Kristopher Skinner/Staff

Eric Welch has gone from self-described "goon" and survivor of countless episodes of gun violence to celebrated member of the Office of Neighborhood Safety's fellowship program, winning an internship to work with the Campaign for Youth Justice in Washington, D.C.  

Susan Tripp Pollard/Staff

Small blazes in Oakland, Orinda and San Jose drew heavy responses Monday as fire officials kept a close eye on the weather forecast.  

Elementary school teacher Michael Howey appeared in court Monday to be arraigned on 17 counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and 23 counts of annoying and molesting a child. Police say he kept a small group of students in the classroom during recess, when he would kiss and touch the children.