The operator of One Rose of Unity said she provides a needed service to tenants who’d otherwise be homeless.
Category: City Hall & Policing
A power struggle in Oakland Chinatown surfaces in a critical audit
A new report faulted the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council for chaotic meetings and confusing votes. But some stakeholders say the audit is a political broadside.
Looking to get involved in Oakland? These city boards and commissions have openings
Nearly 40 official city committees help make policy and serve as watchdogs, but they need volunteers.
Who’s running for Oakland City Council and city attorney in 2024?
The 2024 election is a long way off, but candidates are emerging in several key races already.
Want to be an Oakland government watchdog? Join the ethics commission
Any Oakland resident who is registered to vote in the city can apply between now and Oct. 27.
Oakland’s license plate readers have been off for months, so why does the city want more?
OPD quietly shut down its license plate reader system in February, but officials are pushing for more cameras.
Oakland City Attorney Barbara Parker won’t seek reelection in 2024
Parker served as city attorney since 2011 and said she is proudest of establishing civil rights, housing, and community law programs.
Oakland police commissioners can’t stop the city from replacing them, judge rules
Two commissioners claim they aren’t being reappointed because of corruption. A judge said these allegations are based on a “weak premise.”
What can Oakland’s City Council do about crime?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Oakland City Hall in conversation: Nikki Fortunato Bas
The Council President talks budget highlights, protecting Oakland workers, funding violence prevention, and department mergers.