Cynthia Gorney

No letup on rationing, EBMUD warns

by MAGGIE FAZELI FARD Oct. 2 — In the five months since a drought was declared in the East Bay, Oakland residents have been warned against washing cars in their driveways, running half-empty washing machines, and asking for too much tap water at restaurants. This morning, officials had one thing to say in response: Thanks for your effort, but we’re still in trouble.

“Green collar” rally calls for enviro-helping jobs

by KRISTINE WONG  Sep. 27 — Most Saturdays, Mosswood Park is filled with a lively mixture of families, dog walkers, and weekend soccer warriors. Today, a different group of voices rang out from the park’s center stage – those of environmentalists, builders, and students who rallied for new jobs to improve both the economy and the environment.  The rally, sponsored by the Oakland-based Ella Baker Center for Human Rights, featured remarks by Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Oakland City Council…

Lower fee hike recommended for residential parking

By MAGGIE FAZELI FARD Sept. 23 — In a compromise over city parking costs, the City Council finance committee agreed today to recommend moderate residential parking permit fee increases — in exchange for starting a performance audit into what was repeatedly called an “inefficient” parking division.

NN promises more police, but some voters dubious

by MELANIE MASON “The first thing you do in municipal government is take care of public safety.” That was a quote from Oakland resident Charles Pine, who runs the community group Oakland Residents for Peaceful Neighborhoods. But it was also, almost verbatim, a quote from City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente. And a quote from Mayor Ron Dellums’ spokesman, Paul Rose. There is consensus among Oakland officials and residents, almost down to exact choice of words, that safety and…

Home greening grows in North Oakland

Bamboo, pebbles and boards made of wheat straw are all among the building materials being tried out by North Oakland homeowners trying to green up their properties. Click here for the story.

Critics give local cities “failing grades” on immigration policies

by CLARE MAJOR RICHMOND, Sept. 6—Critics of Bay Area immigration policy and a panel of local city officials crowded into a Richmond church cafeteria today to address issues affecting undocumented workers. The Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition (BAIRC), which organized the four-hour midday meeting, asked the panel of officials from Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, San Pablo, San Francisco, and Marin county to respond to four specific issues. Attendees gave five local counties “failing grades” for their protection of immigrant rights, accusing…