Memoir by ambassador Putin wants to question now a bestseller

In this May 15, 2013 file photo, U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul leaves the Foreign Ministry in Moscow, Russia. A memoir by the former U.S. ambassador, whom Russian officials have said they want to interview, is in the top 10 on Amazon.com.

Obama heads west to highlight national parks – San Mateo Daily Journal

After an emotionally trying week, President Barack Obama is heading west to celebrate the raw beauty of America's national parks as the system nears its 100th birthday, and highlight challenges over the next 100 years, including climate change and a shortage of money from Congress. Obama was taking his wife and daughters on a Father's Day weekend getaway to Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico and Yosemite National Park in California.

Veenker takes second in Assembly race: Palo Alto woman looks toward November, District 24 election

As elections officials worked to wrap up ballot counts across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties following Tuesday's election, 24th District Assembly candidate Vicki Veenker appears to have clinched second place in one of the state's most contested elections. Menlo Park Councilman Peter Ohtaki and Veenker were initially neck and neck for runner-up in the open primary wherein eight sought to replace Assemblyman Rich Gordon, D-Menlo Park, who is being termed out.