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Ariam Weldeab Araya heals immigrants through storytelling
In one of the most difficult eras for immigrants in modern history, Oakland’s Ariam Weldeab Araya is making a difference. The Eritrean native, who...
Obi Kaufmann reframes California’s ecological future
Does California exist at all, in the way we usually conceive it?
No, says Oakland naturalist/author/painter Obi Kaufmann in his new book, California Inside Out:...
Richmond faces 60 years of DDT
On Sept. 16, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its current plan for a major cleanup of Richmond’s highly contaminated United Heckathorn site....
Feel good, look good
Over the years the concept of “wellness” has evolved, and been both mocked and embraced. Today it’s generally accepted that taking care of body...
‘Comrade Sisters’ elevates the women of the Black Panther Party
More than 65% of the members of the Black Panther Party were women. Women of all ages, many of them young—teenagers, even. They taught...
Local puzzlers revitalize social gatherings
Five hundred pieces. A tableful of passionate puzzlers. And a race against the clock.
The fun, cooperative, yet competitive hobby of jigsaw puzzling is flourishing...
West Edge Opera illuminates forgotten histories
As Oakland’s always-innovative West Edge Opera gears up for the 2026 season in August, two of its choices this year look back in time...
Pragati Sharma Mohanty reimagines the ‘Ramayana’ through Sita’s story
When Pragati Sharma Mohanty was a little girl growing up in India, the nation was riveted to a television show telling the epic tale...











