1. Giant fissures in the foundation of the new Bay Bridge, which Caltrans decided to fill with industrial strength super glue, are allowing bay water to pour into the structure, thereby raising further concerns about its stability, the Chron reports. In 2007, Caltrans decided to use the glue to patch the fissures – some of which were ten feet wide – rather than replacing the structure, because the project was behind schedule. But the glue fix failed and water has been flowing into the foundation, and likely is corroding steel rods inside the structure.
2. The East Bay added 3,400 jobs in October as the region’s economy continued to surge, the Bay Area News Group$ reports. The Bay Area posted job gains of 17,300 for the month, while the state added 41,200 – twice as much as September.
3. Oakland city officials are declining to comment on an allegation by former Black Panthers leader Elaine Brown that she was assaulted by Councilmember Desley Brooks, the Chron reports. Police are investigating the incident, which reportedly took place on October 30 at Everett & Jones Barbecue in Oakland.
[jump] 4. California State University faculty have filed an unfair labor practices charge against the CSU administration, alleging bad faith bargaining, the LA Times$ reports. Rank-and-file faculty members have already approved a strike for next semester if instructors cannot reach a contract agreement with management.
5. And the E.coli outbreak at the Chipotle restaurant chain has extended to California and a total of six states, the AP reports (via Bay Area News Group$). The outbreak began last month in Chipotle outlets in Oregon and Washington. Â
