OAKLAND, Calif. - As California's latest COVID surge recedes, new variants of the virus are sprouting up across the state.

Genomic testing labs in California have already identified 159 cases of the more transmissible UK strain and 1,203 cases of the West Coast variants, also known as B.1.429 and B.1.427. And according to Gov. Gavin Newsom, a new strain has spread to California —the South African variant.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Newsom revealed that the state's first cases of the South African variant were discovered in the Bay Area.

"Two cases have been reported through Stanford. One in Santa Clara County and one in Alameda County," the governor confirmed.

LAPD HQ: As LAPD Rampart Officer Mancia took a report from a mother whose car had been broken into, and the bike her daughters shared stolen, he knew what needed to be done next.

He reached into his wallet, and into his heart, and bought both girls a new bike.

"to protect and to serve"

Santa Monica Police Department (California)

Police officers detain a man during protests against Haiti's President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. REUTERS/Jeanty Junior Augustin

People walk with a dog past deer during snowfall as Storm Darcy affects large parts of the country, in Sevenoaks, Britain. REUTERS/Toby Melville

A demonstrator tries to grab the rifle of a police officer during protests against Haiti's President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. REUTERS/Jeanty Junior Augustin

Tucker Carlson Tonight: What we still don't know about the Capitol riot. It's funny how change happens. You thought the big change came on Election Day, when the incumbent president lost, but that turned out to be nothing compared to the change that came two months later. On Jan. 6, supporters of Donald Trump swarmed the Capitol building. Some forced their way inside, and Washington has never been the same. It may never be the same. As a result of what happened on Jan. 6, your descendants will live in a very different country. Some in Congress have compared that day to 9/11. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has likened it to Pearl Harbor, which spurred America's entry into the Second World War. Every day we hear new and more florid comparisons from Democratic partisans. But Tuesay night, CNN outdid all of them by comparing what happened Jan. 6 to the Rwandan genocide.

Los Angeles, Calif. -- Police searching for armed suspects in the Holliwood Hills. LAPD says the two men have guns, and are hiding in the hills. Residents have been advised to lock doors as helicopters continue the search.

Meanwhile, in Seattle -- HAPPENING NOW: Seattle residents show extreme emotion as they berate Antifa Militants for destroying their city. They say, “you’re taking advantage of the death of a black man. Get the fuck out.

One male was taken into custody after leading police on a short police chase ending on Weyl Street in Rochester New York.

Manhattan, NYC: FDR Drive near exit 17. Violent MVA Caught On Camera. Unknown injuries.

Never leave the scene like this guy did if you witness a serious collision ... stop and make sure everyone is alright - and call 9-1-1, instead.