Video

Berkeley farmers’ markets become zero waste zones

By Lauren Rudser and Brittney Johnson/Oakland North The three weekly Berkeley farmers’ markets are now zero waste zones. The goal is to reduce, recycle or compost all materials generated by the markets –- and shoppers are asked to do their part when it comes to how they transport their purchases home.

Live Wire: Burlesque at Café Van Kleef

A few weeks ago I saw a great show at Café Van Kleef in Oakland featuring the Hot Pink Feathers – the music was provided by the gentlemen in Blue Bone Express. If you have a chance, check ’em out next time you are in the neighborhood. They have a show at least once a month. http://www.cafevankleef.com/ If you know of any great live shows coming up soon, let me know – leave the info in the comments section. I’ll…

VIDEO: What’s in your box? CSA members look forward to spring

by Elise Craig and Brittney Johnson/Oakland North Community Supported Agriculture or CSAs are programs that allow consumers to skip the grocery store and buy their produce directly from farmers. Every week, subscribers get a box full of the fresh fruit and veggies of the season delivered to a pick up spot near their homes. Some CSAs even deliver free range eggs, farm-fresh cheese and flowers.

Surfing the world wide couch

Would you ever let two strangers crash on your couch? Recently reporter Alba Mora welcomed two couchsurfers into her Berkeley home. Surfing the world wide couch from Alba Mora on Vimeo.

The Parkway’s last hurrah

By Casey Miner and Tasneem Paghdiwala Raja/Oakland North For twelve years, Oakland’s Parkway Speakeasy Theater was a community mainstay: a place to grab a beer, park yourself on a couch, watch a cheap movie and catch up with friends. But like many other small businesses, the Parkway has had a hard time weathering the recession. Last Wednesday, owners Kyle and Catherine Fischer announced that a combination of money troubles and landlord issues meant the theater had to close. Within 24…

Stem cell ban reversal hits close to home

By Lauren Rudser and Brittney Johnson/ Oakland North Last week, the Obama administration reversed bans, put into place under former President Bush, on Stem Cell research using federal funds. See how this is affecting one local couple.

Finger-picking guitar down at Lake Merritt

I went down to Lake Merritt last weekend with my friend Jack Woodruff to shoot this audio-profile video of him working his recession-time gig as a street musician. He has played acoustic guitar for 12 years. Recently he had shoulder surgery and since he’s having a hard time finding a job in the service industry, he decided to pass some time as a street musician. When we pulled up to Lake Merritt, I noticed that it was fairly empty except…