The court lifted a temporary restraining order, allowing a phased shutdown of Oakland’s largest camp.
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 inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland city clerk ‘regrets’ wrong information but mayoral candidates still disqualified
The city acknowledged communicating the wrong deadline, but said state law prohibits any changes to the ballot.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
They can’t run for Oakland mayor after all—and say city officials are to blame
At least two candidates barred from November’s ballot say the city told them the wrong deadline to file their materials.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Election 2022: Who is running for Oakland City Council District 2?
Harold Lowe is challenging incumbent Nikki Fortunato Bas in the race to represent Chinatown, Eastlake, San Antonio, and Grand Lake.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Advisory still in place due to Lake Merritt algae bloom
New information and theories are starting to roll in about why the lake turned red.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
East Oakland artists halt plan to redevelop their live-work building
Fearing displacement, tenants convinced the Planning Commission to deny a renovation proposal.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
When can Oakland close a homeless camp? Big changes underway
The city has settled a lawsuit filed in 2018 by members of The Village homeless community after a sweep.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Why does Lake Merritt look red? It could be toxic algae
The city of Oakland is advising residents to avoid contact with the water.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Caltrans can’t close Wood Street encampment without shelter plan, judge orders
A federal judge maintained a temporary restraining order pausing closure plans, but said residents will need to leave eventually.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
‘I don’t feel homeless here’: 2 Oakland tiny home communities face evictions
At a county auction, the same buyer purchased three abandoned lots. But it turned out two had long-standing residents.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Most of Wood Street homeless camp to be closed following massive fire
The Caltrans announcement has residents scrambling to find alternative living arrangements. Others have vowed to stay and resist the closure.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Oakland’s new homelessness official wants a challenge
We asked Daniel Cooper about his first impressions of Oakland and his public-health approach to a tough job.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
West Oakland fire spews smoke over the East Bay
Residents of the Wood Street homeless camp evacuated Monday morning after a large fire engulfed vehicles and a small bridge.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Eviction protections and housing bond: City Council will vote on proposed ballot measures
The $850 million housing infrastructure bond and the expansion of the “just cause” eviction policy could go on the November ballot.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Where to stay cool and safe on hot, smoky days in Oakland
The city opens cooling centers and clean air sites when certain conditions are met.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Lake Merritt land with controversial past could become 100% affordable housing
The Oakland City Council is pursuing two low-income apartment buildings after dropping plans for a market-rate tower.
Posted inCity Hall & Policing
Oakland to close Lake Merritt roads for Juneteenth, Fourth of July
Closures will include Lakeshore, El Embarcadero, and Grizzly Peak in the hills, to reduce fire hazards and improve safety.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Oakland will create its first-ever rental housing registry
Also: social housing on the ballot, homeless shelters, and more from the City Council meeting.
Posted inArts & Community
‘A community studio for news and art’: The Oakland Lowdown opens downtown
An information-packed zine is the first output from the participatory journalism project.
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
Landlords can’t raise rents above 3%, Oakland City Council says
The controversial policy from Carroll Fife applies to all rent-controlled buildings.