COVID-19 risks have prompted a year-long delay in the point-in-time homeless count, a “crucial data source.”
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.
An Oakland property owner has paid $0 in taxes since 1982. Could others fall through the cracks?
A Twitter sleuth discovered a private lot mislabeled as tax-exempt, raising questions about how often the county reviews property records.
Un paso para “restaurar a la comunidad”: trabajadores de la salud de primera línea explican por qué están diciendo que sí a la vacuna contra el COVID
Le preguntamos a los proveedores de salud y personal de emergencia cómo se siente ser el primero en la fila y cómo los residentes de Oakland pueden pensar sobre la seguridad de la vacuna.
Llegaron las vacunas contra el COVID
Aquí le decimos quienes recibirán la primera ronda de dosis.
A step to ‘restore community’: frontline health workers on why they’re saying yes to the COVID vaccine
We asked local health providers and emergency responders how it feels to be first in line, and how Oaklanders can think about the vaccine’s safety.
COVID-19 vaccines are coming to Oakland this week
Here’s who will get the first round of doses. If you’re eligible, The Oaklandside wants to hear from you.
COVID-19 leaves unhoused Oaklanders with few options for winter shelter
Emergency shelters typically provide refuge from the rain and cold. This year, safety concerns have shuttered some of those critical services. Here’s a list of what’s still available.
Clean drinking water is elusive for homeless Oaklanders. Some say they’ve found a solution
Unhoused residents and their supporters want the East Bay Municipal Utility District to expand water access for camps.
No more gas stoves? Oakland could ban them in new buildings
Here’s how to participate in Tuesday’s City Council meeting, where officials could require all-electric infrastructure in new construction.
Alameda County’s COVID-19 hotel shelter program is winding down
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced new funds for Project Roomkey this week, but it’s unclear if the additional money will keep enough people sheltered while the state and county work on longer-term housing options.
East Oakland homeless residents on edge as city moves to close camp and a massive fire breaks out
An empty building burned down Friday next to an encampment the state has ordered Oakland to shutter.
Homeless? Unhoused? Unsheltered? Word choice matters when reporting on Oaklanders who don’t have permanent housing
As a newsroom, we’re committed to working with community members to define their experiences. Here’s what we learned.
Did renters’ rights shape Oakland elections this year?
As Carroll Fife declares victory in D3, voters appear to have put their confidence in candidates who share a goal: protecting tenants.
East Oakland family facing eviction says they’ll occupy their home like Moms 4 Housing
The case could be the first foreclosure eviction in Alameda County during the pandemic.
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.
Measure S1: Should Oakland have a stronger Police Commission?
This local ballot initiative would fund a new staff position for the commission, among other changes. Our video explainer provides the details.
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.
A controversial homelessness policy comes to the Oakland City Council on Tuesday. Here’s how to watch
Tune into what’s likely to be an intense discussion on where and when homeless encampments are allowed in Oakland.
Can you get evicted in Oakland? (And more updated answers about local moratoriums)
Still confused about the rules around evictions in Oakland and Alameda County? You’re not alone.
Campaign finance becomes a campaign issue in North Oakland
Steph Walton has criticized some of Dan Kalb’s contributors, an independent expenditure committee is supporting Walton, and Tri Ngo is refusing large contributions altogether.