Adoptable animal of the week: Zizi

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every Tuesday, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility.  This week it’s Zizi: Zizi is a 1-year-old female, probably part-Maine Coon, with medium length hair. She’s an active, playful cat with boundless energy and curiosity and would benefit from being an indoor/outdoor cat. Go here to see more pictures of Zizi. Visit Oakland Animal Services at 1101 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA and ask to…

Temescal Street Fair in photos

Check out photos of the 8th Annual Temescal Street Fair on Sunday. Thousands of people crammed into seven blocks of Telegraph Avenue, from 51st Street to 45th, on Sunday afternoon to eat popcorn and hotdogs, dance, shop and walk around.

Firefighters’ union, civilian unions approve cuts in new contracts with city

The City of Oakland firefighters’ union voted to approve a new contract with the city Thursday, a deal they say will save the city close to $30 million over three years by cutting firefighters’ salaries, among other concessions. All five of the city unions approved contracts with the city this week, helping shave off $23 million from a $58-million budget gap. All unions agreed to give back approximately nine percent in compensation, according to Mayor Jean Quan. Along with the…

Space fans gather at Chabot Space and Science Center to watch last shuttle launch

The patch on John Tulloch’s black hat has the insignia from the final mission of the Discovery space shuttle—a stitched picture of a shuttle blasting off into the stars, with a tail of red flames following, against a dark blue half-globe in the background. He’s wearing a black polo shirt like the ones worn by NASA mission control operators in Houston, the pin on his collar is for the current mission, and the blue astronaut suit his three-year old son…

Making marmalade with Blue Chair Fruit Company

For 10 years, Rachel Saunders made jam on the side, mostly for friends. Then, she said, making jam “sort of became more of a hobby.” But ultimately it became North Oakland’s Blue Chair Fruit Company — see how they make one of their artisan marmalades.

City council approves November special election

The Oakland City Council heard a report from Chief of Police Anthony Batts about a reorganization of the city’s police department and approved a mail ballot-only special election for November 15 at the city council meeting Tuesday night in downtown Oakland. Now it just needs to be determined what will be on the ballot.

Adoptable animal of the week: Michael

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every Tuesday, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility.  This week it’s Michael: Michael is one of 21 rabbits neglected by their previous owner that were rescued. His health has been restored and he’s enjoying his newfound freedom. Go here to read about the rescue of Michael and the other rabbits. Visit Oakland Animal Services at 1101 29th Avenue, Oakland, CA and ask to…

After getting thumbs up from council, Oakland Zoo ready to expand

After the Oakland City Council voted its approval last week, the Oakland Zoo expansion that has been in the works since the mid-1990s is nearly ready to break ground, despite opposition from environmental groups. The expansion includes a veterinary hospital, camping area, and an exhibit for native California animals.

Work on Temescal mural almost completed

A mural on the Highway 24 underpass at 52nd Street in Temescal that has been in the works for two years is close to completion. All that’s left is a little touch-up work and approval from BART to work on the two remaining blank columns. “It’s been an arduous process trying to work with the city bureaucracy trying to get this thing painted,” said Darlene Rios Drapkin, executive director of the Temescal Telegraph Business Improvement District. “We’re almost there,” she…