Geoffrey Grote Talks About His Toughest — and Proudest — Moments as City Administrator

Geoffrey Grote will retire next month after a quarter-century as Piedmont's city administrator.

Red Flag Warning for East Bay Hills Continues Through Thursday

Warm weather, high winds and low humidity combine to create a fire hazard this week.

Largest BART Union OKs Contract, Ending 9-Month Labor Dispute

The agreement was previously approved by BART directors and another major BART union.

Petaluma Beef Being Recalled — USDA Says Cattle Not Inspected Before Slaughter

Some of the recalled beef was apparently shipped to outlets n Oakland and Berkeley, according to the USDA.

Long-Time East Bay Congressman George Miller to Retire

Miller, a Democrat who represents a large portion of Contra Costa County, is considered one Congress's strongest advocates for children's and health issues. He is retiring after 40 years in the House of Representatives.

Weather Service Warns of Critical Fire Conditions in East Bay Hills

Alameda County Death Toll from H1N1 Flu Rises to 3

This season's influenza strain is affecting children and young adults as well as other ages. Those most at risk are are the elderly, pregnant women, infants and people with other health conditions.

Legislative Wrap-Up: East Bay Leaders React To California Budget Plan

Assembly members and senators praise the governor's budget proposal for increasing spending for education and other programs while also reducing the state's debt

Planning Commission to Look at Future of Local Housing, Rules for Electric Vehicle Charging Docks

One Flu-Related Death Reported in Alameda County

Health officials urge local residents to get a flu vaccination if they haven't done so already.

48-Year-Old Contra Costa Woman Died of Complications from Swine Flu

The woman, whose name is not being released, is the county's first flu death of the season.

Coroner IDs Victim of 580-Park Blvd. New Year's Day Crash

The accident occurred on the westbound Park Boulevard on-ramp to Interstate Highway 580.

City Council OKs Bike Racks, Risk Management Policy, Permanent Public Safety Committee

Council members also authorized hiring an outside firm to prepare a "cafeteria" benefits plan for city employees.

New Alameda County Website Shines Light on Budget

League to Hold Candidates' Night for Council, School Board Hopefuls

The Jan. 9 forum will also be televised live on KCOM-TV, Channel 27, and for the first time, viewers at home will be able to ask questions of candidates via text messages.

Parking Fees Will Rise at Many BART Stations This Month

Starting Jan. 13, it will cost $2 a day to park at the Fruitvale BART station, a 50-cent increase. Parking at the West Oakland station will rise to $6 a day in late January.

Bicyclists Excited About New 'Safe Passing Distance' Law

A new law that requires drivers to give cyclists 3 feet of clearance when they pass by goes into effect later this year.

Spare the Air Days Just Keep on Coming — No Burning on Friday

And Friday makes 26, as Winter Spare the Air Days approach a record set in 2006-2007.

BART Board Approves Tentative Agreement with Unions

The tentative agreement does not include a controversial family leave provision but does expand paid bereavement leave provisions to include more family members. BART union members will vote on the tentative agreement Friday and Jan. 13.

Council to Interview Top Applicants for City Administrator's Job Friday

Most of Friday's meeting will be in closed (non-public) session.

Winter Spare the Air Alert Issued for Thursday

It's the third straight day a ban on wood burning has been put in place

2014 Begins with Another Spare the Air Day

The ban on wood burning has been ordered for nine of the past 10 days

Paparazzi Rules to Transgender Rights: California's Surprising New Laws in 2014

Californians will see an increase in minimum wage, enhanced bicycle safety and new rules allowing transgender students to choose which restroom to use

Bay Area Rainfall Lowest on Record – By Far

The Bay Area is seeing record-low rainfall levels so far this season, with levels far below the previous lows.

Winter Spare the Air Alert Ordered for Tuesday

The ban prohibits the burning of wood, manufactured fire logs or other solid fuel

2014 Tax Season to Open Jan. 31

E-file and Free File can speed refunds, IRS says.

Do Scofflaws Ever Get Cited on Spare the Air Days?

Air quality officials say they receive an average of 100 to 200 citations on every day there is an alert.

Winter Spare the Air Alert Ordered For Sunday

It's the seventh straight day a wood burning ban has been put in place

Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Saturday

It's the sixth straight day the wood burning ban has been put in place

Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Friday

It's the fifth day in a row a wood burning ban has been in place

Winter Spare The Air Ordered For Thursday

Air quality district issues a wood burning ban for the fourth straight day

Votes to Approve BART Agreement Likely Won't Happen This Week

Spare the Air Alert Called for Monday

Blair Park's Future? Oaks, Native Grass Meadow, Hefty Price Tag

Piedmont park commissioners and public speakers raised a number of concerns about a plan for the park at a public hearing last week.

New BART President Wants Bill That Would Ban Strikes

Joel Keller says he will try to have an advisory measure supporting a ban on BART employee strikes placed on the November ballot. His remarks drew strong criticism from labor leaders.

Map: Where Are the East Bay's Uninsured

The deadline to enroll in Obamacare for Jan. 1 coverage is Dec. 23.

New Census Report Offers Snapshot of Piedmont

A new American Community Survey report focuses on social characteristics, including household make-up and educational levels.

Applications Available for 2014 Alameda County Artsfund Grants

Free workshops in January and February offer help in preparing the applications.

Alameda County Boasts Highest Growth Rate in State

The county grew by 26,000 people between July 2012 and July 2013.

Sound Familiar? Wood-burning Ban Extended for Wednesday

For an unprecedented 11th day in a row, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District has issued a Spare the Air alert for Wednesday, meaning no fires or wood-burning. The continued cool weather is keeping pollution trapped.