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Keeping Oakland in the Black (Community Voices)
Blog entry by Damon Packwood & ....
Last updated at Mon, 26 Nov at 1:59am.

This is the first in our RealOakFolks multi-media project. Each month, we’re bringing you one to two profiles of Oaktown’s black culturemakers – a diverse group of folks who are leaving an indelible mark on the city we call home.

Read the whole story...

Need a trumpet fixed? Oakland's Best Instrument Repair can do it for you
Article by Barbara Grady.
Last updated at Mon, 8 Oct at 1:04am.

At street level, Best Instrument Repair consists of a single door. It opens to a long hallway leading to a stairway that descends to a basement shop.

But though its storefront is barely noticeable, this musical instrument repair shop hardly suffers from obscurity.
 

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After transforming Oakland's downtown, three temporary spaces secure long-term locations
Article by Eric K Arnold.
Last updated at Thu, 30 Aug at 11:53pm.

Just a few years ago, downtown Oakland was like the Doldrums from the children’s book “The Phantom Tollbooth” – a boring zone littered with too many vacant storefronts and not enough vibrancy.

Read the whole story...

Oaklandish to open store on Broadway
Article by Noah Rosen.
Last updated at Tue, 21 Jun at 11:51pm.

Oaklandish - the beloved locally focused clothing company, slash community advocate - opens its first permanent retail store and community space in July at Read the whole story...

San Francisco Chronicle - "Upcycling is hot - especially in Oakland..."
Blog entry by Kristine Dang.
Last updated at Wed, 7 Apr at 7:11am.

I am very proud an article in the San Francisco Chronicle today gave credit to Oakland as the hot spot for "upcycling retail." (aka eco-friendly retailers focusing on reusing and repurposing.)

Not to be too boastful, but I am very grateful Fernseed was included...

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Nov. 27 Daily Brief: Local Shopping (or Not), Economics and Crime, Oakland's Landscape
Blog entry by Susan Mernit.
Last updated at Fri, 27 Nov at 11:32am.

It's Black Friday, do you know where your credit card is?

Ideally, Black Friday is supposed to be a shot in the arm to the economy -- but often that boost goes to national retailers rather than local businesses (and the local economy). Several campaigns are directing shoppers to locally owned retailers in the East Bay.

Here's where you can find local deals today and throughout the holiday season...

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