Religion

Buddha of Oakland

When Dan Stevenson placed a stone Buddha across the street from his house in Oakland’s Eastlake neighborhood, it was out of desperation. “The corner was constantly being filled up with mattress and couches and junk and there was some drug usage, a lot of graffiti, people just standing around doing nothing—just depressing,” said Stevenson.  Stevenson and his wife, Lu, say they are not religious at all, but believe in the power of positive and negative energy, and so decided to…

Oakland police, firefighters honored at Blue Mass

Police officers, firefighters, emergency medical officers, and law enforcement personnel of all types are honored at a Blue Mass, during which community members and faith leaders can offer thanks to the people responsible for public safety and remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Sarah Kagan brings vegan Kosher desserts to Oakland

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…