Local Briefs

extension to storm victims

Taxpayers in San Mateo County, and any of the counties hardest hit by the recent rainstorms, will have an extra month to file returns and pay taxes and fees, the California State Board of Equalization announced.

The one-month extension is available to any taxpayer in the counties of San Mateo, Butte, Del Norte, El Dorado, Humboldt, Lake, Lassen, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Trinity, Yolo and Yuba.

To qualify, taxpayers must include with their return a statement explaining the cause for the late filing and, if needed, a request for relief from interest and penalties.

More information and forms can be found at www.boe.ca.gov or by calling 800-400-7115.

Parents charged

with child endangerment

WALNUT CREEK — A couple who got a dog sitter for their puppies but left the man’s two young children home alone while they partied in Las Vegas face felony child endangerment charges.

Jacob Calero, 39, and Michelle De La Vega, 32, of San Ramon, remained in jail Friday after being arraigned in Contra Costa County Superior Court on two counts each of child endangerment for alleged abuses dating back to October.

Each faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of all charges, said prosecutor Dara Cashman.

Stamp prices go up Sunday

It’ll cost more to send mail starting Sunday.

The first rate increase since 2002 will boost the cost of sending a first-class letter by 2 cents, to 39 cents.

The increase follows legislation requiring the Postal Service to place $3.1 billion in an escrow account this year.

Another rate boost is likely nest year to cover rising costs for the agency.

Many rates vary by distance or whether the material is presorted.<