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Fire destroys Oakland warehouse, killing 9; dozens more feared dead

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Fire tore through an Oakland warehouse converted into artist studios during a late night dance party, killing at least nine people, and officials said Saturday that the death toll could rise as high as 40.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- Firefighters struggled to get to bodies in the rubble Saturday after a fire tore through a converted Oakland warehouse during a late-night electronic music party, killing at least 9 people and making the charred structure unsafe for emergency crews to enter. Officials said at least two dozen more were missing in the rubble of the building.

Officials described the scene inside the warehouse, which had been illegally converted into artist studios, as a death trap that made it impossible for many partygoers to escape the Friday night fire. And a day later, the maze of debris and devastation was complicating efforts to extract the bodies.

"It was just a labyrinth of little areas. We knew people were in there, and we were trying to get them out. But it was just a labyrinth," Oakland deputy fire chief Mark Hoffmann told reporters Saturday afternoon.

He said that firefighters had to stop their search and rescue operation Saturday afternoon for safety reasons and shore up the structure, but they expected to resume later in the day. The building's roof had collapsed into the second floor, which in places fell to the bottom floor.

Oakland officials said they had opened an investigation just last month into the warehouse after numerous complaints filed by neighbors who said trash was piling up outside the property and people were illegally living in the building, which was zoned as a warehouse.

Darin Ranelletti, of the Oakland Planning Department, said the city opened an investigation Nov. 13 and an investigator went to the premises on Nov. 17 but could not get inside the building. The city has not confirmed people were living inside.

One survivor, however, said that 18 artists lived inside the warehouse.

Bob Mule said he was one of the artists living in the collective space. He told KGO-TV that he and another person smelled smoke and spotted the fire in a back corner and started yelling.

"The fire went up really, really, really quickly," he said.

Mule said he tried to help someone who had an injured ankle but couldn't. "There was a lot of stuff in the way, the flames were too much," Mule said, trailing off. "I hope, I hope he's OK."

Online records listed the building's owner as Nar Siu Chor. The Associated Press could not locate a telephone number for her Saturday and efforts to reach her at other Oakland addresses associated with her were not successful.

The warehouse was known as the "Oakland Ghost Ship." Its website showed pictures of a bohemian, loft-like interior made of wood and cluttered with rugs, old sofas and a garage-sale like collection of pianos, paintings, turntables, statues and other items.

The website included advertisements for various electronic music parties. Friday night's event featured musician Golden Donna's 100% Silk West Coast tour. A message on the group's website said "Joel is safe but like many people he is heartbroken."

It's unclear what sparked the fire. But officials said the clutter served as a tinderbox and there were no sprinklers inside.

"Something as simple as a cigarette could have started this," Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Ray Kelly said, adding that people either escaped from the building or died inside, where the only way down from the second story was via a stairwell constructed entirely of wooden pallets. "It appears that either you got out or you got trapped inside."

By nightfall Saturday, rescue crews had recovered nine bodies from the building and said about two dozen were still unaccounted for. None of the nine dead have been identified.

About 50 to 100 people were believed to have been at the party when the fire started around 11:30 p.m. Friday, officials said.

Oakland Fire Chief Teresa Deloach Reed said at least 25 people were unaccounted for. The victims were believed to be people in their 20s, Kelly said. He said as many as 40 may have perished and that the coroner is preparing for a "mass casualty event" that could include victims from other countries.

Searchers brought in cranes and heavy equipment to search through the night.

"We know there are bodies in there that we can't get to -- that have been seen but not recovered," Kelly said. "There's bodies that are trapped in there, that need to be cut from the wreckage."

Monica Kat, a paralegal, feared four of her friends perished in the fire.

"I texted one of my friends immediately and you know, people were checking in on Facebook, we were all checking in looking for them and they're still not accounted for and I can only think the worst at this point," she said.

Panicked friends and family posted messages on the group's Facebook page trying to find out if their loved ones were among the dead. Those searching for the missing were sent to a local sheriff's office, where Dan Vega was anxiously awaiting news. He had been unable to find his younger brother or his brother's girlfriend.

Vega said he was not sure if the two were at the party Friday night but that his brother likes to go to raves and he had not been able to reach him Saturday. His girlfriend's car was still parked at a transit station in San Bruno, south of San Francisco.

Fighting tears, Dan Vega said he's frustrated authorities hadn't been able to tell him anything about his 22-year-old brother.

"I just want to go over there. I have my work boots on. I'm ready to go," Dan Vega said. "Just give me some gloves. I'll help out any way, shape or form, I don't care. This is infuriating. I don't know where my brother's at. I just want to find him."

Oakland police urged those concerned about missing people to call the Alameda County Sheriff's Coroner's Bureau at 510-382-3000.


Seen@ Storrowton Village's annual Yuletide Festival in West Springfield

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Christmas might be three weeks away, but the holiday spirit lured families to Storrowton Village Museum on Saturday.

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Christmas might be three weeks away, but the holiday spirit lured families to Storrowton Village Museum on Saturday.

The free Yuletide at Storrowton winter festival at Eastern States Exposition brought the community together to celebrate the holidays with traditional Yuletide activities, entertainment and shopping in the historic 19th century village.

The event spread holiday cheer with musical performances in the meetinghouse, animals, ice sculpting and early American craft demonstrations. Other events throughout the village included blacksmithing, quilting, fireplace cooking, hands-on children's crafts, petting zoo and farm animals.

Hot beverages and home baked goods were available in the Holiday Sweet Shoppe, as were gifts, jewelry, scarves and more in the Storrowton Village Gift Shop.

The free festival continues on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Yuletide Open House Tours will be offered Dec. 6 though 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yuletide Lantern Light tours will take place on Dec. 7, from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission for each is $5, with children under 6 admitted for free.

For more information, call the village at (413) 205-5051, the Info Line at (413) 205-5115 or visit Yuletide at Storrowton.

Several buildings engulfed in flames 10-alarm fire in Cambridge

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A 10-alarm fire in Cambridge on Saturday led to several buildings being engulfed in flames. Watch video

CAMBRIDGE — Eight different buildings were affected by a 10-alarm fire in Cambridge on Saturday afternoon, according to The Boston Globe.

Police say the blaze began on Berkshire Street at approximately 3 p.m.

Three to four people--including two police officers--sustained minor injuries, and at least one house has collapsed as a result of the fire.

The fire also resulted in the neighborhood's power being cut, with police saying it may stay off late into the night.

Approximately 20 different fire departments from surrounding communities were called to the site to assist with fighting the large blaze, including firefighters from Newton, Malden, Medford, Arlington, Chelsea, and Lynn.

Cambridge Fire Chief Gerald Reardon said that it was fortunate that the fire started during the day, as opposed to during the night. "People are awake, available, not sleeping. Actually, we're just very fortunate right now."

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, said Reardon.

 

Seen@ 33rd annual Breakfast with Santa at Westfield State University

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Santa and his helpers arrived on the Westfield State University Campus for the 33rd Breakfast with Santa as a sold-out crowd gathered in Scanlon Banquet Hall with members of the Westfield State Circle K club Saturday.

WESTFIELD - Santa and his helpers arrived on the Westfield State University Campus for the 33rd Breakfast with Santa as a sold-out crowd gathered in Scanlon Banquet Hall with members of the Westfield State Circle K club Saturday.

Soon after his arrival, Santa was escorted into the Living Room of Scanlon Hall where children and adults could chat with ol' St. Nick and get a professional photograph for an additional five-dollar donation.

This year, children could send Santa a letter through a special North Pole mailbox. For every letter 'sent', a $1 donation from Macy's would be sent to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The two breakfast sittings, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m., were sold out according to Madison Babula, president of the WSU Circle K club. Breakfast was served buffet style, consisting of scrambled eggs, bacon, diced potatoes, waffles, baked goods, juice, tea and coffee.

Each child with a paid admission was given a present as guests were entertained by the Melha clowns and Westfield Middle School North K Builders club.

The Circle K club is a community based service organization at Westfield State University and sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Westfield and the Student Government Association at Westfield State University.

The Breakfast with Santa proceeds were to benefit local charities that will be determined by the WSU Circle K club. Additional support was provided by the Westfield State Foundation, Westfield Bank, The Westfield News Group, MedExpress Urgent Care, Easthampton Savings Bank and the Kiwanis Club of Westfield.

Flag celebration event at Hampshire College canceled as 'act of faith'

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After Hampshire College decided on Friday to re-raise the national emblem, the event was changed to one celebrating the flag's significance. Watch video

AMHERST — The group responsible for organizing a "flag celebration" event in front of Hampshire College in Amherst cancelled their plans on Saturday.

In the days after Donald Trump's election, Hampshire College made the controversial decision to lower the American flag -- an act that angered many people in the local community.

The Amherst VFW Commander and Veterans Advocacy Services had initially planned to stage a "Raise Our Flag" event demanding that the flag be returned to its position. However, after the school decided on Friday to re-raise the national emblem, the event was changed to one celebrating the flag's significance.

The event had been scheduled for Sunday, from noon to 3 p.m.

However, Victor A. Nunez Ortiz, the president of the organization, made an announcement over social media at 1:35 p.m. on Saturday, announcing the event's cancellation. "In Hopes of furthering and fostering relationships & discussions with Hampshire College and the citizens of Amherst, Massachusetts #RaiseOurFlag organizers have made a decision to CANCEL the event," said Ortiz.

"In light of all that is happening in our country, there are other areas that need our attention where the flag is being disrespected and mistreated," Ortiz further stated. "Once again, thank you Hampshire College for doing the right thing; and especially like to thank all #RaiseOurFlag supporters that have stood by Old Glory," he said.


Seen@ The 20th annual West Springfield Holiday Tour of Homes

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WEST SPRINGFIELD - The 20th annual Holiday Tour of Homes benefiting the West Springfield Boys and Girls club took place on Saturday, December 3rd.

WEST SPRINGFIELD - The 20th annual Holiday Tour of Homes benefiting the West Springfield Boys and Girls club took place on Saturday, December 3rd.

There were seven West Springfield homes on the tour decorated for the holidays. Visitors could purchase books from the Boys and Girls club and local businesses for $20 a piece that included the locations of the homes and information about the residents.

Money collected is being used to fund current and future programs at the Boys and Girls Club.

Organizers of the event were thrilled with this year's turn out, and noted that the beautiful weather drew more visitors out than they have had in previous years.

View photos from the event above, for more information on supporting the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club, visit them online at wsbgclub.org.

Body found in Springfield taken to Chief Medical Examiner's office for autopsy

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A body that was found in Springfield on Saturday has been taken to Holyoke for further examination.

SPRINGFIELD — A body that was discovered on High Street in Springfield on Saturday afternoon has been taken to Holyoke for further examination, according to police.

Captain Trent Duda of the Springfield Detective Bureau said that the body had been transported to the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Holyoke.

It is expected to take several days for the results of the autopsy to be released to the public, Duda said.

The body was discovered in the vicinity of 30 High St., near the Maple Commons Apartments, at approximately 3 p.m., not far from the city's downtown metro area.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Springfield Police Detective Bureau at (413) 787-6355. Those who wish to remain anonymous may text a tip via a cell phone by addressing a text message to "CRIMES," or "274637," and then beginning the body of the message with the word "SOLVE."

The map below shows the approximate location where the body was discovered.



Seen@ The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's 2016 Holiday Extravaganza

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The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Extravaganza concert was a hit on Saturday night. The night, dubbed "It's a Wonderful...Concert!" was that and more for those fortunate enough to attend.

SPRINGFIELD - The Springfield Symphony Orchestra's annual Holiday Extravaganza concert was a hit on Saturday night. The night, dubbed "It's a Wonderful...Concert!" was that and more for those in attendance.

The family-friendly evening featured a variety of holiday music favorites shaped by guest conductor Nicholas Palmer. Other parts of the program included the Springfield Symphony Chorus as well as the Children's Chorus of Springfield and Cantor Martin Levson from Springfield's Sinai Temple.

Children and the young at heart were able to meet and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Many attendees took the opportunity to grab selfies and perhaps whisper Christmas wishes to St. Nick.

The Symphony's annual silent auction offered more than 100 items to bid on. Popular selections included tickets to Patriots and Celtics games, dinner & Thunderbirds ticket packages, as well as deluxe overnight stays at downtown Springfield Hotels. Proceeds from the auction benefit SSO Educational and Outreach programs.

The spirit of giving was in the air as concertgoers brought new, unwrapped toy for the Children's Study Home's Annual Holiday Toy Drive. The gifts helped to make the holidays happier for local children and families in need.


20-year-old driver arraigned in Oct. 7 Cheshire fatal crash

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A 20-year-old Pittsfield man, Nathan Reiter, was arraigned Wednesday on a single charge of vehicular homicide in connection with the October 7 crash death of Robert Pearson of Dalton. Pearson was a passenger in Reiter's car and died when it crashed October 7 in Cheshire.

NORTH ADAMS— A 20-year-old Pittsfield man entered a plea of not guilty to a single charge of vehicular homicide Wednesday in Northern Berkshire District Court in connection with a car crash in Cheshire October 7 that took the life of a passenger in his car.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Nathan Reiter was driving his car on Fred Mason Road in Cheshire at what police content was a high rate of speed when the car left the road and slammed into a tree. Robert Pearson, 19, went into cardiac arrest and died shortly after the crash. Three other people in the car with Reiter and Pearson suffered neck and back injuries.

State Police accident reconstruction experts said their analysis indicated the car was traveling more than twice the speed limit when it crossed the center line of the roadway, overcompensated then ran off the right side of the road and hit a tree. The car then flipped and landed on its top.

While the state police investigators said the car was traveling at least 64 mph in the 30 mph speed limit area, passengers in the car said Reiter had been driving closer to 80 or 90 mph at times.

Reiter was released on his personal recognizance pending a pretrial hearing January 18.

Bridgeport police investigate death of 1-year-old boy

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The death of a 1-year-old boy, placed in foster care at birth, is being investigated by police. A hospital spokesman said the death appeared to be sudden infant death syndrome, but police are awaiting an autopsy report.

BRIDGEPORT,Conn.— A one-year-old boy, living in foster care, died Saturday morning and police are investigating, the Hartford Courant reported.

The boy, identified as Michael Citron, was removed from his mother's custody at birth, and had been living with a Park City family, was pronounced dead at St. Vincent's Hospital at about 1 a.m. Saturday.

A hospital spokesman said the death appeared to by from sudden infant death syndrome, but police are awaiting an autopsy report.

The state department of Children and families took custody of the child at birth and placed him in foster care. The boy's mother has physical disabilities , the hospital spokesman said. She had, however, recently been petitioning the courts for custody of her son.

Pittsfield's Tom Grieve headlines Western Mass. Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2017

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The former major leaguer will also be keynote speaker at the induction banquet.

Pittsfield native Tom Grieve, a first-round draft pick who built a long-term career in major league baseball, heads the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame's Class of 2017.

Announcement of the new class came from Hall of Fame chairman Clark Eckhoff, owner/president of the Valley Blue Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League.

Grieve also will serve as keynote speaker at the induction banquet, set for Jan. 26 at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield.

After leading Pittsfield High to the state title in 1966 as an outfielder/pitcher, Grieve went to the Washington Senators as the No. 6 pick in the nation. By the time he reached the big leagues in 1970, the Senators franchise had been relocated as the Texas Rangers.

He played nine years in the majors as an outfielder, including seven with the Rangers. In 1976, he had his best year - 149 games, .301 average with 20 homers and 81 RBI.

In 1984, at the age of 36, he became general manager of the Rangers, a post he held for 10 years. In 1995, he joined the Texas club's broadcasting team as a color analyst, and has served that role ever since. The Rangers enshrined him in their Hall of Fame in 2010.

Joining Grieve as electees:

- Billy Jo Robidoux of Ware, who played big league ball with the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. He's now active as an umpire of local high school and college baseball.

- Ed Hurley of Holyoke, who umpired in the American League from 1947 to 1965. He worked 2,826 games, four World Series and three All-Star games. After serving as plate umpire in Game 7 of the 1965 World Series, Hurley was forced to end his career under an MLB rule which made umpires retire at the age of 55. He fought that ruling, to no avail. Hurley was known throughout baseball as an umpire who stood his ground (he imposed 93 ejections in his career, most of them after confrontations with managers.)

- Dick Bergquist, an Orange native who served as head baseball coach at the University of Massachusetts from 1967 through 1987. His teams won 392 games, eight conference championships and made it to the College World Series in 1969.

- Tom Suchanek of Greenfield, who has coached baseball at Greenfield High School for 45 years. He pitched for the University of Vermont, and in the Houston Astros organization. In 2014, he earned the New England High School Coach of the Year Award.

- Dan Welch, a Westfield resident being inducted in recognition of his 20 years of voluntary service to the community. Under his leadership, Westfield's reputation as "a good baseball town" was enhanced as it hosted Babe Ruth League regional tournaments, and then the Babe Ruth League World Series last summer. Welch, a past winner of the Jack Lanzillo Umpiring Award, also serves as umpire-in-chief of the Western Mass. Fall High School Baseball League.

- Charles "Bud" Hagan, being recognized for his 34-year career at Westfield State University as coach and administrator. Hagan played sports at Westfield High and Arnold College before entering the Navy for World War II service. After the war, Hagan played three seasons of minor league baseball in the Brooklyn Dodgers system before turning to a coaching career. At Westfield State, he became its first full-time director of athletics. The university's baseball field bears his name.

- Springfield Tech's three state champions of 1968-69-70. The 1969 team went 20-0 as the bulwark of a WMass record 41-game winning streak which began late in the 1968 season and carried well into 1970. Over those three championship seasons, Tech teams went 55-5. John Bedard, a star as both pitcher and catcher, played on all three teams, along with outfielder Charlie Manley and utilityman Howie Reed. In June of l970, Bedard became the first Springfield player to be drafted in the first round, taken 13th by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Howie Burns, Tech's coach of that era, was inducted into the WMass Baseball Hall of Fame last year.

The WM Hall's dinner and induction ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling The Valley Blue Sox at 413-533-1100 or visiting
www.valleybluesox.com.

Garry Brown can be reached at geebrown1918@gmail.com

Baystate Medical School, Smith & Wesson results: 5 business stories you might have missed

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Baystate Medical Center is renovating 6,300 square feet of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute at 3601 Main St. into a facility including classrooms, interview rooms, a kitchen and food service area, restrooms and locker rooms and a quiet study area.

SPRINGFIELD -- It was a busy business news week here in Greater Springfield, with major announcements from Baystate Health and Smith & Wesson.

Also, a meeting is coming up to discuss the future of Interstate 91 and a consultant who specializes in "placemaking" said Springfield needs to take advantage of both Dr. Seuss and of the Connecticut River shoreline.

Here are the top 5 business stories you might have missed this week:

1) Baystate Health welcomes UMass Medical School campus to Springfield with goal to train docs who'll practice in Western Massachusetts

Baystate is renovating 6,300 square feet of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute at 3601 Main St. into a facility including a 50-seat classroom, a 25-seat classroom, seven interview rooms, a kitchen and food service area, restrooms and locker rooms and a quiet study area.

The firs class of 25 medical school students starts in August. Over four years, the program will grow to 100 students as a new 25-member class is added. Medical School lasts four years.

2) Relocated? Buried? Future directions for Interstate 91 to be discussed at public meeting

A long-term state-sponsored study into the future of Interstate 91 and its path through downtown Springfield will be the subject of a public meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 at the UMass Springfield Center, Room 104, Tower Square, 1500 Main St.

3) Smith & Wesson announces earnings up, sales up

Last month, Smith & Wesson announced that it will change its corporate name to American Outdoor Brands Corp. to reflect its strategy of diversifying from guns into gunsmithing supplies, gun accessories, and camping, hunting and outdoor equipment.

4) Consultant says Springfield should Seuss-ify and diversify into an arts mecca

Cardiff, Wales, hometown of Roald Dahl, celebrates his birthday with a giant peach that gets inflated and rolled down main street. Could Springfield do something similar?

5) 2016 recreation of Norman Rockwell's 'Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas' scheduled

If you don't have plans, this is always a fan favorite as Stockbridge lines its main street with old cars to recreate Rockwell's famous painting. Click above for the details.

Springfield City Council slated for votes on tax rates, return of Police Commission

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The Springfield City Council has scheduled a meeting to consider new tax rates and a proposal to bring back the Police Commission.

SPRINGFIELD -- The City Council has two meetings scheduled Monday night to vote on issues ranging from setting new property tax rates to considering an ordinance to establish a Police Commission.

The council has scheduled a special meeting and public hearing on Monday at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall to consider the new tax rates.

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno is recommending a tax rate of $19.71 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for residential taxpayers and a rate of $38.94 per $1,000 of assessed valuation for business properties. If adopted by the council, the annual tax bill for the average single-family home would rise by $148.65.

A five-member tax rate committee, led by Councilor Timothy Allen, held two recent public hearings and is expected to provide its tax rate recommendation prior to the council vote.

"This is an annual responsibility of the City Council and we consider all points of view as we carry out our responsibility," Allen said Friday.

The council will also consider recommendations from the Springfield Chamber of Commerce and public input.

"It's always a difficult decision, but over the years there have been great strides in reducing the tax rate for residents and businesses," Council President Michael Fenton said Friday.

Property values have climbed in Springfield, with the average single-family home rising in value from $134,800 last fiscal year to $142,000 this year, Allen said.

A regular council meeting will follow at 7 p.m. The agenda includes second- and third-step approvals of the Police Commission proposal. The vote is planned despite opposition from Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and a legal opinion from the city solicitor that any vote to create the commission would be legally invalid.

Fenton said there are 10 councilors in support of the ordinance, out of 13 members, which creates the two-thirds majority necessary to override any subsequent veto from Sarno.

"I expect we will pass the final steps necessary to send it to the mayor's desk," Fenton said.

The five-member Police Commission, if approved, would oversee the Police Department, set department policies, and be in control of hiring, promotions and discipline. Those duties currently are overseen by a single police commissioner, John Barbieri.

As proposed, the commission would not take effect until Barbieri's contract expires in May 2019.

City Solicitor Edward Pikula has said the five-member commission is not permitted under the Plan A (Strong Mayor) form of government under the City Charter that has existed since 1964.

A Police Commission existed for many decades before being abolished by the state-appointed Finance Control Board in 2005.

Fund created to help people displaced by 10-alarm blaze in Cambridge

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A fund to help people impacted by the massive fire in Cambridge that damaged just under a dozen buildings has raised over $58,000 in roughly 11 hours. Watch video

CAMBRIDGE -- A fund to help people impacted by the massive fire in Cambridge that damaged just under a dozen buildings has raised over $58,000 in roughly 11 hours.

The GoFundMe page has over 1,000 donors listed as of Sunday morning. Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons established the Mayor's Fire Relief Fund to help the families and people who have been displaced by the fire.

Along with the GoFundMe page, people can mail a check to the Mayor's Fire Relief Fund, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139.

The 10-alarm fire began around 2 p.m. Saturday in the area of Berkshire and York streets. Firefighters from almost 20 communities helped battle the blaze. Over 140 firefighters were at the scene, according to WCVB News.

The television station reports about 60 people had to evacuate their homes. About five or six people received minor injuries.

Authorities believe the fire started in a building that was under construction, WCVB News reports.

Holyoke Police investigating assault by man armed with baseball bat

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None of the victims were were seriously injured.

HOLYOKE - Police are investigating the assault of as many as three people by a group of five men, including one who was armed with a baseball bat.

A witness called police at 9:49 a.m. Sunday to report a large group of men were fighting on a third-floor porch at 1037 Dwight St. The assailants fled before police arrived, Police Lt. Michael McCoy said.

None of the victims had been seriously injured. Between one and three people were victims of the assault, he said.

When police arrived they found blood on the back staircase and back porches. Later they found a 9 mm bullet at the scene, but there were no reports or evidence that a gun had been fired, McCoy said.

A witness reported seeing one male with a baseball bat and four others involved in the fight, he said.


U.S. Army Corps blocks route of Dakota Access oil pipeline

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Sunday that it won't grant an easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota.

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Sunday that it won't grant an easement for the Dakota Access oil pipeline in southern North Dakota, handing a victory to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe and its supporters, who argued the project would threaten a water source and cultural sites.

North Dakota's leaders criticized the decision, with Gov. Jack Dalrymple calling it a "serious mistake" that "prolongs the dangerous situation" of having several hundred protesters who are camped out on federal land during cold, wintry weather. U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer said it's a "very chilling signal" for the future of infrastructure in the United States.

The four-state, $3.8 billion project is largely complete except for the now-blocked segment underneath Lake Oahe, a Missouri River reservoir. Assistant Secretary for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy said in a news release that her decision was based on the need to "explore alternate routes" for the pipeline's crossing.

"Although we have had continuing discussion and exchanges of new information with the Standing Rock Sioux and Dakota Access, it's clear that there's more work to do," Darcy said. "The best way to complete that work responsibly and expeditiously is to explore alternate routes for the pipeline crossing."

The company constructing the pipeline, Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners, had said it was unwilling to reroute the project. It had no immediate comment Sunday.

Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier, whose department has done much of the policing for the protests, said that "local law enforcement does not have an opinion" on the easement and that his department will continue to "enforce the law."

U.S. Secretary for the Interior Sally Jewell said in a statement that the Corps' "thoughtful approach ... ensures that there will be an in-depth evaluation of alternative routes for the pipeline and a closer look at potential impacts."

Standing Rock Sioux tribal chairman Dave Archambault didn't immediately respond to messages left seeking comment.

The federal government has ordered people to leave the Oceti Sakowin, or Seven Council Fires, encampment on Army Corps of Engineers' land by Monday. But demonstrators say they're prepared to stay, and authorities say they won't forcibly remove them.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch said the Department of Justice will "continue to monitor the situation" and stands "ready to provide resources to help all those who can play a constructive role in easing tensions."

"The safety of everyone in the area - law enforcement officers, residents and protesters alike - continues to be our foremost concern," she added.

Earlier Sunday, an organizer with Veterans Stand for Standing Rock said tribal elders had asked the military veterans not to have confrontations with law enforcement officials, adding the group is there to help out those who've dug in against the project.

About 250 veterans gathered about a mile from the main camp for a meeting with organizer Wes Clark Jr., the son of former Democratic presidential candidate Gen. Wesley Clark. The group had said about 2,000 veterans were coming, but it wasn't clear how many actually arrived.

"We have been asked by the elders not to do direct action," Wes Clark Jr. said. He then talked about North Dakota authorities' decision to move away from a key bridge north of the encampment by 4 p.m. Sunday if demonstrators agree to certain conditions, saying the National Guard and law enforcement have armored vehicles and are armed.

"If we come forward, they will attack us," Clark said. Instead, he told the veterans, "If you see someone who needs help, help them out."



Authorities moved a blockade from the north end of the Backwater Bridge with the conditions that protesters stay south of it and come there only if there is a prearranged meeting. Authorities also asked protesters not to remove barriers on the bridge, which they have said was damaged in the late October conflict that led to several people being hurt, including a serious arm injury.

"That heavy presence is gone now and I really hope in this de-escalation they'll see that, and in good faith.the leadership in those camps will start squashing the violent factions," Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney said in a statement. Protesters also are not supposed to walk, ride or fly drones north of the bridge, and Laney said that any violation will "will result in their arrest."

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock's GoFundMe.com page had raised more than $1 million of its $1.2 million goal by Sunday -- money due to go toward food, transportation and supplies. Cars waiting to get into the camp Sunday afternoon were backed up for more than a half-mile.

"People are fighting for something, and I thought they could use my help," said Navy veteran and Harvard graduate student Art Grayson. The 29-year-old from Cambridge, Massachusetts, flew the first leg of the journey, then rode from Bismarck in the back of a pickup truck. He has finals this week, but told professors, "I'll see you when I get back."

Steven Perry, a 66-year-old Vietnam veteran who's a member of the Little Traverse Bay band of Odawa Indians in Michigan, spoke of one of the protesters' main concerns: that the pipeline could pollute drinking water. "This is not just a native issue," he said, "This is an issue for everyone."

Art Woodson and two other veterans drove 17 hours straight from Flint, Michigan, a city whose lead-tainted water crisis parallels with the tribe's fight over water, he said.

"We know in Flint that water is in dire need," the 49-year-old disabled Gulf War Army veteran said. "In North Dakota, they're trying to force pipes on people. We're trying to get pipes in Flint for safe water."

On Monday, some veterans will take part in a prayer ceremony in which they'll apologize for historical detrimental conduct by the military toward Native Americans and ask for forgiveness, Clark said. He also called the veterans' presence "about right and wrong and peace and love."

Northampton arrest 3 in 2 separate break-ins

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Two teenagers were charged with breaking into Mock's Convenience Store and stealing alcohol and tobacco.

NORTHAMPTON - Police arrested three people accused of two separate break-ins overnight.

Two teenagers were arrested for breaking and entering in the nighttime after being accused of prying open the door at Mock's Convenience Store, on Damon Road, and stealing tobacco and alcohol, Police Sgt. Tim Satkowski said.

Gunner Anderson-Keener, 18, and a 17-year-old juvenile, both from Hadley, were also charged with larceny over $250 and possessing alcohol while underage, he said.

A resident who lives in an apartment above the store called police at about 3:30 a.m., Sunday to report hearing people breaking into the store. When police arrived the thieves had left but the witness was able to describe the vehicle they were driving. Officers later spotted the car at the nearby Pride Store on King Street.

Police were able to identify the two suspects at the store and make an arrest, Satkowski said.

Several hours earlier, police also arrested Norma Rivera, 48, of Northampton, and charge her with breaking and entering in the nighttime and larceny over $250, Satkowski said.

Rivera is being accused of walking into an occupied home on East Street at about 10:40 p.m. on Saturday, taking an iPad and fleeing. A video camera set up at the house recorded the alleged crime and police were able to identify Rivera and arrest her, Satkowski said.

Springfield Police cruiser struck in chase with stolen vehicle

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The officer was not seriously hurt but it was not immediately known if he had any injuries.

SPRINGFIELD - A police officer was involved in a car crash while chasing a man suspected of stealing a car.

The crash happened at about 5 p.m., Sunday at the corner of Wilbraham Road and Benton Street. The officer was not seriously hurt but it was not immediately known if he needed to be treated for injuries, Capt. Robert Strzempek said.

The officer was chasing a person driving a stolen car when the driver crashed into a parked car. The impact of the collision caused the police cruiser to be struck, he said.

The suspect was arrested after the crash. The suspect's name was not immediately available, Strzempek said.

This is a breaking story. Masslive will update as more information becomes available.

Hampshire College flag flap: What people were Tweeting

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On Friday Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash announced the flag was being flown again.

AMHERST - Hampshire College decided on Nov. 18 to stop flying the United States flag and formed focus and discussion groups to talk about the meaning and protocol of the flag.

The removal of the flag however caused great controversy as hundreds of veterans and other flag-lovers flooded the campus of Hampshire College to protest the missing flag. The issue spread across the country with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and several state legislators aired their opinions on the issue.

On Friday, Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash announced the flag would fly again following study by students and staff.

"We did not lower the flag to make a political statement. Nor did we intend to cause offense to veterans, military families, or others for whom the flag represents service and sacrifice," Lash said. "We acted solely to facilitate much-needed dialogue on our campus about how to dismantle the bigotry that is prevalent in our society."

During the controversy, which was aired by national media outlets, Lash said he and others on campus received anonymous hate mail and phone messages and the college was on social media and in comments on news sites.

After the decision to have the flag fly at full staff again, protesters initially decided to continue with plans to hold a second rally at the campus but instead called it a "flag celebration." Saturday they decided to cancel the event completely but others organized a convoy of truck decorated with flags to drive through Amherst.

In reaction a second group held a diversity rally to show their concern about the verbal attacks on Hampshire College.

Here are some of the things people were Tweeting about the flag controversy:

Oakland warehouse fire: Death toll climbs to 33

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Only a fraction of the charred remains of the partly collapsed structure had been searched, and crews clearing debris were expected to find more bodies as they advanced, Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Ray Kelly said.

OAKLAND, Calif. -- The death toll from a fire that tore through a warehouse hosting a late-night dance party jumped to 33 on Sunday as firefighters painstakingly combed through rubble for others believed to still be missing.

Only a fraction of the charred remains of the partly collapsed structure had been searched, and crews clearing debris were expected to find more bodies as they advanced, Alameda County Sheriff's Sgt. Ray Kelly said.

Anxious family members who feared the worst gathered at the sheriff's office to await word on their loved ones. They were told they may have to provide DNA samples to help identify remains.

The building known as the "Ghost Ship" had been carved into artist studios and was an illegal home for a rotating cast of a dozen or more people, according to former denizens who said it was a cluttered death trap with few exits, piles of wood and a mess of snaking electric cords.

"If you were going there for a party, you wouldn't be aware of the maze that you have to go through to get out," said Danielle Boudreaux, a former friend of the couple who ran the warehouse.

As many as 100 people were there for a party Friday night when the fire broke out just before midnight. Fire officials were still investigating the cause of the blaze, but they said clutter fueled the flames, there were no sprinklers inside and few exits to escape.

Boudreaux identified the operators of the Satya Yuga collective as Derick Ion Almena and Micah Allison. She had a falling out with Almena when she convinced Allison's parents and sister about a year ago that the warehouse was a dangerous place for the couple's three children to live.

The couple rented out five recreational vehicles and other nooks on the ground floor as living spaces. A rickety makeshift staircase led to a second floor where concerts were held. Former residents said there frequently was no electricity or running water.

Oakland planning officials opened an investigation last month after repeated complaints from neighbors who said trash was piling up and people were illegally living in the building zoned as a warehouse. An inspector who went to the premises couldn't get inside, said Darin Ranelletti, of the Oakland Planning Department.

The city had not confirmed people lived there, but a former resident said she had been lured in part by reasonable rents in a region beset with a housing shortage and exorbitant leases driven by the tech boom.

Shelley Mack said she wasn't told the residence was illegal until after she moved in a couple years ago and stayed for four to five months, paying about $700 a month. She said she was instructed to tell visitors it was a 24-hour workspace for artists and when outsiders or inspectors planned to visit, residents would scurry to hide clothes and bedding.

"It's like a horror house. Just horrors in there," she said.

To a first-time visitor, though, the labyrinth of uniquely designed spaces was "stunning," said Alastair Boone, a University of California, Berkeley student who arrived at the party with five friends around 11 p.m.

Photographs from before the fire showed that the Bohemian community of musicians, painters, woodworkers, dancers and other artists had decorated the scene with Tibetan prayer flags, Christmas lights and scores of wooden statues of Buddha, the virgin Mary, Jesus Christ, elephants and dragons that sat atop pianos and turntables. Tapestries hung from the walls, mannequin legs and arms stuck out from the ceiling and a small wooden spot of floor was used for art performances.

"It was obvious to me everyone who lives there cared about each other and were invested in a space they made a home," Boone said.

Almena did not immediately respond to emails or phone numbers associated with him. Authorities declined to talk about the manager, saying they were focused on recovering the bodies and consoling families.

A man identified as Derick Ion posted a Facebook message early Saturday, saying, "Everything I worked so hard for is gone. Blessed that my children and Micah were at a hotel safe and sound." He drew rebukes online from others who said he was warned the building was unsafe.

Almena, 46, has lived in California since at least 1990, mostly in Los Angeles, where public records show he was evicted from a North Hollywood apartment in Los Angeles in 1993.

Allison, 40, spent much of her life residing in Northern California, although she had also lived in Southern California, where she filed for a fictitious business name, Sacred Image, at a Los Angeles address.

Online records listed the building's owner as Nar Siu Chor. The Associated Press could not locate a telephone number for her Saturday. Efforts to reach her at other Oakland addresses associated with her were not successful.

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Boone said she had just received a tour of the property and stepped outside when someone yelled, "Fire!"

"In a couple of minutes there were flames coming out of the windows and black smoke was just billowing out of the house," she said.

Some of the people who got out were crying and others stood silently in shock as firefighters arrived to put the flames out.

"The people who lived there were clustered together, and they were just so sad," Boone said. "They were losing their loved ones, and there was nothing they could do."

Monica Kat was outside the warehouse Saturday and said she feared four of her friends are dead. "They're still not accounted for, and I can only think the worst at this point," she said.

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