Mushrooms are delicious, but be careful what you eat
Now that the rain has dampened the ground, something is stirring beneath the soil, among the pines and around the oaks. Mushrooms.
( By Dennis Rockstroh, Mercury News, 12/12/2002 03:01 AM PST)

Alameda County budget trimmed a second time
Reacting to proposed deep cutbacks in state spending, Alameda County supervisors Tuesday voted to slash millions more in spending this fiscal year to compensate for an estimated deficit that has grown to nearly $74 million.
( By Guy Ashley, Valley Times, 12/11/2002 03:01 AM PST)

Oakland memorial focuses on plight of the homeless
To Judy Jackson and Janice Noble, being homeless has meant more than just not having a place to live. For Jackson, it's meant the spirit-crushing experience of navigating a convoluted social service system only to be denied help because of a mix-up in paperwork. Then having to apply all over again.
( By Yomi S. Wronge, Mercury News, 12/11/2002 03:01 AM PST)

BART's plans for Livermore in flux
Transportation planners have been quietly trying to figure out how the politically foundering BART extension to downtown Livermore might be replaced by a diesel-powered rail system.
( By Kiley Russell, Contra Costa Times, 12/11/2002 03:01 AM PST)

Airport project on standby
Heightened security needs and economic doldrums have led officials at Oakland International Airport to scale back an ambitious $1.4 billion expansion plan approved last year.
( By Guy Ashley, Contra Costa Times, 12/10/2002 03:01 AM PST)

Third arrest in kidnap, slaying
Vallejo police have arrested a third person in connection with the 6-year-old case of a slain Vallejo teenager and the kidnapping of her infant son.
( By Kristi Belcamino, Contra Costa Times, 12/10/2002 03:01 AM PST)