John Metcalfe, Author at The Oaklandside

Health & Environment

UC Berkeley removes hundreds of trees in the Oakland hills to ensure fire evacuation route

by John Metcalfe Jan. 15, 2021, 5:09 p.m.Jan. 15, 2021, 5:14 p.m.

After years of opposition and lawsuits, Cal has succeeded in cutting down eucalyptus trees near campus.

A man sits on a bench as BART passengers exit a train after arriving in Downtown Berkeley. August 26, 2020. Photo- Pete Rosos

Health & Environment

How risky is riding BART during the pandemic?

by John Metcalfe Aug. 26, 2020, 3:01 p.m.Aug. 26, 2020, 3:01 p.m.

It’s probably safer than you think, according to medical professionals — and could become safer in the future, if technologies the transit agency is testing now pan out.