SFPD chief makes case for more officers in high-crime areas, but critics don't agree
Chief Scott says the department is 18% below needed staffing, short nearly 400 officers.
Vallejo wildfire stokes fears of fire season's severity
As the sheer number of California wildfires, so far this year, dwarfs last year's record year, are we becoming traumatized by all the destruction and disaster? Millions of Californians are worried about wildfires.
SF supervisors unanimously approve SoMa drug sobering center
San Francisco's Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a drug sobering center that will provide 20 short-term beds and support services for people at risk of drug overdoses.
FDA approves much-debated Alzheimer’s drug panned by experts
It’s the only therapy that U.S. regulators have said can likely treat the underlying disease, rather than manage symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
Grand Slam leaders vow to address players’ mental health as athletes lend support for Naomi Osaka
Athletes voiced their support following Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open, prompting the leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments to address players’ concerns about mental health.
Suicidal man dies following struggle with Vacaville police
Sam Yasko died following a struggle with Vacaville police officers. His mother is suing the city and department alleging excessive force caused her son's death in late 2017.
Santa Clara Co. supervisors urged to enact Laura's Law, homeless advocates opposed
What frequently happens when a person suffering from mental illness, often someone who is also homeless, refuses psychiatric treatment?
Retired Black NFL players say brain-injury payouts discriminate
Thousands of retired Black professional football players are demanding an end to the controversial use of “race-norming” to determine which players are eligible for claim payouts in the NFL’s $1 billion brain injury settlement.
Americans not getting mental health care needed amid pandemic, reports suggest
The ongoing pandemic has made access to mental health services more necessary than ever, though new reports suggest Americans aren’t getting the care they need.
Researchers develop blood test that could help gauge depression, bipolar disorder
Researchers say they found a way to tell from a person’s blood how severe their depression is, the risk of developing severe depression in the future and the risk of future bipolar disorder.
Parents of virtual learners say their kids have worse mental health, less time outside, CDC survey finds
One year after the coronavirus pandemic shut down schools nationwide, a CDC survey released Thursday shows that remote learning has taken a toll on the mental and physical health of both parents and children.
‘It’s an idea whose time has come’: Spain to test out 4-day workweek
A Spanish political party’s proposal for an experimental four-day workweek was accepted by Spain’s government, which is hoping to help the country achieve a better work/life balance.
Singer Demi Lovato reveals 2018 overdose caused brain damage
Demi Lovato’s drug overdose in 2018 resulted in the singer having three strokes and a heart attack, leaving her with physical limitations that still affect her.
Plan to replace Oakland police in mental health calls stalls
A pilot program to dispatch counselors and paramedics to mental health crises, instead of Oakland police officers is having trouble getting off the ground.
Head of police union criticizes BART plan to hire social workers
BART is planning to fill six vacant BART police officer positions with trained, but unarmed, social workers.
High school senior cheers up Danville by hanging smiley faces
In this year of COVID-19, there may not be much to smile about these days. Except maybe in Danville.
Expert advice on caring for your mental health this COVID Christmas
Mental health professionals around the Bay Area are noticing an uptick in depression and anxiety beyond what they'd typically see around the holidays, due to isolation and stress brought on by the pandemic.
UCSF: Number of patients seeking help for eating disorders doubled during pandemic
Doctors say there's been a surge in teens and young adults seeking help for eating disorders during this pandemic.