Voters say yes to boosting the minimum wage, higher sales tax and reclassifying some felonies

By Alyssa Jeong Perry | November 5, 2014
Volunteers at the Lift Up Oakland campaign headquarters work to support Measure FF to increase the minimum wage. Photo by Alex Kekauouhah.

As election results rolled in after the polls closed last night, advocates for several major policy changes celebrated victories at the state, county and local levels, including a statewide initiative that reduced penalties for certain non-violent offenses, an increase in Alameda County’s sales tax and a raise for Oakland’s minimum wage. Alameda County residents agreed…

Read More

Retailers launch Oakland Gift Card to help people shop locally

By Catherine Traywick | December 13, 2011 |
The Oakland Gift Card can be bought and redeemed at 19 local businesses.

A small group of local businesses kicked off the holiday shopping season this month by introducing a new gift card program intended to keep retail sales dollars in Oakland. The “Oakland Gift Card,” which is available in amounts between $20 and $200, is accepted by 19 Oakland businesses, ranging from electronics and apparel stores to restaurants and art galleries.

Read More