City Notices Roundup: New Public Safety Measures and Community Services

Mayor Lee Signs "Protect the Town" Executive Orders

In a significant move for municipal policy, Mayor Barbara Lee signed two executive orders on Thursday, January 29, 2026, aimed at protecting residents from federal immigration enforcement operations. These orders are active as of Friday, January 30, and include the following mandates:

• Property Restrictions: The orders explicitly prohibit the use of Oakland city property as a staging area, processing location, or operational base for federal civil immigration enforcement. Residents may notice new signage and physical barriers being erected at various city-owned sites to enforce these boundaries.
• Protect the Town Task Force: A new interdepartmental task force has been formed to coordinate the city’s response, educate the community about their rights, and ensure the Oakland Police Department maintains operational independence from federal troops.
• Legal Protections: The Mayor’s Office is collaborating with the City Attorney to pursue legal actions if federal forces are unilaterally deployed within city limits.

Transportation Alert: Posey Tube Overnight Closures

The City of Oakland and Caltrans wish to remind motorists of scheduled maintenance affecting the Posey Tube. Through the morning of Friday, January 30, the tube will undergo full overnight closures from 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Drivers are advised to use the Webster Tube as an alternative and expect minor delays in the downtown and Alameda corridor during these hours. Additionally, the city’s automated speed safety camera program remains in its 60-day public awareness period. Drivers caught speeding in designated high-injury corridors will receive written warnings rather than citations until mid-March.

Public Health Advisory: Influenza Surge and Kratom Risks

The California Department of Public Health has issued two critical advisories for the Oakland area this week:

• Seasonal Influenza: There is a significant increase in influenza cases across the region, primarily driven by the H3N2 strain. Health officials urge residents to stay up to date with vaccinations and practice respiratory hygiene in public spaces.
• Kratom Safety Warning: Residents are cautioned against using kratom products, particularly those containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). These substances have been linked to serious adverse health effects and are not approved for consumption.

Community Resources: Free Tax Preparation and Fire Recovery

Oakland’s Community Action Partnership has launched its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Eligible residents can receive no-cost tax preparation services and assistance in claiming the federal and state Earned Income Tax Credits. Furthermore, for those impacted by the recent Broadway fire, the Local Assistance Center at 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza remains open to provide housing and financial support services.