The Scanner Today, March 2

Our story today is another look into the Alameda County district attorney's office.

We learned this week that, barring "extraordinary circumstances" and approval by District Attorney Pamela Price herself, the penalty for most crimes in Alameda County will soon be restricted to probation or the lowest-level prison term.

Price announced the news in a memo to her office Wednesday afternoon and it quickly made its way to the media.

We were the first to take a deeper look at what the new rules might mean. We'll certainly be watching closely as this develops.

Leaked memo: DA Pamela Price to shorten prison sentences, lean into probation

The new guidelines go into effect Monday and will be retroactive, applying to cases sentenced within the past 120 days.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

It's been a busy week, with multiple stories picked up by other news outlets locally and farther afield.

As a result, the plan is mostly to focus on reporting rather than writing Friday.

Wishing everyone a good weekend. Prepare for AM showers!

In case you missed it

Man in stolen car fleeing cop in Berkeley crashes, escapes

Police said the man was driving a Honda Accord that he had stolen when he found it in Berkeley with the engine running.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Gun used in mid-day catalytic converter theft in Berkeley

There have been 134 catalytic converter thefts in Berkeley already this year, which appears to be keeping pace with last year when there were 845.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

BREAKING: Man set himself on fire on UC Berkeley campus

The man, who was estimated to be in his 20s, sustained critical injuries. A female bystander who tried to help him sustained minor injuries.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso