After an unsanctioned Juneteenth gathering by Oakland's Lake Merritt devolved into chaos and dozens of shots fired in 2024, there were many headlines calling this a mass shooting. 14 people sustained injuries, and many in the community were angry and saddened given that there had been another shooting on Juneeteenth three years earlier, which left one person dead.
But the city only committed funding through the current 2025-2026 school year, and city leaders made it clear that this was a pilot program they would support for the first few years and then hand over to the district to build into its budget or seek outside funding. That funding cliff has arrived just as OUSD navigates a serious budget deficit and needs to trim $100 million from next year's budget.
Reid Soskin, who retired as the nation's oldest park ranger, died peacefully at at age 104 at her home in Richmond on Dec. 21, surrounded by her family. During World War II, Reid Soskin worked as a file clerk for the U.S. Air Force and, in 1945, she and her then-husband, Mel Reid, founded Reid's Records in Berkeley, a small black-owned business that specialized in Gospel music.
According to Oakland transportation department staff who spoke at a recent infrastructure committee meeting of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission, the city is expected to remove driving lanes in what's called a "road diet," and add crosswalks, buffered bikeways, and pedestrian islands. These changes are part of the 18th Street Complete Streets Paving Project, which has been in the planning stages for years - and has long been on the wish list of area residents.
Oakland couples share how they found love in real life - at protests, festivals, schools, and house parties. Plus, where to eat and what to order this Valentine's Day, whether you're single, coupled up, or celebrating with friends. Arts and community reporter Azucena Rasilla profiled couples whose relationships are deeply rooted in Oakland, and Nosh editor Tovin Lapan guides us through Valentine's desserts, singles spots, and dining recommendations for every relationship status.
There's no evidence that aligning parking under the finance department will increase revenue, but there is evidence that revenue has grown, and consistency of parking enforcement has improved under [transportation] leadership,
County leaders approved a contract with Flock in June 2023 to cover unincorporated parts of the county with over 100 license plate readers. Last April, the board agreed to pay for Flock's pan-tilt-zoom cameras, which allow the sheriff's department to conduct surveillance on pedestrians, vehicles, and more. In July, the board signed a $600,000 year-long deal with Flock for the AeroDome system, which stations drones at sheriff's facilities where they can be deployed on a minute's notice.
02.06.26: Coffee Cultures on Park Street in Alameda closed Jan. 31. However, it still offers a mobile coffee cart for special events. Coffee Cultures used to have several locations in San Francisco, but Alameda was "home," where owner Jason Michael Paul was raised. Ones Cafe & Bakery, based in Castro Valley, will open a location in this spot; the opening date hasn't been announced yet. Coffee Cultures, 1926 Park St., Alameda.
The East Bay trio, made up of Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, is expected to perform some of their biggest hits as they celebrate 60 years of the NFL's MVP award. "We are super hyped to open Super Bowl 60 right in our backyard!" Armstrong said in an NFL press release. "We are honored to welcome the MVPs who've shaped the game and open the night for fans all over the world. Let's have fun! Let's get loud!"
Editor's note: Nosh covers food and restaurant news across the East Bay, and each week we publish one article covering all the restaurant openings and one article covering closings. Have a tip for Nosh? Submit it here. Subscribing to the Nosh newsletter is the best way to stay up to date on all of the openings and closings, breaking news, deeper developments, and events in the East Bay food scene.
Speaking at a press conference at OPD headquarters Tuesday morning, Beere said additional officers will be stationed around Lake Merritt, the Uptown and downtown commercial corridor along Broadway, and the 18th Street and Telegraph Avenue area. OPD's Special Operations Division will also be deployed citywide, including the ARGUS helicopter, traffic enforcement unit, special weapons and tactics team, and undercover officers.
Flip the script on the usual romantic dinner obligation at Tanzie's, where spicy Thai lava eggs bring the heat, but brunch hours keep it casual. For a dash of fancy, book a reservation for their prix fixe option. For another just-another-day-date option, grab a beer and some seafood comfort food at Sailing Goat. The Richmond hotspot has live music, great views, and a crowd-pleasing menu for day and night noshing, plus a walk-in only policy ideal for last-minute decision makers. Test the romance waters by timing your visit to the sunset. If there's a wait for a table, you can also check out the collection of former Burning Man art pieces at the Point San Pablo Harbor.
