‘Tis the season to be jolly. No? At the very least, let’s make this the season to heal from the depression-anxiety-overwhelm induced by consumer culture and family drama.

Were you hiding from reports of violent shoppers - all scrambling for the last trendy gadget? Did you miss Oakland news this week? Catch our most viewed stories here:

Mayor Jean Quan is in the hot-seat as she faces a possible recall. Jennifer Inez Ward interviewed her. Read about how the nation's first female Asian-American mayor is planning to move forward from here.

Ward’s tongue-in-cheek piece about potential Occupy sites spurred lots of passionate debate on our Facebook page. Care to take a crack?

Journalist Barbara Grady filled us in on the activities of the interfaith tent at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. How are these spiritual leaders approaching the idea of justice?

The spotlight was put on Oakland’s Building Services, when Alameda County Court issued a scathing report of abuses by CEDA. What reforms are in store? OL reporter Ward is all over this week’s top stories list!

Shop in Oakland this holiday season! OL’s community media manager CB Smith-Dahl provided you with lots of easy choices. Buy online and keep our local economy thriving.