Blair Park Landscaping Plan on City Council Agenda

The plan will most likely focus on low-impact improvements, including replacement of weeds and ivy with native plants and adding some paths. But a long-term vision for Blair Park could include daylighting Cemetery Creek, a proposal says.

Major BART Delays – Train Stuck in Transbay Tube

A BART train broke down in the Transbay Tube this morning, Wednesday, causing major delays on the transit system.

Can Booze Save the U.S. Postal Service?

Legal alcohol delivery could make the U.S. Postal Service $50 million per year.

Gov. Brown OKs Bill to Let Transgender Teens Pick Locker Room, Teams

Governor Jerry Brown Monday signed AB1266, a California law allowing transgender students in the state's K-12 public schools to choose either the boys' or girls' locker room and which sex-segregated team to play on. We'd like to know your thoughts.

City Administrator Geoffrey Grote: A Retrospective

A Piedmont Civic Association article looks at Grote's long career as he plans to retire in early 2014.

BART Management, Unions Take a Break from Negotiations

BART trains will be running today, but contract talks appeared to stall Sunday after a judge ordered a 60-day cooling off period.

Affordable Piedmont? The Housing Element Challenge

The Piedmont City Council this week approved a contract with a planning consultant who will help find solutions.

City Adminstrator Geoffrey Grote to Retire in February

Grote will retire after 25 years as the city's top manager.

AC Transit Union Delivering Strike Notice to Board

A work stoppage by AC Transit's drivers and mechanics could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.

City Moves Ahead with Bike-Pedestrian Master Plan

The Piedmont City Council is expected to OK an agreement with a consultant tonight after learning that the city's application for a $102,000 planning grant was approved.

Park Commission to Hear Updates on Lantern Project, Dracena Park Bridge Next Week

Correction: Piedmont Patch initially reported the date of the Park Commission incorrectly. The commission meets next week on Wednesday, Aug. 7, not on July 31.

How Many People Receive Food Stamps In Piedmont

The federal program known as SNAP has been in high demand during the recession

Work Starts on Ramona Ronada Triangle Next Week

Construction is about to commence on the long-awaited traffic-calming project.

BART Car of the Future on View at MacArthur Station

Check out the prototype today through Friday, 2 to 7 p.m.

Sewer Smoke Testing Begins Tomorrow

You should take some special steps before testing begins if you have a bathroom, plumbing fixtures or basement drains that are seldom or never used, public works staff advise.

Piedmont Ave. Library Will Shift to Monday-Friday Schedule

The branch will change to its new schedule in September.

Blair Park Revisited: City Still Negotiating with PRFO Over $208,532 in Unpaid Bills

Budget Advisory Committee member Tim Rood has raised questions about whether negotiations between the city and the backers of the doomed sports field plan violate the state's open government law.

Rec Commission to Hear Requests from Youth Sports Groups

This is the last meeting of the city's recreation commission before the August hiatus. The next meeting will be on Sept. 18.

Legislative Wrap-Up: What Elected Officials Were Doing This Week

Here is some of the action involving East Bay politicians this past week in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

Does Media Violence Encourage Violent Behavior?

And, if so, what can or should California lawmakers do about it?

Assemblymember Nancy Skinner to Hold Town Hall Wednesday

Local residents are invited to hear updates on state budget issues and new legislation.

BART Says Probably No Service on Wednesday

BART officials, unions resume negotiations.

UPDATE: AC Transit Reports Some Progress in Labor Talks, Tuesday Strike Possible

Negotiations were continuing Sunday night between AC Transit and employee unions. Union reps said they would give the public 24 hours' notice before a strike begins.

Unions Say Strike Set for Monday, Accuse BART of Stalling

Union officials walked out of contract talks with BART Saturday afternoon.

If BART Workers Strike, Maybe Just Stay Home

If you want to find a casual carpool, post an announcement in our Boards on the homepage.

Legislative Wrap-Up: Grants, Honors and Budgets

Some of the things East Bay elected officials were working on this past week

City to Name Fire Chief Monday

The Piedmont City Council is expected to appoint Interim Fire Chief Warren "Bud" McLaren to the position permanently.

UPDATE: What Will You Do If BART Workers Go on Strike?

BART officials made a new offer to union negotiators as labor talks continued on Thursday

Alameda County Clerk 'Awaits Direction' on Same-Sex Marriages

County Clerk Patrick O'Connell says his office will begin issuing licenses and performing ceremonies for same-sex couples "when directed to do so by the lower courts."

BART Union Employees Vote to Authorize a Strike

A BART strike could begin as early as Monday.

AC Transit Union Says Bus Service Unequipped to Deal with BART Strike

BART unions will announce the result of a strike vote this morning.

BART Unions and Management Trade Allegations as Deadline Nears

Members of two BARt unions vote Tuesday on whether to authorize a strike.

The Highest Paid Employees At Piedmont City Hall

The survey by the Bay Area Newspaper Group also details the "pension pickups" some government employees receive

New Aquatics Director: From Cal to Cruise Ship to ... Piedmont

Rebecca Toussaint oversaw the aquatics facilities at Cal before touring the world as a recreation director with Royal Caribbean.

Skinner To Focus On Schools, Housing, Infrastructure As Assembly Budget Committee Chair

The new position should also help the assemblywoman's district, which stretches from Piedmont to Hercules

Legislative Wrap-Up: Skinner Named Budget Chair, Lee Announces Housing Grant

BART Workers Highlight Safety Issues, Prepare to Hold Strike Vote

A union spokesperson says lighting in some BART tunnels is so bad that train operators can't see repair crews.

Elected State Officials Get A Pay Raise: Do You Think It's Warranted?

Piedmonters Are Champs at Hazardous Waste Disposal

Another "best" for local residents.

Election Reforms: Should It Be Easier To Pass Taxes and Bonds?

Two proposed amendments to the state Constitution would lower voter thresholds on funding measures