Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 19h

Who’s to blame for Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell’s resignation?

Some residents are speculating the Police Commission pushed Floyd Mitchell out. Others say the blame is misplaced and inaccurate.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/10/w...

Who’s to blame for Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell’s resignation?

Some residents are speculating the Police Commission pushed Floyd Mitchell out. Others say the blame is misplaced and inaccurate.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 2d

Interesting that this report dropped on the same day OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell resigned.

I'm not saying it's linked. Probably coincidence.

But Mitchell left his previous job running Lubbock's police dept. after a firestorm of criticism about the 911 system there.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/08/o...

Oakland watchdog slams city for ‘slow and inequitable’ 911 responses

Inadequate staffing and language barriers prevent Oakland police dispatchers from answering 911 calls quickly, city auditor finds.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 2d

Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell just announced he's leaving the job before the end of the year.

OPD chief is a notoriously hard job. Mitchell was the 9th chief/interim chief in the past 10 years. Five of his predecessors resigned under pressure or were fired.

oaklandside.org/2024/01/08/h...

Hiring a police chief in Oakland has always been messy

The challenges and conflicts swirling around the city’s current search for a chief are hardly new.

oaklandside.org

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Reposted by Darwin BondGraham

The Oaklandside @oaklandside.org · 3d

The mayor also reassured Oaklanders that she’ll stand up against Trump’s “bullying” if the city becomes a target of the federal government.

Lee calls for ‘changing the narrative’ about Oakland in State of the City speech

The mayor also reassured Oaklanders that she’ll stand up against Trump’s “bullying” if the city becomes a target of the federal government.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 4d

A giant figure in Oakland recently passed.

Pastor J. Alfred Smith, Sr. was a powerful leader and voice of moral authority who shaped Oakland for decades from the pulpit of Allen Temple Baptist Church and in the streets and halls of government. ✍️ by Ashley McBride:

oaklandside.org/2025/10/07/o...

Oakland faith community mourns J. Alfred Smith Sr., social justice pastor who led Allen Temple Baptist Church

Smith led marches, built housing, fought against injustice, and counseled thousands of East Oakland residents during his 38-year tenure. He was also Mayor Barbara Lee’s pastor for decades.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 4d

Bellamy Foster's interpretation of Marxism, not Marx.

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 4d

You do you :)

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Reposted by Darwin BondGraham

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 4d

Contest!

How many inaccuracies can you spot in the AI-generated image of Oakland City Hall that was sent to media in a press release from the mayor's office today?

Send us your list and you could win some Oaklandside merch.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/06/o...

An AI image of Oakland City Hall is missing some stuff…can you spot it?

A press release announcing Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s State of the City speech included a curious picture of a civic landmark.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 4d

Contest!

How many inaccuracies can you spot in the AI-generated image of Oakland City Hall that was sent to media in a press release from the mayor's office today?

Send us your list and you could win some Oaklandside merch.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/06/o...

An AI image of Oakland City Hall is missing some stuff…can you spot it?

A press release announcing Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee’s State of the City speech included a curious picture of a civic landmark.

oaklandside.org

5 10 40

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 6d

Key figure in Oakland FBI corruption case sought $225,000 in city grants.

Three years before an alleged plot to bribe Oakland’s mayor surfaced, Mario Juarez applied for city funds to invest in properties — alarming at least one city staffer.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/02/o...

Key figure in Oakland FBI corruption case sought $225,000 in city grants

Three years before an alleged plot to bribe Oakland’s mayor surfaced, Mario Juarez applied for city funds to invest in properties — alarming at least one city staffer.

oaklandside.org

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 6d

Alameda County half-adopts ‘ethical investment policy’ amid concerns around Gaza war.

Supervisors want more time to consider rules that would limit county investments in fossil fuels, guns, tobacco, and human rights violators.

oaklandside.org/2025/10/03/a...

Alameda County half-adopts ‘ethical investment policy’ amid concerns around Gaza war

Supervisors want more time to consider rules that would limit county investments in fossil fuels, guns, tobacco, and human rights violators.

oaklandside.org

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 9d

RIP Jane Goodall.

A giant figure in science who taught humans that our animal relatives are sentient, emotional beings who deserve our respect and love.

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 10d

Meet the sword-wielding man hired to kick squatters out of empty Oakland homes.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/30/a...

Meet the sword-wielding man hired to kick squatters out of empty Oakland homes

A squatter removal cottage industry has grown out of California’s housing crisis, catering to property owners who don’t want to go to court.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 10d

My question is, will Oakland voters approve another tax, especially one that's purely about filling a general purpose fund deficit?

Past successful parcel taxes were all tied to specific long-term needs like police staffing, libraries, and parks.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/30/o...

Oakland needs to raise $40 million. Is a new tax the answer?

City leaders are considering a menu of potential taxes they want voters to approve next June.

oaklandside.org

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Reposted by Darwin BondGraham

Brian Merchant @bcmerchant.bsky.social · 14d

This has been pushed to the background, but pay attention:

Right now, a stack of bills aimed at reining in AI companies and big tech sits on Gavin Newsom's desk in California. These are the bills Silicon Valley and the GOP tried to ban outright. Now they await Newsom's signature—or veto.

We're about to find out if Silicon Valley owns Gavin Newsom

A guide to the AI and tech bills that have passed the California legislature, and await the governor's signature — or veto.

www.bloodinthemachine.com

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 17d

Violence prevention teams appear to have helped cut rates of violence in Oakland schools, but the program is running out of money at the end of the school year.

Can local leaders find new funding?

oaklandside.org/2025/09/23/v...

Violence interrupters seem to be making Oakland schools safer. But funding is running out

The violence interruption and prevention teams are part of a larger redesign of school safety efforts in OUSD.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 17d

ICE arrested someone inside an Alameda County courthouse on Sept. 15. This is the first time a courthouse arrest has happened in Oakland.

Public Defender Brendon Woods blasted the federal agency and is calling on local leaders to prevent more incidents like this.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/23/i...

ICE arrest inside Oakland courthouse blasted by public defender, other leaders

Immigration agents detained a man attending a court hearing at Wiley Manuel Courthouse, according to the public defender.

oaklandside.org

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Reposted by Darwin BondGraham

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 17d

Do you like The Oaklandside's weekly news podcast? 🔊📰

Help us raise some money to keep this project going.

Each week on "Oaklandside 510," our reporters give a briefing on all the big stories in Oakland — plus an events roundup and food recommendations.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/23/o...

Help us raise $15,000 to keep Oaklandside's podcast going

Our pilot experiment is nearly over. You can help keep the 510 alive for six more months!

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 17d

Do you like The Oaklandside's weekly news podcast? 🔊📰

Help us raise some money to keep this project going.

Each week on "Oaklandside 510," our reporters give a briefing on all the big stories in Oakland — plus an events roundup and food recommendations.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/23/o...

Help us raise $15,000 to keep Oaklandside's podcast going

Our pilot experiment is nearly over. You can help keep the 510 alive for six more months!

oaklandside.org

4 12

Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 23d

This little road in East Oakland is home to some of the best street food vendors in the Bay Area. @chroniclesofazu.bsky.social and Ximena Natera's guide and full story.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/18/5...

5 things to try from the Coliseum Way food vendors

Gorditas, tacos al vapor, shrimp cocktails … Nosh helps you get started among the East Oakland destination's many options.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 25d

Notable study was published today regarding political violence. cvp.ucdavis.edu/research/fea...

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Reposted by Darwin BondGraham

Julia Carrie Wong @joolia.bsky.social · 28d

“Did you consider not complying with this request?”

Judith Butler spoke to @samtlevin.bsky.social about being reported to the feds by UC Berkeley for supposed antisemitism

UC Berkeley shares 160 names with Trump administration in ‘McCarthy era’ move

Prominent professor Judith Butler among students and faculty investigated for ‘alleged antisemitic incidents’

www.theguardian.com

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · 29d

OPD’s decision to encrypt its radio feeds caught city officials by surprise.

Oakland leaders don’t appear to be informed about OPD’s decision to hide its radio broadcasts from the public. Critics say encryption undermines the public’s right to know.

oaklandside.org/2025/09/11/o...

OPD’s decision to encrypt its radio feeds caught city officials by surprise

Oakland leaders don’t appear to be informed about OPD’s decision to hide its radio broadcasts from the public. Critics say encryption undermines the public’s right to know.

oaklandside.org

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · Sep 11

In fast moving news situations where you're not personally in a position to obtain information from credible sources, it's best to stay quiet, listen, read, and think critically.

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Darwin BondGraham @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social · Sep 4

Like many departments, they're citing a 2020 DOJ memo that requires not sharing sensitive law enforcement information over the radio. However, lots of departments are complying with this by still allowing public access to patrol channels while having sensitive information go out over cell phones.

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