Shop local for the holidays: Hoodline's gift-giving guide in support of small East Bay businesses
Shopping local supports struggling small businesses, plus it delivers major pandemic benefits: Many neighborhood stores are offering private shopping by appointment, custom gift packs and almost-totally-isolated conditions that the big-box retailers just can’t match.
Ayesha Curry opens Sweet July store and cafe in Uptown Oakland
As she promised to last year, Ayesha Curry has just opened her first retail store in Oakland, in conjunction with her lifestyle magazine called Sweet July. The Sweet July store and cafe debuted Tuesday at 455 23rd Street in the Uptown neighborhood.
Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles in Oakland and Philadelphia Set to Close Amid Economic Crisis
A cherished Oakland furniture store, Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles, announces its closure after more than three decades of operation. The situation highlights the challenges faced by small businesses in the current economic climate.
Port of Oakland Sees Surge in Cargo Volumes, Echoing Northern California's Consumer Spending Patterns
The Port of Oakland reports a surge in cargo volume, with a 32.1% increase in imports and a 24.2% rise in exports in February, indicating strong consumer spending and demand in Northern California and Asia.
Oakland CHP Arrests Suspect and Recovers Stolen Vehicles and Firearms After High-Speed Chase
CHP officers in Oakland arrested a suspect after a chase, recovering stolen vehicles, two loaded firearms, and drugs. The pursuit ended without further incident, with the suspect facing multiple charges.
New Costco Warehouse Breaks Ground in Brentwood, Eyes Early 2025 Opening to Serve Local Shoppers
Construction for a new Costco warehouse has begun in Brentwood, with an expected opening in early 2025. The community anticipates benefits such as reduced travel time for shopping and increased city revenue.
Bay Area's Books Inc. Seeks Renewal Through Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Closes Berkeley Store Amid Reorganization Efforts
Books Inc., a long-standing Bay Area bookstore chain, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed its Berkeley location to reorganize for a sustainable future, and has asked for community support.
Seagate Technology Set to Acquire Intevac in $119 Million Deal, Bolstering Data Storage Capabilities
Seagate Technology is set to acquire Intevac Inc. for around $119 million, or $4 per share, with added dividends making the total per-share value $4.102. The deal is supported by major Intevac shareholders and expected to complete by early April.
Chevron Cuts 600 Jobs at Former San Ramon HQ Amid Houston Transition and Restructuring
Chevron is cutting 600 jobs at its former San Ramon headquarters and relocating to Houston. The layoffs are part of an organizational simplification for long-term competitiveness. The company is also acquiring Hess Corporation for $53 billion.
California is Now the World's Fourth Largest Economy, Surpassing Japan
California is now the world's fourth largest economy, surpassing Japan, with a GDP of $4.1 trillion. Governor Newsom attributes this to investments in people and innovation but warns that Trump's tariff measures could harm growth.
Port of Oakland Reports Declining Container Volume Amid Market Recalibration and Tariff Uncertainty
The Port of Oakland experienced a decline in container volume in June, attributed to shifts in logistics and trade uncertainties; while year-to-date figures show a minor increase, a significant drop in June suggests market recalibration.
E.l.f. Cosmetics Ad Featuring Comedian Matt Rife Sparks Backlash Over Past Insensitive Jokes
E.l.f. Cosmetics faced backlash for an ad featuring Matt Rife, who has joked about domestic violence, leading to a negative public reaction despite the brand's intention to resonate with a young female audience.
Oakland's Flipcause Accused of Failing to Distribute Charitable Funds Amid Growing Nonprofit Strains
Nonprofits accuse Flipcause, a fundraising platform, of failing to distribute donations, causing financial stress and program cancellations; the Better Business Bureau rates the company 'F'.
Safeway to Shut Down Jackson St. Store in Hayward, No Layoffs as Employees to Be Relocated
Safeway is closing its Jackson St. store in Hayward due to the lease expiring and plans to relocate the 76 affected employees. The company emphasizes continued commitment to the community with its nearby Foothill Boulevard store.
East Bay Blue Bottle Baristas Strike for Fair Pay, Urge Customer Boycott Amid Labor Disputes
Baristas at three East Bay Blue Bottle coffee shops are on strike, requesting fair pay and workplace representation, and urging a customer boycott until a satisfactory contract is reached. The strikes are part of wider unrest in the service industry.
Fremont Meat Truck Uproar: Market Boss Blasts ‘Stupid’ Viral Video
A Reddit clip showing raw meat deliveries at Maiwand Market in Fremont sparked online alarm. The manager and the supplier say procedures were followed and invited inspection.
Bay Area Drivers Slammed as 7‑Eleven Gas Glitch Turns $80 Fill-Ups Into $8K Nightmares
A software update and payment‑processor error left roughly 200 Bay Area customers temporarily charged 100x for gas; 7‑Eleven says it will issue refunds plus $500 payouts.
Emeryville Welcomes Japanese Market Tokyo Central with Grand Opening Festivities and Exclusive Offers
Tokyo Central is opening a new store in Emeryville, offering a range of Japanese products and embodying the philosophy of Omotenashi hospitality. The grand opening includes a $10 gift certificate giveaway and other festivities.
Game On At Jack London: Dave & Buster’s Bets Big On Oakland Waterfront
Dave & Buster’s will occupy 55 Harrison in Jack London Square this spring, bringing games, big‑screen sports and new jobs as a new state law loosens waterfront rules.
After Yearlong Fight, Walnut Creek Chick-fil-A Set To Open Next Week
Chick-fil-A will open next Thursday at 2290 Oak Grove Road, a 5,363‑sq‑ft location the city cleared in 2024. The council approved the store without a drive‑thru and attached traffic mitigation conditions.
Supersized H Mart Headed for Fremont, Poised to Be Chain's Biggest in U.S.
H Mart will open a 100,000-square-foot, two-story flagship at Pacific Commons in Fremont with a food hall, restaurants and a bar. Construction is expected later this year.
Amazon Axes 16,000 Office Jobs, Bay Area Squads Brace for Impact
Amazon will eliminate about 16,000 corporate roles and give most U.S. staff 90 days to seek internal positions. The cuts follow October layoffs and could touch Bay Area teams.
Instacart Brass In Hot Seat As Shareholder Probe Follows FTC Price Games
A securities law firm has opened an inquiry into Instacart’s officers after FTC enforcement and reports about AI price tests. The move raises fresh corporate‑oversight questions for the San Francisco company.
Bay Area Bank Pulls Plug On Local Branches, Axes More Than 100 Jobs
A bank closed multiple Bay Area branches and cut more than 100 jobs, the Mercury News reports. Here’s what customers need to know about notices and FDIC protections.
Walgreens Hit With $6 Million Tab After Bay Area Prosecutors Cry Foul
A coalition of county prosecutors says Walgreens overcharged customers and sold expired OTC products; the settlement includes fines, audits and a price-scanner guarantee.
Bay Area EV Underdog Lucid Grabs Billion-Dollar Lifeline And New Boss
Lucid named Silvio Napoli as CEO and secured roughly $750M from the PIF and Uber while pricing a $300M offering as it pushes midsize models and robotaxis. The company reaffirmed 2026 production guidance but flagged heavy losses.
Highwire Coffee Plots East Bay Takeover From Emeryville HQ
Oakland-born Highwire Coffee plans to expand across the East Bay, prioritizing sites near its Emeryville roastery to keep beans fresh and local. The company says it will infill neighborhoods rather than leap to distant markets.
Oakland Slaps 'Legendary' Label On Equity Weed To Steer Shoppers To Local OGs
Oakland debuted a city‑backed “Legendary” mark to spotlight cannabis made by equity operators. The campaign — produced with Oaksterdam University — will roll out on products and billboards and features 15 brands.
Label Snafu Has Bay Area’s Loard’s Yanking Ice Cream From Freezers
Loard’s voluntarily recalled dozens of 32oz and 56oz tubs after an FDA inspection found missing allergen labels. Return affected products for a refund or replacement.
Tesla Drivers Left Backing Up Blind as 219,000 Cars Hit With Recall
A software bug that can blank the rearview camera for up to 11 seconds prompted an NHTSA recall of 218,868 Teslas; Tesla says nearly all affected cars already received an OTA fix.



















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