Bay area briefs

Court spokeswoman Pam Reynolds said English is scheduled to be further arraigned on Jan. 31. He appeared today without an attorney and plans to retain one before his next court date, Reynolds said.

English, 53, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia. He has claimed his nephew placed it in his luggage and declined to comment further on the allegations this week.

Airport security allegedly found 4.8 grams of methamphetamine in English's carry-on luggage prior to his boarding a flight to Washington D.C. on New Year's Eve.

Gas leak leads to auto mall explosion

A gas leak and explosion at an auto dealership in Los Gatos ignited a two-alarm fire and sent three people to the hospital this afternoon, according to a Santa Clara County Fire spokeswoman.

The explosion occurred around 3:43 p.m. at an auto dealership in the Los Gatos Auto Mall at 15200 Los Gatos Boulevard. A two-alarm fire caused by the explosion was contained. According to Pacific Gas and Electric spokesman Jeff Smith, two plumbers were working on a water heater in the attic of the business and disconnected the gas line allowing gas to escape.

Two people were taken to Santa Clara Medical Center.