Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Oakland Unified School District board approved its 2025–2026 budget, but risks insolvency without a spending overhaul. Chief business officer Lisa Grant-Dawson warned that the district faces a $78 million deficit for the following year if no changes are made.
SanDai, a Malaysian restaurant in Walnut Creek, has permanently closed due to insufficient foot traffic and high rent costs. While the main restaurant has shut down, its coffee and pastry operation, Kopi Bar, will relocate to a busier area.
Oakland's airport will be renamed to "Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport" following legal disputes over its previous name. San Francisco has sued Oakland, claiming the name misleads passengers and infringes on its trademark. The Port of Oakland plans to adopt the new name at an upcoming board meeting.
The Trump administration's USCIS canceled naturalization ceremonies at Oakland's Paramount Theatre, affecting numerous applicants. Many new citizens lament the loss of a venue that symbolized their journey to citizenship, as ceremonies will now be held at government facilities. USCIS claims the move aims to cut costs while maintaining the same number of ceremonies.
Oakland police report three incidents involving rideshare drivers being targeted in robberies and attempted carjackings. Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with the crimes, and authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and take precautions.
A new report reveals that three Alameda County residents die from gun violence each week, with Black residents 33 times more likely to suffer gun-related homicides than white residents. The report emphasizes the need for addressing root causes of violence through public health initiatives and community support.
Workers at four East Bay Blue Bottle Coffee locations intend to join the Blue Bottle Independent Union, marking the first unionization efforts in California for the company. Citing high living costs and unsafe working conditions, workers have filed a petition for an election with the National Labor Relations Board after management did not respond to their union recognition request.
Caltrans explores options to transform Interstate 980 in Oakland, with three proposed scenarios under the "Vision 980" study. Community feedback indicates strong support for removing the freeway, citing historical disinvestment in Black communities as a key issue. Caltrans encourages public participation through surveys as it prepares for a 20-month analysis of the proposals.
California lawmakers proposed a bill that would criminalize law enforcement officers covering their faces during official duties, aiming to enhance transparency and public trust. The No Secret Police Act, introduced by State Senators Jesse Arreguín and Scott Wiener, would require officers to display identifiable uniforms, exempting certain federal operations. This legislation responds to recent controversial federal raids in California that involved masked officers.
A grand jury report recommends improving wildfire evacuation procedures in Oakland's hills, focusing on parking restrictions and communication with residents. The report praises the fire department's vegetation management while highlighting the need for better enforcement of parking rules and clearer evacuation routes. Officials plan to enhance parking violation enforcement to improve safety during emergencies.