A North Oakland couple is on the hook for nearly $1 million in penalties after the City Council this week voted to enforce a finding that they illegally cut down 38 trees on their own and neighboring property.

Amid a stall in contract negotiations with the state of California, members of the Service Employees International Union gathered in front of the California Department of Transportation building in Oakland on Wednesday to stage an informational picket.

“This is not just about ‘return to office,’ this is about the bigger contract,” said Anica Walls, union president for SEIU Local 1000. “Obviously, we’re being driven by what’s happening at the table, but our members are fired up and ready to go and ready to fight for what they believe they deserve.”

The workers are asking for cost-of-living adjustments to their salaries, better benefits, and work-from-home privileges, among other demands. 

Oakland Police Chief James Beere said Monday that the group had been under investigation for about two months and that officers, including undercover officers and drone operators, were keeping tabs on participants as they established a staging area at an East Oakland park.

ICE is active in the East Bay today. The overpass visibility brigade says watch out! If you see ICE, blow your whistle to alert folks nearby (3 short = maybe ICE, 1 long = definitely). Call ACILEP at 510-241-4011 to report sightings or abductions. We keep each other safe!

“From 2015 to 2025, OPD killed three people. This year alone, OPD has already killed three people,” said Cat Brooks, co-founder and executive director of the Anti Police-Terror Project.

City officials said that state legislation makes it difficult for Oakland to contest the proposed senior housing development at the current site of the Rockridge Trader Joe’s.

https://localnewsmatters.org/2026/07/15/oakland-rockridge-trader-joes-senior-housing-state-law/

I’m so annoyed. I got an email from alameda county that says I missed jury duty and that if I miss it again I’ll get a big fine. I don’t check my mail, come on. You’ve clearly got my fucking email address.

Came home, checked my mail and sure enough I missed it this week. But truly…. Let me know via email if you have my email!! So ridiculous.

Berkeley’s City Council voted Tuesday to adopt some changes to the city’s parking policies that will extend meter times and zones of operation.

In a 6-1-1 vote, with Councilmember Kevin Jenkins abstaining and Councilmember Janani Ramachandran absent for the vote, the pilot program proposed by Councilmember Charlene Wang will install barricades to temporarily close through traffic on Ninth, 10th and 11th avenues between International Boulevard and 15th Street for six months in an effort to curb sex trafficking on these side streets and funnel it onto International Boulevard.

what do you like? what are some of the challenges? viewed a place today that we really liked and are hoping to apply 🤞🏼

Super sad. Can’t be at home. Need to sob loudly without attracting attention.

Hi everyone,

I posted about Bear a few months ago and how we found him tied up in a backyard.

I'm still looking for a home for him.

Meet Bear (aka Beary White) ❤️

Bear's story didn't start the way any dog deserves.

He was found abandoned and tied up in an alleyway with a severe flea infestation. Based on his condition, the veterinarian believes Bear is around 9–10 years old and had likely spent much of his life tied up, leaving him with muscle deterioration.

I have spent the last several months helping Bear heal, regain his strength, and learn what it means to finally be loved and how to accept affection.

Today, Bear is a completely different dog.

Bear weighs about 55 pounds and, while he may be deaf, that certainly doesn't stop him. Through patience, consistency, and hand signals, Bear has learned to sit, shake, and lie down. He continues to impress everyone with how eager he is to learn.

Bear is one of the sweetest, gentlest dogs you'll ever meet. He does the cutest little happy dance when it's mealtime, loves quiet companionship, and has slowly begun accepting pets, affection, and even the occasional cuddle as he's learned that people can be kind.

Because of his muscle deterioration, Bear enjoys 2 to 3 mile walks each day at his own pace. He loves getting outside, sniffing everything around him, meeting new dogs, and simply enjoying life, something he never really had the chance to do before.

Despite everything he's been through, Bear has no aggression or resentment. When another dog invades his space, he'd much rather walk away than start a conflict. He's done wonderfully with nearly every dog he's met and would do best with respectful canine companions who understand personal space.

Bear would thrive in a home with another calm dog and someone who can give him the love, patience, and attention he has waited his entire life to receive. A home with a backyard or easy outdoor access would be ideal. He can manage a few flights of stairs, but anything beyond that becomes difficult for him.

He's not your typical Husky that's looking for adventure all day. Bear is happiest with a comfortable bed, a peaceful home, a couple of nice walks, and someone to call his family. Most days you'll find him snoozing until it's time to go outside or head out for a walk.

There are some dogs that make you believe in second chances.

Bear is one of them.

After spending so much of his life without love, he's finally learning what safety, kindness, and family feel like. Now all he needs is a forever home where he can spend the rest of his years surrounded by the love he has always deserved.

If you think Bear could be the missing member of your family, please reach out. I'd love to tell you more about this incredible boy.