West
Blue state hotel near major airport hub closes its doors after 56 years amid crime crisis
The Hilton hotel next to the Oakland, California, airport has closed its doors after 56 years, after many other neighboring businesses have already closed and residents have moved away due to ongoing crime in the area.
On Aug. 28, the hotel’s final customer was checked out, and it was officially shut down.
“We thought we were all going to retire there, but we were heartbroken,” Egigu Lemma, known as “Gigi” by his colleagues, told Fox News Digital about the closure of the hotel, where he dedicated over 35 years as a bellman and guest service agent.
Over 150 workers lost their jobs, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
KAMALA HARRIS PLAYED ‘CRITICAL ROLE’ IN CALIFORNIA CRIME LAW
The Hilton sign at the entrance of the Oakland airport hotel, which has shut down after 56 years. (Google Street View)
“When I started working at the Hilton, I was 19 years old, originally from Ethiopia. I came to this country as a refugee,” Lemma said, adding that he spent more time at the hotel than at his own house. “I loved the job, I really loved the job.”
Hilton officials did not say why they closed the Oakland airport hotel, but former workers believe it was the result of ongoing crime in the area.
“Hotel ownership reached a decision to permanently close Hilton Oakland Airport,” a Hilton spokesperson told Fox News Digital, in part, adding, “Hilton continues to welcome guests across the Bay Area where Hilton and our franchise partners operate nearly 50 hotels.”
“Businesses slowed down after COVID, but we were OK, at least the hotel was up in business, but after COVID, the crime was high, vehicles were broken into, catalytic converters were taken, they stole the ATM from the hotel,” Lemma explained about the ongoing difficulties in the area.
Oakland police investigate the scene after shooting an armed carjacking suspect on International Boulevard and 105th Avenue in East Oakland, California, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2023. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)
The Hilton hotel at 1 Hegenberger Road in Oakland stood for over half a century in business, spread across 20 acres, with 360 guest rooms and 15,000 square feet of event space.
Lemma shared fond memories of the hotel and its character with Fox News Digital.
“We had a hotel cat. Her name was Parris Hilton, and she was there for the last 16 years, greeting the hotel guests,” he said.
Earlier this year, the only In-N-Out Burger restaurant in Oakland closed, and the popular West Coast fast-food chain company previously told Fox Business that regular car break-ins, property damage, theft and armed robberies of customers and employees led to the decision to shut down in March.
CALIFORNIA DEMOCRATS ‘PLAYING DIRTY TRICKS’ TO KEEP PROP 47 REFORM OFF BALLOT, GOP LEADER SAYS
In-N-Out Burger in Oakland closed in March due to crime in the area. (Google Street View) A neighboring Denny’s also shut down in January after 54 years, citing safety concerns. Two Starbucks locations and a local diner in the area have closed too.
“Closing a restaurant location is never an easy decision or one taken lightly. However, the safety and well-being of Denny’s team members and valued guests is our top priority,” Denny’s said in a statement on the closure.
Violent crime in Oakland was up 21% in 2023 from the previous year, with 120 homicides, 3,531 aggravated assaults and 3,690 robberies, according to the Oakland Police Department’s annual citywide end of year crime report.
The crime surge in Oakland prompted Blue Shield and Clorox to provide security guards for their workers.
Blue Shield previously told Fox News Digital that it “recognizes the public safety challenges in the City of Oakland, and we are committed to fully supporting our employees’ safety.” Some residents of Oakland have even left their homes in the city due to fear of crime, while 60-year-old retiree Dave Schneider was shot to death last summer while trimming his front tree during the day.
OAKLAND VIOLENT CRIME SURGE LEADS LIFELONG RESIDENT TO FLEE CITY: ‘I CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE’
Fortunately for Lemma, he managed to find another position after the Hilton hotel’s closure.
“I’m one of the luckiest ones…but most of them didn’t get a job,” he said about the other hotel employees. “I found a job, but my mind is still at the Hilton.”
He confessed that sometimes on his way to work in the mornings, he makes the wrong turn, thinking he’s still going back to the Hilton Oakland Airport hotel.
“When you think about all those memories, it’s very sad. After 56 years, it’s very sad,” Lemma said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom, the Oakland Police Department and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Read the full article from Here
Wyoming
Cathy Holman named 2026 Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recipient
CASPER, Wyo. — The Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming recently announced that Cathy Holman, founder of the Prairie Wife brand, has been selected as the 2026 Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recipient.
A release from the Boys and Girls Clubs says that Holman will be recognized during the 28th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast, happening on Wednesday, September 16 at the Ford Wyoming Center.
“The Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the values of the Cowboy Code through integrity, perseverance, service, and leadership,” the release states. “Holman embodies those qualities through her entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to strengthening Wyoming communities, and willingness to use her voice to help others.”
Known as the Prairie Wife, Holman launched PrairieWifeInHeels.com in 2013 to share stories about her life, her family, and the Wyoming way of living.
“What began as a personal blog has grown into one of Wyoming’s most recognizable digital brands, reaching more than 65,000 followers across social media,” the release states. “Through honest storytelling, humor, and authenticity, she has built a community centered on grit, grace, faith, and finding purpose through life’s challenges.”
Throughout the years, Holman has become a much sought-after speaker, emcee, auctioneer and media personality, and she uses her platform to encourage others while championing causes that strengthen families and communities, all across Wyoming.
Due to her own family’s experiences, Holman became a leading advocate for stronger protections for children.
“Working alongside fellow advocates, legislators, and law enforcement, she helped raise awareness that contributed to the passage of House Bill 8, strengthening Wyoming’s stalking laws to better protect minors,” the release continues. “She continues to educate parents, schools, and organizations about online safety, digital responsibility, and protecting children in today’s technology-driven world.”
Holman said that the Cowboy Try represents choosing courage when life is difficult and using adversity to help others.
“The Cowboy Try is what we admire in everybody,” Holman said. “You’re knocked down and you get up again. And if you’re willing to share about getting knocked down, you’re going to help a lot of other people get up again too.”
Holman said that the mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming reflects her own belief that investing in young people strengthens the future of every community.
“Our children are our future. We are only as strong as they are,” she said. “The Boys & Girls Club is creating a strong future for our communities. From providing a safe place for kids to mentoring, career education, and giving parents peace of mind, the Club is a beacon of hope.”
Holman encouraged young people to move forward with courage.
“Don’t let fear decide your future,” she said. “If you feel there’s something you’re supposed to do, charge forward. Ask for help when you need it, learn from those who have gone before you, and don’t be afraid to try.”
In addition to Holman, the 28th Annual Awards & Recognition Breakfast will honor Bob and Celia Kirkwood for their generosity and lasting impact on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming, as well as the community itself. It will feature nationally recognized speaker, Coach Ken Carter.
The event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Guests will have the opportunity to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming and its mission of inspiring and enabling all young people to reach their full potential.
For tickets or table sponsorships, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Wyoming at https://bgccw.org/our-events/, email Vanessa at vwarner@bgccw.org, or call (307)235-4079.
Related
San Francisco, CA
Bay Area Teen Waymo Riders Nabbed For Allegedly Shooting Projectiles From Robotaxi
San Mateo Police said they were contacted by Waymo about the two 15-year-old riders after they were seen drinking and shooting from the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped as police responded and officers were able to safely remove the teens.
An investigation determined the teens were shooting Orbeez water beads and drinking while being chauffeured around the city.
Denver, CO
Peyton Watson landing spots: Could Nuggets star actually leave Denver?
Denver Nuggets standout forward Peyton Watson could find himself on another team before you know it.
With the Nuggets reportedly open to a sign-and-trade of Watson, could Denver really lose a core piece to their rotation?
It’s hard to imagine many teams being able to shoulder the financial weight of a Watson contract at this point because of the aprons and such, but he’s absolutely an asset to any contending team.
We’ve gone through and identified a few teams that make sense for Watson in the fall… including the one he’s already on at the moment. Hey, he might stay home, you never know!
The Clippers have been linked to Watson as a possible destination; he could help them immensely.
The Pistons have also been linked to Watson, which would help them a lot to contend for an NBA title.
Look, HYPOTHETICALLY, the Nets could move around some cap space with some player trades and such and get a deal done. They are one of the only teams in the NBA right now not in the negative with cap space.
The Grizzlies are the team with the least amount of negative cap space right now, per Spotrac. If they really wanted to pull off a Watson sign-and-trade… it would be hypothetically possible from a money standpoint.
Denver Nuggts
Look, it’s very possible Watson just stays in Denver on a brand-new deal. Who knows at this point?
-
Wisconsin2 minutes agoSouth Milwaukee, Wisconsin, officials in standoff with homeowner over year-round skeleton display
-
West Virginia7 minutes agoWest Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez wants to save college football. Here’s his pitch:
-
Wyoming14 minutes agoCathy Holman named 2026 Mick & Susie McMurry Cowboy Code Try Award recipient
-
Crypto17 minutes agoLAB Token Crashes 80% to $1.25 as $5B Market Cap Vanishes in 48 Hours
-
Finance23 minutes agoIntact Financial provides update on Q2 catastrophe and large losses
-
Fitness29 minutes agoWellness Wednesday: Exercise & heart disease
-
Movie Reviews37 minutes ago‘The Guest’ Review: Trine Dyrholm Gives a Scorcher of a Performance in a Gutsy Danish Party-Gone-Wrong Drama
-
World47 minutes ago
Le Pen, France’s Far-Right Leader, Launches Her Presidential Campaign