Business

Boom at the port: Demand for the California almond means business

While the Port of Oakland’s activities may not be able to show whether the recession is over, or when it will end, it reveals a lot about the nature of the local and regional economies. Inside each shipping container lies a story about Northern California and its relationship with the rest of the world. Take the story of the almonds.

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

Residents protest “Dirty Energy Proposition”

On Thursday, more than fifty people celebrated the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by protesting the so-called “Dirty Energy Proposition,” or the signature-gathering effort in support of a ballot measure that will delay implementation of AB 32, California’s clean energy and air law.

Bake Sale Betty II’s No. 1 customer!

Willie Acklin, Uptown resident, was Bake Sale Betty II’s number one customer this morning, he says. Bake Sale Betty’s original location is in Oakland’s Temescal Neighborhood. The opening of a second shop on Broadway and West Grand Ave. was highly anticipated. Acklin said he woke up at 6:30 a.m. to be the first to get his grub. But he didn’t have to travel far: Acklin lives accross the street. He was hoping for chicken, but alas, Acklin says he will…

Shout-outs to Spokeland

On Sunday, the Spokeland Bike Co-op set up shop down at Mosswood Park for a “Love Your Bike” fundraiser. They called all their friends with tools and skills to diagnose and fix all passers-by’s bikes for a small donation

In Oakland, it’s easier to buy booze than bananas

Anyone who has shopped for food in a poor urban neighborhood, in Oakland or elsewhere, knows how it goes: Twenty varieties of malt liquor, potato chips, and frozen burritos and one bruised-up, waxy apple. Maybe a half-peeled onion. It’s so common that it’s almost a fact of life in America. Unhealthy food is as intrinsic to poor communities of color as are midnight gunshots and Newport cigarette billboard ads. Click HERE to see the special project

Backyard Beekeeping

Have you looked closely into your neighbor’s backyard recently? If you have, you might have noticed a beehive and thousands of buzzing bees. Turns out, backyard beekeeping is a growing trend in the Bay Area.