Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Seven water fixtures at Hillcrest Elementary in Oakland tested above the legal limit for lead, prompting concerns from parents. Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has been conducting water tests since 2017, and while most sources are below the EPA standard, some schools still show high lead levels. Officials are addressing the issue with filtration system upgrades and additional testing.
The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers Local 21 (IFPTE) is negotiating with the city of Oakland to civilianize certain positions currently held by police officers, including intake technicians and IT roles. The union argues this shift could save the city approximately $160,000 per position while allowing more officers to focus on patrol duties. However, city leaders have not yet engaged with the proposal.
Jefferson Union High School District successfully addressed teacher retention by building workforce housing, resulting in a fully staffed district. In contrast, Oakland Unified School District has struggled to initiate similar housing projects, facing delays and community resistance. Teacher retention remains a significant issue in Oakland, with many citing high housing costs as a primary reason for leaving.
The Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers, a new team in the Pioneer League, have emerged as rivals to the Oakland-based Ballers after eliminating them from the playoffs last year. Despite facing challenges such as poor attendance and logistical issues, the High Wheelers clinched the league championship. The two teams will meet for a series of games in Oakland this weekend.
Prescott Meats Deli has permanently closed just months after opening in West Oakland's Prescott Market, known for its Reuben sandwiches and pasture-raised meats. Meanwhile, Tomate Café in West Berkeley is set to close this month for a change in ownership, though no specific date has been confirmed. Both closures highlight the challenges facing local eateries in the East Bay.
A fatal car crash occurred early Wednesday morning on northbound Highway 13 in Oakland, resulting in a vehicle fire. The California Highway Patrol reported the transition to westbound Interstate 580 was closed, causing significant delays for motorists. Authorities are investigating the incident, with no additional details available at this time.
The Trump administration released a new list of “sanctuary jurisdictions” that may face legal action, omitting Oakland and Alameda County. The updated list includes 35 jurisdictions, primarily in Democratic areas, and reflects ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement. Attorney General Pamela Bondi reaffirmed the administration's commitment to litigation against sanctuary cities.
Blue Bottle workers at four East Bay locations voted 22-5 to join the Blue Bottle Independent Union, marking the coffee chain's first unionized California shops. The decision follows concerns over high living costs, staffing issues, and unsafe working conditions, including unresolved sewage problems.
AC Transit will implement service-wide line changes on August 10, following two years of public outreach and negotiations. The AC Transit Realign plan introduces 104 redesigned routes to address declining ridership and a projected $41.5 million shortfall for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Concerns remain about the impact on bus operators and equity in service levels for communities of color.
Oakland residents participated in National Night Out, hosting over 200 block parties to foster community connections and enhance public safety. Mayor Barbara Lee and other officials joined residents in various neighborhoods to discuss concerns and promote neighborly ties. Local activities included games, face painting, and food distribution, highlighting the event's role in building community cohesion.