East Bay Express

Bishop Michael Barber May Revise Controversial Morals Code for Teachers — in 2015

by Sam Levin on May 29, 2014 at 11:23AM

After weeks of intense criticism and media coverage surrounding the Diocese of Oakland's new "morals" code in its teacher contracts, Bishop Michael Barber now says he may revise the controversial language. But if he does, it won't be until next year, for the 2015-16 contracts.

Bishop Michael Barber Speaks Out on Changes at Berkeley's Newman Hall

by Sam Levin on March 11, 2014 at 3:20PM

Last week, I wrote about a brewing controversy at Newman Hall Holy Spirit Parish in Berkeley regarding the dismissal of two beloved priests — one who has spoken openly about being gay. The concern from some parishioners at the progressive Catholic church was that Michael Barber, the new bishop of the Oakland Diocese, had a more conservative agenda and was seeking greater control of Newman Hall.

Two Dark Money Groups Outspending All Super PACs Combined

by Kim Barker of ProPublica on August 15, 2012 at 6:26AM

Two conservative nonprofits, Crossroads GPS and Americans for Prosperity, have poured almost $60 million into TV ads to influence the presidential race so far, outgunning all Super PACs put together, new spending estimates show. These nonprofits, also known as 501(c)(4)s or c4s for their section of the tax code, don't have to disclose their donors to the public.

'The Father of Prop 8' Going to San Francisco

by Kathleen Richards on July 27, 2012 at 12:53PM

Oakland Bishop Salvatore Cordileone, who, you may remember, helped conceive, fund, and organize the same-sex marriage ban Proposition 8, is headed to San Francisco — you know, that bastion of anti-gay rights — to replace retiring Archbishop George Niederauer. Does that make any sense?

Oakland's Treasurer Recommends Terminating Goldman Sachs Deal

by Darwin BondGraham on May 4, 2012 at 9:35AM

In a recent memo, Oakland's Treasury Manager Katano Kasaine advises that the city council approve a negotiating effort to terminate Oakland's costly interest rate swap deal with Goldman Sachs no later than the end of the next fiscal year. The swap currently costs Oakland taxpayers about $4 million per year and has put serious pressure on the city's budget.

Final Tips Before the Rapture

by Robert Gammon on May 20, 2011 at 5:37PM

Watch this before going to bed tonight:

Meet Harold Camping, the Man Planning Your Imminent Salvation

by Ellen Cushing on May 20, 2011 at 8:00AM

So, guys. The Rapture.

Yes, Harold Camping Is Cashing in on The Rapture, Folks

by Rachel Swan on May 19, 2011 at 11:57AM

So, all of you who expressed consternation about the forthcoming *Rapture* and various iterations thereof, consider yourselves validated. Yes, it turns out Family Radio host and self-stylized Rapture prophesizer Harold Camping isn't just a local Cassandra, he's also profiting immensely from this whole imbroglio.

Post-Rapture Looting, Anyone?

by Rachel Swan on May 17, 2011 at 11:53AM

Lest you've been comatose for the last month or so, let's fill you in on the biggest news story of the last —oh— two thousand years: The Rapture is coming. Like, Saturday.

Court: Brown and Schwarzenegger Don't Have to Defend Prop 8

by Robert Gammon on September 2, 2010 at 12:22PM

Jerry Brown and Arnold Schwarzenegger do not have to defend Prop 8 in federal court, a state appellate court ruled today, according to AP. The state court denied a motion by a conservative legal group that sought to force California’s attorney general and governor to defend the anti-gay-marriage law in a federal appellate case.