Oakland North is a hyperlocal news site produced by students at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism with support from the Ford Foundation. Our goals are to improve Oakland's local coverage, experiment with online and digital media, and listen to you about the stories and features that most interest you. Feel free to get in touch at staff@oaklandnorth.net or follow us at Twitter.com/northoaklandnow.

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New Oakland City Budget Cuts 80 Jobs

Funding for arts, zoo and Fairyland are spared
By Ryan Phillips, Oakland North   |  February 1, 2012
Oakland North

At Children's Hospital Oakland, Experts Work to Prevent Injury in Young Atheletes

Part of the booming Sports Medicine Center for Young Athletes, experts also improve performance
By Karmah Elmusa, Oakland North   |  January 27, 2012
Oakland North

Oakland Unified School District Approves One New Charter School

But district denies two schools from leaving district
By Ryan Phillips, Oakland North   |  January 12, 2012
Oakland North

Concerns Raised About Occupy Oakland Investigative Team

Former OPD consultant leads investigation
By John C. Osborn, Oakland North   |  January 4, 2012  |
4 Comments
Oakland North

Oakland's New Parkway Theater Finally Finds a Home

Once in limbo, the beloved cold beer and movie house will live again
By Ryan Phillips, Oakland North   |  January 3, 2012  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

A Cup of Coffee, Hold the Carbon

Oakland's Noble Cafe will be the first carbon neutral coffeehouse in the U.S.
By John C. Osborn, Oakland North   |  December 29, 2011  |
3 Comments
Oakland North

A Reprieve for Adult Day Health Care Centers

State Is offering a scaled-back program for seniors
By Casey Capachi, Oakland North   |  December 27, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Announces Independent Investigation into Occupy Oakland Police Confrontations

Officials appoint a four-person team of ex-law enforcement officials
By John C. Osborn, Oakland North   |  December 21, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

OPD, ACLU Disagree About Releasing Documents from Occupy Oakland Raid and Protest

OPD says documents pertain to an open investigation
By Byrhonda Lyons, Oakland North   |  November 9, 2011
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Oakland School Board Votes to Close 5 Elementary Schools

Angry parents and teachers say board's money saving plan is flawed
By Mariel Waloff, Oakland North   |  October 27, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

How a Neighborhood Changed to Prevent Another Oakland Hills Fire

Thick vegetation, irregular fire hydrants, and wood-shingled roofs fueled the massive blaze
By Monica Cruz-Rosas, Brittany Schell and Amna Hassan, Oakland North   |  October 19, 2011
Oakland North

Controversy Follows Transportation Agency's Choice to Leave Oakland

State questions if it's legal for agency to use bridge tolls to buy San Francisco building
By Catherine Traywick, Oakland North   |  October 14, 2011  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

To Curb Jevenile Crime and Violence, Oakland Debates Teen Curfew

Details of how the curfew would be enforced have not been made public
By Amina Waheed, Oakland North   |  October 4, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Legislating More Grocery Stores and Farmers Markets

A state bill declaring access to healthy food as a "human right” is close to becoming law
By Brittany Schell, Oakland North   |  September 30, 2011
Oakland North

The Shot Heard Round Your Neighborhood

Shotspotter technology could help Oakland police locate gunshots
By Amna Hassan and Monica Cruz-Rosas, Oakland North   |  September 29, 2011
Oakland North

Children's Art Exhibit at the Center of Middle East Controversy

When an Oakland museum suddenly cancelled a show of Palestinian children's art, tensions flared
By Adam Grossberg, Oakland North   |  September 26, 2011  |
4 Comments
Oakland North

'Drunk Breakdancing Competition' Is Just What It Sounds Like

Organizers encourage performers to do shots before hitting the floor
By Amina Waheed, Mariel Waloff, Oakland North   |  September 13, 2011
Oakland North

Rare Amelia Earhart Items Up For Auction in Oakland

On sale are flight goggles and informal photos of Earhart hanging out
By Ryan Phillips, Oakland North   |  August 29, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Unified School District's New Police Chief Met With Protest

Chief Barhin Bhatt was involved in fatal shooting near a school dance
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  August 25, 2011
Oakland North

Medical Association Offers Support to Muslim Health Care Workers

Organization provides scholarships and promotes cultural understanding
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  August 16, 2011
Oakland North

Conference Promotes Diversity in Cycling

A network of mostly African-American cycling clubs holds its second annual summit in Oakland
By Ryan Phillips, Oakland North   |  August 5, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Kaiser Permanente Earns High Marks for LGBT Health Care

While discrimination in the medical community abounds, Bay Area hospitals set standard for care
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  July 27, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Oakland Confirms Barbara Parker As Its New City Attorney

Council voted in longtime chief assistant to former City Attorney John Russo
By Ryan Phillips, Richmond Confidential   |  July 20, 2011  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

Staycation Activities: Kayaking the Oakland Estuary

Gallery
Seals, leopard sharks and songbirds grace the bay near Oakland
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  July 10, 2011  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

At the Last Moment, Oakland City Council Votes in New Budget

Approved budget saves libraries and fire stations from the chopping block
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  July 1, 2011
Oakland North

After 5-Hour Meeting, Still No Council Vote on Oakland Budget

Police officers' jobs and union negotiations are on the line
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  June 29, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Assemblyman Wants to Lift Food Stamp Ban for Ex-Drug Felons

Drug offenders say ban, intended to keep them from trading food stamps for drugs, makes re-entry harder
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  June 23, 2011
Oakland North

The Legal Story Behind Why Johannes Mehserle Was Released from Jail

Mehserle’s conviction for involuntary manslaughter is a nonviolent offense
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  June 13, 2011  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

Alameda County Prepares for Influx of Inmates as State Reduces Prison Population

How counties will pay to house the new inmates remains a question
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  June 6, 2011  |
5 Comments
Oakland North

Exit Interview: John Russo Reflects on His Time as Oakland City Attorney

On leaving Oakland: "I became convinced that this administration was not an administration that I would want to serve"
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  June 1, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Library Supporters Pack Oakland Budget Meeting

Under one plan, only four of Oakland's 17 llibraries would stay open
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  May 27, 2011
Oakland North

Solar Companies Team Up With Enviromental Groups to Sign Up More Homeowners

Oakland's Sungevity will donate $1,000 to the Sierra Club for every member who goes solar
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  May 25, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Jazz Musicians Gather in Oakland to Protest Changes to the Grammys

Grammy Awards eliminate or consolidate about one-third of its prizes.
By Kate McLean, Oakland North   |  May 10, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Port to Offer a Greener Power Supply to Berthed Ships

Land-based power should reduce amount of pollution from ships burning diesel fuel in port.
By Felix Irmer, Oakland North   |  April 28, 2011
Oakland North

Attempted Assault Near Lake Merritt, Plus 6 Robberies in 2 Hours in Surrounding Neighborhoods

Four other sexual assaults have been reported in the lake area over the last seven months
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  April 20, 2011
Oakland North

Proposed Fruitvale Gang Injunction Hearing Wraps Up Testimony

Alleged Norteno gang members, gang experts, and police were heard from
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  April 12, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Oakland Students Perform Chinese Opera

Teacher: “You better be authentic" to impress a Chinese audience
By Lauren Callahan, Oakland North   |  April 11, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Mayor Reflects on First 100 Days in Office

Quan discusses accomplishments and hopes for the coming months
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  April 8, 2011
Oakland North

Do You Need a Permit to Grow Swiss Chard in Oakland?

Iconic urban farmer Novella Carpenter may face city fines
By Laura Hautala, Oakland North   |  March 31, 2011  |
3 Comments
Oakland North

Over 18? No Bus Pass Discount in Oakland

Age limit leaves out about 800 Oakland high school students, but AC Transit can't afford fare reduction
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  March 24, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

New Alameda County Probation Chief Shares Big Plans for Youth Justice

David Muhammad wants to invest resources in kids before incarceration becomes necessary
By Samantha Bryson, Oakland North   |  March 21, 2011
Oakland North

Tensions Rise as Oakland Gang Injunction Hearing Grinds On

A ruling had been expected after a few days, but four weeks later, no decision has been made
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  March 11, 2011
Oakland North

Layoff Notices Loom for 538 Oakland Teachers

The Oakland school board votes to warn of job losses during meeting of heated discussion
By Lillian Mongeau, Oakland North   |  March 10, 2011  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

More Witnesses Testify at Oakland Gang Injunction Hearing

Defense attorney questioned Oakland police officer over his arrest of defendant Javier Quintero
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  March 4, 2011
Oakland North

Target Opens on Oakland-Emeryville Border

New store marks a significant addition to the map of "big box" retailers in the East Bay
By Ted Trautman   |  March 3, 2011
Oakland North

Lake Merritt Residents Wary after Spate of Assaults

In the last five months, four attacks on women have tempered the feeling of safety in the neighborhood
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  February 16, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Students Can Text Tips to Cops

Students are skeptical of the plan because of concerns about anonymity
By Lillian R. Mongeau, Oakland North   |  January 24, 2011
Oakland North

Problem-Solving Officers Return to Beats, with Some Changes

Oakland Police Department has rearranged staffing without hiring more officers
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  January 21, 2011
Oakland North

Quan Takes Anti-Crime Message to East Oakland's Doorsteps

Residents of violence-stricken neighborhood got a surprise visit from the new mayor Saturday
By Laura Hautala, Oakland North   |  January 10, 2011
Oakland North

Quan Announces New Staff Appointments

Oakland's new mayor keeps her staff "purposely small"
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  January 6, 2011
Oakland North

Nation's First Openly Transgender Trial Judge Sworn In

Victoria Kolakowsi gives kudos to opponent for not making her gender an issue
By Ye Tian, Oakland North   |  January 5, 2011
Oakland North

Oakland Memorializes 2010’s 94 Homicide Victims

Mayor-elect Jean Quan calls on mentors for the "toughest kids" as one way to curb killings
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  January 3, 2011
Oakland North

In Oakland, Plan for a Sex Shop Near Schools Gets Mixed Reactions

A sex-positive shop modeled on Good Vibrations plans to move into downtown Oakland
By Roberto Daza, Oakland North   |  December 31, 2010
Oakland North

Fed Up with Official Foot-Dragging, Bordertown's Skaters Ride Again

Skaters say they did what the government asked to bring the park up to code
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  December 24, 2010
Oakland North

A Cell Phone That Detects Air Pollution?

Berkeley high-tech company is developing a tiny sensor that could boost air quality in West Oakland
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  December 22, 2010
Oakland North

Finding Feathered Friends in Oakland

Nearly 200 volunteers collect data in 70th annual Christmas bird count
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  December 21, 2010
Oakland North

Oakland Police Discuss Use of Force

In an effort to improve community-police relations, department holds public session on legal use of force
By Lillian R. Mongeau, Oakland North   |  December 13, 2010
Oakland North

After Mehserle, BART Police Chief Seeks to Heal Community Ties

Veteran officer hopes to help repair the transit agency's damaged reputation
By Ted Trautman, Oakland North   |  December 9, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Oakland’s Jewish Community Celebrates Hanukkah

The eight-day festival of lights began Tuesday night for millions, including these East Bay residents
By Terria Smith, Oakland North   |  December 1, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Wildlife Calls on the Rise in Alameda County

Reports of racoons, skunks and other animals increase as critters seek food and shelter in urban areas
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  November 30, 2010
Oakland North

Oakland Museum Foundation Aims to Cut Ties with City

After 41 years, the public-private partnership model that runs the museum may change
By Shirley Lau, Oakland North   |  November 24, 2010
Oakland North

How Oakland Became Ground Zero in Marijuana Legalization

Take a walking tour of the Bay Area city that's the U.S. capital of the cannabis movement
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  November 15, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

After Election, Ranked-Choice Voting Gets Mixed Reviews

Both high- and low-profile candidates express misgivings about new system
By Alyssa Fetini, Karmah Elmusa, Oakland North   |  November 15, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Bay Area Turns Up the HEAT on Underage Prostitution

Police departments team up to provide services and safe spaces for sexually exploited youth
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  November 11, 2010
Oakland North

Meet the 'Digester' — It Turns Your Food Scraps into Energy

East Bay water agency produces nearly all its own power in first-of-its-kind program
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  November 10, 2010
Oakland North

Scenes from Oakland as Mehserle is Sentenced

Gallery
By Oakland North   |  November 5, 2010
Oakland North

Peacekeepers Aim to Prevent Violence after Mehserle Sentence

As Oakland awaits tomorrow's sentencing of the former BART police officer, civic leaders plan to spread non-violence message
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  November 4, 2010
Oakland North

Prop 19 Proponents Throw Pity Party at Oaksterdam

The smell of weed was in the air. One supporter said, "We've won by making it something we can discuss."
By Abby Baird, Whitney Pennington, Oakland North   |  November 3, 2010
Oakland North

Marijuana: A State-by-State Breakdown

Which other states are voting on new pot laws Tuesday?
By Terria Smith and Roberto Daza, Oakland North   |  November 1, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Studies Show Pot Arrests Lopsided for Blacks and Latinos

Whites smoke pot more but are arrested less frequently
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  October 28, 2010
Oakland North

Public Safety Funding at Stake in Oakland Vote

Two measures take different tacks to restore revenue, police staffing
By Laura Hautala, Oakland North   |  October 26, 2010
Oakland North

At 99, Teaching Music is His Passion

Oakland symphony honors Giles Cropsey with three-day concert series
By Karmah Elmusa, Oakland North   |  October 21, 2010
Oakland North

Piedmont Avenue Elementary's Test Scores Top Expectations

API score is still below "proficient," but the Oakland school had twice the average increase for the district
By Teresa Chin, Oakland North   |  October 19, 2010
Oakland North

Oakland Arts Space Fights For Life

Performance space pioneer 21 Grand has no cabaret permit, but can't raise funds to qualify for one
By Shirley Lau, Oakland North   |  October 18, 2010
Oakland North

New Car-Share Law Spurs Bay Area Business

In 2011, car owners will be able to share their vehicles directly with other drivers and make a few bucks
By Ted Trautman, Oakland North   |  October 15, 2010
Oakland North

Hundreds of Oakland Nurses Strike over Health Benefits

Children's Hospital Oakland is operating with more than 100 replacement nurses
By Carl Nasman, Oakland North   |  October 13, 2010
Oakland North

Run-Off Will Decide Alameda Court Judge

How to vote in a state where judicial elections are nonpartisan
By Laura Hautala, Oakland North   |  October 8, 2010
Oakland North

Candidate Perata Runs on His Record--and Defends It

The Oakland mayoral candidate discusses the issues and controversy over his campaign finance limits
By Evan Wagstaff, Oakland North   |  October 1, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Puerto Ricans Must Reapply for Birth Certificates

Bay Area residents scramble to get a new birth certificates by October 30
By Roberto Daza, Oakland North   |  October 1, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Joe Tuman Now Walks the Talk of Politics

The Oakland mayoral candidate used to analyze the game, and now he's in it
By Laura Hautala, Oakland North   |  September 29, 2010
Oakland North

DREAM Act Could Send These Kids to College

A bill to allow some illegal immigrantspay in-state tuition awaits the governor's signature
By Whitney Pennington, Oakland North   |  September 27, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Doctors, Patients to Governor: Don't Cut Drug Treatment Funds

Eliminating Medi-Cal payments would destabilize patients, increase crime, they argue
By Terria Smith, Oakland North   |  September 22, 2010  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

Study: Latinos in Oakland Ill-Taught and Vulnerable

Report offers recommendations to help city's fastest-growing minority group
By Roberto Daza, Oakland North   |  September 21, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

After Oakland Cop Cuts, Some Call Piedmont Police

Berkeley Police Department isn't seeing a similar surge
By Nicole Jones, Oakland North   |  September 17, 2010  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

Oakland City Attorney Backs Prop. 19

Law enforcement officials call for legalization of marijuana to reduce crime
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  September 14, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

The Last Days of Ramadan in Oakland

Like the Christian observance of Lent, Ramadan is a period of purification, and self-reflection
By Anrica Deb, Oakland North   |  September 6, 2010
Oakland North

Gang Crimes Ordered from Inside Prison

Cell phone messages allegedly called for murder, violent crimes
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  September 1, 2010
Oakland North

Eat Real Festival in Oakland Promotes 'Good Eggs'

With the scare over eggs, the festival is emphasizing locally grown food
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  August 26, 2010
Oakland North

Too Many Bunnies at the Oakland Animal Shelter

Not all rabbits like to be cuddled so many get dumped at the shelter
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  August 26, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Disabled Parking Permits Appear to Be Overused

Nearly half of cars in downtown Oakland have placards
By Anrica Deb, Oakland North   |  August 20, 2010  |
12 Comments
Oakland North

Underground Market Debuts in Oakland

The food "club" gives unlicensed food vendors a place to sell
By Anrica Deb, Oakland North   |  August 10, 2010  |
3 Comments
Oakland North

A Streetcar for Oakland? A Student Shares His Plan

A new take on the old Key System could reinvigorate the city and provide better transportation
By Lauren Callahan, Oakland North   |  August 9, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Oakland Museum Presents 25 Years of Pixar (Slideshow)

After a 5-year, 14-stop worldwide tour, the Pixar exhibit comes home
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  July 31, 2010
Oakland North

A Shepherd Prevents Wildfires in the Oakland Hills

Grazing sheep and goats prevent fires, but riding herd on them isn't easy
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  July 29, 2010
Oakland North

Community Policing Without Officers

Oakland residents push on in the absence of 80 laid-off cops
By Lauren Callahan, Oakland North   |  July 29, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Green Energy Financing Faces Federal Roadblock

Feds raise concerns about underwriting standards among other issues
By Jill Replogle, Oakland North   |  July 23, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

An Anarchist's View of the Mehserle Protest

Disparaged as outside troublemakers, these protestors identify as "freedom fighters"
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  July 19, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

What Prison Might Mean for Mehserle

Ex-BART officer's life may be at risk from other inmates
By Matt Buxton, Oakland North   |  July 16, 2010
Oakland North

Oakland PD Releases Photos of Alleged Looters

Police post photos taken at last week's Mehserle protests
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  July 15, 2010
Oakland North

Police Cuts Dominate Oakland Budget Talks

City Council meeting offers a preview of the contentious budget meeting next week
By Lauren Callahan, Oakland North   |  June 16, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

The Mai Tai Was Invented in Oakland, Not Hawaii

The city's claims to fame are subjected to credibility test. (Check out the cool graphic inside)
By Allison Davis, Oakland North   |  June 10, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Rare Least Tern Makes a Comeback

Once hunted for its feathers and nearly extinct, this sea bird now soars
By Dara Kerr/Oakland North   |  June 5, 2010  |
1 Comment
Oakland North

Food Trucks Go Gourmet in East Bay

Grilled asparagus and seared Ahi tuna--hold the mustard
By Dara Kerr   |  May 28, 2010  |
2 Comments
Oakland North

Bay Dredging Puts Wildlife at Risk

Scientists raise concerns over changes in ecosystem
By Dara Kerr, Oakland North   |  May 27, 2010
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