West

California Democrats vulnerable after Schiff, LA mayor victims of crime: 'If they’re not safe, who is?'

Published

2 weeks ago

May 6, 2024

Democrats could be more vulnerable in California with the growing crime issue plaguing even the state’s most notable lawmakers.

The Los Angeles Times reported Thursday that some political strategists are noting how voters are becoming more concerned about crime ahead of the November election. The issue apparently grew after both California Senate candidate Rep. Adam Schiff and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass were victims of robbery and burglary, respectfully.

“Voters are thinking: You’ve got to be kidding me,” Darry Sragow, a longtime Democratic strategist, told the L.A. Times. “Adam Schiff isn’t safe, Karen Bass isn’t safe — if they’re not safe, who is?”

Rising crime could affect the more vulnerable swing districts in California, strategists warned. ((Photo By Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images))

Though the report called the crimes “ready-made fodder for Republican critics who often lambast California’s approach to public safety,” Mark Baldassare, the survey director of the Public Policy Institute of California, acknowledged that crime is “definitely one of the top issues on voters’ minds right now.”

CHINESE AMERICANS TURN ON SAN FRANCISCO DEMOCRATS OVER CRIME, EDUCATION: WSJ

Baldassare’s own research found that between December 2023 and February, likely voters considering crime as their most important issue rose from 8% to 12%. The growth was more prominent among independent voters, with 17% of them now rating crime as their top issue.

“The thing about crime is, it doesn’t take much — it just takes one or two things that people notice and makes them scared,” Baldassare said.

Republican strategist Rob Stutzman commented that while some positions, like the open Senate race between Schiff and Republican challenger Steve Garvey, could be safe, some House of Representative seats in swing districts could be affected. He remarked that some Democratic state lawmakers trying to push back against crime show that the issue is “clearly a vulnerability” ahead of the fall.

“The pendulum is swinging, and it’s dragging them with it,” Stutzman warned.

17% of California independent voters ranked crime as their biggest issue in February. (PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office and Schiff for a comment.

Since 2020, there has been a statewide rise in property crime and theft, with local critics attributing the increase to what they term “soft-on-crime” policies like Proposition 47 and 57. However, the issue has now caused a divide among Democrats in the legislature. Some are joining forces with Republicans to propose bipartisan bills aimed at curbing petty theft, while progressive lawmakers introduced their own alternative measures – dubbed Smart Solutions – that focus on providing additional services for offenders.

SAN JOSE MAYOR’S SECURITY GUARD ASSAULTED DURING ON-CAMERA INTERVIEW

Earlier this week, former L.A. district attorney Steve Cooley pointed out the irony that politicians like Schiff, who have previously enforced soft-on-crime policies, have now been victims of crime.

LA Mayor Karen Bass and Rep. Adam Schiff were victims of high profile crimes over the past month. (Getty)

“If the super majority Democrat legislature wants to really have a positive impact on crime, they should reverse some of their previous previously enacted reckless public safety laws that have dramatically negatively impacted public safety,” Cooley told Fox News Digital. “I just think it’s ironic that Adam Schiff, who endorsed George Gascon, very publicly and very enthusiastically, is a victim of a theft.”

Fox News’ Jamie Joseph contributed to this report.

Lindsay Kornick is an associate editor for Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to lindsay.kornick@fox.com and on Twitter: @lmkornick.

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San Francisco, CA

Bay Area parties it up at Thrive City to celebrate new Golden State Valkyries WNBA team

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

Bay Area parties it up at Thrive City to celebrate new Golden State Valkyries WNBA team

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — In San Francisco, there was partying Saturday at Thrive City. This was the official community celebration for the Bay Area’s newest WNBA team, the Golden State Valkyries.

The team will play its games at Chase Center starting in 2025.

We spoke with fans who say the Valkyries are arriving at just the right time.

From the stage to the stands, there were nothing but big party vibes welcoming the Golden State Valkyries.

The ‘Valkyries’: Golden State WNBA team announces official name and logo

“It’s such a historic moment for women, and I’m so glad to be a part of it and be in the Bay for this,” said Oakland resident Elisa Gomez.

The WNBA’s newest expansion team was posting up at Thrive City on Saturday outside the Chase Center.

“I think women’s sports is really having a re-emergence and that it’s really popular for everybody, so it’s not just the men,” said Oakland resident Anna Frankel.

“I’m glad that women’s sports is getting as much exposure as men’s sport. With soccer having as much exposure as the men’s, basketball is next,” said Oakland resident Derrick Kirkpatrick.

Preparing the next generation of possible pros and fans alike.

Warriors’ goal for WNBA expansion team: ‘We want to be the best’

“Just showing her that she can do anything. She can,” said Hayward resident Moji Oladimeji, gesturing to her daughter. “Bringing a WNBA team to the Bay Area means a lot to be able to see her grow up and watch the stars on TV.”

Fans were treated to special musical guests, food, games and more. And there was merch everywhere.

“I thought it was great that it actually has the Bay Bridge in it, because usually it’s the Golden Gate, so it’s really good to include the East Bay and other parts of the Bay Area,” Frankel said.

“I think it’s really beautiful that they’ll play here. But they’re headquartered in Oakland, because I feel right now Oakland is going through a transition period and they can be part of the vibrant re-emerging as well,” said SF resident Ashley Budelli.

“We’re all really excited for it, and we’re all ready for it, and we’re ready to support it and super excited it’s coming next year,” Gomez said.

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Denver, CO

PHOTOS: 2024 Colorado state track and field championships

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

PHOTOS: 2024 Colorado state track and field championships

From left, six-year-old Arlo Darham, left, hangs out in the bleachers with his family, grandfather Joe Bahr, sister Ettie Darhumb, 6, and mother Ali Darhumb at the CHSAA Track and Field Championships at Jefferson Country Stadium in Lakewood, Colo., on Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Eli Imadali/Special to The Denver Post)

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Seattle, WA

Disputed penalty costs Seattle Sounders lead in draw vs Whitecaps

Published

1 hour ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

Disputed penalty costs Seattle Sounders lead in draw vs Whitecaps

SEATTLE (AP) — Ryan Gauld scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, and the Vancouver Whitecaps salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.

Seattle Sounders 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 1: Box Score

Gauld’s tying goal came following a lengthy video review where referee Victor Rivas and video official Pierre-Luc Lauziere determined Seattle defender Nouhou committed a handball inside the penalty area in the 90th minute.

Gauld sent Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei the wrong direction with his left-footed shot for his fourth goal of the season. Gauld also scored against the Sounders in a 2-0 win last month.

Seattle’s Jordan Morris scored his second of the year in the opening minutes of the match but the Sounders will feel it was a harsh penalty decision that cost them the chance at three points. Seattle was trying to complete a six-point week and pick up wins over its two Cascadia rivals after winning in Portland last weekend.

Instead, the Sounders remain with just one victory at home so far this season.

The Sounders nearly picked up a late winner as designated player Pedro de la Vega had a shot hit the post in the final seconds of the match. De la Vega entered in the 76th minute for his first appearance since March 2 when suffered a hamstring injury against Austin FC. He also had a header hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute.

Morris’ goal came off a scramble in the penalty area in the ninth minute. Alex Roldan’s initial shot was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, but was pushed right toward Morris and his left-footed shot found net. His only other goal this season came on April 6 against Montreal.

Seattle’s Own 🤩
Jordan Morris makes it 1-0! #SEAvVAN pic.twitter.com/CgNzdzLeEp
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— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 19, 2024

After losing its last two league matches, both on the road, the Whitecaps earned a point with the late draw. But Vancouver has not won since beating Seattle on April 20 and scored just two goals in its last five MLS games.

While Vancouver gets to go home this week, it doesn’t get much easier. After a midweek home game against Calvary FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals, the Whitecaps host Lionel Messi and Eastern Conference-leading Inter Miami next Saturday.

Brock: How Seahawks’ defense will create ‘illusion of complexity’

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