Piedmont's Week: Burglary Scam, Texting at Stoplights, New Wine Bar, Safer Cycling, River Otters

These were among the most-read stories on Piedmont Patch this past week:

Piedmont Woman Victim of 'Backyard' Burglary Scam
One burglar posed as a construction worker needing access to the victim's backyard while a second man stole items from inside the home.

Police Blotter: Burglaries at Marking Room, Traffic Ticket Blitz, Rude Gesture While Driving

Police Blotter: Suspicious Filmmakers, Auto Theft, DUI Arrest
The weekend police log.

Police Ask Public to Help ID Piedmont Avenue Robbery Suspect
The man shown in the surveillance photo attempted to rob the Wellspring Pharmacy on Piedmont Avenue, police say.

Ask a Cop: Is It Legal to Text While at a Stoplight? Use GPS?
A California Highway Patrol officer answers questions about using a cell phone while driving.

Restaurant Watch: Rockridge Wine Bar Opens Friday with Special Dinner and Wine Pairings
Save the date: Oakland Restaurant Week is coming up, Jan. 17-26.

Robbers Targeting Construction Workers in Nearby Oakland Neighborhoods
A robbery in Rockridge Monday afternoon is similar to one just off Piedmont Avenue last month.

Piedmonters Say Drivers' Behavior Endangers Walkers and Cyclists
A draft needs assessment for the city's Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan summarizes local residents' major concerns about the ease and safety of walking and cycling. The draft will be presented to the Piedmont Planning Commission today.

Oakland Police Invite Public to Meeting on Piedmont Avenue & Temescal Robberies
The community meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening at Oakland Technical High School.

River Otters Seen at Lake Merritt, Lake Temescal
An East Bay Regional Parks naturalist says a pair of river otters was seen every few days last month at Oakland's Lake Temescal.

Report: More Ex-Cons on Streets Mean More Property Crimes
Motor vehicle thefts increased sixfold in Piedmont from 2011 to 2012.

For a round-up of this week's posts by bloggers who live or work in Piedmont, click here.

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