Waymo has won official approval to deploy driverless cars in Berkeley and other East Bay cities. Meanwhile, golden Tesla Cybercabs have been spotted in Oakland.

Margaret Solomon said she found her voice on campus. Now she wants to create more ways for students to build community.

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

New game cafe comes to Uptown, McQueen soft opens downtown pub, and more openings A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Erik’s DeliCafe returns to San Ramon, plus a new game cafe, Guatemalan restaurant and pub among openings A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

The park will remain open, but some trails and hikes may be limited during the burn.

This year we will be accepting op-eds for ballot measures only. The deadline to submit them is Sept. 14.

You’re walking in Oakland. You see a conflict brewing. What do you do? A conversation with our public safety reporter and an Oakland de-escalation expert.

Waymo is poised for Oakland Waymo has won official approval to operate in the Town. Meanwhile, golden Tesla Cybercabs have been spotted around Lake Merritt.

Buyers are paying over asking for move-in-ready homes — and new programs are helping sellers get there without spending cash up front.

A new exhibit at Berkeley's ACCI Gallery offers noncombustible art for fire-safe yards.

April Rose Provisions highlights local food products, and a new Italian gift store called Sweet Regalia opens on College.

At Geary Boulevard and 18th Avenue. Photo by Neal Wong. Remnants of a thousand posters

There are fewer people in San Francisco’s jail than there have been for years, despite arrests going up. Here’s why. S.F. jail count plummets to lowest level since pandemic years

The large California sea lion was reported about 8 a.m. Monday.

A fourth person has died following a small plane crash Saturday in the Fresno area.

The teen was last seen with her father on August 4.

Richmond mayoral election: Finalists discuss top issues From tensions with the police department to rebranding the city's image, Ahmad Anderson and Claudia Jimenez discuss their platforms.

Homelessness nonprofits will now be contracted via ‘performance-based metrics.' But that's not the case for the struggling permit software system OpenGov. S.F. homeless service providers must prove their programs work. S.F. permitting software, not so much…

On Market Street. Photo by Scott K. Horizontal green with palms

Supporters of Sunset Dunes park, fighting Prop. G ballot measure in San Francisco, count several tech execs and investor as financial backers. Sunset Dunes vs. Great Highway: Pro-park side outraising opponents 7-to-1

Texas court ruling is upending how Bay Area immigration judges handle children's cases, with judges now denying most motions to pause removal proceedings — including for an 8-year-old navigating the system without a lawyer. Bay Area immigration judges are denying children pauses in deportation proceedings

Caltrans was diverting northbound traffic.

A crashed single-engine plane was on fire atop the bluff of the San Joaquin River.

At Sutter and Laguna Streets. Photo by Jay A. Martin. Woman in Japantown

A missing dog, two burned suitcases and the sound of sawing haunted a 1964 killing.

Jere Ramsey and some three dozen volunteers have become the record-keepers of the Bay Area's de facto immigration court in Concord. Meet the 71-year-old keeping tabs on Concord’s immigration court

The university said there is no ongoing threat.

In this edition of our Semi-Monthly newsletter, we share five stories relevant to Emeryville that you may have missed, including: City and SEIU Reach Tentative Agreement on New Labor Contract The City of Emeryville and SEIU Local 1021 have reached a tentative agreement on a new two-year labor contract covering the union’s city employees. The agreement, which still requires final approval by the City Council, includes 3% salary increases in each year of the contract, a $1,000 one-time payment and [more]

On Mission Street. Photo by Angel Mayorga. Additional textures

After being built as a restaurant space in 2002, the Mission Bay Creek Park Pavilion was left vacant for 22 years. What happened? 22 years after it was built, a cafe on the shore of Mission Creek finally opens

Julio Muñoz is a Mission native who has been playing and coaching tennis here for most of his life. People We Meet: Coach Julio Muñoz, the Mission’s tennis guy

The call began with a brandishing report on the freeway.

Jwalt’s new spoken word album is a testament to parenting ‘How Love Grows’ is a love letter to his children — and to Black fathers and grandfathers.

Multiple city agencies have worked together over the last 90 days at the Mission BART plazas. Neighbors say that results are too inconsistent. Mayor Lurie will indefinitely continue ‘90-day strategy’ to clean up Mission BART plazas

The nightclub will open its doors for the first time post-pandemic. The space will focus on having local DJs and better cocktails. Bruno’s nightclub set to reopen next week after 6-year closure

AI-generated ads have come to Oakland politics. Accessible solution — or risky deception?  Slowly but surely, more campaigns are using videos and songs made with artificial intelligence. We asked local candidates and experts about the implications.

As of Thursday, UC Davis said the two haven't been located.

Longtime critics of the project allege the plan for new protected bike lanes violates California environmental law and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The victim was found "bleeding profusely" with severe facial injuries.

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

Baba’s House, 13 Orphans announce final days, and an Oakland sushi spot shuts down after 20 years A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Baba’s House, 13 Orphans announce final days, and 2 East Bay restaurants shut down after 20 years A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

Eight candidates are facing off for three San Francisco School Board seats. This week, Mission Local asked if they supported school closures. Meet the school board candidates: Do you support school closures or mergers in 2029-30?

A large donation going out to Tenderloin Community School, and more community events... Tenderloin Buzz: $1,000 check headed to Tenderloin Community School

The company still denies wage theft accusations.

Gaza protesters estimate two-year legal odyssey, which ended with brief jail sentences, cost taxpayers more than $600K. Legal experts say it’s plausible — with caveats. How much did it cost to convict Golden Gate Bridge protesters? DA says it doesn’t matter.

Inside the hyphy revival Twenty years after "Tell Me When To Go" hit the charts, East Bay rappers are reaching across generations to tap into hyphy's rich musical legacy — and unmask its trauma.

The 32-year-old woman is alleged to have killed "with malice."

Laderach Switzerland, Broken Dreams, Angela's Eatery, and El Balompie are among the recent restaurant debuts around the East Bay.

Swiss chocolate giant, new Vietnamese, Afghan and Salvadoran options mark August openings Laderach Switzerland, Broken Dreams, Angela's Eatery, and El Balompie are among the recent restaurant debuts around the East Bay.

A duo of new Salvadoran options hit Richmond, plus new Swiss chocolate, Vietnamese and Afghan options among August openings Antojitos Caseros by El Cuscatlan, Laderach Switzerland, Broken Dreams, Angela's Eatery, and El Balompie are among the recent restaurant debuts around the East Bay.

Berkeley Unified serves more than 1,100 students with special needs, but navigating services can be complicated. We created this guide to help families understand the system and get support.

Hemos creado una guía para ayudar a las familias a entender el sistema de educación especial de BUSD y obtener apoyo.

4 things to know — Chevron cancer report meeting; it’s time for COVID vaccines Also: High Holy Days schedule announced, and there are openings on county Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Richmond mayoral forum: Ahmad Anderson and Claudia Jimenez will square off Oct. 1 Ask questions and hear from the candidates for mayor at Richmondside's candidate forum.

At Upland Drive and Aptos Avenue. Photo by Jay A. Martin. Firefighters

Students enrolled in new SFUSD pilot program are making gains at twice the rate of their non-enrolled peers S.F. students in high-needs reading program testing higher than others, preliminary data shows

San Francisco Dems have raised about $850,000 so far this year, the highest per-capita fundraising of any local party in the state. San Francisco Democrats are richest local party, per capita, in California

Update: Suspect in police shooting identified Jasmine Robinson, 39, shot numerous rounds that struck neighboring homes and vehicles, including a patrol car, police said.

The unregistered loaded handgun had a switch that allowed it to fire automatically, police said.

“Richmond Buzz” is a recurring column on changes and other news from the Richmond. This week: a possible new tenant for a shuttered ramen spot, Pacific Cafe's closing, and a burglary at Modern Relics. Richmond Buzz: A new something is coming to former $300-a-night ramen joint

Berkeley Animal Care Services picked up the goat this week on Hillcrest Court.

Also: Law Students for Justice in Palestine says it was banned from tabling at Berkeley Law’s activities fair because of the group’s bylaw barring Zionist speakers.

Sign-up for October ‘Walk & Roll to School Day’ ends tomorrow The day of cycling, scooting, and walking to school takes place on October 7, with Alameda County students aiming to beat last year’s numbers. Last-minute participation is also welcomed.

Rabies is treatable when found early but "nearly always fatal once symptoms appear," the city said.

Crypto billionaire Chris Larsen gives $500K to PAC supporting Theo Ellington’s run for District 10 supervisor. Cryptocurrency billionaire Chris Larsen drops $500K on District 10 supervisor race

Utah’s interest in Oakland coal terminal reignites A Utah state fund is pursuing a $45M deal to help build the controversial West Oakland terminal to ship coal to Japan.

Plaintiffs say the bike lanes violate the 2026 Bicycle Plan and run contrary to Measure FF, a parcel tax to improve streets and sidewalks.

Elaine Forbes was arrested in July on suspicion of burglarizing a three-story yacht.

Judge strikes down Trump administration lawsuit against trans-inclusive sports in California The DOJ had sought to strip California of $44 billion if schools didn’t eject trans girls from girls’ sports teams. Bay Area families with trans kids are celebrating the decision.

The East Bay bakeries that spawned a new generation of Asian American pastry chefs The talent behind Bake Sum, Grand Opening and other celebrated bakeries reveal the training grounds for their taste buds.

SFPD has massively expanded surveillance technology. Its use, especially in District 10, is under fire. What do the candidates think? Meet the District 10 candidates: Would you expand police surveillance tech?

Leung joined Sing Tao as a reporter in 1990 and became the face of the broadsheet. He retires Friday. Longtime editor of Chinese-language paper Sing Tao, Joseph Leung, retires after 36 years

Barbara Lee touts endorsement from Kamala Harris in mayor’s race The stamp of approval from the former vice president comes among other pledges of support in the Nov. 3 Oakland election.

The quake hit just after 10:30 a.m., and no injuries have been reported.

Remembering Beatrice Tam Dong, longtime activist and co-owner of Eastwind Books She supported the TWLF 1969 strike for Ethnic Studies as a high school student. Later she was a labor activist during the 1974 Jung Sai strike and was elected to the executive board of the International Ladies Garment Workers Union.

On Abbey Street. Photo by Marilyn Flores. 2/Too much lime

3 things to do in Richmond this week Highlights include: Masquers is hosting a new comedy about a Hollywood homecoming and there's a new art exhibit exploring memory.

State legislators just approved a new bill that will open up drug-free housing across the state. So did SF, in July. How will they interact? Both California and San Francisco passed drug-free housing bills. How would they coexist?

A massive airship drifted by the Port of Oakland today The rigid ship — not a blimp — was likely Google co-founder Sergey Brin's Pathfinder 1.

Bruce Giudici, 68, is still on the ballot for Calaveras County's District 5 seat.

Want to help shape Oakland’s arts and culture scene? Here’s how The Cultural Affairs Commission advises Oakland on culture policy. It has 4 open spots for Oakland residents.

Mayor Lee seeks new staffer to focus on ‘mission-driven’ tech startups A $100,000 Kapor Foundation grant would propel an effort to cut red tape for tech companies dealing with health, housing, and more.

The non-decision came after hours of debate over the project’s lack of a clear plan — or whether it was awarded fairly S.F. supervisors advance $33M OpenGov extension — but without their blessing

Freshmen Food Guide: The Berkeley restaurants every Cal student should know From the restaurants that provide the most grub for your buck to the best cafes for a late-night study session, here are the 33 Berkeley spots every newcomer should try.

The new art gallery will open near Mission and 24th streets on Sep. 19th. Also, a new cinema will open in Mission/Bernal next month. New art gallery and cinema coming to the Mission

The District 8 candidates weigh in on the city's attempts to increase conservatorships, where drug users can be forced into treatment. Meet the District 8 candidates: Should S.F. use conservatorships to force drug treatment?

Oakland’s rapid Tempo line set to lose millions in cap-and-trade dollars 15 state legislators, including Rep. Wicks, said changes to the state’s cap-and-trade program could derail climate change goals and starve mass transit of funds. AC Transit said the cuts won't affect this year's budget.

Some points of contention in District 10 forum with three top candidates DJ Brookter, Theo Ellington and J.R. Eppler. District 10 candidates trade some barbs but stick to plans in Potrero forum

The Valkyries are on pause for the FIBA Women's World Cup. Here's what you need to know. With playoffs approaching, WNBA hits pause for FIBA World Cup

Richmond to make ‘doing donuts’ more difficult The city plans to alter traffic patterns at six intersections to deter drivers from sideshow-type moves such as burning rubber circles.

On 3rd Avenue. Photo by Scott K. 3DR AVE

Dozens of residents have now shared sightings and concerns about the goat on Nextdoor.

The Spiders are national ultimate champs and other Oakland sports news The Roots are still in playoff contention, while defending league champions the Oakland Ballers failed to make the playoffs for the first time. Plus 8 games and watch parties in September.

New Vietnamese spot lands at Richmond shopping center, Drink Thicc’s move almost complete, and more openings A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

‘Something I’m meant to do.’ How family inspired one Richmonder to embrace a life of service From Pogo Park to Friends of the Richmond Greenway, Abigail Montejo is all about helping her Richmond neighbors — a value instilled by her immigrant parents.

Suspect arrested in hit-and-run that killed 81-year-old Richmond man Don Mack, 66, of Richmond was arrested on Sunday in connection with the death of Rafael Delago, who was in a crosswalk when he was hit.

Glen Echo Creek has had more than one name in the past. A while ago I wrote about the lower part of Glen Echo Creek, the part that flows through residential territory. This is a closer look at the upper part, where the creek is born in a bedrock valley and flows through beautiful Mountain […]

Richmond pledged $750K for an East Bay public bank. Berkeley voters to decide its fate Berkeley voters will decide the Measure Z parcel tax in November. Supporters say it will invest in worthy local causes, but opponents think it's unfair for residents to foot most of the costs.

SB 113 would amend the state's 2026-27 budget if approved by lawmakers and signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in the coming weeks.

The Emeryville Planning Commission convened August 27 with a compact but intensive agenda, with the bulk of the meeting devoted to a scoping session for Sutter Health’s proposed Medical Center and what should be examined in its environmental impact report. Commissioners also held a public hearing on outdoor signage for Boot Barn at the East Bay Bridge Shopping Center and briefly discussed the city’s approach to potential future data centers, which have become a source of contention in other comm [more]

Police arrested Derrick Sparks, 44, after Flock alerts in two cities.

Someone called 911 to report the incident, which took place Friday shortly after 5 p.m.

Jerusalem Coffee House taking a break to prep legal defense, a fire shuts down Walnut Creek lunch spot and more closures A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.

‘This is a lifeline.’ Contra Costa College opens expanded basic needs center for students The Compass Center's new location has more space for centralized services, a larger food pantry and clothing and housing and transportation resources.

Police said three young people followed the student and attacked him Wednesday before taking his belongings.

Richmond man, 81, killed in hit-and-run at 23rd Street Rafael Delgado was struck by a vehicle that left the scene, family members said, after he left the Bahia de Jiquilisco restaurant on Aug. 23.

Authorities found "no apparent signs of foul play."

Facing largest hike in grocery prices in 50 years, East Bay shoppers get creative — and food banks get busier With some of the highest food costs in the country, East Bay consumers are stretching meals, swapping staples and watching every dollar.

The Emeryville City Council held three meetings in July, covering a range of noteworthy items. The July 7 meeting that we previously covered is posted here. July 21, 2026 Emeryville City Council Meeting Recap The July 21 Emeryville City Council meeting stretched over four hours with several consequential items on the agenda, headlined by the Council’s first study session on Sutter Health’s proposed medical campus. The meeting opened with emotional appeals from city employees over ongoing contrac [more]

4 things to know — Richmond port holds open house Also: NIAD launches online fashion show auction; San Pablo holds sales tax information sessions.

4 things to do in Richmond this week Highlights include: The Richmond Art Center's 90th birthday celebration and the Spirit and Soul Festival.

A brief video shows a person who appears to be carrying a can of paint walk down the sidewalk.

14 dog-friendly hiking trails in the East Bay From splashing spots to off-leash fun with bay views, National Dog Day inspired us to share some of our favorite places to hike with dogs.

Berkeley has a plan to tackle its $2 billion infrastructure backlog. The authors say it needs strong leadership to see it through.

Mokhtar Paki, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1983 after fleeing Iran, painted "Sinbad Voyage" in 2023. Police are investigating.

Emeryville residents began reporting smoky air around 9 p.m. Saturday as a fire burned on an abandoned railway trestle and nearby vegetation in West Oakland, near the EBMUD wastewater treatment plant. Oakland firefighters were dispatched around 8:45 p.m. to the area of West Grand Avenue and Wake Avenue, where the fire was burning on the old trestle and surrounding vegetation near the EBMUD property. Firefighters were able to stop the fire’s forward progress and prevent it from spreading to struc [more]

Dean K. Santner, a master woodworker, furniture designer and entrepreneur who spent 45 years at the Emeryville Artists’ Cooperative, passed away May 30, 2025, at his Mountain Ranch home. He was 79. Santner is remembered as a Master Wood Artisan, Furniture Designer, Entrepreneur, longtime Emeryville Artists’ Cooperative resident and the co-founder of Alameda Point Studios. Dean had a hearty laugh, was generous with his neighbors and was beloved by those who knew him. He loved his profession and w [more]

Adams Point, the peninsula on Lake Merritt that’s now the heart of Lakeside Park, was always open space, but never empty. Activity went on there from Oakland’s earliest days. When a long-forgotten structure was discovered at Adams Point in 1893, the story was in all the papers for almost a week. After that it was […]

In this edition of our Semi-Monthly newsletter, we share seven stories relevant to Emeryville that you may have missed, including: Emeryville Joins Fire Truck Antitrust Lawsuit Emeryville has joined a growing nationwide antitrust lawsuit accusing major fire truck manufacturers and private equity firms of driving up prices and extending delivery times for emergency vehicles. A recent Jacobin feature examines the allegations, arguing that industry consolidation has left cities like Emeryville payi [more]

From the announcement of the inaugural Emeryville Restaurant Week to major kiosk shifts at the Public Market, August is packed with local dining developments. Here is the latest roundup of food news, pop-ups, and media spotlights in and around Emeryville. Alma y Sazón Wrapping Up Public Market Residency Mexican-vegan kiosk Alma y Sazón recently announced the upcoming conclusion of its pop-up residency at the Public Market. “It was thanks to the community support and love that our initial 6-month [more]

Friday, August 7, marked the end of the regular filing period for candidates seeking an Emeryville City Council or School Board seat. With both City Council incumbents filing for a second term, the Council race is now set. For the Emery Unified School Board, however, the filing period will be extended five days until August 12 because incumbents Susan Donaldson and Brynnda Collins did not file for reelection. Four City Council Candidates Seek Two Seats Incumbents David Mourra and Kalimah Priforc [more]

In this edition of our semi-monthly Newswire, we highlight five Emeryville stories from the second half of July that you may have missed, including: Pixar used Mrs. Incredible letterhead to tell the state they were axing 108 Bay Area jobs pic.twitter.com/2lpEts30FQ — Matt Brown (@maattttbrown) July 23, 2026 Pixar to Lay Off 108 Employees Emeryville’s largest private employer is once again reducing its workforce. Pixar Animation Studios has filed a WARN notice with the state announcing plans to l [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.