Chinatown dragon mural is a symbol against hate, ‘protector of the community.’ 

Visitors coming into Oakland’s Chinatown now will meet a staggering dragon watching over the intersection of Jackson and 10th streets.  Its mythical presence is a reminder to stand against hate, according to the community groups and team of artists who christened the dragon mural “Together, We Rise” last week. Its unveiling served as a kickoff to United Against Hate Week, which runs nationwide through Saturday.  United Against Hate began in Berkeley in 2017 as a poster campaign responding to white…

West Oakland Sound Series connects musicians to improvise, innovate and experiment.

On an early evening in September, a modest crowd entering the Dresher Ensemble Studio received disappointing news at the door: One of the two acts they came to see would not be performing. However, the show must go on, and the West Oakland Sound Series is no stranger to improvisation.  Matt Ingalls, Sound Series director, was not going to let his audience go without a second act. In the spirit of this avant-garde musical community, he would later join woodwinds…