This week in Oakland: Fourth of July BBQ at the Pardee Home Museum, and a Hyphy Holiday fundraiser to help immigrants
Other events include funk music at the Piedmont Piano Company, Benny Amón and the New Orleans Pearls at the Sound Room, and Brandon Flowers at the Fox in September.
Recent news
PUBLIC SAFETY
Doug Martin’s family sues Oakland police and ambulance co. over former NFL player’s death
Martin died after a struggle with police last year. His family alleges he was restrained and not provided timely medical care while experiencing a mental health crisis.
city hall
A development corporation for downtown? Business leaders appear to be quietly starting one
A developer’s powerful political group and Barbara Lee have discussed launching a vehicle that could invest in beautification projects, parks, and businesses in the city’s core.
Hear the latest episode
Education equity
Cellphone ban in Oakland public schools starts in August
In a rare moment of alignment, OUSD’s board, parents and teachers agreed on a new rule — no smartphones during the school day.
roads & transit
Oakland’s roads are slowly getting safer
Deadly crashes in 2025 were down to 23 from highs of 36 in 2020 and 2022, according to new data from Safe Oakland Streets.
Arts & Community
California historic parks beckon. How to get a free pass
From a Coast Miwok site dating back to 6,000 BC to Jack London’s former cottage in Sonoma County, the pass offers free admission for a year to 33 historic state parks.
Oakland down one True Burger, Line 51 announces final day and Townhouse shutters after a century
A running list of restaurants that have recently closed in Berkeley, Oakland, Richmond, and beyond.
Features & Guides
Housing & Homelessness
‘Wood Street’ doc follows Oakland homeless community as sweep looms
The new film, covering the 2023 closure of the city’s largest encampment, screens at the New Parkway in July.
Health & Environment
Why Oakland teenagers spent days ripping up ivy along Glen Echo Creek
A recent restoration project has brought native plants and wildlife back to a small stretch of an urban stream.
Business
Can the World Cup score for Oakland’s economy?
From watch parties to BART travelers to Airbnb bookings, the 2026 FIFA tournament appears to be kicking off business in The Town.
About The Oaklandside
How we work
We embedded high schoolers in our newsroom to report on OUSD. Come hear what they found
The Oaklandside’s education reporter Ashley McBride will moderate a conversation May 20 between students and OUSD leaders on academic equity, artificial intelligence, and other big storylines shaping the district.
We’re working with Oakland students to deepen our schools coverage
12 Oakland public high schoolers are getting journalism training, mentorship, and an opportunity to collaborate on reporting through a paid fellowship at our newsroom.
Values guiding our work
News organizations don’t always tell you–or know–what drives their decisions.