9 Stories You Should Know About Today

So far this month, San Jose has received 6.62 inches of rain, the most in December since 1955, when 9.26 inches of rain was recorded. It's also the fifth-wettest December in San Jose since rainfall records began in 1874, according to Jan Null of Golden Gate Weather Services. San Francisco has received 8.43 inches this month, the most since December 1950. Full story

In 1962, the prisoners absconded using a raft, and were never seen again. A novel computer model now indicates that if they set off right at midnight, they could have made landfall. But if they left in the hours either side, it is very likely they died in the cold waters of San Francisco Bay. Full story

Comedian and talk-show host Bill Maher will likely encounter protests over on-air statements he has made linking Islam to violence and intolerance. Full story

Residents on McKinley Avenue near the Berkeley Police station are seething after a week of protests which saw parking banned, the street blocked to normal traffic after 5 p.m., and police cars and armored vehicles stationed there. Some neighbors said when they tried to go home, police yelled at them and demanded to see their identification. They were also told, “no ins and outs.” Full story

One week after photos of him holding a "#BlackLivesMatter" sign at a peaceful local protest went viral on social media, Richmond police Chief Chris Magnus is still grappling with the fallout -- including accusations from his department's police union that he broke the law -- but says he has no regrets. Full story

A California Public Utilities Commission official offered to write a favorable opinion on a $1.3 billion gas rate case if Pacific Gas and Electric Co. “did not like” one from another commissioner, according to an e-mail the company was forced to disclose by a judge’s order. Full story

In a case that could have a chilling effect on journalism and free speech on the Net, Twitter temporarily suspended an account held by East Bay reporter Darwin Bond Graham based on a false claim that public records he posted contained a Modesto city contractor's personal information. Full story

After living under the bleachers, in the flowerbeds and beneath different trees in Sunnyvale’s Fair Oaks Park for most of the year, Patrick Scott said he was looking forward to sitting in a bath for a whole day, just letting the water run, fully aware that there’s a drought in California. “It’s the little things that you miss the most,” Patrick said. Full story

Alex Gurza, who had served as the San Jose's top labor negotiator during its contentious battles with its employee unions, had made $222,921 a year as a deputy city manager. On Monday, the city disclosed that Gurza started work in a much lower position: as an entry-level analyst in the Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services department making $64,459 a year. Full story

“Excuse me,” I overheard a woman a few feet behind me ask, “do you know what this is that we have tickets for?” “Not really,” replied a man’s voice, “but it’s supposed to be really cool.” Full story