News 2008-07-31 Andanh.com

Strict building codes credited after Calif. quake Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:27:12 PDT
Although this new suburb of 80,000 people was just a few miles from the epicenter of a 5.4-magnitude earthquake, the city withstood the shaking with almost no damage at all. If a quake had to hit somewhere in densely populated Southern California, Chino Hills...

S.F. officials seek clues in brutal killing of puppy Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:16 PDT
The fatal stabbing of a pit bull puppy prompted San Francisco city officials today to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attack. The 7-month-old male puppy, Pogo, was at Ocean Beach with his temporary owner on July 22...

Anti-illegal immigrant group comes to City Hall for raucous protest Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:03 PDT
About a dozen members of the Minutemen, a group that patrols the U.S.-Mexican border in an effort to keep illegal immigrants out, stood on the steps of San Francisco's City Hall today to decry the city's sanctuary policy and demand that Mayor Gavin Newsom...

51% of Californians back offshore drilling Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:30:30 PDT
A majority of Californians favor more oil drilling off the coast, according to a statewide survey released Wednesday, for the first time since oil prices spiked nearly three decades ago. The support by 51 percent of residents polled this month by the Public...

FDA finds salmonella strain at second Mexican farm Wed, 30 Jul 2008 22:08:46 PDT
The salmonella strain linked to a nationwide outbreak has been found in irrigation water and in a sample from a batch of serrano peppers at a Mexican farm, federal health officials said Wednesday. Dr. David Acheson, the Food and Drug Administration's food...

Program lets illegal immigrants volunteer to leave Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:54:04 PDT
The Bush administration is inviting people who have ignored orders to leave the country to surrender at immigration offices and leave voluntarily, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement official said Wednesday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, part of the...

Mexicans working in US sending less money home Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:43:38 PDT
Mexicans working in other countries are sending less money home, threatening businesses, stalling construction and choking cash flow to hamlets where as much as half the population works in the United States. Analysts said stepped-up immigration raids and the...

Bush blames Congress for not acting on gas prices Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:06:25 PDT
President Bush, on a campaign to open offshore waters to oil drilling, said Wednesday that the Democratic-run Congress was letting down the American people by refusing to allow votes on the matter. The president again pinned the prospect of oil drilling off...

A 44-pound cat needs a new home in New Jersey Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:52:23 PDT
Talk about New Jersey's fat cats. A 44-pound feline was found waddling around Saturday without a collar in Voorhees, and officials at the Camden County Animal Shelter hope she gets a nice _ hopefully, diet-friendly _ home. "She's built like a quarterback,"...

Rejoicing in democracy, Kurds look beyond oil Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Even if Democrat Barack Obama appears to have the backing of Iraq's Arab political establishment, this part of Iraq hopes Republican John McCain's prospect of becoming America's next president will prevail. Here in Kurdistan, the northernmost tier of Iraqi...

Feds press Congress to lift oil drilling ban Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The U.S. Interior Department ratcheted up the pressure on Congress Wednesday to open more of the country's coastline to offshore oil drilling, a move petroleum companies have sought for decades. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said his department will lay...

Housing plan signed, but concerns linger Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The giant housing rescue plan President Bush signed Wednesday might help stanch the bleeding in the housing market, but experts on both sides of the political divide worry that it is, at best, only an emergency step. In addition to $300 billion in government...

PLAN AFOOT TO GET S.F. WORKERS OUT OF CARS / BUSINESS' OBLIGATION: Firms would have to provide trans Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Businesses with more than 20 employees working in San Francisco would be required to help their workers ditch their cars and commute to work on transit or in vanpools under a proposal being considered by city officials. The goal of the plan, which would be...

DEATH ROW COST OVERRUN: $40 MILLION / New San Quentin housing also could run out of room, report say Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The cost of new housing for San Quentin State Prison's growing number of Death Row inmates will exceed estimates by nearly $40 million, and the compound could run out of space soon after it is completed, according to a state auditor's report released...

Political ads hit MTV, Comedy Central Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
A national political ad appeared on Comedy Central TV for the first time Wednesday night. Why hasn't that happened before? Because nobody thought voters were watching. But public perception of the channel, the home of such shows as "South Park," has changed...

S.F. Zoo's mama giraffe dies Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
A previously undiagnosed disease is the likely cause of a 9-year-old giraffe's death Tuesday at the San Francisco Zoo, officials said. Gezi, who had given birth to a male calf in February, collapsed at 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, suffering from cardiac and...

Longtime postal employee settles discrimination suit Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:22 PDT
A longtime Postal Service employee who claimed he was fired because he complained about discrimination against Filipinos has settled his lawsuit for $175,000 and lifetime retirement benefits, his lawyers said Wednesday. Gerald Dumaguit worked for the Postal...

Mama giraffe was pregnant when she died at S.F. Zoo Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:04 PDT
The 9-year-old giraffe that died Tuesday at the San Francisco Zoo was pregnant, officials said today. A necropsy conducted this morning showed that Gezi, who had already given birth to two calves at the zoo, was in her first trimester, the zoo said in a...

Clerical error springs girlfriend-beater from San Mateo County jail Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:03 PDT
A San Francisco man convicted of assaulting his girlfriend was mistakenly released from San Mateo County jail because of a clerical error, authorities said Wednesday. Alfredo Guadalupe Ortiz, 28, failed to appear for a court hearing Monday, three days after...

BAKERSFIELD / Boy turns mom in over fake money Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
A Bakersfield woman is facing charges that she counterfeited money and identification cards after her 10-year-old son turned her in to authorities. According to Kern County Superior Court records, the boy gave sheriff's deputies phony money last month that...

Reward offered in fatal stabbing of puppy Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The fatal stabbing of a pit bull puppy prompted San Francisco city officials Wednesday to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker. The 7-month-old male puppy, Pogo, was at Ocean Beach with his temporary owner on...

OAKLAND / Officer fires on parolee pointing gun Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
An Oakland police officer shot at a parolee Wednesday after the man pointed a handgun at him, authorities said. The shot missed, and the parolee was arrested without further incident, police said. The confrontation happened about 6:40 a.m. on the 2700 block...

Egg shortage hits stem cell studies / Research slowed by California's ban on paying donors Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Facing a human egg shortage they say is preventing medical breakthroughs, scientists and biotech entrepreneurs are pushing the country's top funders of stem cell research to rethink rules that prohibit paying women for eggs. "You need to have enough...

S.F.: Noe Valley dog park finally reopens Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
WHAT'S WORKING AGAIN S.F. dog park reopens: For more than a year, dog owners waited and wondered when the dog run at the Noe Valley Recreation Center and Park would open again. Delays and false starts repeatedly frustrated them, with one dog owner, Sharon...

Crystal ball predicts good things for Newsoms Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Author, spiritual healer and "intuitive consultant" Simone, who presided over the weekend wedding of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom and actress Jennifer Siebel, is predicting a very bright future for the city's first couple. Although Simone (who long ago...

Board passes tobacco ban in pharmacies Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
San Francisco lawmakers voted Tuesday to make the city the first in the nation to ban the sale of tobacco products at most pharmacies, a move that backers hope will lead to similar laws across the country. The ban has already attracted the attention of Marin...

How the Runs Scored Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:07:30 PDT
Dodgers 1st: Kemp walked. As Blake struck out, Kemp stole second. Martin singled to right, Kemp scored. Dodgers 1, Giants 0 Dodgers 3rd: With one out, Kemp walked. Blake walked, Kemp to second. Martin singled to center, Kemp scored, Blake to third. Kent...

Nike OKs athletes to wear rival suits Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Nike will allow its swimmers to wear Speedo's sleek LZR Racer instead of its own suit at the Beijing Games. Nike spokesman Dean Stoyer said Wednesday the company felt it was fair to extend the offer it made in June allowing its swimmers to wear Speedo's suit...

The Fishing Report Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
And there was a tremendous fog, as someone called it, even if the words were different, coming from outside the islands, then haunting the Lightbucket and the channel buoys and eventually singing the cables of the Golden Gate, the long gray yawn of the same...

Kayaking is a fun alternative to high gas prices, low water levels Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
With the big lakes low, gas prices high and cash tight, an alternative for boating getaways and lake-based vacations is to find a cheaper, simpler way to have your fun. Two new low-cost boats solve that: a rigid inflatable kayak that you can carry in a pack...

Water(less) sports / Boaters facing dried up lakes and reservoirs Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
From the Bidwell Bar Bridge at Lake Oroville, the water level at the lake is so low that the place looks like a miniature Grand Canyon. Lake Success, after months of hot dry weather, is only 11 percent full and is a dust bowl. On the edge of the San Joaquin...

NBA / Bulls guarantee Deng $71M Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Restricted free-agent forward Luol Deng and the Bulls have agreed to a six-year contract that could be worth as much as $80 million. The Bulls e-mailed a news release Wednesday afternoon announcing the "contract signing of Luol Deng." No details on the deal...

Zito takes mound in BP in his quest for answers Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Several Giants took early batting practice Wednesday. That happens a lot, with coaches usually throwing. The unusual part was who was on the mound. In his unfortunately ceaseless quest to get things right, Barry Zito pitched what amounted to a simulated game...

A'S ON DECK Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
TODAY Off FRIDAY Opponent: At Red Sox Time: 4:05 p.m. TV: Channel: 36 Pitchers: Duchscherer (10-7) vs. Wakefield (6-8) SATURDAY Opponent: At Red Sox Time: 4:05 p.m. TV: CSNBA Pitchers: Eveland (7-7) vs. Lester (9-3)...

GIANTS ON DECK Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
TODAY Off FRIDAY Opponent: At Padres Time: 7:05 p.m. TV: CSNBA Pitchers: Lincecum (11-3) vs. Banks (3-4) SATURDAY Opponent: At Padres Time: 7:05 p.m. TV: CSNBA Pitchers: Zito (5-13) vs. Peavy (8-6)...

Yanks get catcher Rodriguez Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The Yankees acquired 14-time All-Star catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez from the Tigers on Wednesday for reliever Kyle Farnsworth, a trade that filled holes for both teams. "Honestly, I was shocked by this, but that's baseball," Rodriguez said. "Now, I'm just...

Thomas appears ready; 2 optioned to Triple-A Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Frank Thomas should be back in the A's lineup as early as Friday. Thomas, who has been on the disabled list since May 28 with tendinitis in his left quadriceps, ran the bases and took batting practice against A's reliever Keith Foulke before Wednesday's...

NATIONAL LEAGUE / Haren, Arizona handle Padres Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Dan Haren pitched seven solid innings, Chad Tracy and Mark Reynolds each drove in two runs and the Diamondbacks beat the Padres 7-3 in San Diego on Wednesday night. Haren gave up a leadoff home run to Jody Gerut, but won his third straight start. Haren...

AMERICAN LEAGUE / Shoppach ties extra-base mark Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Kelly Shoppach tied a major-league record with five extra-base hits, including a game-tying homer in the ninth, but his Cleveland Indians lost 14-12 to visiting Detroit in 13 innings Wednesday night. Shoppach had two homers, three doubles and drove in three...

Teeing off Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
WORLD GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS Bridgestone Invitational Site: Akron, Ohio. Schedule: Today-Sunday. Course: Firestone Country Club, South Course (7,360 yards, par 70). Purse: $8 million. Winner's share: $1.35 million. FedEx Cup points: 26,250. Winner's share: 4,725....

Sorenstam isn't the retiring type Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The final LPGA major of the year, the Women's British Open, begins today in Sunningdale, England. It would make for a terrific storyline if Annika Sorenstam can resurrect her old magic: An all-time great player, making one last, emotional start in a major...

QB issues pervasive in preseason Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Welcome to the sport where holdouts, trade talk and letters of re-instatement are not part of the preseason discussion, leaving us to seek out the issues worth watching as college football teams across the country open camp over the next few days: - LSU...

Wie brushes off 'hateful stuff' Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Michelle Wie has heard the criticism of her decision to play in the PGA Tour's Legends Reno-Tahoe Open this week instead of attempting to qualify for the Women's British Open. Like most teenagers, the 18-year-old just wants to have a good time. She isn't...

Schnellenberger gets extension Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
If Florida Atlantic opens its long-planned new football stadium in 2010, Howard Schnellenberger will be on the sideline. The 74-year-old coach had his contract extended Wednesday through the 2010 season, a reward from the Boca Raton, Fla., school's board of...

QB tracker Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Daily progress report on the two candidates for the 49ers' starting job. Alex Smith Shaun Hill {ltriangle} -- {ltriangle} -- Working with the second team, he was 15-for-24 with no interceptions. Completed a long pass to Josh Morgan, who made a juggling...

Russell remains limited by elbow injury Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Not much changed for Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell on Wednesday. For most of practice he just watched, an ice pack wrapped around his elbow. Russell did go through some individual workouts, but he started feeling some discomfort and sat out the second...

Staley reports to camp, ready for his move to the blind side Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
After missing the first five days of training camp, Joe Staley joined the 49ers' workouts Wednesday and tried to dispel any notion that he's going to fall prey to a sophomore jinx. He had limited activity but will join the full workouts today. A first-round...

Packers try to dissuade Favre Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
Packers president Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi to meet with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James "Bus" Cook on Wednesday, in an apparent attempt to talk Favre out of reporting to camp later this week. Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell...

SPORTS CALENDAR Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
TODAYBASEBALL 11 a.m.Chicago Cubs at MilwaukeeWGN12:30 p.m.Minors: Rancho Cucamonga at San JoseBASKETBALL 5 a.m.Men's national teams: U.S. vs. Turkey. Re-airs at 5 p.m.ESPN2EXTREME SPORTS 6 p.m.X Games, at Los AngelesESPN10 p.m.X Games, at Los Angeles '...

2008 Olympics / HIGH HOPES / WNBA sends off U.S. women's team Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT
The WNBA in San Francisco - it's an idea that's come and gone and, maybe, will come back again. But with no team on the immediate horizon, a few days of community outreach and public appearances have to suffice. The league's top executives and a laundry list...

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