A federal monitor criticized OPD for failing to properly investigate officers who killed a homeless man in 2018.
Author Archives: Darwin BondGraham
Before joining The Oaklandside as News Editor, Darwin BondGraham worked with The Appeal, where he was an investigative reporter covering police and prosecutorial misconduct. He has reported on gun violence for The Guardian, and was an enterprise reporter for the East Bay Express. BondGraham's work has also appeared with KQED, ProPublica and other leading national and local outlets. He holds a doctorate in sociology from UC Santa Barbara and was the co-recipient of the George Polk Award for local reporting in 2017.
Street vending at Lake Merritt: race, space, and COVID-19
Black and brown vendors operating without permits say they need the lake, and the lake needs them. What should the city do?
Federal judge restricts OPD use of tear gas and rubber bullets
He also said outside agencies must follow Oakland’s rules—and asked about those infamous Molotov cocktails.
Task force established to ‘reimagine’ public safety in Oakland
The City Council voted to set up a commission to redesign Oakland’s public safety system, including a 50% reduction in police spending.
Oakland won’t make additional cuts to police budget this year
Mayor Libby Schaaf cast the tiebreaking vote, calling efforts to further reduce OPD spending irresponsible and dangerous. A task force could be next.
Oakland mayor’s home vandalized with ‘defund OPD’ message
According to the mayor and neighbors, last night an unknown group exploded fireworks, scrawled anti-police messages, and splattered red paint on Schaaf’s residence.
Covid-19 outbreak grows in Santa Rita Jail
Coronavirus cases have suddenly exploded in Alameda County’s massive jail, calling into question whether the virus can be stopped.
CHP refuses to name officers who killed Erik Salgado
Salgado’s family criticized the police today for “hiding” the identities of the officers involved in the June 6 Oakland shooting.
Did OPD violate its own policies against protesters? We investigated.
A visual examination of what happened before Oakland police fired on protesters on June 1.
Facing a proposed tear-gas ban, the sheriff warned he would pull aid to Oakland during protests
City councilmembers’ proposed ban was ultimately softened to a recommendation.
Oakland City Council reduces police budget by $12 million
Several councilmembers wanted bigger cuts, and signaled future plans to reduce by up to $150 million.
Oakland’s City Council debates ‘defunding’ the police
Several councilmembers and many civilian city employees say it’s time to rethink OPD’s budget.
Should the Oakland police officers who killed Josh Pawlik remain fired? A federal judge steps in
The twists and turns of a two-year battle over police discipline.
Erik Salgado and Brianna Colombo were apparently unarmed when CHP officers shot them
OPD said the officers opened fire after Salgado rammed his car into CHP vehicles.
Clean-up and conflicting views after Friday’s massive downtown protest
Scenes from a furious gathering of 5,000 that left major destruction and confusion in its wake.
‘Pillar’ organizations call for civil disobedience against Oakland’s curfew
Leaders hope Wednesday night’s action forces a turning point in the conversation about funding for local law enforcement versus other public resources.
How 2 Oakland students got 15,000 people to march against police violence
Youth organizers hope the massive student-led action will inspire other young people to safely organize, too.
Relief for East Bay artists, mapping food security, and goodbye Stork Club (for now)
News and notes from our Oakland newsletter.
A 6-story mural to replace a lost ode to Oakland culture
The ‘Universal Language’ mural on Alice Street was covered up by an apartment tower. An ‘ascendant’ new mural will replace it two blocks away.
An East Oakland pastor and Council candidate rallied to reopen churches. Other local pastors push back
Bishop Bob Jackson hosted the rally, but it was organized and led by anti-LGBTQ SoCal pastor Jim Domen.