SFist Blotter

Investigators have discovered that the fire that killed a fire captain in Los Gatos was caused by either a burning candle or incense stick used to celebrate Chinese New Year. The homeowners had been using the room as a prayer shrine, despite having previously been warned not to use the room at all after a previous fire had started in that same spot. The fire melted through a power line on the roof of the house, which then fell into a puddle of water, electrocuting the firefighter.

Two female employees of Woodside's nonprofit Gorilla Foundation have sued the group and its president for sexual harassment. The employees claim that the president, Penny Patterson, informed them that Koko the signing gorilla, who is cared for by the Foundation, has a "nipple fetish," and Patterson pressured them on numerous occasions to take off their shirts and show Koko their breasts. Patterson is reported to have said (in sign language), "Koko, you see my nipples all the time. You are probably bored with my nipples. You need to see new nipples. I will turn my back so Kendra can show you her nipples." Patterson also allegedly informed the women that displaying their breasts to Koko was a "normal component to developing a personal bond with the gorilla." Dude, Koko should go on the Howard Stern show!