Richmond Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Richmond. Here: three neighbors tip me on to the same thing. Richmond Buzz: The buzziest banh mi spot yet

Landowners who cut 38 trees in Oakland hills hit with $915,000 fine A majority of the City Council said the “egregious” violation of the city’s protected tree law required enforcement.

"Dead birds are usually the first indicator that it's circulating."

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, mayors and fire officials announced the funding Tuesday. A site for a new facility has not been selected yet.

The city has a huge budget deficit this year, but political players in San Francisco are divided on whether layoffs are necessary Meet the District 2 candidates: Do you support layoffs this budget cycle?

The central hub (location TBD) will let fire crews practice fighting structure fires and wildfires, cleaning up hazmats and more, officials said.

Bake Sum hits Alameda, Dave & Buster’s debuts in JLS, Teni East relocates, and more openings A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

History and memory, family and migration, what the hands have made and the body registers are her through lines.  Trina Michelle Robinson at 500 Capp St. and Root Division

California used to spend way less on education than other states. Not anymore California’s spending is also now ranked as one of the most equitable in the nation. The data, from the 2022-2023 school year, reflect Covid spending boosts.

The science museum announced last Tuesday that it plans to lay off 53 employees. Its union could stand in the way. Cal Academy wants to lay them off. They’re coming into work anyway.

Attorney Rya Nelson joins the Gwilliam firm in Oakland "The wealth of knowledge and experience here was really attractive to me."

A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Bake Sum hits Alameda, Dave & Buster’s debuts in JLS, Teni East relocates, and more openings A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

The last person tied to the murder of a Santa Cruz tech CEO was sentenced Monday.

$1.4M in housing help for Oakland residents living with HIV The city is partnering with the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center to assist people with mortgage, rent and utility bills to prevent homelessness.

It’s a painful spillover effect as the Berkeley school district’s TK program has nearly tripled its enrollment since 2017.

District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill wants San Francisco to build, build, build. But challenger Lori Brooke is skeptical. At debate, District 2 candidates part ways on housing

Council members Shoshana O’Keefe, Mark Humbert, Rashi Kesarwani and Terry Taplin explain their stance on Flock. The vote comes Thursday.

Iron Triangle residents will have a safe place to go during emergencies Pogo Park's Harbour Hall will be equipped for emergencies such as toxic air, power outages, and floods. The Community Resilience Center is expected to open this summer.

On Mission Street. Photo by Walter Mackins. Only …

Centimillionaire congressional candidate Saikat Chakrabarti hopes to bring his no-holds-barred approach to national politics — again Saikat Chakrabarti went after Democrats as AOC’s chief of staff. Now, he wants another round.

For some transgender Californians like Liam Chavez, who grew up in Berkeley, staying in the Bay Area is a matter of safety despite the high costs of living.

"Our immune system has co-evolved with this organism."

Ruiz has petitioned the court for mental health diversion, which could result in a three-month residential program in lieu of trial.

The Emeryville City Council met on April 21 with a fairly light agenda. Despite this, the meeting extended beyond three hours with a substantive discussion on a proposed $32M subsidy to an affordable housing project that is experiencing spiraling costs. Special Orders of the Day Islamic Cultural Center Recognition [42:10] The City Council issued a certificate of recognition to the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) for its significant contributions to the Emeryville Citizens [more]

Four ballot measures, two supervisor races, a Congressional primary, and more are on San Franciscans’ ballots for the June election Here’s what’s on the ballot for San Francisco’s June 2 election

A neighborhood in Mountain View has been without safe drinking water since April 24.

Pamela Price is trying to stage a comeback after being recalled in 2024. Prosecutors are financially backing her rival.

"If you made it away yesterday, just expect a knock at your door."

Jones Dickson’s fundraising in Alameda County District Attorney race outpaces Price and Krishan Pamela Price is trying to stage a comeback after being recalled in 2024. Prosecutors are financially backing her rival.

The San Francisco immigration court shuttered on May 1 after decades, leaving immigrants with longer journeys to attend hearings Inside the last day of 100 Montgomery, what was once S.F.’s main immigration court

The end of free mental health training is part of the shift in California towards housing, treating worst addiction cases As S.F. pivots to mandatory drug treatment, city cuts counselor training at City College

They are accused of embezzling more than $100,000 from a California fire council.

Who should be on the Mount Rushmore of Oakland sports? It’s impossible to pick just four all-time greats. But over a dozen super sports fans we spoke with tried.

San Francisco police on Monday police pulled up to the city’s new 24-hour sobering center at 444 Sixth St. and delivered a man in handcuffs. SFPD brings first man, in handcuffs, to RESET sobering center

The swimming hole's naturally occurring hydraulic feature is extremely dangerous.

Richmond City Council election: Meet the D3 candidates Thursday; D4 forum is May 13 Richmondside's next co-sponsored city council candidate forum is Thursday. Here's how to RSVP.

Photos: About 100 attend Richmond May Day protest A small crowd in Richmond mirrored other actions throughout the Bay Area and nation on International Workers' Day to protest the Trump administration.

Gene Agress, co-founder of the nearly 40-year-old furniture shop, was recovering from heart surgery as Berkeley Mills collapsed. Then a longtime client made a big investment, and now he’s back in charge.

The Emeryville City Council gathered on April 7 for a nearly four hour meeting. With Councilmember Welch participating remotely and Councilmember Mourra absent, the council worked through a robust agenda that included: SPECIAL ORDER: BART Boardmember Paints Dire Scenarios for Transit Agency [10:12] Victor Flores, representing BART District 7, provided an extensive, sobering, yet forward-looking presentation on the transit agency’s future. He characterized 2026 as a pivotal “defining year” not ju [more]

This week in Oakland: 510 Day and jazz pianist Larry Vuckovich at Yoshi’s Other events include a conversation on Iran, a benefit concert at the Trinity Lutheran Church, and a fashion show by OSA students.

A longtime Berkeley pediatrician volunteers his time booking musicians for Spats. He says music has helped him overcome "rough times."

After 50 years LifeLong Medical says its mission remains the same — caring for the underserved Under the leadership of CEO John Jenkins Jr., son of beloved Richmond pediatrician William Jenkins Jr., the provider now trains doctors. It's braced for a rocky future as a health insurance crisis looms.

On Cortland Avenue. Photo by Walter Mackins. Is this knot acceptable?

California’s four-time gov says term-limits measure is just a thinly veiled attempt to kneecap Aaron Peskin. It’s hard to argue with him.  Jerry Brown compares San Francisco’s Prop. B to Trump, Putin

A Bay Area high schooler has been missing for nearly a week.

The most recent Board of Immigration Appeals ruling sets a new precedent that could make it easier to deport DACA recipients. Bay Area’s 11,000 immigrant ‘Dreamers’ face new fears after federal ruling

The hitman hired by a CHP captain to kill her soon-to-be ex-husband was found guilty of murder.

At 22nd and Mission Streets. Photo by Philip Pierce. Overseeing proceedings

René Peña-Govea will be at the Bay Area Book Festival on May 30. Q&A: René Peña-Govea and her YA novel, ‘Estela, Undrowning’

The female suspect was reportedly driving a red Hyundai sedan.

At Fisherman's Wharf. Photo by Jay A. Martin. Bubbles galore

On Irving Street the grand openings never end. For the neighborhood’s Asian grocers, that's the whole point. For Chinese groceries in the Sunset, ‘grand opening’ signs endure for years

“Amadeus Never Gives Me the Blues,” is the mezzo-soprano Amy Bouchard’s memoir of her relationship with her craft. Amy Bouchard solos at The Marsh

Seven protesters facing up to 15 years in prison in connection to a 2024 pro-Palestinian demonstration saw their first day in court. Trial kicks off for 7 activists facing up to 15 years for pro-Palestine Golden Gate blockade

San Francisco companies with wide pay disparities are opposing a tax measure that would levy taxes on companies with wide pay disparities. Firms fighting S.F. CEO tax have huge pay gaps, analysis shows

"San Francisco is a union town," Supervisor Connie Chan said.

A 40-year-old man is accused of stealing bronze plaques that belonged to a memorial.

While labor leaders and public officials rallied at Civic Center Park, high school students marched to a demonstration at UC Berkeley.

Guns, cash, and cannabis seized from Andy Duong’s house in 2024, says FBI A new unredacted court document describes items, including an allegedly stolen Rolex, that feds took from the Oakland home of a businessman indicted for bribery.

7 Oakland Catholic churches to close as Diocese is hit with abuse lawsuits Declining attendance was also a major factor in the decision to close churches including Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Paschal Baylon.

The highway has been shut down for several hours after a big rig overturned Friday.

Exclusive first look at Berkeley’s new Sightglass cafe The coffee company’s first East Bay location, and first new cafe in six years, now has an opening date.

The coffee company’s first East Bay location, and first new cafe in six years, now has an opening date.

Board President Rafael Mandelman and congressional candidate Supervisor Connie Chan among those arrested at May Day protest. S.F. supervisors, past and present, arrested at SFO anti-ICE protest

Oakland to host free workshops, networking events for small business owners Small Business Week includes daily classes on Zoom as well as a networking mixer May 7.

Interstate 5 is closed in both directions north of Sperry Avenue after a big rig crashed and overturned in the Patterson area on Friday, officials said.

The quintessential San Francisco fog was the only dull thing at the James Rolph Jr. Playground last Saturday when Kayla Velloso arrived for a game of kickball that would determine […] Photo Essay: ‘Kickball is gay,’ but you don’t have to be to participate

The Tenderloin is coming together to fight back against budget cuts, and there are effects from Mission Local's reporting on dog bites. Tenderloin Buzz: People’s budget, dog bites, and a new but old landmark

The jellyfish-type creatures travel the ocean via clear "sails."

A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Montclair sandwich shop shutters, La Mexicana gone after 94 years and more closings A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Montclair sandwich shop shutters, La Mexicana gone after 94 years and more closings A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

The May 9 performance is a celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary and includes Judy Collins, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Invoke Quartet and the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.

Richmond barber offers a shave, a haircut and … lots of doggy treats Meet your neighbor: Micah Bruce, co-owner of Beautiful Rebel Esthetics, shows his true character, his customers say, by doing things like treating a stray dog to a nail trim, a new sweater and a Spongebob video.

At Ellis and Jones. Photo by Eleni Balakrishnan. Timeless beauty

Months after city approved $37.8 million rescue package for troubled MEDA housing units, affordable developer lays off a dozen workers S.F. housing nonprofit MEDA cuts staff, slashes salaries as fiscal troubles mount

Video Craft is at the Museum of Craft and Design and lots going on this week at the Letterform archive including a studio design tour. What’s on now at San Francisco museums, May 2026

The Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour gives Bay Area residents a chance to see hidden landscapes in Berkeley, Oakland and beyond on May 2 and 3.

After nine years vacant, the former Thrift Town location at 2101 Mission is getting a new tenant Mission District’s landmark Thrift Town building gets new life

City officials offer inconsistent ideas about how the city’s new drunk tank will operate on the eve of its opening. No one knows what S.F.’s new drug RESET center will do

At Mission Local's debate, District 4 hopefuls take jabs at incumbent Alan Wong, and draw other lines in the sand. Great Highway takes a back seat in latest District 4 supervisor debate

In the Sunset and Parkside, over 88 percent of households own at least one car. Should travel by car be prioritized here in urban planning? Meet the District 4 candidates: Is there a ‘war on cars’ in San Francisco?

Check out the new Mosswood Rec Center this weekend Oakland is hosting a grand opening for the park’s new community center, rebuilt after it was obliterated in a 2016 fire.

Will the SS Red Oak Victory ship be docked somewhere new? A $300K study will try to find out The historic ship, which operates as a nonprofit museum, has been at Point Potrero since 1998, but there's an effort to relocate it to Ford Point near the Rosie the Riveter visitor center to boost

Tarts de Feybesse deploys deception, creativity and technique for top-selling treat The mango trompe l'oeil from the Uptown Oakland bakery and patisserie reflects the skill and eye for detail marking all of Monique and Paul Feybesse's creations.

Tarts de Feybesse deploys deception, creativity and technique for top-selling treat The mango trompe l'oeil from the Uptown Oakland bakery and patisserie reflects the skill and eye for detail marking all of Monique and Paul Feybesse's creations.

Oakland muralist Dan Fontes, known for his giraffes, dies at 67 The artist sought to convey ‘a sense of timelessness and resonance' with his murals of zebras, sea turtles, and other wildlife imagery.

Dan Fontes, the prolific Oakland-born artist whose creative roots trace back to the anarchic, driftwood galleries of the Emeryville Mudflats, recently passed away at the age of 68. Fontes leaves behind an indelible mark on the visual and cultural landscape of the Bay Area. News of his declining health was shared in March through a GoFundMe campaign organized by Julie Lucchesi, his dedicated partner of 28 years. Shortly thereafter, he transitioned to hospice care. His passing was publicly announc [more]

WCCUSD hires new special ed director but left parents out of the decision Rachel Chang of the Mt. Diablo school district succeeds a director the teachers union voted “no confidence” in. Parent special ed group says it wasn’t included in the hiring process.

A new food-centered event celebrates Black Berkeley’s cultural traditions The Berkeley Cake Walk on May 2 in San Pablo Park includes a baking competition, banjo performances, a quilt display and more.

A new food-centered event celebrates Black Berkeley’s cultural traditions The Berkeley Cake Walk on May 2 in San Pablo Park includes a baking competition, banjo performances, a quilt display and more.

He's been identified as Reed McNally Geritz, 37, of Berkeley. There were no obvious signs of foul play, police said.

Watch: Alameda County district attorney candidates forum Ursula Jones Dickson, Pamela Price, and Gopal Krishan debated in Oakland. Hear their views on victim's rights, juvenile justice, managing the DA's office, and lots more.

9 things to do in Richmond this week Highlights include: A May Day rally for workers' rights; an AAPI Heritage Month celebration; and an early Cinco de Mayo festival along 23rd Street.

What are Richmond residents worried about as primary election approaches? Richmond residents share their top concerns about the city, including car thefts, potholes and illegal dumping.

Chevron settlement: Richmond picks consultant to lead spending conversation Mayor Eduardo Martinez said he voted against hiring the consultant because he did not agree with describing the settlement as “separate” from the general fund.

Federal judge rejects motion to suppress evidence in Oakland corruption case Sheng Thao, David Duong, and other defendants sought to prevent the government from using evidence gathered in June 2024 FBI raids. A judge found “no credible evidence” to back their argument.

Panisse but a party: New bar is the hip younger sibling to Berkeley’s most famous restaurant With classic cocktails and a tight, seasonal menu, Bar Panisse fills a gap in the city’s drinking scene.

Panisse but a party: New bar is the hip younger sibling to Berkeley’s most famous restaurant With classic cocktails and a tight, seasonal menu, Bar Panisse fills a gap in the city’s drinking scene.

Police reopened the roadway at about 3:30 p.m.

The driver struck the pedestrian at about 50 mph, according to early reports, throwing her 30-40 feet.

Meet your Richmond City Council District 3 candidates — in their own words Brandon Evans and Doria Robinson weigh in on topics such as the Chevron settlement negotiations, crime and business development.

5 things to know this week — east Richmond mayoral forum, summer camp signups and more District 4 residents are hosting a mayoral candidates forum on Thursday; city summer camp registration opens May 1; Richmond Art Center collecting stories.

Shake Shack sizzles into downtown Berkeley; plus new bars now pouring in Albany and Oakland A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

East Bay Persians find culture — and respite from war stress — at Central Stage theater Volunteer-run Richmond theater, which migrated from Berkeley in 2008, is attracting international performers as it seeks to grow its repertoire.

The investigation began Saturday shortly before 3 p.m. when a group of people robbed a pedestrian at gunpoint near Strawberry Creek Park.

Three Richmond mayoral candidates receive donations from entities doing business with city, records show While not illegal in Richmond, a state law could require Mayor Eduardo Martinez to return some money. Meanwhile candidate Ahmad Anderson has raised the most among all the council candidates.

Over the years I’ve collected a few sightings in Oakland of actinolite, an uncommon-but-not-rare mineral in the Coast Range and Sierra foothills. This is my reference specimen, one I bought at a Russian River rock shop when I asked the owner for something local. Actinolite is a metamorphic mineral, forming when basalt and similar rocks […]

Readers shared photos and videos and asked The Scanner to learn more.

Berkeley uses Alameda County's alerting system to send texts, emails and calls during critical incidents.

Laisha Ajtun, 20, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

Authorities said they do not believe the man was affiliated with the university. There were no obvious signs of foul play, UCPD said.

The student has been identified as William Yi Lu, 21, the coroner's office said. He was majoring in Theater & Performance Studies.

There were no clear signs of trauma at the scene, and indications of a possible overdose, according to early reports.

In today's guest essay, Amory Langmo of the Berkeley Fire Fighters Association urges officials not to cut BFD staffing or close Fire Station 4.

The Emeryville region’s food scene is shifting again as we hit mid-spring. This month’s update includes a departure from the Public Market, the return of the Farmers’ Market, and the debut of a new Banh Mi spot. Plus, we look at a digital food court rebrand, a new North Oakland café, and more. CLOSED: Juice House Co. Public Market Kiosk Juice House Co. closed their locations including their stall at the Public Market. Proprietor Tiana Duvauchelle announced the tough decision on March 20. “After [more]

The driver carried the pedestrian on his hood for approximately 125 feet before he fell into the roadway, police said.

When you learn the landscape, something as subtle as a dip in the road can yield a story. This view looks east down E. 10th Street, in near-East Oakland. The territory is what I call the Clinton terrace, a platform of sand and gravel, topped with clay, that accumulated around 125,000 years ago when the […]

In this edition of our semi-monthly Newswire, we highlight five regional stories with relevance to Emeryville that you may have missed, including: Former Emeryville Café Co-Owner Missing Since March 25 The search for Amy Hillyard, co-owner of Farley’s Coffee, remains ongoing more than two weeks after her disappearance on March 25. Hillyard and her husband Chris co-owned Farley’s on 65th from 2011-2016 (slated to become For the Love of Matcha) and still own locations in Oakland and SF. Hillyard w [more]

Choc’late Mama Cookie Co. proprietor Empress Kehinde Koyejo is in an ongoing dispute over zoning and permitting that has forced her to pause operations of her cookie business. She has since launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking community support as she works to revive her business and stabilize her housing situation. The fundraiser, titled “Stand With Chocolate Mama Cookie Co.,” is approaching its initial goal. The campaign cites mounting legal expenses and business disruptions tied to complaints [more]

Following the continued success of its growing catalog of self-guided walking tours, the Emeryville Historical Society (EHS) is proud to announce the launch of its latest offering: the San Pablo Avenue / Emeryville Triangle Walking Tour. This new tour explores the rich, layered history of Emeryville’s stretch of San Pablo Avenue—one of the East Bay’s oldest thoroughfares—and the historic Emeryville Triangle neighborhood, shaped by San Pablo Avenue, Adeline Street, and the once free-flowing Temes [more]

Emeryville police responded to multiple reports of a silver Honda sedan performing ‘donuts’ near 53rd Street and San Pablo Avenue around 8 a.m. on Wednesday April 1. The concerning incident happened during peak ECCL school drop-off. Emeryville officers responded the scene and located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. According to police, the driver exhibited erratic behavior that raised immediate safety concerns. When officers attempted to detain the individual, the driver fled, leading [more]

Last year, former Emeryville Mayor John Bauters surprised residents with an appearance on the Fox reality show “The Snake.” While many viewed it as an unconventional—and perhaps ill-advised—move for a public official, city staff now say it may have had unexpected economic benefits the city hopes to replicate. City Council was tasked last night with reviewing a plan to pursue additional reality show contracts aimed at boosting revenues and addressing the city’s long-term structural deficit. “We’r [more]

In this edition of our Semi-Monthly newsletter, we share five stories relevant to Emeryville that you may have missed including: Emeryville leads Bay Area in Annual Rent Growth A new report from rental marketplace Zumper shows rents in Emeryville are climbing rapidly. According to the latest data, Emeryville posted the highest year-over-year increase in one-bedroom rents, edging out traditionally high-cost cities like Palo Alto and San Francisco. The report also found: Emeryville now ranks as th [more]

Since 2018, Liam O’Donoghue, host of the East Bay Yesterday podcast, has been leading boat tours of the San Francisco Bay aboard the Pacific Pearl. While cruising along the shoreline, Liam narrates true stories related to the cultural and environmental history of various waterfront sites. Tickets are available through the Fish Emeryville website. Subscribe to … Continued The post Boat Tour FAQ appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

FROM THE OAKLANDISH BLOG… Order: East Bay Yesterday “Flying Key” t-shirt / East Bay Yesterday “Flying Key” hat  We’re excited to announce another collaboration with East Bay Yesterday, a local history podcast and KPFA radio show based in Oakland. The podcast delves into Oakland’s past, aiming to learn from it and shape a better future. Liam … Continued The post Limited edition East Bay Yesterday shirts and hats now available appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS Ever since I started hosting tours of the San Francisco Bay aboard the Pacific Pearl four years ago, the route has remained the same. After leaving the Emeryville Marina, we cruise up to the Berkeley pier, followed by Treasure Island, Yerba Buena Island and then the Port of Oakland. We … Continued The post Summer 2023 Boat Tours appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS [UPDATE: Here is a link to news about my 2023 tours. Sign up here to get my monthly newsletter, where I announce new tour dates, share local history news and promote upcoming events. ] Ahoy! I’ve been leading historical boat tours of the Bay for the past four years and … Continued The post Summer 2022 Boat Tours are Here! appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

UPDATE: Dates are now posted for boat tours through May 2023. Click here to purchase. You have two routes to choose from: the Oakland tour (which also includes brief swings through Berkeley and Yerba Buena Island) or the Richmond tour. Both of the family-friendly trips last about three hours and feature stories about everything from … Continued The post Boat tours are back! appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

Note: This update was originally published via the East Bay Yesterday newsletter. I send about one email per month and it typically includes short essays, round-ups of local history news, links to upcoming events, and archival photos. The image above is from a postcard collection I was recently given that I plan to write more … Continued The post How the tech boom inspired East Bay Yesterday appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

This is my first time posting a recipe on East Bay Yesterday, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned from reading food blogs, it’s that you always have to bury the recipe way down at the bottom, after a lengthy preamble. So if you’re just here for the turkey instructions, feel free to start scrolling. … Continued The post Have a West Oakland-inspired Thanksgiving with this vintage recipe appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

By Liam O’Donoghue For the past week or so, it’s been hard to resist checking news constantly. From the minute I wake up, I crave the absolute latest updates: How fast is Coronavirus spreading? What’s happening to people who caught it? How long will this quarantine last? Sure, things are changing quickly and it’s important … Continued The post Quarantine reading list: Now is the perfect time to revisit the past appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

A friend sent me a message this morning that made my stomach drop: “Thought of you the other day, the wind apparently blew down the Terry’s TV sign at RCA.” I immediately texted back: “NOOOOO!” Even before seeing the shattered plastic shards all over the trash-strewn sidewalk, I knew it was true. Just last week, … Continued The post A shattering loss appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.

I’m the type of person who keeps their forehead glued to airplane windows during takeoffs and landings. I love the conflicting feelings that seeing the world from several thousand feet up elicit. On one hand, capturing an entire city with a single glance feels almost god-like. On the other, knowing that my home is just … Continued The post Up in the clouds, back in time appeared first on East Bay Yesterday.