Community

Schools face low enrollment and teacher consolidations

Over a month into the new school year, Kaiser Elementary teacher Douglas Feague found himself in his principal’s office at lunch, digesting some difficult news: His position was being “consolidated.” In other words, the school could no longer afford an eleventh full-time teacher, and Feague, the least senior staff member, would need to relocate to a different school.

Proposed graffiti ordinance seeks harsher punishment for vandalism

This month, the city council’s Public Works Committee will consider a new graffiti ordinance, which aims to bolster Oakland’s current vandalism laws by inflicting harsher penalties on offenders and offering support for property owners frequently targeted by graffiti writers. The “Graffiti Enforcement Program” proposed by City Attorney Barbara Parker and District 3 representative Nancy Nadel, would enhance a section of the city’s municipal code which presently only addresses graffiti abatement procedures and prohibits the sale and possession of pressurized paint cans and markers to minors.

Oakland North’s best “how to” articles

Everyone needs a little advice sometimes, and over the years Oakland North has asked a few of our neighbors for their expert guidance on how to do everyday things. See if any of these “how to” guides will come in handy! How to recycle batteries and other hazardous waste in Oakland How to recycle old electronics in Oakland How to milk your goat How to pickle hot peppers How to make Genova Delicatessen’s Italian Combo How to make gingerbread cookies…

Fours Years Later: African Americans in Oakland react to President Obama’s reelection

Four years ago, people danced in the streets in front of Everett and Jones BBQ Restaurant in Jack London Square. They embraced loved ones and high-fived total strangers. The news cameras rolled, and non-reporters became journalists as they documented history via grainy pictures from their camera phones. The first African American president in the history of the United States had been elected. Four years later, that same African American president was up for re-election, but the celebration at Everett and…

This Weekend in Oakland

Community events and activities for the weekend of November 9-11 2012. Got an event we didn’t know about? Please add it in the comments! Friday, November 9 Sonar: An Electronic Music Festival from Barcelona 7pm Fox Theatre, 1807 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA Sonar On Tour features electronic music and new media art from Barcelona’s annual Sonar festival, which began in 1994. Friday’s event is headlined by South African rap-rave artist Die Antwoord. Tickets range from $39.50-$49.50. For more information, click here. …