East Bay Daily News Circa 2008

 

Serving Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Oakland, Rockridge

 

On Mar 29, 2008 this noticed appeared on the home page of the East Bay Daily News:
Dear readers,
This is the last edition of the East Bay Daily News. We thank the thousands of you who have turned to us for your local Berkeley, Oakland, Albany, El Cerrito and Emeryville news coverage since our newspaper was founded May 20, 2005. The Daily News Group, however, must cease publication of the East Bay Daily News in order to focus on its core Peninsula papers.

This was the East Bay Daily News website.
The selected content is from the site's 2006-2008 archived pages.

 

 

What a trip down memory lane. I grew up in the East Bay and went to law school at Berkeley, so I remember the East Bay Daily News well. As a practicing lawyer now in Houston specializing in car accidents, reading about Charles Stevison's story in the March 29, 2008 edition really resonates with me.

When I see a story like this, it reminds me of the challenges my legal team and I face every day. Just as the 

East Bay Daily News had to aggregate and compile local news stories five days a week, we have to meticulously gather every detail of an accident and the client's subsequent recovery. A publication's success relies on the accuracy and completeness of its reporting on local events, politics, and business. Similarly, our success hinges on building a complete and accurate case, detailing the physical and emotional toll a car crash has on our clients.

Charles's story, with all the specific details—from his injuries and the challenges he faced with daily tasks to the unwavering support of his family and the Prescott Circus —is exactly the kind of comprehensive narrative we strive to construct for our clients. The newspaper's focus on local events and community issues  mirrors our commitment to advocating for individuals in our community who have been injured. It's a testament to the power of thorough and compassionate storytelling, whether in a newspaper or a courtroom. I'm glad this paper existed, even for a short time, to tell these important stories. Toby Greenthal

 

 

2008 NEWS

 

Mar 29, 2008

Hit-and-run victim, 13, is on mend

Member of Prescott Circus of Oakland is looking to perform again with his friends
By Martin Snapp / Bay Area News Group

On Sept. 11, 2007, 13-year-old Charles Stevison of Oakland was struck by a hit-and-run driver and dragged for almost a block, severely injuring his torso and both arms.

His right arm was so badly mangled, the doctors at Children's Hospital Oakland had to surgically attach it to his body for months to aid the deep grafting process. Since then, many readers have asked how his recovery is going.
"Great!" said Charles. "I go to physical therapy every other day, and I lift weights every night to strengthen my wrist."

But his mother, LaTrice Ambrose, says it's been harder than he lets on.
"There were times during the first few months when he would scream in pain because it hurt so much."

Without the use of his hands, Charles was dependent on his family for everything, including feeding.
"The first time he was able to feed himself, two months after the accident, was a monumental moment," said Ambrose. "I was feeding him grapes, one by one, and I asked if he wanted to try it himself. It took him quite a few tries, but he made it."

Charles was in the hospital for three months and four days.
"And I counted every single day," he said.
The doctors initially predicted he wouldn't be well enough to get out in time for his birthday on Dec. 22. But on Dec. 4, he was released.

Ironically, his first stop was the Alameda County courthouse to attend a hearing for the defendant accused of the hit-and-run that injured him.
Next, at Charles' insistence, the family stopped at the nearest Nation's for what he called "my first real hamburger in three months."

Then they dropped by Prescott Elementary School to say hello to his friends in the Prescott Circus. Charles is one of the stars of the circus, performing under the stage name Taz the Clown. The celebration that night was purposely low-key.
"Nothing special, just hanging out with my family and watching some movies," he said. "I was exhausted."

But he had a bigger celebration on his birthday, when he and his pals from the Prescott Circus took BART to San Francisco to see - what else - the circus.
"We had cupcakes at the BART station, and everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to me. But what made it special is that it wasn't in the hospital."

From the moment he was hit, his family and friends rallied around. One of his teachers came to the hospital and held a prayer circle in his room, and the Oakland firefighters Random Acts program donated a DVD player.

The Prescott Circus held a series of benefit performances to help pay his medical bills, and Bread and Roses brought a juggler to the hospital to entertain him. That meant a lot because Charles's specialty in the circus is juggling.

But his main support came from his family, especially his 10 brothers and sisters, whom he calls "my angels."
"My little brother, Michael, would keep me company when my mom took the other kids to school or ran errands. He'd wrap my bandages for me and clean them, and when I would get scared he'd sleep with me so I wouldn't be alone."

For months, his family washed him and brushed his teeth. His cousin Alicia gave him pedicures, and his cousin Tiffani gave him facials.
"These little things were important because Charles is such a clean person, but he couldn't clean himself," said his mother. "And he didn't want to be dependent on the nurses."

His stepfather, Leonard Ambrose - the man he calls "my dad" - literally moved into the hospital so he could be with Charles 24/7.
"He slept in the hospital every night, and when he woke up in the morning he'd wake me up and help me to the bathroom before he went to work," said Charles.
"And his mother will never tell you this," said Aileen Moffitt, director of the Prescott Circus, "but she was a tower of strength for everyone."

But all - except, perhaps, Charles - agree that the real hero is Charles himself.
"I never heard him say, 'Why me?'" said his mother. "One time we were talking about his friend, Gary, who was with him when he was hit. Gary is much smaller, and Charles said, 'I'm glad it was me and not him. I don't think he could have taken it.'"

He still wears a brace on his right arm, and he's due for more surgery on the left. And he will carry the physical scars for the rest of his life. There are emotional scars, too.
"He still gets scared crossing the street when the light changes," said his mother.

But he's doing his best to adapt. Instead of writing and eating with his right hand, as he used to do, he's learned to do it with his left. And he can juggle with both hands again, although he's had to make some adjustments.
"I can't turn my right hand all the way over, so I have to be much more precise than I used to be. It has to be perfect," he said

He passed a big milestone last month, when he juggled 25 balls in a row to pass the Prescott Circus juggling test, making him eligible to juggle in front of an audience again.

"I can also balance a broomstick on my chin again, but I still have a way to go," he said. "I used to balance a whole bed frame."
Though he's keeping up with his studies as best he can with a home tutor, he still can't wait until he goes back to school.

"I feel like I'm missing out on stuff, and I don't want to be far, far, far behind," he said.
The most likely return date is next September, although Charles would like to move that up to this spring.
"And I wouldn't put it past him," said Moffitt. "After all, he's beaten the timetables before."


Donations
To contribute to Charles' medical fund, send a check to Charles Stevison Benefit, Wells Fargo Bank, 1221 Broadway, Oakland CA 94612.

 

 

2006 NEWS

Fast-track security debuts at Oakland International

By Erik N. Nelson / Bay Area News Group
At first, Oakland International Airport officials were skeptical of the new program that promised travelers a quick trip through security checkpoints. The checkpoints, they argued, didn't get that backed up.

On Thursday morning's opening those same officials were praising the Oakland arrival of Clear, the largest of three private companies that provide what amounts to a fast-track service for airport security. The federal Transportation Security Administration allows airports to award contracts to the companies to provide the service for a fee. The company, which already operates its Clear lanes at San Francisco and San Jose Mineta international airports, opened one lane each at security checkpoints in both of Oakland's terminals.

"We have the other two airports in the Bay Area providing that service, so we have to provide that service," said Steve Grossman, director of aviation for the Port of Oakland, which runs the airport.

And customers are clamoring for it, according to Clear's founder, Steven Brill, at a press conference in Oakland's Terminal 2.

"We are now signing up 1,000 people a day," said Brill, who also founded Court TV and American Lawyer magazine. "In the Bay Area, we're about to verify, through one of our lanes, our 100,000th passenger."

Nationwide, Clear has about 124,000 customers, 25,000 of them who signed up at Bay Area airports for the service, Brill said. Clear members pay $100 a year plus a $28 TSA vetting fee. Seventeen U.S. airports now have these fast-tracked security lanes, all but two run by Clear.

The checkpoints are staffed by a greeter, a verifier and a concierge who guide each passenger through the process of swiping their translucent Clear card, verifying their identity through retinal and fingerprint scans - all members are pre-screened by the TSA - and walking their luggage right to the TSA carry-on baggage scanner.

A sign between the Clear lane and the public security line tells passengers that Clear members, which TSA dubs "registered travelers," may be allowed in front of other passengers who have waited in line.

The passenger is still required to surrender shoes and metal belts like everyone else, but the concierge helps gather up those things before and after scanning.

One of Brill's new customers, Tom Mead, is a senior vice president at San Mateo-based Webcor, a major construction firm that has built San Francisco high-rises and is now building a cathedral in downtown Oakland.

"I'm back and forth all the time," Mead said, between the Bay Area and Webcor offices in Los Angeles and San Diego. "This streamlines my travel time. Sometimes I spend an hour waiting in security lines."

The beauty, currently, of being a Clear member is making trips to the airport more predictable, Brill said.

To illustrate, Grossman said that when he was to fly with his family on the day before Thanksgiving, he allotted an hour just for the security line on that busiest of travel days.

"There was no line. We got through and had an hour-plus to kill," Grossman recalled. "I would have rather spent an extra half-hour at home," which Clear memberships could have permitted.

But the program has been criticized for providing little more than a pass to the head of the line, and no relief for other aviation security hassles.

"There is NO security improvement, only promises of enhancements in the future," e-mailed airport security consultant Stephen Irwin, who used to work at both Oakland and San Francisco airports.

While the TSA had yet to agree to give registered travelers any advantage over normal travelers in booking flights or avoiding questioning at check-in, Clear members are well-positioned to reap such benefits eventually, Brill told reporters.

"Our members have one of the only paths to effectively get you off the (so-called 'no-fly') list," he said, because they have already been screened by TSA and are positively identified each time they go through the Clear lane.

 

 

More Background on EBDailyNews.com

 

The East Bay Daily News was a free daily newspaper serving the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, most prominently featuring coverage in cities such as Berkeley, Albany, Piedmont, Oakland, El Cerrito, Emeryville, and Rockridge. Its launch in May 2005 marked a significant moment in local journalism, with the publication aiming to deliver timely, accessible, and community-focused news to residents, without the barrier of subscription fees. Though its run concluded in March 2008, its impact on the local media landscape remains noteworthy for its editorial ambitions, community connection, and innovative distribution model.

History and Founding

The East Bay Daily News was part of a pioneering group of free daily newspapers initiated by journalists Dave Price and Jim Pavelich, the duo behind the successful Palo Alto Daily News. Their model responded to changing consumer needs, declining readership in subscription-based print media, and a desire to democratize access to local information. The first edition landed on May 20, 2005, making a splash in an area craving localized coverage.

The publication quickly expanded its reach through strategic distribution of large red newspaper racks at high-traffic public venues—coffee shops, stores, schools, restaurants, transportation hubs, and workplaces throughout the East Bay. The tabloid format was chosen for easy reading and portability, helping the paper cultivate an on-the-go audience.

Ownership and Management

Initially, Price and Pavelich owned and oversaw the East Bay Daily News, leveraging their expertise in regional journalism and the free paper model. In early 2006, a wave of media consolidation swept through the industry. Knight Ridder, the parent company of the Daily News network, was acquired by The McClatchy Company, which subsequently sold the East Bay Daily News and its sister papers to MediaNews Group, a major Denver-based media conglomerate known for its aggressive expansion and cost-cutting measures.

During this transition, Shareef Dajani took charge as publisher and Lucinda Ryan served as editor. Together, they maintained the editorial standards and community-responsive reporting that had become the paper's hallmark. MediaNews Group's management style was a source of debate in journalistic circles, as it mirrored broader industry trends of newsroom reductions and financial tightening that were affecting print journalism nationwide.

Content, Coverage, and Editorial Focus

The East Bay Daily News built its reputation on thorough, compassionate, and community-centric storytelling. The editorial philosophy prioritized:

  • Local News: Reports on crime, education, city council meetings, infrastructure projects, public services, and civic developments became central beats. Featured stories would often follow up on local events affecting families, businesses, and neighborhoods.

  • Business & Politics: Coverage included analysis of municipal decisions, updates on local enterprises, and examination of political debates affecting East Bay residents.

  • Culture & Events: The paper covered festivals, performances, parades, fundraisers, and local achievements, putting the spotlight on community engagement.

  • Human Interest: By profiling individuals such as Charles Stevison—a young Oakland resident and circus performer recovering from a traumatic hit-and-run—the Daily News offered readers a window into the triumphs and challenges of their neighbors.

Journalists at the East Bay Daily News emphasized accuracy, completeness, and empathy, qualities that set the publication apart in a media landscape often dominated by broader, less locally attuned coverage.

Distribution, Reach, and Audience

The paper was published five days a week (Monday through Friday), maintaining a robust average daily circulation of about 10,000 copies at its height. Its free, single-copy distribution meant that no reader needed to pay or subscribe; local news was available to all, regardless of income or background. Locations and proximity to key community assets—schools, transit stations, shopping corridors—ensured maximum exposure.

The readership was diverse and broad: students, working professionals, parents, retirees, business owners, public employees, and local officials. For many, the East Bay Daily News filled gaps left by larger regional papers or broadcast outlets, offering hyper-local stories and updates directly relevant to their daily lives.

Awards, Notable Recognition, and Media Coverage

While the East Bay Daily News was not widely documented as an award-winning publication, it quickly developed a reputation for its quality local reporting. Journalists from the Daily News Group were often lauded for their thorough community coverage and for humanizing their subjects, as seen in profiles such as the recovery story of Charles Stevison.

Press and media coverage of the East Bay Daily News reflected both its innovative distribution strategy and its rapid ascent in local popularity. The newspaper was frequently referenced by other publications, including the East Bay Times, Oakland Public Library's historic archives, and local blogs and forums discussing the evolution of Bay Area media.

Cultural and Social Significance

The cultural footprint of the East Bay Daily News was substantial for its relatively short lifespan. Its free model helped democratize knowledge—local political decisions, business trends, cultural events, and neighborhood stories were made accessible to everyone, not just subscribers.

In neighborhoods grappling with rapid change, gentrification, and shifting demographics, the Daily News acted as a crucial bridge, fostering dialogue, informing public debate, and connecting residents through storytelling.

Throughout its coverage, the Daily News often elevated stories that other papers overlooked, lending visibility to community groups, schools, artists, and advocacy organizations such as the Prescott Circus, Bread and Roses, and local benefit funds. Its reporting supported fundraising efforts, community-building activities, and highlighted achievement and resilience in the face of adversity.

Menu, Sections, and Features

Although not a food publication, the "menu" of editorial offerings included:

  • News (local, business, political)

  • Features (human interest, school and youth profile pieces)

  • Events (community calendars, festival previews, sports, and cultural happenings)

  • Opinion (letters to the editor, guest columns, editorial commentary)

  • Community (spotlights on organizations, neighborhood profiles, announcements)

The breadth of coverage reflected a commitment to serving all facets of East Bay community life.

Goals and Editorial Mission

At the heart of the East Bay Daily News was a clear editorial goal: Provide free, accessible, accurate, and community-rich journalism for the East Bay. The mission was rooted in values of inclusivity, factual rigor, civic engagement, and compassionate storytelling.

By prioritizing open distribution and eschewing paywalls, the publication sought to maximize its social utility, inform public discourse, and empower readers.

Reviews, Popularity, and Reception

Community reception throughout the East Bay was generally positive. Many residents cited the convenience and relevance of the coverage, particularly at a time when larger publications were scaling back local beats.

Reader letters, community testimonials, and contributions to benefit funds referenced in the paper attest to its influence and credibility. Online forums, such as Reddit’s Bay Area threads, have discussed the rise and fall of local papers like the East Bay Daily News, often lamenting the loss of hyper-local coverage as media consolidation accelerated.

Closure: Context and Consequences

Despite its strong local footprint, the East Bay Daily News ceased publication in March 2008. The closure reflected broader challenges faced by print newspapers in the mid-2000s:

  • Industry Trends: National declines in advertising revenue, competition from digital media, and rising operational costs made sustaining free print publications difficult.

  • Corporate Decisions: The MediaNews Group prioritized its core Peninsula papers, reallocating resources and shuttering less profitable titles.

  • Media Consolidation: The consolidation wave led to newsroom reductions, decreased local autonomy, and diminished coverage in many regions.

Although no public announcement specified all factors, the broader context points to the intersection of financial pressures and the disruptive transformation of the news business generally.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of the East Bay Daily News endures in several key ways:

  • Model for Local News: Its approach helped launch and legitimize a new era of free, community-first journalism.

  • Community Engagement: The stories it told and the organizations it supported laid groundwork for continuing civic dialogue and resident advocacy.

  • Diversity of Sources: For its short run, the paper contributed unique perspectives, reporting, and local insight, fostering diversity in the Bay Area’s news ecosystem.

Former staff and contributors took lessons from the Daily News to other outlets, continuing traditions of local focus and editorial excellence.

Related Publications and Regional Context

The East Bay Daily News was one of several Daily News Group publications, including:

  • Palo Alto Daily News

  • San Mateo Daily News

  • Redwood City Daily News

  • Burlingame Daily News

These outlets followed a similar free distribution model, with a mix of local, business, opinion, and sport coverage. As a network, they illustrated the scalability—and the challenges—of hyper-local news, especially as larger media conglomerates entered the picture.

Media Landscape Context

The closure of the East Bay Daily News mirrored a critical period in American journalism: the rise of digital news, the loss of local beats, and the ascendance of corporate media ownership. MediaNews Group, known for aggressive cost management, was emblematic of these changes, with some critics dubbing such firms "vulture capitalists" due to reductions in newsroom staff and local coverage.

Throughout the East Bay, alternative weeklies (e.g., East Bay Express), blogs, and digital projects have attempted to fill the gap, yet many residents still recall the Daily News with fondness and nostalgia.

Details, Insights, and Specific Examples

The paper’s archive contains memorable stories, such as the sustained coverage of Charles Stevison’s recovery, the debut of technology at Oakland International Airport, and numerous spotlights on community organizations and local achievements.

The paper’s editorial process emphasized gathering details, interviewing affected families, and following up on major life events, setting a standard for depth and empathy in local journalism.

Its coverage regularly provided practical details for readers—where to donate to local medical funds, event times, school board election information, and guidance for navigating local government. By offering a blend of news, practical information, and human stories five days a week, the East Bay Daily News cemented its status as more than just a paper; it was a neighbor and advocate.

 

The East Bay Daily News stands as a testament to the possibility and promise of free, hyper-local journalism. Its dedication to accuracy, community engagement, and accessible distribution gave the East Bay region a source for essential information, civic connection, and compassionate narrative. While its physical publication is no longer with us, the spirit it fostered—of neighborly concern, local pride, and shared storytelling—continues to ripple through the communities it served and the lives it touched.

 

EBDailyNews.com