TBS Today, July 16

Today we have the latest from the DA's office on its ongoing death penalty review and some news about retail theft charges filed in Berkeley (which has been rare to see).

Murderer to be freed as DA’s death penalty review expands

Ernest Dykes, who is 51, is slated to be released next year on parole, the result of a settlement agreement, the DA said.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

Retail theft charges filed in Berkeley Walgreens case

The two adults who were charged had also been arrested in San Francisco in recent months on suspicion of organized retail theft.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

We've also just learned the name of the man who was killed in a fatal shooting in Berkeley earlier this month. The press hold was removed today.

No other updates in the case but we'll keep checking on it.

Update: Berkeley shooting victim ID’d as Matthew Gullette

A neighbor called police just before 7:25 p.m. to say someone had been shot.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

In other news

We can't make this upcoming event at the Berkeley Public Library on July 27 but it's sure to be great. Highly recommend it.

"Berkeley has long prided itself as a hub of creativity and culture," organizers write. "But how did this relatively small city earn its globally recognized reputation as a center of influential experimentation? Who are the people and events that imbued Berkeley with such symbolic power?"

Liam O’Donoghue, creator of the East Bay Yesterday podcast, will answer these questions and more. We're so sorry to miss it. He's a local treasure.

Bygone Berkeley: Exploring history with East Bay Yesterday’s Liam O’Donoghue | Berkeley Public Library

Homeregularly covers the East Bay for SF Gate

Some other good news, EBRPD is set to acquire the 80-acre Point Molate property in Richmond: "The acquisition will ensure that this historic land will remain open space, preserves habitat, & provides recreation & public access for all," EBRPD writes.

Point Molate on Track to Become an East Bay Regional Park

Acquisition of the 80-acre Point Molate property in Richmond will ensure that this historic land will be preserved forever as open space and supports the Park District’s mission of habitat preservation and providing recreation and public access for all.

East Bay Parks

In case you missed it

Many thanks to everyone who sent us well wishes after this past weekend's excellent news.

Berkeley Scanner wins 4 California Journalism Awards

Hundreds of journalists, described by organizers as the best in the state, attended the awards gala Saturday night.

The Berkeley ScannerEditor’s desk

Armed confrontation prompts Berkeley Hills police chase

Men in a stolen car linked to an armed robbery in another city led police on a chase on Grizzly Peak, police said.

The Berkeley ScannerEmilie Raguso

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