Culture

As Vicky Chen, the teen librarian at the Rockridge Library Branch, attempted to settle the chaotic rush of middle school students visiting the youth section after school, a student suddenly asked, “Ms. Vicky, how can a book be banned?” Chen, along with other Oakland librarians, highlighted banned books at their respective branches by creating displays for Banned Books Week, which ran from September 21 to 27, an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read. At the Rockridge branch, Chen’s…

Vegan burgers and soul food and burritos (oy vey!) … This week, Oakland’s plant-based eaters add another nosh to the list. Sarah Kagan, 26, launched Kosher* vegan catering business, Sarah Sunshine, just in time for the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashana.* Rosh Hashana, which fell on September 24, 2014, celebrates the start of the Jewish new year, 5775. It is followed by ten days of atonement, which ends in one of the holiest days under Jewish tradition, Yom Kippur. Fish-free…

Robert Rodgers has been in the driver’s seat for a long time–for the last eight years, as a driver for the elderly patients of Alzheimer’s Services of the East Bay. As he retires, he reflects on his career and the passengers he’s known.

The Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch in Oakland features more than 15 types of pumpkins.

A photo/audio slide show of Oakland’s 2014 Eat Real festival.

The 6th annual Oakland Underground Film Festival opens this weekend at the Grand Lake Theatre, highlighting local independent and underground filmmakers.

Beloved Rockridge bookstore Diesel turns 25 this week. It celebrates its past and looks to the future.

The Oakland Museum and SFMOMA unveil “Fertile Ground,” exploring creative communities in California art.