Confronting sexism and gender bias in Silicon Valley
The Bay Area is home to a number of tech giants and start-ups, attracting people from all backgrounds across the world. But the industry can also be notoriously cut-throat and presents an additional set of challenges for women navigating the often male-dominated field. In her new novel, creative writer Kyla Zhao chronicles the life of a Gen Z woman tackling gender bias, sexism and doubt in Silicon Valley. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Zhao about how her own experiences influenced "Valley Verified" and the advice she has for any woman entering tech.
Deadly mountain lion attack renews conversation about wildlife safety
The first deadly mountain lion attack in California in 20 years is renewing the conversation about wildlife safety and how humans interact with wild animals. KTVU's Alex Savidge speaks with Alys Granados from the Bay Area Puma Project about the best ways to avoid conflict with mountain lions and the likelihood of attacks like this happening in the first place.
Southwest Airlines confirms future red-eye flights
Southwest said it will initially offer the red-eye flights in markets where they have a large presence, such as Hawaii and Las Vegas.
Free Blockbuster libraries are cropping up in the Bay Area as part of a new movement
"Free Blockbuster" kiosks are popping up in the Bay Area, as part of a new movement to offer communities access to free entertainment. They're set up as libraries where people can leave movies so others can borrow them.
FCI Dublin officer's behavior 'egregious,' had sexual contact with 7 women
Federal prosecutors are asking that an FCI Dublin correctional officer receive six years in prison - slightly more than the former warden was sentenced to - for having illegal sexual relationships with seven women that he groomed by bonding over the Raiders, touching their buttocks and writing them sexual notes.
New report: Cost of being a woman in California
New research by Mount Saint Mary's University reveals the average monetary cost of being a woman in California and highlights the work that still needs to be done to address inequities, including but not limited to the wage gap. In its latest report on The Status of Women and Girls in California, data shows the wage gap has narrowed over the past decade but COVID slowed the progress down significantly, especially for women of color. KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes are joined by Dr. Nicole Haggard, Director of the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary's University for more on the report.
Adoptable dogs available now at Oakland Animal Services
KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes are joined live in studio by Ann Dunn, Director of Oakland Animal Services and German Shepherd Doberman Pinscher mix Bruno with his foster mom Madison Hale ahead of National Puppy Day.
Trauma specialist explains paths to healing in wake of 'Quiet on Set'
The new documentary series "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV" dives into the dysfunction of the children's tv industry, particularly popular Nickelodeon shows run by Dan Schneider. Several actors and former child stars tell their stories of abuse and inappropriate behavior at work, renewing the conversation about child safety and healing from traumatic experiences. KTVU's Heather Holmes is joined by Dr. Frank Anderson, Harvard psychiatrist and trauma specialist about this docuseries brings to light an issue that is far from exclusive to the entertainment industry.
West Coast Wrap: Thursday, March 21, 2024
A statewide manhunt for an escaped inmate and his suspected accomplice is over. We look at the crimes investigators suspect the pair may have been involved in before they tracked them down. Also, chaos at the Southern border. See how migrants rushed passed a razor wire fence and National Guard troops. See how they were stopped.
"March Munch Madness" tips off in Berkeley
Basketball fans are buzzing for the start of March Madness but in Berkeley, they're celebrating something called "Munch Madness". The city is tipping off its highly-anticipated restaurant week with more than 75 restaurants offering delicious deals, many of which highlighting mushrooms as their MVP. The motto is..."They shoot, they spore!" KTVU's Alex Savidge and Heather Holmes are joined live in studio by Jeffrey Church with Visit Berkeley for details on this year's tiered pricing options, from the "Layup" to the "Full Court Press".
Campaign raises more than $1 million for sexual assault survivors
When a sexual assault victim steps forward, the are all too often met with hurtful comments that they, in some way are responsible for what happened. Victim blaming is sadly a common occurrence, and a campaign called "Still Not Asking For It" has been fighting that stigma for the last 10 years. The annual flash charity event is held at tattoo shops in the Bay Area and around the world, raising more than $1million to help support sexual assault survivors. KTVU's Heather Holmes is joined live in studio by Ben Verhoek, tattoo artist and co-owner of Pastime Tattoo in San Leandro for more on this weekend's annual event and how to participate.
Goodwill SF teaming up with SFSU fashion design students
Goodwill is partnering up with local fashion design students in an effort to repurpose clothes and turn them into new garments. Six students from San Francisco State University's Fashion Design and Merchandising Department have been given clothes from a Goodwill warehouse that would otherwise have been thrown away. By the end of the semester, they are challenged to showcase their upcycled garments on mannequins at one of the San Francisco Goodwill stores. KTVU's Alex Savidge speaks with Julie Bryant, Goodwill SF's Director of Sustainability about the goals of the new partnership.
FCI Dublin: Mysterious skin spots appear on incarcerated women
Mysterious skin spots, burst capillaries and bothersome rashes have begun to appear on dozens of incarcerated women at the Federal Correctional Institute at Dublin – another scourge at the scandal-plagued prison, better known for sexual abuse and retaliation.
West Coast Wrap: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
An ambush-style attack leaves three Idaho corrections officers shot and an inmate on the run. Why investigators suspect the inmate planned this escape with someone on the outside. And a man wants millions from women making comments about him in a Facebook group called, 'Are We Dating the Same Guy'. See how two of the women he's suing are responding to his allegations that they're hurting him.
Female athletes sue NCAA, allege "serial" Title IX violations
A new lawsuit is taking aim at the NCAA's policies on transgender athletes. More than a dozen current and former athletes filed the suit, accusing the association of violating their rights under Title IX by allowing a transgender woman to compete in a swimming competition. At the national championships in 2022, Lia Thomas won the Women's 500-Yard Freestyle Event competing for the University of Pennsylvania. Thomas was the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division 1 Title in any sport. In the lawsuit, one of the plaintiffs, Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines says she tied for 5th place with Thomas in a different event but Thomas was handed the trophy instead of her. KTVU's Alex Savidge discusses the lawsuit and allegations with Shaun Fletcher, Professor of Public Relations and Sports Communication at San Jose State University.
How to manage seasonal allergies with and without medication
Spring is here and so are seasonal allergies. KTVU's Heather Holmes speaks with Dr. Malaika Stoll, Senior Medical Director at Blue Shield of California about the best ways to prevent and reduce allergy symptoms with and without taking medicine.
Viral ad pushes back against misconceptions about Down syndrome
An ad released ahead of World Down Syndrome Day is sparking conversation and challenging assumptions about people with the condition. The ad stars Canadian actor and model Madison Tevlin and was produced by the advocacy group Coordown in partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society and other organizations. The conclusion: assumptions, both negative and positive, can become reality. KTVU's Heather Holmes and Alex Savidge are joined by Madison Tevlin and CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society Kandi Pickard for how they hope the ad will help shape public perception of Down syndrome.
West Coast Wrap: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
A pregnant Arizona lawmaker reveals she is planning to get an abortion. Tonight, we look at what she hopes to highlight with this deeply personal revelation on the floor of the state Senate. Also, a hip-hop icon is getting Hollywood recognition. We'll show you how Dr. Dre is being celebrated.
SF Mayor moves to keep giant Ferris wheel at Fisherman's Wharf another 18 months
San Francisco Mayor London Breed is seeking to extend the stay of a popular new attraction to the city’s waterfront.
Falcon baby watch returns, 2 eggs appear atop Berkeley clocktower
It's that time of year again; baby falcon watch! Just over a month ago, Annie, the beloved UC Berkeley peregrine falcon took a new mate into her nest on top of the Berkeley campanile. He has been named Archie, earning his title as a result of a falcon fan naming competition last month on social media. Three days ago, one egg appeared in the nest, followed by egg number two just yesterday. Now, the watch is on for eggs number three and four. KTVU's Alex Savidge speaks with Cal Falcons biologists Lynn Schofield and Sean Peterson about all of the excitement as falcon chick season gets started.