Elyce Kirchner
San Francisco
Former TV Reporter @NBCBayArea, Media Trainer + PR consultant, SF Native, & Former College Athlete.
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Articles by Elyce Kirchner
Sudden Career Change
As I turned a year older last week, I couldn't help but reflect on the last year. It’s been a time of change. As you may know, after 15-plus years of being a television reporter, I very suddenly left the business. I haven’t publicly talked about why, until now. Last March, I developed Sudden Hearing Loss (SHL) and lost the majority of the hearing in my left ear. At the same time, I developed tinnitus, which is a loud noise or ringing in the ear. My doctors believe a viral cold caused my SHL. Yep.
UC Berkeley Graduate Petitions For Dismissal of Professor Accused of Sexually Assaulting Assistant
A petition created by a UC Berkeley alumna, who is calling for the removal of a professor accused of sexually harassing his research assistant, is gaining traction. Aarti Kelapure’s Care2 petition aims to gather 5,000 signatures. As of Thursday afternoon, 4,069 signatories had backed her in demanding that university officials fire professor emeritus John Searle and omit his name from a campus ontology center.
UC Berkeley Graduate Petitions For Dismissal of Professor Accused of Sexually Assaulting Assistant
A petition created by a UC Berkeley alumna, who is calling for the removal of a professor accused of sexually harassing his research assistant, is gaining traction. Aarti Kelapure’s Care2 petition aims to gather 5,000 signatures. As of Thursday afternoon, 4,069 signatories had backed her in demanding that university officials fire professor emeritus John Searle and omit his name from a campus ontology center.
3 Dead, 7 Rescued After Four-Alarm Fire Breaks Out in Oakland
Three people died and seven people were rescued Monday after a massive blaze ignited inside an Oakland apartment building, which documents show was in violation of multiple fire codes and other rules. Three people suffered injuries as a result of smoke inhalation, fire officials said, adding that one person is still unaccounted for. The Alameda County Coroner's Office identified one of the victims as 64-year-old Edwarn Anderson, of Oakland.
Former UC Berkeley Student Files Complaint Against Professor, University Over Alleged Sexual Harassment
A University of California, Berkeley professor is accused of sexually harassing his research assistant. The assistant and former UC Berkeley student filed a complaint Tuesday in Alameda County Superior Court against the professor and university for damages and a demand for a jury trial. The complaint alleges 84-year-old John Searle, a highly-touted philosophy professor at Cal, sexually harassed the student while she was employed by the University as his assistant.
Dozens Gather to Protest Contra Costa Sheriff's Opposition to Sanctuary Bill
Dozens of protesters gathered in Martinez on Wednesday evening, and their target was a top law enforcement official who does not agree with a bill that would prevent his office from cooperating with federal immigration agents. The protesters were criticizing Contra Costa County Sheriff David Livingston for his opposition to a proposed sanctuary bill. Protester Mimi Elias says lives are at stake. "This is tearing families apart," she said.
Contra Costa County DA Calls on State to Prevent Freeway Shootings
Contra Costa County District Attorney Mark Peterson is calling on the state to do more in preventing freeway shootings. The call comes after recent freeway shootings in the Bay Area, including last week's deadly shooting on Interstate 80 in Richmond and Thursday night's shooting on Highway 101 in San Jose. The California Highway Patrol report at least 85 shootings on Bay Area freeways since November 2015.
‘Depraved and Egregious’: High-Profile Vallejo Kidnapping Suspect Sentenced to 40 Years
A disbarred Harvard-trained attorney was sentenced to 40 years in prison Thursday for a kidnapping so elaborate and bizarre that police in California initially dismissed it as a hoax. It was the sentence federal prosecutors sought for Matthew Muller, who pleaded guilty in September to holding a Bay Area woman for ransom. They realized that Denise Huskins was telling the truth about her March 2015 abduction only after Muller was implicated in a different crime.
Family of I-80 Shooting Victim Says It's a Case of Mistaken Identity
Three suspects in a fatal shooting on Interstate 80 last week made their first court appearance Tuesday, facing murder charges, and a family member says the shooters targeted an innocent bystander. The shooting, one of roughly 80 shootings that have occurred in less than a year and a half on Bay Area highways, is believed to be gang related, just as many of the previous shootings.
Excessive Force Questioned in Vallejo Officer's Confrontation
A Vallejo police officer is still on the job after a violent arrest Friday was caught on cellphone video, and the community is now wondering how the department will handle what some believe was an excessive use of force. Footage of the incident outside a gas station shows the officer confront a man who reportedly was acting erratically. The video shows the officer wrestling the suspect to the ground, repeatedly punching him and using what appears to be a flashlight to strike the man.
Police Criticized in Aftermath of Berkeley Protests
In the aftermath of pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators clashing in Berkeley over the weekend, the two sides found common ground: Both say police did not do enough to prevent the violence. Punches were thrown, pepper spray was fired and sticks were drawn after the scheduled March 4 Trump in Berkeley met with a counter-protest Saturday. The result was 10 arrests. Organizers said the pro-Trump march was supposed to be a peaceful event.
After Dog is Stolen, East Bay Woman Desperate to Get Him Back
An East Bay woman is desperate to find her beloved pet dog after the canine was stolen from her vehicle earlier this week. Angela Pravettoni, owner of the maltese mix named Elvis, said the dog was in his carrier next to his brother Iggy when someone broke into her minivan at Pleasant Oaks Park in Pleasant Hill while she watched her son's baseball game. Pravettoni has already passed out 1,300 fliers, hoping to find him.
Student Arrested in Nude Photo Scandal at East Bay High School
An East Bay high school student who authorities say recorded and distributed nude images of a school administrator was arrested Tuesday and faces possible criminal charges, according to the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. The 17-year-old student at Clayton Valley Charter High School in Concord was expelled Monday, and several other students were suspended after the images of administrator David Linzey were shared. County sheriff’s deputies say the student violated privacy laws.
'Very Serious Flooding': High Water Overwhelms San Jose Homes, Streets Along Coyote Creek
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Crews in San Jose were busy Tuesday rescuing people and pets trapped in cars and homes swamped by rising flood waters along Coyote Creek. Nearly 200 people and more than a dozen pets living in the Rock Springs neighborhood near Senter Road and Phelan Avenue were evacuated as rainfall-fueled runoff from the nearby Anderson Reservoir inundated low-lying and already saturated land with water.
By Brendan Weber Verified, Michelle Roberts, Elyce Kirchner, Scott Budman Verified, Riya Bhattacharjee Verified
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KNTV-TV (San Jose, CA)
Verified
‘Very Serious Flooding’: High Water Overwhelms San Jose Homes, Streets Along Coyote Creek
Crews in San Jose were busy Tuesday rescuing people and pets trapped in cars and homes swamped by rising flood waters along Coyote Creek. Nearly 200 people and more than a dozen pets living in the Rock Springs neighborhood near Senter Road and Phelan Avenue were evacuated as rainfall-fueled runoff from the nearby Anderson Reservoir inundated low-lying and already saturated land with water.
Homeless Man Considers Lawsuit After He Warned Oakland Police About Shooter
Did the Oakland Police Department miss an opportunity to get an active shooter off the streets before he started opening fire a second time? A homeless man says he warned officers before last week's high-profile shooting because the gunman had opened fire on him for no reason. Offices instead arrested the homeless man, which has triggered the possibility of a lawsuit. Patrick Reddic said he woke up to the gunshots last week. He was sleeping in his car when he says Jesse Enjaian started firing.
Yemeni Doctor and Family Stranded by Travel Ban Makes New Home in El Sobrante
An East Bay man and his family were subjected to a harrowing journey from their homeland of Yemen last month because of President Donald Trump's travel ban. Ebrahim Almurisi along with his wife and five young children were on a plane headed to the United States as the ban went into effect Jan. 27 and were turned around the minute they hit American soil. Now Almurisi, an oral surgeon, is making a new home in El Sobrante.
Orinda Home Deemed Unsafe After Mudslide
A mudslide - the size of two football fields - crashed into an Orinda house earlier this week, while the homeowner was still inside. Standing inside his destroyed bathroom, Paul Vittimberga on Thursday recalled hearing the earth move. It “sounded like very loud thunder,” he said of Tuesday’s storm-fueled slide. Then Vittimberga noticed the mud and debris seeping through the walls of his Van Tassel Lane property. “I started to see the back wall coming in and snapping and breaking,” he said.
Enough is Enough: North Bay Residents Are Rain Weary
For those living along the Russian River, flooded roads during rainy weather are pretty much a standard expectation, though it does make life more difficult. But when the water level starts creeping up further, residents get a little unnerved. Annie Lovell is used to flooded out roads in her Guerneville neighborhood. She's just hoping the water stops there. "This is expected,' she said, looking at a flood caused by the overflowing Russian River. "You should see our yard; it’s a lake.
'It Was Just Horrific': UC Berkeley Students Question Police's Seemingly Tepid Response to Violent Protests
Tensions remain high at UC Berkeley a day after people violently opposed a Milo Yiannopoulos event by setting fires, damaging buildings and injuring students – some of whom are now questioning whether police responded forcefully enough to protect them. Pranav Jandhyala recalled people smashing windows of the MLK student union building before turning on him. “I was just assaulted by a group of people in masks,” he said.
Contra Costa School Board Trustee Supports Immigration Ban
Contra Costa County school board trustee Jeff Belle tweeted his support for President Donald Trump’s executive order on immigration, breaking away from a slew of local leaders and educators who have condemned the travel ban. Belle, who serves as the vice president on the board and represents District 5’s East County schools, re-tweeted a flurry of messages from pro-Trump, anti-Muslim accounts on Saturday and Sunday.
CHP Trying to Solve Mystery on State Route 24 After Dozens of Cars Damaged
The California Highway Patrol is warning East Bay drivers that near two dozen cars along State Route 24 have been beaned by unknown objects that have shattered windows, mirrors and sunroofs. Officers suspect that someone is throwing items from an overpass near Interstate 680. Harvey Stein thought bullets hit his brand new Mercedes on Friday. “It felt like a gunshot,” the Orinda man said.
Another Possible Executive Order Raising Fears in Bay Area Muslim Community
After President Donald Trump moved Wednesday to build a border wall and cut sanctuary city funds, another looming executive order is raising fears in the Muslim community. A draft of the possible order hints the United States may be ready to temporarily close its borders to tens of thousands of refugees and others. Many worry the orders are fueling new aggression against Muslims in the United States.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Killed Couple Found in Berkeley Apartment, Police Say
A couple and their two cats found dead in a Berkeley apartment last week were killed due to acute carbon monoxide poisoning, police said on Friday. The pair was identified as Roger, 35, and Valerie Morash, 32, and their deaths were immediately flagged as suspicious, according to police. Officials had initially ruled out carbon monoxide or radiation poisoning, saying tests came back negative for those elements.
'We Lost the Election and Now We Are Losing Business': Oakland, Business Owners Brace for Inauguration Protests
Oakland city officials and business owners are bracing for a wave of protests on Friday. Local demonstrators have called for a general strike to coincide with President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. Oakland has seen protests turn violent in the past, including demonstrations for Occupy Oakland, Black Lives Matter and Election Day. On Election Day, protesters covered Boyd Patterson's business on Broadway Street in graffiti and destroyed windows.
Cleanup of Fallen Trees Continues as New Storm Approaches
Residents in the East Bay are bracing for another storm, even as they continue to clean up after the last one. One family in Lafayette got an unwelcome visitor when last week’s punishing rain and wind caused a massive tree to come crashing down into their home. And it's still there. Now, with a new storm on the way, homeowner Scott Vaisnor can only hope the rain doesn’t seep in and cause even more damage. "You can see we have a little intrusion in here," Vaisnor said, pointing at the tree.
Drought Over? Some Say It Is, Others Say Not Quite Yet
With all the rain, snow, overflowing reservoirs and swollen rivers, it's easy to believe federal officials who say much of California is out of the years-long drought. But some are skeptical. A federal agency on Thursday declared that 40 percent of the state is no longer in a drought. Claire Roth, of Moraga, said she will continue to conserve water. For days, Roth has watched her newly installed drought resistant lawn get soaked.
Sinkhole Near Pinole, Closed Roads in Contra Costa County
Contra Costa County officials closed several roads on Wednesday because of mudslides and flooding concerns. Plus, a big sinkhole emerged at Alhambra Valley and Castro Ranch roads near Pinole and Richmond, which is closed indefinitely, according to the county's Department of Public Works. Meanwhile, county crews workied to reopen Marsh Creek Road, Morgan Territory Road and McEwen Road. Drivers are encouraged to use Highway 680 or Highway 4 alternate routes.
Police Search For Woman Who Stole Credit Card From Store Worker's Purse in Danville
A woman brazenly stole a credit card from a Danville shopowner's elderly mother and proceeded to go on a shopping spree last week, according to Danville police, who released surveillance video of the theft. The shopowner, who did not want to be identified, said the suspect targeted her 93-year-old mother, who was helping her in the store on busy Hartz Avenue in the East Bay town last Friday. She gave footage from her store security camera to police.
Thief Caught on Camera Stealing Jewelry From Sears in Concord
A thief managed to walk away with more than $200,000 in jewelry from a Sears department store in Concord last week. The heist took place Friday after closing at Sun Valley mall, and while the suspect was able to avoid getting caught, police said they have a clear picture of the man on surveillance footage. Detectives believe the suspect simply got lucky because he was able to hide and wait inside the store for five hours without being detected.
Bay Area Braces for Heavy Downpours, Gusty Winds, Hazardous Flooding
Heavy rains aren't expected to hammer the Bay Area until Thursday, but crews on Wednesday are prepping for dangerous flooding in the North Bay. The King Tides will reach its highest peak at 10:53 a.m. Wednesday, which could make for hazardous driving conditions along Highway 101 near Lucky Drive in Corte Madera. Andrew Barclay, an officer with the California Highway Patrol, advises drivers to take it slow and keep an eye out for standing water.
Families of Victims Visit Site of Deadly Fire in Oakland
Families of the loved ones lost in a three-alarm warehouse fire on Tuesday were escorted into the area now being looked at as a crime scene. Investigators continue to work on determining what caused the fire that killed at least 36 people attending a dance party held inside the so-called Ghost Ship warehouse. Alameda County Sheriff's Office Sgt. J.D. Nelson said some of the victims were found trying to shield each other form the flames.
BART Board to Vote on Spending $237M to Retrofit Transbay Tube
The BART Board of Directors is set to vote on the potential $267 million earthquake retrofit at its regular meeting Thursday. The earthquake retrofits include the Coliseum and Fruitvale BART stations in the East Bay, as well as the Transbay Tube itself, which sees more than 27,300 riders pass through it in each morning commute, BART reports.
Contra Costa County Coroner Identifies Three Who Died After Church Thanksgiving Meal
The Contra Costa County Coroner on Wednesday identified the three people who died last week after a Thanksgiving meal sponsored by a church at the American Legion Hall. The names of the three are: 43-year-old Christopher Cappetti, 59-year-old Chooi Keng Cheah and 69-year-old Jane Evans. Autopsies for all three show "intestinal abnormalities," the coroner said in a news release. Forensic pathologists are trying to determine the exact cause of death.
On the Clock: Oakland Makes Last-Minute Proposal to Keep Raiders From Moving to Las Vegas
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf is making last-minute attempts to keep the Raiders in the Bay Area. Schaaf said Friday the city has presented the National Football League with a plan to build a new stadium using private funds. "It lays it all out. It answers all the questions," Schaaf said. "The only question that remains is will the Raiders choose Oakland and stay home?" Schaaf said a last-minute proposal to build a new stadium in Oakland was sent to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell this week.
Benicia Taco Truck Robbed at Gunpoint, Suspect and Driver Escape
A male suspect robbed a taco truck parked in Benicia at gunpoint Wednesday afternoon before hopping in the passenger seat of a car and fleeing the scene, police said. The armed robbery happened around 1:50 p.m. in a parking lot near Park Road and Industrial Way, according to police. The suspect, who was reportedly wearing dark clothing and a mask, and the driver were last scene driving north on Park Road in a blue or grey Honda CRV, police said.
'Love Wall' Torn Down in Oakland's Lake Merritt
Hundreds of Post-it notes with messages of love have been ripped down in Oakland's Lake Merritt neighborhood. The so-called Love Wall spontaneously popped up on Lakeshore Avenue after Donald Trump won the presidential election. Pamela Drake with the Lakeshore Business Improvement District said a homeless man upset the notes were damaging a mural started tearing down the messages two days ago.
Healdsburg Father Accused of Drowning His Daughter in Baptismal Font at Church Was on Drugs, Family Friend Says
The Healdsburg father accused of drowning his own daughter inside a Bay Area church was not in his right mind during the alleged incident, a close family friend tells NBC Bay Area. Gerardo Mendoza Ordaz, 42, was arrested Sunday on suspicion of drowning his 4-year-old daughter at a baptismal font as his young son watched, police said. He was found in the parking lot afterward, police said, naked and holding his limp daughter in his arms.
Walnut Creek National Guard Armory to Serve as City’s First Overnight Homeless Shelter
A controversial overnight shelter in Walnut Creek is taking on extra significance as the Bay Area prepares for rain. After two years of resistance, homeless people will be able to stay overnight inside the city’s National Guard armory, starting Saturday. The site marks the first overnight homeless shelter in Walnut Creek history. Shelter organizers say they took some bold steps, including stationing guards at the building and establishing a registration process, to make this a reality.
Pittsburg High Principal Under Fire After Protest Turns Violent
A high school principal in Pittsburg was at the center of school board meeting Wednesday night, nearly a week after a student protest at his school turned violent at a neighboring school. Antioch police Chief Allan Cantando attended the meeting after his officers arrested three Pittsburg High students last Thursday on the campus of Antioch High school.
Walnut Creek May Require Popular Bar Crogan's to Close Earlier
A longtime and popular Walnut Creek bar is being blamed by the city for draining police resources. Crogan's Sports Bar & Grill in downtown has been a fixture in the Walnut Creek club scene for nearly 40 years. The city on Tuesday held a special hearing to consider a new requirement for the bar to stop liquor sales at midnight and to close by 12:30 a.m. It is a move that would put Crogan's out of business, owner Patricia Wilkinson said. "It makes a huge difference monetarily for us," Wilkinson said.
Oakland City Leaders Discuss Regulating Recreational Pot
The city of Oakland has been a pioneer in the medical cannabis industry, and now city leaders have some decisions to make regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana in California. The City Council convened a special meeting Monday night to discuss some contentious proposals to regulate the drug for recreational use. Some are saying the city now runs the risk of becoming too regulated for recreational pot.
Some Trump Supporters in Bay Area Feel Liberated, Others Don’t
While many people around the Bay Area were stunned at the result of the presidential election, there were some who were wondering how the others could not see it coming. Local Donald Trump supporters were celebrating Wednesday and said now they no longer feel the need to hide their backing for the now president-elect.
Donald Trump Supporters in Bay Area Feel Liberated
While many people around the Bay Area were stunned at the result of the presidential election, there were some who were wondering how the others could not see it coming. Local Donald Trump supporters were celebrating Wednesday and said now they no longer feel the need to hide their backing for the now president-elect.
Even Skilled Surfers Wary of Giant Waves at Ocean Beach
San Francisco's Ocean Beach is known for big waves, especially during the fall and winter seasons. But on Tuesday those big waves went beyond what is typically seen at the popular beach. "I love that we have this on the western edge of our city," resident Emily Nahmansom said. "But in the wintertime, when the waves are big, it's extra exciting." A high-surf advisory went into effect at 3 p.m. Tuesday, pushing the usual 10-foot waves to 20 feet and higher.
Feds, Detectives Bust Drug Lab in Walnut Creek Apartment
Federal agents and Walnut Creek detectives raided a drug lab in an apartment in the East Bay city, and it turned out to be one of the largest illegal steroid busts in Contra Costa County. It started in February when agents with the Department of Homeland Security intercepted a package from Hong Kong containing 2 pounds of steroids. It was addressed to the Walnut Creek apartment on Third Avenue, just 2 miles from police headquarters.
‘Huge Balls of Flames:’ Five-Alarm Fire Erupts in Oakland Near Lake Merritt
A five-alarm fire broke out early Monday morning at an apartment site under construction in Oakland near Lake Merritt, a trendy and dense area of the city, dashing the developer's plans of immediately finishing a $6-million controversial project he was trying to complete. Luckily, only one person nearby suffered a minor hand injury, according to Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed, who reclassified the fire from an initial three alarms, all the way up to a five-alarm fire.
Joy Ride on Excavator Caught on Video, Causes $15,000 in Damages at East Bay High School
Police are investigating vandalism at an East Bay high school that caused more than $15,000 in damages at the campus. Video from surveillance cameras at Campolindo High School show a teenager taking a joy ride on an excavator. The video also shows a bright light coming from an excavator before the machine's giant claw reaches up and crushes the camera recording the incident.
'I Will Leave No Stone Unturned': Pittsburg Parents Demand Answers After Navy Seaman Daughter Dies
A grieving Bay Area family is asking the U.S. Navy some tough questions. Navy seaman Danyelle Luckey, of Pittsburg, was laid to rest with full military honors on Wednesday afternoon. She died aboard the USS Ronald Reagan earlier this month while it was stationed in Japan, and now, her parents are seeking answers about her untimely death. "All I can do is cry," Danyelle Luckey's mother Annette said.
Students, Parents Concerned Over Racist Graffiti at California High School
Students, parents and school officials are concerned after racist graffiti was found written in the restrooms at California High School in San Ramon, even as one of the incidents apprently was resolved Tuesday. Police and school officials were investigating the incidents in which the N-word was used in the girls restroom and the words "whites" and "colored" were scribbled above separate stalls in the boys restroom on the campus.
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