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Daniel Goldberg organized a large-scale foraging event in Oakland, where participants harvested loquats to create fruit wine. The event spanned four days, involved collecting fruit from around 50 trees, and aimed to educate the community about foraging. Goldberg's initiative highlights the potential of "feral fruit" that often goes to waste.
Oakland officials terminated a lease with California Waste Solutions (CWS) for a recycling facility at the former Army Base, citing overdue documentation and unpaid fees. CWS executives had requested multiple extensions but failed to meet the city's requirements, prompting the termination announcement. Local residents had long sought the project's relocation to address air quality concerns in nearby neighborhoods.
A federal judge ruled that the Oakland Police Department has not yet achieved full compliance with its federal oversight program after 22 years. While improvements were noted, including reduced racial profiling, key reforms regarding internal investigations remain unmet. Judge William Orrick emphasized the need for the department to address these issues swiftly to end court supervision.
Prescott Night Markets will return this summer in Oakland, featuring over 20 food vendors from various international cuisines. The markets will coincide with Oakland Roots SC home games and will include live entertainment and family-friendly activities on July 24, August 21, September 4, and October 9.
Two ampm gas stations in Oakland experienced smash-and-grab robberies early Thursday morning, with the first incident occurring just after 1 a.m. An SUV crashed into one store, likely targeting the ATM, while a stolen silver Honda was used in a second robbery shortly before 3 a.m. No arrests have been reported.
Sea Wolf Public House in Oakland will permanently close on July 19 after nearly nine years in business. Owners cite lease expiration and financial challenges, while encouraging community members to celebrate its legacy during final events. A silent auction will be held on July 12 to help pay outstanding debts.
The Boys and Girls Club launched a sportswriting program aimed at helping students enhance their writing skills. Athletes, professional sportwriters, and volunteers from WriterCoach Connection will guide participants in this initiative. The program seeks to combine sports with education, fostering young talent in both fields.
A Fruitvale landlord, Darrick Chavis, pressured tenants to vacate their homes within 30 days while referencing immigration status. This has sparked fear among residents, many of whom are monolingual Spanish speakers, leading them to seek help from a tenant advocacy group. Chavis has a history of legal disputes and has faced warnings from city authorities regarding his conduct.
Oakland City Council eliminated the cultural affairs manager position, sparking outrage among local artists and cultural organizations. The role was vital for securing external funding, which constituted a significant portion of the arts budget. Artists expressed concern over the impact of this decision on the local arts community.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee criticized President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," citing its severe cuts to Medicaid and food assistance programs that could harm vulnerable residents. Lee emphasized the need for strategic responses and collaboration with local agencies to mitigate the impending impact of the legislation.