The Town Today: Prepping for the Spotlight and Celebrating Local Progress
Morning Briefing: Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Good morning, Oakland. As we move through the final week of January, the mood in the city is one of focused preparation and cautious optimism. With the regional spotlight set to intensify over the coming weeks, Oakland is leaning into its role as a key player in the Bay Area’s upcoming international sports schedule, while simultaneously hitting significant milestones in local infrastructure and safety.
The Mood: Energetic Anticipation
There is a distinct energy in the air as Oakland enters "hosting mode." Between the modernization projects visible across the skyline and the city's role in supporting next month's Super Bowl LX, the Town feels like a community on the move. While residents are adjusting to new city council rules and the recent uptick in parking rates to $3 per hour, the prevailing sentiment is one of forward momentum.
Key Talking Point: Security for a Global Stage
A primary topic of discussion this week is the Oakland City Council's coordination with regional partners for the upcoming mega-events. The Council has been finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will see the Oakland Police Department (OPD) provide tactical support and security for Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on February 8, as well as the FIFA World Cup later this summer. While the events are hosted in Santa Clara, Oakland’s security expertise is being tapped for regional safety. Crucially for taxpayers, the City of Santa Clara will fully reimburse Oakland for all personnel and equipment costs, ensuring the Town’s general fund remains protected while our officers gain high-level professional development.
Feel-Good Story: A Safer, Healthier Oakland
We have much to celebrate regarding the long-term health and safety of our community. Newly released data shows a heartening trend in public safety: homicides in Oakland have continued to decline significantly, dropping from 86 in 2024 to 66 in 2025. This downward trajectory provides a hopeful backdrop for the year ahead.
Additionally, the Temescal neighborhood is witnessing the transformation of the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital. Major construction is now underway for a new seven-story hospital facility that will add 104 patient beds and a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit. The completion of the administrative support building at 747 52nd Street later this year marks the first major step in this campus-wide modernization, promising improved care for families across the region.
What to Watch Today
- Tonight's Entertainment: Iconic R&B groups New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton take the stage at the Oakland Arena tonight at 8:00 PM.
- Community Voice: Ava Community Energy is hosting a Grants Ideation Public Community Workshop at 5:30 PM at 1999 Harrison Street for those interested in local energy initiatives.
- Weather: Expect a mild, partly cloudy day with a high of 60°F—perfect weather for an evening in the Town.