Residents often look to their neighborhoods’ elected representatives to “clean up the streets.” Here’s how city councilmembers can—and can’t—affect public safety in their districts.
Category: City Hall & Policing
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Former OPD Chief Armstrong files legal claim accusing Mayor Thao of retaliation, federal monitor of corruption
The claim, a precursor to a potential lawsuit, takes aim at OPD’s federal oversight.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland’s $7M in soda tax money isn’t being spent wisely, board says
The Measure HH advisory board wants 60% of the sugary drink tax to go to community groups, but the mayor and council are using most of the money for city-run programs.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland lobbyists must pay to play, officials say
Oakland is making lobbyists pay a $500 registration fee to do business in town, but the Public Ethics Commission wants to cut nonprofits a break.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Got ideas for making Oakland better? Take this new city survey
Mayor Sheng Thao is asking residents to give City Hall feedback on critical issues like affordable housing, public safety, and economic development.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
What violence prevention in Oakland looks like
The city is cutting the Department of Violence Prevention’s budget by $4.4 million to help address a historic deficit. We followed a violence interrupter to see what could be lost.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Here’s your chance to weigh in on Oakland’s next police chief
The Police Commission is hosting several community forums and surveying residents about what qualities they want to see in the next OPD leader.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Heated public safety meeting in Montclair reveals a divided Oakland
District Attorney Pamela Price defended and explained her public safety philosophy during an emotional town hall that drew hundreds.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Mayor Sheng Thao is traveling to Vietnam to promote trade
In her first overseas trip as mayor, Thao hopes to drum up business for the Port of Oakland.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland’s Police Commission is failing to meet deadlines in misconduct investigations
The commission’s chief investigator says his team is overwhelmed by cases. Blowing deadlines could mean discipline can’t be issued.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
AC Transit Board will switch to all district elections
The agency will convert its two at-large seats to district elections, redrawing ward boundaries in time for the 2024 election.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Nikki Fortunato Bas
The Council President talks budget highlights, protecting Oakland workers, funding violence prevention, and department mergers.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland’s Democracy Dollars delayed, but not dead
The campaign finance reform initiative will be postponed until 2026 due to budget constraints. Supporters are using the extra time to prepare.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland urges PG&E to bury power lines in fire-prone hills
The utility giant is burying thousands of miles of power lines—but not in Oakland.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
The fight over the Oakland Police Commission is getting uglier
Current commission chair Tyfahra Milele claims a conspiracy is hanging over Oakland’s police watchdog board.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
A show of unity after Oakland suffers 4 homicides in 10 hours
Oakland’s police chief and chief of violence prevention outlined the city’s strategies for dealing with gun violence.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Public outcry results in smallest possible raise for Oakland mayor
City Council approved a $13,000 salary increase and proposed changes to the city’s constitution.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Carroll Fife
The activist turned District 3 rep. feels like 2023 is the year she can finally get stuff done.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
What’s the real deal with the Oakland mayor’s $75,000 pay raise?
A public opinion firestorm erupted over a proposal to give Mayor Sheng Thao a salary bump. We explain what’s going on.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
District Attorney Pamela Price’s critics take first steps toward potential recall
Price was elected on a reform platform last November. Her critics say she’s too lenient.
