Bay Area News Briefs: Local Leaders, Roads, and Parks
Stay informed with the latest developments across the Bay Area, from new leadership in Gilroy to the ongoing impact of federal policies and local infrastructure updates. This Wednesday Afternoon News Roundup covers key stories affecting our communities, including a fatal train incident and the surprising state of our roads.
Gilroy Welcomes New Interim Police Chief
Gilroy has officially appointed Binder as its interim police chief. Binder brings over two decades of experience from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose to undersheriff and even briefly served as acting sheriff in 2022. His appointment follows a thorough selection process, with Binder chosen over former San Francisco Assistant Police Chief David Lazar and Solano Community College District Police Chief Brian Wynn Huynh Travis. The decision was made after three hours of public comment and interviews, with four out of five supervisors voting in favor.
Federal Shutdown Impacts Bay Area Food Security
The ongoing federal government shutdown is having a direct, negative impact on Bay Area farm families and food assistance programs. With the U.S. Supreme Court granting an extension to withhold SNAP benefits until Thursday at 11:59 p.m., the trickle-down effect is leading to food shortages. Local governments, food banks, and nonprofits are working to fill the gap, but the loss of federal dollars is also reducing local food sales, as noted by Andy Naja-Riese, CEO of the Agricultural Institute of Marin.
Fatal SMART Train Collision Near Santa Rosa
A fatal collision involving a Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train occurred Wednesday morning near Santa Rosa. The incident, which took place shortly before 11:10 a.m. near West Robles Avenue, resulted in the death of a man. SMART southbound train trip 21, carrying 45 passengers and two crew members, was involved, though no one on the train sustained injuries. The collision caused significant delays, with bus shuttles deployed to assist passengers, and regular service was restored by early afternoon.
Bay Area Road Conditions: A Pavement Report Card
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) released its annual pavement condition index (PCI) report, grading the Bay Area’s 44,000 miles of local streets and roads as “fair” with an overall score of 67 out of 100 in 2024. Larkspur, in Marin County, notably topped the list with an impressive PCI score of 87, a significant improvement from its “poor” rating in 2017 following voter-approved sales tax measures. Other high-ranking cities include Palo Alto, Cupertino, Orinda, Hillsborough, and Los Altos Hills. St. Helena saw the biggest leap, improving from 52 to 63. Conversely, Vallejo remains the only jurisdiction in the “poor” range with a three-year average of 44, while the region’s overall score has remained stagnant for a decade.
| City/Jurisdiction | PCI Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Larkspur | 87 | Best in region, significant improvement from “poor” in 2017. |
| Palo Alto | Among top performers | (Specific score not detailed in source) |
| St. Helena | 63 (up from 52) | Biggest improvement in the region. |
| San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose | Minor improvements | Major cities saw slight gains in three-year scores. |
| Vallejo | 44 | Only jurisdiction in the “poor” range. |
| Bay Area Overall | 67 | “Fair” rating, consistent for 10 years. |
Pinnacles National Park Open (and Free!) During Shutdown
For those looking to escape, Pinnacles National Park in Monterey and San Benito counties remains accessible and, surprisingly, free during the federal government shutdown. Despite a notice warning of unavailable amenities and services, the main east entrance is open with no one collecting the usual entrance fee. This 42-square-mile park, known for its dramatic volcanic rock formations and over 30 miles of trails, continues to welcome visitors from near and far, including international tourists enjoying the mild autumn weather and ample parking.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was appointed as Gilroy’s interim police chief?
Binder, a former undersheriff and acting sheriff from the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, was appointed after a vote of 4-1 by the board. - How is the federal government shutdown affecting food programs in the Bay Area?
The shutdown has led to an extension in withholding SNAP benefits, causing food shortages for farm families and impacting local food sales due to a loss of federal funding. - Were there any injuries on the SMART train involved in the Santa Rosa collision?
No, none of the 45 passengers or two crew members on the SMART train were injured in the fatal collision. - Which Bay Area city has the best road conditions?
Larkspur, in Marin County, boasts the best pavement conditions in the Bay Area with a PCI score of 87, according to the MTC report. - Is Pinnacles National Park still open during the government shutdown?
Yes, Pinnacles National Park’s main east entrance is open, and admission is currently free, though some amenities and services may be unavailable.
As the Bay Area navigates these diverse challenges, staying informed on local leadership, community resources, transportation safety, and even opportunities for outdoor escape remains crucial for residents.
Gilroy Names Interim Police Chief Binder
