Government

Berkeley passes first in the nation soda tax

Berkeley has become the first city in the country to pass a sugar-sweetened beverage tax in an effort to combat childhood obesity and diabetes, according to Josh Daniels, co-chair of the Yes on D campaign. As the polls closed Tuesday night, an energetic crowd, many of whom wore black t-shirts emblazoned with the words “Berkeley vs. Big Soda,” clapped and cheered within the Yes on D campaign headquarters on Shattuck Avenue in Berkeley.

GUEST OPINION: The Real Winners Must be Our Students

GUEST OPINION: The Richmond Confidential story on the school board election in West Contra Costa Unified School District (Pro-charter school PACs flood West Contra Costa school board elections.) leaves me puzzled. After 15 years of teaching at Cal Berkeley myself, I applaud the experience these young journalists are gaining. Still, our students and families depend on you to ensure the story is complete and balanced. While telling readers about “pro-charter” money flooding into West Contra Costa school board elections, your…

Candidates benefit indirectly from Chevron campaign funds, deny link

A week ago, a website came to Richmond residents’ attention. It urges voters to support Chevron’s slate of favored candidates: Nat Bates for mayor, and Donna Powers and Charles Ramsey for City Council. And it also touts Jim Rogers and Jael Myrick for City Council. People immediately wondered, are Rogers and Myrick now on Chevron’s team?