April 4, 2025 John Flaxman: The Embassy to Achilles, 1895. Image by Wikimedia Commons arlier this week, transit expert Randal O’ Toole rewound the clock for us on VTA’s surprising history of rideshare innovation. And, as three Bay Area classics professors argue in this Opp Now exclusive, that’s not the only point in the past…

March 14, 2025 Image in public domain f we want the Bay Area’s young adults to value (and be proficient at) reading, says Nat Review, we must model a passion for it ourselves—not just as teachers, but as parents, neighbors, coworkers, and friends. The Atlantic’s November cover story, “The Elite College Students Who Can’t Read…

As top-down state policy degrades student achievement in SJUSD, the argument against public schools could be gaining purchase. But Gus Mattammal (candidate for CA Supe of Public Instruction and author of A is for Average) makes the case for reforming, not discarding, public education. While distributed opportunity to children everywhere is key to our economic health, he asks if California’s…

Special Reports December 17, 2025 Image by Pickpik Pre-approving modular design libraries. Waiving impact fees for workforce housing. And–yes—keeping CEQA under control. SF Briones Society’s Jay Donde and former Hollister mayor Victor Gomez lay out how local gov’t might streamline the building process—and save residents thousands along the way. An Opp Now exclusive. Jay Donde,…

Dear John,  I wrote you a memo about the incredible progress we’ve made and what comes next for our exciting campaign.  CLICK HERE: It’s a short but vital read. I really need you to take a look at this when you get the chance.Can you please give it a read? Thanks for giving your attention…

Dear John,  I wanted to share something urgent that affects every American. The chaos and collapse in California, engineered by politicians like Governor Newsom, are not staying put. My team confirms that this failed, expensive, and unsafe model is being pushed on communities across the country. We are in danger of losing the fight to…

Facing concerns about health, finances and social isolation, older Americans say living longer isn’t better. Read the full story The cash crunch is real. On average, assisted living can cost $6,694 a month, about twice the average monthly rent in the Bay Area. The Pew study found a direct link between financial security and health…

Inside Trump’s speech | Oakland surveillance cameras | Bigger storm coming Miss the newspaper? The Mercury News and East Bay Times e-editions fit our printed pages on your screens. President Donald Trump discusses the economy: In an 18-minute speech, the nation’s leader said he was sending a $1,776 bonus check to troops for Christmas, saying tariffs were…