Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Oakland's plan to expand its police surveillance camera network faces backlash after reports surfaced that immigration agents accessed its data. Activists argue that increased surveillance threatens vulnerable communities and is based on misleading crime narratives, while some local businesses support the expansion due to rising safety concerns.
Oakland's plan to regulate short-term rentals has stalled, with council hearings now pushed to spring 2026. The city initially proposed limits on rental durations and ownership but has faced delays since 2016 due to competing priorities and lobbying efforts. Public records reveal ongoing discussions with Airbnb as the city seeks to establish regulations.
Vanessa’s Bistro, a French-Vietnamese restaurant in Berkeley, will close permanently at the end of December after nearly 20 years in business. Co-owner Vi Nguyen cited the landlord's decision not to renew the lease and financial challenges as reasons for the closure. The restaurant is known for its hearty dishes such as seafood bouillabaisse and duck confit.
Oakland Fire Department reports a manageable fire season, bolstered by the reopening of three fire stations and funding from Measure MM, a special tax generating $2.6 million annually for vegetation management. Fire Chief Damon Covington emphasizes the department's full staffing for the first time in over 20 years, enhancing community fire safety.
Malik Cross, a member of the Scraper Bike team and a dedicated youth mentor, passed away, leaving a significant impact on the Oakland community. Known for his creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Cross used his talents to uplift local youth. His contributions to the community will be remembered and celebrated.
A massive sideshow in North Oakland on August 24 involved over 500 participants and 200 cars, prompting residents to question safety and police response. Eyewitness accounts highlighted dangerous behavior, including illegal parking and fireworks, leading to a vehicle fire. Local police reported limited resources, making it difficult to manage the chaos.
The Bizerkeley Food Fest expands to a week-long celebration of vegan products, starting on Labor Day, September 1. The festival features over 80 vendors, a documentary screening, and various events aimed at promoting vegan food to a broader audience. Organizers expect attendance to reach between 7,000 and 10,000 people.
A 36-year-old man found dead on the Bridgeview Trail in Oakland's Oakmore neighborhood died by suicide, according to the Alameda County Coroner. The man, discovered hanging from a tree on June 30, had elevated alcohol levels, indicating potential intoxication at the time of death. Local residents expressed concern on social media, questioning the circumstances of his death.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to various regions, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, citing successful crime suppression operations in Oakland. The expansion aims to assist local police with data-sharing and proactive enforcement in high-crime areas, targeting repeat offenders. Newsom emphasized bipartisan support for these efforts, despite crime rates declining statewide.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee faces pressure to address crime, homelessness, and economic struggles in her first 100 days. Residents demand transparency and unity in a city divided by recent elections, while Lee emphasizes community engagement and public safety funding in her plans.