Questions swirl as carcasses rot at Lake Merritt and beyond. We talked to experts and explored 100 years of local fish-kills.
Category: Health & Environment
‘It’s the worst I’ve seen’: Lake Merritt dead fish clean-up continues ahead of heat wave
Crews have removed over 1,200 pounds of dead fish from the lake, which has been hard-hit by a massive algae bloom.
‘Am I drinking too much?’
Oakland attorney and former alcoholic Gary Gwilliam reacts to the drinking epidemic fueled by the COVID pandemic.
Traffic pollution is increasing health care costs for Oakland seniors, study finds
New research shows that seniors living near high-traffic roadways, including Oakland’s I-880 and I-580, experience more health problems.
Lake Merritt fish die-off: Can the city help? Can you? Will decimated species bounce back?
The Bay’s unprecedented and fatal algae bloom has scientists, government agencies, and others scrambling to understand the causes and long-term implications.
Fish are piling up dead around Lake Merritt
Authorities say an algae bloom associated with the die-off probably isn’t harmful to humans but are urging people and pets to stay out of the water.
Meet Stormy and Sunny, Highland Hospital’s hawks
Alameda Health System asked the public to help name the hospital’s resident red tails.
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.
Ride along with MACRO: Oakland’s new alternative to the police
The Oaklandside followed the unarmed emergency responders to see their groundbreaking program at work on the streets.
‘It’s been harder to stay the course’: Oakland, Berkeley residents grapple with COVID burnout
We spoke with a labor nurse, fire captain, restaurant owner and others to see how their feelings have evolved about the pandemic.
Why does Lake Merritt look red? It could be toxic algae
The city of Oakland is advising residents to avoid contact with the water.
‘Electric bike library’ planned for Oakland
The city wants to use a $1 million state grant to buy 500 e-bikes for low-income neighborhoods.
Attorney General joins lawsuit to halt gravel facility proposed at port
Rob Bonta has seconded West Oakland activists concerns about the Eagle Rock Aggregates project.
Oakland could establish safe injection sites to prevent overdoses
If approved by Gov. Newsom, Oakland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco could operate supervised facilities where addiction treatment and health resources are also available.
Refugees feel the pull and push of Oakland
Newcomers find community in Oakland but are often pushed out due to the high cost of living
How do you prepare for wildfires in Oakland? Get answers in our guide
We’ve updated our Oakland Wildfire Guide with preparation advice, evacuation guidance, and answers to your questions about air quality, power outages, and property defense.
Streets north of Lake Merritt are in line to get protected bike lanes and other safety upgrades
Harrison and 27th Street in Oakland would be rebuilt with bicyclist and pedestrian safety in mind.
Here’s what you should know about the COVID surge in Oakland, Berkeley
Case rates are “plateauing at a high rate,” fueled by the BA.5 variant.
Want more trees in your neighborhood? Take this city survey
Oakland is asking residents to weigh in on its Urban Forest Master Plan. Here’s how to participate.
Highland Hospital needs your help naming its resident red-tailed hawks
The giant birds have delighted staff and patients with their presence, and now the hospital wants your help naming its feathered celebrities.