Latest News in Oakland, CA

City of Oaklands Gateway Industrial District fulfills long held community promise by entering into 2.4M West Oakland Community Fund grant agreement

The City of Oakland will allocate up to $2.4 million for economic development projects in West Oakland through the West Oakland Community Fund. The funding, sourced from developers of the former Oakland Army Base, aims to foster local entrepreneurship, job training, and educational initiatives in the area affected by disinvestment. District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife emphasized the significance of this funding for the community.

Want to help the Oakland Ballers plant trees at Raimondi Park? Heres how you can root for the home team

Volunteers can join the Oakland Ballers and two nonprofit organizations to plant 18 trees at Raimondi Park in West Oakland this Sunday. The initiative aims to enhance the community's green space and improve air quality, with the Ballers committing to care for the trees long-term.

Oaklands top budget official is leaving the city

Oakland’s Finance Director Erin Roseman resigns effective June 15, shortly before the interim mayor's proposed budget unveiling. Roseman has been pivotal in addressing an $89 million shortfall and a projected $265 million deficit, prompting significant cuts to city services.

Churchs Chicken shutters temporarily

Church's Chicken closed its Oakland location following a failed health inspection by the Alameda County Department of Environmental Health. A notice on the door indicates the closure is temporary, while the restaurant's website confirms the status. The establishment was situated at 4155 Telegraph Avenue.

A new monthly food event delivers tasty eats and a sense of community to an East Oakland neighborhood

Pastor James Polk and community leaders launched Millsmont Mondays, a monthly food event in East Oakland, to revitalize the neighborhood. The initiative, which began after a successful block party in summer 2024, features food trucks and aims to foster community engagement. The event runs on the first Monday of each month through October.

AC Transits BRT project increased traffic violence and displaced many businesses, new report says

A new report claims AC Transit’s Tempo bus rapid transit service increased traffic casualties by 30% and displaced many businesses along International Boulevard. Researchers argue that the project's top-down planning approach neglected community input, contributing to gentrification and traffic violence. The full report will be presented in May.

Oakland teachers, OUSD reach agreement to avoid strike

The Oakland Education Association (OEA) called off its planned strike for May 1 after reaching a tentative agreement with the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). The union had previously alleged that the district was withholding financial information necessary for negotiations. OEA President Kampala Taiz-Rancifer urged the district to include the union as a partner in future decisions affecting schools.

Bay Reach Homes rejuvenates neighborhoods one home at a time

Bay Reach Homes, led by Curtis Sakai, revitalizes homes in Oakland, facilitating quick sales for owners unable to manage repairs. Jean Penn's family home sold in just four days after being transformed, demonstrating the company's effective approach to home refurbishment. Sakai's business model alleviates the burden of costly repairs and hidden fees for sellers.

Why are so many whales dying in San Francisco Bay?

Five whales, including four gray whales and a minke whale, have died in San Francisco Bay over the past month, prompting investigations by marine scientists. Necropsies revealed one whale likely died from a vessel strike, while the causes of the others remain undetermined. The recent mortality raises concerns amid ongoing recovery efforts from a previous unusual mortality event affecting gray whales.

Oakland violence prevention programs defunded by Trump administration

The U.S. Department of Justice announced cuts of $811 million in grants, affecting violence prevention and intervention programs in Oakland and Alameda County. Local organizations like the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform and Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency face significant funding losses, jeopardizing their public safety initiatives.