Piedmont Ends Fire Chief Sharing with Albany

On the recommendation of City Administrator Geoffrey Grote, the Piedmont City Council voted to terminate its shared fire chief contract with Albany. Grote said a having a half-time chief did not meet the fire department's administrative needs.

Does Piedmont's 'Gateway' Pillar Need Some Love?

Park commissioners and city officials hope the pillar — marking the split between Grand and Lower Grand avenues — can be made safer from errant drivers.

City Seeks Volunteers for Commissions, Committees

Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2013

Snow Park Could Become New Home to Dog Play Area

A 4.2-acre park at 19th and Harrison streets in Oakland is drawing less opposition as a site for a dog park than Astro Park did.

Town Hall Meeting on Piedmont Policing Feb. 12

Police Chief Rikki Goede will make a presentation on increased crime in Piedmont.

Public Meeting on Pool Financing, New Fees

The Piedmont Recreation Commission will hold a special meeting and public hearing Wednesday night, Jan. 30, on proposed fee increases, schedules and financing of the Piedmont Community Pool.

Planning Commission to Pick Design Award Winners at Next Meeting

The Piedmont Planning Commission will review and pick the winners of the city's annual Design Awards at its next meeting, according to the commission agenda issued Monday.

Postage Rate Increase Starts Today

The cost of a first-class domestic letter has risen to 46 cents from 45 cents, while international postage will the greatly simplified to allow customers to mail a one-ounce letter anywhere in the world for $1.10.

Piedmont Residents Ask City for More Police Patrols

The city plans a Town Hall meeting on Feb. 12 to address recent home invasion robberies.

Rec Commission to Look at Pool Fees, Schedule

The Piedmont Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on fees and schedules for the Piedmont Community Pool's 2013-2014 season at a special meeting on Jan. 30.

Piedmont Representatives Praise Obama Gun Control Plans

Piedmont's legislative representatives – U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, state Senator Loni Hancock and Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner – joined other East Bay legislators in voicing support for President Obama's proposals Wednesday.

Rec Commission to Look at Safety Procedures

The city's Recreation Commission meets Wednesday evening.

Piedmont LWV to Hold Forum on School Parcel Tax Feb. 7

Hear from proponents and opponents of the school support tax measure that will be on the March 5 special election ballot.

Piedmont Council Says One Vote Per City, Rebuffs Agency Recommendation

A dispute over cities sharing power in Alameda County sharpened this week when the Piedmont City Council voted against a recommendation to give larger cities extra votes in a proposed multi-city "Energy Council" for the county.

Former Piedmont Mayor Elected Vice President of EBMUD Board

Former Piedmont Mayor Katy Foulkes was unanimously elected Tuesday as board vice president of the East Bay Municipal Utility District. Foulkes was first elected to the board in 1994 and has been re-elected four times.

Is President Obama Wrong in Objecting to Whistle-Blower Protections?

"The President’s objection to whistle-blower protections for private sector employees who expose waste, fraud, and abuse in government programs is deeply disturbing."

How's Your Gas Mileage This Winter?

Winter blend gasoline, which kicked in early this year, can lower a car's mileage. What's it doing for yours?

Will Albany, Piedmont Share New Fire Chief?

The current job-sharing agreement between the two cities doesn't allow for automatic substitution of a new chief when current Fire Chief Ed Tubbs retires at the end of May 2013.

Fire Chief Ed Tubbs to Retire in May 2013

Tubbs serves as fire chief for both Piedmont and Albany under an agreement between the two cities.

Social Media Privacy Tops New Laws for 2013

Gov. Jerry Brown signed nearly 1,000 bills into law in 2012; here's an overview of what goes into effect Jan. 1, 2013.

Countywide Plastic Bag Ban Only Few Days Away

The ban goes into effect in Alameda County starting Jan. 1, 2013.

Will You Observe a Voluntary Ban on Christmastime Fires?

Christmas is a time of hearth and home, but the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is asking residents to skip the yule log.

City Names San Jose Assistant Chief as Piedmont's New Chief of Police

The city council has selected Richelle Goede, currently an assistant chief with the San Jose Police Department, as Piedmont's new chief of police.

Oakland Branch Libraries Closing for Holidays

The Oakland Main Library and all branches will be closed Dec. 22-Jan. 1.

Oakland City Council to Vote — Again — on Lake Merritt Dog Park Plan

The dog park is on the agenda for council action only — the public hearing on the plan has been closed.

Review of California School Safety Urged in Wake of Newtown Tragedy

Following the Connecticut school massacre, a joint message from California's schools chief and top homeland security advisor urges school superintendents to review security measures and to remind staff and parents to be alert and prepared.

Noise Relief! Quieter TV Commercial Law Goes into Effect Today

FCC says compliance will rely on monitoring by consumers. Here's where you can file complaints.

School Board OKs Amended Parcel Tax Measure

Last night's meeting was a special session called to meet a deadline for revising the ballot measure. The board meets again tonight in regular session.

BART Giveaway Drawing – $400 Visa Gift Cards & $40 Clipper Cards

In an effort to encourage holiday shoppers to take BART, the transit agency is sponsoring a holiday shopping sweepstakes with 10 "Shop and Ride Prize Packs." Each pack contains a $400 Visa gift card and a $40 Clipper card.

PUSD Advisory Comittee Meets on Tuesday

The public is welcome to attend the meeting.

Carry On! What's OK — and Not — on the Plane

Cranberry sauce? Snow globes? Pumpkin pie? A quick guide to what's OK to pack in your carry-on luggage during the holidays.

Passenger's Lament: 'Don't Pat Me Down'

Avoid holiday travel trials. Here's how to make it through airport security with the least possible hassle.

Recount Canceled for Alameda County Transportation Tax Measure

The Alameda County Transportation Commission has called off the recount of votes in the Nov. 6 narrow defeat of Measure B1, a proposed one-cent sales tax boost for transportation. The move follows a partial recount this week.

Oakland City Council Can't Agree on Fate of Proposed Lakeview Dog Park

Dozens of speakers argued for and against a dog play area at MacArthur and Lakeshore, hoping for a decision Tuesday night.

Caldecott Tunnel Turns 75 — Montclair School Students' Designs Crown Newest Bore

The Caldecott Tunnel turns 75 today, Wednesday, while tomorrow features a ceremony honoring school kids whose designs were chosen for the large decorative medallions to be installed above the Caldecott's new fourth bore.

Council May Hire Outside Labor Negotiator

A proposal coming to the Piedmont City Council tonight calls for hiring a third-party labor negotiator, rather than having senior city staff handle contract negotiations with unions representing municipal employees.

Final Decision on Lakeview Dog Park Tuesday

Should dogs have a fenced play area near the corner of Lakeshore Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard? The Oakland Planning Commission said no, but the city council will decide on an appeal this week.

Starbucks Clover Comes to Lakeshore - Have You Tried It?

The coffee giant has a new device for brewing individual cups of specialty coffees, and the Lakeshore Avenue location has the machine.

License Plate Money for Kids Mismanaged, State Says

About 40 percent of the funds went to administrative costs, in violation of California law.

Recount Asked for Defeated County Transportation Sales Tax

The Alameda County Transportation Commission said Thursday it has requested a recount on the narrow defeat of Measure B1, the one-cent sales tax boost that failed by a tiny margin to receive the necessary two-thirds approval.