BERKELEY – A ballot measure intended to preserve the current process for protecting historic buildings in Berkeley appeared headed for defeat in early returns last night. At midnight, with 52 percent of the precincts reported, Measure J was losing 57.52 percent to 42.48 percent. The figures reflected a trend that remained unchanged for most of the night.

OAKLAND- Disparate parties and voters dissatisfied with mainstream candidates will have more options in all local elections when a new electoral process is enacted in 2008 - the result of Tuesday night’s passage of Measure O.

SAN FRANCISCO - If voters approve the biggest school improvement bond in San Francisco’s history on November 7, they will back $450 million for upgrades at 64 city schools, child development centers and administration buildings.

BERKELEY - When Shari Ser found out the house next door to her South Berkeley home was going to be replaced with a three-story apartment building she knew she had to do something. The apartment would tower over her one-story cottage, blocking out her sunshine. The garden-view she now enjoyed would be paved over, and the new building would dominate a central spot in the neighborhood, the corner of Russell and Otis streets.

ALBANY- In a wide brick garage, two engines and one ambulance glow red in the afternoon light. Dumbbells, a treadmill and other workout equipment lie at the entrance, hiding thick fireproof jackets. It doesn’t look like the kind of place that is about to close for eighteen months.

RICHMOND— If voters here pass Measure T on Nov. 7, it will cost Chevron roughly $8 million in additional taxes. But even before the vote, Measure T is costing local candidates valuable endorsements and campaign contributions.

OAKLAND- In a back room at the Lakeview Library, surrounded by old VHS tapes and the odd book, veteran campaign manager Lynne Serpe has assembled a small group of campaigners, varying in age, political experience and motivation. As the activists busy themselves loading up signs that read “Easy as 1, 2, 3, Yes on Measure O,” Serpe trains a novice in the art of precinct walking.

FREMONT- In the Fremont BART station, early morning commuters rushed through turnstiles, some running to catch the train ready to leave the station.