Culture
Adam Hubenig grew up in Quebec and Ontario, Canada, surrounded by lush forest, hidden brooks and rivers, with access to a secluded cabin where he could completely escape into nature. He moved to Oakland in 2001 for a technology job, but, more importantly, he wanted to be just a few hours a way from Yosemite National Park to rock climb, his favorite past-time. “Being three hours away from Yosemite allowed me to go rock climbing in the world’s best rock…
When Brittani Sensabaugh walks down the streets of East Oakland, she notices a combination of characteristics among those who live there—strength, struggles and power. It is those features she wants to capture in her photography. Sensabaugh, better known as “Britt Sense,” is a documentarian whose project “222ForgottenCities,” is currently exhibiting in New York. Last month, it exhibited in Oakland, where the project began. Through it, the young photographer showcases communities where people with “melanin,” as she puts it, live, to…
This week on Tales of Two Cities, we talk about hobbies! From contributor Lacy Roberts, we’ll hear about a dedicated group of fantasy role-players in Oakland. Reporter Libby Leyden introduces us to a local man who makes his living by harvesting driftwood. We’ll also hear about Oakland’s 57th Annual White Elephant Sale which took place last weekend. Matt Beagle is our host this week!
Any deaf visitors will be directed to DeafHope, which focuses specifically on providing services to victims of domestic violence in that community. “We just feel like there really is a need,” says Aracelia Aguilar, an empowerment director with DeafHope, speaking through a relay interpreter via phone. “And we can see how people are trying to survive. There’s such limited communication.”
DeafHope was founded in 2003 by Julie Rems-Smario along with eight other women, who recognized there was a need for specialized services. Previously, says Rems-Smario, also speaking through a relay interpreter, in domestic violence cases, it was often easier for survivors to stay in an abusive home where the abuser knew sign language than to access services available for sexual assault or domestic violence victims, which were designed for the hearing community.
Sunset Magazine hosted a party in mid February to celebrate its new move, new editor – in – chief, and new direction it planned to take editorially at its new Oakland location.
The Genova Delicatessen, located at 5095 Telegraph Avenue, has been part of the famous Temescal Plaza since 1926. When it first opened it sold mostly just pastas and sauces but in the late 1960s the deli began to focus on making and selling sandwiches and has since become a staple place for many locals to get their lunches. This spring the deli will close due to an increase in rent from the landlords, Temescal Plaza, LLC.
Howdy Listeners, This week on Tales of Two Cities we take a look at four unique businesses and how they reflect what’s happening in Richmond and Oakland’s economies. From a legendary deli in the heart of Temescal on the brink of shutting down because of rising rents, to a local factory that hires an unexpected workforce; and from a man who depends on year-round love to sell his flowers, to a woman who makes fairy wings out of her house. Don’t…
Jay runs a non-profit in Oakland called Hip Hop for Change. His goal is to create a more positive image of hip hop that does not reinforce the stereotypical images perpetuated by the mainstream music industry. “We’re trying to put our real image out there, so people can see our real culture, instead of making stereotypical tropes of our culture to entertain themselves with,” Jay said. “Those tropes that criminalize our black and brown youth.”