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Public Utilities Commission Approves Plan That Requires PG&E to File Twice-Yearly Safety Reports

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:29:16 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – The California Public Utilities Commission is approving an agreement that requires Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to provide a semi-annual gas transmission and storage safety report.

The utility will have to update regulators on crucial safety work completed on its natural gas pipelines over the next three years. The reports will have to explain what pipelines are being replaced and what lines are at high risk. PG&E will also have to justify its annual budgets and strategic plans.

Regulators have been looking into PG&E’s actions following a deadly gas line explosion on Sept. 9 in San Bruno. The utility could also get fined if officials aren’t able to provide documents that show that their high-pressure transmission lines are operating safely.

(Copyright 2011, KRON 4 News, All Rights Reserved.)

Man Runs Out of Adult Bookstore on Fire, Treated for Life-Threatening Injuries

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:35:08 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A man is being treated for life-threatening injuries after he somehow caught fire inside an adult bookstore in San Francisco's South of Market neighborhood on Wednesday evening, police and fire officials said.

Police Lt. Troy Dangerfield says that the man was seen on fire, running out of the Golden Gate Adult Superstore at 99 Sixth St. at about 6:20 p.m. Wednesday.

It’s unclear how the man caught fire, Dangerfield said.

A private ambulance crew saw the man when he collapsed at Mission and Sixth streets, came to his help and put out the flames, fire Lt. Mindy Talmadge said.

Talmadge said the man suffered burns over 90 percent of his body, varying from first- to third-degree burns.

(Copyright 2011, KRON 4 News, All Rights Reserved.)

Napa State Hospital Patient Who Died After Fight Suffered Heart Attack

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:21:34 -0800

NAPA (KRON) – Napa State Hospital officials say that a patient who died after a fight with his roommate on Monday suffered a heart attack, Napa County sheriff’s Capt. Tracey Stuart said.

Deputies responded to the hospital, located at 2100 Napa Vallejo Highway, on Monday at about 5:53 p.m. for a death investigation.

Preliminary autopsy reports show that the cause of death is coronary artery disease and an enlarged heart, Stuart said. The pathologist ruled out asphyxia and excited delirium as potential causes.

Hospital staff said that William Roebling, 47, assaulted one of his roommates. Another resident stepped in between the two roommates, Stuart said, and a staff member wrestled Roebling to the ground.

Staff members were able to restrain Roebling and rolled him onto his back. They saw that he was turning blue and he then stopped breathing. Staff members immediately began CPR but were not able resuscitate Roebling. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

(Copyright 2011, KRON 4 News, All Rights Reserved.)

San Francisco International Airport’s Renovated Terminal 2 Opens

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 11:49:29 -0800

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – San Francisco International Airport's newly renovated Terminal 2 is now open, SFO spokesman Mike McCarron said.

Virgin America and American Airlines travelers at terminal 2 were greeted with free cupcakes and champagne Thursday morning to celebrate the opening of the 640,000-square-foot terminal.

KRON 4’s Will Tran spoke to travelers who seemed happy with the new features which include new local restaurants, stores, a wine bar and a spa.

“It’s smart and fun,” Mara Sanfelipe, a traveler, told Will.

“A lot of people walk in and saw wow this is really nice,” McCarron told Will.

Terminal 2 also includes play areas for kids and public art. Renovations cost $2 million less than expected, McCarron said and 95 percent of the materials used come from recycled components.

(Copyright 2011, KRON 4 News, All Rights Reserved.)

CSU Students And Faculty Rally, Call For Affordable Higher Education

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:35:12 -0800

SAN JOSE (KRON) – Students and faculty across the California State University system are calling for affordable higher education by holding rallies and teach-ins Wednesday.

The rally, called "Take Class Action: Demand Quality Education," is happening at all 23 CSU campuses.

"Too many Californians have already lost their homes and jobs; we will not let California lose its public universities," California Faculty Association president Lillian Taiz said in a statement. "We cannot cut back on training our state's future workforce and then expect our economy to thrive," she said.

Protesters gathered at San Jose State University's Tommy Smith statue Wednesday at noon and will rally throughout the day.

In San Francisco, a "Stand up for public education" forum is being held at Jack Adams Hall in the Chavez Student Center.

Sonoma State University is hosting a "Keeping the Public University Public" rally with speakers, music and visuals depicting student fee increases.

CSU Monterey Bay is holding a "Class in the Quad" that features a "final exam" and "cold cuts" theme.

The California Maritime Academy in Vallejo held a picket line Wednesday morning with information about the state budget and faculty contracts.

(Copyright 2011, KRON 4 News, All Rights Reserved.)