Top South Bay News Stories Of 2017

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — As we close the book on 2017, we take a look back at the most-read news stories on Santa Clara County Patch sites Palo Alto, Los Altos, Mountain View, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga and Gilroy. Stories about two inmates who escaped from the Palo Alto Courthouse and another escapee from Southern California who was caught in Mountain View were widely read, as were multiple other breaking news items from throughout the year. Stories focusing on the new Apple campus also generated plenty of interest, as did articles about alleged gender inequality at Google.

2 Inmates Escape Palo Alto Courthouse: Sheriff

The escapees are considered dangerous, Santa Clara County sheriff's officials say. Anyone who sees them should call 911.

'Dear Mr. Google Manifesto': Epic Response From Chemical Engineer, Corp VP, Mom Of 5

"Women in science and engineering fields need to start telling their stories," she says.

Coroner Releases 'Home Alone' Actor John Heard's Cause Of Death

The actor known as the "Home Alone" dad had undergone a back surgery; however, cardiac arrest was to blame, officials say.

Apple Employees Begin Working From Massive New Silicon Valley Campus

As relocation of 12,000 employees to the new Cupertino campus continues, a New York Times article examines the local impacts of Apple Park.

Trio Arrested In Crime Spree Spanning 5 South Bay Cities: Police

A trio of young women were arrested in connection with a six-month crime spree involving burglaries and identity thefts at real estate open houses and retail stores in the cities of Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Palo Alto and Santa Clara.

Palo Alto Mountain Lion Sighting: Police, Animal Services Patrolling Near Schools

The community is on alert after a resident reported seeing a mountain lion and a cub Thursday morning, Aug. 31, 2017.

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise Announces It Is Leaving Palo Alto

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017 it is leaving Palo Alto to set up shop in another Silicon Valley city.

Gilroy Ballybunion Fire Caused By Fireworks; Arrests Made: Police

The cause of the 100-acre Ballybunion — or Bally — Fire that broke out Sunday, Sept. 3, 2017 in Gilroy has been determined to be the use of illegal fireworks, Gilroy police confirmed. Four teen boys ages 14 and 15 were allegedly seen playing with illegal fireworks described as "firecrackers" on a hillside near the 1900 block of Ballybunion Court, and as they ignited the fireworks, a fire started on the hillside, according to police.

Ballot Measure To Recall Santa Clara Co. Judge Who Sentenced Brock Turner Sought

Judge Aaron Perksy is criticized for sentencing the former Stanford swimmer convicted in the rape case to six months in jail.

Celebrity Chef Opens Bay Area Culinary Entrepreneurship Program

Culinary and wine education institution the International Culinary Center has launched a entrepreneurship program on its Campbell campus in Santa Clara County, led by Food Network star Tyler Florence.

Attempted Purse Snatcher Flees After Hot Coffee is Thrown in His Face

A victim threw hot coffee in the face of a would-be purse snatcher at a South Bay shopping mall; now police seek two suspects who got away.

Bay Area Cops Make Record-Setting Drug Bust

Detectives say a residential search netted nearly 4,000 pounds of opium poppy pods with a street value of $400,000.

Highway 17 Closed Through Los Gatos Due to Police Action

Santa Clara County sheriff's deputies were continuing to search in the Santa Cruz Mountains this morning, Jan. 27, 2017 for a man who robbed a bank in Scotts Valley.

'Disturbing' Texts On San Jose-Bound Flight Lead To 2 Arrests: Police

Authorities say a passenger on a flight from Seattle to San Jose reported the allegedly explicit messages about child sex abuse.

2 Found Shot To Death In Saratoga Home: Sheriff's Office

Santa Clara County sheriff's investigators remain on the scene at a residence on Highway 9. Authorities released limited information since the bodies were discovered inside a home in the 19000 block of Saratoga Los Gatos Road, near Glen Una Drive.

Memorial Service Set For South Bay CHP Officer Killed In Off-Duty Motorcycle Crash

"Everyone here is going to miss him," said CHP Sgt. Erica Elias, who served as CHP Officer James Branik's supervisor.

SoCal Prison Escapee Arrested In Mountain View

A California state prison official says Jason Kohr walked away Oct. 28 from a Los Angeles facility.

Woman, 23, Accused Of Murder In Fatal Campbell Hit-And-Run: Police

The San Jose woman is suspected of running over the victim with her car, fatally injuring her.

Single Scratchers Ticket Bought In Los Altos Pays Off Big

A woman who purchased a single ticket at a Los Altos grocery store won $600,000, California Lottery officials say.

Santa Clara Co. Firefighters Free Person Stuck In Garbage Truck

Rescue personnel provided the man with medical care while working to free him.

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