Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Oakland's independent bookstores curated a unique gift list for book lovers, highlighting titles that reflect the city's eclectic culture. The list showcases a variety of genres and authors, emphasizing local literary talent. This initiative aims to support local businesses during the holiday season.
Bella Thompson, 26, faces charges of assault on federal officers after allegedly driving a U-Haul truck towards police during an immigration protest in Alameda. Authorities opened fire on her vehicle when it failed to stop. Thompson has since been released on bail.
The family of John Beam, a slain Laney College football coach, expressed gratitude for community support in a statement released after his death. They also extended sympathy to the family of Cedric Irving Jr., the alleged shooter charged in Beam's killing. Beam, 66, was known for his impactful coaching career and was featured in the Netflix series "Last Chance U."
Roses' Taproom in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood announced its closure after nearly 10 years, citing slow foot traffic and high rent. The exact closing date remains undisclosed, but the owners expressed their sadness over the decision.
Marvin Boomer's family plans to file wrongful death suits against the City of Oakland, Oakland Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and the State of California after his fatal collision during a police chase. The suits will address issues such as a pothole contributing to the accident and alleged negligence by police officers.
Benji and Jennie Smith will open Uqbar Mediterranean Cafe in West Berkeley on November 21, following their long-held dream of running a restaurant together. The cafe will feature a menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, emphasizing fresh produce and healthy options. The couple drew inspiration for the name Uqbar from a Jorge Luis Borges short story, reflecting their love for literature and the Mediterranean culture.
A defendant in the Oakland bribery case claims to possess a compromising video of Attorney General Rob Bonta. The allegations, detailed in a letter, have prompted heightened scrutiny from the FBI and raised questions about Bonta's knowledge of the case. Bonta has not been charged and denies wrongdoing.
Oakland has installed nearly 300 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, used by police to monitor vehicle movements. These cameras automatically capture license plate numbers and other vehicle details, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. Community members have debated the effectiveness and ethical implications of such technology in crime prevention.
Legendary Oakland football coach John Beam died unexpectedly on November 14, leaving a profound impact on students and athletes across the community. Over his career, he won 15 league championships and significantly influenced young people, especially encouraging participation among Black girls in sports. His legacy extends beyond the field through his commitment to keeping Oakland youth engaged and off the streets.
The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) faces a challenging task to cut $100 million from its budget for the 2026-2027 school year. Proposed layoffs and restructuring aim to address a financial crisis that could lead to state receivership if not resolved. The board must vote on the budget cuts by December 10.