Latest news with #KTVU
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Closures leave Treasure Island Job Corps youth, staff scrambling
The Brief The Treasure Island Job Corps location will be closing next month. A staff member tells KTVU the Department of Labor is asking youth to be out of all facilities by next week. Staff tells KTVU some students will have no place to go. Students and staff members at the Treasure Island Job Corps facility say they are devastated by the plan to close all Job Corps locations by the end of June. This week, the United States Department of Labor announced plans to close all Job Corps facilities nationwide, citing significant financial challenges. Operations at all centers will be paused by June 30th, the Department said. However, staff on the ground at the Treasure Island location tell KTVU their students have been given an out date of June 6th, not June 30th. A staff member tells KTVU that the closure process has not been orderly, and they say rushing students out of the facilities could be harmful, as some have no place else to go. As they scramble to find places for the youth to go, the staff is also navigating the idea of being jobless in a very tough economy. "I think most of us are so focused on the trainee's safety that we have not even had time to process this for ourselves. Some people have worked here over 20 years, as this center has been open for 40," the staff member said. She says the staff and students are hurting and feel as though their community is being ripped away from them. "Job Corps was created to help young adults build a pathway to a better life through education, training, and community. However, a startling number of serious incident reports and our in-depth fiscal analysis reveal the program is no longer achieving the intended outcomes that students deserve. We remain committed to ensuring all participants are supported through this transition and connected with the resources they need to succeed as we evaluate the program's possibilities." U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer What they're saying The Department announced that a Jobs Transparency Report analyzed activities in the program, and found that the high cost per student and low graduation rates no longer align with the President's goal of balancing the budget. The Department cited the following analysis in its closure announcement: Average Graduation Rate (WIOA Definition): 38.6% Average Cost Per Student Per Year: $80,284.65 Average Total Cost Per Graduate (WIOA Definition): $155,600.74 Post-separation, participants earn $16,695 annually on average. The total number of Serious Incident Reports for program year 2023: 14,913 Sexual Behavior and Sexual Assaults Reported: 372Acts of Violence Reported: 1,764Breaches of Safety or Security: 1,167Reported Drug Use: 2,702Total Hospital Visits: 1,808 Inappropriate Sexual Behavior and Sexual Assaults Reported: 372 Acts of Violence Reported: 1,764 Breaches of Safety or Security: 1,167 Reported Drug Use: 2,702 Total Hospital Visits: 1,808 By the numbers Staff with Treasure Island Job Corps say the report cited by DOL was written by a DOGE employee, and the data laid out above was pulled from the height of the COVID pandemic, when enrollment in the Job Corps program was down to 34%. Students who headed straight to college or the military from the program were classified across the board as $0 wage earners in the report, which the Job Corps team says is not an accurate description. The staff member tells KTVU her students are more than just numbers. "People need to start thinking of our trainees not as a percentage, because they are real human beings with individual stories. Instead of saying, 'Only 38% graduate,' say the whole number. Because even if it was only 300 a year, that's 300 young adults not in jail, not in the streets, not deceased, they all count," she told KTVU.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Bay Area biologists count 5 dead whales in a week
The Brief Marine biologists told KTVU they have not seen this many dead whales in the region since what they call the "unusual mortality event" between 2019 and 2023. The causes of the most recent deaths are still under investigation, but researchers cite "vessel strikes" as the cause of three whale deaths earlier this year. SAN FRANCISCO - Researchers with the California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Center are looking into why five whales were found dead in the Bay Area within the span of a week. Marine biologists told KTVU they have not seen this many dead whales in the region since what they call the "unusual mortality event" between 2019 and 2023. Cal Academy reported 14 whales have died in 2025 – 13 gray whales and one minke whale. Since May 21 alone, stranded whales died near Alcatraz, Point Bonita, Berkeley, the Farallon Islands, and Bolinas. More whale sightings The number of deaths is high, because the number of whale sightings is at an all-time high. "The migration is a little bit later than it has been in years past and we're seeing more whales enter San Francisco Bay," said Kathi George, Director of Cetacean Conservation Biology at the Marine Mammal Center. This year alone, 33 gray whale sightings have been confirmed by photo identification so far. In 2024, biologists only saw four. "The entrance to San Francisco is a very busy area with lots of vessel traffic," said George. The possibilities While the causes of the most recent deaths are still under investigation, the Marine Mammal Center cites "vessel strikes" as the cause of three deaths this year in April and mid-May. George said the Marine Mammal Center works closely with the Harbor Safety Committee in San Francisco. She said ferry operators, the Coast Guard, and other boaters know to keep an eye out and veer out of the way when they see a whale. "It could be hard to see on a foggy day or a sunny day," George said. "So going slow, being aware that whales are in the water, are the best things that boaters can do right now." The last time this many whale deaths were tracked was between 2019 and 2023, when biologists said whales went through an "unusual mortality event," losing more than 45% of their population. What's next They're still looking into the reason behind the massive spike in sightings this year. George said the gray whales are expected to stick around for another week or two before migrating north. If you spot a whale, you're asked to take a picture and upload it to the Whale Alert app or contact the Marine Mammal Center. A necropsy is being performed on Wednesday for the deaths, which is important for researchers to determine how to protect the species. The Source California Academy of Sciences and the Marine Mammal Center, KTVU reporting
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Undocumented immigrants detained by ICE at SF courthouse
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - At least four undocumented immigrants were arrested and detained by ICE on Tuesday at the San Francisco Immigration Courthouse while appearing in court for regular hearings. What we know KTVU reporter Crystal Bailey witnessed an unmarked white van come to the side entrance of the building at 100 Montgomery St. while what appeared to be plain-clothes immigration officers arrested a man and put him in the van. The van was being driven by a man in a Department of Homeland Security uniform. Milli Atkinson, Director of Immigrant Legal Defense at the Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco, said four people were taken away in the same fashion. Atkinson is one of the attorneys who represents people before the immigration court. She said the individuals are appearing in court for an application for asylum, where a judge is meant to hear their case. She said the people on the docket did not have a serious criminal history and were from dangerous countries. Atkinson said ICE officers were in the courtroom requesting the case be dismissed before taking them into custody. "These are ICE officers coming to the court to arrest and detain individuals following the law, trying to proceed with their asylum application," she said. Atkinson called this action by DHS "unprecedented." "We've never seen anything like this before and it's really scary for people, to know that they came here fleeing violence and persecution in their home countries from authoritarian governments," she said. DHS said in a statement that anyone who entered the country illegally within the past two years is subject for expedited removal. "Secretary Noem is reversing Biden's catch and release policy that allowed millions of unvetted illegal aliens to be let loose on American streets. This administration is once again implementing the rule of law," a spokesperson wrote. "The government is trying to create new rules and a new process for removing people without giving them the opportunity to go before a judge," said Atkinson. "These are ICE officers coming to the court to arrest and detain individuals following the law, trying to proceed with their asylum application." Milli Atkinson, Director of Immigrant Legal Defense at the Justice and Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco She said ICE is treating the immigrants going through the proper process as they would the individuals at the border. Atkinson told KTVU many people did not show up for their hearings on Tuesday following the news of arrests, but maintains that undocumented immigrants should still appear for hearings. She said it gives them the best chance to get granted asylum. "They put themselves at greater risk for deportation because if you don't attend your hearing, you're basically abandoning your claim for asylum," she said. What we don't know DHS did not release any information about where the detainees will be held, but KTVU has learned they could be taken to a detention center in Central California. KTVU reached out to the mayor's office and is awaiting comment, but Atkinson said there's not much the city can do because ICE is a federal law enforcement agency. San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu criticized the Trump administration's actions and said San Francisco has never seen anything like this. "What the Trump administration is doing is they're telling their lawyers to go into court, dismiss these cases, so that the case is no longer the jurisdiction of an immigration judge, and when these individuals walk out of the courtroom, they're looking to detain them. It is sneaky and underhanded at best, very likely illegal and unconstitutional."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
WWII memorabilia stolen from Oakland man whose family served in military for generations
The Brief WWII memorabilia was stolen from an Oakland Hills home over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Surveillance video shows thieves breaking in on Saturday while homeowner and wife were sleeping. Great -grandfather's dog dogs, owner's cat, Kingsley, are missing. OAKLAND, Calif. - An Oakland homeowner is trying to recover priceless World War II memorabilia belonging to his family, marking generations of military service to this country, which were stolen over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Forrest Spellman said this collection is about family pride and history. Adding to the loss, his cat, Kingsley, has been missing since the break-in. "A ton of WWII memorabilia belonging to my grandfather and also awards and medals belonging to my father as well," Spellman told KTVU on Monday. Four generations of his family served in the U.S. military. "That military history has always meant so much to how much my upbringing was and who I am today and those articles meant a lot-as a symbol of that, who I am, my identity," said Spellman. Surveillance video shows that on Saturday at about 4:45 a.m., the driver of a white older-model pickup truck pulled up to the driveway of Spellman's home. He said it appears the thieves broke in through a side door. "It's very upsetting. It takes away from my sense of peace and security up here, and I just hope to reclaim that back." Spellman said he and his wife were asleep in their bedroom when thieves were rummaging through their prized possessions, just steps away in a second bedroom. "My wife and I woke up and heard footsteps right outside our bedroom door, and I was terrified," said Spellman. He got up, opened his bedroom door, and saw silhouettes exiting the front door. Spellman said his great-grandfather's dog tags engraved with his name Philip Buck, including one marked in red for his allergy to penicillin, have great sentimental value. He said his great-grandfather served in WWII and wore those tags during the Battle of the Bulge."I think about them not only today, but all days of the year," Spellman said. "I really hope to get those back, just memorialize that thought physically." Surveillance video shows the thieves driving away, and their truck has a black replacement fender on the front passenger side. Spellman said he had just moved into the home earlier in the week, and that there were numerous people going in and out of the house doing work. But he said he has no idea who the thieves are. Spellman said he's optimistic because the police responded quickly and that his new neighbors have been helpful. Anyone who has information about the theft and recovers any of the stolen items should contact Oakland police. Amber Lee is a reporter with KTVU. Email Amber at or text/leave message at 510-599-3922. Follow her on Facebook @AmberKTVU, Instagram @AmberKTVU or Twitter @AmberKTVU
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Man, 20, Vanished After Leaving for Work 40 Years Ago. His Remains Were Just Identified
The remains of a California man who disappeared four decades ago have been identified Family last saw Jones as he left for work in December 1984, but the sheriff's office said he was last seen in January 1985 His remains were found at Menlo Park in April 1985, but weren't identified for 40 yearsRemains found in a California park four decades ago have finally been identified as a missing man who disappeared after leaving for work. Brian Edward Jones was 20 years old when he was last seen on Jan. 7, 1985, according to the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office. Family said they last saw him in December 1984 as he left for work, FOX affiliate KTVU reported. Authorities said Jones 'was very despondent' following a break-up with his girlfriend, and 'made statements that he was going to jump off of a bridge.' Four months later, partial remains were found in Menlo Park, according to KTVU and ABC affiliate KGO-TV. The remains were exhumed in October 2023, KTVU and Patch reported. The DNA was reportedly submitted to the Combined DNA Index System, an FBI-maintained database, and later showed a possible biological relationship between the remains found in Menlo Park and a sample submitted as part of a 2016 missing person report. In April 2025, the San Mateo County Coroner's Office learned there was a strong familial relationship between the aforementioned samples. After additional testing, the agency announced on Friday, May 23, that the remains found in Menlo Park belonged to Jones. It remains unclear how he died. Coroner Robert Foucrault applauded his staff for the hard work they did on the case, according to the San Mateo Daily Journal. 'For my staff that worked on it, it's a job well done because they've put closure on a case for someone's loved one that's been missing for a long time,' he said. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. The coroner's office also said it is becoming easier to identify previously unidentified remains and bring 'relief' to families as technology improves. 'Records back then weren't well documented so it takes a lot of work for my staff to do a lot of research and backtracking,' Foucrault said. The coroner's and sheriff's offices did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 24/7. Read the original article on People
