The most recent union contracts with the city’s police and firefighters will, if approved, cost the city an additional $100 million over the next two years. New police and fire contracts will add $100M to S.F.’s $634M deficit

More than one-third of downtown Oakland office space is empty, report says Cushman & Wakefield reports that high commercial vacancy rates aren’t budging in major Bay Area cities

In a sprawling complaint, a prosecutor claims the Alameda County DA’s office “extorts” welfare fraud defendants and badly mishandled a conflict of interest.

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

Equity cannabis products in Oakland are getting their own special certification The city's ‘Legendary’ label highlights cannabis brands whose founders were impacted by discriminatory drug laws.

Despite being a vocal opponent of reintroducing the class to eighth grade classrooms, candidate Brandee Marckmann appeared to backtrack. Meet the S.F. school board candidates: Should Algebra 1 be offered to all 8th grade students?

Grizzly Peak resident Jessica Edberg describes the emotional weight of taking down her camellias and Japanese maples — and what she's found on the other side of grief.

San Francisco will direct $15 million to health department security and hired more staff, according to new report. S.F. hospital stabbing analysis confirms Mission Local reporting on security lapses

The "crime tourism" crews traveled to the U.S. to rob and steal across the U.S.

Rockridge Trader Joe’s could be replaced by 415-unit senior housing towers One influential community group is urging the developer to keep the Trader Joe's as part of the project.

Watch live now: Richmond mayoral candidate forum Get prepared for Richmond's June 2 primary election by watching Richmondside's moderated mayoral candidate forum and community Q&A.

Richmond city manager Shasa Curl tells police she won’t be ‘bullied’ as she announces retirement The police union is threatening legal action, saying Shasa Curl didn’t reinstate officers involved in fatal shootings fast enough. Curl has held the position since 2022.

A former SFPD officer was sentenced to over eight years in a Pennsylvania state prison for distributing "horrific" child pornography. Ex-SFPD cop gets 8 years for ‘horrific’ child pornography offenses

All of the ambassadors still had job agreements with the city. They say they were given a month notice and no explanation for the lay offs. S.F. to lay off ‘community ambassadors,’ including those assisting Marshall Elementary

Even a poster of Martin Luther King Jr. has been yanked. Cal has also banned student organizations from hosting events at the center after complaints about pro-Palestinian signs.

These Richmond high school students are testing their own DNA in biology class With hands-on projects like this one, AP Biology teacher “Ms. B” makes learning science fun at Leadership Public Schools.

At Golden Gate Park. Photo by Walter Mackins. Turtle island

In the world of affordable housing, single-room-occupancy hotels are among the most distressed—and Sam Devdhara knows how to renovate them. Sam Devdhara is making money at the bottom of S.F.’s housing market

PG&E customers will see gas credits reflected on their utility bills this month.

Billionaire donors Michael Moritz and Rick Caruso appeared on calls for both PAC and campaign in which strategy was allegedly discussed. Ethics complaint alleges pro-Matt Mahan PAC, campaign illegally coordinated

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

The Montgomery Street court will close by May 1, leaving San Francisco with a drastically reduced capacity for asylum-seekers. One of San Francisco’s two immigration courts to shutter, 8 months early

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

Voters in four districts will elect their City Council representative this November, and two of the races won’t have an incumbent on the ballot.

This week in Oakland: a Prescott Circus Theatre showcase, and Fairyland’s ‘Mad Tea Party’ Other events include a magic show at the Sound Room, a muralist exhibit at EastSide Arts gallery, an Earth Month event at Snow Park and saxophonist Ayo Brame at Yoshi’s.

District 2 candidates Stephen Sherrill and Lori Brooke share their thoughts on SFPD stepping up arrests of people using drugs on the street Meet the District 2 candidates: Should more drug users be arrested?

Because the birds were in captivity, they may not be able to survive the wild.

Deputy district attorney says she was retaliated against for whistleblowing In a sprawling complaint, a prosecutor claims the Alameda County DA’s office “extorts” welfare fraud defendants and badly mishandled a conflict of interest.

A skilled troupe of dancers and motivated choreographers have created a well-crafted quartet of ballets in "Future Forward." Review: Smuin Ballet’s Future Forward comes to the Bay Area

Homemade Cafe now serving dinner, plus new Southeast Asian and shokupan options A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Homemade Cafe now serving dinner, plus new Southeast Asian and shokupan options A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

In this Richmond Buzz: a theater turns 100, local acts drop new albums, and the ever-shifting small business landscape shifts a bit more. Richmond Buzz: Openings, closings, and composting

50 homeless patients at Children’s Hospital will get placed in housing Families will pay just $250 in rent through the joint program between the Oakland Housing Authority, UCSF, and Alameda Alliance.

The Lurie administration has increasingly emphasized the health needs of people on the street Mayor Lurie moves S.F. homeless street-outreach teams to health department

Another associate is facing up to 20 years in prison.

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

Oakland police illegally keep information from those who request it, says attorney A five-year-old class action lawsuit forced OPD to become more transparent. But now the city is violating a court-enforced agreement, according to a lawyer representing journalists.

From the Rubik’s Cube craze to many waves of Dungeons and Dragons fandom, the Southside game shop has navigated countless fads and passions and built a legacy of table-top togetherness.

Chase Community Manager’s Oakland roots inspire her to help others Myesha Brown gives financial workshops, including one on fraud and scam prevention on Friday, April 24.

Deadline to register to vote in June 2 primary election is May 18 From voting by mail to finding a polling place near you on election day, here’s everything you need to know to cast a ballot.

At Eddy and Polk Streets. Photo by Robert B. Livingston. Welcome to the TL

The day after he was released San Francisco jail, Sam was buying drugs. Two weeks later, he decided he would seek addiction treatment. ‘Tired of living like this:’ One man’s journey from S.F. jail to addiction treatment

Cómo votar en las elecciones primarias del 2 de junio Desde votar por correo hasta encontrar un centro de votación cercano el día de las elecciones, aquí tiene todo lo que necesita saber para poder emitir su voto.

San Francisco drug users say going to jail is like a revolving door. Hundreds are booked again and again, Mission Local's analysis found. 40% of people booked into S.F. jail at the start of 2025 were back within a year

"Boy howdy, does it look persistent and extreme."

Four people, three men and one woman, ranging in age from 21 to 25, were shot.

At the time, Chow had just helped recall Supervisor Engardio, who was backed by GrowSF. Chow declined the offer, he said. S.F. supe candidate says GrowSF tried talking him out of race, offered to ‘look into’ commission seat

The remains were found by crews building a beach volleyball court at Bancroft Way and Fulton Street. Cal is likely to now work with the Confederated Villages of Lisjan.

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.

Injured cyclist gets $512,000 from Oakland in pothole settlement The Town has paid tens of millions of dollars in settlements over the last 10 years due to poor road maintenance.

Half of the proposed savings will come from axing 121 full-time staff positions, mostly managers. Nurses say it will impact their services. S.F. health dept. plans to cut managers, clinics and more. Here’s what you need to know.

Changing vaccine recommendations could be partly to blame.

The DA's announcement comes after the singer was arrested last week.

Sideshow participants can be fined in Oakland. Why has the city never done this? City officials offered no explanation for why Oakland has never used a 2023 ordinance to crack down on street chaos.

Broadway leads and an outstanding creative team head up a new musical version of the 2013 Indian film.

A former Berkeley Tech Academy student is suing the district and BPD, saying BUSD’s school resource officer violently arrested him after a therapy session. The Black Student Union organized a walkout last year protesting his presence on campus.

Richmond mayoral election forum is Wednesday Ask questions and hear from the candidates at Richmondside's candidate forums. The first one, for the mayoral race, is April 22.

At Hyde and O'Farrell Streets. Photo by Beth Winegarner. A black mark

Crime is dropping precipitously in S.F. — and nationwide. Criminologists have theories why. But, hey, so does the New York Post.   No, DA Brooke Jenkins does not have an on/off switch for crime

Mission Local wants to hear what you want to see in San Francisco’s next congressperson, and who you want to see in the seat. Take Mission Local’s congressional survey

On 24th Street. Photo by Walter Mackins. Don’t stop the dance

Among other projects, Doug Rhodes is currently working on small collages made from prints of his originals. Meet Doug Rhodes, Clarion Alley’s only open-studio artist

Activists said they are "urging an end to U.S. funding for Israel's killing of over 100,000 Palestinians, Lebanese, and Iranians." S.F. activists display 120-foot ‘End U.S. aid to Israel’ banner on Twin Peaks

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]

At Hyde and Turk Streets. Photo by Beth Winegarner. Police non-emergency number

One of the taller new buildings on the Mission Excelsior corridor is jarringly empty — and has been for years Will they ever finish building 4805 Mission in the Excelsior?

Police investigating suspected murder-suicide in East Richmond Richmond police found a pair of people dead inside a home during a wellness check on Friday morning, marking the second homicide investigation in as many days.

Richmond council candidates clash over police staffing and shorter public meetings Incumbents and challengers sparred over public safety issues and how to make city council more accessible to residents at a recent election forum.

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

Classrooms are getting too hot. OUSD finally has a plan to cool them After months of community pressure, Oakland Unified School District staff outlined what they’ll do this summer to make classrooms less sweltering during August, September and October heat waves.

Officials discovered the remains this week at the site of a new volleyball complex.

The cyclist, a man in his 50s who was not wearing a helmet, hit a car and went over his handlebars, according to early reports.

Homeless shelter owner will get $1.6M from Oakland in settlement The Lake Merritt Lodge was a wreck by the time it closed. The city says it’s not admitting fault but will give up its security deposit and more.

A guide to Oakland’s historic homes These designated landmarks, many open to the public, reveal a glimpse of the Town’s past.

Fewer than 1,500 pilots have been brave enough to tame it.

The school’s relocation was originally slated to last through this school year, but Berkeley Unified said more structural problems were found.

Among the front-runners: bus stops without trash cans, missing trees, and the blocked drains of Sunset Boulevard. District 4 candidates name neglected places in the Sunset — and what they can do

In this Tenderloin Buzz: A new Larkin Street event series, a monthly street corner activation, and new "Slim Silhouette" trashcans are here. Long-awaited trashcans hit S.F. streets, Tenderloin gets a roadway mural, and more

Facing some 60 Sunset residents, candidates both stick together and attempt to distinguish themselves at the two-hour forum. With Supe Wong absent, District 4 candidates blast ‘big money’ and mayor’s influence

"The animal shown was clearly a human in a bear suit."

Podcast: Encampment changes, EZ’s Lounge warnings, airport expansion fight Catch up on Oakland news while walking the dog or cooking dinner with Oaklandside 510.

It’s sold out, but you can still tune in via Zoom. Here’s a primer on the candidates and their priorities.

There’s a new award for WCCUSD high schoolers helping their community Students who participate in projects such as fighting tobacco law violations or reducing racism can earn a state seal of civic engagement.

On 15th Street. Photo by Michael Santiago. Venenosa

Congress will involve a good deal of tech policy chops, and Mission Local decided to ask the hopefuls how they would approach Silicon Valley. What do S.F. congressional candidates think about tech, AI, and crypto?

Warm weather means venomous snakes are more active. Snakebites are uncommon but can be dangerous.

Richmond’s first 2026 homicide: One dead in Fairmede-Hilltop shooting A pair of people shot at each other Thursday morning, leaving one person dead and another injured, according to Richmond police.

$1M fine for a landowner who chopped trees? Oakland officials can’t decide A tense meeting failed to resolve the question of whether the Claremont Avenue property owners should face steep consequences for cutting down 38 trees, mostly oaks.

More 4-year-olds are in publicly funded preschool than ever — in Oakland and across the state In Oakland, more 3-year-olds are getting spots in subsidized preschools as families send their 4-year-olds to transitional kindergarten at public schools.

It’s rattlesnake season. Here’s how to stay safe Warm weather means venomous snakes are more active. Snakebites are uncommon but can be dangerous.

The Berkeley Scanner was the first to report this news.

Temescal residents describe waking up to the ‘whooshing’ sound of a gas leak PG&E says they handled the leak quickly but residents were alarmed about what happened.

"We must protect the children in San Francisco," DA Brooke Jenkins said.

The driver is being accused of murder after he allegedly ran over a pedestrian.

"Infectious disease doesn't respect any borders," said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong.

Remembering Paul Bernstein, revolutionary, nurse, and ‘Farm Dad’ Across the East Bay, New York, and the globe, Bernstein lived his radical values to make the world a better place.

Ike’s on College closes, plus Thai and Pakistani spots shutter A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Friends and family have been searching for the missing woman since March 25.

6 things to do in Richmond this week Earth Day cleanups, a student art reception and a Harlem-themed casino night highlight a busy week in Richmond.

Hundreds of local residents, including many Cal students, dug, hacked, snipped, bagged, shoveled and raked Saturday — most of the time in rain.

5 things to know this week — free immigrant legal aid, Chevron town hall, mayoral forum From a free legal workshop for immigrants to a way to learn about the city budget, here are five things you'll want to know about.

OpenAI is coming to Richmond, bringing an estimated 700 jobs The artificial intelligence giant has leased a huge space on Harbour Way just when it is making headlines for other reasons, including an attack on the home of its CEO, Sam Altman.

Thirty-eight of the positions are filled and 100 are vacant. The budget plan has been published. It will be presented to the budget committee Thursday.

Richmond mayoral candidates on why they’re running — in their own words From tensions with the police department to rebranding the city's image, the five people running for mayor discuss their platforms.

What Richmond voters think about mayoral primary election Interviews with three voters reveal they're unfamiliar with the significance of city's first primary. Their top concerns: Street repairs, safety and jobs.

A new citywide "budget reduction plan" is expected this week as Berkeley braces to tackle a projected $29 million deficit.

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 […]

Contra Costa College cuts staff who support student wellness, academic counseling, enrollment After backlash, the college district board did backtrack and save one job that supports undocumented students.

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]

When the Warriors chose a Richmond high schooler for 1-of-6 scholarships, no one was more surprised than him Ricardo Magana, a senior at Invictus Academy of Richmond, was honored at a recent Dubs game with a Bay Area All-Star scholarship worth $5,000.

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]

Cancelled meetings. Vacant seats. What’s going on with Richmond’s planning commission? Officials say commission, which only met twice in 2025, has had a lighter workload.

It's the first injury shooting in Berkeley since October 2024 (aside from a non-fatal police shooting last year).

Today, April 9, is the final day of our spring campaign. Please consider making a one-time gift or becoming a recurring member now.

In a deep-dive interview with The Scanner, she looked back at her nearly eight years as the Berkeley City Council member for District 1.

The man was struck by a driver going approximately 40 mph and flung about 15 feet, according to early reports.

Berkeley police identified the suspect as 35-year-old Edward Teece. He has been charged with several gun-related felonies.

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]

Sam wrote to ask, “I wonder about the gradual understanding of ‘deep present’ and of geologic time and presence, the change in perspective of how the world feels around you as you gain more and more understanding of it. I wonder if you can recall this experience of your early education in geology or perhaps […]

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]

One of the more eventful and well attended city council meetings over the past year was held on Tuesday with two items of deep concern to the community. These included a Special Study Session for the long-delayed Emeryville Arts Center as well as a vote to approve the environmental report to advance the contentious 40th Street Multimodal project. The meeting also had an active public comment period with commenters criticizing the city’s community grant program and “complaint driven” enforcement. [more]

The second annual Emeryville Film Festival will return to Bay Street on Saturday, March 21, bringing a full day of short films, filmmaker conversations and community events celebrating the city’s growing creative scene. The one-day festival—presented by the Rotten City Cultural District—will run from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. with screenings hosted at the AMC Bay Street 16 and nearby cultural district space. The event features six curated film blocks highlighting work from Bay Area filmmakers across do [more]

In this edition of our semi-monthly newsletter, we highlight five Emeryville stories you may have missed: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chick-fil-A Emeryville (@cfaemeryville) Emeryville Chick-fil-A Employee Awarded $25K Scholarship A routine shift at the Chick-fil-A in Emeryville turned into an unforgettable moment last week when the company’s CEO made a surprise visit to recognize one of the restaurant’s employees. UC Berkeley student Danna Avila was awarded a $25,000 scholarshi [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.