When Cherry Chan moved back to Oakland last year after living in Hawaii, she found a city that was struggling with a host of social issues, among them, brazen property crime. Chan works at a shoe shop in Oakland’s Montclair neighborhood, where she says she often sees car break-ins. “It’s become like the wild west,” she said. Early this year, In-N-Out Burger closed its location near Oakland International Airport “due to ongoing issues with crime.” Then Denny’s Restaurant followed suit. Shop owners…
Incumbent Carroll Fife led a crowded field in the Oakland City Council District 3 race after the first vote counts came in Tuesday night. Fife is seeking a second term against five contenders. Her main priorities have been affordable housing, community safety, improving the city’s economy and environmental justice. She did not respond to requests for an interview. If re-elected, her campaign website says, she will work toward implementing more affordable housing, protecting tenants from high rents, and investing in…
At a youth town hall meeting Tuesday, Mayor Sheng Thao said she was interested in how the government can better support young people and the importance of transitional housing for 18-year-olds as they become adults. She also said that the FBI raid on her house was an attempt to stop her from creating meaningful change in Oakland. “I know I did nothing wrong, so I’m not even tripping,” Thao said. The mayor faces a recall on Election Day after less…