Latest news with #JenniferJames
San Francisco Chronicle
2 days ago
- Politics
- San Francisco Chronicle
My neighbors stood up to ICE. What they did next shows why California politics makes no sense
When ICE agents in full tactical gear descended on a beloved restaurant in my San Diego neighborhood last Friday evening and seized one of the workers, my neighbors did exactly what I would have expected: They raised holy hell. A huge crowd gathered, booing. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents retreated as neighborhood residents screamed 'Shame!' in unison. Videos of the scene quickly went viral. This triumphant moment of resistance is now being hailed by lawyers and activists across the country as a blueprint for how to push back against these brazen encroachments into communities. Meanwhile, just days later and a few blocks away, an even larger crowd gathered in the neighborhood to target another potential enemy intrusion. Rather than winning social justice kudos, however, this protest demonstrated the often-infuriating incoherence of California progressive politics. The invader in question? Two proposed housing projects: One is a handful of large single-family homes abutting one of the canyons that snake through the neighborhood; the other is an eight-story, 180-unit apartment building located across the street from a charter school. What unfolded at this second protest was a perfect distillation of how wealthy, largely white neighborhood groups across California that profess to value inclusion too often use their sway to ensure that their neighborhoods remain unattainable to anyone who doesn't already live there. Organizers ginned up support for the event using language laden with progressive phrases — encouraging participants to 'take up space' and 'show up for each other.' Never mind that restoring local control over housing decisions — and with it, the ability to keep out newcomers — is an actual page in the conservative Project 2025 playbook, the same one that lays out an aggressive plan to remove immigrants. When I dropped by the gathering, most residents cited typical complaints like traffic as their rationale for opposing the new developments. Others suggested that the location of the apartment complex was disturbing: People living there would be able to see children on the school playground. Are people who live in apartment buildings inherently dangerous? Are they perverts who prey on children? I asked Jennifer James, one of the organizers. 'Yeah, I think that one's a little far-fetched,' she said. James was more worried about traffic. She's correct that the intersection where the complex would be located is already overrun during school drop-off and pick-up times. But wouldn't adding housing across the street mean people living there would have an opportunity to walk their kids to school, instead of driving? 'I guess I just don't get the argument,' James said. 'Because you're making an assumption that families would move in there, that they have small children. Who knows who's going to move in there?' Anyone who's covered the housing crisis knows how residents at community meetings like these repeat the same misguided criticisms, sometimes almost word for word, as people in faraway communities opposing different projects. One opponent of the San Diego apartment project, a member of the neighborhood planning commission, repeated the line cited by virtually all opponents of new housing — that neighbors would support the project if it was 'actually affordable.' 'I don't know what kind of people they're planning to bring in here, but this is just a money grab,' Richard Santini told the crowd. Compare that with a recent story about opposition to a large new apartment complex in Manhattan. 'If this project were about building 100% affordable housing on the Chelsea campuses, we would all stand down,' one opponent said. Yet history shows that housing opposition too often doesn't stand down when buildings are 100% affordable. They simply find new excuses to protest, such as the fight against 2550 Irving St. in San Francisco's Sunset neighborhood over shadows and alleged environmental toxins. Many people in the San Diego crowd lamented recent state laws that have limited local residents' ability to block new housing. Lawmakers in Sacramento are on the verge of even bigger reform that would exempt most infill projects from the California Environmental Quality Act, the state's landmark environmental law that is often weaponized to stop new housing. Assembly Member Chris Ward, who represents the San Diego neighborhood and has written several pro-housing bills, said he is sensitive to community concerns over individual projects and thinks there's value in residents airing them. But 'leaving ourselves vulnerable to years of ongoing debate over singular projects can result in projects failing,' he said. 'And then you get nothing.' Some people in the San Diego meeting were genuinely trying to reconcile their opposition to the projects in light of the ICE raid. Karen Lafferty, a 54-year-old resident who said she was part of 'that last generation that could afford to buy a house and leapfrog up,' spoke up to encourage more outreach to Latino neighbors. 'Are they excited about there being more housing? Do they have perspectives that we haven't even considered because we're just looking at things from our point of view?' she wondered. While Lafferty said she thought the rendering of the apartment building was 'god awful,' she acknowledged there was 'cognitive dissonance' in the room when it came to the reaction to the ICE raid and the opposition to new housing. 'I think it's easy to talk about social justice and diversity when it is an abstract, or when you can just walk around with a sign,' she said. She was not the only one to note the lack of Latinos or young people in the audience. Nonetheless, most of these well-educated, well-meaning residents seemed fundamentally incapable of connecting the dots: They might have 'immigrants welcome here' signs dotting each lawn, but they are simultaneously fighting for policies ensuring that very few are actually welcome to live here. I asked Lafferty whether she thought a kitchen worker who was detained during the ICE raid could afford to live in the neighborhood without new housing being built. 'Hell no,' she said.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Thoma Bravo Completes $34.4 Billion Fundraise
Clear Support for Thoma Bravo's Strategy of Investing in Leading Software Companies and Commitment to Returning Liquidity to Investors Across Market Cycles SAN FRANCISCO, MIAMI, LONDON and CHICAGO, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, today announced the completion of fundraising for its buyout funds totaling more than $34.4 billion in fund commitments: Thoma Bravo Fund XVI, a $24.3 billion fund, Thoma Bravo Discover Fund V, an $8.1 billion fund, and as previously announced the firm's first dedicated Europe Fund, with approximately €1.8 billion in capital commitments (individually, a "Fund" and collectively, the "Funds"). The fundraise demonstrates strong support from Thoma Bravo's diverse network of investors for the firm's buyout strategies. Each fund significantly exceeded its target. Thoma Bravo Fund XVI and the Europe Fund were oversubscribed and achieved their hard caps and Thoma Bravo Discover V experienced an over 30% increase in commitments from its prior vintage. "We are deeply grateful to our investors for their continued confidence in Thoma Bravo," said Orlando Bravo, a Founder and Managing Partner at Thoma Bravo. "This fundraise is a testament to the strong relationships we've built with our investors over many years and reflects their belief in our ability to drive meaningful results. Their support will enable us to continue delivering on the strategy we have executed for more than two decades – pursuing leading software companies and deploying our strategic and operational expertise to drive innovation and profitable growth." "The successful completion of our fundraise underscores the enduring trust our investors have in Thoma Bravo's approach and team," said Jennifer James, Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investor Relations & Marketing at Thoma Bravo. "All three funds far exceeded their targets, reflecting not only the strength of our investor relationships but also their conviction in our ability to navigate complex markets. We look forward to continuing to be good stewards of our investors' capital as we seek to deliver strong outcomes." Thoma Bravo has had an active 12 months on both the buy and sell side, with buyout fund investments and realizations representing approximately $35 billion in combined enterprise value. The firm has invested in more than 535 software companies, and today, its software portfolio includes over 75 companies that generate approximately $30 billion of annual revenue and employ over 93,000 staff globally. Commitments to the Funds were secured from Thoma Bravo's broad network of global investors, including sovereign wealth funds, public pension funds, multinational corporations, insurance companies, fund-of-funds, endowments, foundations and family offices. Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor for the Funds. About Thoma Bravo Thoma Bravo is one of the largest software-focused investors in the world, with approximately $184 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025. Through its private equity, growth equity and credit strategies, the firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging Thoma Bravo's deep sector knowledge and strategic and operational expertise, the firm collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices and drive growth initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, the firm has acquired or invested in approximately 535 companies representing approximately $275 billion in enterprise value (including control and non-control investments). The firm has offices in Chicago, Dallas, London, Miami, New York and San Francisco. For more information, visit Thoma Bravo's website at Thoma Bravo ContactsMegan Frank +1.212.731.4778 mfrank@ Global Liz Micci / Abigail Farr+1.646.957.2067ThomaBravo-US@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thoma Bravo Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Brave single mom was battling breast cancer for fourth time...then stray bullet flew through her window
A brave single Colorado mother who was battling breast cancer for a fourth time tragically died after a stray bullet flew through her window. Jennifer James, 49, was undergoing chemotherapy when she was struck by a bullet while sitting inside her Berthoud home around 11.20pm on April 28, according to police. Deputies with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office arrived at the home and immediately provided first aid to her after the bullet struck her arm and traveled to her chest. Unfortunately, James died at the scene. Several others were inside the home at the time of the shooting. No one else was injured, police said. On May 1, the department arrested Ebenezer Worku, 20, in connection to her death after capturing him on surveillance footage inside a Nissan Rogue in front of her home around 11.18pm, an affidavit reviewed by KDVR said. He later admitted to police that he 'accidentally' discharged his firearm that night but did not know anyone was nearby, documents said. Another video showed Worku at a Conoco gas station just before 11pm getting out of the car and appearing to interact with the vehicle's license plates before meeting with a driver of a blue 2002 Dodge Ram, records showed. A day after the horrific incident, the Nissan was involved in a car crash. When an officer made contact with the driver, identified as Worku, bodycam footage showed a handgun holster underneath his jacket, per records. Investigators also pinged his cell phone to a Cabela's parking lot where the driver of the Doge was seen entering the store and leaving with two boxes of live cartridges that he handed to Worku, the affidavit stated. Both Worku and the unidentified driver of the other vehicle were taken into custody. A Glock 22, .40 caliber handgun with extended magazines was found wedged between the Nissan's driver seat and center console. After waiving his Miranda rights, Worku told investigators he suffers from 'homicidal schizophrenia,' leading him to hear voices that convince him to harm others, according to the affidavit. He also told police he was not taking his prescription medication for two years. Worku said he got the handgun as a birthday gift from his 'adopted uncle,' who was later identified as the driver of the Dodge, documents said. He said the weapon was only meant for target shooting at a gun range and was normally kept in a storage unit. Before admitting to the crime, he told cops he met the other driver at another gas station to pick up another magazine earlier that night before heading to an airsoft facility in Erie. He also told police he was driving his father's Honda CR-V because his Nissan was in the shop, the affidavit said. Police then told him they had proof he was in the area and told him that he killed someone, which appeared to leave him emotionally distressed, per the affidavit. Afterward, he got his story straight and told officers he met the Dodge driver at the gas station to pick up a marijuana cartridge and had taped his license plates to avoid paying for tolls on his way back home. While on his way home, Worku said he 'accidently' fired the weapon while he cleaned it, adding that he was unfamiliar with the specific gun, records said. He said he then fired the gun again without realizing there was a live round inside, per the affidavit. Worku is set to appear in court on June 6. Worku said he was not aiming at anything in particular and had assumed the bullets would hit a wall. He also saw that curtains in James' home appeared to be mostly closed, so he didn't think he hit anyone, records showed. After he fired the weapon, he turned his headlights off and drove away, Worku said. According to the affidavit, he repeatedly told officers to 'put me in jail,' and added: 'I did it, and I'm getting punished for it.' He's been charged with first-degree murder - extreme indifference. A $1.25 million cash bond was set for him. The small Colorado community has been left reeling following James' tragic death. She spent 20 years battling breast cancer after being diagnosed at the age of 29. Loved ones created a GoFundMe page for her family during this difficult time, and remembered the late mother as 'the epitome of sunshine.' 'Anyone who knew her thought of her as the nicest person they had known,' it read. She has left behind her four children who she raised on her own, the page detailed. As of Thursday afternoon more than $65,400 was raised for them. A celebration of life was held for James Wednesday.
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Colorado woman who survived four cancer battles killed by stray bullet in her home
A Colorado mother who battled breast cancer four times has died after being struck by a stray bullet inside her home, according to a report by The People. Jennifer James, 49, a single mother of four, passed away on April 28 in Berthoud, Colorado – a quiet town roughly 50 miles north of Denver – after a bullet entered her house and struck her as she sat inside. The Larimer County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) confirmed the news in a statement on Facebook. Check out the post here: Authorities were called to the scene at around 11:20 pm local time. First responders, including deputies from LCSO and a Colorado State Patrol trooper, immediately rendered first aid. Despite their efforts, James was pronounced dead at the scene. Several other individuals were in the home at the time, but no one else was injured. According to local station KDVR, police identified 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku as a suspect through surveillance footage captured from neighbouring homes. He was taken into custody on May 1 and allegedly admitted to firing the gun. Worku told detectives he was cleaning his firearm in a car when it discharged outside the driver's side window. He claimed he was unaware there was a live round in the chamber and believed the bullets would strike a wall, according to the affidavit cited by KDVR. After the incident, Worku reportedly turned off the vehicle's lights and left the area to avoid drawing attention. He now faces a charge of first-degree murder – extreme indifference – and is being held in the Larimer County Jail on a $1.25 million cash-only bond. A disposition hearing is scheduled for June 6. The sheriff's office confirmed the investigation remains active. As per the outlet, Jennifer James was known for her strength and generous spirit. Friends shared that she had been fighting cancer for the fifth time and undergoing chemotherapy at the time of her death. 'Jennifer was the epitome of sunshine. Anyone who knew her thought of her as the nicest person they had known,' wrote close friend Juliána King on a GoFundMe page launched to support James' four children. King added, 'Jennifer was an incredible human being and was loved by so many people.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
She Survived Cancer 4 Times. Then a Bullet Ended Her Life
Jennifer James was fatally shot inside her Colorado home on April 28 by a stray bullet Authorities have since arrested and charged 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku with her murder James, 49, was a single mother of four who survived breast cancer four times since first being diagnosed at 29. She had been diagnosed with the disease a fifth time when she was killed A cancer survivor and single mother of four is dead after being struck by a stray bullet in her Colorado home last month. Jennifer James, who spent 20 years battling breast cancer after being diagnosed with the disease at the age of 29, died on April 28 after being hit by a stray bullet while sitting inside her home, the Larimer County Sheriff's Office wrote on Facebook. She was 49 years old. Police were alerted to a shooting around 11:20 p.m. local time on April 28. The caller said a female was shot inside her home in Berthoud, Colo., a quiet town located about 50 miles north of Denver. Deputies with the LCSO and a nearby trooper from the Colorado State Patrol rushed to the scene and began applying first aid, but she could not be saved and was pronounced dead at the scene. Others were in the home, but no one else was hurt. Investigators have since named 20-year-old Ebenezer Worku as a suspect after identifying him on surveillance video from nearby homes, KDVR reported, citing an affidavit. He was arrested on May 1 and allegedly confessed to firing the fatal bullet to detectives. He told police he was cleaning the gun in a car when he "accidentally" fired it outside of the driver's side window. He attempted to clear his chamber by firing the gun multiple times, however, he didn't know a live chamber was inside and thought the bullets would have hit a wall, according to KDVR, citing the affidavit. He turned off his lights and drove off to avoid attention, he said, per KDVR. Worku was booked into the Larimer County Jail on a charge of first-degree murder - extreme indifference, and is being held there on a $1.25 million cash-only bond, according to the LCSO. He is scheduled for a disposition hearing on June 6, The LCSO said in its release that it is still investigating. Friends and family are also paying tribute to James and her incredible spirit."Jennifer was the epitome of sunshine. Anyone who knew her thought of her as the nicest person they had known," Juliána King wrote on the GoFundMe she created to help raise money for James' four children. She went on to say: "Jennifer was an incredible human being and was loved by so many people." Her friends also revealed that James was battling cancer for a fifth time and going through chemotherapy at the time of her death. A celebration of life is planned for James on May 14. Read the original article on People
