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How I helped my grandmother get the COVID-19 vaccine
It took weeks to get an appointment and hours of standing in line, but my 90-year-old grandmother finally received her first dose.
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Who we are
We’re journalists for Oakland. We amplify community voices, share information resources, and investigate systems, not just symptoms.
city hall & policing
Oakland’s Privacy Commission wants police license plate surveillance canceled
Citing reporting failures by the police department, the volunteer board is asking the City Council to end use of the cameras.
Mayor and City Council president collide over policing, with focus on crime in Chinatown
After a series of robberies and and assaults in Chinatown, city leaders are arguing over approaches to funding public safety.
Oakland approves $5 per-hour hazard pay for grocery workers
Grocery workers are at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. Advocates say they deserve to be fairly compensated for working in hazardous environments.
Move your car or else: residential parking tickets are back next week
The city will issue citations in these areas for the first time since March. Here’s what you need to know.
Our newsroom is built on a foundation of listening.
Arts & Community
en español
Housing & Homelessness
Oakland’s undocumented community struggles to keep up with rent and bills
As the pandemic drags on, many undocumented Latino immigrants—barred from receiving government benefits—are feeling the strain.
Education equity
Health & Environment
Free COVID-19 testing in Oakland: where to go, what to expect
You don’t need insurance or payment for any of these free Oakland COVID-19 testing sites. You may need to make an appointment ahead of time.
Getting a flu shot is more important than ever. Here’s where to get one in Oakland
Health officials are encouraging flu shots—especially during the COVID pandemic—but fewer people this season are being vaccinated.
Business
Chinatown vendors hope to get a boost from Lunar New Year shopping event
The Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce will host a “shopping spree” this weekend to support struggling merchants.
East Bay restaurant openings and closings in January
Openings include Augie’s, Huangcheng Noodle House, Roasted and Raw; while iSlice Berkeley, R’Noodles and several others closed.
‘Things are going to turn around’: Oakland hair salon owners are grateful to be back at work
Barbershops and beauty salons have been on a rollercoaster since the start of the pandemic. We checked in with two hair stylists in East Oakland to see how they’re faring.
Founding values guiding our work
NOSH
Virtual mixology classes and bottled cocktails shake up this bartender’s creative juices
With bars closed, M Squared Spirits founder and Oakland-based mixologist Michael Cecconi finds ways to bring his artistry into people’s homes.
East Bay Restaurants offering takeout or delivery
These East Bay restaurants have started curbside, no-contact pickup and in-house delivery. Find out who’s offering curbside and delivery.
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