Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Governor Gavin Newsom enacted two bills reforming the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to ease housing development. The legislation, which allows exemptions for certain urban projects, has sparked debate among housing advocates and environmentalists regarding its potential impact on vulnerable communities.
Authorities arrested one suspect in Oakland's Dimond District after a chase involving U.S. Marshals. The pursuit ended at Head-Royce School, where at least two additional suspects fled the scene. Officials utilized helicopters, drones, and dogs to search the area for the escaped individuals.
Alameda County inspectors shut down Jade Palace, a Chinese restaurant in the Dimond District, on July 22 due to faulty equipment. The restaurant's management reported that new equipment has been ordered, but it will take at least another week to install and comply with county regulations before reopening.
Residents in Oakland are employing guerrilla tactics to improve road safety, spurred by tragic incidents like the death of teacher Marvin Boomer. The latest episode of the Oaklandside 510 podcast discusses these community efforts and ongoing city projects to address safety concerns. The show also covers recent local headlines, including city security and infrastructure plans.
Latin jazz musician Pete Escovedo, celebrating his 90th birthday, showcases his artwork in a new tour across California. His paintings, currently exhibited at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco, reflect deep emotions stemming from his childhood experiences. Escovedo aims to connect with audiences through his vibrant art, which he describes as a release of his inner feelings.
Chef Reem Assil is reopening her Arab bakery, Reem's, in Oakland's Jack London Square this fall after five years in San Francisco. The new location will utilize a worker-owned model to promote generational wealth among employees, and the menu will feature beloved items like saj flatbread wraps and halawa cookies.
The Hemming Family Trust purchased the historic Greyhound bus station in Oakland for $2.3 million with plans for renovation. The new owners aim to transform the station into a retail, entertainment, and housing complex, although specific plans for a dance hall have not been confirmed.
A bill in California aiming to increase accountability for PG&E and other for-profit utilities has stalled in the Oakland City Council. Advocates expressed concerns that PG&E exerted political pressure to withdraw support for Senate Bill 332, which seeks stricter audits and ties executive pay to safety performance.
Oakland's arts community celebrates the announcement of a $600,000 emergency fund and a proposal to restore the cultural affairs manager position. These efforts aim to bridge funding gaps caused by recent budget cuts, which previously eliminated vital support for local artists and cultural organizations.
Kien Svay Cafe has opened in East Oakland, offering authentic Cambodian street food. Berkeley's Melt Me introduces innovative ice cream flavors, including cheddar cheese and walnut praline. Mugunghwa has expanded into Oakland, serving traditional Korean dishes.