Stolen Cars and Unpaid Tickets: Oakland Residents Face a Double Trouble Dilemma

Oakland, California—a city grappling with car theft and parking violations—has recently come under scrutiny after revelations that stolen vehicles are often ticketed for illegal parking. An investigation by an Alameda County grand jury spotlighted this troubling trend, highlighting the frustrations of residents and the challenges faced by city officials. Many Oakland residents have experienced the unsettling reality of discovering their stolen cars have accrued a number of parking violations during their absence. Ricardo Vindiola, an Oakland city employee, explained the arduous process car owners face when reclaiming stolen vehicles, which includes paying towing fees, storage … Read more

Trailblazing Oakland Attorney Dan Siegel, Catalyst of Civil Rights Activism, Passes at 79

OAKLAND, Calif. — Dan Siegel, a prominent civil rights attorney and a key figure in Berkeley’s activism history, passed away on July 2 after battling cancer. He was 79 years old. Siegel was a central player during the landmark “Bloody Thursday” protest at People’s Park in 1969, where he famously rallied thousands of demonstrators to reclaim the park, an event that resulted in tragic clashes with law enforcement. Growing up in a working-class family in The Bronx, New York, Siegel’s path to activism began early, shaped by a diverse upbringing. He later attended Hamilton College, … Read more

Defense Attorney Criticizes Oakland County’s Handling of Oxford High Case, Cites Misuse of Media

PONTIAC, Mich.—In the aftermath of the tragic Oxford High School shooting, a defense lawyer for Ethan Crumbley, the teenager accused of killing four classmates and injuring seven others in November 2021, has leveled accusations against the Oakland County prosecutors. The defense claims that the prosecuting team is using the high-profile case to engage in public relations tactics that could prejudice the community and potential jurors. The legal team for Crumbley, who was 15 at the time of the shooting, argues that the extensive publicity surrounding the case is part of a strategy to sway public … Read more

Oakland Airport Expansion Faces Legal Hurdles Over Environmental and Health Concerns

Oakland, Calif. — The proposed expansion of Oakland International Airport, which would be its first significant renovation since the 1960s, is facing legal hurdles as two lawsuits challenge the initiative. The Stop OAK Expansion Coalition, along with Communities for a Better Environment, have filed suits alleging that the project does not comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), particularly concerning potential health impacts on nearby communities. Dr. Paul English, a former epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health and member of the Stop OAK Expansion Coalition, voiced concerns that the addition of new … Read more