Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Baltic Kiss, a restaurant and music venue in Point Richmond, has permanently closed following a series of financial and operational challenges. Despite a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $11,000 to address outstanding debts, the venue could not recover from its financial obligations, including unpaid wages and back rent. The property manager confirmed the eviction process, highlighting the venue's historical significance in the community.
Kymberly Miller, the executive director of Children’s Fairyland, is celebrating the park's 75th anniversary with a collaborative exhibit at the Oakland Museum, showcasing its rich history. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Miller and fellow cultural leaders worked together to bring the exhibit to life, featuring memorabilia and interactive displays. The exhibit, "Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic," highlights the park's legacy and is on display through December 7.
The article highlights the disappointing voter turnout in Oakland's recent mayoral election, where only 36% of registered voters participated. Various factors, including political disengagement and systemic barriers to voting, contributed to this low turnout, particularly among marginalized communities. Community leaders emphasize the need for improved outreach and education to bridge the gap between residents and local politics.
The Oakland Education Association is conducting a vote among its members to authorize a one-day strike on May 1, aimed at protesting unfair labor practices related to recent budget cuts. The union alleges that the Oakland Unified School District has not been transparent regarding financial information necessary for negotiations. The potential strike coincides with International Workers' Day and reflects ongoing tensions between the union and district leadership.
Zhuoer Chen, a UC Berkeley master’s student, is among four Chinese international students suing the Trump administration for the abrupt termination of their visas. The lawsuit claims that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security violated their constitutional rights by not providing a clear reason or a chance to appeal the decision. A hearing is scheduled for Monday to seek an injunction against the termination of their legal status.
The Oakland Police Department is urging residents to report illegal drug activity through a confidential hotline. This initiative aims to enhance community safety and encourage public involvement in combating crime. By sharing information, citizens can contribute to a safer Oakland.
Nicolas Heidorn, the executive director of Oakland's Public Ethics Commission, is set to leave his position in July, prompting a recruitment process for his successor. The commission, which oversees campaign finance and government ethics, faces challenges such as a significant backlog of cases and resource limitations. Heidorn emphasized the need for dedicated funding and staffing to effectively carry out its responsibilities.
The City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission is actively seeking a new Executive Director to lead its efforts in promoting government ethics and transparency. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a commitment to public service, and experience in enforcing ethics laws. Applications are open until June 2, 2025, inviting qualified individuals to contribute to a culture of integrity in Oakland's governance.
An Oakland renter shares their challenging experience with a deteriorating apartment and an unresponsive landlord, highlighting issues like mold, termites, and an unlawful rent increase. After exhausting personal resources and efforts to resolve these problems, the tenant turned to Oakland's Rent Adjustment Program for assistance. This personal narrative sheds light on broader housing instability issues affecting many in the Bay Area.
Spinning Dough, a unique pizzeria in West Oakland known for its unconventional toppings like ube and longanisa, will close its doors on April 20 after eight years in business. Owner Jeff Chin announced the closure on social media, expressing gratitude for the support received throughout the years. This marks a bittersweet end for a restaurant that has made a significant impact on the local food scene.