Latest News in Oakland, CA

City of Oaklands Gateway Industrial District fulfills long held community promise by entering into 2.4M West Oakland Community Fund grant agreement

The City of Oakland will allocate up to $2.4 million for economic development projects in West Oakland through the West Oakland Community Fund. The funding, sourced from developers of the former Oakland Army Base, aims to foster local entrepreneurship, job training, and educational initiatives in the area affected by disinvestment. District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife emphasized the significance of this funding for the community.

Barbara Lee says transition team will help Oakland rebuild accountability and results

Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced the formation of a transition committee to implement her 100-day plan focusing on public safety, homelessness, and governance. The committee includes 15 members from various sectors, including labor, business, and community organizations. Lee emphasized collaboration with these leaders to deliver results for Oakland residents.

How Trumps threats to sanctuary cities could affect Oakland and Alameda County

President Trump issued an executive order targeting sanctuary cities, demanding a list of jurisdictions he claims violate federal immigration laws. Local leaders, such as Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, criticize the order as a scare tactic and emphasize the constitutional validity of sanctuary policies. The move threatens federal funding essential for local services in Oakland and Alameda County.

Want to help the Oakland Ballers plant trees at Raimondi Park? Heres how you can root for the home team

Volunteers can join the Oakland Ballers and two nonprofit organizations to plant 18 trees at Raimondi Park in West Oakland this Sunday. The initiative aims to enhance the community's green space and improve air quality, with the Ballers committing to care for the trees long-term.

Churchs Chicken shutters temporarily

Church's Chicken closed its Oakland location following a failed health inspection by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health. A notice on the door indicates the closure is temporary, while the restaurant's website confirms the status. The establishment was situated at 4155 Telegraph Avenue.

AC Transits BRT project increased traffic violence and displaced many businesses, new report says

A new report claims AC Transit’s Tempo bus rapid transit service increased traffic casualties by 30% and displaced many businesses along International Boulevard. Researchers argue that the project's top-down planning approach neglected community input, contributing to gentrification and traffic violence. The full report will be presented in May.

A new monthly food event delivers tasty eats and a sense of community to an East Oakland neighborhood

Pastor James Polk and community leaders launched Millsmont Mondays, a monthly food event in East Oakland, to revitalize the neighborhood. The initiative, which began after a successful block party in summer 2024, features food trucks and aims to foster community engagement. The event runs on the first Monday of each month through October.

Oaklands top budget official is leaving the city

Oakland’s Finance Director Erin Roseman resigns effective June 15, shortly before the interim mayor's proposed budget unveiling. Roseman has been pivotal in addressing an $89 million shortfall and a projected $265 million deficit, prompting significant cuts to city services.

Oakland violence prevention programs defunded by Trump administration

The U.S. Department of Justice announced cuts of $811 million in grants, affecting violence prevention and intervention programs in Oakland and Alameda County. Local organizations like the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency face significant funding losses, jeopardizing their public safety initiatives.

Why are so many whales dying in San Francisco Bay?

Five whales, including four gray whales and a minke whale, have died in San Francisco Bay over the past month, prompting investigations by marine scientists. Necropsies revealed one whale likely died from a vessel strike, while the causes of the others remain undetermined. The recent mortality raises concerns amid ongoing recovery efforts from a previous unusual mortality event affecting gray whales.