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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.