Josh Rowan, who helped transform Oakland, is out as city transportation head
Just a day after Mayor Barbara Lee held a press conference claiming a reelection mandate, it appears she’s already shaking up City Hall. City of Oakland staff were notified today of major changes in the city’s executive leadership as Josh Rowan, the transportation department director since spring of 2024, was replaced on an interim basis by Megan Wier, the department’s assistant director.
Mario Juarez grilled by defense attorneys
For three weeks, prosecutors have called witnesses and presented evidence to argue their case that former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao conspired with powerful local business leaders to accept bribes and steer city contracts. And this week, the government had its key witness, an alleged co-conspirator, take the stand to describe the alleged scheme to the jury.
Bay Area transit agencies celebrate RTM’s passage with toasts, cheers, sighs of relief
At The Cordial in San Francisco election night, dozens of people who had campaigned for the Regional Transit Measure celebrated when it became apparent their hard work had paid off. “RTM, RTM, RTM,” the crowd chanted. As the initial results came in, some in the crowd shrieked and embraced,...
NTSB Says Storm-Damaged Tail Triggered Dutch Roll on Phoenix-to-Oakland Flight
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 bound from Phoenix to Oakland rolled unexpectedly at 34,000 feet on May 25, 2024, sending its tail swaying side to side in what's known as a Dutch roll before the pilot landed the plane safely with all 175 passengers and six crew members aboard unharmed. More than two years later, federal investigators say they now know why.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee pushes out 3 top execs just days after reelection
Just days after she was elected to a full four-year term, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee is shaking up the city’s top leadership. The moves include two hold-overs from Sheng Thao’s administration.
Oakland Coliseum and Arena to Lay Off Entire Staff, More Than 1,600 Workers
The Oakland Coliseum and Oakland Arena will lay off its entire staff — more than 1,600 workers — by the end of the year, according to a notice filed with the state. Amid transitioning the complex’s ownership, entertainment company and current operator Legends Global said in the notice that the 1,605 layoffs will be effective Dec. 31, when its contract at the complex expires. Stagehands, hospitality, administration, janitorial and other workers are set to be let go.
Five more ICE arrests in East Bay
LIVERMORE, Calif. (KRON) — Five people were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the East Bay on Thursday, immigration advocates said. In Livermore, “three individuals were detained near Paseo Laguna Seco and Corte Reina Common around 9:00 a.m., followed by another arrest at the Grocery Outlet parking lot,” Alameda County Immigration Legal Education Partnership wrote. […]
Attorney General Bonta Sues to Block Closure of National Archives Facility
SAN BRUNO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Oct. 14 filed a lawsuit challenging the National Archives and Records Administration’s (NARA) abrupt decision to close the National Archives at San Francisco and transfer its holdings to other National Archives facilities across the country. The San Francisco National...
A Bay Area barbecue favorite has finally landed at Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco
After months of delays, Oakland barbecue institution Everett and Jones has opened its long-awaited Fisherman’s Wharf restaurant in San Francisco.
Big surf, high tides put Bay Area beaches on alert as Mavericks crowd arrives
Surfers chasing winter swells and visitors arriving early for next weekend’s Mavericks contest will find hazardous conditions along the coast, with forecasters warning of flooding, sneaker waves, and powerful rip currents. Huge waves were breaking Friday along the city and Peninsula’s beaches. The National Weather Service forecast that waves...
