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Barbara Lee was sworn in as Oakland’s 52nd Mayor today, vowing to lead with transparency and accountability. In her inaugural remarks, she emphasized a commitment to create opportunities for youth and address the city's budget crisis through collaboration and investment.
Barbara Lee was sworn in as Oakland's first Black woman mayor on May 20, 2025. Her inaugural address highlighted the city's challenges, including a $140 million structural deficit, and emphasized her commitment to inclusivity and transparency. Lee aims to engage diverse community voices in addressing key city issues.
Over 100 small businesses in Oakland received grants totaling $2.2 million from the East Bay Community Foundation to support their growth and sustainability. The funding aims to help businesses recover from pandemic-related challenges, with each receiving between $5,000 to $25,000 based on need. This initiative prioritizes equity, focusing on communities most affected by disinvestment.
The Oakland Police Department seeks help locating Crystal Bullock, a 57-year-old Black female, last seen on May 9, 2025. Bullock is at risk due to a health condition and may have a speech impairment. Community members with information are urged to contact the police.
Oakland sports officials will gather on June 12 for a community discussion at the New Parkway Theater, featuring Oakland Ballers General Manager Laura Geist, Oakland Roots co-founder Tommy Hodul, and Oakland Girls Softball League President Amanda Wentworth. The event aims to highlight the revitalization of local sports and community engagement, with live music and merchandise giveaways.
The Oaklash drag festival in Oakland, co-founded by Mama Celeste, has grown from 500 attendees in its inaugural year to 5,000 last year. The festival faces funding challenges due to recent budget cuts and a political climate that has affected corporate sponsorships. Celeste emphasizes the need for community resilience amid rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
Oakland's City Council approved $12.8 million in one-year grants to support violence prevention programs, including services for gunshot victims and survivors of gender-based violence. The funding aims to assist community organizations while awaiting a comprehensive public safety plan.
Oakland will continue its free summer meals program for children and adults with disabilities at 47 locations, serving from May 27 to August 8. The initiative, supported by various community organizations, aims to provide over 950 meals daily to combat child hunger during the summer months.
Sherry Denham-Jackson, a former Oakland city official, filed a legal claim against the city for discrimination, harassment, and retaliation after her termination last November. She seeks $10 million in damages, alleging that her firing was illegal and linked to her whistleblower status regarding fraudulent charges against residents.
City workers began dismantling Oakland's largest homeless encampment, the E. 12th median camp, amid confusion and tensions. The removal, supported by a $7 million state grant, aims to relocate 79 individuals into a new shelter, but raised concerns about safety protocols during the operation.