City Hall & Policing Archives

Oakland City Council calls for Gaza ceasefire after weeks of protests

by Eli Wolfe Nov. 28, 2023, 11:07 a.m.Nov. 28, 2023, 11:07 a.m.

Hundreds of speakers weighed in on the hotly debated council resolution during nearly five hours of comments Monday night.

Hundreds of people in black shirts that say "Jews Say Ceasefire Now" stand inside the rotunda of the Oakland Federal Building.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland is next to consider a Gaza ceasefire resolution

by Eli Wolfe Nov. 22, 2023, 2:20 p.m.Nov. 22, 2023, 2:20 p.m.

Palestinian solidarity activists have pressed local governments to support a ceasefire. Israel’s supporters want city leaders to condemn Hamas.

An African American man stands in a gymnasium filled with students and families after a basketball game.

Arts & Community

Former Oakland police chief’s new job: high school basketball coach

by Tony Daquipa Nov. 22, 2023, 10:00 a.m.Nov. 22, 2023, 9:36 a.m.

LeRonne Armstrong hasn’t given up his desire to return to OPD. In the meantime, he’s found a place to mentor Oakland youth.

DVP Chief Dr. Holly Joshi speaking at a lectern covered in microphones, with a group of people, including Mayor Sheng Thao, standing behind her.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland’s Department of Violence Prevention will be led by an expert on gender-based violence

by Eli Wolfe Nov. 20, 2023, 4:05 p.m.Nov. 20, 2023, 4:05 p.m.

New DVP Chief Dr. Holly Joshi is a nationally-recognized expert who worked for over a decade for the Oakland Police Department.

A woman wearing glasses and a blazer stands near the Oakland Federal Building.

City Hall & Policing

How does Oakland enforce worker protections?

by Eli Wolfe Nov. 15, 2023, 9:07 a.m.Nov. 15, 2023, 9:07 a.m.

We sat down for a conversation with Emylene Aspilla, who leads the city’s efforts to ensure employers are paying fair wages and following other labor laws.

City Hall & Policing

Jewish protesters occupy federal building in Oakland to demand ceasefire in Gaza

by Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein Nov. 14, 2023, 11:50 a.m.Nov. 15, 2023, 9:45 a.m.

Hundreds demonstrated and scores were arrested in one of the largest acts of Jewish civil disobedience in Bay Area history.

A sign with neon green text reads "OPEN" outside of a parking garage. Behind that sign is another one that is blue with white text that reads, "Franklin Plaza Public Parking."

City Hall & Policing

Some garage parking in downtown Oakland is now $5 after 5 p.m.

by Roselyn Romero Nov. 13, 2023, 12:33 p.m.Nov. 13, 2023, 1:42 p.m.

The “Five After Five” program at the Franklin Plaza Parking Garage aims to boost nightlife and improve public safety.

A dense collection of downtown sky-rises including a clock tower at the center.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland’s plan to revamp downtown is 8 years in the making

by Brian Krans and John Klopotowski Nov. 8, 2023, 4:49 p.m.Nov. 27, 2023, 4:39 p.m.

The Downtown Oakland Specific Plan could soon be set in motion. Here’s what it contains, and why it matters.

A white stone roof with a clock tower on top.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland’s conflict of interest tracking system isn’t working

by Eli Wolfe Nov. 7, 2023, 10:47 a.m.Nov. 8, 2023, 11:41 a.m.

Many city officials have to disclose their personal financial information. But Oakland is struggling to enforce this anti-corruption rule.

Protesters hold a banner that says "No U.S. military aid to Israel."

City Hall & Policing

Protesters at Port of Oakland call for Gaza ceasefire

by Eli Wolfe and Darwin BondGraham Nov. 3, 2023, 1:00 p.m.Nov. 4, 2023, 8:56 a.m.

Activists said a ship docked in Oakland will carry military supplies headed for Israel.

City Hall & Policing

Who’s paying for the District Attorney Pamela Price recall campaign?

by Darwin BondGraham and Eli Wolfe Nov. 1, 2023, 4:40 p.m.Nov. 2, 2023, 8:27 a.m.

Price’s critics have raised over $500,000. Meanwhile, the DA has raised far less to defend herself—$15,000.

The Oakland Army Base as seen from several hundred feet in the air.

City Hall & Policing

Judge rules against Oakland in coal trial

by Eli Wolfe Oct. 30, 2023, 1:28 p.m.Oct. 30, 2023, 1:28 p.m.

A state judge found the city breached its contract with developer Phil Tagami, who was seeking to build a coal terminal. Now, the city may have to pay up.

An African American man in an Oakland Fire Department dress uniform speaks at a podium. Behind him are Oakland's mayor, members of the City Council, and a fire engine.

City Hall & Policing

Damon Covington appointed chief of Oakland Fire Department

by Darwin BondGraham Oct. 27, 2023, 1:33 p.m.Oct. 27, 2023, 1:33 p.m.

Covington has served in OFD for 24 years, most recently as interim chief.

A large hotel building with palm trees growing beside it.

City Hall & Policing

Oakland hits hotel with largest wage theft claim in recent city history

by Eli Wolfe Oct. 27, 2023, 9:18 a.m.Oct. 27, 2023, 9:32 a.m.

The city’s Department of Workplace and Employment Standards is seeking $400,000 in unpaid wages from the Radisson Hotel.

Inside of restaurant with windows onto the street

Nosh

Oakland says Hi Felicia must pay $105,000 to ex-employees

by Eli Wolfe Oct. 26, 2023, 2:04 p.m.Oct. 26, 2023, 2:04 p.m.

Oakland’s Department of Workplace and Employment Standards accused the now-defunct restaurant of improperly sharing service fees with non-service workers.