Searching by feel: A window into the world of forensic diving

A middle-aged swimmer paused at the end of the pool, between laps, and studied the man in the next lane fiddling with his goggles, who had just frog-kicked the length of the 100-foot-long pool, along the bottom, in one breath. She had been wondering about him for weeks. His swimming habits were unique. For example, she had never seen him swim on the water’s surface. More unusual—disconcerting, actually—was what he did when he reached the deep end. He would sink…

Adoptable animal of the week: Boots

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every week, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s a dog named Boots.

Adoptable animal of the week: Freddi

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every week, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s a rabbit named Freddi.

This Weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of September 28-30, 2012. Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments! Friday, September 28 Bites Off Broadway: Mobile Food and Family Fun
 5:30-8:30 pm 365 45th Street, Oakland A weekly outdoor food truck gathering with lawn games for the whole family that will run on Fridays through October 12. More information here.  You can read Oakland North’s previous coverage here. Summer Nights at OMCA, Oakland Rover Street Party 5:00…

Adoptable animal of the week: Melanie

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every week, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s a cat named Melanie.

This weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of September 21-23, 2012. Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments! Friday, September 21 Park(ing) Day, with Walk Oakland, Bike Oakland Events start in the afternoon, ongoing throughout the day. Multiple Oakland locations. Go here for a full list of parklet-building events. Mini parks have been popping up in Oakland, and this weekend, local organization “Walk Oakland, Bike Oakland” is hosting various events that transform parking spots to…

Adoptable Animal of the Week: Bagel

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every week, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s a dog named Bagel.

Adoptable animal of the week: Sugar

Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every week, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s a rabbit named Sugar. Sugar been at the shelter since August 2011. Shelter life just isn’t for him and he can’t wait to find a home where he’ll get lots of indoor space. Sometimes he puts up front and pretends he’s not up for cuddling, but he secretly loves to. His new owners just need…

You Tell Us: It is time to start thinking outside of the box about foreclosures

In 1979 my sister and her family moved into their home with the same expectations of so many others of that time. That expectation included raising their children in a safe and clean neighborhood where they would be educated in the local neighborhood schools. Their jobs would be secure and their dollars would stay within the community because they made a point, even then, to shop at local stores. They were intent on paying off their mortgage in 30 years.