Velena Jones

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Velena Jones

Following President Donald Trump's announcement of a travel ban on 12 countries, Bay Area residents with family members in those countries expressed concerns. Mhret Weldabzghi, who was born in Eritrea, said she is concerned about what the restrictions mean for her loved ones back home. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are "We have a big community, the community does it what it has to do, they work hard, they follow the rules, what is the reason to restrict them?" Weldabzghi said.

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Velena Jones

An encampment sweep in Berkeley Wednesday left dozens of unhoused people frustrated and scrambling to find another place to sleep. Many said it came without warning. Unhoused residents living at the encampment at Eighth and Harrison streets claimed they were woken up by police yelling and using some kind of smoke at 6 a.m., forcing them to leave the area.

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Velena Jones

Business owners in Oakland's Chinatown took law enforcement leaders on a tour Tuesday to show and explain how thefts and break-ins are hurting them. Dressed in bright orange, Chinatown’s Toishan volunteer patrol walked alongside Oakland police, the California Highway Patrol, BART police and other officials, touring businesses that have been impacted by crime. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are "We need help," said Stewart Chen with the Oakland Chinatown Improvement Council.

3 weeks ago | nbcbayarea.com | Velena Jones

There was new insight on Monday about what happened moments before a driver racing away from the California Highway Patrol hit and killed beloved Castlemont High School teacher Dr. Marvin Boomer. On Monday, an attorney for 18-year-old Eric Scott Hernandez-Garcia offered her client's version of what happened. She said the teen first saw an officer as he was coming out of a store buying snacks and was triggered. He then called one of his teachers at arise academy for advice.

1 month ago | nbcbayarea.com | Velena Jones

Tents and belongings were staying in place late Wednesday on the deadline for a large homeless encampment to be cleared at Berkeley's Ohlone Park. The delay in removing the encampment has left some neighbors frustrated. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are "When they say they are trying to be just peaceful homeless, that's not the case at all," said Hossein Attar with the Save Ohlone Park group.