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Former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price criticized newly appointed DA Ursula Jones Dickson for reversing reforms and accused her of corruption. Price's statements followed Jones Dickson's claims of restructuring the DA’s office to prioritize crime victims, amidst controversy over the dismissal of a lawsuit linked to a toxic fire.
Alameda County's new district attorney, Ursula Jones Dickson, seeks to reverse death penalty sentence reviews initiated by former DA Pamela Price. These reviews were part of addressing systemic racial bias in jury selection, which led to the removal of 20 prisoners from death row. Jones Dickson's actions have sparked accusations of political motives to obscure prosecutorial misconduct.
Oakland Unified School District approaches financial independence but faces significant budget challenges, with a projected $60 million deficit. Chief Business Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson emphasized the need for infrastructure changes, potentially including school consolidations, to address ongoing financial issues. The district's final loan payment to the state will free up $6 million annually for other expenses.
The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA) will showcase a significant collection of African American quilts starting June 8, 2025, following a major bequest from the late Eli Leon. This exhibition, titled "Routed West," marks the first comprehensive survey of the collection, which now constitutes one-fifth of BAMPFA's holdings. Despite recent federal funding cuts for quilt conservation, the museum aims to highlight the cultural significance of these works and their connection to African American migration.
Khana Peena has permanently closed its Solano Avenue location in Berkeley, according to a tipster. The restaurant, known for its Indian cuisine, is still operating at its Oakland location on College Avenue.
The Oakland Police Department will conduct a DUI checkpoint on June 10, 2025, to enhance public safety by removing impaired drivers from the roads. Lt. Tim Dolan emphasized that impaired driving poses significant risks, noting that fines for first-time offenders can average $13,500.
Oakland City Council voted 7-1 to raise campaign contribution limits, reversing reforms approved by voters in 2022 aimed at reducing the influence of money in politics. Councilmembers also expanded access to their officeholder accounts, allowing for greater expenditures. The changes come as the city grapples with budget challenges and delays in implementing the Democracy Dollars initiative.
New Korean fried chicken restaurants are rapidly emerging in the East Bay, particularly in Oakland and El Cerrito. An informal ranking of ten popular spots highlights their varying juiciness, crispiness, and flavor, showcasing the growing popularity of this culinary trend.
The city-funded RV park and community cabins in West Oakland will close at the end of the month, leaving 37 residents uncertain about their future. A conflict between the shelter operator, Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency, and the city over unpaid funds has complicated the closure timeline. City officials are scrambling to provide emergency support for those affected.
An 18-year-old man, Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia, appeared in court facing charges related to the fatal crash that killed Oakland teacher Marvin Boomer. His defense attorney claims he "panicked" during a police pursuit and postponed his plea until June 20. The incident, which resulted in Boomer's death while saving his girlfriend from the oncoming vehicle, has left the community mourning.