Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Residents in Oakland express concerns about the effectiveness of the MACRO program, which aims to address non-emergency calls related to homelessness and behavioral health. Despite reporting over 6,300 incidents in 2024, critics highlight that only four calls per day on average are routed to MACRO teams. Calls for reform and potential funding reallocations arise amid a city budget deficit.
Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson dismissed a criminal case against Radius Recycling for a fire that occurred at its West Oakland facility, citing insufficient evidence. This decision follows a previous indictment announced by her predecessor, Pamela Price, which sought up to $33 million in penalties. Price criticized the dismissal, calling it "outrageous" and a failure to protect the community from corporate misconduct.
The African American Quilt Guild of Oakland, celebrating its 25th anniversary, preserves Black quilting traditions that trace back to the Deep South. Members recreate historical quilts, emphasizing creativity and cultural heritage amid a climate of reduced visibility for African American history. Current president Marie Taylor highlights the guild's mission to honor and sustain these artistic practices.
The East Bay Regional Park District, the largest in the U.S. at 126,000 acres, seeks community input for a new district plan to address evolving climate and demographic challenges. General Manager Sabrina Landreth emphasizes the plan as a strategic roadmap to guide management and prioritization of resources over the next century.
El Mono has opened a new location in Berkeley, offering casual Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche. Oken, a contemporary Asian-American restaurant, has debuted in Oakland, featuring unique Korean and Japanese fusion dishes. Sobo Ramen also celebrates its soft opening in Berkeley, showcasing a variety of ramen options.
A 100-foot sailboat sank in the Oakland Estuary on Sunday, raising concerns about potential fuel leaks. The Alameda Fire Department and Coast Guard responded swiftly to stabilize the vessel and prevent environmental hazards. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
Oakland's interim mayor Kevin Jenkins faced significant challenges, including budget constraints and a public safety crisis, during his five-month tenure. He successfully introduced a budget addressing a $265 million shortfall while prioritizing safety programs. Jenkins returned to his councilmember role after Barbara Lee was sworn in as the new mayor.
A large sailboat sank in the Oakland Estuary near Blanding Avenue on Sunday night. The Alameda Fire Department deployed firefighters and a fireboat to protect nearby vessels and prevent oil spread, confirming no one was aboard during the incident. The cause of the sinking remains unknown.
Five years after George Floyd's murder, Oakland's Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) program addresses non-violent emergencies, expanding its reach to improve community safety. Staffed by a team of 28 trained in crisis response, MACRO aims to reduce the burden on Oakland's 911 system, responding to 2,500 incidents in 2024 alone.
The Oakland Police Department's Alcohol Beverage Action Team shut down an illegal marijuana operation on May 15, 2025, seizing various contraband products. The business operated without necessary licenses, prompting a citation for one individual. Authorities will refer the case for potential criminal and civil charges.