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Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

UC Berkeley professor Anastassia Fedyk said she fled to an underground shelter in Kyiv on Wednesday night when Russian drone attacks were heard, and she told KTVU on Saturday morning that further strikes in southern Ukraine have prompted Bay Area groups to help run safe education centers—her organization uses technology to match humanitarian aid with urgent needs.

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

California lawmakers introduced two related bills that will let rideshare drivers unionize without losing their independent contractor status—one bill also lowers insurance rules. Drivers, including some from Oakland, say they hope the changes will bring fairer wages and better work protections as the bills move to the legislature soon—gaining support as a long-awaited opportunity for many.

Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025

Homeowners in Oakland with wood-framed homes built before 1980 can apply for the Earthquake Brace + Bolt lottery to receive up to $3,000—or $7,000 for low-income properties—for upgrades that improve earthquake safety. Applicants must wait for a building permit until they are accepted, and the lottery will run until Oct 1.