When Palo Alto created the “planned housing” zone a year ago, it signaled to residential developers that it wants to see more applications for housing developments, even ones that exceed the city’s typical height, density and parking regulations. But in evaluating the latest such proposal on Monday night, a 290-apartment complex eyed for the corner […]
Posted inCalifornia, Opinion
Prison officials goofed and people died
By Dan Walters In summary A big mistake by California prison officials spread COVID-19 and resulted in dozens of deaths, both inmates and one staff member. Gov. Gavin Newsom has unilaterally decided to eliminate California’s death penalty for capital crimes even though it remains in the law. Newsom declared a moratorium on executing any of […]
Posted inBay Area, California, Politics
Liz Kniss violated campaign finance laws, a 4-year-long investigation concludes
An unusually lengthy investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission has finally concluded that Liz Kniss, a former Palo Alto City Council member who left office in January, violated two campaign finance laws during her 2016 campaign for reelection. As a result, she faces $4,500 in fines, according to a stipulation agreement that the […]
Posted inArts, TV, and Music, Bay Area, California, Coronavirus, Economy, Education, Health, Housing, Politics, Youth
Haglund's State of the District looks back on historic year for Pleasanton schools
On the heels of a historic year, the second annual Pleasanton Partnerships in Education Foundation’s State of the District was undeniably different from last year’s pre-pandemic inaugural event, but the community’s show of support was as strong as ever last month. The year 2020 was one “of challenges, of conflict, and of change,” said Superintendent […]
Posted inBay Area, California, Coronavirus, Housing, Politics
BART, Capitol Corridor JPA unveil plan for second Transbay Tube, transit-connected megaregion
BART and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority recently unveiled a plan to build a second transbay rail crossing and increase rail connection throughout the Bay Area and Northern California. The Link21 program will include multiple projects intended to make rail transit more accessible for residents in the Northern California megaregion, which includes 21 counties […]
Posted inBay Area, California, Economy, Education, Politics
$468K salary and no work done: San Mateo County Community College District fires ex-chancellor from new post amid investigation by DA's office
Ron Galatolo, the San Mateo County Community College District’s contentious chancellor emeritus, has been fired from his post amid an investigation into his actions during his previous tenure as chancellor. The district’s governing board voted to end Galatolo’s $467,700 annual contract during a closed session at its Feb. 6 retreat, said Trustee John Pimentel in […]
Posted inBay Area, California, Economy, Health, Housing, Politics
Bauer-Kahan introduces climate change and gender equity legislation
A trio of bills from local Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) were introduced in the State Legislature last week, two focusing on climate change and the other addressing gendered language in the California Government Code. Rolling blackouts left more than 800,000 California homes and businesses without power during a record heatwave last summer. As a result, […]
Posted inBay Area, California, Politics
City officials seek input on Pleasanton playgrounds with survey
Pleasanton residents are invited to give their input on playground renovations at Ken Mercer Sports Park East, as well as Tawny and Vintage Hills parks. A short survey on design and color options being considered by Pleasanton city officials based on public input received to-date is available until Feb. 18 at surveymonkey.com/r/PleasantonPlayground. Further comments or […]
Posted inArts, TV, and Music, Bay Area, California, Economy, Health, Politics, Reimagining Policing
SRPD Chief Stevens to provide yearly update on police operations to City Council
The San Ramon Police Department’s annual report is set to be the main topic of conversation during the City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, where Police Chief Craig Stevens will be on hand to review his department’s activities over the past year. Set to present during the council’s virtual meeting on Tuesday, Stevens will touch […]
Posted inCalifornia
How’s the Dungeness crab season playing out this year? Word on the dock is grim
Publisher’s note: Lana Cohen is a Report For Americafellow covering the environment & natural resources for The Mendocino Voice & KZYX. Her position is funded by the Community Foundation of Mendocino, Report for America, & our readers. You can support Lana’s work at this website or email publisher@mendovoice.com. Contact Cohen at LCohen@mendovoice.com. The Mendocino Voice […]
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