Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Oakland's partnership with the Department of Violence Prevention has led to violence reduction in seven high schools, but funding for the program will expire soon. Carla Ashford, a violence interrupter at Skyline High, mediates conflicts and supports students, leveraging her own life experiences to help at-risk youth. District leaders now face pressure to secure new funding to continue these vital services.
Author Tommy Orange received a 2025 MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the "genius grant," awarded for exceptional creativity. Each fellow will receive an $800,000 grant to support their future work. Orange, a citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, was previously a Pulitzer Prize finalist for his novel "There There."
Berkeley's boba shop, J's Snacks and Tea, has opened, featuring a variety of snacks and meals. Peet's Coffee has reopened its El Cerrito location after renovations, celebrating two decades in the city. San Leandro welcomes Saigon Yum, a new Vietnamese restaurant offering a range of traditional dishes.
The California Highway Patrol confirmed a freeway shooting early Friday on the connector ramp from eastbound I-80 to southbound I-880 in Oakland. The ramp was closed for several hours as emergency crews investigated the scene. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.
New federal rules bar commercial driver's license renewals for non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents, impacting many drivers in California. Vivak Sharma, a legal asylum seeker, faces financial instability after being denied renewal of his trucking license, which he held for eight years. The U.S. Department of Transportation emphasizes these changes aim to enhance traffic safety.
Peralta Elementary School students participated in International Walk & Roll to School Day, promoting green transit methods. The event saw 96 students walking to school, highlighting a dramatic decrease in children using active transport over generations. Organizers aim to enhance safety and encourage more families to engage in walking or biking to school.
Oakland has produced only two women in the WNBA over the last 15 years, highlighting a stark contrast to the city's rich NBA history. Factors such as inadequate infrastructure and fewer opportunities for young female athletes have contributed to this disparity. As the WNBA expands, local voices call for improved support for women's basketball.
The Oakland Unified School District board approved a budget plan just before a looming deadline, addressing overspending and projected deficits. The board directed the superintendent to implement a hiring freeze and explore further budget cuts while avoiding school closures.
Andy’s Donut Stop, a staple in Richmond since 1954, serves customers from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m., drawing in paramedics, gamblers, and locals. The shop remains popular for its light and fluffy donuts, providing a safe haven during late-night hours. Customers appreciate its consistent offerings and the community atmosphere it fosters.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced his resignation, marking the 11th leadership change in the police department over 15 years. During the Police Commission meeting, attendees speculated that the commission's oversight contributed to his departure, while the commission chair defended their collaborative relationship with Mitchell. The search for a new chief has yet to begin, as the commission aims to find a long-term leader.