OL Staff Shares - 2011 in words, pictures by Eric K. Arnold
Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Sat, 31 Dec at 10:50am.

"Twenty-eleven" was a tumultuous, even turbulent year for Oakland – a roller coaster ride from a political standpoint, to be sure.

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Oakland motorcycle club offers free boxing lessons to strengthen community
Blog entry by Elizabeth Holzer.
Last updated at Fri, 8 Jul at 2:37am.

With hopes of increasing bravado in the city's subculture, the East Bay Rats host free, alternative self defense lessons every Friday afternoon at its clubhouse in Oakland.

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Bicycles give boost to East Bay business owners
Article by Laura McCamy.
Last updated at Mon, 27 Jun at 10:33pm.

As East Bay streets grow even more bicycle-friendly, a growing group of East Bay entrepreneurs is proving that it is possible and even profitable to run a business by bicycle.

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Do you think you can hoop? (Community Voices)
Article by Todd Muller.
Last updated at Thu, 9 Jun at 12:33am.

“You should get a team!” District 6 Councilwoman Desley Brooks encouraged me when I told her that I was an avid basketball player. 

Maybe I will.

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Come out for 11th annual Malcolm X Jazz Festival May 21
Article by Susan Mernit.
Last updated at Sun, 22 May at 8:08am.

Support your local artists and communities--as well as Eastside Arts Alliance and their 11th year anniversary "Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival!"  on May 21 from 11 am to 7 pm in San Antonio Park--this event is free, family friendly. and fabulous.

MAIN STAGE:

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It's time for African Americans to come out of the shadows of Oakland's renaissance (Reflection)
Blog entry by Kheven LaGrone.
Last updated at Wed, 18 May at 5:27pm.

The city of Oakland’s official website displays the link to an LA Times article titled “The Oakland Renaissance.”

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Black History Month: Who are Oaklanders we need to recognize? (Commentary)
Blog entry by Reginald James.
Last updated at Tue, 15 Feb at 8:20am.

Editor's Note:  Eric Arnold's piece on Why we should (still) recognize Black History Month has sparked some great discussion.  This short essay by Reginald James is one of the responses--for more--and to koin the discussion, read Eric's article.

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Why Do We All Write Haiku in Grade School?
Blog entry by Friends of Peralt....
Last updated at Mon, 7 Feb at 2:58pm.

Haiku is a simple, elegant form of poetry. It's not uncommon for teachers to assign them in school, but how did this Japanese art make its way to America?

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