Vigilante squatter removal, police chief resigns, and a green belt for Oakland?

Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell surprised the city this week by resigning after just 18 months on the job.We talk with Oaklandside news editor Darwin BondGraham and public safety reporter Roselyn Romero about what might be behind his decision, the challenges of the job, and Oakland's troubled history of police chief turnover.Plus: a vigilante business that removes squatters using swords and "melee weapons," the city's struggle to balance sanctuary laws with basic services, and an ambitious proposal for a citywide network of car-free greenways.We're so close to our $15,000 goal to keep the 510 going for another six months! Donate here.Stories we cover in this episode:A profile of ASAP Squatter Removal, a business that uses swords and tactical gear to force people out of vacant properties Oakland faces a dilemma: hire a paving contractor that violates the city's sanctuary laws, or leave potholes unfilledOakland school board director Mike Hutchinson faces up to $95,000 in fines for failing to file campaign finance reports from his 2016 raceCar-free, tree-lined greenways connecting neighborhoods across Oakland?Oakland Police Chief Floyd Mitchell announces his resignation after 18 months — the city's second chief to leave in less than two yearsThe messy history of Oakland police chiefs13 spooky Halloween events in The TownFind all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at [email protected] can't cover Oakland—and produce this podcast!—without your help.The Oaklandside is independent, nonprofit, and supported by everyday residents. We're almost at our $15,000 goal to keep the 510 going for another six months. Every dollar helps us pay our producer, editor, and production costs. Donate to the only newsroom fully dedicated to Oakland.