Former Mayor Libby Schaaf was just handed the top job at the Bay Area Council despite presiding over Oakland's police collapse, business exodus, and the political machine that produced an indicted successor — a reward that captures how accountability works in Bay Area politics. Back in Oakland, the city council is pushing a 125% raise for itself amid a $100M deficit and 48-minute 911 response times, while the Coliseum sits empty with no buyer in sight. From encampment fires shutting down the Transbay Tube to gang networks driving half the city's gun violence, Oakland's governance crisis is accelerating even as its leaders collect bigger paychecks and better titles.
Her Oakland left behind gutted police, fleeing businesses, and an indicted successor. The Bay Area Council thinks that's a resume.
Less than 2,000 Oakland residents drive most of its gun violence. Oakland Ceasefire shows just how important it is to target the right people.
A $100M deficit, 509 cops, 48-minute 911 waits, a recalled-and-indicted mayor. And now the council wants more money.
BART knew about the encampment, had legal authority to clear it, and asked Oakland nicely. Then it burned.
In 2013, three pro sports teams and big dreams. In 2026, an empty stadium nobody will buy.
The highest property crime rate in America, the fewest cops per crime, and a 0.5% solve rate. These aren't excuses—they're failures.