Community
Medical marijuana supporters and business people in Oakland reacted angrily last week to dual blows from the federal government—a prosecution warning and a massive tax bill—as they speculated on the possible consequences for patients and the local marijuana industry.
The firefighters put on their headphones, fastened their seatbelts, turned on their lights and sirens, and peeled out of the garage towards the narrow, steep road. With notepads and video cameras in tow, reporters were getting a feel for what it was like to ride in a fire truck during the massive fire that devastated the Oakland Hills 20 years ago.
The Nightcap is a series that features a favorite Oakland drinking establishment every Friday afternoon. Eli’s Mile High Club has a colorful history and was once a lively musical venue, but neighbor complaints kept it quiet for years. When new owners tried to revive it, they had to wait three years for a permit to host live shows. The music returned in January, and now there’s a tattoo shop above the bar as well.
The Oakland Raiders Booster Club gathered Thursday for its first meeting since legendary owner Al Davis died. Some of the members discussed what they think the future holds for the team, and the city, now that Davis and his larger-than-life persona are not around any more.
With four days to opening, a cast juggling day jobs and family crises, and a budget with zero to spare, veteran West Oakland theatre director Ayodele “Wordslanger” Nzinga drove to her outdoor playhouse on a rainy afternoon and wondered if this, finally, was the production that wouldn’t make it.
The Asian Resource Center broke ground on a new solar installation project Wednesday. They are the site of the first community-funded project on the Solar Mosaic platform.
Despite the controversial nature of gang injunctions, the City of Oakland is considering implementing additional injunctions throughout the city.
Oakland North is continuing with our feature. Every Wednesday, we will publish a photo submitted by one of our readers. This week’s photo is by Jesus Contreras.
Since Occupy Wall Street protests began nearly one month ago in New York, similar actions have erupted across dozens of US cities, including Boston, Chicago, and San Francisco. Since 4 p.m. Monday, nearly 100 Oakland residents have built a tent city on Ogawa Plaza’s grass field.