For years, locals have delighted in spotting ‘albino’ raccoons around the lake. This year, one mother is raising three leucistic kits.
Category: Health & Environment
Posted inHealth & Environment
How should Alameda County spend $40M meant to address the opioid crisis?
The county asked for community input this month on programs that could treat addiction, reduce harm, and more.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Native plant gardens are reinvigorating Oakland wildlife—and residents
In backyards and along sidewalk strips locals are tending plants that boost ecosystems, save water, and green communities.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Asian Health Services workers approve contract for higher wages, avoid strike
Hundreds of SEIU members at the Oakland clinic were prepared to strike if an agreement wasn’t reached. The news comes as health care workers across the Bay Area are demanding better pay.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Order free COVID tests by mail starting Monday
Also, where to get the new COVID vaccine, get tested, and more.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Air quality maps can show different measurements during wildfires. Why?
Air Now? Purple Air? Clairity? We compared the differences to help you track air quality in your Oakland neighborhood.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland is getting $8M to plant trees across the city
The federal grant will allow the city and local nonprofits to green neighborhoods, clean air, combat heat, and build community.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Wildfire smoke turns Oakland air unhealthy and obscures the hills
Smoke from wildfires in Oregon and far North California brought the smell of smoke to the East Bay Tuesday, with AQI readings topping 150, a level unhealthy for the general public.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Most BART train lines will run more often starting this week
The transit system will run on a new schedule starting Sept. 11 with the goal of decreasing wait times for riders but fares will soon increase.
Posted inHealth & Environment
It’s wildfire season. Here’s how to protect yourself from poor air quality
How do wildfires affect air pollution? How bad is smoke for my health? How do I track air quality and protect myself from smoke?
Posted inHousing & Homelessness
With insurers fleeing fire-prone California, what can be done in Oakland?
Councilmember Janani Ramachandran held a town hall this week to talk wildfire prevention and home insurance woes.
Posted inAmplify Oakland
Helping East Bay residents avoid overdose, without judgment
Oakland-based case manager Sabrina Fuentes draws on personal experience to assist people navigating homelessness and addiction.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Smoke from Oregon and Northern California fires turns East Bay skies hazy
Unofficial sensors in many places in Oakland registered AQIs above 100 Wednesday.
Posted inNosh
‘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.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Swimming in Lake Merritt: is it safe or even legal?
We looked into the law, health effects, and history of swimming in the lake. And we spoke to someone who braved its brackish waters.
Posted inHealth & Environment
New 10-year initiative aims to help Black families thrive in East Oakland
Rise East, a $100 million philanthropic effort, will tackle longstanding systemic issues facing residents in a 40-square-block area.
Posted inHealth & Environment
How social media is fueling teen violence in Oakland and beyond
Disputes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Snapchat are spilling out into real life, with deadly consequences.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland is seeking volunteers for Creek to Bay Day
The 28th annual event includes numerous opportunities for locals to volunteer, build community, and restore the environment.
Posted inRoad Safety
AC Transit bus cameras will use artificial intelligence to ticket drivers blocking routes
The cameras and computer system will be capable of identifying traffic violations without the assistance of a human.
Posted inHealth & Environment
What’s up with that new fountain at Lake Merritt?
A “surface aerator” near the Pergola is the first of several changes to improve water quality and protect wildlife during harmful algae blooms.
