Cellphone ban starts Monday in Oakland schools
The policy was mandated by a new state law. OUSD also cited a desire to keep students engaged, reduce classroom distractions, and mitigate student conflicts.
Recent news
PUBLIC SAFETY
At National Night Out, Oakland residents say safety’s improved but they differ on surveillance
We attended block parties in the hills and West Oakland. Here’s what people had to say about falling crime rates and community connection.
city hall
$30 minimum wage won’t appear on November ballot after Alameda County leaders call for study
Organizers are undeterred and say they have also submitted a separate initiative to create a $30 minimum wage in Oakland.
Hear the latest episode
Education equity
A new youth writing lab lands in Uptown Oakland
Writopia Lab expanded its footprint to Oakland this summer, offering creative writing workshops and programs. They’re offering 20 scholarships to East Bay students to celebrate the grand opening.
roads & transit
Weigh in on road improvements along Grand and Fruitvale avenues, and more
The Metropolitan Transportation Commission seeks input on documents that will guide its infrastructure work in East Oakland, Downtown, and beyond.
Arts & Community
This week in Oakland: Laurel StreetFair World Music Festival marks 25 years, plus Porcelain at Thee Stork Club
Other events include a 2000s themed day party at For the Culture, an interactive exhibit at The Lowdown, and the AfterGlow Chorus concert at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.
Little Hill Lounge, an iconic decades-old East Bay music venue, is up for sale
The owners cite debt and rising costs as reasons for listing, raising concerns among musicians and longtime patrons about the future of the cherished El Cerrito bar.
Housing & Homelessness
Roaches, busted elevators, fraud allegations prompt Oakland Station tenants to sue
The 180-page lawsuit makes a slew of allegations about the East Oakland affordable housing that was initially designed for seniors.
Health & Environment
What Oakland families need to know about Trump Accounts for babies, kids
A law change means California families won’t owe taxes on money in Trump Accounts. Families in two Berkeley zip codes may be eligible for $250 from Dell.
Business
A barber school tried to expand in East Oakland. Then came the foreclosure and lawsuits
The Brothers and Sisters Barber Cosmo Academy and the Mann family have traded accusations in court. Meanwhile, a troubled building sits locked up.
About The Oaklandside
How we work
We embedded high schoolers in our newsroom to report on OUSD. Come hear what they found
The Oaklandside’s education reporter Ashley McBride will moderate a conversation May 20 between students and OUSD leaders on academic equity, artificial intelligence, and other big storylines shaping the district.
We’re working with Oakland students to deepen our schools coverage
12 Oakland public high schoolers are getting journalism training, mentorship, and an opportunity to collaborate on reporting through a paid fellowship at our newsroom.
Values guiding our work
News organizations don’t always tell you–or know–what drives their decisions.
