Calavera, an Oakland restaurant and bar, announced its closure due to decreased sales and foot traffic caused by the state of Oakland.
Homemade Cafe in Berkeley, known for its classic diner-style dishes and community outreach, announced its closure but later decided to reopen for weekend brunch service. [ more ]
10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival: Writer's Day (Berkeley)
The 10th Anniversary Bay Area Book Festival will be held in two parts: Family Day at the Berkeley Public Library on May 4, 2024, and the full festival on June 1 & 2, 2024 in Downtown Berkeley.
The festival plans to hold the 2024 event in person, but some events may also be available via livestream. There are currently no plans to have fully virtual events. [ more ]
Indian Rock and Mortar Rock in Berkeley, California are popular destinations known for their scenic views and historical significance in rock climbing.
The Ohlone people, who have lived in the Bay Area for thousands of years, have fought for their rights and heritage but their advocacy has not focused on Indian and Mortar rocks. [ more ]
Berkeley housing project of 500-plus homes may replace restaurant row
A 28-story housing tower with 599 residences, including low-income units, is being proposed in downtown Berkeley.
The tower would replace a restaurant row, but a rooftop restaurant and ground-level commercial spaces would be included in the new development. [ more ]
Roses on Adeline, Bageltopia, Parkline, Nusa among April openings
A new cafe in Alameda offering American and Thai/Lao cuisine, a Middle Eastern eatery with breakfast burritos in Berkeley, and a long-awaited bagel restaurant on University Avenue in Berkeley. [ more ]
At Berkeley, a protest at a dean's home tests the limits of free speech
The incident at Berkeley's law school involving pro-Palestinian students disrupting a dinner party at the dean's home highlights the complex nature of free speech rights in private settings. [ more ]
San Francisco Will Continue Enforcing Gas Ban in New Buildings Despite Berkeley's Repeal of Similar Rules | KQED
Berkeley repealed a law banning gas lines in new construction after a legal challenge. Other cities in California have similar bans. Legal disputes are causing some jurisdictions to reconsider their plans. [ more ]
People's Park Fight Pits Housing Against History | KQED
Bloody Thursday: A confrontation between protestors and law enforcement over control of the park in Berkeley resulted in one death and one person being blinded.
Tensions over control of the park have continued over the years, with the park serving as a gathering place and homeless services hub. [ more ]
In brief: Berkeley special election April 16 for District 7 council seat
Eligible voters in Berkeley's District 7 have tight deadlines to get on the ballot or register to vote in a special election.
Registered voters in District 7 can file nomination papers by Feb. 16 to run for City Council, and must register to vote by April 1 for the April 16 election. [ more ]
Opinion: Spenger's parking lot deal shows Berkeley has a leadership crisis
The fate of Berkeley's controversial parking lot was resolved in a complex deal involving $1.5 million from the general fund.
The deal raises questions about the City Council's approach to solving critical city issues and the impact on affordable housing and tax revenue. [ more ]
Where March 5 election results stand in Berkeley and Alameda County
Votes are still being counted in Berkeley primary elections with two measures passing. Mayor Jesse Arreguin advances to November election for District 7 Senate race. Nikki Fortunato Bas leads in Alameda County Supervisor race. [ more ]
Farmhouse Kitchen arrives in Berkeley with toned-down decor but same colorful, creative dishes
The Berkeley outpost of Farmhouse Kitchen Thai Restaurant has finally opened after almost four and a half years of renovation.
Architect Marc Dimalanta designed the Berkeley location and faced challenges due to the building's historical past and renovation regulations. [ more ]
3 Berkeley shows highlight work of local Black artists
Berkeley is hosting three satellite exhibitions of the Richmond Art Center's Art of the African Diaspora show.
The show features 150 Black artists and is displayed across 44 satellite shows in Bay Area art galleries, libraries, shops, and a chiropractor clinic. [ more ]
Berkeley's tenant union rights, golden duplex rent control proposed for November ballot
The Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board hopes to amend the existing rent stabilization ordinance to enshrine rights to form tenant unions and eliminate a carve-out for golden duplexes.
Golden duplexes are currently exempt from rent regulation laws in Berkeley, but the proposed ballot measure would remove this exemption and subject them to rent control.
If approved, the ballot measure would also enshrine the right for tenants to form associations and negotiate with landlords over grievances. [ more ]
Farmhouse Thai opens in Berkeley, Brezo makes the move to Albany
Brezo has relocated to Solano Avenue in Albany after moving during the pandemic. The new location is drawing positive reviews for its fresh and flavorful cafe-style plates.
Farmhouse Kitchen Thai in Berkeley has completed its construction and is now open for business. The new location offers a menu of Thai-style appetizers, salads, soups, noodles, curries, and desserts. [ more ]
Berkeley High likely to drop plan for $27M teachers' parking garage
The planned $27 million parking garage in Berkeley is likely to be scrapped in favor of issuing residential parking permits to Berkeley High teachers and staff.
The decision to issue parking permits is aimed at solving the parking crunch and freeing up funds for other facilities projects. [ more ]
Berkeley homeowners could get $3K for seismic upgrades
Berkeley officials are inviting homeowners to apply for grants to reinforce their homes against earthquakes.
The Earthquake Brace + Bolt grants, managed by the California Residential Mitigation Program, are available to homeowners in specific ZIP codes who live in buildings between one and four units. [ more ]