RSS Parrot

After 22 years, OUSD will control its schools again. Here’s why receivership was such a ‘difficult time’

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/ousd-leaving-state-receivership-22-years-loan/

Published: May 13, 2025 23:15

After 22 years, OUSD will control its schools again. Here’s why receivership was such a ‘difficult time’ In 2003, the state bailed out Oakland United to the tune of $100 million — with some conditions.

This week in Oakland: Chicano Legacy in Fruitvale lecture and the Malcolm X Jazz Festival

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/oakland-events-things-to-do-may-15-to-20/

Published: May 13, 2025 22:34

This week in Oakland: Chicano Legacy in Fruitvale lecture and the Malcolm X Jazz Festival Other events include a filmmakers’ mixer, the Tiny Garage Concert Series, and the Oakland Ballers home opener.

Oakland’s largest homeless camp is being demolished

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/east-12th-street-encampment-removed-oakland/

Published: May 13, 2025 19:19

Oakland’s largest homeless camp is being demolished Seventy-nine residents of the E. 12th Street camp have been offered rooms in a new shelter, city officials say. Other unhoused people say they’ve been left out.

La Loulou brings a slice of Paris to Piedmont Ave., Cafe Noir moves to Prescott Market

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/la-loulou-demiya-xiang-xiang-restaurant-openings/

Published: May 13, 2025 19:00

La Loulou brings a slice of Paris to Piedmont Ave., Cafe Noir moves to Prescott Market A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and beyond.

Several pop-ups find permanent East Bay homes in spring

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/understory-black-forest-prescott-market-openings/

Published: May 13, 2025 17:00

Several pop-ups find permanent East Bay homes in spring April brought new cafes, dumpling spots, dairy-free ice cream options, and the grand opening of an anticipated food hall.

Roberts Electric has been keeping the lights on for over a century

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/13/roberts-electric-has-been-keeping-the-lights-on-for-over-a-century/

Published: May 13, 2025 16:30

Roberts Electric has been keeping the lights on for over a century Dan Pitcock, who took over the Oakland company from his father, maintains an award-winning business.

‘Our place to enjoy’: Oakland’s 10th annual 510 Day enlivens Lake Merritt

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/12/510-day-oakland-culture-photos/

Published: May 12, 2025 23:09

‘Our place to enjoy’: Oakland’s 10th annual 510 Day enlivens Lake Merritt Thousands showed up to celebrate the art, community and culture that keeps Oaklanders rooted.

Oakland is planning to eliminate all public financing in local elections

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/12/oakland-budget-eliminate-democracy-dollars-election-2026/

Published: May 12, 2025 19:44

Oakland is planning to eliminate all public financing in local elections If the new budget isn’t amended, 2026 will be Oakland’s first election in over two decades that has no public financing for candidates.

Rattlesnake season has arrived. Here’s how to stay safe

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/12/rattlesnake-advisory-how-to-stay-safe/

Published: May 12, 2025 16:44

Rattlesnake season has arrived. Here’s how to stay safe East Bay Regional Park District has issued a rattlesnake advisory.

How an Oakland Roots and Soul mural project caused ‘heartburn,’ then cured it

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/how-an-oakland-roots-and-soul-mural-project-caused-heartburn-then-cured-it/

Published: May 9, 2025 23:46

How an Oakland Roots and Soul mural project caused ‘heartburn,’ then cured it When a tribute to a beloved graffiti artist was covered up at the club's Longfellow Fields project, a very Oakland story of conflict resolution ensued.

Network issues took down BART earlier today. The whole control system will be modernized soon

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/the-train-control-system-at-the-center-of-the-bart-shutdown-will-be-modernized-soon/

Published: May 9, 2025 23:12

Network issues took down BART earlier today. The whole control system will be modernized soon It hasn’t been fully updated since BART’s inception.

Oakland will pay $1M to former city employee in sexual harassment case settlement

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/oakland-settlement-violence-prevention-lawsuit-harassment/

Published: May 9, 2025 20:08

Oakland will pay $1M to former city employee in sexual harassment case settlement Candace Reese Walters, a former Department of Violence Prevention employee, accused her boss, former Violence Prevention Chief Guillermo Cespedes, of sexual harassment.

This Oakland preschool was born during the Alcatraz occupation. A new documentary tells its story

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/hintil-kuu-ca-preschool-oakland-alcatraz/

Published: May 9, 2025 19:31

This Oakland preschool was born during the Alcatraz occupation. A new documentary tells its story “The School,” about Oakland’s Hintil Ku’u Ca preschool, premieres this month. The film documents the school’s origins in the Red Power Movement and community…

510 Day is ‘celebrating 10 years of resistance’

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/510-day-is-celebrating-10-years-of-resistance/

Published: May 9, 2025 17:05

510 Day is ‘celebrating 10 years of resistance’ The annual one-day festival at Lake Merritt uplifts Oakland culture while raising awareness of social justice issues affecting the community.

Harnessing emerging technologies to power a small business

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/harnessing-emerging-technologies-to-power-a-small-business/

Published: May 9, 2025 16:58

Harnessing emerging technologies to power a small business Artificial intelligence tools can help small businesses with marketing, customer service and data analysis.

BART trains halted systemwide ‘until further notice’

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/09/bay-area-rapid-transit-suspended-shutdown-systemwide-problem-alternatives/

Published: May 9, 2025 14:15

BART trains halted systemwide ‘until further notice’ A "train control system problem" was reported early Friday. The agency is urging riders to seek other means of transportation.

Oakland restaurant Pierre Pierre hasn’t paid rent in over a year, Tribune Tower landlord says

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/08/pierre-pierre-oakland-shooting-rent-owed-tribune-tower/

Published: May 9, 2025 00:21

Oakland restaurant Pierre Pierre hasn’t paid rent in over a year, Tribune Tower landlord says The fine-dining restaurant at Tribune Tower is fundraising to move after a shooting wounded two diners. The landlord wants them to stay despite being owed rent.

Alameda County taxpayers group settles lawsuit with Oakland over 2022 mayoral election

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/08/alameda-county-taxpayers-association-settles-lawsuit-oakland-2022-mayoral-election/

Published: May 8, 2025 19:37

Alameda County taxpayers group settles lawsuit with Oakland over 2022 mayoral election The city agreed to pay an attorney $207,000 and improve its procedures for handling elections and public records.

Incoming Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee appoints chief of staff

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/08/incoming-oakland-mayor-barbara-lee-appoints-chief-of-staff/

Published: May 8, 2025 18:37

Incoming Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee appoints chief of staff Miya Saika Chen, a former staffer for Nikki Fortunato Bas, will be Lee’s right-hand person in the mayor’s office.

At a crossroads, Crixa Cakes shuts down; Teta Nahla shifts to only catering

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/08/crixa-cakes-teta-nahla-restaurant-closing/

Published: May 8, 2025 17:52

At a crossroads, Crixa Cakes shuts down; Teta Nahla shifts to only catering A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and beyond.

Oakland’s political divide between the hills and flatlands is complicated

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/08/oaklands-political-divide-between-the-hills-and-flatlands-is-complicated/

Published: May 8, 2025 16:00

Oakland’s political divide between the hills and flatlands is complicated The majority of voters in the flatlands are often at odds with most voters in the hills. We spoke to some.

City unions urge Oakland to get police overtime spending under control

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/07/oakland-police-department-overtime-budget-unions-2025/

Published: May 7, 2025 23:30

City unions urge Oakland to get police overtime spending under control For years, OPD has blown past its overtime budget, a major factor in the city’s budget deficits.

Trump slashed violence prevention funding in Oakland. Groups want it restored

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/07/oakland-violence-intervention-prevention-trump-administration-grant-cuts/

Published: May 7, 2025 23:00

Trump slashed violence prevention funding in Oakland. Groups want it restored Youth Alive and the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform say Trump’s cuts fly in the face of the administration’s stated goal of increasing public safety.

New digs, same values: After an 8-month hiatus, Understory blooms open again

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/07/understory-reopening-fruitvale/

Published: May 7, 2025 21:00

New digs, same values: After an 8-month hiatus, Understory blooms open again The collective’s new Fruitvale space offers expanded hours, cafe service and coworking.

Alameda County’s election supervisor is also its head IT guy. That has to change, new report says

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/07/alameda-countys-election-supervisor-is-also-its-head-it-guy-that-has-to-change-new-report-says/

Published: May 7, 2025 20:25

Alameda County’s election supervisor is also its head IT guy. That has to change, new report says Continuing the dual role risks undermining “voter confidence,” says committee created by the Alameda County Elections Commission.

Rashidah Grinage honored for decades of work holding police accountable

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/07/rashidah-grinage-oakland-police-oversight-accountability/

Published: May 7, 2025 17:31

Rashidah Grinage honored for decades of work holding police accountable Since 1994, Grinage organized to strengthen civilian oversight of the Oakland police, culminating in a 2016 campaign establishing one of the nation’s most powerful police commissions.

This week in Oakland: Soul home opener, ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ variety show

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/06/oakland-events-things-to-do-may-8-to-11/

Published: May 6, 2025 23:03

This week in Oakland: Soul home opener, ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ variety show Other events include a mural unveiling at Lockwood Elementary, Kollektiv Clay’s Mother's Day for Motherless Daughters, and an art festival at Jack London.

Women’s professional basketball is back in the bay. This Oakland legend never left.

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/06/wnba-valkyries-anna-johnson-sf-pioneers-wbl/

Published: May 6, 2025 23:01

Women’s professional basketball is back in the bay. This Oakland legend never left. The WNBA's Golden State Valkyries have arrived. Will Anna Johnson, the first woman from Oakland to play pro hoops, finally get her props?

Berkeley welcomes grab-and-go sushi spot and a classic American diner

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/06/mels-express-sun-sun-sushi-restaurant-openings/

Published: May 6, 2025 19:00

Berkeley welcomes grab-and-go sushi spot and a classic American diner A running list of restaurants that have recently opened in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond and beyond.

Post politics: How Oakland’s leaders use social media

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/06/oakland-city-council-social-media-videos-instagram-reels/

Published: May 6, 2025 18:00

Post politics: How Oakland’s leaders use social media Local elected officials have adapted to today’s tech-dominated media landscape by crafting online personas and digitally engaging with constituents.

Festival at Ogawa Plaza May 8 celebrates Small Business Week

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/06/festival-at-ogawa-plaza-may-8-celebrates-small-business-week/

Published: May 6, 2025 16:15

Festival at Ogawa Plaza May 8 celebrates Small Business Week The event features dinner on the plaza with a DJ and dancing, hometown vendors, and support for small business owners. All are invited.

Why is it always Black schools that get closed?

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/05/why-is-it-always-black-schools-that-get-closed/

Published: May 6, 2025 00:21

Why is it always Black schools that get closed?  And do closures actually help anyone? Francis A. Pearman, Stanford professor of education, has some answers — and some questions more districts should be asking.

New Oakland budget would slash unfilled jobs to avoid public safety cuts

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/05/oakland-budget-would-slash-jobs-avoid-public-safety-cuts-2025/

Published: May 5, 2025 23:21

New Oakland budget would slash unfilled jobs to avoid public safety cuts Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins’ proposed budget mostly maintains spending on core city services. But it relies on a $40 million parcel tax that has yet to go before voters.

Berlin’s beloved street food is settling down in the East Bay

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/05/black-forest-kitchen-berlin-doner-kebab/

Published: May 5, 2025 18:00

Berlin’s beloved street food is settling down in the East Bay With its new brick and mortar, Black Forest Kitchen is bringing the joy of the döner kebab to Oakland.

Want to help the Oakland Ballers plant trees at Raimondi Park? Here’s how you can root for the home team

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/02/ballers-plant-trees-raimondi-park-west-oakland/

Published: May 2, 2025 22:00

Want to help the Oakland Ballers plant trees at Raimondi Park? Here’s how you can root for the home team The Ballers, Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation, and Sidewalk Trees and Gardens team up for a tree planting event on Sunday.

How Trump’s threats to sanctuary cities could affect Oakland and Alameda County

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/02/trump-sanctuary-cities-executive-order-federal-funding/

Published: May 2, 2025 20:30

How Trump’s threats to sanctuary cities could affect Oakland and Alameda County The county has poured a few million dollars into legal services and other support for immigrant communities this year.

Oakland Head Start in turmoil as director is removed suddenly without explanation

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/02/oakland-head-start-director-removed-suddenly/

Published: May 2, 2025 19:07

Oakland Head Start in turmoil as director is removed suddenly without explanation Head Start supporters are worried the dysfunction could put the early childhood education program’s federal grant at risk.

Barbara Lee says transition team will help Oakland ‘rebuild accountability and results’

https://oaklandside.org/2025/05/02/oakland-mayor-barbara-lee-transition-team/

Published: May 2, 2025 17:43

Barbara Lee says transition team will help Oakland ‘rebuild accountability and results’ Leaders from labor, business, and nonprofit groups will help Lee get her footing when she steps into the Oakland mayor’s office.