California

A jury in Santa Clara County convicted 67-year-old Shahin Gheblehshenas on three felony counts of child endangerment after two toddlers drowned in the pool at her unlicensed San Jose day care. The panel deliberated for just two hours following a three-week trial. Her daughter, who co-owned the facility, had already pleaded guilty to similar charges.

March 25, 2026 Reported by AI

Two Republicans top a recent survey of likely voters in California's race to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom, prompting Democratic leaders to warn of a potential lockout from the general election. The EVITARUS Research poll, conducted March 12-17 among 2,000 voters, shows Steve Hilton at 16% and Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco at 14%. Democrats Eric Swalwell, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer trail tied at 10%.

A suspect has been arrested in the drive-by shooting death of Obdulia Sanchez in Stockton, California. Sanchez, who served prison time for a fatal 2017 car crash she livestreamed, was killed in December 2025 alongside a surviving male victim. Monica Barajas faces charges of murder and attempted murder.

March 16, 2026 Reported by AI

A California man has been convicted of murder, kidnapping, and burglary in the 2019 killing of Santa Cruz tech CEO and marijuana entrepreneur Tushar Atre. Joshua Camps, 29, assisted three others after Atre had humiliated two employees by forcing them to do 500 pushups over paycheck issues. The planned robbery escalated into a fatal stabbing and shooting at Atre's cannabis farm.

A 20-year-old California woman has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after her 1-year-old son died from heat exposure in a vehicle. Maya Hernandez left her two young children in the car while she underwent a procedure at a medical spa in Bakersfield. The incident occurred on June 29, 2025, leading to charges of involuntary manslaughter.

March 06, 2026 Reported by AI

Twenty-six families in California have filed a lawsuit against fertility specialist Dr. Brian Acacio, accusing him of secretly taking their embryos to an unknown location in Bakersfield after his clinic was shuttered. The families claim Acacio is holding the embryos hostage unless they sign documents absolving him of responsibility. Attorney Robert Marcereau stated that the location and safety of the embryos remain unknown.