(UPDATE Apr. 2: Yes, this story was indeed a joke. Happy April Fool's Day, Oakland!)

An exotic restaurant that had been rejected in San Francisco for its plans to serve pigeon meat will likely end up in Oakland, a city council vote suggested Tuesday. This move might help simultaneously address the city's budget crisis, increase local employment and support locally produced food.

Oakland city council members unanimously agreed to debate the issue in May after restaurant entrepreneur and chef Jay Rollings offered to pay the city $10 for every pigeon served for the first five years. If approved, the new "Vermine à Ailes" haute cuisine restaurant would open in the former Barnes & Noble location on Jack London Square in late 2010.

(Susan says: This story from Oakland Animal Services may make you feel really sick)