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Residents in Oakland express concerns about the effectiveness of the MACRO program, which aims to address non-emergency calls related to homelessness and behavioral health. Despite reporting over 6,300 incidents in 2024, critics highlight that only four calls per day on average are routed to MACRO teams. Calls for reform and potential funding reallocations arise amid a city budget deficit.
Oakland's interim mayor Kevin Jenkins faced significant challenges, including budget constraints and a public safety crisis, during his five-month tenure. He successfully introduced a budget addressing a $265 million shortfall while prioritizing safety programs. Jenkins returned to his councilmember role after Barbara Lee was sworn in as the new mayor.
El Mono has opened a new location in Berkeley, offering casual Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado and ceviche. Oken, a contemporary Asian-American restaurant, has debuted in Oakland, featuring unique Korean and Japanese fusion dishes. Sobo Ramen also celebrates its soft opening in Berkeley, showcasing a variety of ramen options.
The East Bay Regional Park District, the largest in the U.S. at 126,000 acres, seeks community input for a new district plan to address evolving climate and demographic challenges. General Manager Sabrina Landreth emphasizes the plan as a strategic roadmap to guide management and prioritization of resources over the next century.
A 100-foot sailboat sank in the Oakland Estuary on Sunday, raising concerns about potential fuel leaks. The Alameda Fire Department and Coast Guard responded swiftly to stabilize the vessel and prevent environmental hazards. The cause of the sinking remains under investigation.
A large sailboat sank in the Oakland Estuary near Blanding Avenue on Sunday night. The Alameda Fire Department deployed firefighters and a fireboat to protect nearby vessels and prevent oil spread, confirming no one was aboard during the incident. The cause of the sinking remains unknown.
Five years after George Floyd's murder, Oakland's Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland (MACRO) program addresses non-violent emergencies, expanding its reach to improve community safety. Staffed by a team of 28 trained in crisis response, MACRO aims to reduce the burden on Oakland's 911 system, responding to 2,500 incidents in 2024 alone.
The City of Oakland has successfully closed a major homeless encampment on East 12th Street, relocating 70 residents to the Mandela House, a program funded by the California Encampment Resolution Fund. Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized the city's commitment to providing compassionate support and services for vulnerable residents during the transition.
Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and food stamps threaten low-income residents in Alameda County, with the House passing a spending bill that includes $267 billion in cuts to SNAP over the next decade. Local organizations warn that these changes could drastically impact health and food security for vulnerable populations, particularly families and children.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell proposed changes to the department's pursuit policy, seeking to rescind a 2022 rule that restricts high-speed chases. Residents supported the proposal at a recent police commission meeting, although some expressed disappointment over a lack of modifications for pursuits related to property crimes. The commission will consider three options regarding the policy before submitting a decision to the city council.