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The Oaklandside. Journalism for Oakland.

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Oakland City Council's plan to tackle crime | Rift in local NAACP | Fired OPD chief feels 'vindicated' by new report | Broadway 'bulb-outs'

Natalie Orenstein headshot

Author Archives: Natalie Orenstein

Natalie Orenstein covers housing and homelessness for The Oaklandside. She was previously on staff at Berkeleyside, where her extensive reporting on the legacy of school desegregation received recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists NorCal and the Education Writers Association. Natalie’s reporting has also appeared in The J Weekly, The San Francisco Chronicle and elsewhere, and she’s written about public policy for a number of research institutes and think tanks. Natalie lives in Oakland, grew up in Berkeley, and has only left her beloved East Bay once, to attend Pomona College.

natalie@oaklandside.org
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Two women and a man stand with serious expressions outside, next to a poster with text.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

‘Housing is violence prevention’: East Oakland homeless residents call on city to address safety conditions

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein September 22, 2023September 22, 2023

Residents of the E. 12th homeless community say lack of shelter leaves them vulnerable to crime on the streets.

Middle aged man standing in the middle of a large living room with colorful art all over the walls.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Oakland Cannery artists are getting squeezed out by the cannabis industry

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein September 21, 2023September 22, 2023

Residents of one of Oakland’s oldest live-work warehouses are facing an Ellis Act eviction.

A man in Warriors fan clothing stands in front of a house painted blue and gold.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

‘Warriors House’ owner Lloyd Canamore’s death leaves a void in West Oakland

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein September 14, 2023September 14, 2023

After Canamore passed away in August, his beloved dogs were taken to Oakland Animal Services. The shelter is desperate to find them a new home.

Large houses nestled in tree-covered hills
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

With insurers fleeing fire-prone California, what can be done in Oakland?

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 31, 2023August 31, 2023

Councilmember Janani Ramachandran held a town hall this week to talk wildfire prevention and home insurance woes.

A boxy, somewhat run-down apartment building on a steep hill.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Oakland sues sober-living homes over illegal evictions and sexual assault

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 29, 2023August 29, 2023

The operator of One Rose of Unity said she provides a needed service to tenants who’d otherwise be homeless.

Vast, hilly, undeveloped land.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Oak Knoll: Work continues on 900-home development in East Oakland hills

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 24, 2023August 24, 2023

In the works for years, Oak Knoll has gained some public art and a restored creek—but no houses yet.

A tall crane at a housing construction site.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Billions for affordable housing? Voters may get chance to weigh in

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 21, 2023August 21, 2023

A regional bond measure could fund affordable development in Oakland, Berkeley, and beyond at a size and scale never seen before.

Four women hed up the stairs in a modern townhouse.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Landlord says city is responsible for flood that displaced hundreds of East Oakland tenants

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 17, 2023August 17, 2023

Developer Michael Johnson filed a claim for financial damages, while tenants gathered this week to reflect on eight months of loss, uncertainty, and stress.

A new-looking mid-size building is nestled between small and large apartment buildings.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

These sleek Lake Merritt condos have sat empty for years. Why?

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 16, 2023August 15, 2023

The developer said a chain of unusual events thwarted his plans for the nine-unit Faraday property.

Several senior citizens sitting in a room with an amplifier. They're all paying attention to something at the front of the room.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Bedbugs, break-ins plague Uptown senior housing, tenants say

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 11, 2023August 11, 2023

Residents and organizers are pushing the city to launch a rental inspection program to catch habitability issues.

A man in a mask and a Warrior's hat looks at pieces of paper at a messy and colorful desk.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

‘Desperation’ and ‘bitterness’ in Alameda County eviction court

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 9, 2023August 9, 2023

The end of the eviction moratoriums has brought an unprecedented wave of lawsuits as landlords and tenants attempt to resolve conflicts.

A dark, empty courtroom, with blue seats facing the judge's bench. A large screen stands to the side, and U.S. and California flags in the front.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

At Alameda County eviction court, one judge tries to swim through a tsunami

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 8, 2023August 9, 2023

With pandemic eviction moratoriums over, cases have shot up and the court is overwhelmed. Meet the sole judge handling the influx.

An illustrated rendering of a modern dorm complex with a grassy quad.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Peralta colleges ask state for $52 million for student housing

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein August 2, 2023August 2, 2023

Students say a proposed 306-bed dorm in Alameda is not enough. Some faculty question the district’s decision to spend millions on the project.

Trash, recycling, and compost bins sit on a curb in front of a small flower-covered house.
Posted inHealth & Environment

Is this recyclable? Oakland tries to educate residents through trash bin audits

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 28, 2023July 28, 2023

Oakland is taking an extra look at some recycling, trash, and compost bins. Your bin could be next.

A group of about 15 people, both adults and kids, march in the street with protest signs and a megaphone.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

Flooded East Oakland apartment building has cost city $5.7 million

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 19, 2023August 1, 2023

Residents of Coliseum Connections have been uprooted for seven months. They recently protested outside their landlord’s home.

Older and newer apartment buildings on a busy street in Oakland.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness

It’s over: Oakland’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium expired Saturday

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 17, 2023July 17, 2023

Tenants are bracing for another wave of evictions as Oakland’s policy ends. Landlords say the conclusion is overdue.

A drag queen in a poofy pink gown is animated as she reads from a children's picture book.
Posted inArts & Community

Nothing’s stopping Drag Story Hour at the Oakland Public Library

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 10, 2023July 10, 2023

Drag queen Per Sia has read books to children at Oakland branches for years. She knows similar events near and far are increasingly under attack.

The exterior of the colorful, stucco, Main Library building, with a bus whizzing past it.
Posted inArts & Community

Weigh in on big changes to the Oakland Main Library

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 7, 2023July 7, 2023

The city is asking for your ideas on whether and how to expand, rebuild, or relocate Oakland’s biggest public library.

The Piedmont Theatre, with Asteroid City on the marquee.
Posted inArts & Community

Will Oakland’s movie theaters survive?

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein July 5, 2023July 5, 2023

Movie houses have closed across the East Bay. We checked in on the New Parkway, the Piedmont Theatre, and the Grand Lake Theatre.

Around 20 healthcare workers rallying on a corner in front of a health center, holding signs that say, "United for patient care."
Posted inHealth & Environment

Doctors strike at East Bay clinics serving low-income, homeless patients

Natalie Orenstein headshot by Natalie Orenstein June 28, 2023June 28, 2023

Healthcare workers at LifeLong Medical Care are calling attention to working conditions at Oakland and Berkeley clinics.

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