Berkeleyside

The Wire: UC Berkeley scientists wins prize for decoding zebra finches’ birdsong

Zac Farber — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Plus: A team of Cal grads have developed a platform for reporting problems with autonomous vehicles, such as reckless driving or accessibility issues.

Surveillance contract with Flock approved by Alameda County

Eli Wolfe and Annie Sciacca — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 22:39:46 +0000

A Flock Safety automated license plate reader camera with solar panel for power. Credit: Darwin BondGraham/The Oaklandside.

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Bar Skula — a ‘Luka’s remix’ — opens on Grand Avenue, across from Lake Merritt

Azucena Rasilla — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 19:16:45 +0000

Bar Skula, a new high-end seafood-focused eatery by Oakland restaurateurs Maria Alderete and Rick Mitchell, known for Luka’s Taproom, has taken over the former Sidebar space on Grand Avenue. Credit: Ximena Natera for East Bay Nosh

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Still looking for after-school care in Berkeley? Here’s a guide to your options

Vanessa Arredondo — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 18:45:35 +0000

Whether your student is on the BUSD waitlist or attending a non-district school, these are some local after-school programs and tips for enrolling.

‘Torture memos’ UC Berkeley law professor joins conspiracy investigation of perceived Trump foes

Eric Tucker — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:48:10 +0000

FILE – John Yoo, a law professor at the University of California at Berkeley, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, June 26, 2008. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

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After a hot tub battle bubbled up to City Council, Berkeley could relax permit process

Nico Savidge — Wed, 01 Jul 2026 14:00:00 +0000

The home at 2133 Essex St. that hosted a backyard hot tub where strangers were invited to relax in scalding water for nearly half a century is for sale. Credit: Blue Sky Photography

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Berkeley will close streets in the hills on the Fourth of July to reduce fire risk

Daniel Ekonde — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:36:39 +0000

The Lawrence Hall of Science, the UC Botanical Garden and the Tilden Steam Train will also be closed. Fireworks remain banned in Berkeley, Oakland and in East Bay parks.

AC Transit fares go up on Wednesday

Jose Fermoso — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:35:21 +0000

An AC Transit bus at 98th Avenue in East Oakland. This week, single fare prices for the transit system are going up again.

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An AC Transit bus at 98th Avenue in East Oakland. This week, single fare prices for the transit system are going up again.

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Mile Limit evolves into wine bar, downtown Berkeley has a new açaí option, and a popular South Korean noodle chain lands in the East Bay

Momo Chang — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:19:25 +0000

Mile Limit in Berkeley is adding food service and will serve as a wine bar and vinyl listening lounge in addition to selling wine to take home.

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Dandelion Kitchen turns rescued food into meals for people in need

Local sponsor — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:49:30 +0000

Vince Donato, a high school teacher, volunteers at Dandelion Kitchen whenever he has a break in his teaching schedule.

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Can Berkeley’s oldest cohousing community remain an all-ages idyll if residents cash out?

Joanne Furio — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 13:58:00 +0000

With city restrictions soon to expire on income and sale price after 30 years, residents of a 14-unit communal living group in Poet’s Corner wonder if its founding values will survive the open market.

Where to go for last-minute camping near Berkeley this Fourth of July weekend

Ally Markovich — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 07:01:00 +0000

Henry Coe State Park is a reliable, last-minute backpacking destination. Credit: Victoria Sung

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