To mark the fire’s 30th anniversary, we produced a 30-minute podcast looking back at the historic blaze that forever changed how the East Bay looks at wildfires.
Category: Health & Environment
Posted inHealth & Environment
‘Invisible’ overdoses are hiding the true scale of Alameda County’s opioid crisis
Far from being passive victims, opioid users on Oakland streets use Narcan to save each other’s lives by the hundreds each year. But those rescues go uncounted by the government.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Is it safe to attend indoor events? Should we get tested before going to a party? We asked an expert
Alameda County’s top health official Dr. Nicholas Moss has some recommendations.
Posted inEducation Equity
Oakland Unified school board approves student vaccine mandate
OUSD has until October to develop a COVID-19 vaccination plan for students 12 and up, but it may not be enforced until January. Critics say the decision could harm students and families who don’t comply.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Oakland’s roadways are among the deadliest in California. Help us investigate why
Over the next 8 months, we’ll be taking a deep dive into why our streets are so dangerous and what can be done about it.
Posted inHealth & Environment
The shrubs across the street nearly cost him his home insurance
It’s not yet common, but in high-risk fire neighborhoods, Oakland hills residents may find that keeping their home insurance depends on how well their neighbors prune their property.
Posted inArts & Community
The Oakland reverend using hip-hop to talk about gun violence
Reverend Harry “OG Rev” Williams talks with The Oaklandside about his urban ministering career and connecting with young people.
Posted inEducation Equity
Oakland Unified could be next to mandate COVID-19 vaccination for students
A majority of the school board supports the idea, but some say a mandate will harm students who refuse by pushing them out of the classroom. A decision could be reached as soon as Sept. 22.
Posted inHealth & Environment
Opioid overdoses are up, posing another health challenge for unhoused people
As COVID intensifies the overdose crisis in Alameda County and elsewhere, harm reduction advocates step in where government lags.
Posted inEducation Equity
Wildfire season is complicating efforts to keep schools safe from COVID-19
On bad air days, schools are instructed to close windows and doors and let the air purifiers work. But during the pandemic, that solution comes with its own problems.