Blogs
Now that it’s summer, people are out riding bikes in full force. Lately, I’ve been taking pictures of bike piles–I love seeing them, especially when folks get creative locking and hanging their bikes on trees, gates, fences, whatever. Here are some pics:
In East Oakland.
Happy Odd Day! According to mathematicians, only 6 days this century will be made up of all odd numbers- and 5-7-09 is one of them! Redwood teacher Ron Gordon has announced a contest for the person who best celebrates Odd Day. The prize? $579. While some may be doing their math, others may not get a chance to, now that the UC Regents is set to approve a 9% undergrad student fee increase at all UC schools. Graduate student fees…
After three town hall meetings (covered by OaklandNorth here, here and here), Mayor Dellums has announced a two year budget for 2009-2011. Meant to close the city’s $83billion defecit, the new budget will likely cut some city services. To look at the official budget proposal, visit the city’s website. The Trib’s education reporter, Katy Murphy, writes in her blog that Oakland School Board President Alice Spearman resigned today. This while the District continues its search for a new superintendent. And…
Antique shop in Temescal.
Mayor Ron Dellums released his proposed city budget late yesterday, and as predicted, it ain’t pretty. The Mayor proposed, among other things, cutting 140 police officers, rotating library closures, shutting some parks, mandating nearly a month of furlough days and laying off nearly 250 city employees. To the Mayor’s credit, the budget is more or less in line with what was discussed at the three budget town halls, and, as promised, does ask departments to share the pain. We’ll see…
Hey all, Casey Miner here guest-blogging for Oakland Bites. Elise asked me to write about my experiences with urban farming in Oakland, which is one of my favorite topics, so.
According to the Oakland Tribune, Alameda County has declared a state of emergency due to the Swine Flu, officially (by request of the pork lobby) referred to as the A-H1N1 Flu. This will allow the county to get state and city funding to be able to keep up with the outbreak. For those who missed it, Malcolm X Elementary in West Berkeley continues to be shut down after a suspected swine flu case. Here’s a map of Bay Area swine-related…
Happy Cinco de Mayo! But not so happy for Oakland. I’m sure many of you found out that the usual Cinco de Mayo Fruitvale festivities were canceled this year. Why? Lack of funding for security. The Asociacion de Comerciantes y Profesionales de Oakland sponsors the event each year and has to get permits and police protection from the Oakland Police Department. The celebration and parade were supposed to be held last Sunday but ACPO needed more time to fundraise. “We…