The Dark Side of Amazon

At Jeff Bezos' online retail colossus, "cheap" comes at a very hefty price.

• By Jim Hightower
• Tags: Feature, Amazon, business, Jeff Bezos

The Express’ 2014 Endorsements So Far

• Tags: Election 2014

The Problem with Paid Petitioners

In Oakland and across California, petition gatherers working for ballot measures — who are paid per signature — have resorted to shady and possibly illegal tactics.

• By Sam Levin
• Tags: News, Waste Management, Oakland, garbage contract

Taking the Fight to Desley Brooks

The East Oakland councilmember's three challengers have not been shy in criticizing her behavior or her record.

• By Steven Tavares
• Tags: Election 2014, Elections, 2014 elections

Vote Yes on Measure BB and Prop 47

We’re also endorsing Torlakson, Honda, and Sbranti.

• Tags: Election 2014, Elections, Elections 2014, endorsements

The Battle for Richmond's Soul

This year's mayoral election features two major candidates — Nat Bates and Tom Butt — who have polar-opposite visions for the city's future.

• By John Geluardi
• Tags: Election 2014, Elections, Elections 2014, Richmond

The Poison Pill of Proposition 46?

The ballot measure would help fight prescription drug abuse and assist low-income victims of medical malpractice, but it also would force all doctors to undergo random drug testing.

• By Sam Levin
• Tags: Election 2014, Prop 46, California law, 2014 Elections

Stark Contrasts in EBMUD Race

Environmentalist Marguerite Young is taking on moderate incumbent Kay Foulkes in a fight over water-wasting and the protection of the East Bay's primary water source.

• By Robert Gammon
• Tags: Election 2014, Elections, 2014 elections, EBMUD

Harvest Season Impacted By Drought, Raids

An increasing number of people are growing pot these days, but the lack of water and stepped up enforcement by police have made it a tough year.

• By David Downs
• Tags: Legalization Nation, marijuana legalization, legalization nation, drought

Letters for the Week of September 24, 2014

Writers sound off on Kaiser, liberal policing, and fracking's effect on the wine industry.

• Tags: Letters

Corrections for the Week of September 24, 2014

Withheld evidence in a police arbitration case.

• Tags: Corrections

Making Waves

In her new book, Oakland podcaster Nia King documents the trials and triumphs of queer and trans artists of color.

• By Sam Levin
• Tags: Culture Spy, LGBT, Show & Tell Concept Shop

Art Beats: A new, Affordable Art Fair Comes to the Bay Area

The innovative event offers an accessible blend of art and performance from both sides of the bay.

• By Sarah Burke
• Tags: Events, art, San Francisco, Art Beats

Making a Move

On the explorations of a newbie bi guy, renegotiating an open relationship, and a piss-poor plan.

• By Dan Savage

Video

Free Will Astrology

Horoscopes for the week of September 25-October 1.

• By Rob Brezsny
• Tags: Free Will Astrology, astrology, Video

Video

Review: Last Days in Vietnam

Rory Kennedy's excellent documentary Last Days in Vietnam arrives in theaters at an opportune time.

• By Kelly Vance
• Tags: Movie Review, Rory Kennedy, Vietnam, documentary, Video

One Night Stands

Repertory film listings for September 25 - October 1

Review: Abura-ya, a Punk-Rock Fried Chicken Pop-Up

Come for the fried chicken, stay for the side dishes, including the best avocado salad in town.

• By Luke Tsai
• Tags: Restaurant Review, Japanese food, restaurant review, fried chicken, Abura-Ya

The Best New Titles from Local Rock Acts

In this accelerated musical ecosystem, sometimes worthy titles pass by without notice. The best of what you may have missed.

• By Sam Lefebvre
• Tags: Music, hardcore, East Bay music, punk, new releases

Apple Virus U2.0

U2 and Apple repurpose free online distribution to market products that undermine collecting music.

• By Sam Lefebvre
• Tags: Music, U2, Apple, music

Thursday Must Reads: State Objects to Refinery Oil-By-Rail Plan; PUC Replaces PG&E’s Favored Judge

• By Robert Gammon

Five Restaurants to Help You Escape Your East Bay Brunch Rut

Introducing What's Eating You, answering your pressing food questions. Plus, Captain & Corset closes.

• By Luke Tsai
• Tags: What the Fork, What the Fork

Wednesday Must Reads: Big Soda Pumps $800,000 Into Berkeley Campaign; Judge Says Wrongly Convicted Man Can Sue Oakland

• By Robert Gammon

If You Love Oakland, Watch This Video

Artist Lea Bruno's love letter to The Town featuring graffiti artist Jurne.

• By Anna Pulley
• Tags: graffiti, jurne, lea bruno, artists, oakland love, the town, video

So It Begins: The California Legalization 2016 Primer

• By David Downs

The Express Just Got Express-er: Introducing Pedal-Powered News Delivery

Pedal Express, a local, worker-owned bike courier service delivers the Express throughout downtown Oakland.

• By Anna Pulley

Berkeley City Parking Contractor Found Guilty of Worker Retaliation

• By Sam Levin

Fresno’s Controversial Medical Marijuana Ban Possibly Illegal, Headed to Trial

• By David Downs

Is New Social Media Site Ello Prompting a Queer Facebook Exodus?

• By Anna Pulley
• Tags: ello, facebook, queer, lgbt, social network, drag queens

Dan Kalb Proposes Tenant Protection Ordinance to Curb Landlord Harassment

• By Sam Levin

Watch: Willie Joe 'I'm From the Bay Bruh's' Feat and E-40's Lyrical Curlicues at Grand Lake Theater

• By Sam Lefebvre
• Tags: willie joe, e-40, vallejo, taco truck

Mid-Week Menu: A Richmond Restaurant Sticks It to Yelp, Muracci’s Berkeley Location Opens, and Cat Town Cafe Announces Its Opening Date

• By Luke Tsai
• Tags: News, Botto Bistro, Yelp, Muracci's, Cat Town Cafe

Weekender: This Weekend's Top Five Events

Sept. 26, 27 & 28

• By Sarah Burke

The News in Haiku

Because the work day is long, but your attention span is short.

• By Anna Pulley
• Tags: east bay news, bisexuality, apple, u2, 2016, pot, art beats, abura-ya

Friday Must Reads: Californians Overwhelmingly Support Affirmative Action; Governor Brown Signs Oil-By-Rail Bill

• By Robert Gammon

Oakland Gets $3.2 Million Grant For Bike Bridge Connecting Lake Merritt to Bay Trail

• By Sam Levin

Monday Must Reads: Governor Vetoes $100 Million in Funding for UC and CSU; Brown Also Turns Down Drone-Restrictions Bill

• By Robert Gammon

A Barcelona-Style Dinner Pops Up in Berkeley

• By Luke Tsai
• Tags: Camila Loew, Sobremesa, Spanish food, pop-up, Far Leaves Tea, paella

Tuesday Must Reads: BART to Launch Late-Night Bus Service; Brown Signs Bill to Lessen Sentencing for Crack Cocaine

• By Robert Gammon

California Bans Gay and Trans Panic Defense

A landmark move for LGBT rights.

• By Anna Pulley
• Tags: lgbt, jerry brown, gwen araujo, larry king, trans rights, violence

A 'Beer Fountain' Opens in Uptown Oakland

• By Luke Tsai
• Tags: Woods Bar & Brewery, Jim Woods, MateVeza, brewery

New California Law Will Open Up Job Opportunities To People With Criminal Records

• By Sam Levin

California Pot Patients Report ‘Overwhelming Satisfaction’ With Plant

• By David Downs