Economy
Two weeks ago, a business advocacy group sued the city of Oakland over its certification of Measure AA, a tax initiative from the November election that would create a fund for more early childhood education programs. The lawsuit—filed by the Jobs and Housing Coalition, along with a group of property owners—argues that the city council thwarted the will of Oakland voters by certifying the measure even though it failed to earn support from two-thirds of the voters. The measure, also…
Local bicycle shops are dying off in the East Bay. In the last two months, five of them have closed their doors in Alameda County. One of them is Oakland’s Manifesto Bicycles. Owners Sam Cunningham and Mackay Gibbs explain how a decline in bicycle commuting and competition from online retailers affected their business and led to them having to shut it down.
As teachers around the country organize, Oakland teachers could be next—they’re voting this week to authorize the teacher’s union to call a strike.
Afters 17 years in business, The popular Tabletop gaming store is closing its doors for good this Friday.
At an emotional meeting Monday night, the Oakland Board of Education voted to close Roots International Academy, a middle school in East Oakland, despite Roots students, parents, teachers, and staff imploring them to keep the school open.
In a pilot program, clients receive the regular pantry food, but also receive a specially-tailored box for their needs.
Craftspeople all over the country are busy preparing for holiday sales. Many will make half their annual income in these final two months of the year. Hopefully, it’s enough to make it through the slow months that follow—or at least to justify pressing on.
Incarceration doesn’t just affect the incarcerated, it alters the lives of their loved ones as well. Families struggle to maintain these relationships because of the financial and emotional burdens that the prison system places on them.
Laney College students, who were homeless, have moved into a Pocket House—a type of tiny house—that could serve as part of a solution to the housing crisis in Oakland.