Community

Despite rising college tuitions, nearly half of Oakland students don’t apply for federal aid

Aalijahri Robinson, 18, found out about financial aid for college while she was a senior at Rusdale Continuation High School, located in East Oakland. The Oakland native hoped to attend college in California, but with unanswered questions about her Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) application and long lines at her financial aid office at school, she ultimately decided not to file her forms last March. “I was just discouraged,” said Robinson. She said her high school did bring in…

Popuphood shop Umami Mart signs a long-term lease in Old Oakland

Last fall, neighbors saw a once dark and quiet gallery transformed into a bright and open space with brick walls, open shelves and light floors when Umami Mart, a store that carries a variety of Japanese specialty barware, opened in the historic Old Oakland district. Umami Mart opened its doors thanks to an organization called “popuphood” which helps small business owners establish retail shops in an area that is otherwise lacking them. The stores begin as temporary spaces, and if successful are given…

Women and hip-hop: A discussion in downtown Oakland

On Friday, the Betti Ono art gallery in downtown Oakland hosted a panel discussion about women and Hip-Hop. The “My Art, My Culture: Women, media, and Hip-Hop” three-part discussion was the product of the combined efforts of a number of Bay Area arts organizations including Beats, Rhymes, and Life, which uses Hip-Hop to empower young people, and the Daughters of Dilla Project, which offers media arts programs for girls.

Adoptable animal of the week: Yoshimi

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 Yoshimi. Yoshimi is a smart & loyal girl, approximately 2-3 years old, who is part Maine Coon and part Samurai warrior. Like all good samurai, Yoshimi cautiously observes her surroundings before settling in. Once she feels safe, however, she is very affectionate – she loves to snuggle close to her human…

At estate sales, people find more than just “stuff”

Every weekend there’s a sign posted on some telephone pole for an estate sale.  Maybe you’re someone who follows the signs, but if you’re not, you might be surprised by what people can get out of these sales. Listen to the audio piece to hear more about fans of Oakland’s estate sales and the people who make them happen.