Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
A 36-year-old man found dead on the Bridgeview Trail in Oakland's Oakmore neighborhood died by suicide, according to the Alameda County Coroner. The man, discovered hanging from a tree on June 30, had elevated alcohol levels, indicating potential intoxication at the time of death. Local residents expressed concern on social media, questioning the circumstances of his death.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers to various regions, including the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, citing successful crime suppression operations in Oakland. The expansion aims to assist local police with data-sharing and proactive enforcement in high-crime areas, targeting repeat offenders. Newsom emphasized bipartisan support for these efforts, despite crime rates declining statewide.
The Bizerkeley Food Fest expands to a week-long celebration of vegan products, starting on Labor Day, September 1. The festival features over 80 vendors, a documentary screening, and various events aimed at promoting vegan food to a broader audience. Organizers expect attendance to reach between 7,000 and 10,000 people.
The Oakland Unified School District faces a dire budget outlook, with the unrestricted general fund dropping from a projected $22 million to $6 million. Chief business officer Lisa Grant-Dawson warned that without cost cuts, the district risks insolvency. Board members discussed potential budget adjustments ahead of the Oct. 8 meeting.
Over 250 cargo planes transporting U.S. military equipment have left Oakland International Airport for Israel this year, according to the Palestinian Youth Movement. The shipments include critical components for F-35 fighter jets, which Israel has used in its military operations. Activists are launching a campaign to stop these military shipments.
H.E. Christian Peeples, a longtime member of the AC Transit Board of Directors, passed away in his sleep on August 7 at age 78. Peeples, who served on the board for 28 years and advocated for public transit, is remembered for his commitment to community service and accessibility initiatives. The board now seeks a replacement for his Ward 1 seat, representing West Contra Costa cities.
Damon Covington, appointed chief of the Oakland Fire Department in October 2023, reflects on his journey from firefighter-paramedic to chief. He addresses public safety challenges in Oakland, including staffing shortages and mental health issues within the fire service. Covington emphasizes the importance of community engagement and outreach programs.
California Senate proposes SB 404 to regulate scrap metal recycling facilities, aiming to streamline oversight after a 2023 fire at Radius Recycling. Supporters argue it will clarify permitting processes, while opponents warn it may worsen environmental harm by redefining hazardous waste.
A missing chunk from the “G” in the Grand Lake Theatre’s rooftop sign has sparked playful speculation among locals. Owner Allen Michaan confirmed the damage is due to metal fatigue, and restoration efforts are underway to complete repairs by the theater's centennial in March 2026.
Richard Lee, founder of Oaksterdam University, died at 62 after battling cancer. He was a significant figure in cannabis activism, known for spearheading California's Proposition 19 in 2010, the first modern attempt to legalize cannabis for adults. Lee's efforts contributed to the eventual legalization of cannabis in several states across the U.S.