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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.
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 23rd Oakland International Film Festival runs from September 10 to 20, showcasing local filmmakers and addressing themes of violence and healing. Notable screenings include Anthony Lucero's “Paper Bag Plan” and a documentary about youths of color in the BAY EMT program. The festival emphasizes Oakland's diverse storytelling and community engagement.
California's Bay Area transit agencies face severe service cuts if a $750 million state loan remains unapproved before the legislative session ends Friday. State Senators Jesse Arreguín and Scott Wiener warned that without the funding, transit systems like BART and Muni could drastically reduce services, causing increased traffic congestion. The loan's approval hinges on finalizing terms today as part of a broader budget package.
Tao Yuen, a renowned dim sum restaurant in Oakland's Chinatown, serves popular drunken noodles that attract long lines from open to close. These stir-fried rice noodles have become a staple for locals and visitors alike. The dish exemplifies the vibrant culinary scene in Oakland.
Advocates in the San Francisco Bay Area celebrate public transit with a series of special events throughout September 2025. The initiative aims to highlight the importance of public transport options like trams and BART in urban mobility.
Several new restaurants have opened in the East Bay, including Dandelion Kaffe and Park Station in Alameda. Albany welcomed Sakana and Yasai, while Berkeley's Epicurious Garden now features Itani Sushi and Hopscotch. These openings reflect a growing trend in local dining options.
BART resumed full train operations at 11:45 a.m. after a six-hour outage caused by a computer equipment problem. Limited East Bay service began at 9:30 a.m., but delays affected routes to San Francisco and the Peninsula.
Mayor Barbara Lee marks her first 100 days in office amid significant challenges, including crime, homelessness, and budget issues in Oakland. She aims to rebuild trust in city government while addressing federal threats and fostering unity in the community. Lee's administration prioritizes public safety and innovative housing solutions.
David “Chicken” Nesmith, a dedicated environmental activist and mentor, died on March 26. He championed the San Francisco Bay watershed and played a pivotal role in various conservation efforts, including preventing the expansion of the San Francisco airport into the bay. His legacy includes mentoring young activists and advocating for sustainable water policies in California.