Dax Lee’s Chili Cook-Off has ‘no rules’
The annual bean boil raised over $10,000 for homeless nonprofits in Oakland.
Recent news
PUBLIC SAFETY
How a George Floyd-inspired California law accidentally weakened police accountability
Investigations into fatal shootings by California police now take so long that officers often can’t be decertified or prosecuted.
city hall
Racial disparities undermine Oakland’s contracting process. Can the city fix this?
Studies have repeatedly shown that women and minority-owned firms are excluded from city work. New policies aim to create a more level business playing field.
Hear the latest episode
Education equity
OUSD commits to violence intervention in Oakland schools next yearÂ
After a year of uncertainty, the district is seeking applications from organizations to provide violence intervention, life coaching, and gender-based violence support in its high schools.
roads & transit
Lakeshore Avenue bike lane pushed back to spring 2027
Workers discovered extensive street damage, delaying the project that was sparked by a 4-year-old’s tragic death three years ago.
Arts & Community
Montclair says goodbye to A Great Good Place for Books
After nearly three decades, the independent bookstore’s final day is June 14.
Oakland May closures include Clove & Hoof, Oken and Gold Palm
Several prominent restaurants recently shuttered in the East Bay, as did a plant-based meal service.
Features & Guides
Housing & Homelessness
Lawsuit and resignation rattle Oakland trash pick-up org
Urban Compassion Project’s board accuses founder Vincent Ray Williams III of misusing money. Williams says he was wrongfully pushed out.
Health & Environment
Heat and wind could raise East Bay fire danger this week
Oakland was included in a Red Flag Warning for dangerous fire weather, but a meteorologist said our side of the hills was not likely to see those conditions.
Business
How this outfit has kept on delivering eggs and dairy to the Bay Area for over 80 years
The owners of V&C Foods have excelled at planning for succession, both within the family and beyond.
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.
