Multicolor campaign signs have begun sprouting on telephone poles and in front yards, but you really know it’s election season when colorful accusations burst onto the scene. -more-
The Berkeley High women’s water polo team lost 9-6 to DeAnza in what amounted to a scrimmage Thursday afternoon. -more-
“Institutional expansion” or “livable neighborhood”? -more-
As the Cal Bears head into their Pac-10 opener on Saturday, most of the questions concerning the offense haven’t been answered by the team’s first three games. Can Kyle Boller bring the offense together? Will any receivers distinguish themselves as starters? Will the Bears ever make a long-range field goal? -more-
Talks between the Berkeley Unified School District, Mayor Shirley Dean’s office and the Downtown Berkeley Association over a proposed food court at Berkeley High School have taken on the proportions of a Bill Clinton speech – they keep going and going and going. -more-
Cal announced today that two members of its freshmen class, defensive tackle Jonathan Giesel and running back Pana Faumuina, had suffered injuries in the last two weeks and would be lost for the season. Both are eligible to apply for medical redshirt status and are expected to return in full health next fall as redshirt-freshmen. -more-
Come this evening and it’ll be a scant 239 years until the world is disrupted by the Y6K problem on the Jewish calendar. -more-
The tour and cruise operator, Red and White Fleet, was ordered Thursday by the state Public Utility Commission to continue running its weekday ferry service from Richmond to San Francisco. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Pedestrians are more likely to get hit by a car in Sacramento County than any other place in California, according to a new study released Thursday. -more-
MARTINEZ — The night before she was last seen alive, Selina Bishop thought she had resolved an argument with her boyfriend over his “big plan” and was under the impression they were going to go away somewhere together, her diary shows. -more-
SAN DIEGO — Despite the rise in home ownership across the country, blacks and Latinos were nearly twice as likely to be turned down for mortgage loans than whites, according to a study released Thursday. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation Thursday allowing independent voters to participate in primary elections, moving to salvage a wide-open process thrown out by the U.S. Supreme Court. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Targeting a major cause of California air pollution, state regulators approved a plan Thursday to cut soot from diesel engines 75 percent over the next decade. -more-
WASHINGTON — Capping a bitter 12-year battle, the government on Thursday approved use of the abortion pill RU-486, a major victory for abortion-rights advocates that could dramatically alter abortion in this country. -more-
CARSON CITY, Nev. — Marijuana is on the ballot across the West this fall, from proposals to allow its medicinal use in Colorado and Nevada to measures that would let it flourish in Alaska and the pot-growing “Emerald Triangle” of Northern California. Recent polls suggest the proposals are likely to pass in both Nevada and Colorado. In the past four years, similar medical-marijuana measures have become law in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Maine and Hawaii. -more-
Ah, the good old days when a smoker could buy a cigar for a nickel and you really could spend only a nickel or a dime in a five-and-dime store. When it came to gardening, it seemed that the grass was greener, the sweet corn was sweeter and the apples were redder – or were they? -more-
After months of emotional debate, the Swink residence was designated a “structure of merit” Tuesday by the City Council. The 8-1 vote upholding an earlier Landmarks Preservation Commission decision, ended a pitched battle between building owner Joe Cox, who opposed the designation, and residents and business owners near the 1525 Shattuck Ave. property. -more-
Trestin George has more experience than the average first-year starter. The St. Mary’s tailback slid into the starting role just before last year’s playoffs when senior Eddie Smith went down with an injury. George started the Panthers’ final six games, gaining more than 200 yards in three of those games. -more-
Dr. Brian Natrass had an epiphany when University of London Professor Gordon Goodman, speaking to the leaders of the Earth Council in 1993, said that by the end of 2001 humankind would be lucky if there are 100 million people left on the planet. -more-
California senior goalkeeper Maite Zabala was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for her performance at the adidas Bay Area Classic Tuesday by the conference office. -more-
As UC Berkeley retrofits its campus, and looks for space to house displaced students and staff, the “surge” is being felt far from the campus. -more-
Criminals love her, the innocent crave her attention, and the judicial system isn’t complete without her. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A federal jury on Wednesday convicted a San Francisco housing executive of 30 felony counts of bribery and making false statements in connection with a scandal that netted 22 people. -more-
San Jose — A San Jose landlord has been ordered to spend 60 days under house arrest in one of the dilapidated buildings she owns. -more-
It was 70 degrees as George W. Bush campaigned in California on Wednesday, focusing on education. It was barely in the 50s in Wisconsin where he’ll be on Thursday, talking about fuel prices. -more-
The Associated Press -more-
SACRAMENTO — Doctors, health officials and drug companies are starting a statewide campaign Thursday warning patients and physicians not to overuse antibiotics. It is a concern Rebecca Strain-Kale knows all too well. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Defective attic furnaces have caused dozens of house fires in California in the past 10 years but the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission was forbidden by law from warning consumers, the federal agency said Wednesday. -more-
LONG BEACH — Greenpeace activists unsuccessfully tried to board a tanker filled with a million barrels of crude oil Wednesday, then followed the 900-foot vessel as it made its way toward anchor. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Saying the flag salute is a worthy tradition, Gov. Gray Davis has vetoed a bill that would have allowed schools to substitute a Declaration of Independence excerpt for the Pledge of Allegiance. -more-
RIVERSIDE — Riverside County voters will say good-bye to those familiar paper ballots when they go to the polls in November, instead choosing candidates and issues by computer in the largest application of electronic voting in the nation. -more-
Hundreds of demonstrators swarmed through the streets Tuesday night in an action they dubbed “Reclaim the Streets” – one part protest of International Monetary Fund and World Bank policies and the other part street party, said Joe Hill, an alias used by one of the organizers. -more-
The national controversy about the Boy Scout policy of excluding gays has focused on the right of a private organization to decide who its members are, or on discrimination and bigotry, depending on which side of the issue you fall on. At the eye of this storm, however, is the alleged immorality of homosexuality - and neither side is saying much about that. -more-
Even if they can’t change the fact that the federal government gives inadequate money for affordable housing, people can fight at the local level to determine where housing money is spent, Sean Heron, executive director for East Bay Housing Organizations, told some 20 people gathered Monday evening at the North Berkeley Senior Center. -more-
The Ed Roberts Campus will be a good neighbor to South Berkeley -more-
As the anniversary of the Oct. 20, 1991 Oakland-Berkeley hills fire approaches, area residents and firefighters watch the browning of vegetation around them and assess today’s fire danger. -more-
SACRAMENTO — California’s rural counties launched a major court fight Tuesday against the ambitious CalFed water accord, labeling it an effort to grab control over northern groundwater and send it to powerful southern water districts. -more-
An investigation into West Coast gas prices has found oil industry practices that raise “competitive concerns” with the Federal Trade Commission, an FTC official said Tuesday. -more-
SACRAMENTO — California’s median household income exceeds the national average, while the percentage of poor residents has declined, Census Bureau data released Tuesday shows. -more-
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has added five cities – Denver; Fort Worth, Texas; Jacksonville, Fla.; Sacramento, Calif.; and Seattle – to its list of metropolitan areas identified as at risk of overbuilding of commercial properties. -more-
California’s science education standard was graded the highest of the states in a report released Tuesday evaluating the teaching of evolution in the states. -more-
Warner Freeman knew when he was in the eighth grade – the same grade he taught science to for 32 years at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School – that he would someday be | -more-
We, members of Citizens for Responsible Fire Protection, would like to respond to the article of Sept. 16, regarding the construction of a new fire station in the hills. It is unquestionable that a new fire station is needed. What we do question is whether or not the city’s plan actually meets the extraordinary demands of disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes. The voters approved the funding the city seeks to use for this project in 1992. After eight years we should all be certain that what we are accepting is the best possible solution. After all, it is our money, our homes, and our lives. -more-
Since losing his sister and parents to a home fire nearly one month ago, Jason Jusay is crusading for home safety in Berkeley. Appearing at last week’s City Council meeting, Jusay said, “We need more stringent and better procedural processes to inspect buildings for safety.” -more-
SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis has vetoed a bill strengthening requirements that California retailers collect taxes on Internet sales, saying it would send the wrong message to a fledgling industry. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Far from their image as beach-loving fitness freaks, California’s high schoolers are growing alarmingly fat and lazy on a steady diet of potato chips and video games, according to a study released Monday by the Berkeley-based Public Health Institute. -more-
OAKLAND — Assemblywoman Dion Aroner today accused Children's Hospital in Oakland of creating a threatening workplace for some 150 hospital technicians who on Wednesday, will vote on whether or not to unionize. -more-
OAKLAND — Time forgot Gene McKinney, the former Black Panther who died in relative obscurity this month. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Calling it a nationwide model, local, state and federal officials signed an agreement Monday to balance development with preservation in one of the nation’s fastest growing regions. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently set precedents defining gray areas of technology law, but none of the three judges announced Monday to preside over the Napster Inc. case was involved in those decisions. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Due to a high rate of loan defaults, federal Housing and Urban Development officials are expected to mandate a 90-day freeze on foreclosure proceedings against area homeowners behind on payments of government-backed mortgages, it was reported. -more-
KELSEYVILLE — As many as a dozen people luxuriating in the “spiritual, healing” effervescence of Northern California’s Soda Springs may have been asphyxiated over the years by carbon dioxide that bubbled out of the hot spring’s water. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Children under the age of 6 or weighing less than 60 pounds will be required to ride in booster seats, under a bill signed by Gov. Gray Davis. -more-
SAN QUENTIN — A convicted sex offender who scaled a razor-wire fence in a pre-dawn escape from San Quentin State Prison remained on the loose Monday after authorities – in a case of mistaken identity – arrested his brother and prematurely reported his recapture. -more-
When naked people, cheerleaders, fire breathers, motorized couches, Darth Vader and the mayor all get together it can only mean one thing: the annual How Berkeley Can You Be? parade. -more-
The pollsters have already stolen this year’s presidential election. -more-
Total systematic failure. -more-
The agenda of this week’s City Council meeting will have an unusual item – the agenda itself, and whether meeting procedures can be improved. -more-
Cutting the defense budget and investing in local communities is the best way to ensure that the United States remains the world’s most powerful nation, a group of national and local activists said at a public policy forum Saturday. -more-
Broncos gain 396 yards on the ground in 48-7 win -more-
Kids romped and jumped on inflated trampolines, while their elders strolled about – hundreds of them – hugging neighbors, moving to music, shelling out a few greenbacks here and for the latest in African garb, or a few dollars there for barbecue, noodles or even a psychic reading. -more-
If people judge you by the car you drive, the jury is out on Philo Northup. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Guitars screeched from the rooftops and street corners across the city in protest Saturday as somber musicians inside the Downtown Rehearsal building packed up their guitars and gear, eviction notices in hand. -more-
LOS ANGELES — President Clinton predicted Sunday that Democrats could win a slim majority in the House but still will have to get along with the Republicans. -more-
SANTA ANA — In an effort to keep its lines moving, the Department of Motor Vehicles has ignored safeguards and issued fraudulent drivers’ licenses, allowing thieves to steal identities and borrow money in the name of unsuspecting victims, investigators said. -more-
SACRAMENTO — For the first time, Gov. Gray Davis has allowed the release of a convicted murderer, a battered woman who shot her boyfriend in 1986 after he threatened to kill her, her son and her unborn child. -more-
WEST SACRAMENTO — Rarely a day goes by that Victoria Williams’ two children, ages 1 and 2, do not try to wriggle out of their car seats. -more-
In June, the School Board threw its weight behind a $116.5 million bond measure. And Wednesday night it detailed plans for how the district plans to spend the Measure AA funds, if the voters approve the ballot measure in November. -more-
Cal kept pace with No. 7 UCLA for one game on Friday night, but the Bears couldn’t sustain the momentum, losing to the Bruins in four games, 8-15, 15-9, 15-4 and 15-7. -more-
Candidates from almost every local race spoke in front of a packed house at the East Bay Lesbian/Gay Democratic Club’s endorsement meeting Thursday night at the the North Berkeley Senior Center. -more-
The St. Mary’s Panthers marched into De Anza on Friday night to play a Dons team that the Panthers eliminated from the NCS 2A East Bay Semifinal playoffs with a thrilling 34-26 overtime victory just a year ago. After Friday night’s 43-0 victory, the Panthers appear headed back to the playoffs, while the De Anza Dons are going back to the drawing board. -more-
A housing crisis is looming in Berkeley, especially for people whose rent is subsidized under the federal government’s Section 8 housing plan. -more-
SYDNEY, Australia – Americans Anthony Ervin and Gary Hall Jr. shared Olympic gold in the 50-meter freestyle Friday, tying in 21.98 seconds. -more-
While the council approved funding towards a youth center and spending funds for new fire engines, it put off a number of other decisions. -more-
Its 10 a.m. on a recent Friday at the Berkeley public library. The computers are humming as elderly residents try to learn the skills their grandchildren already know: how to move a mouse and click, how to send an e-mail and search for information. -more-
OAKLAND – It’s 9 a.m. and Virgil Luckett is taking one of his first take out orders of the day. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – Tired of years of taunts and disruptions, local AIDS professionals and activists announced they’ve decided to fight back against the activities of a radical AIDS group by boycotting its $1.6 million-a-year pot club. -more-
Bay City News Service -more-
SACRAMENTO – A bill designed to fight bicycle theft by allowing the registration of bikes on the Internet has been vetoed by Gov. Gray Davis, who said the measure raises privacy concerns. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – The long, hot summer is ending for San Diego’s electricity customers. But millions of other Californians fear they could face the same kind of misery when deregulation reaches their part of state. -more-
Pitchfork murders, a teen-ager accused of decapitating his mother among grisly stories -more-
LOS ANGELES – California should end its ban on human cloning so that researchers can realize the disease-fighting potential of growing organs, an advisory committee was told Friday. -more-
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Supporters of Wen Ho Lee said Friday they are seeking a presidential pardon for the Los Alamos scientist who was freed last week in a plea agreement. -more-
LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas dentist has admitted he provided free dental work to an IRS revenue officer in exchange for reductions of his $100,000 tax debt. -more-
NEW ORLEANS – A California man who sold marijuana over the Internet to customers in 35 states was fined $200,000 Friday and sentenced to five months in a halfway house and five months under house arrest. -more-
NEW YORK – Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s new television show made it on the air despite advertiser boycotts and protests by gay rights groups. Now, viewer apathy may knock it off. -more-
SACRAMENTO – Sacramento Valley tomato growers parked three big rigs at a downtown park Friday and offered 75 tons of free tomatoes to the public and charities to protest the cent-per-pound price their crop is bringing in. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – A federal appeals court Friday barred a Los Angeles anti-panhandling ordinance pending the outcome of a federal trial on whether the law violates beggars’ free-speech rights. -more-
A panel of experts from the growing field of death and dying addressed some 70 people Wednesday night at Herrick Hospital in an effort to stimulate public dialogue about a part of life most of us put off as long as possible. -more-
A small number of patients stopped taking their AIDS drug cocktails and still managed to keep the virus under control, researchers say in one of the first studies to suggest that people with HIV may not have to be on medication for the rest of their lives. -more-
OAKLAND — An Alameda County supervisor interrupted the board's meeting today to express outrage over Gov. Gray Davis’ veto of a bill that would have given foster parents more say in the care of their children. -more-
Berkeley Police are investigating an armed robbery that occurred Saturday night around 8 p.m. at the Exxon gas station at 950 University Ave. -more-
James Elliott, the former director of the University of California, Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive has died. He was 76. -more-
OAKLAND – Before the sun came up, Grace Manawatao had driven more than 45 minutes to Nancy’s home in East Oakland. She donned rubber gloves almost as soon as she walked through the door, and went to work stripping the bed linens and scrubbing the floors with disinfectant. -more-
