Election results: Alameda County district attorney, California governor and more
Lots of ballots still need to be counted, but incumbent DA Ursula Jones Dickson, appointed after Pamela Price’s recall, has a commanding lead. Early results are also in for California governor and other state and federal races.
‘It’s my civic duty, but I’m exhausted’: Berkeley voters cast their ballots
Outside a vote center in Strawberry Creek Park, four Berkeley residents told us how they decided who to pick in the primary for California governor and Alameda County district attorney.
latest NEWS
City
Where Berkeley’s water supply stands after spring heat wiped out our ‘frozen reservoir’
The snowpack melted much earlier than normal in the Sierra Nevada watershed that supplies Berkeley and much of the East Bay.
The Wire: Tom Steyer campaigns in Berkeley with Mayor Adena Ishii
Also: A UC Berkeley student holding a Palestinian flag appears to have temporarily been denied his diploma scroll during commencement. And a ban on most AI use at Cal’s law school.
What to know about the candidates running for California governor
Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, Katie Porter, Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco are running for governor. Two will advance to the November 2026 election.
Homelessness is down in Alameda County. Can it maintain that progress?
The number of unhoused people in Berkeley ticked upward in this year’s count. Local officials called it a “fluctuation” and said they want to see more data.
Crime & safety
Fired Berkeley police watchdog sues city, mayor
Hansel Aguilar, who was director of police accountability until February, warned that the tide is turning against civilian oversight of police agencies everywhere.
education
Why do school districts like BUSD struggle to increase revenue to avoid budget cuts?
School finance is a mystery to many. We explain how districts can and cannot raise funds and how the problem stems from systemic issues statewide.
Housing & Development
5 cohousing projects in the works in Berkeley
Single-family homes may be converted into co-living near the 36-unit Moshav cohousing condo now rising on San Pablo Avenue. And veterans of Oakland’s Radish are building a compound of their own in the Lorin District.
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ARTS
Around Berkeley: Ballet costumes, Bay Area Book Fest, bike repairs
Other events include a lecture on the state of journalism, a free furniture exchange program and an artist meetup at the UC Botanical Garden.
Business
Berkeley REI’s unionized workers urge boycott of anniversary sale amid contract fight
REI has not reached contracts with any unionized stores since bargaining began in 2022. The outdoor retailer insists it is negotiating in good faith.
Community
Bay Area Book Festival returns to Berkeley with future-focused vision
Nearly 400 authors will appear in mostly free events at the annual festival in Downtown Berkeley, May 29–31.
Nature
Where to go for last-minute camping near Berkeley this Memorial Day weekend
Didn’t plan ahead? We’ve got tips for finding a scenic spot to sleep under the stars — even when traditional campsites are already reserved.
The Wire: UC Berkeley unveils $560M AI and computing building; Robert Reich’s commencement speech
Also: Mary Lovelace O’Neal, an artist, activist and the first Black woman granted tenure in UC Berkeley’s art department, has died at 84 in Mérida, Mexico.
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Opinion
Opinion: Berkeley does not need Flock surveillance tech to stay safe
The chair and vice chair of Berkeley’s civilian police oversight board explain why they oppose expanding the city’s Flock Safety network ahead of a Thursday vote.
Many Berkeley teachers spend over $500 of their own money on student basics. That’s just wrong
Tissues, books, shoes, snacks and maxi pads. A BUSD teacher surveyed 42 colleagues and found half spend more than $500 a year on everything from basic hygiene supplies to prom tickets.
Berkeley is defying the will of voters to hold police accountable
The resignation last month of two members of the city’s civilian police oversight board should alarm everyone in Berkeley.
Opinion: Berkeley should rethink rule requiring 26-foot clearance for fire trucks on city streets
Selective enforcement of an optional state fire code rule has harmed street fairs and farmers markets. If applied uniformly, many streets would lose half their parking. A policy better tailored to Berkeley’s narrow roads is needed.
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