‘Lifesaving legislation' introduced to save Oakland fire stations
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON) – Three council members are stepping in to keep fire stations open in Oakland as the city navigates a major budget shortfall.
Some Oakland city leaders are calling this 'lifesaving legislation.' It would reallocate funds to ensure no more fire stations close.
'When the news broke that there were six slated closures of fire stations in Oakland due to our budget crisis, the community rallied. We heard from thousands of Oakland residents that they are not willing to compromise on public safety, specifically fire stations,' said Councilmember Janani Ramachandran.
Oakland boy dies after falling from hotel window in Mexico, family blames faulty infrastructure
The movement has consisted of petitions, rallies, and now a new proposal from three Oakland council members to keep fire stations afloat. If approved, the newly proposed ordinance would reopen two shuttered fire stations and prevent the closure of four others.
Fire stations 25 and 28 are currently closed at least through June as part of the city's effort to close a budget deficit that has swelled past $200 million.
'In this budget situation where we really have to take a step back and ask ourselves 'What can the city do?' And I think we all understand public safety is at the top of the pyramid,' Councilmember Zac Unger said.
'We looked for every penny. This has been truly, truly an enormous task of finding every last penny possible that could go towards reopening our fire stations,' Ramachandran said.
Councilmembers Ramachandran, Unger, and Rebecca Kaplan are proposing the city reallocate millions of dollars from three city funds to pay for the stations.
'One of the biggest sources of funding for this is $2.6 million, which comes from the JPA. The Coliseum arena has experienced an uptick of sales and revenue, so that positive flow of money is being flowed back to the city,' Ramachandran said.
Oakland fire captain and union president Seth Olyer described how crucial it is for the rest of city council to approve this ordinance.
'I mean, within the first eight hours of closures on January 6… 25 and 28 closing, there was a CPR call within a stone's throw of Engine 25. I personally went to a house fire on Engine 21, which is in between the two closed fire stations. It took us 20 minutes to get there. So these fire closures have real world impacts,' he said.
The Oakland city council will discuss the ordinance at their meeting on March 4. Council members encourage residents to attend if they want to support it.
If it is approved, the two closed fire stations would be able to reopen by the end of this fiscal year.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Texas Republican says LA is ‘tip of the iceberg' as deportations nationwide ‘about to go way up'
Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who represents a southern border district, praised President Trump's deployment of the National Guard and said he thinks activity in Los Angeles is just 'the tip of the iceberg' as the Trump administration ramps up deportations. In an interview Sunday on CBS News's 'Face the Nation,' Gonzales called the protests in LA 'tragic' and said, 'Yes, I am comfortable with it,' when asked about the president's deployment of the National Guard. 'It's tragic to see what's happening in LA. I spent 20 years in the military. I fought in two wars. I fought to give people the freedom to protest whatever the hell they want to,' Gonzales said in the interview. 'But what we're seeing in LA are not advocates,' he continued. 'We're seeing anarchists, and the president of the United States should absolutely put down the mob as soon as possible. But this is just the tip of the iceberg.' Gonzales said he thinks protests against immigration raids will continue throughout the country as the Trump administration continues to do what it can to deport people quickly. 'I want to see safety. I want to see safety and security [in] all places, to include LA. But once again, this is the tip of the iceberg. We're talking about, you know, 100,000 people … that have been deported. The numbers are about to go way up.' Gonzales was asked whether he's seeing the Trump administration also target red cities — or whether he thinks the administration is focused on blue-leaning areas, like LA. 'I think what they're targeting is they're trying to deport people as fast as they possibly can. What's going to happen is … it's going to be across the country. And once again, this is the tip of the iceberg,' he said. Gonzales said that, under the Biden administration, more than 400,000 asylum-seekers had their cases closed without being able to present their case before a judge. 'So, one could argue that these 400,000 people are in this country illegally and should be deported immediately. One could also argue that these 400,000 people did not get proper, you know, an opportunity to state their case, and they didn't have that ability,' Gonzales said. 'What I'm worried about is this thing's going to escalate. It's not going to be just LA, it'll be cities all over the country, as we continue to deport people,' he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Hancock & Kelley: Rams settlement money for tornado relief, Trump-Musk squabble on social media
ST. LOUIS – It was another Sunday morning of sometimes heated but always civil political debate on Hancock and Kelley for Sunday, June 8, 2025. Republican consultant John Hancock and Democratic consultant Michael Kelley discussed the following topics: St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer, has an idea for using at least part of the Rams-NFL settlement jackpot – tornado relief. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker for president in 2028? A U.S. Senator calls it a 'no-brainer.' Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe cuts deals to win the special session of the state legislature. And our Quote of the Week: 'Such ingratitude.' President Donald Trump meets his match on social media: it's Elon Musk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Lexington councilwoman announces reelection decision: ‘Did not come easily'
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Lexington Councilmember Denise Gray has announced she will not run for reelection to represent the sixth district. Councilwoman Gray said in a news release on Sunday, June 8, that she wanted to share the news early with her constituents because she believes the community deserves transparency. Lexington councilmember files restraining order on another councilmember Lexington councilwoman speaks out after protective order bars her from workplace Lexington councilwoman barred from meetings appeals order, requests new judge Gray, who has served the sixth district since November 2022, said a factor that weighed heavily on her was her treatment by the media in the coverage of her experience with sexual assault. On Aug. 8, 2024, Councilwoman Gray filed a protective order against fellow councilmember Branda Monarrez stemming from alleged unwanted sexual contact on two occasions, dating back to October 2021. 'The lack of empathy and disregard for my humanity during that time was not only hurtful, but it was also a painful reminder of the barriers Black women too often face when we speak truth and stand in our power,' Gray wrote. 'Despite that treatment, I continued to show up and serve with courage, compassion, and commitment. But I will not pretend it did not affect me, it did.' In August 2024, Monarrez was reportedly barred by a court order from attending city council meetings in person. In November, Emma Curtis was elected to serve Lexington's 4th District, defeating Monarrez with 51% of the vote. Perry County mourns passing of elementary school student: 'Zane deserved more time' Lexington councilwoman announces reelection decision: 'Did not come easily' 1 arrested after Georgetown shooting near Walmart Councilwoman Gray said she hopes qualified, passionate leaders who care deeply about the district she represents will step forward to run with the heart and conviction that the role demands. 'Serving you, my neighbors, my hometown community, and the district where I was raised has been an honor that words can hardly capture,' Gray said. 'Together we've asked hard questions, challenged the status quo, and worked toward a more just and equitable Lexington. I am proud of what we've built.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
