As the year draws to a close, the Ella's Voice Team decided to look at some of the important stories, highlight some awesome Orgs, and throw some shine on the individuals that helped to shape Oakland in 2010. Here we share numbers 1-5 (NOT listed in order of importance or inspiration)..

1) Turf Dancing Gets National Spotlight
YAK Films, the international production team born out of Oakland CA, made a splash with its video seen round the world featuring the legendary TURF FEINZ crew, innovators of the TURF dancing style. Today the name YAK is synonymous with a unique style of street-based documentation of dance. Since its inception, YAK has been dedicated to emerging multimedia production as a voice of resistance and an alternative to the mainstream. At its core, YAK uses multimedia to share the talents of young people around the world - and elevate and inspire the masses. We know they inspire us.

2) Jean Quan Wins Mayorship
Facing problems galore, this woman decided that now was the time for her to run for the city's highest post. Call her courageous or call her crazy, she is now the mayor of Oakland and is the breaking all sort of "first" records. Her historic underdog victory is one of legend. She has her hands full but we believe that she will roll up her sleeves and get the job done.

3) Oakland Rising Rises
They said it couldn't be done. Organize Oakland advocacy organizations together to be a united and instrumental force in the political process and engage new voters from marginalized communities? Well, Oakland Rising is here to stay. In 2010 Oakland Rising led the fight to educate voters around ranked choice voting, worked to make sure low-income communities were counted in the census, got out the vote in the June primaries, then engaged those same voters to participate in the Nov 2nd Election.

4) Davey D Speaks Truth to Power
For those of you who don't know who Davey D is, you have been missing out. I cherish Davey D's precise political understanding and analysis. Davey D took advantage of new media technologies and quickly became one of the most retweeted, liked, reblogged, and quoted Bay Area celebrities of the year. His coverage of the UC Berkely protests and the Oscar Grant movement was unparalleled. Davey D is the co-founder and host of several of the most cited Hip Hop radio and online news journalism projects of all time. Hard Knock Radio (HKR) is an award-winning daily syndicated prime time afternoon show focusing on Hip Hop culture and politics. He is a treasure for the movement and is the undisputed narrator of these times.

5) The People Win Hotel Fight
Probably one of the most inspiring pieces of news this year featured a bitter wealthy hotel chain vs. the people. The four-year fight over Emeryville's hotel living wage reached its end on March 10th when our allies EBASE, the workers of Unite Here 2850, and the Woodfin Suites Hotel reached an agreement to end a long conflict. Their settlement also protects Measure C- an ordinance setting labor standards for Emervyville hotels, moving forward. As worker/leader Luz said: "We are very proud to have fought for living wages and immigrant rights, and we are very happy with this agreement. To all who have supported us during these four years: thank you so much!" We thank you, Luz and your colleagues for your courageous efforts that brought this a landmark victory.