Economy

After just a few days on the job, Brian McAndrews, the new Chief Executive Officer of Internet radio giant Pandora, is already faced with a serious challenge. As of Wednesday, the company is competing with Apple’s new iTunes Radio service, which many analysts believe could end Pandora’s long-standing domination of the Internet radio market. McAndrews’ arrival comes at a challenging time for the 740 person company. iTunes Radio has 27 million tracks in its catalog compared to Pandora’s one million. …

Amid the clacking of keys and the slurping of Red Bull energy drinks, about 30 computer hackers recently gathered in Oakland. Their goal: to make solar energy easier, cheaper and more fun to use. The hackers –- mostly web developers, engineers and solar energy entrepreneurs –- descended last weekend on the sprawling 12,000-square-foot headquarters of SfunCube LLC in Jack London Square.  The solar energy incubator and accelerator nurtures enterprising young solar ventures and shelters startups in the industry. Its mission…

With less than a month before people can buy subsidized healthcare insurance through the online marketplace Covered California, Oakland healthcare organizations are reaching out to uncovered families, especially Hispanic and Asian-American people, who make up 60% of Alameda County’s uninsured population.

Oakland chef Crystal Wahpepah specializes in traditional Native American cuisine, which is otherwise a rarity in the Bay Area food scene.

In May, Oakland became the first and only U.S. city to partner with Kiva Zip, with the goal of supporting entrepreneurs who might not otherwise be able to get a loan.

Hundreds of cyclists thronged the Bay Bridge on Tuesday to celebrate the opening of the span’s new bicycle and pedestrian path.

The Oakland Zoo opened a new center dedicated to conserving the rich variety of wildlife in California and beyond.

The new east span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge opened late Monday night, more than seven hours ahead of schedule.

The San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge will be shut down Wednesday night for a five-day construction project by Caltrans, the Bay Area Toll Authority and the California Transportation Commission.