Berkeley farmers’ markets become zero waste zones

By Lauren Rudser and Brittney Johnson/Oakland North The three weekly Berkeley farmers’ markets are now zero waste zones. The goal is to reduce, recycle or compost all materials generated by the markets –- and shoppers are asked to do their part when it comes to how they transport their purchases home.

Live Wire: Burlesque at Café Van Kleef

A few weeks ago I saw a great show at Café Van Kleef in Oakland featuring the Hot Pink Feathers – the music was provided by the gentlemen in Blue Bone Express. If you have a chance, check ’em out next time you are in the neighborhood. They have a show at least once a month. http://www.cafevankleef.com/ If you know of any great live shows coming up soon, let me know – leave the info in the comments section. I’ll…

Stem cell ban reversal hits close to home

By Lauren Rudser and Brittney Johnson/ Oakland North Last week, the Obama administration reversed bans, put into place under former President Bush, on Stem Cell research using federal funds. See how this is affecting one local couple.

North Oakland Now – Marine recruiting center vandalized

  I was driving down Shattuck Ave this afternoon – the 6th anniversary of the Iraq war – and out of the corner of my eye I noticed quite a commotion out front of the Marine recruiting center. I circled around to get a better look, and saw the huge windows at the front of the Center being replaced. There were baseball-sized holes in the windows, and dripping red paint. Read an article about the vandalism from the Oakland Tribune.

Live Wire: Starry Plough

A while ago I went to a great show at the wonderful Starry Plough featuring Buxter Hootn, Dgiin and The Loyd Family Players. Check out the video! This Saturday, I’m going to Café VanKleef’s Brass n’Burlesque show – featuring Bluebone Express and the Hot Pink Feathers. Its going to be a great night. Show starts at 9pm. http://www.cafevankleef.com/index.html

Art Quest along the 40th Street Corridor

North Oaklanders came out Saturday, Feb 21, for the first ever 40th Street corridor Art Quest. There were raffle prizes, great art, and a fun night exploring the neighborhood for everyone who came out.  

Live Wire: Zydeco at Just Dance Ballroom

  Last Friday, I went to an awesome Zydeco show at The Just Dance Ballroom. They welcomed Cedryl Ballou and Corey Ledet for a really great show that got everyone’s feet movin’. This was one show in a weekly series of live Zydeco shows at The Just Dance studio. It is just one of the many styles of dance they offer lessons in to cater to anyone’s style and speed. (http://www.justdanceballroom.com/) Special thanks to Louisiana Sue who has the best…

Live Wire – What’s on Tap

So… pardon the delay, but I will get the video from the wonderful Zydeco show at Just Dance Ballroom uploaded in the next day or two. But in the mean time, you should gear up to join me for this week’s outing: The Loyd Family Players (a huge drum line), Dgiin and Buxter Hoot’n live at The Starry Plough this Satuday, Feb. 21. Show starts around 9pm, $9 at the door. It’s going to be a really fun show! (http://www.starryploughpub.com/eventscalendar/upcoming)…

North Oakland Now: Thursday, Feb. 19 2009

  A state-wide sigh of relief was heard at 7 o’clock this morning because California finally has an emergency budget plan in place. (Now we just wait until the pain of the impending budget cuts meets the burden of tax increases for the real misery to set in). In light of the tragic events surrounding the death of Oscar Grant, two assembly members introduced a bill that would form a civilian oversight group over the BART police, intending to increase…

North Oakland Now: Wednesday, Feb 18 2009

  The California Senate is still at a stalemate in trying to pass a long overdue state budget. As some state employees brace for a round of pink slips, US Senator Barbara Boxer worries this impasse could cost California a cut of the federal stimulus package. But according to Rep. Barbara Lee, Oakland already has its sights set on how to use its part of the package when it comes. President Obama is hoping to save 9 million American families…

North Oakland Now: Tuesday, Feb. 17 2009

  Another day of showers around the Bay Area messed with people’s plans, including delays at SFO and Oakland Airport, power outages and flooding – but it still won’t be enough to end the water shortage. In a really heinous move, someone burgled a local food giveaway over the weekend. Hopefully we’ll start to see some positive changes with the $787 Billion stimulus plan signed into law today by President Obama, but the California Senate is still one vote shy…

Welcome to Live Wire!

Welcome to Live Wire, North Oakland’s guide to local live music. More on that later… Tonight, I’m heading out to a Zydeco show – complete with dance lessons at 8pm, Louisiana Sue’s Gumbo and great live music. Join me at the Just Dance Ballroom for the ‘Mardi Gras Bayou Bash, featuring music by Cedryl Ballou and Corey Ledet: Just Dance Ballroom 2500 Embarcadero Oakland, CA 94606 Phone: (510) 436-9888 http://www.justdanceballroom.com/