City Council Keeps It Quick in Last Meeting of 2013

The council approved a landscaping maintenance contract and employee salary and benefit resolutions, including a retroactive raise for retiring City Administrator Geoffrey Grote.

Convicted Serial Killer Joseph Naso Ordered to Pony Up

A Superior Court judge wants death row inmate and former Piedmont resident Joseph Naso to pay $171,000 for expenses incurred during his murder trial.

Federal Agency Proposes Big Shift in Refinery Regulation After Chevron Fire

As the U.S. Chemical Safety Board urges more rigorous refinery regulation in California, the Berkeley City Council will review a proposal on Tuesday for stricter public-notice requirements for toxic releases from refinery accidents.

Tuesday Makes Ten... Winter Spare The Air Alerts Continue

The Tuesday ban on wood burning will be the 10th straight day the Bay Area has been under a Winter Spare The Air alert

The Neverending Story: Spare the Air Again on Monday

Monday will be a record-setting ninth consecutive Winter Spare the Air day.

Spare the Air Alert Issued for 8th Straight Day, Weather Stays Cool

The alert for Sunday places a ban on wood burning once again. The National Weather Service forecasts crisp days and nights all week.

Wood-Burning Ban Issued for 7th Straight Day

Saturday marks a full week of Winter Spare the Air days for the Bay Area.

Surprise! Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Friday

It's a record sixth day in a row that a ban on wood burning has been ordered

Oakland Councilman Kalb Throws a Party for District 1 Residents

Residents of the Piedmont Avenue, Rockridge, Temescal and other North Oakland neighborhoods are invited to join Kalb and his staff Saturday to celebrate the holiday season.

BART, Unions Return to Bargaining Table Over Family Leave Issue

BART and union officials will meet Thursday and Friday to try to resolve a dispute over a contract provision that calls for employees to receive up to six weeks of paid family medical leave annually.

Spare the Air, Day 5 — Thursday Sets a Record for Consecutive Bans on Wood Burning

Air quality officials expect to lift the ban on fireplace use and other wood burning sometime later this week.

Walnut Creek Approves Plan For Broadway Plaza Renovation

The demolition of 40 stores and the Nordstrom parking garage would start early next year

Park Commission to View Design for Blair Park Landscaping

Thursday's Park Commission meeting will include a chance for public comment on the plan.

Yet Another Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Wednesday

Bay Area air quality officials issue their fourth straight alert due to the cold weather

Another Winter Spare The Air Alert Ordered For Tuesday

It's the third straight day a ban on wood burning has been announced

Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Monday

Air quality officials issue the alert for the second straight day

What New Law Do You Think We Should Have?

Share your ideas on what new laws you think we should have in California. Read others' ideas, too.

Winter Spare The Air Alert Issued For Sunday

This will be the fifth time this winter season Bay Area residents have been told not to burn wood

Legislative Wrap-Up: Army Honoree, Health Care Praise, Intern Harassment

Some of the items this past week involving East Bay legislators in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento

East Bay MUD Warns of Possible Frozen Pipes

Here are tips to keep your exposed water pipes from freezing – or to unfreeze them – when temperatures drop tonight and through the weekend, courtesy of the East Bay's water agency, the East Bay Municipal Utility District.

Electrical Short Caused BART Breakdown, Commuters Breathed Brake Dust

An electrical short is the reason emergency brakes suddenly activated and stranded a BART train in the Berkeley hills tunnel for more than an hour this morning. Nine passengers were taken to hospitals after breathing brake dust.

City Council OKs Zoning Changes, JumpstartMD, Web Privacy

The council also authorized hiring of an interim recreation director until the position is filled permanently.

Labor Unions Suing BART After Board Vote to Reject Family Leave Provision

Oakland Councilmember Libby Schaaf Files for Mayor's Race

The field of mayoral candidates includes incumbent Jean Quan, who is expected to run again, Bryan Parker, Joe Tuman and others.

Another 'Spare The Air Alert' Saturday – No Wood Burning Allowed

It's the fourth alert this week, triggered by a large volume of particulates in the air caused by relatively cool, windless weather.

Air District Urges No Wood Burning On Thanksgiving

It's not a Spare the Air day, but officials request that people refrain from using fireplaces and wood stoves on Thanksgiving Day.

Coliseum Authority Approves Lease Extensions for A's and Raiders

Analysis, Argument for 'Side Fund' Ballot Measure Available on City Website

First Winter Spare The Air Alert Called For Monday

Bay Area air quality officials asking residents not to burn wood for 24 hours

Legislative Wrap-Up: Concussions, Medical Marijuana, Small Businesses

Some of the items involving East Bay legislators in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

UPDATE: BART Service Resumes, Expect Delays

BART Strike Possible if BART Board Rejects Contract Thursday

The BART contract agreement that ended the recent strike could unravel because of a contract provision on paid family leave that BART management says was mistakenly included.

City Council OKs Zoning Changes, Employee Contracts

The council Monday also upheld the Piedmont Planning Commission's decision to approve a pair of side-by-side garages on Oakmont Avenue despite an appeal by several neighbors.

Piedmont Recreation Director Mark Delventhal to Retire

Assessment to Finance Wildfire Prevention Narrowly Defeated by Oakland Hills Voters

In the past, the assessment as been used to fund brush removal, inspections, outreach and grazing by goats.

Caldecott Tunnel's New Fourth Bore Will Open Saturday Morning

Caltrans holds ribbon cutting ceremony at the new tunnel.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Care Facilities, Pre-School Programs, Energy Neutrality

Some of the items this past week in Washington and Sacramento involving East Bay legislators

Delays Expected for the Next Week at the Caldecott Tunnel

Work on fourth bore of the Caldecott Tunnel will cause lane closures and other delays.

Scientists to Trap and Tag East Bay Mountain Lions for Study

What Child Care Costs Mean for You and Your Family