Oakland couples share how they found love in real life — at protests, festivals, schools, and house parties. Plus, where to eat and what to order this Valentine's Day, whether you're single, coupled up, or celebrating with friends.

Arts and community reporter Azucena Rasilla profiled couples whose relationships are deeply rooted in Oakland, and Nosh editor Tovin Lapan guides us through Valentine's desserts, singles spots, and dining recommendations for every relationship status.

Plus: Ghost Town gang members sentenced, BART warns of potential shutdown, Cenaduria Elvira opens its first brick-and-mortar, OUSD layoffs threaten attendance staff, support workers win living wage contract, volunteers build islands for endangered terns, and weekend events celebrating art, Black history, and Black Joy.

Headlines:

• Nine Ghost Town gang members sentenced to combined 60 years in federal prison
• BART releases doomsday scenario: potential shutdown by 2028 without new sales tax
• Cenaduria Elvira opens brick-and-mortar location near Jack London Square on February 21st
• OUSD principals notify parents of staff layoffs as district faces $100 million deficit
• School support staff win 16% raise and $25 minimum wage after 10 months of bargaining
• Volunteers spend 30 years building nesting islands for endangered California least terns
• Weekend events: Trash Falcons art exhibit, Black Liberation Walking Tour, Black Joy Parade documentary screening

Find all these stories and more at oaklandside.org. Have feedback or story ideas? Email us at editors@oaklandside.org.