Big Theft Ring Caught; Striking Nurses Reach Deal | NorCal In Brief

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — As the weekend wraps up, we've rounded up all the stories you may have missed Saturday and Sunday to prepare you for Monday.

But before we jump into Northern California top stories, Golden State residents should know that a retail theft ring that stole more than $1 million in jewelry from JCPenny and Sam's Club stores was apprehended.

The organized theft ring stole items from stories across nine California counties including Contra Costa, Fresno, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino and Tulare.

The news comes months flash mobs of thieves descended on stores across several counties during the holiday season, raising the alarm statewide. While such cases slowed down into this year, they are still being reported.

Read more about that here.

From a tentative deal reached by nurses that have been on strike since last week to the groundbreaking of a new wildlife undercrossing in Santa Cruz — here are some of the stories you may have missed.

Wildlife Undercrossing In Santa Cruz Breaks Ground

A project is now underway that will create a wildlife undercrossing beneath state Highway 17.

Nurses At Stanford Health, Packard Children's Reach Tentative Contract

A union representing about 5,000 nurses reached a tentative deal for a new contract, which could end a strike that began Monday.

Benicia Police Arrest Carjacking Suspect, Finds 67 Pounds Of Pot

The suspect had warrants out of Alameda and Solano Counties for crimes ranging from robbery, felony assaults, weapon charges and more.

San Mateo Co. Kicks Off Mental Health Month With Events, Education

The San Mateo Board of Supervisors will be kicking off Mental Health Month by making a proclamation honoring the designation on Tuesday.

Early Literacy For All In CA: An Unmet Promise

More than 60% of California third graders are reading below grade level and advocates are urging state leaders to change this.

Motorcyclist Dead In Redwood City After Colliding With Tree

A man died on Sunday morning after colliding with a tree and being thrown from his bike.

SF Makes Free Diapers Available For Those On Public Benefits

San Francisco has expanded its free Diaper Bank program to everyone on public benefits, including immigrants and undocumented families.

Man Who Murdered CA Couple Killed In Prison

A man serving a life sentence for stabbing an elderly couple to death was killed in custody and it was being investigated as a homicide.

CA Theft Ring That Stole $1M In Jewelry Apprehended: Prosecutors

Two people pleaded guilty to taking part in a series of smash-and-grab robberies of jewelry at stores across nine California counties.

Stagecoach Country Music Festival Day 2: In Photos

The second day of the Riverside County-based festival featured headliner Carrie Underwood with a surprise appearance from Axl Rose.

Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peak: When To Look Up In NorCal

Sometimes spelled “Eta Aquarids,” the star show will peak this week, and NorCal residents have a handful of dark sky locations to flock to.

Two Weekend Earthquakes Rattle Sonoma County

The two quakes hit within nine hours of each other and near the same area on Saturday.

2 Dead, 1 Missing In NorCal After Car Plunges Into Ocean

Two people were found dead and one person was still missing after a car went into the ocean at Pescadero State Beach, authorities said.