Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The U.S. Department of Justice announced cuts of $811 million in grants, affecting violence prevention and intervention programs in Oakland and Alameda County. Local organizations like the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency face significant funding losses, jeopardizing their public safety initiatives.
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.
Five whales, including four gray whales and a minke whale, have died in San Francisco Bay over the past month, prompting investigations by marine scientists. Necropsies revealed one whale likely died from a vessel strike, while the causes of the others remain undetermined. The recent mortality raises concerns amid ongoing recovery efforts from a previous unusual mortality event affecting gray whales.
The Oakland Police Department seeks help in locating Matthew Tucker, a 29-year-old man reported missing and at risk. He was last seen on April 28, 2025, near Fairmount Avenue, wearing a gray t-shirt and blue jeans. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Missing Persons Unit.
A new group in Oakland, led by former City Administrator Steven Falk, aims to reform the city's government structure by amending the city charter. Their proposal seeks to enhance the mayor's power and establish a city manager accountable to the City Council. This initiative arises amidst growing frustration among residents regarding perceived dysfunction in local governance.
Volunteers have revitalized Joaquin Miller Park, winning a $408,000 grant for restoration efforts. Dale Risden, chair of Friends of Joaquin Miller Park, emphasizes the need for community involvement in maintaining the park's ecological health. Local groups have doubled native vegetation coverage in the last decade.
Oakland's streets face worsening conditions as the city pauses paving contracts due to halted funding. City officials expected to raise $55 million through Measure U bonds for road repairs, but budget cuts have delayed these plans, leaving only existing projects funded. Without new bond sales, the city risks paving only eight miles in the next fiscal year, the lowest in a decade.
New restaurants and bars have opened across Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay, enhancing the local dining scene. These establishments offer a variety of cuisines, catering to diverse tastes and preferences in the community.
Citizen scientists can participate in the annual Lake Merritt BioBlitz this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lake Merritt Sailboat House, contributing to the 2025 City Nature Challenge. Attendees can photograph and document local organisms using the iNaturalist app, aiding scientists in biodiversity monitoring.
Evolutionary Homes sought contracts in Berkeley amid an FBI investigation into alleged corruption in Oakland. Communications between the company and local officials did not result in any agreements, and no Berkeley officials have been accused of wrongdoing. The investigation centers on bribery allegations involving Oakland's former mayor and the Duong brothers, who run California Waste Solutions.