Homicides, Measure B Recount, End of the World

Sunday, May 15

Patch broke the unhappy news about a man being late Saturday night. Anthony Francisco “Cookie” Ramirez, 34, was the city's first homicide victim of 2011. A lifelong Union City resident with deep roots in Decoto, his death rocked our community. Sadly, this wasn't the only bad news of the wee—another man was shot and killed just three days later. For the full story on Ramirez, click .

Monday, May 16

Patch contributor Tommy Mack took a walk with his camera through the Flight 93 Memorial at Sugar Mill Landing. Flowers left by visitors after the news of  Osama bin Laden's death two weeks ago remained at the memorial. Check out the photos .

If you're looking to "green" your home, you might be in luck. California Youth Energy Services is employing Union City youth to perform energy efficiency house inspections this summer. Meanwhile, Energy Upgrade California offers rebates to homeowners who work with approved contractors to make energy-saving repairs to their homes. Read up on the programs .

Tuesday, May 17

A 49-year-old Union City man was shot and killed Tuesday night, less than a mile from where another fatal shooting occurred three days earlier. Officers responded to a call of a shooting on the 600 block of Whipple Road and found Ruben Gonzalez Partida, 49, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital,  where he subsequently succumbed to his injuries. For the full story, click .

County officials endorsed Gov. Jerry Brown's new budget proposal...and it managed to press the buttons of our readers, stirring up a 100-comment debate. Check it out .

In her latest family column, Patch contributor and elementary school teacher Neena Barreto pondered the question:

Wednesday, May 18

The did little to change the outcome of the controversial parcel tax. The recount only managed to gain one more "yes" vote—still 81 short of passing. Officials announced the news Wednesday, confirming the recount's .

You've no doubt noticed that gas prices have dipped slightly. Across the state, officials are reporting a five-cent drop. In Union City, we've managed to drop below the $4 mark, at least at .

For our latest , we rounded up some awesome deals for teens, from archery classes to photo lessons.

Thursday, May 19

We took to the streets to get a reaction from Decoto community members after two homicides scarred the close-knit neighborhood. We catch up with some long-time residents as well as show how strong the community bond is. Read the full story .

Local artist is making waves in the Bay Area arts community. The 20-year-old artist, whose work focuses on femininity with touches of darkness, has some of her work currently featured in a San Francisco art gallery.

Friday, May 20

Every Friday for 12 years, Our Lady of the Rosary Church has held the "." Patch contributor Ceri Hitchcock-Hodgson takes us inside to meet some of the volunteers and those who attend the weekly dinner. 

A wildly popular article that drew readers from across the country was about Bay Area preacher Harold Camping claiming that .

The Union City Lions Club held its Second Annual Restaurant Stroll May 19. Ticket holders sampled of food from 16 different restuarants in and around Union Landing. Patch contributor Katie Yen took to the restaurants with her camera (and hopefully an empty stomach) to give us .

Saturday, May 21

Friends, family and community members gathered to pay respects to Anthony "Cookie" Ramirez, one of two Decoto men recently slain in the neighborhood, during a vigil Friday night. It was a celebration of Ramirez' life and of the community's close bond. View the video .

Unemployment took , with Alameda and Contra Costa counties reporting 5,500 new jobs being added in the month of April.

With the supposed Apocalypse approaching, the Centers for Disease Control releases guidelines on ...and real emergencies.