The Oaklandside followed the unarmed emergency responders to see their groundbreaking program at work on the streets.

Author Archives: David DeBolt
David DeBolt reported on City Hall and policing for The Oaklandside. He spent 12 years working for daily newspapers in the Bay Area, including on the Peninsula and Solano County. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2012 where he covered a variety of beats, most recently as a senior breaking news reporter. During his time at BANG, DeBolt covered Oakland City Hall, the Raiders stadium saga and the A’s search for a new ballpark, as well as the Oakland Police Department and police reform efforts. He was part of the East Bay Times staff honored with the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News for coverage of the Ghost Ship warehouse fire.
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Treva Reid
The District 7 representative, who is running for mayor, talks public safety, the Coliseum’s future, and the failed Emerald New Deal.
Parker organizers denounce OUSD use of force, vow to stay
Community members opposed to the East Oakland school’s closure are calling on district leaders to investigate Thursday’s confrontation with district security guards.
OUSD security staff clash with protesters at Parker Elementary
A two-month occupation by community members opposing the school’s closure came to a head on Thursday evening.
Attorney General joins lawsuit to halt gravel facility proposed at port
Rob Bonta has seconded West Oakland activists concerns about the Eagle Rock Aggregates project.
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Loren Taylor
The District 6 representative, who is running for mayor, talks public safety, East Oakland’s needs, and his deep roots in the city.
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Sheng Thao
The District 4 representative, who is running for mayor, talks wildfire safety, affordable housing, and Howard Terminal.
City Council this week: City workers get a pay raise and Oakland eyes $200 million in homelessness housing grants
Plus: The city is paying $1.5 million to settle former police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick’s lawsuit.
Another twist in the coal wars: West Oakland terminal developer walks away from settlement deal
In a surprise move, Phil Tagami just reopened his fight to build a coal terminal at Oakland’s former Army Base.
This fall, Oakland voters could approve a new way to fund the Oakland Zoo
After pandemic fears that the zoo could permanently shut down, supporters of the institution are asking property owners to chip in.
City Council this week: Update on MACRO rollout, calls to investigate Mills College merger
Plus: The council will vote on a police department hiring plan and hear a report on redlining in West Oakland.
Hells Angels want to hold Sonny Barger memorial service at Oakland Coliseum
Barger, the founder of the Oakland chapter, died in late June at the age of 83.
Oakland considering city council term limits, overhauling campaign finance rules
The good government reforms would be decided by voters in the Nov. 8 election.
Oakland City Council rejects Howard Terminal ballot measure
Councilmember Noel Gallo wanted voters to have a say about whether public funds should be used to build the A’s waterfront stadium and mixed-use development project.
Police say ‘zero bail’ increased Oakland’s violent crime rate. Did it?
The emergency policy was intended to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in county jails.
How Yesenia Sanchez toppled incumbent Alameda County Sheriff Greg Ahern
Sanchez, a sheriff’s commander, won 52% of the vote, clinching the primary and sending Ahern into retirement.
East Bay voters showed an appetite for criminal justice reform
Despite a high-profile loss in San Francisco, progressive candidates for district attorney and sheriff gained ground in other parts of the state.
Alameda County sheriff results: Yesenia Sanchez leads
Sanchez held a considerable lead over incumbent Sheriff Gregory Ahern after updated vote totals were released Thursday.
Alameda County District Attorney election results: Pamela Price leads
Price, a reform candidate, had the top spot among four contenders after the initial count of ballots on election night.
City Council this week: Rental housing registry, and the zoo turns 100
Plus, Lowell Park’s basketball courts are getting a makeover.