Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Legendary Oakland football coach John Beam is set to retire after this season, concluding a remarkable career that includes 15 Oakland Athletic League titles and a collegiate championship. His journey was also showcased on the Netflix series "Last Chance U" while coaching at Laney College, where he significantly impacted the lives of many young athletes.
Firefighters successfully halted the progression of a five-alarm fire in the Oakland Hills, which threatened nearby homes and led to evacuations. The blaze consumed 13 acres and was reminiscent of a devastating fire from decades past, prompting urgent responses from local fire crews.
Albany has reached a settlement with the Lions Club, agreeing to pay $1.53 million to resolve a legal dispute concerning a controversial 28-foot Christian cross atop Albany Hill. This decision concludes a nine-year legal battle surrounding the cross's fate, marking a significant moment for the community.
The final environmental impact report for the Oakland airport expansion has been released, highlighting the current state of passenger levels, which are at approximately 80% of pre-pandemic figures. The report addresses critical issues related to transportation and infrastructure in the region, especially in light of changing travel patterns influenced by the pandemic.
A family-owned Mexican market plans to open a new location in San Jose at the site of a former 99 Cents Only outlet. This strategic move positions the market near significant retail and dining areas, indicating potential economic growth and job creation in the region.
The Bay Area school district is embroiled in a contentious debate over gender identity instruction, reflecting broader societal conflicts surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and parental authority. The discussion has highlighted the challenges of balancing academic freedom with inclusivity, affecting students, parents, and educators alike.
A court ruling led the Alameda County District Attorney to dismiss a vehicular manslaughter case against a defendant, whose hairstyle was argued to have contributed to the inability to identify the driver in video footage. The defense claimed that the man's hairstyle closely resembled that of his girlfriend, raising doubts about who was behind the wheel during a fatal incident. This case highlights intriguing aspects of legal defense strategies and the impact of personal appearance in criminal cases.
Walgreens is set to close approximately 1,200 stores across the United States over the next three years as part of a strategy to revitalize its struggling business. The company anticipates that around 500 of these closures will occur in the current fiscal year, which is expected to enhance adjusted earnings and free cash flow.
A defendant read a poem before being sentenced for burning a woman's Israeli flag during a protest in East Bay. As he exited the AF Bray Courthouse in Martinez, he was met by the NYPD, highlighting the legal consequences of his actions. This incident underscores the tensions surrounding free speech and political expression in contemporary America.
An Oakland man, Denilson Velasquez-Sevilla, was sentenced to two years in prison for selling 1.4 pounds of fentanyl to an undercover agent. Prosecutors recommended a 41-month sentence, but the defense argued that his actions were driven by a desperate need to support his impoverished family in Honduras. This case highlights the ongoing fentanyl crisis and its local implications in the Bay Area.