Shilanda Woolridge

North Oakland academy teaches capoeira to area youth

On a Tuesday afternoon, in a Piedmont Avenue studio between a yogurt shop and a purveyor of vintage European goods, Yania Escobar has her kinder warriors—a half dozen 3 to 5 year olds — gathered around one of the many perfect circles outlined on the gym floor in colored tape. Escobar crouches over. She steps from one foot to the other, swaying side to side, while moving her arms about in front of her.

Children’s Hospital Oakland cuts the ribbon on new room for seriously ill children

On Wednesday, the palliative care suite at Oakland Children’s Hospital and Research center was re-named “The Edward W. and Yuri H. Chin Reflection Room” in honor of a pledge of $250,000 from the couple. The suite, which was opened last November, is a miniature apartment that consists of a bathroom, living room, bedroom, kitchenette, and den that gives families a private space that feels like a home to enjoy quality time with a child who has a life-limiting illness, particularly children who are dying or have just died.

At the Compound Gallery, a new show explores storytelling and art

In a group show at the Compound Gallery & Studios titled “The Artist as Storyteller,” artist and curator Alison O.K. Frost has assembled a collection of works that tell viewers stories, leaving them to interpret what the artists mean to say. Multi-paneled pieces marry words and images in a way that is simultaneously familiar and abstract.

Ordway Organic Farmer’s Market offers fresh produce to downtown workers

Every Wednesday between 10 a.m and 2 p.m., an organic farmer’s market appears, tucked between the Cathedral of Christ the Light and the Kaiser Permanente offices near Lake Merritt. Operating since May, the Ordway Organic Farmer’s Market, a petite selection of just over a half dozen booths selling fruits, veggies, plants and other fare, is the new kid on the block on an array of farmer’s markets that dot Oakland. However, it is unique because it is among the few that take place midweek, mid-day and and are all-organic.

Code for Oakland challenges developers to turn public data into an app

A motley crew of 130 software developers, designers, community activists and concerned citizens converged at the Kaiser center on Saturday to compete for their share of more than $5,000 worth of prize money at the second annual Code for Oakland event. The competition challenges teams to develop a prototype application that uses public data, and gives them only a day to do it.

At Temescal library, neighbors swap backyard produce and kids’ clothes

Books weren’t the only things flying off the tables at the Temescal branch of the Oakland library on Saturday. In the backyard, boxes full of succulent plums gleamed in the sunshine at the library’s North Oakland crop swap. Gardeners bring their excess yield and set them on the table for others to take. While there, they are free to choose from items on the table that their fellow gardeners have brought to share. Meanwhile, Moms in the basement were giving and getting new ensembles for their kiddos.

In East Oakland, Friday night parties seek to reduce street violence

On Friday, over 60 Havenscourt neighborhood residents gathered at Carter Gilmore Park in East Oakland to attend “Friday Summer Nights at the Park,” a weekly series of family-friendly fun nights hosted by Messengers 4 Change, a coalition of Oakland organizations and residents working together to decrease violence. At the same time, a similar party was happening further east at Willie Wilkins Park in the Elmhurst neighborhood. The goal of these Friday night events is to decrease street violence by turning strangers into neighbors.

200 Yards project asks photographers to focus on downtown Oakland

Genevieve Brazelton, co-founder of 200 Yards, wants photographers to take a closer look at North Oakland. The premise of the project is simple: Draw a 200-yard radius around an alternative gallery or other landmark and invite photographers to cover that area with a hyperlocal focus and submit their work. The cream of the crop from the show’s Oakland version, which has the majestic oak tree as the center of its radius, will be displayed in a show at Oakland City Hall during the Art & Soul festival.

Early birds catch the wave at Temescal pool

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning a dedicated group of Temescal Aquatic Masters swimmers gather before the sun rises to participate in an organized swim work out that begins at 5:30 a.m. in the six-lane heated outdoor pool. The swimmers meet year round, rain or shine.

Mariposa Baking offers the sweet life to the gluten-free

There is nothing more disappointing than comfort food that causes discomfort. People with allergies to gluten—a protein found in wheat, rye and barley—have to say no to pizza, pasta and pastries made using traditional ingredients. But there is a haven for the gluten-free tucked away in a red brick alley in Temescal.

Bakesale Betty’s Uptown is open for business

The wait is over.  The uptown location of Bakesale Betty’s, 2228 Broadway, Oakland, CA‎, started its soft opening Thursday at 7 a.m.  Employees from area businesses were elated to have a favorite so close. The soft opening will continue Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and next week from Wednesday through Friday. Plans for a grand opening celebration are in the works. Want to get updates on the latest news from Oakland North? Join us on Facebook