Homeowner Fights Flames, Lawyer Charged in Fatal Hit-And-Run, Inmate Escapes

Swalwell Named As Assistant Democratic Whip

On Monday, Democratic House Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) named Swalwell as an assistant whip.

Whips are part of the Democratic caucus. They inform other Democratic House members of impending legislation and help line up votes.

Homeowner Attempts to Fight Flames Himself Before Firefighters Extinguish Garage Fire

Bill Goodwin grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to extinguish the flames himself, but was unsuccessful. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District responded to a reported fire on Mockingbird Place in Danville at 4:31 p.m. and the blaze was extinguished about 15 minutes later, San Ramon Valley Fire District Capt. Tom Andersen said.

Lawyer Charged in Fatal Hit-And-Run that Killed Bicyclist Due in Court

The attorney of the San Ramon lawyer charged with felony hit-and-run in the death of a bicyclist struck and killed on Dougherty Valley Road in May gave a clue in an interview with Patch as to his possible defense.

"The question is did he [Smith] realize he hit a human being," William Gagen said. "He realized he hit something because there was a huge hole in the windshield. He called his insurance company the next day and left it parked in the garage."

Dates for 2013 Art & Wind Festival Announced

The San Ramon Art & Wind Festival is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, May 26 and 27 in San Ramon’s Central Parkrom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

Caiman Found Guarding Pot in Castro Valley Dies at Oakland Zoo

A caiman that was found guarding 34 pounds of marijuana at a Castro Valley home on Tuesday died early this morning, zoo officials said.

The caiman was found by Alameda County sheriff's deputies near the stash of dry, processed marijuana at a home in the 19000 block of Mt. Jasper Drive on Tuesday afternoon, sheriff's Sgt. J.D. Nelson said.

UPDATE: Santa Rita Inmate Escapes at Highland Hospital

Officers are looking for a San Rita Jail inmate after he escaped at Highland Hospital in Oakland on Friday morning, according to an Alameda County Sgt. J.D. Nelson said.

Anthony Hoskins, 31, was going to the hospital for a routine medical reason and took off running when he arrived at around 10:40 a.m.

"During his transport, we believe he manipulated his leg irons and his waist and hand restraints and as soon as he got to the hospital, he took
off running," Nelson said.

Other news to know:

• Governor Unveils Balanced Budget
• Would You Let Your Kids Play Football?
• Should Barry Bonds Have Been Elected Into the Hall of Fame?

What do you think of this week's top stories? Do you have a story idea for this week? Tell us in the comments section.

---

Like San Ramon Patch | Follow San Ramon Patch | Blog on San Ramon Patch | Get Free San Ramon Patch Newsletters