Rogue Berkeley worker bought $285,000 ambulance without approval, audit says
A former city worker went rogue and bought a $285,000 custom ambulance in 2022 without proper authorization, and the City Council quietly and retroactively legitimized the purchase the next year, according to a new report from the city auditor. The purchase exposed gaps in how the city goes about buying...
New Local Ordinances Restrict RV Parking in Residential Neighborhoods
In March 2026, Mountain View, California, is enforcing one of the strictest oversized-vehicle parking bans […]
“Party mom” found guilty | West Coast Wrap
A Bay Area woman dubbed "the party mom" for hosting alcohol-fueled parties for teens has, four years after being arrested, been convicted. Shannon O'Connor of Los Gatos was found guilty of more than 60 charges, including child endangerment and the sexual penetration of an intoxicated child.
Tragedy On San Leandro Street As Unhoused Man Is Fatally Struck In Oakland
An unhoused man believed to be 46 has died after a driver hit him while he was lying in a traffic lane in East Oakland, according to police. Officers found him in a westbound lane on the 7100 block of San Leandro Street yesterday, then had him rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities said...
Contra Costa County Supervisors Agree to Place Sales Tax Measure on June Ballot
The Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors moved forward with placing a sales tax measure on the June Ballot. In an effort to mitigate Federal and State cuts, the Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 (Andersen dissenting), to place a five-year 0.065% general retail sales and use tax on the June 2 ballot.
Dog remains found in fire pile on Fremont bridge, say police
(KRON) — The Fremont Police Department said an investigation is underway after dog remains were discovered in an extinguished fire on a bridge Tuesday night. No injuries were reported, and no vegetation was threatened, according to FPD. FPD said officers were dispatched at 9:05 p.m. to investigate a report of a fire...
Alameda sees increase in car burglaries, vandalism, police warn
(KRON) — There has been an uptick in vehicle burglaries and vandalism around Alameda, according to police. In the cases of vandalism, the Alameda Police Department said the damage appears to be from failed attempts to break into vehicles. The incidents are happening throughout the community in various locations,...
Drama Masks: ‘Paranormal Activity’ and other things that go bump in the night
This is Drama Masks, a Bay Area performing arts column from a born San Franciscan and longtime theatre artist in an N95 mask. I talk venue safety and dramatic substance, or the lack thereof. There’s a 2025 meme featuring a queue of angry white men at the edge of a...
A centuries-old Neapolitan pizza style has arrived in the Bay Area
This tiny pizzeria in San Francisco specializes in portafoglio, street food pizza as it was originally created.
Alameda Health System layoffs deferred while county explores options
Alameda County’s public hospital system, which includes the region’s main provider of mental health services and clinics serving thousands of low-income residents, has been spared layoffs — for now. Yesterday, the Alameda Health System and the county agreed to hold off on job cuts scheduled to take...
