Neighbors of an alleged Oregon Street drug-dealing two-house complex say they never suspected any illegal activity at the residences, but call it a “problem property” that they now want the owner to sell. -more-

One of Berkeley’s largest affordable housing developers has been stripped of its federal funding amid charges that it has engaged in nepotism and misallocated funds. -more-

In City Council District 5, running for the seat being vacated by Councilmember Miriam Hawley are Jesse Townley, a civic-minded musician who offers youth and a fresh perspective, Laurie Capitelli, a real estate broker, connected to the city’s establishment who hasn’t sought to make waves, and community activist Barbara Gilbert, who thinks that the establishment will tax and spend the city into the ground. -more-

Following complaints by neighbors of a controversial South Richmond development site, the top official of the San Francisco Bay Area Water Quality Control Board promised Thursday to order round-the-clock monitoring of potentially toxic dust and compounds escaping from the Campus Bay project. -more-

Backed by a crowd of some 40 sign-carrying union members, representatives of the Berkeley Unified School District’s custodians, maintenance and food service workers, and bus drivers told BUSD board members Wednesday night the district must change its stand on worker health care and salary needs in contract mediation talks scheduled to begin next week. -more-

At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Tom Bates delivered a proposal that could bridge the city’s creek divide. -more-

The first two weeks of October saw political contributions skyrocket for citywide ballot measures and slow down for City Council candidates, according to campaign contribution and expense reports released this week. -more-

On Sept. 29 the Governor signed SB 1818, which City of Berkeley planner Mark Rhoades has called a “bombshell.” Despite strong concerns expressed by the League of California Cities, the bill had sailed through its final votes: no nays at all in the Senate and only four (including Loni Hancock) in the Assembly. It makes many changes to crucial Section 65915 of the state’s density bonus law. -more-

Voters in the city of Albany, one of Alameda County’s smallest cities (18,000 population), will be asked to choose three City Councilmembers out of six candidates. All of the candidates are running at-large. -more-

UC Berkeley officials issued a statement of regret about a computer hacking that may have exposed the names and social security numbers of about 600,000 people. -more-

The talk around town this week is that the sudden decision of Richard Word to resign his job as chief of police of big-city Oakland to take up the same position in little-city Vacaville is a terrible step down for Mr. Word and, therefore, a significant personal defeat. I don’t know. The assumption, here, is that bigger is always better, and that in order to demonstrate career progress, an Oakland executive must necessarily move on to places like Atlanta, Detroit, or Los Angeles, where national reputations can be made. In fact, not knowing the state of either Mr. Word’s mind or his heart, we can’t be sure that he doesn’t consider a transfer of responsibility from the 400,000 citizens of Oakland to the 90,000 citizens of Vacaville as nothing short of a breath of fresh air. -more-

28. Federal Judicial Branch -more-

Editors, Daily Planet: -more-

Retired Chief Dies in Venice -more-

Armed Duo Cops Cash -more-

SCHOOL FUNDING -more-

With the friendly assistance of the late Edward Lear: -more-

This November election voters in the Berkeley and neighboring communities have a chance to improve our East Bay Regional Parks by voting Yes on Measure CC. This is a funding measure to raise money to pay for habitat restoration and improvements in the parks. -more-

As a longtime Berkeley resident and employee of a non-profit organization, I support Measures J, K, and L. I believe that front-line services, our libraries and programs that support youth and safety in our communities must be protected. -more-

If Measure Q passes, the Berkeley Police will be told to make the enforcement of existing laws against prostitution their lowest priority. Supporters say that this will help women. -more-

Editors, Daily Planet: -more-

The following small sampling of articles regarding DUI caused deaths from metropolitan newspapers is only the tip of the drunk driving catastrophe that continues unabated just in the Bay Area: “Motorist convicted in teacher’s death” “3 vehicular deaths on Memorial Day” (at least two DUI cases) “Driver slams mailbox, rider killed.” The Sept. 7 SF Chronicle reports “eight dead in Bay Area car accidents over holiday weekend—37 in state.” At least five of the drivers responsible were alleged to be DUI. In the article CHP Sgt. Wayne Ziese said, “Obviously, drinking and driving is still a problem here in the Bay Area.” -more-

Coming off a successful run of Love and Taxes in Seattle and with a film version of his earlier monologue Red Diaper Baby premiering today (Friday) at SF’s Roxie and Marin’s Rafael theaters, solo performer Josh Kornbluth has declared a “Joshtoberfest” wi th the opening of Ben Franklin: Unplugged at SF’s Magic Theatre in Fort Mason in advance of a national tour. -more-

FRIDAY, OCT. 22 -more-

The soft light of autumn. Vibrant color. The sun overhead but the days crisp. The time of year when nature begins to slow down, to begin preparations for the cold and darkness of winter. A perfect time to spend a weekend soaking up the light and beauty around the Sierra Buttes. -more-

FRIDAY, OCT. 22 -more-