Oakland Local has some reads:

Check out the great story we have about Oakland treasure Betty Marvin, who is so valuable as the person behind the Oakland Cultural Heritage Survey, a specialized library in the Community and Economic Development Agency, many people called her out by name when protesting budget cuts at a City Council hearing.

And don't miss Edwin Okong'o's story about Friday's "Beats, Rhymes and Life" benefit to raise money for a film about a longstanding rap therapy project for Oakland youth

AND make sure you know about WOBO'S cool spring plans (and new exec. director).

Meanwhile, here's more we're pondering from the news this morning-

Thinking ahead

Is it old school to want Oakland to bring back streetcars? Some folks love the idea (they hate buses).

Will an out gay person take Hoppe's spot on the Paramount Theater Board?

Will the wonderful new Oakland Museum renvovation open on time May 1 (can't wait)

Kudos to you

The new Digital Arts & Literacy Center has a write up in the East Bay Express

WOBO has won a 2010 Advocacy Awards from The Alliance for Biking and Walking, a North American coalition of 140 bicycle and pedestrian organizations (via Streetsblog)

McCullum Youth Court was awarded Best Place to work from (budget under $1MM)  from Opportunity Knocks/People's Choice Awards

What'cha doing today?

If you had time, you could go see this LEED green energy house that's going to get sold tomorrow but that's a marvel of elegant energy efficency, right here in Oakland;

Or, you could head to a talk on the old Army Base, or a Public Safety meeting with OPD Chief Batts, or a meeting with OUSD head Tony Smith.