Eli Wolfe

In today's episode, we will start with this week's headlines, including a pause on new data centers in Oakland, Mayor Barbara Lee's State of the City speech, a wage theft settlement with Oakland's Radisson Hotel, a new fireboat called the Beowulf, and a legendary Oakland bar that's closing.

After that, reporters Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein join me to talk about the federal corruption trial of former Mayor Sheng Tao.

A jury was selected this week, opening statements were delivered, and we'll talk about who's involved, what's alleged, and what we'll be watching out for.

Before all of that, a quick message from a local organization supporting this show.

Federal agents raided their homes and offices more than two years ago, and all four have pleaded not guilty.

The trial is expected to last about six weeks, and this week, 12 jurors were selected and heard opening statements from the prosecution and defense.

Our reporters, Eli Wolfe and Natalie Orenstein, are covering this trial for The Oaklandside.

They're here to help us understand who's involved, what's alleged, and what to watch for.

In today's episode, we'll start with the week's headlines, including the Oakland Police Department escaping from federal oversight after 23 years, a close look at Mayor Barbara Lee's record, why the city still hasn't signed its contract with Flock Safety, frustrated AC Transit riders, and a 30-foot Katrina that just arrived in Fruitvale.

After that, City Hall reporter Eli Wolfe will join me to talk about a scary accident that happened at Temescal Pool earlier this month and why the city has no pool technicians on staff, even though it has the money to hire them.

It is part of a much bigger story about Oakland's struggle to fill city jobs.

First, two things.

OaklandSide will continue keeping a close eye on the Oakland Police Department through our public safety beat.

Mayor Barbara Lee is running for a second term in November.

Our City Hall reporter, Eli Wolfe, took a close look at her record.

He reports that Lee has balanced the city budget without layoffs and brought in millions in philanthropic money, including more than $9 million to fight illegal dumping.