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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.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
West Oakland’s ‘Cat Man’ faces rare Ellis Act eviction
The Ellis Act is one of the few exceptions to Oakland’s eviction moratorium, and there’s concern that cases will increase in Oakland.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Here’s how to get rid of toxic household waste in Oakland for free
Electronics, light bulbs, cleaning products? Don’t throw them out!
Posted inHealth & Environment
Find free food and COVID-19 tests on Alameda County map
Looking for services during the pandemic? Check out this interactive county map and resource guides from The Oaklandside.
Posted inBusiness
Fine wool, blood, and business collide as Rockridge’s 100-year-old Levant Rug leaves town
A College Avenue rug shop, run for decades by the son of Armenian genocide survivors, is in its final days, prompting discussions about land use and history.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
What’s happening to the people living in the COVID-19 hotels closing this week?
Alameda County officials say they’ll house all Project Roomkey residents by the deadline. A new Biden order may give them more time.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Unhoused Oaklanders on getting through a night of extreme wind
Officials told people to stay inside to avoid Monday’s dangerous gusts, but many Oakland residents don’t have that option.
Posted inArts & Community
Composting, cooking, clean-ups: Pick a COVID-safe service project for MLK Jr. Day and beyond
The city of Oakland has suggestions for “40 days of service” honoring the civil rights leader’s legacy. Other groups are taking to the streets.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Unusual affordable housing deal stalled after concerns were raised
A plan to turn eight rent-controlled Oakland apartment buildings into moderate-income housing would rely on private investors, not public funding.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
How to watch and participate in Oakland City Council meetings
We get a lot of questions from readers who are interested in participating more in local government. Here’s a guide to watching and speaking at council meetings.