Top Daily Review Headlines

Deep-fried peanut butter cups and twisty potatoes on a stick

By Larissa Klitzke — Fri, 3 Jul 2009 17:07:45 PDT

Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton doesn't fail when it comes to new types of fried treats.

Landowner says Hayward is lowballing him on parcels needed for downtown loop

Fri, 3 Jul 2009 14:28:45 PDT

Eminent domain proceedings begin for parcels at Foothill and Mission

Fourth of July fireworks, events, parades in the East Bay and Bay Area

MediaNews staff — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 23:25:32 PDT

Whether you're staying put in the East Bay or venturing further in the Bay Area, our Fourth of July events guide has something for everyone.

Post your favorite spot to watch the fireworks

Share your Fourth of July photos

CHP looking to solve seven-year-old fatal hit-and-run

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 23:20:26 PDT

It happened more than seven years ago, but Susan Sabanal, 54, of Hayward says she remembers it like it was five minutes ago. On June, 15, 2002, her only child, Brian Sabanal, 20, was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Interstate 205 in Tracy. The person responsible for the accident was never identified.

Many July 4 activities planned in Eden, Tri-City areas

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 23:08:05 PDT

Here are some activities happening in the Eden and Tri-City areas on Saturday, in observance of Independence Day

Worried scientists find sea otter numbers continue to decline

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 23:06:30 PDT

The three-year average sea otter population on California's coast declined for the first time in more than a decade, according to a U.S. Geological Survey.

IOUs from California are on their way

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:42:58 PDT

With its bank balance careening toward zero, California began sending tens of thousands of IOUs to its creditors Thursday, the latest black eye for the state and its broken budget system.

Transportation secretary tours port, talks money

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:29:15 PDT

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and elected officials toured the Port of Oakland on Thursday and discussed the possibility of more federal money rolling on to its docks.

Hayward police say neighbor teen responsible for late-night prowler scare

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 22:27:17 PDT

Police say a developmentally disabled teen entered an 11-year-old girl's bedroom in the middle of the night this week and began fondling her feet before being scared off when the girl woke up.

Deadline extended for Fairmont Hospital decision

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:24:30 PDT

The move could affect a proposal to shift a rehabilitation ward to San Leandro Hospital.

Carol Thornberry column: Why limit birthdays to one day per year?

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 19:24:08 PDT

June IS A BUSY birthday month. I celebrated mine June 9. My daughters Stacey, Krissy and Alison, and my sister, Jane Abelee, took me out to dinner that evening.

Federal judge fast-tracks lawsuit seeking to overturn same-sex marriage ban

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 17:35:07 PDT

n Lawsuit challenging constitutional validity of measure could wind up in Supreme Court, U.S. district jurist says

Goth dancers swing to their own tunes

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:09:37 PDT

You've been Goth since you first heard Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Passenger," and although you would love to get on the dance floor, those traditional tunes just don't make your feet move. Luckily, Brian Gardner's around promoting Swing Goth, a partner dance night for those with a darker side.

State board sets 3.75 percent interest rate on California IOUs

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 13:04:50 PDT

California will begin to print and send out tens of thousands of IOUs this afternoon to pay its bills, the latest black eye for the state and its broken budget system.

Governor shuts state offices three days per month

Sketches of Castro Valley slaying suspects released

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 07:05:21 PDT

The Alameda County Sheriff's Office has released descriptions of two men wanted in connection with last Friday's slaying at a hydroponics store on Redwood Road.

New study to explore vitamin D deficiency in blacks

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:34:58 PDT

Research will assess whether supplements narrow the gap between disease rates in blacks, other racial groups

No California budget deal means more furloughs, more more problems

MEDIANEWS WIRE SERVICES — Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:30:22 PDT

The failure to balance the state's main checkbook and the looming IOUs prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday to declare a fiscal state of emergency.

Pittsburg man arraigned in Castro Valley duplex-ramming case

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:28:19 PDT

Police say lovers' quarrel led to car plowing into building, injuring six

Lawmakers spar over how to keep San Leandro ER open

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 06:24:40 PDT

A pair of East Bay lawmakers are in a dust-up over how best to keep San Leandro Hospital's emergency room open.

Alameda County Fair has a relaxed new midweek opening

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 05:41:08 PDT

As the gates to the Alameda County Fair were about to open Wednesday, organizers whizzed about in carts, anxious to make sure exhibits and the people who run them were in place to meet the public.

Caltrans land in Hayward rezoned for housing, parks

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 19:19:51 PDT

The City Council OKs a plan for an area once eyed for a new freeway.

East Bay woman, 5-year-old daughter nearly saved before rip tide took them

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 10:34:03 PDT

Devoted Walnut Creek mom and small-business owner, 5-year-old daughter drowned in Monday accident; they leave behind husband, 9-year old daughter

Post condolences for Angie Higgins and Indali Higgins

Attorney General slaps 22 Midas shops, including eight in East Bay, with lawsuit

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:47:14 PDT

At 22 auto shops in the Bay Area and Central Valley, the Midas touch comes with sticky fingers, according to a lawsuit Attorney General Jerry Brown filed Tuesday in Alameda County.

BART responds to lawmakers' concern

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:32:02 PDT

Fifteen state lawmakers have written a letter expressing concerns about BART's threat to impose unilateral changes in pay and work conditions on transit workers if their contract expires and no labor accord is reached in negotiations.

New freeway interchange opens in Fremont

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:12:28 PDT

The new Warren Avenue/Interstate 880 interchange opened Tuesday, marking the end of one phase of transit improvements in South Fremont and the beginning of another, transit planners said.

Spurned lover plows vehicle into Castro Valley duplex, injuring six

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:11:49 PDT

Six people were injured Monday when a 19-year-old Pittsburg man drove his car into a duplex during a lovers' spat over personal property, authorities said.

Hayward champion of veterans' causes dies at 90

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 07:09:22 PDT

Allen Strutz dedicated his off-work hours — and 30 years in retirement — to helping and honoring veterans in Alameda County.The Hayward resident, who died June 24 at age 90, was an Army veteran of World War II who spent every Christmas Day for more than 50 years at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Livermore.

California chain restaurants must post calorie counts starting today

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:55:33 PDT

The new law is expected to affect about 17,000 of the state's 80,000 restaurants, many of them fast-food outlets which initially resisted the change, but later began posting the information voluntarily.

Roadshow: Parking in front of a neighbor's house is legal but irritating

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:52:32 PDT

Readers' advice: Be a good neighbor and park somewhere else.

Alameda County Fair schedule for today

Valley Times — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:51:49 PDT

Today's schedule for the Alameda County FairToday's special: Free admission for seniors. Today's hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Carnival hours: Noon until fairgrounds closingHorse racing: Post time is 12:45 p.

Wells Fargo makes more job cuts

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:48:39 PDT

Bank cuttting jobs in its auto finance unit as car sales struggle nationally

Number of school districts on brink of financial trouble, bankruptcy rises

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:47:23 PDT

California budget crisis means that districts will be forced to cut more or face state receivership, state superintendent says

San Francisco federal judge to hear latest legal challenge to Proposition 8

MediaNews staff — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:46:13 PDT

In possible first step in bringing the same-sex marriage fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, judge to consider attempt to block same-sex marriage ban in lawsuit that argues Prop 8 violates federal constitution.

Federal officials vow to seize parks if they closed by state

MediaNews Staff and Wire Reports — Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:45:20 PDT

The federal government is threatening to take possession of several of California's most prominent state parks — including Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, the top of Mt. Diablo and four miles of beaches at Fort Ord Dunes near Monterey — if Sacramento lawmakers close them to balance the budget.

Social Security errors sending millions astray, report finds

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:43:36 PDT

Agency has continued to pay benefits to dead Americans, and other elderly U.S. residents are at risk of losing badly needed aid because they're improperly recorded as deceased, federal investigators warn in a new report.

Different paths to top of state's GOP, same hard-line resolve

Wed, 1 Jul 2009 06:11:07 PDT

Senate leader Hollingsworth is a darling of the right; Assembly leader Blakeslee is an ally of environmentalists. But both are two-fisted opponents of taxes.

Medical marijuana forum planned for San Lorenzo

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:46:03 PDT

A panel will discuss issues surrounding cannabis clubs.

'Safe and sane' fireworks legal only in a dozen Bay Area cities this Fourth

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:08:25 PDT

This year, the question of whether or not legal fireworks should be permitted on the Fourth of July again sparked considerable debate in some California cities, and on Monday the governor threw his own two cents into the flame.

California continues to have widespread flu activity, a rare summer occurrence

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:34:41 PDT

Experts believe the regular seasonal flu has faded away, as it typically does during the summer, and most cases now involve the swine flu.

More swine flu coverage

A shake-up in A's order leads to rare easy win

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:41:04 PDT

Mark Ellis and Ryan Sweeney homer, and manager Bob Geren's new-look lineup takes apart the Detroit Tigers

BART negotiators prepared to meet through holiday weekend

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:08:59 PDT

BART management and union reps continue contract talks for 2,800 transit workers

Fire call leads to 369 pot plants discovered in Fremont home

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:02:44 PDT

More than 350 marijuana plants were removed from a Grimmer neighborhood home last weekend after fire officials learned of the plants while investigating a fire at the residence, police said.

Fremont man facing charges in purse snatchings, vehicle chase

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:59:23 PDT

An 18-year-old man was charged Monday with three felonies after police said he led them on a high-speed chase after a pair of purse-snatching cases late last week.

Governor says no to passed budget

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:23:16 PDT

n Schwarzenegger vows to veto plan, sending state closer to issuing IOUs

GM to pull out of Fremont's NUMMI

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 06:05:34 PDT

General Motors next month plans to end its pioneering involvement with the New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Fremont, where it and Toyota have jointly built vehicles for a quarter century, officials with the two companies said Monday.

Link possible in Castro Valley crimes

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:41:07 PDT

A recent slaying and two home invasion robberies may be connected, police say.

San Leandro to go polling for dollars

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:41:06 PDT

Respondents' answers may help identify new revenue sources, officials say.

Same-sex encounters common in the animal world

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:30:12 PDT

Nearly every type of animal engages in same-gender sexual behavior, from dolphins and birds to insects and amphibians, according to recent study from UC Riverside researchers.

Staycations can have legs with good planning

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:23:56 PDT

Backyard camp outs. Hikes in local parks. Free museum visits. Tidying up the yard. These are just some of the ways to make the most of a staycation.

California restaurant chains have to reveal calories starting Wednesday

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 13:22:47 PDT

California will step up its campaign against bad diets, bulging waistlines and clogged arteries when three new laws dealing with restaurant and school food take effect July 1.

Berkeley students find bridge to college

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:20:17 PDT

A decade ago, a flood of kids with autism were mainstreamed into regular classrooms. Now they're heading to college, and many of the them are struggling.

Gay parents along with kids celebrate in annual parade

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:17:57 PDT

Hundreds of thousands turn out for annual gay pride parade in San Francisco, perhaps fueled more than ever by the passage of Proposition 8.

Castro Valley hit with spate of violent crime

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 07:28:37 PDT

Authorities are attempting to determine if a home invasion robbery and a killing Friday are connected.

BART contract talks continue

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:55:43 PDT

BART and two of its major employee unions continued labor negotiations Sunday to try to stave off a strike that could cripple the transit carrier for 335,000 weekday riders.

Transit options during a BART strike

Database: BART employee salaries

Alameda County Fair returning with new attractions

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:50:25 PDT

Changes this year will include Latino- and Indian-themed nights, more horse racing -- and a ride from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch.

Man fires into crowd at party in San Lorenzo

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:34:01 PDT

Two people were wounded in San Lorenzo Saturday night when a man fired a handgun into a crowd at a quinceanera party, officials said.

Third Spare the Air Day in a row called for Monday

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:30:29 PDT

Public health advisory calls for people to minimize driving and limit strenuous exercise to early morning

Roadshow: Motorcyclist's death leads to crusade

By Gary Richards Mercury News — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:21:59 PDT

Father of victim wants to ban lane-splitting on I-238.

Accusations continue in dispute over lesbian pastor's speech at Castro Valley school

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:19:55 PDT

The Castro Valley school district is upset over $14,700 in fees; a legal firm says some PowerPoint materials it requested are missing.

Water czar tapped to oversee drought fight

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 06:18:30 PDT

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar on Sunday announced several steps he hoped would ease the toll of the state's water shortage on farmers and said he would assign a top deputy to help find solutions.

Former Your Black Muslim Bakery matriarch to lose real-estate license

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:51:26 PDT

Esperanza Johnson, a former Your Black Muslim Bakery matriarch who left a trail of dubious real-estate deals from Antioch to Oakland, will have her real-estate broker's license revoked effective today after a judge found she's not "sufficiently honest" to keep it.

Fitness program moves from C.V. to San Leandro

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:13:36 PDT

Eden Medical Center offers good health, socializing for $10 a visit

Tuesday hearing on San Leandro Hospital postponed

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:13:27 PDT

County supervisor hopes to keep ER open there, even if medical, surgical services are discontinued

Council to hear plan for Hayward hills land

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 19:13:04 PDT

Area was once slated to be a freeway bypass

Roadshow: Hands-free cell phone law is increasingly being ignored

By Gary Richards Mercury News — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:54:53 PDT

An estimated 200,000-plus tickets have been written statewide since July 1.

Berkeley woman marks 30 years as executive director of an agency where she was once a client

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 05:51:34 PDT

Boona Cheema was a refugee before taking the reins of advocacy organization 30 years ago.

Roadshow: Tragic consequences of brake-screeching

By Gary Richards Mercury News — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:27:20 PDT

This dangerous road-rage behavior can have fatal results.

Births

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 17:18:24 PDT

ST. ROSE HOSPITAL, Hayward Tiffany Zamora and Michael Clark, Fremont, May 17, a girl.Natasha Patterson, Hayward, June 10, a boy.Thanh and Thien Tran, Hayward, June 10, a boy.

Davey D: How do you sum up Michael Jackson? You can't

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 06:22:51 PDT

It's hard to know where to begin when talking about an icon who, for many, was essentially the soundtrack through childhood and much of adult life. Jackson was always bigger than life, yet he had this vibe about him that made you feel like he was within reach.

Exact details of Jackson's death remain unclear Ride once owned by Michael Jackson will be at the Alameda County Fair

Man fatally shot in head in Castro Valley hydroponics store

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:12:24 PDT

Victim dies of head wound Friday at hospital; sheriff's investigators looking for at least two possible suspects

Looking for aviation's next generation at Hayward airport

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:47:22 PDT

An industry veteran, 73, and others are hosting an open house to interest youths in flying planes.

Hayward man dies after beating

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 18:47:10 PDT

Police are seeking information on the slaying of a 56-year-old resident who was found lying in a street.

SAN LEANDRO ADULT SCHOOL CLASS OF 2009

BAY AREA NEWS GROUP — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:24:10 PDT

Ian J.D. Austin Jacqueline Marie AyalaRita DeCasis BarrazaJuan Jose CalderonMiguel Carabajal Jr.Anthony Kealo CarneyKeith CarterYessenia CedilloRaquanza Shanay ClarkWilliam R.

East Bay residents remember Michael Jackson, the King of Pop

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 12:57:05 PDT

The sensationally gifted child star, who rose to become the "King of Pop," was undoubtedly one of biggest celebrities in the world, and his death was felt far and wide.

Vote: All-time favorite MJ song? | Guestbook: Post, read condolences

Slide shows: A look back | Reaction, scene

Share your Michael Jackson memories

Chat: Share your thoughts on the tragic death of Michael Jackson

Mediator joins BART talks

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 07:20:10 PDT

A state mediator will join BART contract talks today, four days before labor agreements expire for 2,800 unionized workers who keep the train system running.

Transit options during a BART strike

Database: BART employee salaries

East Bay lowers boom on July 4th fireworks

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 06:54:25 PDT

More people may be staying home this year to celebrate the Independence Day weekend because of the slumping economy, but if they use fireworks, they could face a $1,000 fine or even jail time, unless they live in one of five Bay Area cities.