Oakland Tribune back issues from August 2008:
Jerry Brown's meddling
Aug 01, 2008; ... SAME-SEX MARRIAGE remains a controversial issue in the wake ofthe California Supreme Court's 4-3 ruling overturning Proposition22. That was the 2000 ballot measure limiting marriage to a man anda woman, which passed by a 61 percent to 39 percent margin. Opponents of the court's ...
Valley Times letters to the editor
Aug 01, 2008; ... I'm just a person of average intelligence, working hard for anaverage salary, watching our economy crash (again) and our water andenergy become precious. I've figured out why this is happening (evenwithout an economic analyst's assistance): Power-play politics andgreed. Who needed an ...
No quick housing fix
Aug 01, 2008; ... PRESIDENT BUSH RELUCTANTLY signed into law what is perhaps themost aggressive federal housing measures since the New Deal. Therewas no ceremony and no members of Congress were present at thesigning. The lack of enthusiasm is understandable. The law authorized thefederal Treasury, ...
Kathleen Parker: Who wants to know?
Aug 01, 2008; ... THE TABLOID STORY that everybody's talking about -- but almost noone is writing about -- has created an interesting debate on theInternet about the dueling roles of old/new media and whatconstitutes legitimate news. The item prompting this debate concerns allegations of a ...
FRIDAY, Aug. 1
Aug 01, 2008; ... Midnight (HGTV) Designed to Sell -- Helping a New Orleans family get backhome. 4179062 12:30 a.m. (HGTV) Myles of Style -- A living room overrun with toys becomesa cohesive adult space. 2395710 1 a.m. (HGTV) Rate My Space 8087826 1:30 ...
Craig: ''Ubu for President' updates an absurdist classic
Aug 01, 2008; ... It could, though -- it can always get worse. Alfred Jarry knewthat when he wrote "Ubu for President" in 1896, the year WilliamMcKinley beat William Jennings Bryan in the presidential race, Utahbecame the 45th state, Queen Victoria became the longest reigningBritish monarch and George ...
Review: Qin's offers Antioch chic setting, reasonable prices
Aug 01, 2008; ... Amidst a parade of chain eateries, Qin's Asian Bistro & Bardeserves kudos for daring to offer East Contra Costa residents amore upscale dining experience at a comfortable price. Qin's (pronounced Chin's) is the anchor of Antioch's Lone TreeLanding shopping center. With its ...
Duty to impeach
Aug 01, 2008; ... Impeachment is a duty when the Constitution is violated, not apolitical option dependent on the outcome. Criminal prosecution should also be on the table, based on ...
Windmill danger
Aug 01, 2008; ... I'm happy you finally did a story on the massive slaughter ofraptors and other birds in the Altamont Pass. These unnecessary killings will only grow as wind powerproponents push for their government-subsidized boondoggles. The Altamont slaughter is just a drop in the bucket ...
Out of touch
Aug 01, 2008; ... I am writing in response to the executive order that would reducethe wages of state employees to federal minimum wage. Assemblywoman Loni Hancock, D-Berkeley, states (July 30) thatGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is a millionaire, has a completelack of empathy for what the ordinary ...
Better BART signs
Aug 01, 2008; ... In regard to your editorial on "Odd BART Priorities" in the July29 issue, I disagree that improved signs are not necessary. Easilyread signs for stations are not to make stations "more appealing."They are to help riders negotiate the transit system. It is very difficult to identify ...
Cut spending now
Aug 01, 2008; ... Americans and Californians are already overtaxed and overregulated, yet the politicians continue to increase deficit spendingat the federal, state and county level. Their mismanagement is heading us toward an economic train wreckif they don't sober up and immediately cut back ...
Learn from history
Aug 01, 2008; ... It is a good thing that responding to the exigency in thefinancial and foreclosure crises, congress has passed a Housing Billin an effort to stabilize the financial markets and rescue thousandsof home owners from losing their homes. Just how did it come about? To be sure, a ...
Try understanding
Aug 01, 2008; ... People who know my situation might be surprised that the recentcomments by Michael Savage on autism do not bother me. I am the mother of four, including an 8-year-old daughter on theautistic spectrum. My daughter's frequent screaming makes itdifficult to take her in public ....
Budget solution
Aug 01, 2008; ... The budget crises in California should show the public theLegislature is no longer capable of doing what it is charged with inthe state constitution when it comes to spending and budgeting. Its inability to provide the electorate with a balanced budget bythe constitutional ...
Canal bad idea
Aug 01, 2008; ... Your editorial on "Canal in state's future" (July 28) ismisguided. With all due respect to the Public Policy Institute, theyare also misguided. The problem is a shortage of water. Moving water in a canal doesnot produce water. Storing water does not produce more water unlessit ...
On the menu: Sweet & sour chicken
Aug 01, 2008; ... NEWARK SENIOR CENTER LUNCH Served at 11:45 a.m. at the center, 7401 Enterprise Drive,Newark, 510-742-4840. Reservations required 24 hours in advance.Suggested donation is $3.25 per person for seniors 60 and older;$4.75 charged for nonseniors. Today: Mexican vegetable ...
Pick your mood -- there's music to match
Aug 01, 2008; ... Great music can run the gamut from the silly to the sublime --and in the process, take the emotions and sensibilities of itslisteners along for the ride. A couple of prime examples of music's powers of emotionallocomotion will be on Bay Area stages during the coming ...
Review: 'Kabluey' sweet, twisted surreal comedy
Aug 01, 2008; ... The central image of "Kabluey" is a massive, pointless,impractical foam-rubber mascot suit, the logo for a failing Internetcompany, a logo that looks suspiciously like the old "AOL man." In the hands of writer-director-star Scott Prendergast, he " ...but wait, he has no hands. No ...
Work through sexual confusion before involving another family
Aug 01, 2008; ... DEAR AMY: I am a Midwestern housewife, happily married for 10years but now having complicated sexual feelings. My oldest son's best friend lives nearby. I have become close tothis boy's mother. Over the years, my feelings toward her havebecome sexual. I live in a ...
Kids First! initiative lands on ballot
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND -- As expected, the Kids First! initiative, which woulddramatically increase city funding for youth programs, has qualifiedfor the November ballot. The ballot question will come 12 years after Oakland votersapproved the first Kids First! initiative, creating the Oakland ...
Misunderstanding threatens family harmony
Aug 01, 2008; ... DEAR MISS MANNERS: My sister is hurt because her daughter'sboyfriend did not include her when he asked the dad for theirdaughter's hand in marriage. Her boyfriend also asked the dad to gowith him to pick up the ring, and he did, and the dad said toeveryone "We got it" when they got back ...
Traffic heavy after truck crash on NB I-880 in Oakland
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND _ A massive traffic backup caused by a flatbed truck thatflipped on its side has been cleared, but traffic remains heavy onnorthbound I-880 through Oakland, the California ...
One alarm fire quickly extinguished on 39th Avenue in Oakland
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND - Firefighters controlled a one alarm fire in anapartment complex at 3760 39th Avenue in Oakland early ...
Gary Bogue: A friend of the homeless dies of cancer
Aug 01, 2008; ... The leaves have fallen, but the mighty oak is still silhouettedagainst the sky. MY FRIEND Susan Prather, director of Fresh Start, a nonprofit program forthe homeless at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Walnut Creek, diedTuesday after a short fight with cancer. She ...
Thoratec shares soar on forecast
Aug 01, 2008; ... Pleasanton-based Thoratec Corp., the maker of a small mechanicalheart, gained the most in a decade in Nasdaq trading after thecompany raised its 2008 earnings forecast on sales of the newdevice. Thoratec rose $4.11, or 22 percent, to $22.87 after the company'sHeartMate II, ...
Fatal motorcycle accident cleared on I-580 in Oakland
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND - The California Highway Patrol says a fatal motorcycleaccident on the westbound I-580 freeway between Edwards Avenue andHigh Street has been ...
Carryer, Goldstein join Cliff Consulting
Aug 01, 2008; ... Former banking executive Mary P. Carryer and former healthcare ITexecutive Robert Goldstein have joined Cliff Consulting. A 30-yearveteran of the financial services industry, Carryer will bring herexecutive leadership experience in financial institutions and boardexperience ...
Stocks on the move: Ambac, GM, Sun Microsystems
Aug 01, 2008; ... By Katherine Greene Bloomberg News The following companies are having unusual price changes in U.S.trading. Stock symbols are in parentheses, and share prices are asof 7:51 a.m. Akamai Technologies Inc. (AKAM US) added the most since July 16,climbing 2.4 percent to ...
Clorox earnings better than expected
Aug 01, 2008; ... Oakland-based Clorox Co.'s earnings were higher than expected inthe fourth quarter, but it cut its earnings ...
Alamo Rotary announces upcoming schedule
Aug 01, 2008; ... Alamo Rotary Club -- Meets at noon Wednesdays. Lunch at noon;program at 12:30 p.m. Meet business and community leaders. Guestswelcome. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road, Alamo.Contact: Al Makely, 925-820-6847. -- American Academy of Professional Coders, Martinez chapter ...
Bay Area concerts
Aug 01, 2008; ... On sale now BAYSIDE, 7 p.m. Oct. 19, Slim's, $15-$18 On Sale Aug. 3 JAKOB DYLAN, 8 p.m. Sept. 3, Fillmore, $25. WITCHCRAFT, 9 p.m. Sept. 6, Great American Music Hal, $14. AMOS LEE, 8 p.m. Sept. 9, Fillmore, $27.50. BROOKE FRASIER, 8 p.m. Sept. 14, ...
Fishing report
Aug 01, 2008; ... Lakes CAMANCHE -- Bass fishing is good along the north shore and intoCauseway Cove. Catfish are plentiful in coves. Nightcrawlers ormackerel work well. 209-763-5914, 209-763-5166. CHABOT -- Catfishing is fair and should be improving with weeklyplants. A 10-pound bass was ...
Looking for Linden Street
Aug 01, 2008; ... J.C. Penney asks "Is Your Street a Linden Street?" If it is, youcould win a living room makeover for yourself and cash to throw aneighborhood block party; total value is about $12,000. "Linden Street" is Penney's line of home furnishings, and thecontest asks folks to write an ...
Water-wise tip: Mulch
Aug 01, 2008; ... With California suffering from drought conditions, the ContraCosta Water District offers weekly tips on using water wisely. Mulch is the little-noticed workhorse of many a smart gardener'slandscape. -- Maintain a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch in all plantingareas. This ...
In the Garden: Aug. 2-8
Aug 01, 2008; ... Experts with the California Association of Nurseries and GardenCenters say: Feed tuberous begonias and fuchsias with 0-10-10 fertilizer. Remember to keep the mower blades at a high 2-2 1/2 inches tallto give the lawn enough foliage to produce ...
Around the House: August
Aug 01, 2008; ... It might not seem like it, but autumn is approaching. Here is alist of things to do around the house in August that will get us onestep closer to cooler weather. -- Call heating service to schedule fall heating system checkup;call propane company to fill tanks. -- If you ...
President leaving College of Alameda
Aug 01, 2008; ... Cecilia Cervantes is leaving the College of Alameda. Cervantes, 59, College of Alameda president for the past sixyears, was appointed Wednesday as president of Hennepin TechnicalCollege in Minnesota. "Dr. Cervantes' leadership skills and experience are impressive,"James ...
Leopard-skin smuggler sentenced to six months
Aug 01, 2008; ... A Nigerian man who pleaded guilty to trying to smuggle leopardskins to Oakland has been sentenced to serve six months behind barsand pay $10,000, federal prosecutors said Friday. U.S. District Judge Saundra Armstrong of Oakland sentenced MosesOladele Adeyemo -- who holds dual ...
Mounting job losses mean slowdown
Aug 01, 2008; ... WASHINGTON -- Employers shed jobs in July for the seventhconsecutive month and the national unemployment rate rose to 5.7percent, the Labor Department reported Friday. The losses weren't ofthe size that signals recession, but analysts think that continuedsluggish economic growth lies ...
Valley Times Aug. 4 letters to the editor
Aug 01, 2008; ... Fueling cars is not the only use of oil. Most plastics are madefrom petroleum. Plastic components are used in medical andelectronic equipment, including parts for weapons guidance systems,radar, timed detonators, and operating equipment on militaryvehicles. We need to have enough ...
Contra Costa Times Aug. 4 letters
Aug 01, 2008; ... Americans and Californians are already overtaxed and overregulated, yet the politicians continue to increase deficit spendingat the federal, state and county level. Their mismanagement is heading us toward an economic train wreck,if they don't sober up and immediately cut back ...
Price is right to buy Blu-ray player
Aug 01, 2008; ... Q: Any idea when there is going to be a good Blu-ray player at areasonable price? The industry should be ashamed if the PlayStation3 is still the only player that makes any sense. A: Things are definitely looking up on this front, and "when" isnow. In the past I have given Best ...
Clorox sales up; prices to rise
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND -- Clorox Co. saw its sales jumped in the fourth quarter,though profit was down, and the Oakland-based company said it plansto raise prices in response to an issue familiar to consumers -- thecost of oil. Like other household goods companies, Clorox is battling ...
Correction
Aug 01, 2008; ... Friday's Page One story "Popal not guilty by reason of insanity,"incorrectly listed the next court date for Omeed Popal. He isscheduled to return to court Aug. 21. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, the presumptive ...
A&E Calendar
Aug 01, 2008; ... MUSIC FREMONT The Central Park summer concert series is back with free Thursdayevening concerts. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the CentralPark Performance Pavilion, near the Fremont Community Center, 40204Paseo Padre Parkway. The evenings also include a new Kids' ...
Religion Calendar
Aug 01, 2008; ... ASSEMBLIES OF GOD FREMONT Harbor Light First Assembly of God, 4760 Thornton Ave., Fremont,worships at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays. Sunday school for agespreschool through adult 9 a.m. Groups for all ages throughout theweek. Visit harborlight.com. Call 510-744-2219 or ...
Anniversary
Aug 01, 2008; ... Longtime Fremont residents Paul and Helen Paulson celebratedtheir 60th wedding anniversary on July 25, 2008, at a catered dinnerparty held at the Irvington Presbyterian Church. They were joined by more than 90 friends and family members. Some surprise out-of-town guests ...
Caterina Mellinger column: Alamo residents have decision to make on incorporation
Aug 01, 2008; ... SHOULD ALAMO become a town? This past week I have been e-mailingwith Grace Schmidt regarding a meeting on Alamo incorporation to beheld at 7 p.m. Thursday at Creekside Community Church, 1350 DanvilleBlvd. At that meeting, residents of Alamo will have an opportunity tohear the ...
Community Digest
Aug 01, 2008; ... Kensington meeting today on wildfire prevention: Wildfires aren't confinedto remote regions of California, as the East Bay learned in theOakland hills fire in 1991. The Diablo Firesafe Council is invitingthe community to a discussion on wildfire preparedness for residentsand ...
Funeral services set for Oakland lieutenant
Aug 01, 2008; ... OAKLAND -- Funeral services have been set for Oakland police Lt.Derrick Norfleet, who committed suicide Wednesday at his Vallejohome. Norfleet, 45, a popular and respected commander who joined thedepartment in 1985, shot himself to death, authorities have ...
Pet Calendar, Aug. 2-8
Aug 01, 2008; ... Pet Calendar SATURDAY ADOPTIONS -- 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. -- TVAR; Pleasanton Farmers Market, First andWest Angela streets, Pleasanton; dogs/cats. -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Safe-Cat Foundation; Pet Care Depot, 2000Bishop Drive, San Ramon; cats. -- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. -- ARF; ...
Garden Calendar, Aug. 2-8
Aug 01, 2008; ... CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Navlet's Garden Center: Citrus Planting and Care, 10 a.m. Aug. 2.Martinez and Pleasant Hill; Container Gardening, 10 a.m. Aug. 9.Pleasant Hill; Ground Covers, 10 a.m. Aug. 16. Pleasant Hill;Butterfly Gardening, 10 a.m. Aug. 23, Concord and Pleasant ...
Master Gardener: Sudden Oak Death treatment
Aug 01, 2008; ... Q: Is there an effective spray for Sudden Oak Death? Does thespray hurt other plants or people? A: Oak trees dying from Phytophthora ramorum have been found inincreasing numbers in residential gardens in Contra Costa andAlameda counties. The pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, appears ...
Water-wise plants: Pacific Coast Iris
Aug 01, 2008; ... Every other week, the East Bay Municipal Utility District willfeature plants particularly well suited to California's summer-dryclimate and adapted to periods of drought. For more information ondrought-tolerant plants, see EBMUD's "Plants and Landscapes forSummer-Dry Climates," available ...
Growth Industy: How plants reach the market
Aug 01, 2008; ... What is this fascination we have with things that are new? We are obsessed with having every new gadget. We want the biggestand the best. People wait in line overnight to buy the newestiPhone, or the latest "Grand Theft Auto" video game, or just aboutanything that comes out with a ...
Carolyn Parker: Rose memories
Aug 01, 2008; ... some?" she replied. She warned me that it has invasive suckers. "Watch where youplant it," she said. It's now thriving in an open area of our garden -- it only bloomsonce, but what fun to enjoy its beauty and remember its story. Thankful for friends Susan Donley ...
Garden as Art: Gold Finch
Aug 01, 2008; ... AMERICAN GOLD: Our Olympians are hoping to strike gold in Beijingstarting next week, but Pat Rishell of Concord already has come up awinner. Her backyard feeders are a favorite dining spot for AmericanGold Finches, which Pat calls "little bits of sunshine." If you havesomething ...
Gary Bogue: White raccoon makes daughter question mom's sanity
Aug 01, 2008; ... Some people are uncomfortable with the idea that humans belong tothe same class of animals as cats and cows and raccoons. They'relike the people who become successful and then don't want to bereminded of the old neighborhood. -- Phil Donahue Dear Gary: Last night my ...
Diablo Valley College horticulture class schedule
Aug 01, 2008; ... If you're considering a career in horticulture or just want tolearn why your tomatoes are producing, consider signing up for aclass at Diablo Valley College's horticulture department. Here are the fall class schedule. Classes start Aug. 18. Call 925-685-1230 ext. 2448 or ext. 2478 ...
Dirt Gardener: Sowing wildflower seeds
Aug 01, 2008; ... Q: In the back of our yard we finally got an area cleared ofweeds. Can I go ahead and plant wildflower seeds now in the hopethat they will grow, bloom and reseed for next year? A: In the Bay Area, wildflower seeds can be sown late winterthrough the fall. However, inland, where it's ...
Unfounded report of a gunman disrupts business at Livermore Walmart
Aug 01, 2008; ... By Sophia Kazmi STAFF WRITER LIVERMORE -- A report of a man waving a gun in the parking lotdisrupted business at the Livermore Walmort for a time thisafternoon. Officers arrived at the store at 2700 Las Positas Road shortlyafter the 1:35 p.m. call, but they didn't ...
Dave Newhouse column: Buffalo Soldier from Oakland has lived history
Aug 01, 2008; ... SO MUCH OF America's history isn't taught in the schools,especially black history. Think back to high school. Did yourhistory book mention the Tuskegee Airmen or Buffalo Soldiers? Those two groups, composed entirely of African Americans, foughtin our country's wars when the ...
Pair robbed at gunpoint in Ardenwood
Aug 01, 2008; ... FREMONT -- A Newark man was pistol-whipped early Friday inArdenwood as two men robbed him and a woman, forcing the man towithdraw $40 from an ATM. The victims, both 18, were sitting in their car in front of theFast and Easy Mart at 34759 Ardenwood Blvd. about 12:30 a.m. whenthe ...
Chevron's record profit fleeting?
Aug 01, 2008; ... SAN RAMON -- Chevron Corp. rocketed to record quarterly profitsof $5.98 billion, the oil giant reported Friday, but analysts warnedthat the San Ramon firm's profit gusher may ebb if sky-high oilprices morph into a temporary oil bubble. Profits for the second quarter jumped 11 ...