Article by Ruth Miller.
Last updated at Tue, 22 Feb at 7:12am.

Normally we save our City Hall previews for City Council meetings, but today's Community and Economic Development Committee meeting is discussing two critical issues that are worth highlighting.

Article by Tehea Robie.
Last updated at Sun, 20 Feb at 9:57pm.

Hey straight family! You know how frustrating it is to witness your queer friends get discriminated against? Remember how helpless you felt when Prop. 8 passed? If only there was something you could do to help …

Wait! There is! Because my picks for this weekend are … (I know I’m not supposed to say this) kind of GAY!

Article by Jennifer Inez Ward.
Last updated at Tue, 15 Feb at 8:18am.

Standing in unison in the Uptown District, the epicenter of Oakland's most successful recent redevelopment, Bay Area leaders on Wednesday said they will continue to push back hard against Gov. Jerry Brown's proposal to cut redevelopment agencies. Brown is seeking to  close California's large budget gap.

Article by Amy Gahran.
Last updated at Wed, 2 Feb at 8:29am.

Where Oakland's Uptown neighborhood meets Pill Hill, you'll find a low-key, friendly hangout that's perfect for meeting friends, enjoying a reasonably priced casual meal or cup of coffee or savoring a pint of Strongbow or Guinness drawn in British style.

It's the CommonWealth Cafe and Public House, at 2882 Telegraph. Here's why it's one of my favorite places to chill out in Oakland.

Article by Jennifer Inez Ward.
Last updated at Wed, 5 Jan at 7:40am.

After a historic election that garnered national attention, Jean Quan was sworn in  Monday afternoon as the 49th mayor of Oakland in the restored Fox Theater in the Uptown District.

Quan is the first female mayor of Oakland and the first female Asian-American mayor of a major U.S. city.

Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Wed, 29 Dec at 1:42pm.

"Twenty-ten" was an interesting year for Oakland.

Amidst rebellion and protest in the streets, the invasion of an occupying army of police in riot gear and senseless shootings on both sides of the law, there was actually quite a bit of hopeful positivity where arts, culture and entertainment was concerned.

Without further ado, and in no particular order, here are 10 things that Oakland Local believes helped improve Oakland’s cultural index in 2010.

Article by Oakland Local edi....
Last updated at Mon, 27 Dec at 8:41am.

After months of planning, petitioning and dealing with politics, Nenna Joiner is one step closer to her dream - opening Feelmore 510, Oakland's first sex-positive, woman-friendly sex shop.

Joiner applied for a permit for “Adult Entertainment Activity,” and requested a land use variance that would allow her store to be at 1703 Telegraph Ave., which is within 500 feet of youth organizations. Along with retail sales, Feelmore 510 will provide health education workshops, modeled after Good Vibrations - The San Francisco-based retailer known for its quality products, education and information promoting sexual health and empowerment.

Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Mon, 1 Nov at 7:08am.

On a night when the kora - the multi-stringed harp-like gourd, which occupies a seminal place in the iconography of African music - seemed to reign supreme, house rockin’ blues had the final say. On paper, the trio of Taj Mahal, Foday Musa Suso and Vieux Farka Toure appeared to be one of the unquestioned highlights of the SFJAZZ fall season.

Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Tue, 26 Oct at 11:03pm.