An ordinance that would restrict some downtown building heights while preserving views from the east side of Lake Merritt is winding its way to the City Council, and will be considered by the Planning Commission tonight.

For some time, the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center has been fenced off and piles of concrete sit across the street on the south end of Lake Merritt. It’s the beginning of a two-year, $35 million construction project that will produce a new four-acre park and replace the current 12-lane expressway with six lanes and bike lanes.

OAKLAND, CA - May 17, 2010 - On Saturday, June 5th, 2010, the Community Rejuvenation Project (CRP) will unveil four new murals with themes based in

So, as you know, the Merritt Bakery has asked the city for another $150,000 in loans to help keep it afloat and keep its staff working, this after borrowing more than $800,000.

Despite many Oakland Local community members' comments on OL and Facebook that most of the food is overpriced, the vegetables taste canned, and the people running it don't seem to understand fiscal management on the most basic level (don't mix your personal checking with your business checking), it's pretty clear that Dellums, at the June 1 City Council meeting, is going to make sure the Council approves the loan.

The $150,000 loan for Merritt Bakery discussed in Tuesday's City Council meeting was first recommended by the Mayor and has now been approved by City Council 5-1, but with conditions.

Oakland's 5th Annual Walk Against Poverty is coming up fast. The walk, and a following community fair, will take place at Lake Merritt this Saturday, May 22.

It is sponsored by the Oakland Community Action Partnership (OCAP) along with the United Way of the East Bay.

The Merritt Bakery has been a Oakland fixture for over 35 years, and had sales of $5 million in 2001, but lately it's fallen on hard times. The bakery owes  $823,840 to four lenders, including the city of Oakland, plus another $46,000 in debt financing.

Approximately 100 students attended Westlake Middle School today, roughly an 85% attendance drop. 

"I see it as a big sign of support from parents. They are keeping kids home to show they're support," said Angela Jensen a 7th grade Arts and Social Studies teacher.

Few if any subs were reportedly seen by Westlake teachers on early morning picket lines.

It was all smiles over mini pastry treats and hot Peet’s Coffee at the Oakland Museum on the Sneak Peek Breakfast Day.

The Oakland Museum of California began its 31-hour block party Saturday with prayer and an aerial dance on the wall of its Oak Street home.

The Oakland Museum of California continued its re-opening festivities late into Saturday night, and kept up its momentum as early bird visitors saluted the sun during a Sunday morning yoga session.

The Oakland Museum of California is ready to party.

After two years of renovations and expansions, the "Museum of the People” will open its doors on Saturday, May 1, and invite the public in.