Opinion

Berkeley’s urbanity, Palma Soriano’s agriculture, and thousands of miles may serve to separate these two cities, but as of last week they have joined an increasing sisterhood despite the estrangement. -more-

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gray Davis’s budget contains some hot-button proposals that require legislative approval, and his administration has launched an all-out public relations effort to try to sell them. -more-

Berkeley’s Star Grocery celebrated its 80th birthday yesterday, with balloons, friends, music and food for all. -more-

Last week, Verlon Bourd was shot and killed at 1001 Chester St. in Oakland, making him the sixth young black man to be murdered in Oakland this month and rounding out a recent spat or similar murders in the last month. -more-

Subsidized housing plan at Acton and University avenues moves forward -more-

Deep cuts to health programs proposed by Gov. Gray Davis to help fill a $23.6 billion budget hole unfairly target those who need state help the most, California health care officials and advocates for the poor said Wednesday. -more-