Four Contra Costa branches will close at staggered times in 2026 for months‑long upgrades. Pinole starts March 1 for an estimated 11‑month overhaul.

A data‑driven pilot will plant dozens of trees along Frontage Road in March to trap pollution from I‑880 and nearby port traffic. Monitoring will test whether the barrier works.

Cold morning in Oakland with afternoon sun and gusty southerly winds. Widespread rain likely Monday night into Tuesday with some urban ponding possible.

Berkeley High warned that people on campus on Feb. 2 may have been exposed to mumps as city health officials open an investigation. Families are being urged to check vaccination records and call a doctor if symptoms appear.

CMA‑backed AB 2346 would set a 15 mph limit for kids, require built‑in lights and force clearer e‑bike labels after doctors warned of rising teen injuries.

A 22‑year‑old was arrested after a Brentwood doorstep robbery and a multi‑city chase; police recovered the stolen purse and phone and are seeking two more suspects.

A federal judge handed Carlos Joel Castro‑Arteaga six years after agents found a pill press, about four pounds of fentanyl and cash in an Adams Point apartment.

A San Jose man was convicted after prosecutors say he drove to Dublin to meet what he believed was a 13‑year‑old undercover officer. Sentencing is set for March 10.

Antonio Lawson has been named executive director of Oakland’s police watchdog, stepping in as CPRA faces staffing and procedural shortfalls. His state-level legal background is central to the hire.

A vehicle struck a pedestrian at Redwood Way and Castro Street; the westbound I‑580 on‑ramp was closed while investigators worked. Officials urged drivers to avoid the area.

Trustees narrowly approved a plan to send preliminary layoff notices that could affect roughly 300 AUSD employees as officials try to close an estimated $30M gap. Parents and staff warned the cuts would hollow out student supports.

Mercy Housing broke ground on The Eliza, a 97‑unit senior housing project in Uptown Oakland that reserves 20 apartments for formerly homeless seniors and pairs on‑site services with deep affordability.

Oakland’s portion of the East Bay Greenway is slated to start construction in 2026, adding protected cycletracks, bus islands and crosswalk upgrades between Lake Merritt and Fruitvale.