The First Friday Gilman Wine Block Party in West Berkeley is drawing growing crowds with a welcoming attitude and community focus.

Author Archives: Ayla Burnett
Ayla Burnett is a narrative writer and investigative reporter covering climate science, food and environmental justice in the Bay Area. She received her masters from UC Berkeley's Graduate School of Journalism in May 2023, and was a UC Berkeley food justice reporting fellow at The Oaklandside/Nosh in the summer of 2023. Her stories have also been published in Berkeleyside, the Point Reyes Light, and more.
6 East Bay treats to please grown-up palates at Halloween
Treat yo’ self with these decadent desserts, from Tcho’s hops-infused chocolate bar to Crumble & Whisk’s beet and berry cheeesecake.
‘Feeding people is revolutionary’: Oakland groups, restaurants serve meals to those who need them
East Oakland Collective, Community Kitchens, and others pass out restaurant-cooked meals and more to Oakland’s food insecure in honor of local hip-hop legend Shock G.
Looking to get involved in Oakland? These city boards and commissions have openings
Nearly 40 official city committees help make policy and serve as watchdogs, but they need volunteers.
What does the future hold for Oakland Coliseum hot dog vendors?
Authorities are concerned for safety. Vendors say they’re just making a living by giving the people what they want—delicious dogs.
Oakland’s psychedelic mushroom church applies for permit to keep operating
Zide Door dropped a lawsuit against the city alleging religious discrimination, but the church’s founder says he’s prepared to go back to court if the permit is not approved.
Oakland’s $7M in soda tax money isn’t being spent wisely, board says
The Measure HH advisory board wants 60% of the sugary drink tax to go to community groups, but the mayor and council are using most of the money for city-run programs.
Hot dog vendors face crackdown at Oakland Coliseum
The purveyors of bacon-wrapped dogs topped with sizzling onions are loved by baseball fans, but not by the Coliseum’s governing board.
Four farms in Oakland where food justice takes root
These small urban farms across the city are making fresh produce more accessible and teaching Oaklanders how to grow their own food.
Nick’s Pizza and Bakery is becoming a worker-owned collective
For the founder of Nick’s, an Arizmendi alumnus, spinning the shop off into a co-op was always in the back of his mind.
Joaquin Miller Park is a tinderbox. Volunteers warn of danger
The Friends of Joaquin Miller Park group wants Oakland to trim invasive, dead, and hazardous trees to prevent a massive firestorm.
A man is charged with murdering Jen Angel. Her friends are still pushing for restorative justice
The Oakland baker’s close friends say she would want accountability and healing that doesn’t involve prison.
Major West Oakland housing development delayed again
Community and environmental advocates still have concerns about the proposed 222-unit Golden West complex.
Major West Oakland housing development remains in limbo
The city must decide whether to move forward on the ‘Golden West’ project that would add over 200 housing units next to the BART station, or press pause to conduct an environmental review.