For decades, the law enforcement and justice systems have treated juvenile sex workers as criminals, not victims, arresting and locking them up. Now the Oakland Police Department, the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and an Oakland nonprofit that works with sexually exploited youth are exploring alternatives to incarceration. But what’s the best way to do it?
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Nola Brantley, right, talks with some of her MISSSEY staff members at the Safe Place Alternative, or SPA, at the Alameda County Family Justice Center. The SPA is a drop-in transition and recovery center for sexually exploited children in Oakland.
As more Oakland youth join the sex trade, law enforcement explores alternatives to incarceration
March 13, 2010 – 10:02 am
Going green? Oakland fair shows you how
March 10, 2010 – 12:38 pm
At last Saturday’s Greening Oakland Homes fair at the Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club, contractors were on hand to explain the options for going green.
Exclusive video: State Senate leader sits down with unannounced student protesters
March 1, 2010 – 11:28 pm
More than a dozen students from several University of California campuses arrived unannounced at the office of California Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assemblyman Jim Nielsen. Oakland North has exclusive video of the sit-in and an interview with a student protester.
Spying on Seldon: Tibetan activist the subject of cyberattacks from China
March 1, 2010 – 1:42 pm
Last month, Stanford student and Tibetan activist Tenzin Seldon got a letter from Google explaining that someone in China was spying on her through her Gmail account. Now, because of cyberattacks like the one on Seldon, and China’s attempts to limit free speech, the Internet giant is considering pulling out of China.
Timeline: Important dates in the Hasanni Campbell disappearance case
February 5, 2010 – 1:15 pm
On February 10, supporters of missing Fremont boy Hasanni Campbell will rally in front of the Oakland Police Department to call attention to his disappearance six months ago. Oakland North presents a timeline of key moments in the ongoing investigation.
Prop 8 sparring begins in S.F. federal court
January 11, 2010 – 2:00 pm
In a San Francisco courtroom packed to overflowing, attorneys on both sides of Proposition 8 argued this morning about whether the same-sex marriage ban is discriminatory or a justifiable expression of California voters’ will.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down International Blvd.
December 23, 2009 – 9:33 am
Fifty lucky Oakland children on International Boulevard received some early presents yesterday morning from an Oakland police officer dressed as Father Christmas. Instead of eight tiny reindeer leading the way, this Chris Cringle rode an OPD Harley-Davidson.
The graffiti canvas: A modern medieval manuscript?
December 15, 2009 – 3:51 pm
In this video, leading artists working on pieces in Oakland’s DeFremery Park at 18th and Adeline Street earlier this fall give a beginner’s lesson on graffiti aesthetics and explain how their art derives lessons from the medieval masters.
Usually in demand, new nurses now looking for work
December 10, 2009 – 2:15 pm
Nurses usually have no trouble finding work. But nearly 40 percent of the graduating class of 2009 are without hospital jobs due to the recent economic downturn. We follow one recent nursing graduate from North Oakland’s Samuel Merritt College who is looking for work.
Wheeler Hall standoff ends, students out to cheers
November 20, 2009 – 9:40 pm
The sit-in at UC Berkeley’s Wheeler Hall ended peacefully this evening, as protesters who had occupied the campus building were seen leaving in small groups to join cheering crowds of supporters outside.
Oakland Black Cowboy Association revives forgotten memories of the American West
November 5, 2009 – 9:07 pm
Oakland resident Wilbert McAlister grew up watching Westerns at the movie theater in his rural hometown of Madera, Calif. For years he reveled in the exploits of white heroes, but as an adult he began to ask himself why none of the actors resembled him or his ancestors, who were ranchers in Oklahoma. As he [...]
Repairs begin on Bay Bridge
October 28, 2009 – 6:47 am
Caltrans crews worked through the night to begin repairing a section of the Bay Bridge that collapsed onto the upper deck last night. The upper and lower levels have both been closed to traffic and a construction team is currently working on the bridge.
Protest highlights tensions brought by Mehserle trial
October 26, 2009 – 7:45 am
October 22nd was a National Day of Protest Against Police Brutality, a nation-wide initiative to draw attention to the lives that have been lost at the hands of law enforcement officers.
At Fruitvale BART, riders speak on decision to move trial of Oscar Grant shooter
October 21, 2009 – 9:00 pm
At Fruitvale BART station on Wednesday morning riders were reluctant to share their thoughts on the change of venue in the Mehserle trial. While many shared detailed and passionate opinions off-camera, most wouldn’t venture in front due to the touchy subject matter. Here are a few brave souls who decided to speak their [...]