Ktop Oakland

09/08/2026

Volunteers Needed!

Celebrate Oakland’s 31 st annual Creek to Bay Day on Saturday Sep 19 with a day full of sustainability, community, and environmental action.

Activities will take place at various sites across Oakland from 9 am to 12 pm.

Visit https://www.oaklandca.gov/creektobayday for a list of project locations and registration details.

07/10/2026

07/02/2026

Keep Oakland Safe this Fourth of July!

03/05/2026

On Thursday, March 12, Mayor Barbara Lee, the City of Oakland, and Visit Oakland will host a special community celebration and rally to honor Oakland’s hometown hero and Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu’s incredible achievement on the world stage, and welcome her home to the city that proudly supports her!

WHEN: Thursday, March 12, 2026
TIME: Doors open at 9:00 AM | Program starts at 12:00 PM
WHERE: Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

Registration is required due to limited capacity.

This is a free community celebration. To ensure fair access, reservations are limited to two (2) tickets per person.

https://www.visitoakland.com/includes/plugins/nav/preview_civs/?type=nav_version&typeArgs%5bpreview_type%5d=draft&typeArgs%5bversion_id%5d=69a8bafb2b43ce353bfc0ba4&typeArgs%5bnav_id%5d=69a1dcfa77454d36de5910ff

01/22/2026

Mayor Barbara Lee Launches Major Community-Based Public Safety Investment, Restoring OPD Cadet Program with Nearly $1M in Private Funding Kaiser Permanente and PG&E

Mayor convenes business and education partners to build homegrown police force that reflects the diversity of Oakland
OAKLAND, CA — Mayor Barbara Lee today announced the reinstatement of the Oakland Police Department Cadet Program, following months of coalition-building that secured $900,000 in funds from Kaiser Permanente and PG&E. The program, which had gone unfunded since 2023 due to City budget constraints, recruits Oakland residents ages 18 to 21 who are enrolled in college, providing paid work experience and a direct pathway to careers in public safety.

"Public safety is my top priority, and the path to a safer Oakland runs through our own community. This program represents Oakland investing in Oakland. Our cadets know our streets, our schools, our families, and our challenges because they’re from Oakland," Mayor Lee said. "That connection matters. We're building a police department that doesn't just serve our community but comes from it - officers who are invested in Oakland's future because it's their future too. That's how we make Oakland safer - from the inside out."

The announcement reflects Mayor Lee's effort to bring together private sector partners and educational institutions around a shared commitment to workforce development and public safety.

A Proven Model
The Cadet Program recruits and develops future law enforcement professionals from Oakland’s local communities. The program is for young people aged 18 to 21½ who are enrolled in two or four year colleges. The program provides mentorship, training, and paid part-time work to prepare cadets for the Police Academy and other OPD positions. The cadets work part-time while they complete their college education. Once they graduate they can apply to go through a police academy to jump-start their careers for full-time employment with OPD.

"The Cadet Program gives young people from Oakland the opportunity to build meaningful careers while strengthening the relationship between our department and the community we serve," said Chief James Beere, Oakland Police Department. “These are officers who don't just patrol Oakland – they're from Oakland.”

The Cadet Program has a proven 25-year track record of success. Cadets who enter the Police Academy graduate at rates exceeding 90 percent, compared to 60 percent for non-cadet recruits. The program also supports the national 30x30 Initiative, which aims to increase representation of women and underrepresented groups in law enforcement. By focusing on Oakland residents, the program ensures future officers reflect the neighborhoods they serve.

Among the program's graduates are OPD Officers Isaac and Isaiah Harris, twin brothers and Skyline High School alumni now serving the city where they grew up.

“The cadet program is a great segue from being a teenager into young adulthood,” said Officer Isaac Harris. “The cadet program prepares and assists individuals in becoming a police officer.”

Officer Isaiah Harris added: “If you would like to experience the everyday life of a police officer before making a big commitment while in college and receiving a paycheck, then you couldn’t ask for any other guidance or mentorship better than the Oakland Police Department Cadet program."

Sergeant Blue Lowery, an Oakland Technical High School graduate, also came through the cadet ranks Sergeant Hardeep Singh discovered his calling after seeing a recruitment sign while delivering pizzas in the ACORN neighborhood - a chance encounter that launched a career in public safety.

“Every setback sharpened my discipline. Every challenge reminded me why I started,” said Sgt. Singh. “The cadet program was an amazing opportunity which gave me a head start in becoming an Oakland police officer. I am glad I took the opportunity.”

Corporate and Community Investment
Mayor Lee worked directly with Kaiser Permanente and PG&E leadership to secure funding for the program's return.

“For more than 80 years, Kaiser Permanente has called Oakland home, and our commitment to this community is unwavering,” said Dante Green, Sr. Vice President and Area Manager in the East Bay, Kaiser Permanente. “This program is a perfect example of Mayor Lee’s vision to invest in our young people and public safety by creating opportunity, building trust, and strengthening the connection between Oakland residents and the institutions that serve them.”

“Investing in programs that create career pathways for local residents and strengthen public safety is core to our commitment to the communities we serve," said David Leach, Senior Vice president & Chief Security Officer, PG&E. “We're proud to stand with Oakland and Mayor Lee on this.”

The funds will support nine cadet positions for two years in the Oakland Police Department. Each cadet’s cost is a high-impact investment in a sustainable workforce solution.

Education Pipeline
The program partners with Merritt College to create an accessible pipeline for Oakland students interested in public safety careers. Cadets work part-time while completing their college education, gaining real-world experience in public safety. Approximately 90 percent go on to careers in law enforcement or related fields, including positions as police officers, 911 operators, police services technicians, and records specialists.

"Merritt College is proud to partner with Mayor Lee and OPD to give our students a clear pathway from the classroom to careers in public safety," said Mildred Oliver, Administration of Justice Department Co-Chair, Merritt College. “This is what community-centered education looks like - meeting students where they are and connecting them to meaningful work in the city they call home.”

Addressing Staffing Needs
The program addresses a critical staffing need. OPD currently has 619 sworn officers, which is below the 700-officer target established by voter-approved Measure NN. Cadets provide immediate operational support to understaffed units while building the skills and community knowledge necessary for long-term success.

"This is about opportunity, dignity, and belonging," Mayor Lee said. "Public safety starts with people who are invested in their city. Today, we're making that investment in Oakland's future."

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

01/12/2026

OAKLAND, CA — Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, along with The Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC) and Visit Oakland today announced the BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone, a community celebration featuring the official Bay Area Super Bowl Watch Party. The free, public event will take place on Sunday, February 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, featuring live entertainment, family activities, and local food vendors, to Oakland families, local businesses, and the vibrant East Bay community.



Once kickoff begins at 3:30pm, the community can watch the Big Game on the big screen inside the Calvin Simmons Theatre at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts– the only official Super Bowl Watch Party in the Bay Area.



** RSVP is required for these free events: https://bahc-live-oakland-fan-zone.eventbrite.com



The event, produced by A2Z Media Group, is designed to be accessible to all Bay Area residents, with Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts providing a centralized location with easy access to public transit including AC Transit bus lines and Lake Merrit BART. The free admission model ensures families across East Bay communities can celebrate together around one of the biggest sporting events of the year.



BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone will feature a dynamic festival atmosphere including live music performances, appearances from local celebrities, family-friendly activities, food and beverage offerings from local vendors and restaurants, and a large-scale broadcast of the game.



The BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is another example of the energy the community is bringing to one of the biggest sporting events of the year. Oakland is also playing host to the Divine Nine & HBCU Flag Football Classic on Friday, February 6 at Laney College – a free event bringing together the spirit of HBCUs, the legacy of the Divine Nine, and the love of the game, all for a great cause.

​

QUOTES:



Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee

"Oakland is on the move — and we are excited to welcome this celebration to our community," said Mayor Barbara Lee. "BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone represents the kind of inclusive, community-centered activation that benefits our residents and local economy. We're proud to partner with the Bay Area Host Committee and Visit Oakland in bringing this event to the heart of Oakland."



Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO, Bay Area Host Committee

"Oakland has always been one of the Bay Area's greatest storytellers — rich in culture, powered by community, and fueled by a passion that runs deep," said Zaileen Janmohamed, President and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. "BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is about giving everyone in the East Bay access to this historic moment. It's a celebration of our people, our creativity, and our resilience. We're thrilled to activate in a way that honors Oakland's spirit and ensures that the economic benefits of this global event directly support local restaurants, vendors, and small businesses."



Peter Gamez, President and CEO, Visit Oakland

"Visit Oakland is thrilled to support BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone as an opportunity to showcase our city on a global stage," said Peter Gamez, President and CEO of Visit Oakland. "This event demonstrates how major sporting events can celebrate local culture, support small business growth, and create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. It's exactly the kind of activation that strengthens Oakland's position as a premier Bay Area destination."



Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank

“BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone is an incredible opportunity that brings together the Oakland community,” said Priscilla Sims Brown, CEO of Amalgamated Bank. “We are excited to support this event, to be part of something that will have lasting meaningful impact for the people and economic development of Oakland. Amalgamated is a bank founded on purpose and resilience, and we are proud to be part of this community.”

https://youtu.be/exryVMO0K9g?si=QYur2mFbIHvYkOGt

Mayor Barbara Lee Announces Free BAHC Live! Oakland Fan Zone: Official Super Bowl Watch Party, Live Music, Local Food & Family Fun at Henry J. Kaiser Center ...

12/31/2025

NEWS RELEASE



Oakland Seeks 500 Volunteers for Point in Time

Homeless Count on January 22, 2026

Contact:

Oakland Public Information Office

[email protected]

Image (10)
Oakland, CA - Today, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife, and City of Oakland leaders and community partners, in partnership with Alameda County, invited residents to participate in the bi-annual Point in Time (PIT) Count on Thursday, January 22, 2026. This crucial event helps us understand the scale of homelessness in our community. The City is seeking 500 volunteers to ensure a comprehensive and meaningful count. Volunteer participation matters, as an accurate count helps ensure funding for homelessness solutions.



SIGN-UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE: https://alameda.pointintime.info/ Please be sure to select OAKLAND for your service location.



“The bi-annual Point in Time Homeless Count is a critical opportunity for us to understand the scale of homelessness in Oakland. We're asking 500 volunteers to help carry out this count. That's not a small ask, but homelessness is not a small problem. To achieve real solutions, we need data,” said Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “The bi-annual Point in Time Count enables us to better allocate resources and implement effective programs to tackle this issue head-on. Homelessness affects all of us; solving it will also take all of us.”



"The Point in Time Count is so critical for volunteers to support," said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. "For just a few hours a day, a volunteer can contribute time that will lead to tangible resources for the City of Oakland. These resources will create real solutions for our unsheltered population."



"If you are wondering why so many Oaklanders are experiencing homelessness and what you can do about it, volunteering for the PIT Count is a great way to learn and get involved," said Sasha Hauswald, Oakland's Chief Housing Policy Officer.



"The Point in Time Count is as important as the US Census," said Sharon Cornu, Executive Director, Saint Mary's Center. "The Point in Time Count helps us understand where to deliver services and how to allocate resources. It's also an important myth-buster. In prior years, it has told us that eight out of ten people experiencing homelessness were last housed in the community where they are now unhoused."



The Point in Time Count is an estimated census of people experiencing homelessness, including both sheltered and unsheltered individuals in a 24-hour period. The City of Oakland’s role in the 2026 PIT Count will be to conduct the counting of the portion of Oakland’s unsheltered individuals i.e., those living outside in vehicles, encampments, and other locations considered uninhabitable.



Volunteer participation is key to the success of the PIT Count. Volunteers help in surveying, data collection, and engagement with the homeless community. Volunteers will be requested to work in shifts between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and will be asked to download a mobile app called Counting Us. Prior to the count, volunteers will receive training on how to properly survey individuals, best practices, and safety measures while out in the community.



Why is the PIT Count Important?


Allocates Resources: It helps determine the allocation of funding and resources for homeless services.
Informs Policy: PIT count data is vital in shaping effective homelessness policies and programs.
Raises Awareness: The count increases community awareness about the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness


Data from the PIT Count is used to:

Guide Decisions: Inform local government and non-profits in developing strategies to address homelessness.
Support Services: Enhance the capacity and quality of services provided to the homeless population.
Track Progress: Measure the changes of the homelessness population and the effectiveness of current interventions and identify areas for improvement.


We Need:

Individuals: Volunteer and bring your compassion and commitment to make a difference.
Private Sector: Show your corporate social responsibility by encouraging employee participation.
Community Organizations: Encourage employee participation and collaborate with us to strengthen our community's response to homelessness.
Learn more here: https://www.oaklandca.gov/pitcount

https://youtu.be/qP5eZeBjDCw?si=nId_lmCXatRIOrsF

The biannual count trains and deploys community volunteers to engage with Oakland's unhoused community, helping better understand their needs, and helping se...

11/14/2025

Press Release:
Mayor Lee Announces Interim Police Chief and New Constitutional Policing Administrator Position
OAKLAND, CA – Mayor Barbara Lee today announced the appointment of Assistant Chief James Beere as Interim Chief of Police, effective December 6, 2025, following Chief Floyd Mitchell's planned departure on December 5. The appointment was made in consultation with the Chair of the Police Commission, following the process outlined in Measure S1.



Mayor Lee also announced the creation of a new Interim Constitutional Policing Administrator position, appointing Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips to the role. Phillips will work directly with Interim Chief Beere to strengthen internal accountability structures, including oversight and support for Internal Affairs investigations, policy development, internal audits, and resource allocation. Phillips will continue reporting directly to the City Administrator while coordinating with Executive Command.



Interim Chief James Beere has served with the Oakland Police Department since 1997. A decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, Beere has held leadership positions including Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief of Bureau of Field Operations, and Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. He has received numerous departmental honors including the Blue Star Medal, Medal of Merit, and the Chief's Excellence in Leadership Award. Beere graduated Magna Cum Laude from Golden Gate University with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.



Assistant City Administrator Michelle Phillips will develop the Constitutional Policing Administrator position into a permanent leadership role focused on transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing practices. The position will provide guidance, advisement, and oversight of procedures and policies, working closely with the Chief of Police on areas within the Bureau of Risk Management, Internal Affairs Bureau, and Fiscal and Human Resources.



Permanent Chief Selection Process: Under Measure S1, the Police Commission will now lead a comprehensive search for Oakland's permanent police chief. The Commission, with assistance from the City Administrator, will prepare and distribute a job announcement and conduct a thorough recruitment process. Following candidate interviews, the Commission will provide Mayor Lee with a list of at least three finalists for consideration. Mayor Lee will then appoint one candidate from the list or reject the list in its entirety and request a new list from the Commission. The search will prioritize candidates with knowledge of Oakland's public safety requirements, culture, and history, and a commitment to reducing crime while ensuring accountability.