Community

Plans for a sex shop near a school, youth programs get mixed reactions

Plans to open a sex boutique in downtown Oakland near a school and several youth program offices have caused some mixed reactions among neighboring businesses, although opponents seem unlikely to appeal a recent decision by the Oakland City Planning Commission allowing the shop to operate within close proximity to a school.

10 great walks in Oakland

Staying in Oakland for the holidays? Oakland North has picked out 10 great walks that are all easily accessible, either by a short drive, bike ride or bus trip.

Club finds a new way to reduce stress: laughter yoga

Recent studies show that the amount and frequency of your chuckles are proportionally linked to stress levels and general well-being. Like the science but aren’t one of those who can chuckle on cue? You might want to join the Lifefire Laughter Club of Oakland.

Adoptable Animal of the Week: Doris

Oakland North is continuing with our new feature. Every Tuesday, Oakland Animal Services will spotlight an “Animal of the Week” that’s up for adoption at their facility. This week it’s Doris the dog.

Tired of delays, Bordertown’s skaters ride again

Behind a 12-foot-high chain-link fence topped with barbed wire on a dead-end street underneath one of Oakland’s major freeways there is a concrete skate park called Bordertown. This West Oakland spot is the site of a long-standing controversy between the City of Oakland, Caltrans and the skateboarders that illegally built this park here six and a half years ago.

Oakland officials ask for last minute help in toy drive

Santa’s little helpers are fewer and farther between this year in Oakland, as the mayor’s toy drive is coming up short on donations. This morning mayor-elect Jean Quan sent out an email blast asking people to bring a new toy or a check to City Hall.