Community
“Fred Finch is a place of hope. I was 16 when I came to them, and they gave me a place to stay and job training. If I had not found Fred Finch, I would be dead. People who have experienced trauma the way I had for years need to be reminded they are needed in society,” said Desi Cortijo, a former recipient of services from the center.
Members of the organization set floating lanterns on Lake Merrit in hope of fostering peace through art.
At a time when the federal government does not support climate action, climate experts say local city efforts can mitigate warming and help the nation. Oakland has taken a lead role in local climate initiatives.
Most people who hear the word “cotillion” probably think of an extravagant coming-of-age ball to introduce upper-class girls into high society. Oakland-based Lend A Hand Foundation’s Teen Cotillion, however, is for a totally different demographic: low-income, at-risk teens.
Over a year after Oakland declared a state of emergency on homelessness, during a sparsely-attended city council meeting on Tuesday night, councilmembers passed two resolutions intended to help those living on the streets.
Last year, the state of California experienced its most destructive and deadliest wildfire season on record. October is one of the highest-risk months of the year for wildfires in the state. Currently, fire departments and agencies are working to spread the message and give people the tools they need to prevent fires in the first place.
Every Tuesday morning, Max Cadji of Phat Beets drops off half a dozen boxes of fresh fruit and produce at Jasper P. Driver Plaza in North Oakland. The food is grown at several local urban farms and gardens and distributed to the community.
Residents of West Oakland continue to have little trust in the Oakland Police Department.
The Order of Malta of Northern California has started a mobile clinic to serve uninsured and homeless people. The 36-foot mobile clinic made its debut at a monthly podiatry clinic.