Already high child lead poisoning cases expected to rise in Alameda County

Lead poisoning cases remain high in Alameda County, and the Public Health Department expects them to rise in the next couple years, as parents return to having children tested after a slowdown during the pandemic.

Oakland 911 now can dispatch mental health calls to MACRO team instead of police

Oakland’s community response pilot program, which launched last spring as an alternative to a police response, was connected this month to 911 dispatch services.

OUSD cuts attendance positions, despite nationwide ‘crisis’ in absenteeism

Oakland Unified started the school year this week without its five network attendance liaisons, whose sole job was to keep kids coming to school, even as the district struggles to get a handle on absenteeism.

Oakland wants to give voters money to make campaign contributions

Oakland voters will be asked on the Nov. 8 ballot if they want the city to give each of them $100 in campaign vouchers that could be donated to the candidates of their choice.

‘They did what we expected them to do, though it was hurtful’: OUSD board rejects community attempt to save schools

After five months of heated meetings, tensions boiled over Wednesday as the Oakland Unified School board voted decisively against a resolution brought by the community to reverse the scheduled closures of seven schools.

OUSD board appoints member of mayor’s staff to fill Gonzales’ seat

The Oakland Unified School District board selected Kyra Mungia, the deputy director of education for the mayor’s office, as the provisional District 6 director Wednesday.

Oprah picks 19-year-old Oakland author’s book for her club, saying it ‘wowed’ her

Leila Mottley, the 2018 Oakland Youth Poet Laureate, began writing novels when she was just 14. Now, at 19, her debut novel, “Nightcrawling,” has been selected for Oprah’s Book Club.

Community to OUSD: ‘You have the opportunity … stop this whole madness’

Parents and others have been occupying the Parker Elementary School campus in protest of the school’s closure since May 26. After months of protests, rallies and hunger strikes against the closure, parents and community members took over the school and have refused to leave.

Don’t be surprised if you see more rattlesnakes on East Bay trails this summer

Last month, the East Bay Regional Park District issued an advisory to warn park users that they are likely to see more rattlesnakes in the summer months. And as climate change increases the length and temperature of the season, these rattlesnake sightings may become more frequent.

School board considers putting tax for career programs on fall ballot

The Oakland Unified School District board is scheduled to vote June 22 on whether to put Measure N, which funds career pathways programs, on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Oakland Council caps rent increases for many tenants

Oakland tenants of rent-controlled buildings will no longer see their rent raised above 3% annually.

Oakland has spent millions fighting former police chief’s successful lawsuit

Oakland has spent almost $2.9 million to date to defend a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by former police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick.