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Volunteers can join the Oakland Ballers and two nonprofit organizations to plant 18 trees at Raimondi Park in West Oakland this Sunday. The initiative aims to enhance the community's green space and improve air quality, with the Ballers committing to care for the trees long-term.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced the formation of a transition committee to implement her 100-day plan focusing on public safety, homelessness, and governance. The committee includes 15 members from various sectors, including labor, business, and community organizations. Lee emphasized collaboration with these leaders to deliver results for Oakland residents.
President Trump issued an executive order targeting sanctuary cities, demanding a list of jurisdictions he claims violate federal immigration laws. Local leaders, such as Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, criticize the order as a scare tactic and emphasize the constitutional validity of sanctuary policies. The move threatens federal funding essential for local services in Oakland and Alameda County.
The City of Oakland will allocate up to $2.4 million for economic development projects in West Oakland through the West Oakland Community Fund. The funding, sourced from developers of the former Oakland Army Base, aims to foster local entrepreneurship, job training, and educational initiatives in the area affected by disinvestment. District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife emphasized the significance of this funding for the community.
Oakland's Head Start program faces uncertainty after the sudden removal of director Diveena Cooppan and another staff member on April 25. Advocates worry that this leadership change could jeopardize the federally funded program, which serves low-income families and has a budget of approximately $13.5 million.
A new report claims AC Transit’s Tempo bus rapid transit service increased traffic casualties by 30% and displaced many businesses along International Boulevard. Researchers argue that the project's top-down planning approach neglected community input, contributing to gentrification and traffic violence. The full report will be presented in May.
Oakland’s Finance Director Erin Roseman resigns effective June 15, shortly before the interim mayor's proposed budget unveiling. Roseman has been pivotal in addressing an $89 million shortfall and a projected $265 million deficit, prompting significant cuts to city services.
Church's Chicken closed its Oakland location following a failed health inspection by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health. A notice on the door indicates the closure is temporary, while the restaurant's website confirms the status. The establishment was situated at 4155 Telegraph Avenue.
Pastor James Polk and community leaders launched Millsmont Mondays, a monthly food event in East Oakland, to revitalize the neighborhood. The initiative, which began after a successful block party in summer 2024, features food trucks and aims to foster community engagement. The event runs on the first Monday of each month through October.
Bay Reach Homes, led by Curtis Sakai, revitalizes homes in Oakland, facilitating quick sales for owners unable to manage repairs. Jean Penn's family home sold in just four days after being transformed, demonstrating the company's effective approach to home refurbishment. Sakai's business model alleviates the burden of costly repairs and hidden fees for sellers.