Roselyn Romero
@roselynr.bsky.social
Pronounced ROSE-lin, not RAWZ-lin. Public safety reporter for The Oaklandside. She/her. DMs are off the record.
Pinned
Roselyn Romero
@roselynr.bsky.social
· Aug 13
Rape survivors relied on BRAVE Bay Area. Whistleblower documents claim it was destroyed from within
Two government agencies opened investigations into BRAVE, formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, last year. Current and former employees describe an organization in free fall.
oaklandside.org
BRAVE Bay Area, formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, announced it is shutting down due to financial constraints.
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
I’m at Hoover Elementary where there was some ICE presence earlier. The school is on lockdown and community members are chanting “say it loud say it clear immigrants are welcome here”
No obvious sign of any federal agents in the area now
No obvious sign of any federal agents in the area now
November 19, 2025 at 7:14 PM
I’m at Hoover Elementary where there was some ICE presence earlier. The school is on lockdown and community members are chanting “say it loud say it clear immigrants are welcome here”
No obvious sign of any federal agents in the area now
No obvious sign of any federal agents in the area now
Cedric Irving Jr., the person accused of killing beloved football coach John Beam at Laney College in Oakland last week, will be held without bail, an Alameda County judge ruled Tuesday morning.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/11/18/c...
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/11/18/c...
No bail for Cedric Irving, the man accused of fatally shooting legendary coach John Beam
Irving, who was arraigned Tuesday in Oakland, did not enter a plea. Dozens of Beam’s family and friends packed the courtroom.
oaklandside.org
November 18, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Cedric Irving Jr., the person accused of killing beloved football coach John Beam at Laney College in Oakland last week, will be held without bail, an Alameda County judge ruled Tuesday morning.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/11/18/c...
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/11/18/c...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
Three teens were critically wounded Wednesday in a shooting at a high school in the foothills of suburban Denver, including the suspected shooter, authorities say.
3 teenagers wounded in shooting at Colorado high school
A suspected shooter was also wounded in the shooting at Evergreen High School, about 30 miles west of Denver, authorities said.
www.nbcnews.com
September 10, 2025 at 10:52 PM
Three teens were critically wounded Wednesday in a shooting at a high school in the foothills of suburban Denver, including the suspected shooter, authorities say.
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
"Willie James has been incarcerated longer than I have been alive — a little over 45 years. He said having photos seized is heartbreaking. We’re only allowed to have 50 photographs, according to state prison rules."
The Definition of Prison Contraband Might Surprise You
Contraband is anything that a prisoner is not supposed to have. But, in practice, the definition is more complex.
prisonjournalismproject.org
August 20, 2025 at 5:52 PM
"Willie James has been incarcerated longer than I have been alive — a little over 45 years. He said having photos seized is heartbreaking. We’re only allowed to have 50 photographs, according to state prison rules."
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
1. In an alarming move, the Trump administration has banned trans coverage for federal employees and their families, including youth and adults.
It mandates faith-based conversion therapy coverage.
It is one of the largest removals of coverage in the US.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
It mandates faith-based conversion therapy coverage.
It is one of the largest removals of coverage in the US.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
Trump Admin Bans Coverage For Trans Govt Employees, Mandates Conversion Therapy Coverage
The OPM memo states that all health plans for government workers must cover faith-based approaches to gender dysphoria while banning gender affirming care coverage.
www.erininthemorning.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:09 PM
1. In an alarming move, the Trump administration has banned trans coverage for federal employees and their families, including youth and adults.
It mandates faith-based conversion therapy coverage.
It is one of the largest removals of coverage in the US.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
It mandates faith-based conversion therapy coverage.
It is one of the largest removals of coverage in the US.
Subscribe to support our journalism.
After BRAVE Bay Area (formerly BAWAR) closes next month, what resources will remain for rape survivors in Oakland?
I’ve compiled a list of services for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence in Oakland and Alameda County. You can find them here: oaklandside.org/2025/08/21/r...
I’ve compiled a list of services for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence in Oakland and Alameda County. You can find them here: oaklandside.org/2025/08/21/r...
Sexual assault survivors in Oakland: A guide to resources after BRAVE Bay Area
Legal aid, 24-hour hotlines, bedside support, and other services are still available to survivors of rape in Oakland and Alameda County.
oaklandside.org
August 21, 2025 at 6:28 PM
After BRAVE Bay Area (formerly BAWAR) closes next month, what resources will remain for rape survivors in Oakland?
I’ve compiled a list of services for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence in Oakland and Alameda County. You can find them here: oaklandside.org/2025/08/21/r...
I’ve compiled a list of services for survivors of sexual assault and gender-based violence in Oakland and Alameda County. You can find them here: oaklandside.org/2025/08/21/r...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
In this morning's newsletter, I wrote about an under-appreciated problem for liberalism — its total failure to cultivate young talent www.vox.com/on-the-right...
How conservatives help their young thinkers — and why liberals don’t
Liberalism has a serious pipeline problem.
www.vox.com
August 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM
In this morning's newsletter, I wrote about an under-appreciated problem for liberalism — its total failure to cultivate young talent www.vox.com/on-the-right...
BRAVE Bay Area, formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, announced it is shutting down due to financial constraints.
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
Rape survivors relied on BRAVE Bay Area. Whistleblower documents claim it was destroyed from within
Two government agencies opened investigations into BRAVE, formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, last year. Current and former employees describe an organization in free fall.
oaklandside.org
August 13, 2025 at 2:06 AM
BRAVE Bay Area, formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, announced it is shutting down due to financial constraints.
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
But current and former staff told me the nonprofit has been under investigation for alleged fraud and mismanagement.
My latest investigative story: oaklandside.org/2025/08/12/b...
For National Night Out, I stopped by four block parties in deep East Oakland, Grand Lake, Lakeshore, and Oak Knoll.
Residents told me the event plays a major role in promoting a sense of belonging among neighbors and improving public safety. oaklandside.org/2025/08/06/o...
Residents told me the event plays a major role in promoting a sense of belonging among neighbors and improving public safety. oaklandside.org/2025/08/06/o...
National Night Out brings neighbors together in deep East Oakland, Grand Lake, Lakeshore, and Oak Knoll
Face painting, barbecue potlucks, and visits from the mayor and police officials marked the annual community-building event.
oaklandside.org
August 6, 2025 at 10:34 PM
For National Night Out, I stopped by four block parties in deep East Oakland, Grand Lake, Lakeshore, and Oak Knoll.
Residents told me the event plays a major role in promoting a sense of belonging among neighbors and improving public safety. oaklandside.org/2025/08/06/o...
Residents told me the event plays a major role in promoting a sense of belonging among neighbors and improving public safety. oaklandside.org/2025/08/06/o...
National Night Out, an annual gathering for neighbors, city leaders, and local law enforcement to get to know each other, returns to Oakland on Aug. 5.
Check out the list of the Town’s 229 block parties here: oaklandside.org/2025/07/16/o...
Check out the list of the Town’s 229 block parties here: oaklandside.org/2025/07/16/o...
Oakland plans 229 block parties for National Night Out
Mayor Barbara Lee, Police Chief Floyd Mitchell, and other city leaders will visit some of the Town’s 229 block parties on Aug. 5.
oaklandside.org
August 1, 2025 at 6:19 PM
National Night Out, an annual gathering for neighbors, city leaders, and local law enforcement to get to know each other, returns to Oakland on Aug. 5.
Check out the list of the Town’s 229 block parties here: oaklandside.org/2025/07/16/o...
Check out the list of the Town’s 229 block parties here: oaklandside.org/2025/07/16/o...
OakDOT issued parking tickets to hundreds of stolen cars between 2022 and 2024, according to the most recent Alameda County grand jury report. A solution may be on the horizon, but nothing will change soon.
New story from my colleague Eli Wolfe and me: oaklandside.org/2025/07/28/o...
New story from my colleague Eli Wolfe and me: oaklandside.org/2025/07/28/o...
Oakland will continue ticketing stolen cars for the foreseeable future
In the wake of an Alameda County Grand Jury report, city officials said they already dismiss reported tickets on stolen cars. Tech solutions may also be on the horizon, but nothing will change soon.
oaklandside.org
July 29, 2025 at 12:41 AM
OakDOT issued parking tickets to hundreds of stolen cars between 2022 and 2024, according to the most recent Alameda County grand jury report. A solution may be on the horizon, but nothing will change soon.
New story from my colleague Eli Wolfe and me: oaklandside.org/2025/07/28/o...
New story from my colleague Eli Wolfe and me: oaklandside.org/2025/07/28/o...
Couchdate — a bar, cafe, vinyl shop, and community space in Frank Ogawa Plaza — says the city pushed it out of downtown Oakland.
Records I obtained show there’s more to the story. oaklandside.org/2025/07/23/o...
Records I obtained show there’s more to the story. oaklandside.org/2025/07/23/o...
Why is couchdate leaving downtown? It depends on who you ask
A city spokesperson says the bar held unpermitted events and had a “concerning history” as a commercial tenant. The owner says Oakland made it “impossible” to stay open. Records show there’s more to t...
oaklandside.org
July 25, 2025 at 1:41 AM
Couchdate — a bar, cafe, vinyl shop, and community space in Frank Ogawa Plaza — says the city pushed it out of downtown Oakland.
Records I obtained show there’s more to the story. oaklandside.org/2025/07/23/o...
Records I obtained show there’s more to the story. oaklandside.org/2025/07/23/o...
BRAVE Bay Area, the nation’s first rape crisis center that was formerly known as Bay Area Women Against Rape, will permanently close at the end of September.
My latest story for The Oaklandside: oaklandside.org/2025/07/14/a...
My latest story for The Oaklandside: oaklandside.org/2025/07/14/a...
The nation’s first rape crisis center is closing
Formerly Bay Area Women Against Rape, BRAVE Bay Area has served as Alameda County’s primary resource for sexual assault survivors since 1971.
oaklandside.org
July 15, 2025 at 12:12 AM
BRAVE Bay Area, the nation’s first rape crisis center that was formerly known as Bay Area Women Against Rape, will permanently close at the end of September.
My latest story for The Oaklandside: oaklandside.org/2025/07/14/a...
My latest story for The Oaklandside: oaklandside.org/2025/07/14/a...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
BREAKING: Metadata shows the FBI’s ‘raw’ Jeffrey Epstein prison video was likely modified.
🧵
🧵
Metadata Shows the FBI’s ‘Raw’ Jeffrey Epstein Prison Video Was Likely Modified
There is no evidence the footage was deceptively manipulated, but ambiguities around how the video was processed may further fuel conspiracy theories about Epstein's death.
www.wired.com
July 11, 2025 at 4:27 PM
BREAKING: Metadata shows the FBI’s ‘raw’ Jeffrey Epstein prison video was likely modified.
🧵
🧵
A federal judge on Thursday said that while the Oakland Police Department has made some strides in recent months, it still hasn’t achieved full compliance with its federal oversight program, now in its 22nd year.
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/07/11/o...
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/07/11/o...
Federal oversight drags on as Oakland police struggle with internal investigations
Some critics accuse OPD leaders of resisting accountability, and the department has stumbled recently in its handling of police misconduct complaints.
oaklandside.org
July 11, 2025 at 5:21 PM
A federal judge on Thursday said that while the Oakland Police Department has made some strides in recent months, it still hasn’t achieved full compliance with its federal oversight program, now in its 22nd year.
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/07/11/o...
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/07/11/o...
Several weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Bernice Grisby, a life coach with the East Bay Asian Youth Center.
I wrote about her life + career in my latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/07/01/o...
I wrote about her life + career in my latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/07/01/o...
‘Wherever they’re at, I’m there’: One woman’s work to support kids impacted by gun violence
Bernice Grisby, a life coach at East Bay Asian Youth Center, has made it her life’s work to lift up young people in the criminal justice system.
oaklandside.org
July 1, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Several weeks ago, I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Bernice Grisby, a life coach with the East Bay Asian Youth Center.
I wrote about her life + career in my latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/07/01/o...
I wrote about her life + career in my latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/07/01/o...
Gov. Newsom has been a vocal critic of the Oakland Police Department’s pursuit policy, which he says allows suspects to flee with impunity.
After last week’s CHP chase that killed a Castlemont High School teacher, Newsom’s critics say he should “own it.”
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/06/03/o...
After last week’s CHP chase that killed a Castlemont High School teacher, Newsom’s critics say he should “own it.”
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/06/03/o...
Gov. Newsom pushed for more police chases in Oakland. After bystander death, critics say he should ‘own it’
The governor and some city leaders have fiercely pushed for looser pursuit rules in Oakland. Critics say last week’s deadly crash demonstrates the danger to innocent bystanders.
oaklandside.org
June 3, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Gov. Newsom has been a vocal critic of the Oakland Police Department’s pursuit policy, which he says allows suspects to flee with impunity.
After last week’s CHP chase that killed a Castlemont High School teacher, Newsom’s critics say he should “own it.”
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/06/03/o...
After last week’s CHP chase that killed a Castlemont High School teacher, Newsom’s critics say he should “own it.”
My latest: oaklandside.org/2025/06/03/o...
Critics and supporters of MACRO, Oakland’s civilian response program, agreed on one thing during the City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting last night: MACRO is not working the way it should.
My latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/05/28/m...
My latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/05/28/m...
MACRO isn’t working the way it should, Oakland residents say
Critics — and supporters — of Oakland’s civilian response program are unhappy with how it’s been run and the results it’s getting.
oaklandside.org
May 29, 2025 at 12:10 AM
Critics and supporters of MACRO, Oakland’s civilian response program, agreed on one thing during the City Council’s Public Safety Committee meeting last night: MACRO is not working the way it should.
My latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/05/28/m...
My latest story for @oaklandside.org: oaklandside.org/2025/05/28/m...
Last night, Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell proposed changes to OPD’s pursuit policy, including rescinding a rule that some residents say makes it more difficult for officers to chase suspects.
The latest from my colleague Jose Fermoso and me: oaklandside.org/2025/05/23/o...
The latest from my colleague Jose Fermoso and me: oaklandside.org/2025/05/23/o...
Oakland police chief proposes changes to OPD’s pursuit policy
OPD Chief Floyd Mitchell wants to cancel a 2022 rule that some residents say makes it harder for police to chase suspects.
oaklandside.org
May 23, 2025 at 8:34 PM
Last night, Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell proposed changes to OPD’s pursuit policy, including rescinding a rule that some residents say makes it more difficult for officers to chase suspects.
The latest from my colleague Jose Fermoso and me: oaklandside.org/2025/05/23/o...
The latest from my colleague Jose Fermoso and me: oaklandside.org/2025/05/23/o...
Prop. 36, overwhelmingly approved by California voters last November, enacted stiffer penalties for some theft and drug crimes.
Critics say it’s disproportionately being used against Black people — a pattern already manifesting in Alameda County.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/05/22/p...
Critics say it’s disproportionately being used against Black people — a pattern already manifesting in Alameda County.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/05/22/p...
California toughened penalties for theft and drug crimes. What does it mean for Alameda County?
A new state law, Prop. 36, increased penalties for some drug and theft offenses. But critics say it’s disproportionately being used against Black people.
oaklandside.org
May 22, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Prop. 36, overwhelmingly approved by California voters last November, enacted stiffer penalties for some theft and drug crimes.
Critics say it’s disproportionately being used against Black people — a pattern already manifesting in Alameda County.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/05/22/p...
Critics say it’s disproportionately being used against Black people — a pattern already manifesting in Alameda County.
My latest story: oaklandside.org/2025/05/22/p...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
Is David Duong seeking a pardon from Trump in the Oakland FBI corruption investigation? New with @roselynr.bsky.social and @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social
oaklandside.org/2025/05/16/o...
oaklandside.org/2025/05/16/o...
Is a central figure in the Oakland FBI investigation seeking a Trump pardon?
The idea that the president could help David Duong avoid bribery charges has cropped up in recent articles, including on a Duong company website.
oaklandside.org
May 16, 2025 at 6:55 PM
Is David Duong seeking a pardon from Trump in the Oakland FBI corruption investigation? New with @roselynr.bsky.social and @darwinbondgraham.bsky.social
oaklandside.org/2025/05/16/o...
oaklandside.org/2025/05/16/o...
The Oakland Police Department needs 277 more police officers than are currently budgeted to effectively patrol the city, according to a draft study conducted by an independent consulting firm.
Read my latest here: oaklandside.org/2025/04/24/o...
Read my latest here: oaklandside.org/2025/04/24/o...
Oakland needs 877 police officers, report says
The city’s 675 cops aren’t enough to adequately patrol and investigate crimes. But not everyone agrees on more OPD spending.
oaklandside.org
April 25, 2025 at 12:30 AM
The Oakland Police Department needs 277 more police officers than are currently budgeted to effectively patrol the city, according to a draft study conducted by an independent consulting firm.
Read my latest here: oaklandside.org/2025/04/24/o...
Read my latest here: oaklandside.org/2025/04/24/o...
A gun billboard ad towering above I-880 in Oakland might be violating a little-known city law.
The firearms manufacturer and the billboard company did not obtain a permit from the Oakland Police Department to run the ad, according to city officials I spoke to. oaklandside.org/2025/04/23/o...
The firearms manufacturer and the billboard company did not obtain a permit from the Oakland Police Department to run the ad, according to city officials I spoke to. oaklandside.org/2025/04/23/o...
Controversial gun billboard in Oakland may not be legal
A firearms manufacturer and billboard company did not obtain a permit from the Oakland police to run a pistol ad, according to city officials.
oaklandside.org
April 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
A gun billboard ad towering above I-880 in Oakland might be violating a little-known city law.
The firearms manufacturer and the billboard company did not obtain a permit from the Oakland Police Department to run the ad, according to city officials I spoke to. oaklandside.org/2025/04/23/o...
The firearms manufacturer and the billboard company did not obtain a permit from the Oakland Police Department to run the ad, according to city officials I spoke to. oaklandside.org/2025/04/23/o...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
NEW at @motherjones.com: HHS plans to cut federal funding to the state protection and advocacy agencies who investigate abuse in group homes. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
HHS plans to cut funds used to investigate abuse at group homes
Disability rights watchdogs are the latest targets of the Trump administration's defunding spree.
www.motherjones.com
April 21, 2025 at 9:04 PM
NEW at @motherjones.com: HHS plans to cut federal funding to the state protection and advocacy agencies who investigate abuse in group homes. www.motherjones.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Roselyn Romero
I’m the news editor for Chrysalis, and I’d love to get pitches on news stories from trans youth!
Hi friends! A good friend asked me to share this awesome new project— a literary magazine by trans kids, for trans kids, with a little help from trans adults. If you have a trans kid in your life, definitely check out Chrysalis Magazine! www.chrysalismagazine.org
April 21, 2025 at 7:52 PM
I’m the news editor for Chrysalis, and I’d love to get pitches on news stories from trans youth!