By Angela Kilduff
They may compete in fishnet stockings, revealing uniforms and roller skates, but the women of roller derby dismiss the prevailing stereotypes that their sport is only a game of campy theatrics.
“I can’t ever really tell if people respect it,” said Jenny Carlson, who skates as Jennacologist for the Oakland Outlaws.

By Will Jason
More than a year after announcing plans for redevelopment, the owner of a long-vacant lot in Berkeley’s Southside neighborhood has still not filed official plans with the city. And with the city officials and the owner’s partners growing impatient, the chance to revive what many see as a neglected corner – Telegraph Ave. and Haste St. – could soon fade away.
“A new building would be good for the neighborhood,” said Mario Tejada, 78, who said he has owned
Mario’s La Fiesta restaurant, across the street from the site, since …

By Casey Miner –
Less than thirty seconds after the red phone starts ringing, the paramedics from Berkeley’s Fire Station One are on the road. A man has called 911 to say he cannot walk. He wants to go to the hospital.

Story by Linsay Rousseau Burnett
Shahin Saki, owner of the Z & S Beauty Studio in Berkeley’s Shattuck Square, is feeling the economic crunch on her business. But her customers are not leaving because of problems on Wall Street; they’re leaving because of problems on Saki’s street.