An artificial rose and an empty bottle of Hennessey cognac sit on a porch at 3331 King St., right next door to the scene of the double shooting Tuesday morning that took the life of Rammar Johnson and left Noel Turner, Jr., in critical condition. -more-
Controversial Japanese action film ‘Battle Royale’ drops in on Berkeley -more-
LOS ANGELES – Shantay Legans’ 3-pointer with three seconds remaining in overtime lifted California to a 92-91 victory over No. 23 Southern California on Thursday night. -more-
Superintendent Michele Lawrence called for a controversial change in school policy Wednesday night at a Board of Education meeting, suggesting that Berkeley High School close its doors to transfer students from outside the district, starting as early as next year. -more-
Editor: -more-
The Berkeley High girls’ soccer team continued their undefeated run in ACCAL play on Thursday with a 3-0 win over El Cerrito, getting two goals from junior forward Annie Borton and one from sophomore Maura Fitzgerald. -more-
One day melanoma, the most deadly forms of cancer, will be cured. And two patients at the East Bay Cancer Center in Oakland, part of a national study at 13 medical clinics, are working stridently toward making that happen. -more-
Going into the second half down just two points, the Cal women’s basketball team looked as if it had a shot at beating Arizona State, the Pac-10’s second place team. But first the Bears went slack on defense, then went absolutely limp on offense on the way to a 56-40 defeat in Haas Pavilion. -more-
Venture capital researchers say new money is stuck in old investments. -more-
Enrolling at BHS -more-
Because of an editing error, an article in Thursday’s Daily Planet, “Council gives Outback the go-ahead,” contained incorrect information. -more-
The deluge of credit card offers on campuses nationwide, with pitches in person, by phone and e-mail, has some college students and their schools looking for ways to stop the flood. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer said Thursday they will support Dennis Cardoza in his bid to replace Rep. Gary Condit. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — The judge in the dog mauling murder case has released a letter one of the defendants wrote to his inmate client and adopted son in which he calls the dog’s victim a “little mousy blonde.” -more-
SACRAMENTO — Republican gubernatorial candidate Richard Riordan collected more than $600,000 and outpaced Gov. Gray Davis during a frenzied fund-raising period in the first three weeks of the year. -more-
SAN JOSE — A former Los Alamos National Laboratory computer expert awaiting trial on hacking charges violated his bond agreement by accessing the Internet, a prosecutor alleged Thursday. -more-
OAKLAND — Edy’s Grand Ice Cream has recalled 5,000 cartons of its Limited Edition Girl Scouts Samoas Cookie Ice Cream because they may contain peanuts and egg not identified on the label. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Death row inmate Stephen Wayne Anderson lost another round Thursday in his legal battle to stay alive. -more-
Everyone is familiar with the ominous looking leaves of the Venus’ flytrap, spiked at their edges, hinged at their centers, and ready to clamp shut around unwary prey. There’s little chance of a fly alighting on the leaf this time of year, so you might consider dropping in a piece of hamburger. -more-
If your New Year’s resolution to lose weight or get organized already fell prey to old habits, it’s not too late to make important commitments where they’re really needed — your home. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Graphic artist Dan Simon scored when the biggest football game of the year needed a new logo to reflect the mood of the nation after Sept. 11. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A divided California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that law enforcement authorities may conduct warrantless searches on motorists who do not possess identification or proof they own the vehicle. -more-
SALT LAKE CITY — The way Tom Price sees it, Olympic organizers missed a golden opportunity to make the Winter Games the most environmentally friendly international event ever. -more-
SACRAMENTO — A tax-sharing and regional planning bill aimed at metropolitan Sacramento cleared a significant legislative hurdle Thursday and picked up a key endorsement from state Treasurer Phil Angelides. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Unocal Corp. has opened a new chapter in its legal battle to collect royalties on sales of cleaner-burning gasoline by suing Valero Energy Corp. for alleged violations on its patent for the fuel. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — Consumer advocates claim Pacific Gas and Electric Co.’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy could cost ratepayers an estimated $20 billion more than they would pay if the utility remains regulated by the state. -more-
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Shorn of his long hair and beard, John Walker Lindh quietly faced his government’s charges Thursday that he conspired to kill fellow Americans in Afghanistan. -more-
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — There have been some notable additions to the city jail since Sept. 11. -more-
A roomful of neighborhood activists went home disappointed Tuesday night, after the City Council approved funding for a housing project for seniors. -more-
St. Mary’s scored three goals in the first half, then held on during an uninspired second half to beat St. Joseph, 3-1, on Wednesday in Berkeley. -more-
Editor: -more-
The Berkeley Police Department is investigating the first murder case of the year, after one of the victims in a south Berkeley shooting early Tuesday morning succumbed to his wounds later that afternoon. -more-
Yesterday local nurses were applauding the end to a 10-year long battle to attain safe nursing standards statewide and were lauding the new 4-1 nurse-to-patient ratio as being essential to the current staffing crisis that has plagued the industry. -more-
The City Council voted to activate the Public Safety Building tower antenna Tuesday night after hearing public comment from city staff and police officers who said the tower is critical for public safety and from neighbors who argued it’s an eyesore and was erected without public process. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — John Walker Lindh’s lead defense lawyer said he’s hired a team of former federal prosecutors to represent the American Taliban, and one of their first orders of business will be to challenge Lindh’s alleged confession to FBI agents in Afghanistan. -more-
WASHINGTON — Local and federal officials signed an agreement on Wednesday aimed at cleaning up hazardous waste and building new housing at San Francisco’s old Hunters Point Naval Shipyard. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Given new urgency by Enron’s collapse, the debate over auditor independence is shifting to corporate shareholder meetings. -more-
SAN JOSE — Scientists at Hewlett-Packard Co. and UCLA said Wednesday they have patented a means of getting around a significant hurdle in the race to build computer chips at the molecular level. -more-
SAN JOSE — With a stern rebuke in a newspaper ad and a scathing report to shareholders, sons of Hewlett-Packard Co.’s late founders hit hard Wednesday at the company’s $23.8 billion plans to acquire Compaq Computer Corp. -more-
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Nearly 13 years after the tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground, spilling 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, federal scientists estimate about 10,000 gallons of oil remain buried under the shoreline. -more-
NEW YORK — CNN has hired Connie Chung away from ABC News to be the anchor of a nightly news show, ratcheting up the stakes in a heated competition among cable news networks. -more-
SAN JOSE — The first GOP gubernatorial debate left the landscape of the campaign essentially unchanged, analysts said, leaving the candidates six more weeks before the March 5 primary to sway voters. -more-
A two-alarm fire raged through the Fox Court apartment building at 1472 Universtiy Ave. early Tuesday, displacing seven residents and causing $300,000 in damage. -more-
Early in Tuesday’s game against Encinal, the ’Jackets wowed the crowd with their athleticism. Late in the game, they impressed their coach with their developing composure. -more-
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The Dance Theatre of Harlem is coming to town this week (January 23-26) at UC Berkeley's Zellerbach Hall for a series of Bay Area and West Coast Premieres. -more-
Two people were shot in the head and gravely wounded near the corner of King and 63rd streets early Tuesday. -more-
Berkeley sophomore Kamani Hill posted two goals and had six assists despite playing only the second half on Tuesday, leading the ’Jackets to a 13-0 win over Encinal. -more-
Editor: -more-
With the school district in financial trouble, elementary school librarians, already part-time employees who operate part-time libraries, are worried about further cuts. -more-
Editor: -more-
On Jan. 17, a residential robbery and assault occurred on the 3300 block of Claremont Avenue. The suspect entered the residence and demanded and confronted the 60-year-old female resident. -more-
SAN JOSE — Secretary of State Bill Jones came out swinging in the first statewide debate of the Republican gubernatorial candidates. -more-
LOS ANGELES — Gov. Gray Davis released proposed government ratios Tuesday that would mandate the number of nurses to patients in California hospitals. -more-
A new study by a San Francisco-based consulting firm says the University of California at Berkeley is the fifth-largest employer in the Bay Area and contributes more than $1 billion annually overall to personal income in the region. -more-
PORTLAND, Ore. — A city that marketing analysts say is loaded with Internet shoppers can now cruise Safeway aisles electronically in a test the grocery chain hopes will show it can succeed where online competitor Webvan failed. -more-
SAN JOSE — Back in the early days of the World Wide Web, Netscape Communications Corp. pioneered the commercial development of Internet browsers and even charged for the software. -more-
SAN BRUNO — San Francisco International Airport is trying to secure explosive-detecting luggage scanners before an ordering rush from other airports. -more-
Rosa Parks students, staff adorn school in colorful tiles -more-
Editor: -more-
Neighbors of Berkeley’s new Public Safety Building will get a chance to sound off tonight on the 170-foot emergency radio tower they say is not only an eyesore but was erected without proper public review. -more-
Editor: -more-
About 300 people shook the pews with their cheers Saturday night as three familiar voices from Free Speech Radio spoke about the U.S. war in Afghanistan and their own war with Pacifica Network News. -more-
The Berkeley Daily Planet is seeking local columnists to appear on the Forum pages on a regular basis. If you have an idea for an interesting and regular column, please send a column sample and the topics you would like to raise to readers to: -more-
The City Council will consider a number of issues during the regular meeting tonight including a study of reduced access to recreation for the city’s youth, approval of $2.3 million for the construction of five affordable housing projects and a schedule for adopting the remaining elements of the Draft General Plan. -more-
OAKLAND — A Sacramento couple accused of torturing, sexually assaulting and strangling a Pleasanton student in a minivan is scheduled to go on trial starting Tuesday. -more-
SAN JOSE — A coalition of scientists and technology companies is asking people around the world to use their computers’ extra processing power to help search for a cure for anthrax. -more-
Information inundation being what it is these days, culling what’s valuable from media listings – TV and radio programs, news bulletins, movies, music – is a daunting, time-consuming chore. -more-
PALO ALTO — A mutual fund with 1.1 percent of Hewlett-Packard Co. shares has endorsed the $24.3 billion plan to buy Compaq Computer Corp., giving HP valuable support as it prepares for a proxy fight over the deal. -more-
MOUNTAIN VIEW — IBM Corp. and network security provider VeriSign Inc. have formed a broad technology and marketing partnership aimed at improving authentication and access-control services for businesses. -more-
SACRAMENTO — He’s likely still out there, somewhere. He is probably gray as middle age settles in and he escapes his radical past. -more-
RENO, Nev. — Reno and Las Vegas rank near the middle nationally but continue to boast some of the most-affordable housing in the West. Santa Cruz, Calif., edged out San Francisco for the least-affordable housing in the nation. -more-
RENO, Nev. — Blustery winds could not snuff the Olympic torch or the enthusiasm of thousands of people who lined northern Nevada streets on Monday to cheer the flame as it makes its way to the Winter Games in Utah. -more-
LOS ANGELES — As many of his kin hibernate, a black bear dubbed Arthur is as active as the debate that persists over his fate. -more-
City not likely to forgive $100,000 BYA loan -more-
Saturday’s game between the Berkeley Lady Yellowjackets and Marin Catholic was supposed to be a chance for the Wildcats to take over the title of Northern California’s best team. After all, they were the top-ranked team in the region and earlier this season defeated the then-No. 1 team in the country, Highlands Ranch of Colorado, last month. -more-
Editor: -more-
Before a standing room-only crowd, Madeline Eastman and a three piece ensemble christened the Jazzschool’s Hardymon Hall with the velvety smooth tones that she is known for around the world. -more-
Cal throttled Washington State from the start, scoring inside almost at will in a 90-57 win over the hapless Cougars on Saturday evening at Haas Pavilion. -more-
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The Berkeley Police Department is actively investigating a home invasion robbery that sent a homeowner in the Claremont neighborhood to the hospital on Thursday, according to the BPD’s Lt. Cynthia Harris. -more-
SALINAS – While searching the Internet for information on the Alamo and the city of San Antonio, two brothers helped police nab a man on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted list. -more-
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SAN FRANCISCO – Erlinda Valencia worries she could lose the airport security job she’s had for 14 years because her citizenship application hasn’t yet been approved. -more-
Mile-long island went under during the last ice age -more-
SAN JOSE – The leading Republican gubernatorial candidates will face each other in a televised three-way debate in San Jose Tuesday night. -more-
SACRAMENTO – The state Assembly paid a female staff member $140,000 in the settlement of a sexual harassment complaint, a newspaper reported Sunday. -more-
LOS ANGELES – GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon was set to begin airing television commercials Monday, joining GOP rival Richard Riordan and Democratic incumbent Gray Davis on the airwaves. -more-
LOS ANGELES – GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon was set to begin airing television commercials Monday, joining GOP rival Richard Riordan and Democratic incumbent Gray Davis on the airwaves. -more-
SAN JOSE – This is the future in America as high-tech leaders see it: People work from home more often. They watch high-definition TV on their computers. They get information on national security instantaneously. -more-
WASHINGTON – Bank of China has agreed to pay $20 million in fines to U.S. and Chinese authorities in a deal announced Friday resolving cases of alleged misconduct at one of the bank’s New York branches. -more-
OAKLAND – The Olympic flame may have missed Berkeley in its tour around the Bay Area Friday, but one Berkeley resident did his part to get the fire to Salt Lake City. -more-
The Berkeley Yellowjackets dominated their first-ever meeting with Hercules High on Friday night, winning 65-55 over the brand-new school. -more-
Editor: -more-
Anthology chronicles the ancient spiritual force of the redwoods -more-
The City Council voted unanimously to sue UC Berkeley if the university does not work with the city to solve problems expected to arise from a large development and remodeling proposal for the north side of campus. -more-
Andrew Nackerud scored the Panthers’ first two goals, and St. Mary’s held off a late Salesian push to stay undefeated in BSAL play with a 3-1 win on Friday in Berkeley. -more-
Editor: -more-
Hardcover Fiction -more-
The Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday night to provide a “negative certification” on the school budget, acknowledging that the district will be unable to meet its financial obligations this year and next without significant budget cuts and revenue growth. -more-
SAN JOSE — The San Jose Symphony, which shut down last fall amid a financial crisis, is taking a step toward a comeback with concerts whose proceeds would help fund the organization’s future operations. -more-
Architecture ‘father’ used Berkeley to grow career -more-
LOS ANGELES — The truth may be out there but “The X-Files” won’t be. -more-
After several years of neglect, during which proposals have bounced back and forth between neighborhood groups and city government, the ancient, dilapidated sign welcoming visitors to the Berkeley Community Rose Garden appears to be on the verge of renovation. -more-
Cruise control doesn’t control everything -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — A sports figure, a television celebrity and the widow of a local hero transported the Olympic Torch in its 150-mile route through the San Francisco Bay area on Friday. -more-
SACRAMENTO — Graying and settled into middle age, three former 1970s revolutionaries and members of the Symbionese Liberation Army were arraigned Friday on first-degree murder charges in the 1975 shooting death of a woman during a bank robbery. -more-
SANTA CRUZ — San Francisco no longer tops the list for least-affordable housing in the nation. That distinction now falls an hour and a half to the south to Santa Cruz, famous for its waves and hippies. -more-
When the brain is in jeopardy, minutes matter. -more-
SAN JOSE — This is the future in America as high-tech leaders see it: People work from home more often. They watch high-definition TV on their computers. They get information on national security instantaneously. -more-
SAN JOSE — Server giant Sun Microsystems Inc. on Friday announced a smaller-than-expected second-quarter loss and some success as it expands its customer base beyond dot-coms and telecommunications companies. -more-
NEW YORK — Shares of ImClone Systems Inc. plunged nearly a third Friday after being temporarily halted as the beleaguered company disclosed it was the subject of a congressional inquiry. -more-
A very vital part of the ongoing battle about Berkeley City Council district boundaries has been the 32,000 students at UC Berkeley, and that’s just the way the Associated Students of the University of California want it, says Vice President of External Affairs Josh Fryday. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO — John Walker Lindh’s parents had the first word in the battle to shape his image, calling him a “good kid,” releasing cute family pictures and suggesting he was brainwashed by the Taliban. -more-
STANFORD — Nearly 34 years after black students stormed a stage at Stanford University, grabbing the microphone and demanding change, several are returning to the school this week to discuss whether their demands have been met. -more-
SAN FRANCISCO – The state has until the end of the year to remove the additive MTBE from gasoline and replace it from ethanol, but officials worry that they won’t meet the deadline and that that could drive up gas prices. -more-
OAKLAND — A Livermore man convicted of threatening to release anthrax into the federal building in Oakland was sentenced to five years in prison Friday. -more-
