Oakland nonprofit makes dreams come true by nurturing creative spirit, educational aspirations (Community Voices)

Gene Anderson Tue, 25 Oct at 8:42am

When school budgets get cut, many times one of the first things to go are the arts.
Yet numerous studies have shown that children learn a variety of subjects better when exposed to the arts.

As artsusa.org says:

" ... for certain populations - including young children, students from economically disadvantaged circumstances and students needing remedial instruction - learning in the arts may be uniquely able to advance learning and success in other areas."

It's this need for arts education that By Any Dreams Necessary founder and executive director Garrett Naiman saw and is helping to fill.

The Lake That Isn't

Gene Anderson Wed, 23 May at 9:19pm

You may already know that Lake Merritt isn't a lake, but a tidal slough that various creeks and countless storm drains feed into. What you may not know is that it was originally freely connected with the estuary via a 600' wide opening, and early Oakland and nearby towns took advantage of the tidal action to use it as a sewer.

Oakland: The Story of a City

Gene Anderson Wed, 23 May at 8:16am

If there's a "must read" for people interested in Oakland, it would have to be Oakland: The Story of a City, by Beth Bagwell. In order to fully understand Oakland in the present, it helps to know the story of the people and events that shaped it. As Living in the O blogger Rebecca Saltzman says, "it should be required reading for anyone who cares about Oakland." Unfortunately for Oakland supporters and history lovers, it's been out of print for many years, but thanks to the Oakland Heritage Alliance, not only is it back in print, but it's been updated to bring the story of Oakland up to the present.

upcoming Oakland events from Our Oakland

Gene Anderson Wed, 23 May at 7:44am

A surprisingly quiet week. Or maybe I just haven't heard about all the good stuff going on? Let me know in the comments!

Memorial Day Hike - Monday, May 28, 9am. Join Friends of Sausal Creek for a vigorous hike through Joaquin Miller Park. Meet at Joaquin Miller Court at the Palos Colorados Trailhead. (free)

upcoming Oakland events from Our Oakland

Gene Anderson Thu, 17 May at 1:27pm

SoundWaves at JLS - Thursday, May 17, 5:30-7:30pm. Live music at Jack London Square. First up: Brass Mafia - New Orleans Style Brass Band. (free)

Oakland Greek Festival - May 18,19,20. The annual Greek festival returns with food, music, dance and more. ($6).

upcoming Oakland events from Our Oakland

Gene Anderson Wed, 9 May at 4:12pm

The big event this week is Bike to Work Day! Besides energizer stations, group rides, and pancakes at city hall, there's a great after party in Old Oakland. But there's lots of other interesting stuff going on around Oakland, too, like the return of Bites off Broadway.

Local artists help brighten two Oakland neighborhoods - Unveiling TONIGHT, May 4 (Community Voices)

Gene Anderson Fri, 4 May at 8:40am

Oakland is full of art and some of the newest is helping brighten the Koreatown/Northgate neighborhoods and Pill Hill along Telegraph Avenue.

A Brief History of Beer in the Bay

Gene Anderson Tue, 1 May at 11:53pm

Earlier this month, members of the Oakland Heritage Alliance learned about beer at an event called On Tap: Oakland's Beer Brewing History. Adam Lamoreaux, founder of Linden Street Brewery, showed us around the brew house and gave us a brief history of beer in the Bay Area.

upcoming Oakland events from Our Oakland

Gene Anderson Wed, 25 Apr at 2:30pm

10 Connect :: group art show - April 13-May 25. Exhibition of the remarkable work of ten artists who helped pave the way for a distinctive, flourishing arts community in Jingletown. (free)

'Mobilize the Earth' - Earth Day 2012 offers plethora of activities for Oaklanders

Gene Anderson Tue, 24 Apr at 8:04am

Sunday is Earth Day - an international celebration to increase awareness of the natural environment.