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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.
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.
Babette, a beloved restaurant in Berkeley, will close on October 31 after 14 years due to financial challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Miranda, a cocktail bar in Oakland, also shut its doors following a weekend announcement, though the reasons for its closure remain unclear. Both establishments have been significant community hubs in their respective locations.
A North Oakland cafe owner, Abdulrahim Harara, reported vandalism after someone shattered the front window of Jerusalem Coffee House amid ongoing lawsuits from Jewish organizations and the Department of Justice. Harara, a vocal critic of Israel's military actions, claims the incident reflects a year of harassment against his business and community.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced his resignation effective December 5, amid ongoing discussions about public safety and departmental challenges. His departure follows a significant drop in crime and is linked to internal dissatisfaction with the role and departmental oversight.
Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announced his resignation, effective December 5, after serving less than two years. He expressed gratitude for his role and the support from the community while acknowledging the challenges faced by the police department. The city's mayor highlighted a drop in crime during his tenure as a positive outcome of his leadership.
Oakland's 911 call center faces significant challenges, including understaffing and slow response times, particularly for serious crimes in East Oakland. A recent audit revealed that the center has repeatedly failed to meet state-mandated call answering times, prompting recommendations for staffing improvements and better technology.
Mayor Barbara Lee's first State of the City address emphasized Oakland's positive transformation, asserting a 40% drop in robberies and a 27% drop in homicides this year. She pledged to protect immigrant communities amid rising tensions and criticized federal threats. Lee reaffirmed Oakland's sanctuary city status and called for unity against negative narratives.
Alameda County officials adopted an ethical investment policy but postponed its implementation for further review. The policy discourages investments in companies generating significant revenue from fossil fuels, firearms, and industries with poor human rights records, particularly affecting companies linked to the Israeli government. The decision followed extensive public input and community meetings.
The federal government officially shut down at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. The shutdown impacts over 187,000 federal workers in California, with many families facing financial uncertainty. Local social services may continue, but programs requiring federal oversight could be disrupted.