Oakland’s surprising affordable housing boom, dropping crime rates, a new health center for East Oakland youth, huge fixes coming for Oakland sidewalks, and much more good news in this week’s episode. 

We spend a lot of time on this podcast covering Oakland's challenges — budget crises, crime statistics, political turmoil. That's important. 

But it’s not the full story of what's happening in this city. 

When we launched this newsroom, we made a commitment to reporting that reflects the value of Oakland. Along with our accountability and watchdog journalism, we share real news about real change that’s making Oakland better. 

Today’s episode rounds up some of our latest reporting on good news in Oakland. 

Also: Vote in the 2025 Nosh Awards!

STORIES IN THIS EPISODE

Education and youth support

• Samuel Merritt University’s $240M campus to bring 2,000 students to downtown Oakland
• Enrollment is up in OUSD for the first time in 8 years. Can it be sustained? 
• Health center for East Oakland youth breaks ground

Crime decrease and violence prevention

• Trump claims Oakland crime is out of control. But crime has fallen this year
• A violence interruption academy is coming to Oakland

Better sidewalks

• Nicole Brown-Booker sued Oakland over its busted sidewalks — and won 

Music communities

• RIC Bar in Rockridge is hosting private shows to cure musicians’ blues
• Jazz quintet finds fans in Oakland retirement communities, playing music ‘from their era’

Affordable housing boom and food assistance 

• Affordable housing construction is taking off in Oakland
• Alameda County announces another $1.5 million in emergency food assistance

Good restaurant news: 

• Reems returns, Cenaduria Elvira finds a new home, Saba Grocers expands

Find all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at editors@oaklandside.org.