How to Comment on Patch

4 simple steps to make sure you're heard loud and clear

Watch Your Children for Respiratory Virus

It can quickly leave children gasping for breath

Is Rain Headed for the East Bay? Forecasters Say Maybe

Just flip a coin and keep your fingers crossed for more than just a drizzle.

Reusable Bag Ordinance Dramatically Reduces Bag Waste in Alameda County

Officials say the plastic bag ban contributes to cleaner waterways and streets in the county.

Some Californians May Be Owed Refunds on Auto Purchases

Find out how to verify that you were charged the correct amount of tax.

Annual Oakland Senior Summer Free Day at Oakland Zoo

Oakland seniors receive free zoo admission on Monday, September 15: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Californians Cutting Back on Water Usage: Report

Are YOU following the state's mandatory water use restrictions?

9/11 Attacks Remembered Throughout East Bay Today

It has been thirteen years since that fateful day.

BART Board to Receive Report on Avoiding Future Strikes

There's a long list of changes that need to be made

Post Your 9/11 Memories

We still remember 13 years later.

Spare the Air Alert Issued for Thursday

Vehicle exhaust and smoke from wildfires are fouling the air

Red Cross Launches Blood Donor Phone Application

Free app puts power to help save lives in hands of blood donors

Upcoming Blood Drives in Alameda County

The Red Cross asks eligible blood donors to help their communities prepare for emergencies by giving blood at one of the drives.

John George Psychiatric Hospital Earns Awards for Mental Health Programs

The facility was recently honored for continually improving the lives of people living with mental illness.

Advisory: Air Quality May Be Poor in Bay Area Through Monday Due to NorCal Wildfires

For real-time air quality information, residents can visit www.baaqmd.gov or www.sparetheair.org.

Are You Off for Labor Day? Here's Why...

What's the history of Labor Day? Find out here!

How You Can Donate to Help the Victims of the Napa Earthquake

From Aug. 28 through Sept. 11, Wells Fargo customers can donate to the Red Cross at 1,701 Wells Fargo ATMs throughout Northern California.

'Fear the Beard' - Bay Area Air Quality District Debuts Comical TV Ads [VIDEO]

The message: Commuting alone seems to take forever. Discover a better way to work, and Spare the Air.

MUST SEE: Drone Video Offers Aerial View of Napa Quake Damage

This video captured by a man's quadcopter drone provides a bird's eye look at the damage.

BART's Earthquake 'Early Warning' System Could -- And Should! -- Have Broader Applications

UC Berkeley researcher among many urging funding for "alert" capabilities for cellphones, computers and detector-type devices in homes.

Are You Ready for the Next Earthquake?

The American Red Cross offers residents tips to help them prepare.

USGS Upgrades Bay Area Quake to 6.1

The quake struck around 3:20 a.m. about three miles northwest of American Canyon, and was originally reported to have been magnitude 6.0.

6.0 Napa Quake Injures Nearly 90 People

At least four aftershocks larger than 2.0 magnitude have rattled the county this morning.

6.0 Quake Wakes Bay Area Residents, Causes Damage and Power Outages in North Bay

The quake occurred at 3:20 a.m. Did you feel it?

Nurse Walks Across Country to Raise Awareness for Mental Illness, Arrives in Bay Area on Tuesday

“Our brain can become ill just like any other part of our body,” Ian Cummings said.

Morning BART Trains Evacuated Due to Caustic Smell

The smell was irritating the passengers' nose and throats, according to BART officials.

Oakland Gets $6 Million in State Funding for Transportation Projects

The money is part of a total of $221 million that the state commission awarded to 145 projects across the state.

East Bay Greenway Receives $2.6 Million State Grant

The grant will help fulfill community vision to transform 15 miles under BART tracks from Oakland to Hayward into a bike & pedestrian path.

Public Invited to Learn About New, Expanded Mental Health Programs in Alameda County

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Berkeley.

NorCal Patient Being Treated for Possible Ebola Exposure, Kaiser Permanente Says

The person is in isolation at a Sacramento-area facility.

Waste Management Sues City Over $1 Billion Garbage Contract

The suit claims that the City Council “appeared heavily swayed by long-term personal and political connections” in voting last week.

Did You Feel It? 2.6 Earthquake Near Piedmont on Saturday Night

The quake was reported around 7:40 p.m.

Drought: Water Agencies Ordered to Enforce Statewide Water Restrictions

Gov. Jerry Brown has asked all Californians to make a voluntary 20 percent reduction in water use.

Bay Area Gas Prices Drop in July

Did you notice the drop? Do you consider $4 a gallon a relief?

Drought: Mandatory Water Restrictions Passed in East Bay, SF

While the restrictions are mandatory, the agency isn’t anticipating having to take punitive steps for enforcement.

Drought: East Bay Water Agencies Consider Mandatory Water Restrictions

The restrictions would tighten the tap on outdoor usage.

Love Your Local Farmers' Market? Contest Asks You to Prove It With a Photo

Deadline to enter the contest is August 31st. Read on to find out how you can enter for a chance to win prizes.

National Weather Service Warns of Possible Lightning Strikes

The threat is most likely in the East Bay including Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

Perseid Meteor Shower, Extra-Super Supermoon Vie for Skywatchers' Attention

The Perseids, which produce fast and bright meteors that frequently leave trains, peak Aug. 11-13

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie Prompts Bay Area Shelters to Brace for Rush to Adopt Reptiles

Officials issue warning to prospective reptile owners.