Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
21st Amendment Brewery plans to close by the end of the year after experiencing a 20% annual sales decline since 2021. Edith’s Pie announced its impending shuttering due to a 31% drop in sales, while Seoul Hotdog has already closed its doors. These closures reflect the challenges facing local businesses in the East Bay.
An Alameda County judge denied Assistant City Administrator Harold Duffey's request for a restraining order against activist Seneca Scott, ruling he failed to prove threats or harm. Duffey accused Scott of making false claims about bribery and immunity, which he argued damaged his reputation as he seeks employment. Scott plans to pursue a First Amendment lawsuit in response.
Chef Mark Liberman's Oakland restaurant, Mago, hosts a month-long dinner series from Sept. 14 to Oct. 14 to celebrate Latin American Heritage Month. The series features diverse cultural programming and renowned chefs, aiming to showcase the richness of Latin American cuisines. Proceeds from the kickoff dinner will support La Cocina, a nonprofit promoting equality in the food industry.
Gun violence in Oakland is decreasing but remains a significant issue. The city funds civilian-led prevention programs, including the Ceasefire strategy and conflict mediation by violence interrupters, to further reduce incidents. The article also highlights community initiatives and the ongoing challenges of funding these programs.
Kaiser Permanente will provide free Covid-19 vaccinations to all members over six months old starting September 15, 2025. This policy diverges from FDA guidelines, which restrict the new vaccine to individuals aged 65 and older or those with specific health conditions. Approximately 8.5 million Californians receive health coverage through Kaiser Permanente.
Oakland City Councilmember Ken Houston proposed changes to the city’s homeless encampment policy, which would eliminate the requirement to offer shelter before clearing camps. The proposal faced significant community opposition, with many expressing concerns about the potential impacts on the homeless population. Alameda County warned that adopting the policy could jeopardize $45.3 million in state funding.
The Oakland Unified School District board must quickly devise a budget plan amid growing pressure from labor groups for salary increases. Union representatives highlighted that many support staff earn below the cost of living, with some making as little as $22 an hour. The board faces a looming budget deadline on October 8, 2025.
The Oakland Police Department plans to encrypt its radio transmissions starting September 3, despite public concerns about transparency and accountability. City officials were largely unaware of the decision, with some supporting the move for operational security. Critics argue this will limit public access to vital information regarding crime and emergencies.
Ryan Dowdy, former NASA food system lead, developed READYBAR, a compact meal bar for first responders. After winning a USDA grant, his plans were disrupted by federal funding pauses under Trump, but NPR coverage helped revive his business. Dowdy, initially hesitant to start a business, now embraces entrepreneurship with support from his community.
Oakland will host an event on September 18 to celebrate immigrant contributions in the community amid federal immigration challenges. The gathering will feature discussions with local immigrant rights advocates and performances by youth poets, emphasizing the importance of local support for immigrant communities.