Environment

Oakland remembers earthquake, Cypress collapse

Ruthann Liu-Johnston brought her red high-heeled shoes to the anniversary ceremony yesterday—not on her feet, but as remembrances. Liu-Johnston was wearing those the day the Cypress Freeway collapsed out from under her. Johnston joined city officials at Cypress Freeway Memorial Park as part of a city-sponsored commemoration called “Reflect. Honor. Prepare: Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake.” She can no longer wear her red shoes, due to severe ankle and spinal injuries she sustained during the earthquake,…

Remembering the surgery inside the freeway collapse

When the Cypress Freeway collapsed twenty years ago, one child survived because a Children’s Hospital surgeon climbed into the wreckage, got down on his stomach amid the other emergency workers, and performed an amputation on the spot. The doctor, James Betts, tells the story.

Oakland Port Commissioners approve a ban on dirty trucks

After listening to more than a dozen passionate speakers, Oakland Port Commissioners last night approved a ban next year on trucks don’t comply with new clean air standards. The ban on dirty trucks, which will go into effect Jan. 1 of next year, will require seaport facility operators to deny entry to trucks with engine model years earlier than 1994, or those with engine model years between 1994 and 2003 that have met standards set by the California Air Resources…

Port commissioners approve polluting trucks ban

After listening to more than a dozen passionate speakers, Oakland Port Commissioners last night approved a ban next year on trucks that don’t comply with new clean air standards. The ban on polluting trucks, goes into effect Jan. 1, will require seaport facility operators to deny entry to trucks with engine model years earlier than 1994, or those with engine model years between 1994 and 2003 that have not met standards set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). Some…