Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Assemble Kitchen has temporarily closed for renovations, while Baby Cafe has departed the Emeryville Public Market. Rotten City Pizza has shut down after 17 years, with hopes for an employee ownership model to revive it.
President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Los Angeles to support immigration enforcement, prompting backlash from local officials who argue the situation does not warrant such action. California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit against Trump's deployment, while Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee expressed solidarity with affected communities but has not detailed her response plans.
The California Academy of Sciences invites community members to participate in “Snapshot Cal Coast,” a project to document coastal organisms during June. Volunteers will gather this Saturday, June 14, at Lake Merritt to assist scientists in monitoring biodiversity. Data collected may inform future environmental decisions and enhance understanding of coastal ecosystems.
Rumors of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity have surged in Oakland following recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. Abby Sullivan Engen of Centro Legal De La Raza reported that while ICE has conducted targeted enforcement, no local residents have been detained. Community members are urged to verify sightings through the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership hotline.
The Oakland Police Department seeks community assistance in solving the July 18, 2021, homicide of 24-year-old Bert Brigham III. Authorities released images of at least four male suspects in their 20s and identified three vehicles connected to the case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
Several notable restaurants in Berkeley and Oakland have permanently closed, including Bear’s Lair Tavern and Sushi California. The closures reflect ongoing challenges in the restaurant industry, with owners citing various reasons such as financial viability and personal circumstances.
The Oakland City Council is set to approve a contract with Becker Boards to construct five new billboards, potentially generating up to $2.3 million upfront and $750,000 annually over 31 years. The deal aims to address a projected $265 million budget deficit while providing over $13 million in free advertising to local organizations. Becker has pledged to avoid advertising firearms on its billboards.
Residents of a Clinton neighborhood petitioned Oakland officials for speed bumps following the death of educator Marvin Boomer in a speeding collision. They gathered signatures from over 67% of local residents to address dangerous driving conditions at East 21st Street and 12th Avenue, where Boomer was killed. The city's transportation director acknowledged the need for safety improvements in the area.
Oakland approved a $4.2 billion budget aimed at essential city services, eliminating a $265 million deficit. The plan will maintain fire station operations, safeguard police staffing, and fund programs addressing homelessness and blight. However, it includes cutbacks, such as a reduction in police academy openings and hiring freezes.
Oakland Coliseum will host the first top-level cricket match on the West Coast, featuring the local San Francisco Unicorns against the Washington Freedom on Thursday. The event is expected to generate $3 million in economic benefits for the area. Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized the importance of bringing global attention to Oakland through this event.