BART Explains Cell Shut-off as Another Protest is Planned

Activists may disrupt service Monday in response to the transit agency's decision to disable mobile phone service in stations to thwart would-be protesters on Aug. 11.

Governor Appoints Dan Richard Again

The Piedmonter is a familiar face from previous Brown administrations.

'Eliminating Subsidy Would Doom Pool' Says Former Swim Club Board Member

Jon Sakol objects to the tax committee's call for the pool's impact on the general fund to be neutral.

Piedmont Lands in New Legislative Districts

Redistricting put the city in a state Assembly district largely apart from Oakland, and in a Congressional district that includes Alameda.

Solar Power Partnership Gets El Cerrito's Signature

Piedmont is planning to pool its resources with El Cerrito and two other cities to contract for photovoltaic installations.

50% Sewer Tax Surcharge Recommended

Piedmont's tax committee advised the surcharge be applied for 10 years while the city works to complete the rehabilitation of its sewers.

Tax Committee Minority Group Delivers Ultimatum

To earn their support for the parcel tax, three committee members want to see City Council address growing employee benefit costs, depleted reserve funds and construction project risks.

Tax Committee Challenges City Council to Get Fiscal House in Order

Without spending reforms, the committee concludes, putting a parcel tax extension on the ballot would not be a good idea.

Planning Commission Considers Substation Redevelopment

A building on Linda Avenue that PG&E vacated 20 years ago could be torn down for a new condo complex.

BMW Wing Designing BART's New Cars

DesignworksUSA will help the transit district design its next generation of train cars.

The Lowdown on Sewer Lateral Mainenance Rules

EBMUD hosted an informational meeting on the new private sewer lateral program with local officials Thursday.

Arts Center Granted More Space in City Building for Restrooms

The restrooms will also be for the use of whoever else occupies 801 Magnolia Ave once the building is fully renovated.

Pool Adds 11% to Revenue Totals in Second Half of July

Recreation Director is pleased with progress, but says there's a long way to go.

Debt-Limit Deal Passes Without Lee's Vote

The agreement to raise the federal debt ceiling was approved by the House Monday and the Senate Tuesday.

Redistricting Could Impact Piedmont's Representation in State Assembly

In the final preliminary draft map released by the California Citizens Redistricting Commission, Piedmont would no longer share an Assemblymember with Alameda.

Alleged Killer's Request for Advisory Counsel at Public Expense Denied

Joseph Naso, who currently lives in Reno but once resided in Piedmont, is charged with the murders of four Northern California women, including two from the Bay Area, between 1977 and 1994.

City Council to Discuss Operations at Piedmont Community Pool

City Council will also appropriate funds for several capital improvement projects at its Aug. 1 meeting.

Pool Halfway to Revenue Goal

Annual passes have sold well so far, but seasonal pass sales have been lackluster.

Park Monitor Records Few Problems So Far

In a pilot program, a Recreation Department monitor is checking in on Dracena Quarry Park and Beach Playfield this summer.

Tax Committee Moves to Council Chambers

The change of venue is motivated by public interest.

Tushes Favor BART Seats Clean and Wide

Tests of the next-generation seats found 75 percent of riders would accept narrower, 20-inch-wide seats with wider aisles, though the current 22-inch width got more votes. In cleanliness vs. comfort, plastic was favored over cushions.

Audit Subcommittee's Report May Not Be Its Final Word on Undergrounding

The subcommittee is due to decide next month on recommendations for steps the city can take to avoid future fiscal disasters.

Interim Public Works Director Appointed Permanently

After a year in the position, Chester Nakahara officially gets to stay at the helm of the city department responsible for parks, roads, sewers and building permits.

Tax Endorsement Could Include Blair Park Financing Recommendation

The Municipal Tax Review Committee is debating whether to ask for an escrow account or City Council policy to ensure the maintenance of proposed sports fields will be paid for by users instead of taxpayers at large.

Where Should the Sustainable Gardens Grow?

Local environmental advocates suggest the city dig new beds for native and drought-resistant plants in traffic circles and pocket parks.

Utility Poles Finally Gone from Undergrounding Area

The last of the poles were removed last month, marking the end of the notorious Piedmont Hills project.

Poll: Will Your City Tax Vote Depend on Blair Park?

The Municipal Tax Review Committee is debating what guarantees to recommend the city put in place to ensure the sports fields development does not become a new expense for taxpayers.

Records Request Reveals Details of Blair Park Plan

A traffic safety concept would shift the development east to provide better sight lines and a sidewalk along Moraga Avenue. The second grassy field would not be built in Phase I.

Don't Worry About That Smoke

… it's just the city testing the sewer system.

Library Deal Would Maintain Status Quo

It looks like Piedmont will keep paying its neighbor about $350,000 a year to use its library.

Home Carbon Monoxide Detectors Now Required

A new state law mandates CO monitoring.

Parks to be Monitored on Summer Weekends

The Recreation Department hopes to get a handle on how Dracena Park and Beach Playfield are being used.

New Budget Proposals Could be Libraries' Saving Grace

Three Oakland budget scenarios would keep all branches open.

Eight Stretches of Road to Get Attention

Some of Piedmont's most heavily trafficked streets are being repaired.

These Taxes Will Be Due

The City Council approved 2011-2012 municipal services and sewer taxes Monday.

On Pool Spending, Council Says: We'll Try It

The pool's first season under city management starts July 1 with $380,000 from the general fund to complement projected revenues.

A Dozen Local Nonprofits No Longer Tax Exempt

The Camp Augusta Trust Fund and the Piedmont Playfields Foundation are among those stripped of tax-exempt status by the IRS.

Spending Constraints Needed to Contain Parcel Taxes

The Municipal Tax Review Committee hones in on cuts to employee benefits and recreational facility subsidies.

Piedmont City Council Prepares to Pass Budget, Tax Increases

Council members and staff considered sewer and municipal services tax inclines as well as the administration budget in the first of two public hearings.

UPDATE: Piedmont Council Sets Pool Fees, Schedules—Passes Now Available

Seasonal and annual passes are now for sale at the Recreation Department.