The Chevron Richmond Refinery experienced flaring due to operational issues, prompting a Level 1 Hazmat notice but no action from the public. The refinery addressed safety concerns on social media.

Kirk Richardson, an inmate at Martinez Detention Facility, died after self-inflicting head injuries and unsuccessful resuscitation attempts. Previously arrested for murder, his death is under investigation.

A truck and trailer were stolen and crashed into a home in Piedmont, prompting a police investigation and call for community assistance. No injuries were reported.

A 45‑year‑old El Cerrito man charged with racially charged death threats to Mayor Barbara Lee is also accused of vowing to “skin” a federal judge, court filings show.

Oakland Police arrested an individual with a loaded "ghost gun" on Sunnyside Street, underscoring efforts to combat gun violence and unregistered firearms.

Mayor Barbara Lee’s two police commission nominees cleared a committee hurdle and head to City Council on Jan. 20. The picks arrive as Oakland navigates long-running federal oversight and selection disputes.

A new two‑loan option pairs an FHA/VA mortgage with National Homebuyers Fund down‑payment help, potentially letting some Bay Area buyers purchase with little or no cash.

Caltrans' study of a 70-year ban on heavy trucks on I-580 has reignited a rift in Oakland. Neighbors warn pollution and safety risks would shift if big rigs return to the route.

Rob Bonta joined four state attorneys general in suing to block a federal freeze on more than $10 billion in child‑care and family assistance funding. The coalition says the move is unlawful and threatens services families rely on.

Teni East is moving to 3770 Piedmont Ave in March, expanding its kitchen, adding a patio and launching a bar program.

Morgan Stanley paid about $110.3M for a 291,100‑sq‑ft two‑building campus at 44100–44200 Osgood Road in Fremont, public records show.

Piedmont police chased a stolen vehicle across cities, using ALPR cameras and stop sticks. The suspect was undeterred but eventually stopped; the vehicle was recovered in Berkeley and returned to the owner.

The city Trump declared beyond salvation just posted better murder statistics than two of Texas's biggest law-and-order strongholds. Oakland's 13 homicides per 100,000 residents now undercuts Houston's 13.8 and Dallas's 13.6, demolishing years of political rhetoric about Democratic cities spiraling into chaos.