Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Middle East Cafe opened in July, expanding the long-standing Middle East Market in Berkeley, which has served the Iranian community since 1976. Co-owner Hossein Razavi, who has a rich personal history tied to the market, aims to share traditional Persian cuisine with a wider audience. The cafe features popular dishes like koobideh and fesenjan, attracting customers with its flavorful offerings.
Laney College Athletic Director John Beam suffered a gunshot wound on the Oakland campus Thursday afternoon. Known for his extensive coaching career and appearances on Netflix's "Last Chance U," Beam has significantly influenced college football, producing over 20 NFL players.
A student was shot at Oakland's Skyline High School on Wednesday afternoon, prompting police response and the arrest of two juvenile suspects. The victim, who is expected to survive, was found on campus during a scheduled early dismissal day. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring school safety amid rising gun violence.
Caltrans is considering lifting the truck ban on Interstate 580, which currently forces trucks to divert to Interstate 880, impacting pollution levels in Oakland. Community members express concerns about traffic congestion and pollution, with some advocating for the ban's removal to address inequities in exposure to pollution. A study on the implications of lifting the ban will conclude in 12 to 18 months.
The nonprofit Restorative Pathways purchased the historic Lake Merritt Lodge to convert it into a 120-person homeless shelter for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. Named Solara House, the facility will provide trauma recovery and addiction treatment services, while prioritizing safety and support for residents.
Flora & Ferment, a bottle shop in Albany known for its ciders and community events, has permanently closed. Friends & Family, a beloved queer bar in Oakland, will close on December 30 after facing economic challenges, but owner Blake Cole plans to host private events until the lease is sold.
Oakland's construction of affordable housing has accelerated, with 1,630 low-income units opened over the past five years. A new interactive dashboard allows residents to see the locations and details of these developments. Despite this progress, the city still falls short of overall housing construction targets.
Oakland experiences a surge in affordable housing and a decline in crime rates, as highlighted in the latest podcast episode. The show also covers improvements in sidewalks and new health initiatives for local youth. These developments reflect positive changes in the community alongside ongoing challenges.
Friends & Family, a celebrated queer bar and restaurant in Oakland, will close on December 30 due to insufficient revenue despite its acclaim. The bar, known for its unique menu and welcoming atmosphere, served as a vital gathering space for the local LGBTQ+ community. Its closure highlights the diminishing number of safe spaces for queer women across the United States.
California residents began receiving full SNAP food aid on November 8 after an appeals court upheld a ruling requiring the Trump administration to distribute benefits during the government shutdown. Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the administration for attempting to block access to food for American families. While some states issued full payments, others faced delays due to ongoing legal challenges.