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Karaoke hotspot Nick’s Lounge is for sale; Ain’t Normal Cafe is open; Poppy Bagels pop-up
Plus, a new gluten-free craft beer taproom; Halloween and Election Day events for food lovers; more.
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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.
Elections 2020
city hall & policing
Spending by independent groups soars in Oakland City Council, school board elections
Wealthy individuals, business groups, and unions have poured over $2 million into local races to influence voters.
Oakland will resume parking enforcement for street sweeping starting Nov. 9
Vehicle owners will receive one warning before getting a citation.
Oakland city attorney election: incumbent Barbara Parker faces Eli Ferran
Ferran, who used to work for Parker, says the City Attorney’s Office is unfocused and has made big mistakes. Parker says she’s far more experienced and capable of managing the city’s team of lawyers.
These Oakland civic groups are finding new ways to mobilize voters during the pandemic
Voter registration efforts have focused on East and West Oakland, where voter turnout has been lowest.
Our newsroom is built on a foundation of listening.
Arts & Community
en español
Housing & Homelessness
Oakland has a new homeless camp policy, despite protests
Late Tuesday evening, the City Council approved new rules on where and when unhoused people can set up encampments in the city.
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.
Air pollution cancels a massive East Oakland COVID testing event. Organizers say they’ll come back stronger
The Eastmont Mall testing event represented an impressive collaboration between grassroots groups—and those partnerships aren’t going away.
Founding values guiding our work
NOSH
Magnolia Street Wine Lounge opens its doors in West Oakland with community in mind
Chef Leilani Baugh returns to her childhood neighborhood with her signature Southern-Asian comfort food, a diversity of wines, and a strong Oakland spirit and hustle.
East Bay restaurants open for outdoor dining
Restaurants across the East Bay are starting to reopen for al fresco dining with physical distancing measures in place. Find out what’s open.
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.
HOW WE WORK
meet our team
“I’m excited to continue telling the stories of The Town’s shakers and makers.”
Azucena Rasilla, Arts and community
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Editor
News Editor
Housing and Homelessness
Arts and Community
Education Equity