Latest News in Oakland, CA

A grisly murder 100 years ago was the East Bays crime of the century

Twelve-year-old Roger Thomas discovered dismembered body parts in San Francisco Bay's tule reeds on August 23, 1925, leading to the infamous “Tule Marsh Murder” investigation. Police found golden hair and a severed ear, suggesting a young woman had been brutally killed. Despite extensive investigations, the case was never solved, reflecting societal issues of the time, including women's reproductive rights and the rise of white supremacist groups.

How East Oakland teens are breaking the cycle of gun and gang violence

Four youth leaders from Youth Alive presented a workshop on violence prevention to community members in Oakland, emphasizing the connection between violence and socioeconomic factors. The interactive session highlighted the importance of empowering young people to break the cycle of violence through education and advocacy.

Investigating Oakland city contracts on the podcast

Oakland's contracting process faces scrutiny regarding fairness and transparency, as highlighted in the latest episode of the Oaklandside 510 podcast. Host Tasneem Raja interviews City Hall reporter Eli Wolfe about his investigations into city contracts and discusses various local issues, including new policies at Oakland Animal Services and upcoming fall events.

Dish of the week Rice cake soup from Seoul Gomtang

Tteokguk, a traditional Korean rice cake soup, is typically enjoyed on New Year’s Day but is available year-round in Oakland. The dish is praised for its rich, restorative qualities, making it a local favorite.

Dahlias are in full bloom at The Gardens at Lake Merritt

Longtime dahlia growers Chris Dix and Curtis Maxwell prepare for a competition show at The Gardens at Lake Merritt on August 30-31. They cultivate vibrant dahlias, which they cross-pollinate to create unique varieties, and manage the garden with no city funding. The event is free to attend, with parking available for $5.

A toxic foundry finally left East Oakland. Then the city allowed in a new polluter

The city of Oakland allowed Auto Plus Towing to operate on a contaminated site previously occupied by the AB&I metal foundry, raising concerns among residents about environmental safety. Despite a history of toxic emissions and a remediation process, abandoned and burned vehicles began arriving at the site, prompting outrage from community advocates. Alameda County confirmed that the towing company's activities violated deed restrictions intended to protect the environment.

Training todays Oakland high schoolers to be tomorrows EMTs, nursing assistants, and ER workers

Oakland Unified School District's Highway to Work program trains high school graduates for careers in healthcare, offering internships in emergency medical roles. The program, which recently added 30 graduates, provides hands-on experience and certification opportunities, enabling students like Victor Chan and Maricarmen Diaz Montoya to pursue nursing degrees while gaining vital skills.

Lake Merritts grand Bellevue Club is up for sale

A historic building overlooking Oakland's Lake Merritt has been relisted for sale after failed plans to develop it into a hub for a San Francisco private club. Originally opened in 1929 as the Women's Athletic Club, the Bellevue was purchased for $9.9 million in 2021 but struggled financially, leading to its closure during the pandemic. The new owners did not disclose detailed plans for the property before deciding to sell.

Sexual assault survivors in Oakland A guide to resources after BRAVE Bay Area

BRAVE Bay Area announced its permanent closure at the end of September, marking a significant loss for sexual assault survivors in Oakland. Founded in 1971, BRAVE was the first rape crisis center in the U.S., providing essential support services. The organization faced closure due to alleged financial mismanagement, leaving survivors with fewer resources.

Talk to your kids about money

JPMorgan Chase will host a financial education event for parents and nonprofits on Sept. 26 in Oakland, aimed at fostering financial literacy among children. This initiative encourages parents to engage their kids in discussions about money management, budgeting, and saving habits. The event is open to all, and registration is recommended.