Community

August pilot program tests lifting BART ban on bikes during commute hours

BART officials, transit riders, and bicycle advocates have given a provisional thumbs up to a pilot program that ran on Fridays this August, allowing cyclists and their bikes to board trains during rush hour. Bikes are not usually allowed on Transbay trains during peak commute periods, which cover weekday mornings from roughly 6:30 to 9 am and during the afternoons from about 4:30 to 7 pm. According to BART Communications Department Manager Alicia Trost, bicycles are restricted from trains during…

New book offers a supporter’s take on Ron Dellums’ tenure as Oakland mayor

Years after serving as education director for then-Mayor Ron Dellums, professor Kitty Kelly Epstein aims to recast the controversial mayorship in a new book. “Organizing to Change a City,” released at the end of August, tells the story from a supporter’s view. It describes the community effort that secured Dellums’ victory and defends his tenure – all part of advancing Epstein’s contention that grass roots change is possible, even in a city as complicated as Oakland.

Adoptable animal of the week: Spring

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 Spring. Spring is a short-haired, black-and-white tuxedo-patterned female 1-2 years old. She is an active cat with a strong will and a soft nature. During quiet moments, she appreciates a cozy cardboard box for refuge or simply for a safe snooze. Spring does not do well with young children, dogs, or other…

Theft of electronics on the rise in North and West Oakland

Police said they have recorded a surge in such robberies in Rockridge, Temescal, Montclair, downtown Oakland, and around BART stations, particularly the MacArthur station. Many incidents have occurred in restaurants, like the Hudson, and cafes, police said.

Organizers prepare for this weekend’s Oakland Pride festival

In the final days before this year’s Pride celebration, event chair Amber Todd has been juggling the demands of being a city employee, a mother of four daughters, and a student. “I have so much crammed into my brain right now that I’m forgetting simple things like locking the car,” she said.