Education
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.
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.
Guardian Gym is a free, non-profit sports facility for boys and girls ages 10 to 24. Its founders opened the gym in Oakland after they realized the profound effect that having a safe recreational space and healthy goals had brought to their own lives. They want to bring those same opportunities to young men and women and help them learn that you can be successful on and off the mat by showing up every day.
Hoping to boost attendance, staff members volunteer weekly to wash their students’ clothes.
The Peralta College District misclassifies long-term employees as “temporary,” denying them higher pay and benefits, union officials say.
“I always was ashamed, and I always thought of myself as a prostitute,” said Elizabeth Quiroz. “But now that I know this, I’m educating myself. That’s not what happened. I was a victim. Now I’m a survivor.”
As the teachers’ union and school district continue contract negotiations, teachers across Oakland demonstrated last week to demand smaller class sizes and a pay raise be included in the new contract.
In the race for an open school board seat in District 4, newcomer Clarissa Doutherd and Oakland education veteran Gary Yee face off.
On Wednesday night, more than 50 students, parents and community organizers demanded that Oakland school board members restore the district’s free supper program.