Urban farming has become hugely popular in the East Bay, but lead and other heavy metals in the soil pose potential health risks. Meanwhile, there's little consensus on what to do about it.
Susan Beck says urban gardens can improve people's health, create green space, provide jobs, dampen crime, and revitalize Cherryland. That's a lot to ask of a few plots of land.
Some Oakland politicians and groups are pointing to research by UC Berkeley faculty as proof that the city needs to add hundreds of police officers, but other studies contradict that conclusion.
The former Oakland police chief was too much of an insider to turn around OPD, but his replacement, interim Chief Sean Whent, appears to be a smart pick.
Oakland's city administrator has delayed a plan that is designed to increase the public's trust in the police department and help reduce crime at the same time.
Some Oakland politicians and groups are pointing to research by UC Berkeley faculty as proof that the city needs to add hundreds of police officers, but other studies contradict that conclusion.