Your trusted source for local Oakland, CA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Public spaces known as "third places" are diminishing in Oakland, prompting community reflection on their importance. Residents are encouraged to share their favorite gathering spots through a form, with potential inclusion in a future article. The term "third place" represents locations outside of home or work where people can connect.
The Oakland LGBTQ+ Community Center opened a new location in East Oakland but faces potential closure due to federal funding cuts. Co-founder Joe Hawkins reported losing a $600,000 grant, which has led to significant staff layoffs and ongoing financial struggles.
A police chase in Oakland resulted in the death of Castlemont teacher Marvin Boomer and serious injuries to his partner, Nina Woodruff. The incident involved a reckless driver fleeing from California Highway Patrol, leading to a crash that devastated both families. Woodruff criticized the police response, feeling they prioritized investigation over her and Boomer's immediate needs.
Marvin Boomer, a teacher from Castlemont, died in a tragic accident involving a fleeing driver. His family will hold a public open-casket visitation on June 6 at Acts Full Gospel Church in Oakland, with a press conference scheduled beforehand.
Albert Ok, owner of Ok’s Deli, opened his new sit-down restaurant, Oken, in Rockridge after a career transition from art to cooking. He aims to blend Asian American flavors in a unique way, focusing on high-quality, approachable dishes. Feedback has been positive as he navigates the complexities of running a sit-down establishment.
Dozens gathered at Acts Full Gospel Church in East Oakland to honor Marvin Boomer, killed during a police pursuit. Family members expressed deep grief and anger over the incident, highlighting systemic inequalities in law enforcement. Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee emphasized the need for community action to honor Boomer's legacy.
The family of Marvin Boomer, Jr. hosted a memorial service in Oakland to honor the life of the beloved teacher killed by a reckless driver during a CHP pursuit. Friends, colleagues, and community members gathered to celebrate Boomer's legacy, while his family expressed anger over police pursuits in residential areas. The 19-year-old driver involved in the crash has been arrested, and the investigation continues.
Oakland Unified School District approaches financial independence but faces significant budget challenges, with a projected $60 million deficit. Chief Business Officer Lisa Grant-Dawson emphasized the need for infrastructure changes, potentially including school consolidations, to address ongoing financial issues. The district's final loan payment to the state will free up $6 million annually for other expenses.
Former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price criticized newly appointed DA Ursula Jones Dickson for reversing reforms and accused her of corruption. Price's statements followed Jones Dickson's claims of restructuring the DA’s office to prioritize crime victims, amidst controversy over the dismissal of a lawsuit linked to a toxic fire.
Alameda County's new district attorney, Ursula Jones Dickson, seeks to reverse death penalty sentence reviews initiated by former DA Pamela Price. These reviews were part of addressing systemic racial bias in jury selection, which led to the removal of 20 prisoners from death row. Jones Dickson's actions have sparked accusations of political motives to obscure prosecutorial misconduct.