Economy
Earlier this month the Institute for Policy Studies, a Washington, D.C. think tank, reported that the average white family today has net assets of $141,900, compared with the $11,000 for African American families. This hollowing out of the African American family asset base is a nationwide phenomenon that can be explained by the shrinking African American middle class. It’s even more a factor in “strong market” regions like the Bay Area, where housing costs are soaring.
Early this morning, from East Oakland to West, students climbed into AC Transit buses, fares or passes in hand, and commuted to schools in other neighborhoods. In 2004, the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) rolled out a new enrollment policy, an “options process” which allowed parents to send children to schools outside of their neighborhoods. Parents wanted equal access to opportunities at schools throughout Oakland, and some specialty programs were only offered at one or two schools. Since the district does not operate its own bus service, most students commute using public transit.
Oakland is predicted to become the capital of cannabis, as California’s first marijuana incubator sets up shop in Jack London District.
On Wednesday, district officials presented a plan for improvements to the student enrollment system, Lance Jackson updated the board on the Central Kitchen Project, and the Oakland Athletic League (OAL) presented a progress report from the athletic department.
In 2016, Fred Finch Youth Center in Oakland will celebrate 125 years of mental health and social services.
The newest phase of contest over the East 12th parcel is a student “guerrilla art” exhibit.
Amid glowing rows of rainbow chard and plump purple eggplants, Kelly Carlisle, founder of Acta Non Verba Farm, is celebrating her sixth community harvest. The farm, which sits on a quarter acre of Tassafaronga Park, offers local children a safe outdoor space to learn the art of farming.
A collection of free mobile Medicare clinics staffed by volunteer pharmacists and students are helping residents navigate their healthcare plans.
The Allen Temple Baptist Church will partner with the University of the Pacific this Saturday to hold a health fair to help seniors understand their medications.