Jodi Hernandez

California

Reporter at KNTV-TV (San Jose, CA)

News Reporter for NBC Bay Area, East Bay Native, Mom & Small Biz Owner

Articles

Police advise caution following third bank customer robbery in the East Bay

1 week ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

Police are warning bank customers to be aware when leaving the bank after a third person was robbed in less than three months in the East Bay. The latest robbery happened in Hercules last Friday and police said they believe the armed suspect staked out the bank looking for a suspect. "The victim stated to us that they were leaving Chase Bank and they had [withdrawn] $500 and they carried that envelope out of the bank," said Karla Lazo of the Hercules Police Department.
Stranded Minke whale euthanized following Emeryville sighting

2 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

Bay Area mammal experts made a decision on Tuesday to euthanize a minke whale that's been catching attention for days near Emeryville. Zhang described her reaction when she saw the wayward whale swimming close to the water's edge while on her morning walk. Excitement that quickly turned into concern as the whale became grounded. “At first, I was excited to see it in Emeryville, and then I realize it’s probably not a good thing for it to be so close to shore,” said Emeryville Resident Connie Zhang.
Castro Valley’s Crush Comics staff helps police track down thieves

2 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

A Castro Valley comic book store staff immediately helped the police track down thieves after the store was looted. Josh Hunter of Crush Comics said rare comic books that were stolen off shelves are finally returned after he and his employees helped track down burglars. "They broke our window, came in through the window, and then stole a bunch of our wall comics. The valuable stuff," he said. Hunder and his team poured over surveillance video that captured two thieves breaking into the store.
Community on edge after fire erupted at Martinez Refining Company

2 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

The Martinez community is on edge after another fire erupted at the Martinez Refining Company on Wednesday, leading to an injured worker. The refinery said its thoughts are with the injured contract worker and has launched an internal investigation. It added that it's cooperating with the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. However, many said they are tired of the incidents. "It's concerning. I am very concerned about it," said Anna Encarnacion of Martinez.
Pleasant Hill’s Giant Chef diner burglarized

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

One of the East Bay's oldest diners is dealing with one of the Bay Area's biggest problems, a destructive break-in. The owners of the Giant Chef in Pleasant Hill said that three masked men broke into the iconic restaurant early Monday morning, stealing items and leaving a trail of damage behind. The Giant Chef has some its windows boarded up following the break-in. Despite the setback, the popular diner is open for business as it bounces back.
Mother charged in deadly Napa crash makes first court appearance

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

A 31-year-old mother facing multiple charges following a crash in Napa that left her two children dead made her first court appearance Monday. Yesica Barajas faces charges of felony DUI, manslaughter and child abuse for the March 16 crash that killed her two children, 10-year-old Damien and 9-year-old Aaliyah. Barajas's defense attorney asked the judge to postpone her arraignment until next week when he'll file a bail motion. Her current bail is set at $1.5 million.
Pleasanton residents speak out after car tires slashed for parking on public road

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

Some are speaking out after they claim their tires were slashed or flattened for parking on a public road in Pleasanton. Amina Strohl said the slash mark on her tire made her car undrivable. Her boyfriend parked it on the street Saturday night, never expecting someone to vandalize it. "By 7:30 in the morning, we found out that it was completely slashed and flat," she said. Sara Robles said she woke up on Sunday to discover her tire as also flat.
Lafayette residents, officials unsettled after attempted ATM theft

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

Lafayette residents, officials are speaking out after some burglars rammed a car into a CVS early morning Thursday. According to officials, the crew of about six men drove a car into the CVS, attempting to dislodge the ATM with the vehicle but was unsuccessful. Residents said they fell unsettled after hearing about the events and added it's fueling their effort to recall District Attorney. Jodi Hernandez has the full report in the video above.
St. Patrick’s Day brings much-needed boost to Bay Area breweries

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

Local breweries are banking on customer support as they deal with newly imposed tariffs. Folks were raising their glasses to St Patrick's Day, rolling in the name Ireland“I’ve got Green on my fingernails. I’ve got green on my toes and I’m wearing gold earrings and drinking beer. It doesn’t get much better than that,” said Nancy Kapral. Bay Area breweries and tap rooms have never been happier to tap in on the St Patty's day spirit.
Family friend remembers victims in deadly San Leandro house fire

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Jodi Hernandez

As fire officials continue to investigate a deadly house fire in San Leandro, the family who lived at the residence is dealing with unimaginable loss. Family friend Antionette Lucchesi said the matriarch of the family, 90-year-old Shirley Demerse, is among the three people who did not survive. "She took care of the whole family," Lucchesi said.