Livermore Snuffs Out All Fireworks Ahead of July Fourth
Livermore has banned all fireworks inside city limits — including “safe and sane” types — and will step up patrols around July 4. Hosts could face administrative fines up to $500.
California Pours $41 Million Into Trash-To-Cash Green Job Blitz
The state announced $41 million in grants and loans to expand recycling, restore bottle refunds and fund paid job training across California.
Berkeley Swim Bullying Lawsuit Makes A Big Splash Back In Court
An appellate panel sent back a bullying lawsuit by former Cal swimmers, ruling the delayed‑discovery rule could toll claims once thought time‑barred. The case returns to Alameda County for factfinding.
Homers Gone Wild: Oakland Ballers Face West Oakland Lawsuit Over Flying Baseballs
A West Oakland landlord says years of home runs and foul balls from Raimondi Park have damaged a nearby building and has sued the Oakland Ballers for six-figure repairs. The case could force changes at the small urban ballpark.
Can Oakland’s First Fridays Survive The Bloodshed and Budget Bust?
City leaders, business owners and residents met Wednesday to weigh whether Oakland’s First Fridays can continue after a March bar shooting and a May sidewalk crash spooked sponsors.
Berkeley Grad’s Palestinian Flag Sparks Onstage Diploma Standoff
A UC Berkeley student was briefly stopped onstage and told to set aside a Palestinian flag before receiving his diploma, footage shows. The clip has drawn both cheers and criticism.
California Quietly Hands Foster Kids and COVID Orphans a $3K Nest Egg
The state’s new HOPE program seeds $3,000 trust accounts for eligible foster youth and children who lost a caregiver to COVID. Applications and pilot sign‑ups are rolling out this spring.












