Both on their second careers, Mana is a librarian who works at the Main Branch of the Oakland Public Library. She also serves on the Board for Cycles of Change, a non-profit organization that promotes healthier East Bay communities through school-based bicycle education, job training, watershed education, and community earn-a-bike programs. Charlie owns and runs Lakeview Bicycle on Grand Avenue. And while Forest, who is four and a half, is still unemployed, he speaks more languages than most people I know. Like so many Oaklanders, Mana and Charlie are creating their own paths, and are creating a beautiful family in the process. I am grateful to them for being a part of the Oakland Neighborhood Project.
I’ve always wanted to raise my family here. Oakland has the best bookstores, libraries, and biking culture and infrastructure. It’s a large urban center with a small town feel. We love it here!
