fortune on a young man playing a scratch-off ticket by smacking him across the face.

• Retired Illinois couple claims share of $656 million Mega Millions jackpot

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jim Suhr<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  18 Apr 2012 | 2:35 pm

  RED BUD, Ill. -- A retired southern Illinois couple claimed the third and final share of last month's record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot on Wednesday, and said they plan to treat themselves -- possibly even to a vacation -- once they've sorted out how to invest their windfall.

• Mega Millions frenzy fueled record lottery sales in state last week

  <p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright"></p>

  5 Apr 2012 | 3:47 pm

  The buying frenzy over the record Mega Millions jackpot helped the California Lottery set a record for sales in a single week.

• No one in California wins $640 million lottery prize, but jackpot claimed elsewhere

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg, Mark Gomez and Rick Hurd<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Staff writers<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  31 Mar 2012 | 3:39 pm

  Here are the winning numbers for Friday night's record-setting Mega Millions jackpot: 2, 4, 23, 38, 46 and Mega Ball 23. Five people in the Bay Area won $130,000 by missing just the Mega Ball.

• Mega Millions jackpot rockets to at least $640 million

  <p class="bylineaffiliation">By Mark Gomez<br /></p><a href='mailto:mgomez@mercurynews.com'>mgomez@mercurynews.com</a> <br /><p class="bylinecopyright"></p>

  30 Mar 2012 | 5:02 pm

  But if there is no winner tonight, the jackpot will zoom to $975 million for Tuesday night's drawing, according to the California Lottery.

• 

  Obituaries

• Duck Dunn dies — bassist for Booker T. and the MGs

  <p class="bylinejb">By Nekesa Mumbi Moody<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  14 May 2012 | 9:11 am

  Bass player and songwriter Donald 'Duck' Dunn, a member of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame band Booker T. and the MGs and the Blues Brothers band, has died in Tokyo. He was 70.

• Community mourns San Jose native killed in Half Moon Bay crash

  <p class="bylinejb">By Robert Salonga<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rsalonga@mercurynews.com'>rsalonga@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 9:09 am

  San Jose native dies when van strikes her car head-on

• Services scheduled for slain Newark football star

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Chris De Benedetti<br>The Argus

  10 May 2012 | 7:52 am

  Funeral services and a visitation for Osana Futi, a Newark Memorial High School student slain nearly two weeks ago, have been scheduled this week in the Tri-City area.

• Longtime San Bruno Mayor Bob Marshall dies

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joshua Melvin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jmelvin@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jmelvin@bayareanewsgroup.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 7:49 am

  Former longtime San Bruno mayor, Bob Marshall, who spearheaded the city's effort to build its senior center has died. He was 77.

• Hairstyling pioneer Vidal Sassoon dies at 84 in LA

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sandy Cohen <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  9 May 2012 | 10:44 pm

  Hairdresser, 84, introduced thewash-and-wear look

• 

  San Jose Mercury News Obituaries

• Lopez, John

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  John K. Lopez Resident of Mountain View Passed on April 13, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Lopez was born .....

• Shea, Caroline (Otten)

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Caroline Shea (Otten) Resident of Millbrae Caroline, age 63, passed away May 11, 2012 surrounded by her loving family after a short bout with .....

• Ruth, Leo

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Leo P. Ruth Resident of Kensington Leo P. Ruth, prominent educator in teacher education and in the teaching of reading and writing, died peacefully .....

• Bautista, Gertrude

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Gertrude Bautista Resident of Mt. View Gertrude, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sadly passed away on April 30, 2012, at the age .....

• Flores, Humberto

  16 May 2012 | 1:00 am

  Humberto Zertuche Flores March 3, 1936-May 12, 2012 Resident of San Jose A native of Monclova, Mexico, Humberto moved to California in 1954 to .....

• 

  Local News

• San Jose City Council votes to cap payday lenders

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:39 am

  The council's 9-1 vote makes San Jose the largest city to limit the number of payday lenders and the first to block them from opening in or near poor areas.

• San Jose City Council OKs developer incentives to build downtown apartment high rises

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tracy Seipel<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:tseipel@mercurynews.com'>tseipel@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:09 am

  City approves incentives to persuade developers to build downtown residences

• Is Facebook a good investment?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brandon Bailey and Patrick May<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  16 May 2012 | 12:33 am

  By one standard measure, Facebook's anticipated public offering will be priced far above other high-flying tech stocks, at a level that's prompted some naysayers to wonder if the stock is already overinflated.

• Cancer survivor starts San Jose's Amgen Tour of California stage with a bang

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Rodriguez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jrodriguez@mercurynews.com'>jrodriguez@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:33 am

  Peggy Liou, of Los Altos, isn't a fan of bike racing and doesn't even ride bikes, but her inspiring fight against cancer earned her the honor of firing the starting gun in North San Jose at Tuesday's Stage-3 of the Tour of California.

• San Jose approves social host law

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:25 am

  San Jose becomes largest city in region to hold homeowners liable for underage drinking on their property.

• 

  San Jose / Valley News

• San Jose City Council votes to cap payday lenders

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:39 am

  The council's 9-1 vote makes San Jose the largest city to limit the number of payday lenders and the first to block them from opening in or near poor areas.

• San Jose City Council OKs developer incentives to build downtown apartment high rises

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tracy Seipel<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:tseipel@mercurynews.com'>tseipel@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:09 am

  City approves incentives to persuade developers to build downtown residences

• San Jose approves social host law

  <p class="bylinejb">By John Woolfolk<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com'>jwoolfolk@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:25 am

  San Jose becomes largest city in region to hold homeowners liable for underage drinking on their property.

• Man survives being struck by Caltrain in South S.F.

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Gomez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mgomez@mercurynews.com'>mgomez@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:20 am

  A man survived being struck by a Caltrain on Tuesday, delaying service by about one hour during the evening commute, according to Caltrain.

• Pizarro: Rose, White and Blue Parade getting everything lined up for July 4

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  ABC7 news anchor Dan Ashley will be the San Jose parade's grand marshal -- and he'll be performing with his classic rock band, Push, at the festival following the parade.

• 

  Los Gatos

• Los Gatos doctor started drug-dealing operation, DA says

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  15 May 2012 | 10:54 am

  After 35 years in medicine, a Los Gatos doctor is facing serious criminal trouble for charging drug addicts $100 a bottle for prescription painkillers, which they resold and abused -- including one "patient" who overdosed and died, prosecutors said Monday.

• Blotter: Woman reports harassment, break-in

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled from Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police reports. </p>

  15 May 2012 | 7:21 am

  Burglary--On May 1 at 10:31 a.m. on Via Sereno in Monte Sereno. Tools were reported stolen from a construction site.

• Los Gatos family deals with the debilitating effects of Lyme disease

  <p class="bylinejb">By Judy Peterson<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jpeterson@community-newspapers.com'>jpeterson@community-newspapers.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 7:19 am

  A bite from a tiny tick has been ruining the lives of a Los Gatos family, as members struggle against Lyme disease.

• Parents beware: Teens need to go no farther than the family medicine cabinet to get high

  <p class="Byline">By Marianne L. Hamilton, for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers</p>

  15 May 2012 | 7:15 am

  Police offer a warning: 'Parents must become aware of the new ways in which youths are getting intoxicated or high, so they can watch for the indicators with their own kids, and have serious conversations with them about the dangers,' says Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department Chief Scott Seaman.

• Los Gatos Weekly-Times Calendar

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  Special EventsFireside Fridays at Hotel Los Gatos: Featured wineries are Burrell School Vineyards, Silver Mountain Vineyards, The Mountain Winery and Villa Del Monty Winery.

• 

  Saratoga

• Parents beware: Teens need to go no farther than the family medicine cabinet to get high

  <p class="Byline">By Marianne L. Hamilton, for Silicon Valley Community Newspapers</p>

  15 May 2012 | 7:15 am

  Police offer a warning: 'Parents must become aware of the new ways in which youths are getting intoxicated or high, so they can watch for the indicators with their own kids, and have serious conversations with them about the dangers,' says Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department Chief Scott Seaman.

• Saratoga News Calendar

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  Special EventsProspect High School Flea Market: Clear out that garage and sell those extras, or find what you need.

• Steve Paterson to head Community Newspaper Division

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  From overseeing a two-person weekly in Michigan to running a group of 18 newspapers and shoppers, Steve Paterson brings an extensive range of advertising and publishing experience to his new job as publisher of the Community Newspaper Division of the Bay Area News Group, which includes Silicon Valley Community Newspapers .

• Food trucks give new meaning to dining out

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brian Babcock<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bbabcock@community-newspapers.com'>bbabcock@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:32 pm

  In an effort to bring more exposure to Saratoga Gateway businesses, business owners will host a monthly food truck event called 'Foodie Fun on the Run.' The food truck event will take place every fourth Saturday of the month, with the first one to be held on May 26.

• McAuliffe sends 3 teams to robotics contest

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matt Wilson<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mwilson@community-newspapers.com'>mwilson@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:32 pm

  Math, science, English and underwater robotics. Just another day at Christa McAuliffe School. For five years, the alternative school in Saratoga has mentored and nurtured students in the obscure world of remotely operated vehicles.

• 

  Cupertino News

• 2 Greenpeace members arrested at Apple HQ after protest featuring iPhone costumes

  <p class="bylinejb">By Robert Salonga<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rsalonga@mercurynews.com'>rsalonga@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 3:55 pm

  A protest at Apple headquarters over the tech giant's energy practices featured full-sized iPhone costumes and ended Tuesday morning with the arrests of two people who locked themselves inside a small dome, authorities said.

• Steve Paterson to head Community Newspaper Division

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  From overseeing a two-person weekly in Michigan to running a group of 18 newspapers and shoppers, Steve Paterson brings an extensive range of advertising and publishing experience to his new job as publisher of the Community Newspaper Division of the Bay Area News Group, which includes Silicon Valley Community Newspapers .

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• Vocal artist: Homestead High student competes in 'Saratoga Idol'

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Silicon Valley Community Newspapers</p>

  10 May 2012 | 10:04 pm

  Photograph by Brian BabcockVocal ArtistHomestead High School sophomore Sarathi Garimella belts out a song during the 'Saratoga Idol' competition at the Saratoga Rotary Art Show on May 6.

• 

  Sunnyvale News

• Steve Paterson to head Community Newspaper Division

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  From overseeing a two-person weekly in Michigan to running a group of 18 newspapers and shoppers, Steve Paterson brings an extensive range of advertising and publishing experience to his new job as publisher of the Community Newspaper Division of the Bay Area News Group, which includes Silicon Valley Community Newspapers .

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• Sunnyvale youth recognized in Centennial Writing Contest

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alia Wilson<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:awilson@community-newspapers.com'>awilson@community-newspapers.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 10:05 pm

  Thirty-six elementary students were recognized at a city council meeting on May 8 for their entries in the city's Centennial Writing Contest.

• Sunnyvale shorts: Downtown Wine and Food Stroll arrives May 12

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Sunnyvale Sun</p>

  10 May 2012 | 10:05 pm

  Wine Stroll headed to the downtownThe Sunnyvale Downtown Association is hosting its second annual Downtown Wine & Food Stroll on May 12.

• 

  Campbell News

• Steve Paterson to head Community Newspaper Division

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation"></p>

  14 May 2012 | 9:33 pm

  From overseeing a two-person weekly in Michigan to running a group of 18 newspapers and shoppers, Steve Paterson brings an extensive range of advertising and publishing experience to his new job as publisher of the Community Newspaper Division of the Bay Area News Group, which includes Silicon Valley Community Newspapers .

• Gaskin resigns her post as WVC president

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brian Babcock<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bbabcock@community-newspapers.com'>bbabcock@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:32 pm

  West Valley College president Lori Gaskin has announced her resignation as she moves on to become superintendent and president of Santa Barbara City College. She will begin her new job on July 1.

• Leigh spring showcase features student talent

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:32 pm

  The Leigh High School drama department will present its last production of the year, Scribbles and Scaredy Cats, on May 17-18.

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• Edelman is guest speaker at children's health symposium

  <p class="bylinejb">By Khalida Sarwari<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ksarwari@community-newspapers.com'>ksarwari@community-newspapers.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 9:31 pm

  The Santa Clara Family Health Foundation will present a symposium in San Jose on May 22 focused on children's health with renowned activist Marian Wright Edelman.

• 

  Peninsula

• Palo Alto, police union agree to new contract

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:03 am

  After nine months of difficult negotiations, Palo Alto and its police union have finally agreed to a new labor contract that will ultimately dial back short- and long-term costs for the city.

• Palo Alto Animal Services scores another victory

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  An effort to keep the Palo Alto Animal Services division from being outsourced picked up another key endorsement Tuesday night.

• Palo Alto City Council approves 'gateway' building

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Green<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 3:02 am

  Following a lengthy debate over public benefits, the Palo Alto City Council voted 7-2 early Tuesday morning in favor of a mixed-used project on a key piece of downtown real estate.

• Romero's campaign for San Mateo County supervisor is grassroots planted in experience

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bonnie Eslinger<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 1:58 am

  East Palo Alto Council Member Carlos Romero's campaign for the District 4 seat on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors has a grassroots feel to it, but it's been planted in decades of public and community service.

• San Carlos City Council to resume the unfinished business of replacing Andy Klein

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bonnie Eslinger<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Daily News Staff Writer

  16 May 2012 | 1:31 am

  After failing to break a split vote Monday night on how to replace former mayor Andy Klein, the San Carlos City Council will wrestle with the question again on Friday.

• 

  Alameda County

• Attorney General Kamala Harris: Bay Area-based international drug ring busted

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  State authorities on Tuesday brought down an international heroin ring based out of the South Bay, where they say young Norteño gang members imported drugs from Mexico and the Central Valley to sell throughout the United States.

• Authorities confirm VTA supervisor found dead near Tracy

  <p class="bylinejb">By Robert Salonga<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rsalonga@mercurynews.com'>rsalonga@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 7:57 am

  Ray Halsell, 64, was last seen leaving the agency's San Jose office Thursday afternoon. His disappearance prompted about 40 friends, relatives and co-workers of the 15-year VTA veteran to organize a search that lasted into Saturday.

• Bay Area school districts rescinding layoff notices

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sharon Noguchi<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:snoguchi@mercurynews.com'>snoguchi@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 8:08 am

  Schools are still expecting to have smaller staffs next year because of attrition.

• Federal appeals court overturns Alameda County death sentence

  <p class="bylinejb">By Howard Mintz<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:hmintz@mercurynews.com'>hmintz@mercurynews.com</a>

  11 May 2012 | 12:35 am

  Divided panel finds that Ralph International Thomas should get new trial in 1985 murders of two 'Deadheads' in Berkeley

• Cinco de Mayo draws crowds downtown, but little trouble reported in San Jose

  <p class="bylinejb">By Troy Wolverton and Chris De Benedetti<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  6 May 2012 | 9:07 am

  The evening was generally peaceful, with only minor "flare-ups" reported.

• 

  Santa Cruz/Central Coast

• Santa Cruz: Physician accused of diverting drugs for his use surrenders medical license

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jondi Gumz, Santa Cruz Sentinel

  15 May 2012 | 9:24 am

  SANTA CRUZ -- Dr. Lawrence Hart Livingston surrendered his medical license April 13 to resolve accusations of diverting controlled substances for his own use while practicing at the Saratoga Medical Clinic and lying about it to the state medical board.

• Couple robbed on river levee in Santa Cruz, police say

  <p class="bylinejb">By Cathy Kelly<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ckelly@santacruzsentinel.com'>ckelly@santacruzsentinel.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 7:17 pm

  SANTA CRUZ -- A man and woman in their 20s were robbed as they walked on the San Lorenzo River levee near the Soquel Avenue bridge about 1:20 a.

• Man shot several times in gang crime, Watsonville police say

  <p class="bylinejb">By Cathy Kelly<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ckelly@santacruzsentinel.com'>ckelly@santacruzsentinel.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 11:29 am

  WATSONVILLE -- In the second attempted murder in as many days, a man was shot several times as he walked on Miles Lane about 10:45 p.

• Watsonville: Three suspects rob 7-Eleven store at knifepoint

  <p class="Byline">Bay City News Service</p>

  14 May 2012 | 11:28 am

  WATSONVILLE -- Police in Watsonville are trying to locate three suspects who robbed a 7-Eleven store early this morning.

• Dog adopted by family friend after cyclist is killed in hit-and-run accident

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica M. Pasko, Santa Cruz Sentinel

  10 May 2012 | 9:20 pm

  LIVE OAK -- About a week after his owner was killed in a hit-and-run accident, Ozziet the dog has a new leash on life.

• 

  California

• Attorney General Kamala Harris: Bay Area-based international drug ring busted

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  State authorities on Tuesday brought down an international heroin ring based out of the South Bay, where they say young Norteño gang members imported drugs from Mexico and the Central Valley to sell throughout the United States.

• Brown, in 'management mode,' chides those who oppose tax hikes on wealthy

  <p class="bylinejb">By Steven Harmon<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group<br /></p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:08 am

  A day after releasing a budget that relies heavily on revenues from his not-yet-passed tax initiative, Gov. Jerry Brown chided those who oppose boosting taxes on the wealthy.

• Santa Clara Valley Water District under investigation for violating water pollution laws

  <p class="bylinejb">By Paul Rogers<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:progers@mercurynews.com'>progers@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  District attorney investigating spills of hydraulic oil into Silicon Valley reservoirs by Santa Clara Valley Water District

• Numb to drug war's carnage, life goes on for most Mexicans

  <p class="bylinejb">By Randal C. Archibold and Damien Cave <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Bodies from drug killings in Mexico largely go ignored

• Romney pins 'prairie fire of debt' on Obama

  <p class="bylinejb">By Thomas Beaumont<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press<br /></p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:37 pm

  GOP candidate cites 'prairie fire of debt' across nation

• 

  Action Line

• Action Line: Crooks use your phone bill to steal from you

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dennis Rockstroh<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:drockstroh@mercurynews.com'>drockstroh@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  Read your lengthy phone bill document and call the phone company and demand a refund if you see a suspicious entry

• Action Line: Crooks use your phone bill to steal from you

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dennis Rockstroh<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"> <a href='mailto:drockstroh@mercurynews.com'>drockstroh@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 11:16 pm

  Read your lengthy phone bill document and call the phone company and demand a refund if you see a suspicious entry

• Action Line: Comcast customer gets runaround on rates, fees

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dennis Rockstroh<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"> <a href='mailto:drockstroh@mercurynews.com'>drockstroh@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 11:44 pm

  Customer complains and get a better deal '“ but no gift card; come on, Comcast

• Action Line: No chat today

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dennis Rockstroh<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:drockstroh@mercurynews.com'>drockstroh@mercurynews.com</a>

  7 May 2012 | 12:13 am

  But we covered some problems with Kaiser's PPO health insurance; not recommended.

• Action Line: Are dimmed city lights responsible for family's tragedy?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dennis Rockstroh<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"> <a href='mailto:drockstroh@mercurynews.com'>drockstroh@mercurynews.com</a>

  5 May 2012 | 10:05 pm

  Girl hit as she crossed the street at the corner; the lights were dimmed,

• 

  Mike Cassidy

• Cassidy: How Philz Coffee became the official beverage of IPO darling Facebook

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  15 May 2012 | 9:53 pm

  Phil Jaber sees the marriage of Philz Coffee and social networking juggernaut Facebook as a match made in heaven. And it’s hard to deny that the two Silicon Valley companies, with their fiercely loyal customers, young CEOs and emphasis on socializing, have every reason to friend each other.

• Cassidy: TiECon 2012 taps into Silicon Valley's youth movement

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  11 May 2012 | 6:23 pm

  As one of Silicon Valley’s premiere entrepreneur networking organizations turns 20, it’s focusing its attention on a younger generation of start-up founders. This year’s TiECon 2012 convention will feature a youth forum, which just might encourage the next Mark Zuckerberg.

• Cassidy: At Google, search is important, but grub is king

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  4 May 2012 | 7:30 am

  Yes, yes, yes. You know that Google is an Internet pioneer. But more than that, Google is a pioneer in the way competitive high-tech high-fliers feed their voracious workers. When the job is 24/7 in Silicon Valley the grub better be, too.

• Cassidy: Monsanto optoelectronics is a reminder that our work defines us

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  20 Apr 2012 | 8:36 am

  In work obsessed Silicon Valley it’s sometimes hard to remember that as humans we are driven to make something of ourselves. A conversation with one guy working to organize a reunion of workers from the Monsanto optoelectronics plant on Bubb Road in Cupertino serves as a reminder that our work helps define who we are — sometimes for life.

• Cassidy: Commodore 64 pioneer Jack Tramiel lived Silicon Valley's story

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 Apr 2012 | 1:43 pm

  Jack Tramiel, the man behind the Commodore 64 computer and a guy who helped teach Silicon Valley that business is a contact sport, has died. His life followed the arch of the Silicon Valley story. Companies and people burst on the scene and then fade. But they leave behind a path to the future.

• 

  Scott Herhold

• Herhold: A bully's confession from the '60s

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  15 May 2012 | 10:52 am

  The Washington Post story last week about the young Mitt Romney harassing a gay student in prep school rang a disturbing chord with me.

• Herhold: The travails of Rose Herrera

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  13 May 2012 | 6:11 am

  San Jose Councilwoman Rose Herrera is in the middle of the biggest political brawl of her career. Elections 2012 | More Herhold columns

• Herhold: Scott Thompson's resume is not the real issue: His performance is

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 8:14 pm

  Give him a chance: Padded résumé is disguising larger issue

• Herhold: Sheriff should upgrade the level of candor on Sierra LaMar case

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 11:25 am

  The Sheriff's Office needs a better standard of communicating with the public. If they're going to mention the Jetta, an important clue, they might tell us upfront that they already have it. Sheriff's Office rules out links between Sierra LaMar case and San Jose, Walnut Creek incidents

• Herhold: The long, sad story of a woman released after 27 years

  <p class="bylinejb">By Scott Herhold<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  8 May 2012 | 2:37 pm

  Wanda Brown killed Willie Kelley. There was never any question. In a frenzy in 1984, the 22-year-old woman stabbed the San Francisco shopkeeper 64 times with a pocket knife.

• 

  Internal Affairs

• Internal Affairs: Readers take a whack at city sign -- and guess who gets lopped off

  <p class="Byline">By the Mercury News </p>

  13 May 2012 | 7:55 am

  When IA asked readers to edit a less-than-concise sign that the city of San Jose put up for a bikeway next to Highway 237, we got lots of suggestions.

• Internal Affairs: San Jose city clerk's office finds some names that look familiar on petition

  <p class="Byline">By the Mercury News </p>

  29 Apr 2012 | 2:32 pm

  When San Jose State students and labor activists last month turned in boxes full of petitions to qualify a November ballot measure that would raise the minimum wage in the city, San Jose City Clerk Dennis Hawkins was shocked by something one of his eagle-eyed staffers spotted while looking over the

• Internal Affairs document: Memo from Ed Shikada

  28 Apr 2012 | 10:33 pm

  The form letter regarding the licensing of Casino M8trix, as detailed in the April 29 Internal Affairs column.

• Internal Affairs: Santa Clara County Democrat finds himself on outs with labor honcho

  <p class="Byline">By the Mercury News </p>

  22 Apr 2012 | 12:45 am

  Longtime Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee member Herb Engstrom is pretty sure he's back on South Bay labor honcho Cindy Chavez's blacklist after recently speaking out against the party's decision recommending Democrats vote against San Jose's June 5 pension reform ballot measure.

• Internal Affairs: A's legal team adds superstar to its roster

  <p class="Byline">By the Mercury News </p>

  15 Apr 2012 | 9:55 am

  Four months after Stand for San Jose, the San Francisco Giants-backed group opposed to the Oakland A's move to the South Bay, filed a lawsuit against San Jose and the A's hoping to stop the team's possible relocation here, the city and the A's have formally denied the group's allegations.

• 

  Sal Pizarro

• Pizarro: Rose, White and Blue Parade getting everything lined up for July 4

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  ABC7 news anchor Dan Ashley will be the San Jose parade's grand marshal -- and he'll be performing with his classic rock band, Push, at the festival following the parade.

• Pizarro: Unity Care throws a great party despite honorees' absences

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 11:44 pm

  Young singers, poets and models provided the entertainment at Youth Live on Saturday, which was missing its two awardees, Lisa Sobrato Sonsini and Dale Carlsen.

• Pizarro: A big week for honoring women in Silicon Valley

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  11 May 2012 | 11:32 pm

  Female movers and shakers in the valley were in the spotlight at a host of events this week, ranging from the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women luncheon to the YWCA of Silicon Valley's Tribute to Women Awards.

• Pizarro: Junior Girl Scouts bring some joy to Santa Clara County shelter animals

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  11 May 2012 | 12:36 am

  Four girls, ages 9 to 10, spent the past nine months collecting 75 pounds of blankets, toys and supplies for animals at the San Martin facility.

• Pizarro: Solving the Santana Row parking crunch one shop at a time

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sal Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:spizarro@mercurynews.com'>spizarro@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 11:06 pm

  Nearly five dozen employees at Atelier SalonSpa have vowed to park on the sixth floor of the shopping center's Winchester Garage to leave more convenient spaces open for customers.

• 

  Mr. Roadshow

• Nasty nickname once again fits the Nimitz Freeway

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 7:37 pm

  Q I commute to San Jose on Interstate 880. Traffic over the last few weeks has been horrendous between Highway 238 and the Dumbarton Bridge between 7 a.

• Roadshow: Green bike lanes aren't a hit with everyone

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 6:00 pm

  Money for bike and pedestrian improvements is less than 2 percent of transportation funding.

• Roadshow: Those new green bike lanes — aren't they slippery?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 10:14 am

  Plus: A quick review of the rules for motorists turning across bike lanes, no matter what color they are. More Q&As | Mr. Roadshow on Facebook

• Roadshow: Bottlenecks at 87-101 and 85-Foothill Expressway in South Bay could be unplugged

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  12 May 2012 | 11:06 pm

  Calaveras Road will be open Tuesday for Amgen bike race, but delays may be possible along Highway 17.

• Roadshow: Dumbarton Bridge to be closed over Memorial Day weekend

  <p class="bylinejb">By Gary Richards<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:grichards@mercurynews.com'>grichards@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 11:46 am

  Old traffic signals on Willow Road west of the bridge also have motorists grumbling.

• 

  Joe Rodriguez

• Bike to work? Me?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Rodriguez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 12:21 am

  Newspaperman accidentally discovered the benefits of biking to work; lost pounds and girlfriends gained

• Local pizzerias defy the corporate restaurant steamroller

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Rodriguez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  8 May 2012 | 10:38 pm

  Willow Street Wood-Fired Pizza in San Jose celebrates 20 years; offers casual dining in a nice neighborhood, fresh ideas and doesn't try to be too trendy

• Lovable Bugs all over big San Jose classic Volkswagen show

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Rodriguez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  23 Apr 2012 | 8:23 am

  A couple thousand vintage Volkswagen owners and fans gathered Sunday in Jose to celebrate the homely and underpowered, but economical and lovable people's car from Germany. One owner said, 'We don't drive this on the freeway -- ever.'

• Coffin-prepared hot dogs even a vampire would relish

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Rodriguez<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  20 Apr 2012 | 3:46 pm

  The latest take on gourmet food trucks are Cadillac hearses carrying hot dog carts disguised as coffins

• `Please, don't call me homeless'

  Joe Rodriguez <br /> Mercury News columnist

  2 Feb 2007 | 10:02 am

  Norman Carroll lights a cigarette, blows a polite puff away from his visitor and stretches his long, thin

• 

  Editorials

• Mercury News editorial: Sheriff, others sliming Rose Herrera should be ashamed

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Sheriff Laurie Smith ought to be ashamed of herself. So should the San Jose police and firefighter unions and everybody else slinging slime at District 8 Councilwoman Rose Herrera for voting her conscience and speaking her mind on pension reform.Smith's public withdrawal of her endorsement of Herrera's re-election last week without even telling the candidate beforehand was craven. The county sheriff threw her lot in with the city public safety unions, which are misrepresenting Herrera's record in office in every way imaginable. (As one example, Herrera never advocated cuts to the police…

• Mercury News editorial: Jerry Hill for Silicon Valley's 13th state Senate district

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  A cursory look at Jerry Hill and Sally Lieber, the 13th District state Senate candidates to replace termed-out Sen. Joe Simitian, might seem to indicate there isn't much difference between them. They're both Democrats, former mayors and two-term members of the Assembly.However, Hill is a far more effective legislator and the best choice for Silicon Valley, where he understands the innovation economy and has good relationships with business leaders. He is the right choice on June 5.Hill is a tenacious fighter who, in the Assembly, has worked to hold PG&E accountable for the San Bruno…

• Mercury News editorial: Simitian-Evans plan to keep state parks open deserves support

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  14 May 2012 | 11:10 pm

  When then-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger first proposed shutting dozens of state parks to help close the deficit in 2008, it was a terrible idea, and he eventually dropped it. State parks are a remarkable legacy for California's children. Tens of millions of people visit every year, and all 278 have value. In fact, the savings in Schwarzenegger's plan were a sham: The costs of closed parks -- lost tourism, vandalism, fires -- would have outweighed any potential savings.When Gov. Jerry Brown last year proposed closing 70 parks by July 1, it was an equally terrible idea. It still is, even in…

• Mercury News editorial: VA 'black hole' in Oakland is an atrocity

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  14 May 2012 | 8:52 am

  The Coliseum's rowdy section during Raiders games isn't the only "black hole" in Oakland. The regional office of the Department of Veterans Affairs has earned that nefarious moniker from California veterans who must deal with it. To hear them tell it, the office is where valid benefit claims go to die, or at least to languish interminably. Now an audit by the VA's own inspector general backs up their view, and then some. The report blisters the Oakland office, which is responsible for veterans' benefit claims from Bakersfield to the Oregon border. The findings are outrageous on at…

• Mercury News editorial: Ly Tong trial fascinates, and raises questions

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  11 May 2012 | 4:07 pm

  The trial of world-famous anti-Communist Ly Tong this week for dressing in drag, climbing onto a concert stage in Santa Clara and pepper-spraying a singer from Vietnam is gripping on many levels. The former South Vietnamese air force pilot long has been a hero for freedom-loving Vietnamese emigrants but probably is best known in other cultures for his month-long hunger strike to force San Jose to name a shopping area Little Saigon. That pretty much worked. The outcome of the attack on singer Dam Vinh Hung is murkier. We'll leave the question of criminal guilt to the jury, but the incident…

• 

  Letters

• May 16 Readers' letters

  <p class="Byline">From Mercury News readers</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Letters from Mercury News readers.

• May 15 Readers' letters

  <p class="Byline">From Mercury News readers</p>

  14 May 2012 | 11:10 pm

  Letters from Mercury News readers.

• May 14 Readers' letters

  <p class="Byline">From Mercury News readers</p>

  12 May 2012 | 5:58 pm

  Letters from Mercury News readers.

• May 13 Readers' letters

  <p class="Byline">From Mercury News readers</p>

  12 May 2012 | 5:52 pm

  Letters from Mercury News readers.

• May 12 Readers' letters

  <p class="Byline">From Mercury News readers</p>

  12 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  Letters from Mercury News readers.

• 

  Opinion

• Mercury News editorial: Sheriff, others sliming Rose Herrera should be ashamed

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Sheriff Laurie Smith has joined San Jose cops and firefighters in sliming Councilwoman Rose Herrera, whose offense is voting her conscience and speaking her mind.

• Carl Guardino: CPUC should approve a new green energy plan from PG&E

  <p class="bylinejb">By Carl Guardino<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Special to the Mercury News

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Paying a little more, California residents and businesses can choose to get all their electricity from renewable energy sources.

• Mercury News editorial: Jerry Hill for Silicon Valley's 13th state Senate district

  <p class="Byline">Mercury News Editorial</p>

  15 May 2012 | 8:03 pm

  Hill is solid on social issues, like Sally Lieber, but he is much stronger on

• David Brooks: President Obama, the ESPN man

  <p class="Byline">By David Brooks</p>

  15 May 2012 | 7:55 pm

  Two of the nation's smartest analysts have just come out with reports on how the presidential election looks six months out.

• Paul Krugman: Why we regulate

  <p class="Byline">By Paul Krugman</p>

  15 May 2012 | 7:55 pm

  One of the characters in the 1939 film "Stagecoach" is a banker named Gatewood who lectures his captive audience on the evils of big government, especially bank regulation -- "As if we bankers don't know how to run our own banks!

• 

  Business

• Is Facebook a good investment?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brandon Bailey and Patrick May<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  16 May 2012 | 12:33 am

  By one standard measure, Facebook's anticipated public offering will be priced far above other high-flying tech stocks, at a level that's prompted some naysayers to wonder if the stock is already overinflated.

• Facebook IPO has individual investors lining up

  <p class="bylinejb">By Patrick May and Brandon Bailey<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News<br /></p><p class="normalparagraphstyle">

  16 May 2012 | 12:33 am

  Facebook’s initial public offering is one of the most widely anticipated tech stock debuts of the decade, and many analysts are bullish about the company’s long-term prospects. But some financial experts are advising individual investors to keep their cool.

• Cassidy: How Philz Coffee became the official beverage of IPO darling Facebook

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Cassidy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  15 May 2012 | 9:53 pm

  Phil Jaber sees the marriage of Philz Coffee and social networking juggernaut Facebook as a match made in heaven. And it’s hard to deny that the two Silicon Valley companies, with their fiercely loyal customers, young CEOs and emphasis on socializing, have every reason to friend each other.

• Facebook reportedly to increase number of shares, pushing possible IPO proceeds near record $18 billion

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  15 May 2012 | 9:40 pm

  Facebook is reportedly planning to increase the number of shares it sells in its initial public offering, which could give it the record for amount raised in a U.S. IPO.

• Hewlett-Packard loses $190 million tax battle with IRS

  <p class="bylinejb">By Lynnley Browning<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 9:14 pm

  Hewlett-Packard lost a battle Monday with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for more than $190 million in tax refunds tied to a Dutch tax shelter designed by the derivatives arm of American International Group.

• 

  Financial Markets

• JPMorgan Chase CEO retains $23 million pay package, chairmanship despite $2 billion trading loss

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tamara Lush and Pallavi Gogoi <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 7:59 pm

  The CEO of JPMorgan Chase won a shareholder endorsement of his pay package Tuesday and kept his title of chairman of the board, five days after disclosing a $2 billion trading loss at the bank.

• Biz Break: Facebook stays busy as IPO approaches, but Wall Street keeps falling

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 5:31 pm

  Today: Facebook officially raised its range for possible stock prices in its initial public offering Tuesday, even as it lost a large advertiser. Also: Wall Street's two-week slide continues, despite strong news on the U.S. economy.

• Facebook IPO has privacy implications, advocates say

  <p class="bylinejb">By Troy Wolverton<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:twolverton@mercurynews.com'>twolverton@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 7:12 pm

  The high expectations Wall Street is placing on the company will pressure it to keep up its rapid growth. One way to satisfy those expectations, since it can only increase the number of users so much, would be to make better use of the data it collects, and collect more of it. That would allow it to target ads better and make more money.

• Biz Break: Reaction to Yahoo's Mother's Day moves, Groupon makes money and Facebook gears up

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 5:40 pm

  Today: Analysts say Scott Thompson’s departure will likely help Yahoo in future, but cause more short-term pain, as investors send stock price higher. Also: Groupon turns a profit, Facebook’s IPO in high gear, and Wall Street still losing.

• Groupon reports first quarterly profit in history as shares soar

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alistair Barr<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  14 May 2012 | 4:20 pm

  Groupon reported its first quarterly profit on Monday as the world's largest daily deal company reined in marketing spending.

• 

  Green Energy

• 2 Greenpeace members arrested at Apple HQ after protest featuring iPhone costumes

  <p class="bylinejb">By Robert Salonga<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rsalonga@mercurynews.com'>rsalonga@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 3:55 pm

  A protest at Apple headquarters over the tech giant's energy practices featured full-sized iPhone costumes and ended Tuesday morning with the arrests of two people who locked themselves inside a small dome, authorities said.

• Solar industry, utilities clash over proposal to change the way "net metering" is calculated

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dana Hull<br />San Jose Mercury News

  10 May 2012 | 8:12 pm

  Proposal by CPUC president Michael Peevey would raise the cap beyond the current 5 percent

• Silicon Valley technology helps power new 'sharing economy'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dana Hull<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:dhull@mercurynews.com'>dhull@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 12:30 pm

  The goods and services being bought and sold are familiar, but the way the marketplaces work is brand new. Location-based technology often makes it possible to find what you need in your immediate neighborhood.

• First Solar restructuring leads to loss of $449 million

  <p class="bylinejb">By JONATHAN FAHEY<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  3 May 2012 | 5:13 pm

  A shakeout that is rattling the solar panel industry has sent First Solar, once among the industry's biggest and strongest companies, to a wide quarterly loss.

• San Mateo's SolarCity, chaired by Elon Musk, plans to go public

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  30 Apr 2012 | 9:52 pm

  SolarCity, a San Mateo company that develops rooftop solar power systems and is chaired by Tesla founder Elon Musk and his cousins, is planning to go public.

• 

  Technology

• Hewlett-Packard loses $190 million tax battle with IRS

  <p class="bylinejb">By Lynnley Browning<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 9:14 pm

  Hewlett-Packard lost a battle Monday with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for more than $190 million in tax refunds tied to a Dutch tax shelter designed by the derivatives arm of American International Group.

• Consumers' lawsuit against Apple, e-book publishers withstands judge's scrutiny, proceeds

  <p class="bylinejb">By Grant McCool<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 8:10 pm

  Apple and five major book publishers have failed to persuade a U.S. judge to throw out a lawsuit by consumers accusing them of conspiring to raise electronic book prices two years ago.

• Oracle's Android lawsuit against Google goes to jury for patent decision

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dan Levine<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 2:42 pm

  A San Francisco jury began another round of deliberations on Tuesday in a high profile trial over allegations that Google's Android mobile platform violates Oracle's intellectual property rights.

• Apple wins appeal of Samsung tablet ruling, U.S. Galaxy ban still possible

  <p class="bylinejb">By Diane Bartz<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  14 May 2012 | 8:01 pm

  A U.S. appeals court ruled on Monday that Apple Inc could press its bid for an immediate block on the sale of some tablet computers made by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd based on allegations of infringement of one patent.

• Apple to reportedly introduce Instagram-like photo-sharing features to iCloud

  <p class="bylinejb">By Patrick May<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:pmay@mercurynews.com'>pmay@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 7:58 pm

  Apple will introduce photo-sharing capabilities to its iCloud service next month in the first major changes to the young service that allows users to access their data uniformally across all Apple devices, according to a Monday report.

• 

  Personal Technology

• Wolverton: Autodesk's 3-D technology cool but frustrating

  <p class="bylinejb">By Troy Wolverton<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  11 May 2012 | 8:24 pm

  An iPad app is very sleek, but working on the image after that can be very difficult and makes the whole experience not very satisfying.

• Tech Test Drive: Best keyboard cases, covers for iPad

  10 May 2012 | 6:22 pm

  Doing some serious writing? If you love your tablet, but wish you could use a physical keyboard with it, there are options. Consider these covers and cases for the new iPad and iPad 2.

• Microsoft deeply integrates Facebook search results with Bing in effort to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michael Liedtke <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  10 May 2012 | 5:39 pm

  Microsoft's Bing search engine is heading in a new direction as it drills deeper into Facebook's social network and Twitter's messaging service to showcase information unlikely to be found on Google.

• 'Harry Potter' e-books to be available for borrowing on Kindle devices, Amazon says

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alistair Barr<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  10 May 2012 | 2:49 pm

  Owners of Amazon.com's Kindle e-readers and tablets will be able to borrow Harry Potter e-books in a move designed to encourage more people to use the devices and sign up for the company's Prime service.

• Magid: Balance the benefits of sharing with the risks

  <p class="bylinejb">By Larry Magid<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">for the Mercury News </p>

  10 May 2012 | 1:31 pm

  There has been a lot of debate and hand wringing over whether the Internet and social media have redefined "privacy," but while the Internet makes it easier to share, it doesn't force us to share.

• 

  Personal Finance

• Calculating your readiness to retire

  <p class="bylinejb">By John F. Wasik,<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times

  11 May 2012 | 10:29 pm

  Planning essential to be on track for comfortable living

• Regulators pressure life insurers to help beneficiaries collect

  <p class="bylinejb">By Eileen Ambrose <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">The Baltimore Sun

  11 May 2012 | 9:24 pm

  Companies are urgedto do more in findingpolicy beneficiaries

• Low staffing levels create balancing act for small businesses

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joyce M. Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  9 May 2012 | 6:55 pm

  If you work for a sf you work for a small business there's a good chance that, since the recession, you have taken on additional responsibilities and are working longer hours. Some of the work that used to be done by fellow employees may be getting farmed out to freelancers or other independent contractors.

• Gilead's Truvada pill safe for HIV prevention, FDA says

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Reuters

  8 May 2012 | 11:46 pm

  Gilead Sciences' Truvada may prevent HIV infection among high-risk individuals, if used in combination with other health strategies, U.S. Food and Drug Administration review documents said on Tuesday.

• Resumania: Follow instructions when applying for jobs

  <p class="bylinejb">By Max Messmer<br /></p><p class="normalparagraphstyle">Scripps Howard News Service

  8 May 2012 | 7:11 pm

  The first rule of applying for a job is the easiest to remember: Follow the employer's directions. Many companies provide specific instructions about what interested candidates should and should not do.

• 

  Drive

• Investment community gives Tesla Motors vote of confidence

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jerry Hirsch <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times

  13 May 2012 | 2:18 am

  DeLorean Motor never had a future to get back to. Tucker got torpedoed. Fisker Automotive doesn't seem to have good karma. Launching a new auto business and building a brand in the United States is no simple task. But inch by inch, electric-car maker Tesla Motors seems to be doing just that.

• Honda wins appeal of small-claims loss on hybrid's gas mileage claims

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jerry Hirsch <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times

  9 May 2012 | 11:12 pm

  A Los Angeles County judge overturned a nearly $10,000 small-claims judgment against American Honda Motor Co. that was won by a car owner who said the automaker misrepresented the gas mileage of her hybrid Civic, according to a ruling released Wednesday.

• Google receives nation's first license to test self-driving car on public streets

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michelle Rindels <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  9 May 2012 | 1:00 pm

  Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles officials said Monday they've issued Google the nation's first license to test self-driving cars on public streets, after conducting demonstrations on the Las Vegas Strip and in Carson City that show the car is as safe -- or perhaps safer -- than a human.

• SUVs take off in China

  <p class="bylinejb">By David Pierson <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times

  4 May 2012 | 8:58 pm

  'Luxury buyers cannotget enough' of vehicles;2.1 million sold last year

• Toyota, Chrysler post strong sales gains in April

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dee-Ann Durbin and Tom Krisher <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  1 May 2012 | 10:10 pm

  Toyota is back. It's putting a year of earthquake-related shortages behind it and grabbing sales from stumbling General Motors and Ford.

• 

  Real Estate

• Homefix: You cannot sell a house with uneven stairs

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dwight Barnett<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Scripps Howard News Service

  14 May 2012 | 6:46 pm

  The height of each step is extremely important in preventing tripping and falling. The earliest code books called for steps to have even risers with a maximum of 3/8 of an inch difference between the risers over the entire length of the stairs.

• Real estate transactions for Contra Costa, Tri-Valley area, published May 13, 2012

  <p class="Byline">For the Bay Area News Group</p>

  10 May 2012 | 2:57 pm

  Residential transactions in Contra Costa, eastern Alameda County, published May 13 2012

• Who sold what, published May 12, 2012

  <p class="Byline">For the Mercury News</p>

  10 May 2012 | 2:54 pm

  Residential transactions in Santa Clara County, San Mateo County, San Francisco and southern Alameda County, published May 12, 2012.

• Late payments on mortgages fall in first quarter of 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Veiga <br /></p><p class="normalparagraphstyle">AP Real Estate Writer

  9 May 2012 | 6:36 pm

  The percentage of U.S. homeowners behind on their mortgage payments dropped in the first three months of this year to the lowest level since 2009, according to a new report.

• Why a homebuyer's first offer is always the best offer

  By Brendon DeSimone, Zillowcom

  8 May 2012 | 7:40 pm

  Real estate agents around the world generally go by the same mantra when discussing the first offer that a seller receives on their home: The first offer is always your best offer.

• 

  Employment

• 10 job-search mistakes college grads make

  By Charles Purdy, Monster Senior Editor

  15 May 2012 | 6:25 pm

  Although this year's college graduates are facing a tough job market (and the smart ones are facing it now, rather than waiting until after graduation), they have an advantage over other job seekers, according to Andy Chan, vice president of career development at Wake Forest University: They are

• How to leverage volunteer work on your resume

  By Kim Isaacs, Monster Resume Expert

  14 May 2012 | 6:53 pm

  You may have altruistic reasons for volunteering, but giving your time has career-enhancing power, too.

• Calculating your readiness to retire

  <p class="bylinejb">By John F. Wasik,<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times

  11 May 2012 | 10:29 pm

  Planning essential to be on track for comfortable living

• 10 things to know about workers' compensation

  By Dona DeZube, Monster Finance Careers Expert

  9 May 2012 | 7:09 pm

  When you slice off your finger working in the deli, fall off your executive chair and crack your skull, or develop an illness because of your job, workers' compensation is supposed to cover your medical costs and pay you for any days of work you miss.

• Low staffing levels create balancing act for small businesses

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joyce M. Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  9 May 2012 | 6:55 pm

  If you work for a sf you work for a small business there's a good chance that, since the recession, you have taken on additional responsibilities and are working longer hours. Some of the work that used to be done by fellow employees may be getting farmed out to freelancers or other independent contractors.

• 

  Apple

• Consumers' lawsuit against Apple, e-book publishers withstands judge's scrutiny, proceeds

  <p class="bylinejb">By Grant McCool<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 8:10 pm

  Apple and five major book publishers have failed to persuade a U.S. judge to throw out a lawsuit by consumers accusing them of conspiring to raise electronic book prices two years ago.

• Apple wins appeal of Samsung tablet ruling, U.S. Galaxy ban still possible

  <p class="bylinejb">By Diane Bartz<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  14 May 2012 | 8:01 pm

  A U.S. appeals court ruled on Monday that Apple Inc could press its bid for an immediate block on the sale of some tablet computers made by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd based on allegations of infringement of one patent.

• Apple to reportedly introduce Instagram-like photo-sharing features to iCloud

  <p class="bylinejb">By Patrick May<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:pmay@mercurynews.com'>pmay@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 7:58 pm

  Apple will introduce photo-sharing capabilities to its iCloud service next month in the first major changes to the young service that allows users to access their data uniformally across all Apple devices, according to a Monday report.

• Apple processor supplier Audience, San Mateo's WageWorks have successful IPOs

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 5:46 pm

  Two Silicon Valley companies found success on Wall Street with successful initial public offerings Thursday, with a Mountain View-based company that makes processors for Apple's iconic iPhone bringing in the most capital.

• iPrimate: Orangutans at Miami zoo use iPads to communicate

  <p class="bylinejb">By David Fischer <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  10 May 2012 | 5:38 pm

  The orangutans at Miami's Jungle Island apparently are just like people when it comes to technology. The park is one of several zoos experimenting with computers and apes, letting its six orangutans use an iPad to communicate and as part of a mental stimulus program.

• 

  Cisco

• Biz Break: Cisco drags tech stocks down, but two Silicon Valley IPOs find success; also, Microsoft uses Facebook to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 5:16 pm

  Today: Cisco has its biggest Wall Street fall in more than a year, taking other tech stocks down with it. Plus: Two Silicon Valley companies have strong IPO days, and Microsoft integrates Facebook with Bing in challenge to Google.

• Cisco earnings 'not too shabby,' narrowly beat expectations

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michael Liedtke <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  9 May 2012 | 11:11 pm

  Network equipment maker Cisco Systems beat third quarter earnings estimates, allaying some concerns about global technology spending even as questions remained about the San Jose company's ability to weather economic weakness.

• Biz Break: Wall Street's free fall continues; Cisco and Tesla head in opposite directions after earnings reports

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 7:00 pm

  Today: The Dow falls for the sixth consecutive day as Europe's distress continues to roil markets. Also: Cisco narrowly beats analysts' earnings projections, but forecast scares investors; and Tesla gets a bump from positive news on Model S.

• Big 3 in commercial tech sector struggle with internal issues

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brandon Bailey<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bbailey@mercurynews.com'>bbailey@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  22 Apr 2012 | 10:35 am

  The sector represents the biggest chunk of the valley's tech industry, producing $257 billion in annual sales, or 42 percent of the SV150's total revenue.

• Cisco continues shopping, buys Washington software company

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  28 Mar 2012 | 2:06 pm

  Cisco's acquisition spree continued Tuesday, as the San Jose networking giant agreed to buy a Washington startup that provides software for Internet service providers.

• 

  Google

• Oracle's Android lawsuit against Google goes to jury for patent decision

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dan Levine<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 2:42 pm

  A San Francisco jury began another round of deliberations on Tuesday in a high profile trial over allegations that Google's Android mobile platform violates Oracle's intellectual property rights.

• Court won't order Google-NSA interactions released

  <p class="bylinejb">By FREDERIC J. FROMMER<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  11 May 2012 | 12:15 pm

  A federal appeals court has turned down a Freedom of Information Act request to disclose National Security Agency records about the 2010 cyberattack on Google users in China.

• Microsoft deeply integrates Facebook search results with Bing in effort to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michael Liedtke <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  10 May 2012 | 5:39 pm

  Microsoft's Bing search engine is heading in a new direction as it drills deeper into Facebook's social network and Twitter's messaging service to showcase information unlikely to be found on Google.

• Biz Break: Cisco drags tech stocks down, but two Silicon Valley IPOs find success; also, Microsoft uses Facebook to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 5:16 pm

  Today: Cisco has its biggest Wall Street fall in more than a year, taking other tech stocks down with it. Plus: Two Silicon Valley companies have strong IPO days, and Microsoft integrates Facebook with Bing in challenge to Google.

• Oracle loses bid for ruling Google use of IP wasn't fair use

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen Gullo <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bloomberg News

  10 May 2012 | 12:36 pm

  Oracle couldn't convince a federal judge in an intellectual property case that Google unfairly used its technology in the search engine provider's Android software for mobile devices.

• 

  HP

• Hewlett-Packard loses $190 million tax battle with IRS

  <p class="bylinejb">By Lynnley Browning<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 9:14 pm

  Hewlett-Packard lost a battle Monday with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service for more than $190 million in tax refunds tied to a Dutch tax shelter designed by the derivatives arm of American International Group.

• Apple zooms up Fortune 500 list, but can't catch oil giants, Hewlett-Packard

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  8 May 2012 | 5:34 pm

  Cupertino tech giant Apple had a huge 2011 that made it the world's most valuable company, but that only pushed it into the top 20 of the annual Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations, behind nearby neighbors Hewlett-Packard and Chevron.

• Biz Break: Strong economic news takes Dow to four-year high

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  1 May 2012 | 5:09 pm

  Today: Manufacturing in the U.S. increases, flooring economists who expected a drawback and suggesting more strong April numbers to come. Also: Dow rides Intel, HP and the economy to a four-year high, and solar stocks rise after analyst sees the bottom.

• Big 3 in commercial tech sector struggle with internal issues

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brandon Bailey<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bbailey@mercurynews.com'>bbailey@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  22 Apr 2012 | 10:35 am

  The sector represents the biggest chunk of the valley's tech industry, producing $257 billion in annual sales, or 42 percent of the SV150's total revenue.

• Biz Break: Google's earnings and stock split, in layman's terms; plus, HP's big day

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  12 Apr 2012 | 6:17 pm

  Today: Google announces that it will add a new class of stock to continue gaining investors while not ceding control. Also: Google earnings surpass projections, and Hewlett-Packard's best day on Wall Street in three years leads stocks higher.

• 

  Intel

• Intel 'getting awfully good reviews' on first smartphone chips, not suffering like Cisco, CEO Paul Otellini says

  <p class="bylinejb">By Noel Randewich<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  10 May 2012 | 5:10 pm

  Intel CEO Paul Otellini showcased the top chipmaker's long-awaited push into smartphones and talked up ultrathin laptops he hopes will spice up a category that seems increasingly dull compared to tablets and other mobile devices.

• Marin company builds Thor hammer, helmet out of cans at Intel's Santa Clara campus

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica Bernstein-Wax, The Marin Independent Journal

  8 May 2012 | 11:43 am

  A SAN RAFAEL architectural firm spent eight hours last week molding some 8,500 cans containing tuna, sweet peas and chili into a giant hammer and helmet ahead of the release of 'The Avengers' film.

• Intel raises dividend for third time in past 18 months

  <p class="Byline">By Associated Press</p>

  7 May 2012 | 9:45 am

  World's largest chip-maker is raising its quarterly dividend by 7 percent to 22.5 cents, which will be pain for the third quarter.

• Biz Break: Strong economic news takes Dow to four-year high

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  1 May 2012 | 5:09 pm

  Today: Manufacturing in the U.S. increases, flooring economists who expected a drawback and suggesting more strong April numbers to come. Also: Dow rides Intel, HP and the economy to a four-year high, and solar stocks rise after analyst sees the bottom.

• Intel puts big bet on 'ultrabooks'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Steve Johnson<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:sjohnson@mercurynews.com'>sjohnson@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  30 Apr 2012 | 1:33 pm

  Racing to branch out from traditional personal computers where most of its chips are used, Intel is making a huge bet on ultrabooks, a laptop-tablet hybrid that runs exclusively on its microprocessors.

• 

  Microsoft

• Microsoft deeply integrates Facebook search results with Bing in effort to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michael Liedtke <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  10 May 2012 | 5:39 pm

  Microsoft's Bing search engine is heading in a new direction as it drills deeper into Facebook's social network and Twitter's messaging service to showcase information unlikely to be found on Google.

• Biz Break: Cisco drags tech stocks down, but two Silicon Valley IPOs find success; also, Microsoft uses Facebook to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 5:16 pm

  Today: Cisco has its biggest Wall Street fall in more than a year, taking other tech stocks down with it. Plus: Two Silicon Valley companies have strong IPO days, and Microsoft integrates Facebook with Bing in challenge to Google.

• Microsoft ordered to remove Xbox, Windows 7 from Germany as Motorola wins patent fight

  <p class="bylinejb">By Harro Ten Wolde<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  2 May 2012 | 1:46 pm

  German judge Holger Kircher said Wednesday Microsoft breached an agreement with Motorola Mobility, which is in the process of being bought by Google, in using certain video-compression software in products including Windows 7 and Xbox.

• Biz Break: Microsoft looks at Nook for tablet anchor, Apple falls below $600 again, and a big day for cleantech

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  30 Apr 2012 | 6:22 pm

  Today: Microsoft, playing catch-up in the tablet market, signs a deal with Barnes & Noble for a piece of its Nook business. Also: Apple’s falling stock price hurts Nasdaq, S&P, which post losses for month; and Bloom and SolarCity have good news.

• FTC hires outside attorney in Google antitrust case

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Swift<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mswift@mercurynews.com'>mswift@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  27 Apr 2012 | 1:00 pm

  In an indication of the gravity of the government's antitrust investigation against Google, the Federal Trade Commission has hired a prominent Washington litigator to serve as its outside counsel in the case, the first time in at least five years the federal regulatory agency has taken such a step.

• 

  Oracle

• Oracle's Android lawsuit against Google goes to jury for patent decision

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dan Levine<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  15 May 2012 | 2:42 pm

  A San Francisco jury began another round of deliberations on Tuesday in a high profile trial over allegations that Google's Android mobile platform violates Oracle's intellectual property rights.

• Intel 'getting awfully good reviews' on first smartphone chips, not suffering like Cisco, CEO Paul Otellini says

  <p class="bylinejb">By Noel Randewich<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Reuters

  10 May 2012 | 5:10 pm

  Intel CEO Paul Otellini showcased the top chipmaker's long-awaited push into smartphones and talked up ultrathin laptops he hopes will spice up a category that seems increasingly dull compared to tablets and other mobile devices.

• Oracle loses bid for ruling Google use of IP wasn't fair use

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen Gullo <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bloomberg News

  10 May 2012 | 12:36 pm

  Oracle couldn't convince a federal judge in an intellectual property case that Google unfairly used its technology in the search engine provider's Android software for mobile devices.

• Google infringed Oracle copyrights, jury finds, but deals a blow to Oracle's quest for $1 billion

  <p class="bylinejb">By Brandon Bailey<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bbailey@mercurynews.com'>bbailey@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  7 May 2012 | 11:56 pm

  A federal jury on Monday delivered a messy split verdict in the trial over Google's popular Android mobile software, by finding that Google infringed copyrights held by tech rival Oracle but failing to answer a key question that Oracle needed to press its case for nearly $1 billion in damages.

• Biz Break: Oracle-Google trial has split decision, pressure builds on Yahoo CEO, and Facebook begins IPO roadshow

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  7 May 2012 | 5:05 pm

  Today: A jury returns a verdict in the first phase of a gargantuan trial fight between Oracle and Google, but it decides little. Also: Yahoo investor keeps attacking CEO Scott Thompson as others weigh in, and Facebook and Zuckerberg get a celebrity welcome to roadshow in N.Y.

• 

  Chris O'Brien

• O'Brien: Only remaining drama to Scott Thompson story: Will he quit or will Yahoo board push him out?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Chris O'Brien<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 7:58 pm

  Given that every other Yahoo CEO's tenure has ended in failure, we shouldn't be surprised that Thompson's has too. It's just the speed that's shocking. But now that it's happened, better for Yahoo to move on quickly rather than delay the inevitable.

• O'Brien: For Color founder, failure and reboots are just another day in Silicon Valley

  <p class="bylinejb">By Chris O'Brien<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 12:23 pm

  Color, the mobile photo sharing app, had the kind of terrible first year that would crush most entrepreneurs. So why is co-founder Bill Nguyen still smiling?

• O'Brien: How my family cut cable TV service and lived to tell the tale

  <p class="bylinejb">By Chris O'Brien<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  8 May 2012 | 7:12 pm

  After weeks of pondering, I made the leap, called Comcast, and told them to discontinue our cable TV service. Liberating, money saving, but also, complicated.

• O'Brien: When it comes to robotics, Silicon Valley is a follower, not a leader

  <p class="bylinejb">By Chris O'Brien<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  4 May 2012 | 8:58 pm

  At a forum in Menlo Park this week, robotics industry leaders discussed a surprising problem: Silicon Valley is not the leading cluster of the emerging industry. It lags such regions as Boston and Pittsburgh. Can this be fixed?

• O'Brien: IPOs begin to sizzle as Facebook debut inches closer

  <p class="bylinejb">By Chris O'Brien<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  1 May 2012 | 10:08 pm

  The IPO markets have already been heating up during the first four months of 2012. Venture capitalists are optimistic, but there's a long way to go before this industry can celebrate.

• 

  60 - Second Biz Break

• Biz Break: Facebook stays busy as IPO approaches, but Wall Street keeps falling

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 5:31 pm

  Today: Facebook officially raised its range for possible stock prices in its initial public offering Tuesday, even as it lost a large advertiser. Also: Wall Street's two-week slide continues, despite strong news on the U.S. economy.

• Biz Break: Reaction to Yahoo's Mother's Day moves, Groupon makes money and Facebook gears up

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 5:40 pm

  Today: Analysts say Scott Thompson’s departure will likely help Yahoo in future, but cause more short-term pain, as investors send stock price higher. Also: Groupon turns a profit, Facebook’s IPO in high gear, and Wall Street still losing.

• Biz Break: Gilead pins hopes on HIV drug; Apple rumors; and chipmakers' outlook improves

  <p class="Byline">By Mike Murphy, <a href='mailto:mmurphy@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mmurphy@bayareanewsgroup.com</a></p>

  11 May 2012 | 6:46 pm

  Today: Approval of a drug that prevents HIV infection could bring $4 billion in yearly sales for Foster City-based Gilead Sciences. Plus, Foxconn CEO talks about Apple TV, Apple may drop Google Maps and Silicon Valley stocks help Wall Street offset banking losses.

• Biz Break: Cisco drags tech stocks down, but two Silicon Valley IPOs find success; also, Microsoft uses Facebook to battle Google

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 5:16 pm

  Today: Cisco has its biggest Wall Street fall in more than a year, taking other tech stocks down with it. Plus: Two Silicon Valley companies have strong IPO days, and Microsoft integrates Facebook with Bing in challenge to Google.

• Biz Break: Wall Street's free fall continues; Cisco and Tesla head in opposite directions after earnings reports

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeremy C. Owens<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jowens@mercurynews.com'>jowens@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 7:00 pm

  Today: The Dow falls for the sixth consecutive day as Europe's distress continues to roil markets. Also: Cisco narrowly beats analysts' earnings projections, but forecast scares investors; and Tesla gets a bump from positive news on Model S.

• 

  Sports

• San Francisco Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Colorado

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 2:05 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• Tuesdays's High School sports scores

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Compiled by the Mercury News</p>

  16 May 2012 | 1:47 am

  Tuesdays's High School sports scores

• St. Francis tops Bellarmine College Prep for Central Coast Section title

  <p class="bylinejb">By Glenn Reeves<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com'>greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Bellarmine's streak of five straight section championships ends

• Monte Poole: Carson Palmer's defining year with Oakland Raiders

  <p class="bylinejb">By Monte Poole<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group

  16 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Last year was 'chaotic,' the QB says. And this year?

• NHL: Los Angeles Kings blank Phoenix Coyotes, take 2-0 series lead

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:57 am

  L.A. takes 2-0 series lead by blanking Coyotes

• 

  College Sports

• John Beam becomes head football coach at Laney College

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Matt Schwab<br>Oakland Tribune

  15 May 2012 | 10:22 pm

  Beam, the school's athletic director, takes over for the retiring Jay Uchiumi

• Former Stanford receiver Chris Owusu looks for fresh start with the San Francisco 49ers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Emmons<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:memmons@mercurynews.com'>memmons@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 6:51 pm

  His productive career at Stanford was overshadowed by a series of concussions

• Top-ranked Cal claims Pac-12 softball title with second straight win over No. 2 Arizona State

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Bay Area News Group

  11 May 2012 | 11:51 pm

  The top-ranked Cal softball team rode a six-hit pitching performance by Valerie Arioto to a 5-0 win over No.

• Cal softball: Bears shut out Arizona State, clinch first outright Pac-12 title since 1987

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Bay Area News Group</p>

  11 May 2012 | 7:34 pm

  The top-ranked Cal women's softball team rode a six-hit pitching performance by Valerie Arioto to a 5-0 win over No.

• Santa Clara men's tennis team ready for its first NCAA tournament appearance

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matt Schwab<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  11 May 2012 | 12:31 am

  Broncos' international lineup will face Texas on Saturday at Stanford

• 

  Golf

• Golf: Matt Kuchar wins Players Championship

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  13 May 2012 | 11:06 pm

  Third-round leader Na fades while getting heckled

• Golf: Kevin Na is in no hurry to find success, leads Players Championship by one stroke

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  12 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

  Endless waggles aside, he leads Players by one shot

• Golf: Tiger Woods turns it around, survives cut at the Players Championship

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  11 May 2012 | 9:36 pm

  Midround stretchof four straight birdies saves Tiger

• Golf: Players Championship leaders Laird, Poulter comfortable in opening round

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  11 May 2012 | 1:34 am

  The TPC Sawgrass would seem to be the last golf course where a player can relax. That might explain why Ian Poulter and Martin Laird were atop the leader board Thursday in The Players Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.

• Golf: This week's tournaments

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  9 May 2012 | 11:32 pm

  PGA TOUR THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP Site: Vedra Beach, Fla. Schedule: Thursday-Sunday. Course: TPC Sawgrass, Players Stadium Course (7,215 yards, par 72).

• 

  High School Sports

• St. Francis tops Bellarmine College Prep for Central Coast Section title

  <p class="bylinejb">By Glenn Reeves<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com'>greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  In a fiercely-contested Central Coast Section Division I boys volleyball championship match, St. Francis ended Bellarmine's run of five consecutive championships with a 25-23, 27-29, 25-23, 21-25, 15-12 victory Tuesday at Independence High."This means everything,'' said St. Francis senior outside hitter James Shaw, who is the son of Stanford Hall of Fame volleyball coach Don Shaw. "This is a special group of guys. I couldn't ask for anything more.''St. Francis had clearly been the top boys volleyball team in the CCS all season. The No. 1 seed Lancers went into Tuesday's match 27-2…

• Menlo's Andrew Buchanan wins CCS boys golf championship

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Bay Area News Group

  16 May 2012 | 12:46 am

  Menlo School's Andrew Buchanan claimed the Central Coast Section boys golf title Tuesday, firing a 7-under 64 at Rancho Cañada Golf Club in Carmel.Buchanan edged reigning CCS champion Jonathan Garrick of St. Francis by one stroke on Rancho Cañada's West Course. Dave Ahmadian of Leigh placed third with a 67, followed by Austin Lin of Archbishop Mitty at 69.It was the second time in a week that Buchanan shot below par to claim medalist honors in a CCS event at Rancho Cañada. The junior shot a 3-under 68 at the CCS Regional II last Wednesday.Stevenson won the team championship…

• Glenn Reeves: Coach Mike Riley on quite a roll with Willow Glen baseball team

  <p class="bylinejb">By Glenn Reeves<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com'>greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:45 am

  The Willow Glen baseball team has put together a nice run in recent years.The Rams went 21-6 this season and won their second consecutive BVAL Mount Hamilton Division championship. They are seeded No. 1 in the Central Coast Section Division II playoffs and open at home Thursday at 4 p.m. against No. 16 Woodside.Five years ago, longtime basketball coach Mike Riley took over as the school's baseball coach. After a 15-14 season in Riley's first year, Willow Glen has gone a combined 94-24 the past four years."I've got good assistant coaches, and I learned a new sport," Riley said.Riley,…

• Ruling: Boy can play on girls high school field hockey team

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 12:17 pm

  SMITHTOWN, N.Y. -- An athletics committee on Long Island has ruled that a 13-year-old boy can keep playing field hockey on the girls' team at Southampton High School. The ruling is a reversal of fortune for the student, Keeling Pilaro. Keeling had played on the girls' team at Southampton High this season. But the committee decided earlier this spring that his skills had become too advanced for him to continue playing on a coed squad. The boy appealed. And after a hearing Tuesday, the committee reversed its earlier decision. That will allow the 4-foot-8, 82-pound student to return for one more…

• CCS swimming championships: Bellarmine wins 28th straight title

  <p class="bylinejb">By Glenn Reeves<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com'>greeves@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  13 May 2012 | 6:39 am

  Bellarmine College Prep won its 28th consecutive Central Coast Section boys swimming championship Saturday at the Santa Clara Swim Club.The Bells finished with 389.5 points. Palo Alto was second with 218.Gunn won the girls title, its first in school history.Gunn had a 12-point lead over defending champion Archbishop Mitty going into the last event, the 400-yard freestyle relay. A day earlier, in the trials, Gunn equaled the CCS record of 3 minutes, 23.53 seconds.Saturday, the Titans were even faster. The team of Rachael Acker, Julia Ama, Casey Lincoln and Jenna Campbell took first place in…

• 

  Other Sports

• NHL: Los Angeles Kings blank Phoenix Coyotes, take 2-0 series lead

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:57 am

  L.A. takes 2-0 series lead by blanking Coyotes

• NBA: San Antonio Spurs hold off Los Angeles Clippers in Game 1

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:35 am

  Pacers even series with Miami; Cavs' Irving voted ROY

• Baseball: Josh Beckett rebounds in front on Fenway Park fans

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  15 May 2012 | 11:57 pm

  Josh Beckett did exactly what he needed to satisfy the fired-up fans at Fenway Park. Beckett pitched his best game of the season, striking out nine and scattering four hits over seven innings as the host Red Sox shut out the Seattle Mariners 5-0 on Tuesday, extending Boston's winning streak to five.

• Sports digest: San Francisco 49ers draft pick tears knee ligament

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Cam Inman<br>Bay Area News Group

  15 May 2012 | 11:52 pm

  Fifth-round pick Darius Fleming was expected to compete for a backup spot at outside linebacker

• 360-degree Panorama: Tour of California Stage 3

  Nhat Meyer<BR/>Mercury News

  15 May 2012 | 6:00 pm

  View a panorama of Tour of California Stage 3.

• 

  Golden State Warriors

• San Francisco makes new play for Warriors

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Matthew Artz<br>Oakland Tribune

  15 May 2012 | 10:22 am

  Losing team could hurt Oakland's stadium-building plans

• AEG holds on to lead in bid for O.co Coliseum contract

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Woodall<br>Oakland Tribune

  15 May 2012 | 7:45 am

  Questions about Coliseum authority April 20 selection of AEG forced commissioners to redo vote to manage the Oakland Coliseum contract

• Warriors promote Kirk Lacob to assistant GM

  <p class="bylinejb">By Marcus Thompson II<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mthomps2@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 6:40 pm

  Lacob, formerly the director of basketball operations, will answer to general manager Bob Myers.

• Source: Warriors' Klay Thompson to play on Team USA select squad

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Marcus Thompson II<br>Bay Area News Group

  14 May 2012 | 3:57 pm

  Though it's not yet official, a league source confirmed Thompson was indeed invited to play for Team USA's select squad, which will help the men's national team train for the Summer Games in London

• Former Warriors coach Don Nelson graduates from Iowa 50 years later

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Associated Press

  12 May 2012 | 3:18 pm

  Fifty years ago, Don Nelson left the University of Iowa eight credits and a student-teaching requirement shy of a degree. Nelson took correspondence classes to complete the credits. But it took the most coaching wins in NBA history for the university to decide Nelson didn't need to be a student teacher to earn a diploma

• 

  Oakland Athletics

• A's look to forget loss to Angels as they face Rangers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Stiglich<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 12:01 am

  Ervin Santana silences A's bats in 4-0 victory

• A's: Manny Ramirez to begin 10-game assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Joe Stiglich, <a href='mailto:jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 3:53 pm

  A's also claim Travis Blackley off waivers from San Francisco Giants

• A's and Angels: Two teams going in opposite directions

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Joe Stiglich<br /></p><a href='mailto:jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 1:39 pm

  ANAHEIM -- What a contrast in moods around the A's and Angels right now. The A's, expected to struggle this season after trading away so many key players over the winter, played relaxed and loose in their 5-0 victory over the Angels Monday night.

• AEG holds on to lead in bid for O.co Coliseum contract

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Woodall<br>Oakland Tribune

  15 May 2012 | 7:45 am

  Questions about Coliseum authority April 20 selection of AEG forced commissioners to redo vote to manage the Oakland Coliseum contract

• A's blank Angels 5-0

  <p class="bylinejb">By Joe Stiglich<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Outfielder continues hot hitting, drives in two against Los Angeles

• 

  San Francisco Giants

• Giants' flaws exposed in 5-4 loss to Rockies

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 May 2012 | 2:05 am

  Failures in clutch and sloppy defense culprits again

• San Francisco Giants: On deck

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Bay Area News Group</p>

  16 May 2012 | 12:01 am

  GIANTS VS. ST. LOUISWednesday: Cardinals' Jaime Garcia (2-2, 4.09) vs. Giants' Madison Bumgarner (5-2, 2.

• A's: Manny Ramirez to begin 10-game assignment with Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Joe Stiglich, <a href='mailto:jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jstiglich@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 3:53 pm

  A's also claim Travis Blackley off waivers from San Francisco Giants

• Giants: Vogelsong needed a fix and finally found one

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 1:32 pm

  The Giants have a Panda and a Baby Giraffe, even a White Shark. But the animal that might be most closely associated with this team is a cat.

• Giants topple Colorado Rockies

  <p class="bylinejb">By Alex Pavlovic<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:apavlovic@mercurynews.com'>apavlovic@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Blanco, Pill and Arias are among heroes in late rally

• 

  San Francisco 49ers

• Video: San Francisco 49ers' May 15 workout

  Bay Area News Group

  15 May 2012 | 8:59 pm

  Video of the San Francisco 49ers' May 15 workout session

• 49ers rookie tears ACL

  <p class="bylinejb">By Cam Inman<br /></p><p class="normalparagraphstyle"><a href='mailto:cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com'>cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 5:23 pm

  Linebacker Darius Fleming, the 49ers' fifth-round draft pick from Notre Dame, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee at Friday's start of a rookie minicamp, according to NFL.

• Video: San Francisco 49ers' May 14 workout

  Bay Area News Group

  14 May 2012 | 7:36 pm

  1WS 620px Embed brightcove.createExperiences();

• Former Stanford receiver Chris Owusu looks for fresh start with the San Francisco 49ers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Emmons<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:memmons@mercurynews.com'>memmons@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 6:51 pm

  His productive career at Stanford was overshadowed by a series of concussions

• Notebook: Alex Smith makes 'dramatic improvements' to his throwing motion

  <p class="bylinejb">By Cam Inman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com'>cinman@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 10:20 am

  Harbaugh: QB's throwing motion much improved

• 

  San Jose Earthquakes

• San Jose Earthquakes earn 1-1 draw with Chivas USA

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matt Schwab<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 12:03 am

  His late goal keeps San Jose from a 2nd consecutive defeat

• San Jose Earthquakes not rattled by injuries

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matt Schwab<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  13 May 2012 | 12:01 am

  San Jose heads into Sunday's match with Chivas USA playing steady despite missing stars

• Earthquakes to host English Premier League team on July 31

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Elliott Almond<br>San Jose Mercury News

  11 May 2012 | 11:22 am

  Swansea City will take on the Quakes on July 31 at Buck Shaw Stadium for San Jose's featured summer match outside of Major League Soccer play

• Quakes announcer Gus Johnson making an impact in first year calling soccer matches

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Emmons<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:memmons@mercurynews.com'>memmons@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 12:01 am

  Gus Johnson brings his enthusiastic style to team's radio broadcasts

• San Jose Earthquakes lose midfielder Marvin Chavez for 2-4 weeks

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Elliott Almond<br>San Jose Mercury News

  7 May 2012 | 1:02 pm

  The first-place Earthquakes have lost right-side midfielder Marvin Chavez for two to four weeks with a left hamstring strain, a team spokesman said Monday

• 

  San Jose Sabercats

• SaberCats beat Utah Blaze, own first place in Arena Football League's West Division

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ray Hacke<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  12 May 2012 | 2:08 am

  San Jose keeps fans happy, wins fourth straight at home

• San Jose SaberCats set up well for Friday's first-place showdown with Utah

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ray Hacke<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rhacke@mercurynews.com'>rhacke@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 11:50 pm

  First place on the line in crucial meeting with Utah

• San Jose SaberCats hold off Arizona Rattlers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Al Bravo<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  6 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  PHOENIX -- In a game of nearly perfect offenses, San Jose SaberCats defensive back Ruschard Dodd-Masters came up with big plays on special teams and defense.

• Defense steps up in San Jose SaberCats blowout

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jay Rickertsen<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  29 Apr 2012 | 12:36 am

  San Jose shuts out host Iowa in the second half

• San Jose SaberCats report for Saturday's game at Iowa Barnstormers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ray Hacke<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  27 Apr 2012 | 11:44 pm

  SABERCATS AT IOWAKickoff: 5:05 p.m., Wells Fargo Center, Des MoinesTV/Radio: CSNBA; 1050Sabercats update: San Jose (4-2) is tied with Arizona and Utah atop the National Conference's West Division.

• 

  Cal Bears

• Cal softball: Bears shut out Arizona State, clinch first outright Pac-12 title since 1987

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Bay Area News Group</p>

  11 May 2012 | 7:34 pm

  The top-ranked Cal women's softball team rode a six-hit pitching performance by Valerie Arioto to a 5-0 win over No.

• No. 1 Cal softball team might be better than 2002 NCAA champions

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeff Faraudo<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jfaraudo@bayareanewsgroup.com'>jfaraudo@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 11:46 pm

  But first, Bears look to nail down Pac-12 championship

• Cal athletic director confident Bears will host NCAA softball regional

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jeff Faraudo<br>Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 7:59 pm

  Cal athletic director Sandy Barbour believes it's 'a no-brainer' that the school will be chosen Sunday to host an NCAA softball regional for the first time.

• Jon Wilner's early look at the Pac-12's top prospects for the 2013 NFL draft

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwilner@mercurynews.com'>jwilner@mercurynews.com</a>

  2 May 2012 | 5:24 am

  Conference is loaded with talent at wide receiver.

• Crews pull together in honor of athlete

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Emmons and Elliott Almond<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News

  1 May 2012 | 1:13 pm

  At annual Big Row, rivals pay tribute to spirit, inspiration of Cal coxswain who died of cancer. Blog | Twitter | More Cal

• 

  Santa Clara University Sports

• Santa Clara men's tennis team ready for its first NCAA tournament appearance

  <p class="bylinejb">By Matt Schwab<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com'>mschwab@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  11 May 2012 | 12:31 am

  Broncos' international lineup will face Texas on Saturday at Stanford

• Mark Purdy: Stanford assistant coach Dick Davey going out in New York style

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  27 Mar 2012 | 12:02 am

  Final game for the basketball lifer will come at Madison Square Garden

• Live chat transcript: March Madness with hoops expert Jon Wilner, Monday at noon

  Bay Area News Group

  13 Mar 2012 | 8:46 am

  Need bracket help? Our very own hoops doctor, Jon Wilner, will make his basketball mind available during a live chat Monday at noon.

• Monte Poole: Bay Area college basketball teams need to do a sales job

  <p class="bylinejb">By Monte Poole<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Bay Area News Group

  7 Mar 2012 | 9:12 am

  March Madness is met with relative silence in the Bay Area in part because our six Division I schools fail to engage local fans.

• Longtime college basketball coach Dick Davey to retire at end of the season

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwilner@mercurynews.com'>jwilner@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  6 Mar 2012 | 1:19 pm

  Former Santa Clara coach has spent four seasons as an assistant to Johnny Dawkins

• 

  San Jose State Sports

• Purdy: San Jose State gets its revenge by joining the Mountain West

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  5 May 2012 | 5:21 am

  SJSU officials declared that the school has accepted an invitation to join the Mountain West Conference (MWC) in the summer of 2013. SJSU officially joins Mountain West College Hotline blog | More SJSU Mark Purdy on Facebook | Twitter| More columns

• San Jose State's Mountain West Conference dream now a reality

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwilner@mercurynews.com'>jwilner@mercurynews.com</a>

  5 May 2012 | 12:17 am

  Sources say the school will pay a $2 million entrance fee

• San Jose State expected to announce Mountain West news at noon Friday

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwilner@mercurynews.com'>jwilner@mercurynews.com</a>

  3 May 2012 | 1:09 pm

  School says news conference's topic will be a major announcement on athletic program

• Source: San Jose State's move to Mountain West Conference a done deal

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jon Wilner<br>San Jose Mercury News

  3 May 2012 | 10:15 am

  San Jose State is joining the Mountain West Conference, having completed the transition process with no last-minute snags and plans to announce the move Friday, according to a source

• Wilner: San Jose State has plenty to gain from move to Mountain West

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News

  1 May 2012 | 7:07 am

  The conference would provide San Jose State with long-term stability.

• 

  Stanford University Sports

• Former Stanford receiver Chris Owusu looks for fresh start with the 49ers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Emmons<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:memmons@mercurynews.com'>memmons@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 6:51 pm

  His productive career at Stanford was overshadowed by a series of concussions

• Stanford names Patrick Dunkley interim athletic director

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jon Wilner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:jwilner@mercurynews.com'>jwilner@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 2:13 pm

  School aims to complete search for permanent A.D. by Sept. 1

• Despite missing some key components, defending NCAA women's water polo champion Stanford thrives

  <p class="bylinejb">By Elliott Almond<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ealmond@mercurynews.com'>ealmond@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 1:24 pm

  Cardinal begins NCAA tournament play Friday

• Stanford All-American Dixon not seeking attention for being gay

  <p class="bylinejb">By Elliott Almond<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ealmond@mercurynews.com'>ealmond@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 10:28 pm

  Says the San Jose native, trying to become an Olympian: 'I'd rather be known for what I can do gymnastically than focusing on being an openly gay athlete. I couldn't care less.'

• Stanford All-American Dixon not seeking attention for being gay

  <p class="bylinejb">By Elliott Almond<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:ealmond@mercurynews.com'>ealmond@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 8:00 pm

  Says the San Jose native, trying to become an Olympian: 'I'd rather be known for what I can do gymnastically than focusing on being an openly gay athlete. I could care less.'

• 

  South Bay Pro Baseball

• Purdy: Giants, A's ownership should do what's right for baseball

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  14 May 2012 | 5:08 am

  There will be no resolution of the A's ballpark situation -- the issue is not on the upcoming MLB meeting agenda. But that, of course, means it will definitely be discussed. More Giants | More A's Mark Purdy on Facebook | Columns

• Oakland business leaders step up to keep A's in Oakland

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Woodall<br>Oakland Tribune

  4 May 2012 | 8:32 am

  Clorox CEO Don Knauss says corporate Oakland wants to work with John Fisher and Lew Wolff but there are investors ready to buy the A's if not

• AEG moves a step closer to O.co Coliseum management contract

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Woodall<br>Oakland Tribune

  21 Apr 2012 | 1:13 pm

  SMG's 13-year in Oakland to end July 1

• Oakland's O.co old and gray but still beloved

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Woodall<br>Oakland Tribune

  1 Apr 2012 | 12:18 am

  Opening Day will be the 45th season for the Oakland A's and 40-year anniversary of the team's first World Series victory

• Council approves plan to keep A's, Raiders and Warriors in Oakland

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Matt Artz<br>Oakland Tribune

  16 Mar 2012 | 9:12 am

  The city is allocating $1.6 million to pay a development team led by JRDV Architects, Forest City Enterprises and HKS Sports and Entertainment to begin talks with the teams and determine the viability of new facilities

• 

  South Bay Pro Football

• 49ers, San Francisco team up -- to bring Super Bowl to Santa Clara

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  12 May 2012 | 12:18 am

  South Bay will have say in trying to land 2016 game, but deal on that effort and jobs irks critics of facility

• Video: 49ers' groundbreaking ceremony for Santa Clara stadium

  Bay Area News Group

  23 Apr 2012 | 6:56 pm

  Video of the groundbreaking ceremony of the 49ers' Santa Clara stadium

• 49ers' kick off move to Santa Clara with far-from-traditional groundbreaking

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  20 Apr 2012 | 12:35 pm

  Striking a shovel into the heart of Silicon Valley, the San Francisco 49ers rolled out an entire football field Thursday -- not to mention grandstands, vendors with Cracker Jack, cheerleaders and giant inflatable football helmets.

• 49ers' kick off move to Santa Clara with far-from-traditional groundbreaking

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  20 Apr 2012 | 2:22 am

  49ers usher in new era with $1.2 billion stadium set to open in 2014

• Ten events -- big and small -- for Santa Clara's new stadium?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mike Rosenberg<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:mrosenberg@mercurynews.com'>mrosenberg@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  20 Apr 2012 | 12:26 am

  So maybe you're not into the 49ers. But the team's 68,500-seat stadium in Santa Clara is being designed to host events that everyone from your children to your parents could enjoy, starting in 2014:1.

• 

  Tim Kawakami

• Tim Kawakami: It's clear some San Francisco Giants went out in a blaze of glory with 2010 title

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tim Kawakami<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  16 May 2012 | 12:01 am

  Edgar Renteria, Pat Burrell, Juan Uribe, Andres Torres, Aubrey Huff and Freddy Sanchez. All were all huge parts of the 2010 World Series victory, now they're gone from any semblance of a major role in the game

• Tim Kawakami: San Francisco 49ers top pick A.J. Jenkins gets message from taskmaster Jim Harbaugh

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tim Kawakami<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  12 May 2012 | 5:39 am

  Jim Harbaugh made the biggest impact afterward, no question, just by standing, talking and taking swipe at Jenkins' very noticeable huffing and sagging through the last portion of Friday's morning workout. Tim Kawakami's blog | Twitter | More columns

• Tim Kawakami: It's the five-year anniversary of Baron Davis' epic dunk

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tim Kawakami<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  11 May 2012 | 1:49 pm

  Yep, it was five years ago today, May 11, 2007, that Baron Davis spiked down that epic dunk over Utah's Andrei Kirilenko in the second round of the "We Believe" playoffs. Tim Kawakami's blog | Twitter | More columns

• Kawakami: Lincecum still struggling to produce consistent quality

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tim Kawakami<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 3:28 pm

  Tim Lincecum was closer than he's been, but still not quite all the way there Wednesday night in Los Angeles.

• Tim Kawakami: With Warriors on right track, good karma is sure to follow

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tim Kawakami<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  9 May 2012 | 11:53 pm

• 

  Mark Purdy

• Mark Purdy: San Jose Sharks should look to Los Angeles, Phoenix for winning hockey formula

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  14 May 2012 | 11:47 pm

• Purdy: Giants, A's ownership should do what's right for baseball

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  14 May 2012 | 5:08 am

  There will be no resolution of the A's ballpark situation -- the issue is not on the upcoming MLB meeting agenda. But that, of course, means it will definitely be discussed. More Giants | More A's Mark Purdy on Facebook | Columns

• Mark Purdy: Oakland Raiders fans should be concerned about Minnesota Vikings stadium deal

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  11 May 2012 | 1:46 am

  Los Angeles' hopes of landing an NFL team may turn again to the Raiders

• Mark Purdy: It'll be salsa time for Oakland A's if Yoenis Cespedes stays healthy

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  10 May 2012 | 1:45 am

  In the season's early weeks, the A's have provided more fun and intrigue than anyone imagined, while remaining above .500. But it can't continue without a healthy and productive Cespedes.

• Mark Purdy: Former Sharks CEO Greg Jamison leading a group that is close to buying Phoenix Coyotes

  <p class="bylinejb">By Mark Purdy<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  8 May 2012 | 12:06 am

• 

  Entertainment

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos and Derek Hough eliminated

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jacquie Oliverius<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  16 May 2012 | 1:41 am

  The semifinal competition of Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars' was the best and closest of any season, with only three points separating the four couples on the leaderboard -- Maria Menounos and Derek Hough in first place, William Levy and Cheryl Burke in second, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd in third, and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas at the bottom

• 'America's Got Talent' recap: San Francisco auditions weird and wonderful

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Chuck Barney<br>Contra Costa Times

  16 May 2012 | 1:04 am

  One night after Howard Stern made his splashy debut, "America's Got Talent" arrived in San Francisco and you can probably guess what that means: Yes, host Nick Cannon began the show standing high atop one of the towers on the Golden Gate Bridge.

• Hicks: Ellen DeGeneres wins Mark Twain award

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Tony Hicks<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 6:31 pm

  Also: John Travolta suit dismissed; Lady Gag singapore concert cancelled; The Huls having a career comeback; Bret Michaels settles suit over conk on the head.

• Oakland East Bay Symphony new season spotlights American, Middle Eastern music

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Sue Gilmore<br>Contra Costa TimesContra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 6:08 pm

  Conductor Michael Morgan has announced a new season for his Oakland East Bay Symphony that will highlight the works of American and Bay Area composers as well as music from the Middle East.

• Review: 'Raisin in the Sun' gets brilliant revival in San Francisco

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Pat Craig<br>Correspondent

  15 May 2012 | 6:06 pm

  African-American Shakespeare Company production plays through May 27.

• 

  Books

• Berkeley places third on Amazon best-read cities list

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press

  15 May 2012 | 11:10 am

  NEW YORK -- Alexandria, Va., is having a love affair with books. The historic suburb outside of Washington, D.

• Authors on their works

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Bruce Manuel<br><a href='mailto:bmanuel@mercurynews.com'>bmanuel@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  11 May 2012 | 5:08 pm

  Upcoming Bay Area events

• Northern California best-sellers

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Contra Costa Times

  10 May 2012 | 7:27 pm

  See New York Times best-sellers at www.mercurynews.com/books.Northern California best-sellers based on data from week ending May 6, compiled by Northern California Independent Booksellers.

• Review: A thorough, meticulous look inside Exxon Mobil

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dwight Garner<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 7:26 pm

  'Private Empire,' by Pulitzer winner Steve Coll, is a multi-angled, impartial view into the secretive world of one of the top players in Big Oil.

• Review: Bin Laden's end, from the beginning

  <p class="bylinejb">By Michiko Kakutani<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 7:26 pm

  In 'Manhunt,' author Peter L. Bergen, CNN's national security analyst, mines new information from the National Security Council, intelligence and counterterrorism officials and former special operations officers on how Bin Laden was found and taken out.

• 

  Celebrities

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos and Derek Hough eliminated

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jacquie Oliverius<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  16 May 2012 | 1:41 am

  The semifinal competition of Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars' was the best and closest of any season, with only three points separating the four couples on the leaderboard -- Maria Menounos and Derek Hough in first place, William Levy and Cheryl Burke in second, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd in third, and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas at the bottom

• Hicks: Ellen DeGeneres wins Mark Twain award

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Tony Hicks<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 6:31 pm

  Also: John Travolta suit dismissed; Lady Gag singapore concert cancelled; The Huls having a career comeback; Bret Michaels settles suit over conk on the head.

• Hicks: 'The Avengers' has seriously revived The Hulk's career

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Tony Hicks<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 4:36 pm

  The success of "The Avengers" has producers considering reviving the Hulk, both on television and possibly a third film on the big screen.

• Hicks: Lady Gaga cancels Indonesia show over religious protests

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Tony Hicks<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 4:21 pm

  Lady Gaga has canceled her sold-out show in Indonesia following protests by Islamic hard-liners and conservative lawmakers, who said her sexy clothes and dance moves will corrupt the youth.

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos, Derek Hough perform perfect paso

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jacquie Oliverius<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  15 May 2012 | 4:08 pm

  The good dancers are being separated from the not-as-good as we get further along in Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' and on Classical Night, one celebrity and her partner mastered the fancy footwork to exact a perfect score of 30 from the judges. With 18 extra musicians, the DWTS orchestra had a big, bold sound, and five more vocalists really increased the lush feel of the show.

• 

  Events

• New permanent stage hosts its first 'Concert at the Res' May 12

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Lou Fancher<br>Correspondent

  10 May 2012 | 3:49 pm

  New permanent stage hosts 2012 'Concert at the Res

• Nominees announced for Northern California Book Awards

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Manuel<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bmanuel@mercurynews.com'>bmanuel@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  9 May 2012 | 8:06 pm

  The awards will be presented June 10 at the San Francisco Library's main branch in a ceremony that's free and open to the public. The complete list of winners will be announced to the media June 12.

• Community Calendar

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Contra Costa Times

  9 May 2012 | 12:54 pm

  We have changed how we collect calendar information. Readers must now submit items through our website -- go to www.

• Good Stuff

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Valley Journal

  8 May 2012 | 3:42 pm

  Good stuffYoung @ Art Mt. Diablo's beauty -- 4:30 to 5 p.m. May 17. A new art class for kids 5 to 11, sponsored by the town of Danville, will have them check out landscape paintings in the Village Theatre Art Gallery, then create their own masterpieces of Mt.

• Some fun at the ArtHouse

  <p class="bylinejb">By Charlie McCollum<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:cmccollum@mercurynews.com'>cmccollum@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  7 May 2012 | 5:50 pm

  Downtown San Jose arts groups rally together for this weekend's ArtHouse event.

• 

  Film

• Review: 'The Dictator'

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Christy Lemire<br>Associated Press<br /></p>

  14 May 2012 | 5:52 pm

  Sacha Baron Cohen's new 'Dictator' lacks focus.

• Peter Berg sinks his teeth into 'Battleship'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Rebecca Keegan<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 2:09 pm

  Director Peter Berg moves from high school football to a summertime blockbuster.

• Johnny Depp feeds inner vampire fanboy with 'Dark Shadows'

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle"> By Rick Bentley<br>The Fresno Bee

  14 May 2012 | 2:07 pm

  Actor, director Tim Burton both 'Shadows' fans

• Fox Searchlight hopes seniors check into 'Marigold Hotel'

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By John Horn<Br>Los Angeles Times

  14 May 2012 | 5:36 am

  Movie hitting spot with upper ages of baby boomers. More: Movies | Facebook movies page | Twitter | Browse local listings

• Celeb Pix: Kim Kardashian snuggles courtside with Kayne West

  13 May 2012 | 4:37 pm

  There's no mistaking their relationship. Kim Kardashian and Kayne West were very cozy together watching a Los Angeles Lakers playoff game.

• 

  Horoscopes

• Horoscope: May 16, 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeraldine Saunders <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Tribune Media Services

  11 May 2012 | 1:12 pm

  BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Melanie Lynskey was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, on this date in 1977. This birthday gal has been known to TV viewers as Rose on "Two and a Half Men" since 2003.

• Horoscope: May 15, 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeraldine Saunders <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Tribune Media Services

  11 May 2012 | 1:12 pm

  BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Alexandra Breckenridge was born in Bridgeport, Conn., today in 1982. This birthday gal is known for her roles in TV series such as "True Blood," "The Ex List" and "Dirt.

• Horoscope: May 14, 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeraldine Saunders <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Tribune Media Services

  11 May 2012 | 1:12 pm

  BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Miranda Cosgrove was born in Los Angeles on this day in 1993. This birthday gal has starred in the title role of the kids' series "iCarly" since 2007.

• Horoscope: May 13, 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeraldine Saunders <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Tribune Media Services

  9 May 2012 | 7:03 pm

  BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Candice Accola was born in Houston on this date in 1987. Accola has starred as Caroline Forbes on "The Vampire Diaries" since 2009, and guest-starred on episodes of "Drop Dead Diva," "Supernatural" and "Greek.

• Horoscope: May 13, 2012

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jeraldine Saunders <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Tribune Media Services

  3 May 2012 | 5:31 pm

  BIRTHDAY GAL: Actress Candice Accola was born in Houston on this date in 1987. Accola has starred as Caroline Forbes on "The Vampire Diaries" since 2009, and guest-starred on episodes of "Drop Dead Diva," "Supernatural" and "Greek.

• 

  Music

• Oakland East Bay Symphony new season spotlights American, Middle Eastern music

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Sue Gilmore<br>Contra Costa TimesContra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 6:08 pm

  Conductor Michael Morgan has announced a new season for his Oakland East Bay Symphony that will highlight the works of American and Bay Area composers as well as music from the Middle East.

• Former jazz prodigy Taylor Eigsti moves deeper into symphonic music with his new concerto

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 5:47 pm

  Collaborating with jazz drummer Eric Harland, the 27-year-old pianist unveils 'Courage' Friday -- a work commissioned by the Oakland-East Bay Symphony as a tribute to the people of Japan in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

• Joshua Redman, Matt Penman head new band headed to Bay Area

  <p class="bylinejb">By Andrew Gilbert<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  15 May 2012 | 4:55 pm

  Quartet called James Farm brings its collaborative sound to Santa Cruz and Oakland.

• A celebration from the San Francisco Symphony

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:41 pm

  The San Francisco Symphony celebrates an anniversary.

• Jazz sounds around the Bay

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:37 pm

  If you're looking for some jazz this weekend, check out the shows by Tia Fuller and Richie Cole.

• 

  Theater & Dance

• Review: 'Raisin in the Sun' gets brilliant revival in San Francisco

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Pat Craig<br>Correspondent

  15 May 2012 | 6:06 pm

  African-American Shakespeare Company production plays through May 27.

• Review: Butterfield 8 scores big laughs with Brit comedy 'Lettice and Lovage'

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Pat Craig<br>Correspondent

  15 May 2012 | 3:36 pm

  Butterfield 8 scores with British play

• On the edge theater

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:33 pm

  San Francisco's the Marsh and EXIT offer some cutting edge theater.

• 'A Raisin In the Sun'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:28 pm

  San Francisco's African American Shakespeare Company revisits the classic 'Raisin In the Sun.'

• Bill Irwin takes on Beckett in San Francisco

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 3:52 pm

  Master of comedy Bill Irwin to perform in Samuel Beckett's challenging 'Endgame' at ACT.

• 

  Television

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos and Derek Hough eliminated

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jacquie Oliverius<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  16 May 2012 | 1:41 am

  The semifinal competition of Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars' was the best and closest of any season, with only three points separating the four couples on the leaderboard -- Maria Menounos and Derek Hough in first place, William Levy and Cheryl Burke in second, Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd in third, and Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas at the bottom

• 'America's Got Talent' recap: San Francisco auditions weird and wonderful

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Chuck Barney<br>Contra Costa Times

  16 May 2012 | 1:04 am

  One night after Howard Stern made his splashy debut, "America's Got Talent" arrived in San Francisco and you can probably guess what that means: Yes, host Nick Cannon began the show standing high atop one of the towers on the Golden Gate Bridge.

• 'Dancing with the Stars': Maria Menounos, Derek Hough perform perfect paso

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jacquie Oliverius<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  15 May 2012 | 4:08 pm

  The good dancers are being separated from the not-as-good as we get further along in Season 14 of 'Dancing with the Stars,' and on Classical Night, one celebrity and her partner mastered the fancy footwork to exact a perfect score of 30 from the judges. With 18 extra musicians, the DWTS orchestra had a big, bold sound, and five more vocalists really increased the lush feel of the show.

• Fox fall lineup moves 'Glee,' brings changes to 'X Factor'

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Chuck Barney<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 1:58 pm

  Fox's popular high school musical comedy, "Glee," will not only feature a new look next season, it will air in a new time slot on Thursday nights and welcome a pair of big-name guest stars.

• Chuck Barney: Hugh Laurie set to make one last 'House' call

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Chuck Barney<br>Contra Costa Times

  15 May 2012 | 1:51 pm

  One thing for which I never lost respect, however, was the scintillating performance of Hugh Laurie as the show's complete jerk of a title character, Dr. Gregory House. These days, we may take for granted both the actor and the grumpy M.D. he played. But when they arrived on the scene in 2004, they were a startling revelation.

• 

  Food & Dining

• Mini Me Desserts

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica Yadegaran<br>Bay Area News Group

  16 May 2012 | 1:36 am

  Inspired by the cake pop craze, Bay Area pastry chefs are miniaturizing tarts, pies, éclairs, and other desserts. Our waistlines and wallets thank them.

• David Tanis: Spring's asparagus bounty

  <p class="Byline">By David Tanis<br>New York Times</p>

  15 May 2012 | 4:53 pm

  A trio of fabulous dishes to celebrate arrival of spring asparagus.

• Review: San Francisco's Incanto specializes in serving the unexpected

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jennifer Graue<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  14 May 2012 | 4:32 pm

  Hardly any other chef is as committed to using neglected cuts like sweet breads, tuna heart and lamb neck as Incanto's Chris Cosentino. Yet truly, those may be the ultimate in sustainable food -- the parts ignored by those who serve rack of lamb or line-caught ahi.

• Corkheads: Is that wine orange?

  <p class="Byline">By Jessica Yadegaran<br>Bay Area News Group <br> &#169; Copyright 2011, Bay Area News Group</p>

  14 May 2012 | 3:51 pm

  With their amber glow and tannic edge, skin-fermented white grapes turn orange, striking a perfect balance between white and red this summer.

• A la Carte: 'Vegan Cooking for Carnivores'

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jackie Burrell<br>Bay Area News Group

  14 May 2012 | 3:09 pm

  Ellen DeGeneres' chef, Roberto Martin, pens a cookbook aimed at making vegetarian and vegan fare attractive even to newbies.

• 

  Quick Bite

• A Quick Bite: Little Chef Counter in San Jose

  <p class="bylinejb">By Amy Pizarro <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"> Correspondent

  9 May 2012 | 2:39 pm

  Little Chef Counter in downtown San Jose has big buzz.

• A Quick Bite: Five Guys Burger and Fries in San Jose

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jason Bennert<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent<br /></p>

  25 Apr 2012 | 12:41 pm

  Sandwiches, french fries are a cut above typical fast food

• A Quick Bite: Sumo Sushi-Boat Japanese Cuisine in Los Altos

  <p class="bylinejb">By Melinda Sacks<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent<br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  11 Apr 2012 | 11:56 am

  The menu at Sumo is ample, ranging from appetizers (grilled fish, seaweed salad, miso soup and steamed eggplant, to name a few) to Yakimono (grilled) specials, Sukiyaki (meats and veggies in broth) and every variety of sushi roll and sashimi.

• Quick Bite: Tortilla House Taquiera in Morgan Hill

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Natalie Martinez<br><a href='mailto:nmartinez@bayareanewsgroup.com'>nmartinez@bayareanewsgroup.com</a>

  21 Mar 2012 | 2:28 pm

  House-made corn tortillas are an excellent vessel for the shrimp tacos. The eatery offers homemade tortilla soup daily, and the breakfast menu features burritos and outstanding sweet corn tamales.

• A Quick Bite: Souvlaki Greek Skewers in San Jose

  <p class="bylinejb"> By Amy Pizarro<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"> Correspondent

  7 Mar 2012 | 12:12 pm

  San Jose restaurant offers enticing options at a reasonable price

• 

  Restaurant Reviews

• Review: San Francisco's Incanto specializes in serving the unexpected

  <p class="bylinejb">By Jennifer Graue<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  14 May 2012 | 4:32 pm

  Hardly any other chef is as committed to using neglected cuts like sweet breads, tuna heart and lamb neck as Incanto's Chris Cosentino. Yet truly, those may be the ultimate in sustainable food -- the parts ignored by those who serve rack of lamb or line-caught ahi.

• Recent Restaurant Reviews

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 2:12 pm

  The following are shortened versions of recent full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating are in parentheses.

• Review: Dragon's Pond in Walnut Creek is simple, fresh

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica Yadegaran<br>Contra Costa Times

  7 May 2012 | 4:02 pm

  Dragon's Pond in Walnut Creek delivers encyclopedic options typical of family-owned Chinese eateries. The food is like the decor: Simple and fresh.

• Dining Review: Brunch around the East Bay

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jackie Burrell, Ann Tatko and Jessica Yadegaran<br>Bay Area News Group

  2 May 2012 | 1:46 pm

  If you're a brunch lover, then you probably already have a favorite eatery or two, but this trio of fabulous breakfast hot spots -- including Clayton's Min's Kitchen, Berkeley's Venus and Niles' The Vines -- are just waiting to be discovered.

• Recent Restaurant Reviews

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Bay Area News Group

  2 May 2012 | 1:46 pm

  The following are shortened versions of full-length restaurant reviews. The date the original review ran and its overall rating are in parentheses.

• 

  Karen D Souza

• On the edge theater

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:33 pm

  San Francisco's the Marsh and EXIT offer some cutting edge theater.

• 'A Raisin In the Sun'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:28 pm

  San Francisco's African American Shakespeare Company revisits the classic 'Raisin In the Sun.'

• Bill Irwin takes on Beckett in San Francisco

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a>

  14 May 2012 | 3:52 pm

  Master of comedy Bill Irwin to perform in Samuel Beckett's challenging 'Endgame' at ACT.

• Review: 'White Rabbit, Red Rabbit' at San Francisco International Arts Festival

  <p class="bylinejb">By Karen D'Souza<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 2:41 pm

  Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour's 'White Rabbit, Red Rabbit' is an electrifying work.

• The drama of playwright Theresa Rebeck

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Karen D'Souza<br><a href='mailto:kdsouza@mercurynews.com'>kdsouza@mercurynews.com</a>

  9 May 2012 | 2:36 pm

  Playwright Theresa Rebeck has had quite the year with 'Seminar' on Broadway, 'Smash' on NBC and now 'The Understudy at the San Jose Rep.

• 

  Bruce Newman

• Marti Malloy: She's an Olympian and third-degree black belt in judo and toughness

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Newman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bnewman@mercurynews.com'>bnewman@mercurynews.com</a>

  4 May 2012 | 8:11 am

  'It's pretty barbaric,' says Marti Malloy, clearly pleased with her challenging international sport of judo. San Jose State's 25-year-old four-time collegiate champion, is headed to the London Olympics.

• Wounded warriors ride a surfboard's nose, and it smells like...victory

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Newman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bnewman@mercurynews.com'>bnewman@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  27 Apr 2012 | 12:34 am

  Wet suits were the uniform of the day for eight active duty soldiers -- among them hometown hero Aaron Kumamoto -- storming the beach as part of Operation Surf, a week of radical rehab for some of America's wounded warriors. All of them are currently based at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas, where they are outpatients -- extremely out this week as they heroically hang five off the Santa Cruz pier, their gnarled limbs getting their first taste of gnarly rides.

• On a mission all her own, she's walking California's royal road

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Newman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bnewman@mercurynews.com'>bnewman@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  23 Apr 2012 | 11:10 am

  Stephanie Dodaro is one of the first female pilgrims to walk from Sonoma's Mission Solano to Mission San Diego, a rarity since 18th century Franciscan monks blazed the trail. After reaching Mission Santa Clara, Dodaro's spirits were soaring, even as her arches were falling.

• Riding for a fall: Pair with ALS set to skydive

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Newman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bnewman@mercurynews.com'>bnewman@mercurynews.com</a>

  16 Apr 2012 | 7:12 pm

  Entering her third year with ALS — by which time nearly 80 percent of sufferers succumb to the disease — Gloria Hale, of San Jose, contacted her friend Juri Kameda. How did this sound? They would hurl their withered bodies out of an airplane nearly two miles high, free fall at 115 mph, then parachute to a graceful landing near their wheelchairs. They would become the Thelma and Louise of progressive neurodegenerative disease. If possible, without the splat at the end.

• Readers rise to the challenge of helping refugee from war weary African nation

  <p class="bylinejb">By Bruce Newman<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:bnewman@mercurynews.com'>bnewman@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 Apr 2012 | 10:13 am

  Moved by a story in this newspaper detailing 17 year old Samedi Djeimguero's plight -- he's a refugee from the war-torn Central African Republic and speaks Sango, a language known to fewer than 2 million people in the world, almost none of them in this country -- his new country stepped up to help.

• 

  Richard Scheinin

• Former jazz prodigy Taylor Eigsti moves deeper into symphonic music with his new concerto

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a>

  15 May 2012 | 5:47 pm

  Collaborating with jazz drummer Eric Harland, the 27-year-old pianist unveils 'Courage' Friday -- a work commissioned by the Oakland-East Bay Symphony as a tribute to the people of Japan in the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

• A celebration from the San Francisco Symphony

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:41 pm

  The San Francisco Symphony celebrates an anniversary.

• Jazz sounds around the Bay

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  14 May 2012 | 4:37 pm

  If you're looking for some jazz this weekend, check out the shows by Tia Fuller and Richie Cole.

• Review: Concerto by Magnus Lindberg flexes its muscle with New York Philharmonic at Davies

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  14 May 2012 | 4:21 pm

  Piano soloist Yefim Bronfman was the concerto's rumbling catalytic agent, and conductor Alan Gilbert, making his San Francisco debut leading this orchestra, held the eruptive forces in check.

• Review: At San Francisco Symphony, take a time machine to the Barbary Coast

  <p class="bylinejb">By Richard Scheinin<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:rscheinin@mercurynews.com'>rscheinin@mercurynews.com</a><br /></p>

  12 May 2012 | 9:08 am

  Conducted and hosted by Michael Tilson Thomas, vibrantly narrated by Val Diamond (of 'Beach Blanket Babylon' fame) and featuring a series of dazzlingly virtuoso star turns, the semi-staged Barbary Coast program ought to become the template for a series of 'history in the spotlight' shows at the symphony.

• 

  Fashion & Style

• Fashion brands are putting statement-making eyewear front and center

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Adam Tschorn<br>Los Angeles Times

  14 May 2012 | 6:41 pm

  Designers lining up to cash in on the spectacles craze

• Gwen Stefani squeezes in fashion, music around her sons

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Samantha Critchell<Br>Associated Press

  10 May 2012 | 2:28 pm

  Stefani has been designing her LAMB line for women for nine years, so, she says, this collaboration on a children's line came pretty easily because she knows the design and manufacturing process, has more ideas than she knows what to do with, and has learned to edit herself for a clear, consumer-friendly message.

• Five reasons you should never wear hot pants

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ellen Warren <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Chicago Tribune

  1 May 2012 | 8:31 pm

  There's a new winner in the category of least-flattering style of the season. And with hot pants you get a twofer: a terrible look and an insulting name that suggests sexual promiscuity.

• Designer Christian Louboutin hits back in red sole lawsuit

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sylvia Hui <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  30 Apr 2012 | 5:25 pm

  Louboutin's lawyers have compared his shoe trademark to a similar one held by Tiffany & Co. for blue boxes -- sparking a wider debate on whether a designer can own a color.

• Home-schoolers don't miss out on prom

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sarah Bahari <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">McClatchy Newspapers

  30 Apr 2012 | 4:59 pm

  As parents have increasingly sought some of the quintessential 'high school' experiences to give their home-schooled children, proms for these teenagers have popped up across the country.

• 

  Green Living

• Silicon Valley technology helps power new 'sharing economy'

  <p class="bylinejb">By Dana Hull<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation"><a href='mailto:dhull@mercurynews.com'>dhull@mercurynews.com</a>

  10 May 2012 | 12:30 pm

  The goods and services being bought and sold are familiar, but the way the marketplaces work is brand new. Location-based technology often makes it possible to find what you need in your immediate neighborhood.

• Lawsuit says wind energy industry hurts condors

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  23 Apr 2012 | 12:22 am

  Advocate groups say additional turbines threaten condors

• Are you ready for the $60 light bulb?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Peter Svensson <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  17 Apr 2012 | 2:27 pm

  How much would you pay for an amazing, state-of-the-art light bulb? Shoppers will be asking themselves that very question at Home Depot and other outlets starting Sunday --Earth Day-- when the bulb that won a $10 million government contest goes on sale.

• How green is your hotel?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Stephen P. Nash<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Correspondent

  16 Apr 2012 | 6:15 am

  On a quest for eco-friendly lodging? There are inspiring initiatives out there. But the common problem for consumers is distinguishing window dressing from serious commitment. Picture Our World photo contest | More Travel

• Wolverton: Now that you have a smartphone, it's time for a smart home

  <p class="bylinejb">By Troy Wolverton<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Mercury News Columnist

  2 Apr 2012 | 9:02 am

  The “smart home” is a catch-all term for a collection of technologies designed for a broadband-connected house. They allow consumers to monitor and control appliances and locks, and to automate particular tasks, such as controlling the temperature. More Tech Files columns

• 

  Home & Garden

• Our Garden: Soil testing can give you clues to what's lacking

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Angela Hill<br>Contra Costa Times

  14 May 2012 | 6:28 pm

  Use soil-testing kits, amend as needed

• Pet pals: Marilyn and Lara

  <p class="bylinejb"> <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">

  12 May 2012 | 12:53 pm

  MARILYN AND LARASAN JOSE ANIMAL CARE CENTER

• Adding ornamental grasses to your landscape

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Erle Nickel<br>Oakland Tribune correspondent

  12 May 2012 | 5:57 am

  They showcase distinctively beautiful foliage and seed heads; the taller species add motion to your garden as they ripple in the wind; they provide almost year-round interest; and they also can be problem solvers for difficult sites. More: Home & Garden | Our Garden

• A Garden View: I miss my mom

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Joan Morris<br>Contra Costa Times<br /></p>

  11 May 2012 | 11:53 am

  For as long as I can remember, Mother's Day has been a bit of a struggle for me, trying to find the perfect gift for my mom.

• What's It Worth?: A great 19th-century find at Albany garage sale

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jane Alexiadis<br>What&#8217;s It Worth columnist

  11 May 2012 | 11:12 am

  I found a print and fell in love with it. The picture shows a man and a woman in a rowboat. In the lower right-hand corner a label reads, “Grace Darling and her father on the way to the wreck of the Forfarshire.”

• 

  Recipes

• Recipe: Mini Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread

  <p class="Byline">Recipe courtesy of Agnes Hsu, Teacake Bake Shop</p>

  14 May 2012 | 2:23 pm

  Mini Cinnamon Sugar Shortbread11/2 cups flour1/2 cup cornstarch1/2 teaspoon salt11/2 teaspoons cinnamon 1/2 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup unsalted butter, softened1.

• Recipe: Basic Cake Balls

  <p class="Byline">Recipe courtesy of 'Cake Pops' by Bakerella<br>(Chronicle Books, 2010)</p>

  14 May 2012 | 2:23 pm

  Basic Cake BallsMakes 48Note: Allow plenty of time. Dipping the cake balls takes at least an hour.18.

• Recipe: Meyer Lemon Tartlets

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Recipe courtesy of Paulina Tsagaris, Sweet Luna Desserts

  14 May 2012 | 2:23 pm

  Meyer Lemon TartletsMakes 15 tartletsTart shells:11/4 cups flour1/4 cup sugar1/4 teaspoon saltZest of 1 lemon4 ounces cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces2 large egg yolks1 teaspoon vanilla1-2 tablespoons cold waterLemon curd:3 eggs1/3 cup sugarZest of 1 lemon1/2 cup Meyer lemon juice6 tablespoons

• Recipe: Asparagus with Mustard Vinaigrette

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Recipe courtesy of David Tanis<br>New York Times

  11 May 2012 | 6:16 pm

  Asparagus with Mustard Vinaigrette Serves 4-611/2 pounds large or medium asparagus 4 large eggs 1 small shallot, finely diced 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Salt and pepper 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon finely cut chives1.

• Recipe: Shaved Asparagus with Arugula and Parmesan

  <p class="Byline">Recipe courtesy of David Tanis<br>New York Times</p>

  11 May 2012 | 5:17 pm

  Shaved Asparagus with Arugula and Parmesan Serves 4-6 1/2 pound large or medium asparagus 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice 3 tablespoons fruity extra virgin olive oil Salt and pepper 6 ounces arugula, washed and dried Chunk of Parmesan, for shaving Sliced prosciutto, optional1.

• 

  Religion

• Presbyterian church representatives refuse to rebuke former San Rafael pastor in gay marriage dispute

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Jessica Bernstein-Wax, Marin Independent Journal

  15 May 2012 | 9:06 pm

  In an unprecedented defiance of a church judicial commission, representatives of Northern California Presbyterian churches Tuesday refused to rebuke a retired pastor for marrying 16 same-sex couples when gay marriage was legal in California in 2008.

• Bible translator criticized over word substitution in editions for Muslim countries

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tom Breen <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  26 Apr 2012 | 11:19 am

  One of the largest Bible translators in the world is undergoing an independent review after critics claimed language in some of their translations intended for Muslim countries misses the essential Christian idea of Trinity: the father, son and the holy spirit or ghost.

• Pope holds Easter candle at basilica vigil

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Associated Press</p>

  7 Apr 2012 | 8:12 pm

  VATICAN CITY (AP) -- Pope Benedict XVI, carrying a tall, lit candle, ushered in Christianity's most joyous celebration with an Easter vigil service Saturday night, but voiced fears that mankind is groping in darkness, unable to distinguish good from evil.

• Cuban official rules out reforms urged by pope

  <p class="bylinejb">By Randal C. Archibold and Victoria Burnett <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">New York Times <br /></p>

  27 Mar 2012 | 7:56 pm

  Officials tout reform of economic nature rather than political

• Religious freedom rally draws a crowd in San Francisco

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Sandy Kleffman<br>Bay Area News Group<br /></p>

  24 Mar 2012 | 1:37 pm

  A religious freedom rally in San Francisco on Friday attracted nearly 500 people from throughout the Bay Area vehemently opposed to a new federal requirement that insurers provide free contraception to workers.

• 

  Travel

• Ooh, aah: Take in Yosemite views -- by computer.

  <p class="bylinejb">By Tracie Cone <br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Associated Press

  14 May 2012 | 6:39 pm

  Just in time for spring snowmelt: a webcam pointed at one of Yosemite National Park's main attractions, the soaring 2,425-foot Yosemite Falls.

• Eugene: For runners, this is Mecca

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Sam McManis<br>Sacramento Bee

  14 May 2012 | 6:25 pm

  Tourists not up for a trip to London can find Olympic action at three West Coast sites: Trials for track and field will take place in Eugene, Ore., the nation's running Mecca and self-described 'Track Town USA.' The diving competition will be in Federal Way, Wash. And our own San Jose will host the gymnastics trials. Picture Our World photo contest | More Travel

• Travel: Finding May flowers; metalheads at sea

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Ann Tatko-Peterson<br>Contra Costa Times

  14 May 2012 | 5:49 pm

  Travel: Finding May flowers; metalheads at sea.

• Time warp: hippie scene is alive and well in Eugene

  <p class="bylinejb">By Sam McManis<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Sacramento Bee <br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  11 May 2012 | 12:51 am

  The calendar confirms that this is, indeed, 2012. But for a large chunk of Eugene, the early '70s remain, as if amberized.

• Travel briefs: Berlin delays June opening of new airport; Hawaiian to fly to Sapporo

  <br> <p class="Byline Affiliation">Reported by Jeremy C. Owens and Bay Area News Group wire services.</p>

  10 May 2012 | 7:18 pm

  Officials have canceled next month's planned opening of Berlin's new airport, saying it will take at least until August before all necessary fire safety checks have been completed.

• 

  Laurie Daniel

• On Wine: A splash of out-of-state in your glass?

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Laurie Daniel<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 8:25 pm

  We all know about California wines -- and ditto for Oregon, Washington and New York. But vintners in Arizona, Michigan and Missouri vintners are making great wines too.

• On Wine: Dramatic pinot noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands

  <p class="Byline">By Laurie Daniel<br>For the Bay Area News Group</p>

  25 Apr 2012 | 7:28 pm

  This relatively new appellation in the Santa Lucia Highlands, above Monterey Bay, continues to evolve and its pinot noirs offer plenty of pizazz for the palate.

• On Wine: It's not the Soave you remember

  <p class="Byline">By Laurie Daniel<br>For the Bay Area News Group</p>

  11 Apr 2012 | 7:45 pm

  Soave Bolla aside, wine columnist Laurie Daniel says, today's Soave wines are making a comeback, boasting fragrant, fresh flavors and a creamy finish.

• On Wine: Pairing Dungeness crab with wine

  <p class="Byline">By Laurie Daniel<br>For the Bay Area News Group</p>

  21 Mar 2012 | 7:36 pm

  Dungeness crab calls for the perfect quaff -- and often that means chardonnay.

• On Wine: Coombsville, Napa Valley's newest AVA

  <p class="Byline">By Laurie Daniel<br>For the Bay Area News Group</p>

  7 Mar 2012 | 9:59 pm

  Napa Valley has just acquired a new American Viticultural Area, and Coombsville is its sixteenth appelation.

• 

  Travel Q & A

• Seeking Guidance: Book looks at causes of deaths in Grand Canyon

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Christopher Reynolds<br>Los Angeles Times <br /></p><p class="bylinecopyright">

  10 May 2012 | 5:53 pm

  Michael P. Ghiglieri -- an Arizona river guide, Vietnam vet, ecology Ph.D. and seasoned emergency medical technician -- is the co-author, with Thomas M. Myers, of 'Over the Edge: Death in Grand Canyon.'

• Travel Q&A: Should we tip at an all-inclusive resort?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Ellen Creager<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Detroit Free Press

  4 May 2012 | 7:46 pm

  You are not expected to tip. However, if you want to reward excellent service by housekeeping, a bellboy or a bartender, ask if they can accept small tips and if so, give it directly to them.

• Travel Q&A: What's required in disabled-access hotel rooms?

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Catharine Hamm<br>Los Angeles Times

  26 Apr 2012 | 7:24 pm

  The 2010 ADA standards provide a level of detail that the original law did not and cover some of the issues in making a hotel reservation.

• Travel Q&A: Where on an airplane should you change a diaper?

  <p class="bylinejb">By Catharine Hamm<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">Los Angeles Times

  19 Apr 2012 | 6:20 pm

  The Federal Aviation Administration doesn't have a rule on where diaper changing should occur, only when -- and the when is when the seat belt sign is off. If an airline has no regulation (check websites), it is up to the parent.

• Travel Q&A: What's driving the higher airfares?

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Catharine Hamm<br>Los Angeles Times

  13 Apr 2012 | 6:51 pm

  Three factors: Fuel costs; fewer seats as airlines take planes out of service; and decreased competition because of airline mergers.

• 

  Home Plates

• Home Plates: Lemon mania

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Kim Boatman<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 8:25 pm

  Readers share recipes for three lemon desserts.

• Recipe: Lemon Sponge Pie

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Recipe courtesy of Lucille Eichelberger<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 3:16 pm

  Lemon Sponge Pie6 tablespoons butter1/8 teaspoon salt1 1/2 cups sugarGrated zest of a lemon 1/3 cup lemon juice3 eggs, separated3 tablespoons flour1 1/2 cups milkUnbaked pastry shell1.

• Recipe: Prizewinning Lemon Chiffon Pie

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Recipe courtesy of Julie Pifer<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 3:16 pm

  Prizewinning Lemon Chiffon PieNote: This pie includes a meringue made of uncooked egg whites. Use pasteurized eggs if this is a concern for you.

• Recipe: Lemon Cups

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">Recipe courtesy of Lucille Eichelberger<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  9 May 2012 | 3:16 pm

  Lemon CupsServes 41 cup sugar1/4 cup flour1/8 teaspoon salt2 tablespoons melted butterGrated zest of one or two lemons Juice of two lemons (about 1/3 cup)3 eggs, separated1 1/2 cups milk1.

• Home Plates: Jell-O cookies and Mauritius sugar

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Kim Boatman<br>For the Bay Area News Group

  2 May 2012 | 6:43 pm

  Readers share recipes for wartime cookies made with Jell-O.

• 

  Steve Yvaska

• The Seasoned Collector: Filoli's annual flower show to honor curator Tom Rogers

  <p class="bylinejb">By Steven Wayne Yvaska<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">The Seasoned Collector

  4 May 2012 | 12:51 pm

  Unlike many other historic houses, Filoli is not solely a repository of splendid objects; Rogers, himself a living treasure, brought the mansion to life.

• The Seasoned Collector: Vintage toys in Palo Alto; gem-mineral show in San Jose; bottle collectors in Antioch

  <p class="bylinejb">By Steve Wayne Yvaska<br /></p><p class="bylineaffiliation">The Seasoned Collector

  16 Apr 2012 | 7:34 pm

  If you have a passion for toys, check out 'Antique Toys: 1870-1930' at the Museum of American Heritage before the show comes down May 6.

• The Seasoned Collector: Long to own a piece of Titanic history?

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Steven Wayne Yvaska<br>San Jose Mercury News correspondent<br /></p>

  5 Apr 2012 | 5:23 pm

  Two U.S. auctions of nautical memorabilia are scheduled to coincide with the commemoration of the ship's sinking 100 years ago.

• The Seasoned Collector: Reclusive heiress' long-hidden jewels going up for auction

  <p class="NormalParagraphStyle">By Steven Wayne Yvaska<br>San Jose Mercury News correspondent

  23 Mar 2012 | 2:02 pm

  The exquisite jewelry that belonged to the reclusive heiress of a Montana copper fortune, Huguette Marcelle Clark, will be sold at auction April 17 at Christie's New York. Amazingly, the diamond and emerald baubles had been stored in a bank vault for more than seven decades.

• The Seasoned Collector: Vintage toy shows in San Jose, Walnut Creek

  <p class="normalparagraphstyle">By Steven Wayne Yvaska<br>San Jose Mercury News correspondent<br /></p>

  9 Mar 2012 | 1:27 pm

  Toy collectors have a double chance of adding a prize or two to their collections with back-to-back vintage toy shows. One happens March 10, the other March 18.