The Oakland Unified School District in California is approaching the resolution of a widespread lead contamination issue affecting drinking water across its campuses, following more than a year of testing and infrastructure repairs. District officials confirmed that as of March 2026, only two faucets remain out of service, marking significant progress in addressing elevated lead levels that were discovered in aging plumbing systems. The issue first emerged over the past 18 months, w

Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu received an enthusiastic welcome as she returned to the Bay Area this week, marking a celebratory homecoming for the Oakland native following her latest international triumph. The 20-year-old figure skating champion landed at San Francisco International Airport late Monday night after a lengthy trip from Italy, where she recently secured her gold medal performance. Fans gathered at the arrival gate to greet Liu with cheers and applause, underscoring t

The Bay Area is set to take center stage as Super Bowl LX arrives at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, Feb. 8, bringing a weeklong lineup of sports, music and community events that stretch across San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and surrounding cities. Organizers say the region will host dozens of fan festivals, tailgates, concerts and interactive experiences designed to welcome visitors and provide entertainment for residents leading up to the championship game. A major hu

Oakland has activated 18 new speed cameras across the city as part of a broader effort to address speeding and improve traffic safety on local streets. The cameras are now operational, though drivers will not immediately receive citations. City officials have implemented a 60-day grace period during which warnings will be issued instead of fines, allowing motorists time to adjust to the new enforcement system. Mayor Barbara Lee is scheduled to outline additional details of the initi

The office of Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee announced Friday that the anticipated surge in federal immigration enforcement across the greater San Francisco Bay Area has been cancelled. According to Mayor Lee’s statement, she received confirmation from Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez that operations by the U.S. Border Patrol in the region—including Oakland—are not proceeding at this time. In her release, Mayor Lee stated that she spoke with Sheriff Sanchez, who communicated

Oakland police are investigating a deadly shooting that left two people dead and at least four others injured following a violent exchange of gunfire during a robbery attempt Wednesday evening. According to officials, the incident began just before 7:45 p.m. when multiple armed suspects entered a business on the 7100 block of International Boulevard. The confrontation quickly escalated, resulting in chaos, injuries, and fatalities. The Oakland Police Department reported that its Com

Imagine visiting a dentist not only for your teeth but also for your overall well-being, including mental health support, all in one appointment. This vision has become a reality at Asian Health Services, a community health center in Alameda County that is pioneering a first-of-its-kind integration of dental and wellness care. For thousands of patients in the area who cannot afford private care and who face language barriers, this innovative approach has become

Casual carpooling, a long-standing Bay Area commuting tradition, is making a return to the East Bay after being largely dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic. This informal yet efficient transportation option, which dates back to the 1970s, is once again giving commuters a chance to share rides, save money, and reduce congestion while offering a more personal alternative to crowded public transit. For those who are u

San Francisco has officially started issuing citations to drivers caught speeding by its network of traffic cameras, marking the end of the two-month warning phase of the city’s road safety initiative. The city is part of a statewide effort to curb speeding-related accidents through a pilot program that uses automated speed enforcement technology. Beginning Tuesday, any vehicle detected traveling at least 11 miles per hour over the posted speed limit on designated streets will be subjec

An Oakland neighborhood recently witnessed a dramatic transformation as 51 volunteers joined together to remove over 21 tons of illegally dumped garbage from streets and sidewalks in the Wood Street area. The effort targeted the intersection of 24th and Wood Street, a site long plagued by trash piles, abandoned items, and public safety concerns. The cleanup marked a significant step toward reclaiming the area for residents and rebuilding community pride. Though the vibrant graffit

Looking to bring home a new four-legged companion? This Saturday, June 7, the East Bay SPCA is hosting a fee-waived pet adoption event at both its Dublin and Oakland centers as part of the second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day. The event gives residents across the Bay Area an opportunity to adopt a dog or cat at no cost, with all animals spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. More than 150 animal shelte

Oakland continues to see significant benefits from its tourism sector, with the city reporting an economic impact of $779 million from visitor activity in 2024. Despite persistent concerns about public safety and a long-standing negative narrative surrounding crime, tourism leaders and city officials are working to reshape Oakland’s image and highlight the many positives the city offers to travelers. In 2024, the city welcomed 3.4 million visitors who spent approximately $58

D’Wayne Wiggins, guitarist for Tony! Toni! Toné!, has passed away at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer. His legacy as a musician and community leader leaves a lasting impact, especially in his hometown of Oakland. D’Wayne Wiggins, a founding member and guitarist of the Grammy-nominated R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died after privately battling bladder cancer. His family announced his passing on Friday, sharing that