A coalition of law enforcement agencies has arrested four Nuestra Familia gang leaders and 30 gang members. Several of those caught were allegedly given orders to commit murder and other violent crimes by imprisoned gang leaders who sent them encrypted messages via cell phones.
As home values drop, county tells owners to pay less tax
Alameda County cuts billions from property values, again. What will it mean for Oakland’s finances?
New Oakland North reporters discover Oakland
What would you put in an Oakland scavenger hunt if you were hoping to stump a smart, enterprising new reporter?
A tasting tour on two wheels
Fine wine, microbrews and delicatessen chocolate never tasted so good with a little bike grease. In conjunction with the Eat Real Festival last Saturday at Jack London Square, 13 two-wheeled foodies pedaled along Oakland’s waterfront to meet the neighborhood’s culinary artisans and sample their creations.
To ride with the scraper bike king, helmet required
If you want to ride with the scraper bike king, you better wear a helmet. Tyrone “Baybe Champ” Stevenson Jr., known around Oakland as the “king” and creator of the scraper bike movement, announced his new rule of the road Saturday near Oakland City Hall.
Activists prepare for demonstration to “make big oil pay”
With speeches, signs reading “Make Big Oil Pay,” and lessons on useful protest tactics, Frank H. Ogawa Plaza was converted into a training ground Sunday afternoon for 50 environmental activists and organizers.
At daybreak, already in line for free school supplies
Several hundred people gathered on Saturday in Frank Ogawa Plaza, where promises of free back-to-school supplies attracted a wide range of students, from kindergarteners to college freshmen. Many parents arrived hours before the official start time, children in tow, in order to ensure a good place in line for the give-away.
Lighthouse Mosque in Oakland's Bushrod Neighborhood.
The last days of Ramadan in Oakland
Muslims in Oakland are in the last third of the month of Ramadan–its most intense part, as observers continue to fast during daylight hours, declining both food and water until the sun sets. Daylight, and with it the Islamic obligation to fast, lingers long in August.
Special Features
From Our Neighborhoods
Temescal
In Oakland, optimism and hope about overturn of Prop. 8
On Wednesday, joyous crowds took to the streets of San Francisco after U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8, the ban against same-sex marriage, writing that the ban violated both the due process and equal protection clauses of the U.S. Constitution.
Rockridge
College Ave loads up on coffee
Three new cafes in three blocks of College Avenue. Are they too close for comfort?
Grand/Lake
Alternative car fuel arrives in Oakland
Oakland drivers may want to take a closer look at their owner’s manuals this week. The city’s first biofuels vending station opened Tuesday, offering fillups for any engine that can run using renewable alternatives to gasoline.
Golden Gate
Last-minute funding for all but two children’s centers
After weeks of threatening the closure of seven Oakland childhood development centers, the Oakland Unified School District announced Friday that five of the seven centers will remain open until at least the end of December.
Bushrod
The last days of Ramadan in Oakland
Muslims in Oakland are in the last third of the month of Ramadan–its most intense part, as observers continue to fast during daylight hours, declining both food and water until the sun sets. Daylight, and with it the Islamic obligation to fast, lingers long in August.
Mosswood
Oakland celebrates National Night Out with 452 block parties
Carrying bowls of pasta salad, watermelon, and meat to grill, on Tuesday night people left their houses and streamed into hundreds of neighborhood gatherings being hosted throughout the city as part of National Night Out—a nationwide block party that encourages people to get to know their neighbors and promotes community safety.
Downtown
Nine candidates have their say at forum
After public complaints about a plan to include only the front-running candidates for Oakland mayor, the Sierra Club Wednesday hosted nine of the ten candidates at a forum on the environment and the upcoming election.