Between the Lines: Conversations with The Oaklandside

Curious about how Oaklandside decides which stories to do and how we go about reporting them? Want to hear about nail-biting moments in the newsroom and journalism triumphs? Have a question for the Oaklandside team?

Join us for Between the Lines — a monthly live series at Clio’s Books that connects you with The Oaklandside reporters and the stories shaping Oakland. Meet the journalists behind the headlines, hear firsthand about their reporting journeys and the communities they cover. These conversations create a space for open dialogue—ask questions, share your thoughts, and dive into important discussions about local news, transparency, and accountability.

This special five-part series marks The Oaklandside’s 5th anniversary—a celebration of five years of community-driven journalism in Oakland.

We'll kick off the series on June 18 at 7pm with a dynamic conversation with Senior News Editor Darwin BondGraham, Senior City Hall and Housing Reporter Natalie Orenstein, and City Hall Reporter Eli Wolfe, moderated by Oaklandside Editor-in-Chief Tasneem Raja. Together, they’ll discuss how The Oaklandside covers power and politics in Oakland.

Conversation Lineup:

June 18: Power and politics in Oakland: How Oaklandside reports
The Oaklandside Editor-in-Chief, Tasneem Raja will moderate a conversation with Senior News Editor Darwin BondGraham, Senior City Hall and Housing Reporter Natalie Orenstein and City Hall Reporter Eli Wolfe. Together they will discuss how Oaklandside reports on power and politics in Oakland.

July 23: Capturing the beauty of Oakland
Nosh Editor Tovin Lapan will moderate a conversation with Arts & Community Reporter Azucena Rasilla, Nature & Environment Reporter Callie Rhoades and Photojournalist Estefany Gonzalez about capturing the arts, beauty and culture in Oakland.

August 27: Public safety in Oakland: How Oaklandside reports
The Oaklandside Editor-in-Chief Tasneem Raja will moderate a conversation with Senior News Editor Darwin BondGraham, Road Safety Reporter Jose Fermoso and Public Safety Reporter Roselyn Romero to discuss how The Oaklandside reports on safety in the Town.

Sept. 17: Reporting on Oakland schools
Cityside Community Journalism Director Jacob Simas will sit down with Education Reporter Ashley McBride and Deputy Editor Esther Kaplan to dig into reporting on the Oakland school system.

Oct. 8: Oaklandside Behind the Scenes
Audience Editor Alejandra Armstrong, Senior News Editor Darwin BondGraham and Editor-in-Chief Tasneem Raja wrap up this series with a behind the scenes look at the newsroom and what it takes to pull it all together.

All events take place from 7-8pm, doors open at 6:30 and the program will begin promptly at 7pm.

Seating is limited – registration for all events available now.