Oakland

Oakland, Calif. – October 01, 2026 -- Blue Shield of California has unveiled its 2027 Medicare plan lineup, giving eligible residents new coverage choices ahead of the Annual Enrollment Period running Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026.

Plan options span Medicare Advantage to prescription-only coverage

The nonprofit insurer's portfolio includes Medicare Advantage plans, a Dual-Eligible Special Needs plan for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, Medicare Supplement plans, and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Members seeking flexibility can opt for Medicare Supplement plans, which allow access to any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare.

Oakland – September 30, 2026 -- BodySpec has opened a new storefront in downtown Oakland offering medical-grade DEXA body scans for under $60, giving East Bay residents a fast way to track muscle mass, visceral fat, and bone density as GLP-1 weight-loss drug use rises.

The 12-minute scan measures body fat, visceral fat, lean muscle mass, and bone density, paired with a digital dashboard and a conversational AI agent that explains results and suggests personalized next steps.

GLP-1 users risk losing muscle along with fat

One in 8 Americans currently uses a GLP-1 medication, and studies show 25 to 40 percent of weight lost on these treatments can be lean muscle rather than fat, according to BodySpec.

San Francisco – September 14, 2026 -- The California Highway Patrol, working with Caltrans and the Bay Area Toll Authority, is stepping up enforcement this month on the westbound bus/carpool lane bypassing the toll plaza on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

The lane is restricted to specific hours and vehicle types

Accessible from Interstate 80, Interstate 880 or West Grand Avenue, the lane may be used by buses, motorcycles, or carpools carrying three or more people only during weekday commute windows of 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Outside those hours -- including all day on weekends -- only buses are permitted.