Our Oakland

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

upcoming Oakland events

There are gobs of events coming up, with something for all ages. Various shopping districts in Oakland are having holiday events and there are popup markets all over -- more opportunities to shop local. There's lots happening, so be sure to look through it all so you don't miss your favorite event.

WOBO/EBBC Walking and Wheeling Wonderland - Thursday, December 1, 6:30-9:30pm. Join WOBO and EBBC to celebrate a year of biking and walking advocacy. New Belgium beer, silent auction, DJ Crimson, and more. ($10 incl. drink)

Zorro by Night - Thursday, December 1. A fundraising gala for the historic Peralta Hacienda. Flamenco dancers, food, Zorro films, silent auction, and more. ($30-$50+)

City Center tree lighting - Thursday, December 1, 5pm. Seasonal music and the 3rd annual tree lighting at City Center Plaza. (free)

JLS lights up for the holidays - Friday, December 2, 5-7pm. Tree-lighting, holiday parade preview, children's holiday singing competition, and more. (free)

Linden Street Tasting Room - grand opening - Friday, December 2, 5pm. A grand opening celebration of the new tasting room at Linden Street Brewery. Live music with Lila Nelson and the Job, $4 beer, food trucks, and more. (note: no ATM on site)

Oakland Holiday Parade - Saturday, December 3, 2pm. The 12th annual holiday parade in Oakland is big. Marching bands, floats, giant balloons and more. (free)

Yule at the Zoo + Holiday Lights - Saturday, December 3, 1pm-2pm, 5:30pm for lights. Fun vocal group California Revels will be giving a concert at the zoo. All month the zoo will have a special light display. (free with admission)

Lighted Yacht Parade - Saturday, December 3, 5:30pm. The annual Lighted Yacht Parade. See dozens of Bay Area boats dressed up in their holiday finery. Benefitting two great non-profits, Oakland Firefighters Random Acts and the Alameda County Community Food Bank. (free; bring donations)

Jingletown Holiday Art Walk - Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4. Annual holiday open studios in the thriving art community of Jingletown. (free)

Popup Food Fest - Sunday, December 4, 12-4pm. Prepare for the holidays with a variety of local food vendors featured at Boucherie Marketplace at La Borinqueña.

Oakland Urban Paths Walk and Shop - Saturday, December 10, 10am-1pm. Explore urban paths between Lakeshore and Piedmont Avenue, and do a little local holiday shopping. (free)


holiday shopping events:

Montclair: Holiday Stroll - Thursday, December 1, 6-8:30pm. Special discounts, music (including a performance by the 35 member Pacific Boychoir), food and drink. (website)

Jack London Square Holiday Popup - Friday, December 2, 5-9pm. Holiday Popup market at Jack London Square. Proceeds benefit Wardrobe For Opportunity. (website)

Dimond Park Winterfest - Saturday, December 3, 10am-2pm. A pancake breakfast, local merchants, crafts for kids, and more. (website)

Piedmont Avenue: Tree-lighting and Stroll - Saturday, December 3, 5pm. Tree lighting, live performances, and more. (website)

Temescal Art Hop - Friday, December 3, 6-9pm. Part First Friday, part shopping, all fun. (website)

Temescal Labyrinth - Saturday, December 4, 12-5pm. Holiday food and craft fair. (website)

Old Oakland: Popup Hood - Saturday, December 9, noon-9pm. Grand opening celebration of the Popup Hood in Old Oakland. (website)

Rockridge: Holiday Jazz and Wine Stroll - Friday, December 9, 5-8pm. Music, food and drink, local merchants. (website)

Northgate/Uptown: Indie Artisan Holiday Faire - Saturday, December 10, 12-5pm. 25+ local craft and food artisans. At the New Commodity warehouse.

Lakeshore: Holiday Fun - Friday, December 16, 5-7pm. Saturday, December 17, 3-5pm. Merchant specials, Santa visits, free carriage rides, and more. (website)

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

signs: The Layover

The Layover

Today's sign post from The Layover is in honor of the amazing tweetup we had last Tuesday night. @OaklandBecks from Living in the O wrote a great post on #OccupyOakland, and given her knowledge of Oakland politics, got lots of takers when she asked if anyone wanted to talk Oakland + occupy politics. Even more when it was suggested it be done over drinks.

On to the sign. The original name is long gone, but the drink glass part is in good shape. The only problem with it is not the sign, but the description on The Layover website that says "look for the neon martini". I'm no expert on cocktails (beer or red wine are much more my speed, depending on the occasion), but that looks like a Manhattan glass with the curves, versus an angular martini glass. In any event, it's a cool sign, and I'm glad to see it still working.


For comparison, here are some of the glasses from other signs I've posted:

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Mountain View Cemetery: Symbols

angel

Awhile back I took a tour of Mountain View Cemetery. The cemetery also has tours about different things people find interesting; Saturday was a tour called "Symbolism in the Cemetery", about the different symbols used on graves.

Sometimes symbols on graves simply represent something of interest to the person buried there, such as musical instruments on the grave of a musician. But on older graves especially, there is usually a special meaning for symbols. Something broken like the string of a lyre or a broken ship's wheel represents the end of life. Something cut is frequently the symbol of a life cut short, as is a not fully-bloomed rose. There are lots of symbols used on older graves, but only a few symbols are still used on modern graves, such as the Christian cross or the Jewish Star of David.

A couple of interesting grave symbols come from Judaism. One is the custom of leaving a pebble or small stone on a grave marker. This dates back to ancient times when grave markers weren't used, and the grave was simply marked by a cairn, or pile of stones. Leaving a stone perpetuated the grave, and marked that someone had visited.

kohanim hands

Another symbol of note is the kohanim hands. It's used on grave markers to indicate someone descended from the priestly tribe of Aaron. Actor Leonard Nimoy created a one-handed version of this for the Star Trek series, to represent a Vulcan salute.

Some of the symbols we saw on Saturday:
rose - love, beauty, grace
fern - humility and sincerity
wheat - the harvest, a long life
ivy - fidelity, eternal friendship
palm frond - victory over death
willow - grief, sorrow
oak - longevity, endurance, loyalty
lotus - creation and rebirth, particularly on Egyptian-themed graves
lily - purity, innocence
anchor - hope
lyre (w/broken string) - end of life
torch (inverted or extinguished) - death, live snuffed out
torch (lit) - eternal life
pelican - self-sacrificing mother (see note)
sphinx - guardian, protection
hands (clasped) - farewell
crescent moon w/star - rebirth, or Islam
book, scroll - the scriptures, or a symbol of life recorded
dove - peace, messenger of God
IHS - first three letters of "Jesus" in Greek
angel - death and resurrection, a guide to heaven
lamb - innocence, Jesus (lamb of God)
urn - the soul
pile of stones - firm foundation
star of David - Judaism, divine protection
menorah - Judaism, enlightenment
kohanim hands - blessing, from the priestly tribe of Aaron
tree stump - Woodman of the World
3-link chain - (sometimes with F,L,T) Independent Order Odd Fellows
square + compass - Freemasonry
eye - the eye of God, usually a Masonic symbol

There seems to be some disagreement about the exact meaning of some of the symbols, but entire books have been written on the subject. One interesting website I found with explanations of the symbols is called Grave Addiction. Lots of people are interested in graves and cemeteries; there's even a special word for them: taphophile.

One local taphophile, Barbara Gibson, has started a new business called Last Wishes, to help people plan the ceremonial aspects of their funerals, along with practical considerations, including what happens to their online presence like Twitter accounts and blogs.

For more on the Mountain View Cemetery in general, including links to various resources about the cemetery and Oakland history and more pictures, see my post about the general tour.

Lots more pictures:

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

upcoming Oakland events

The big events this week are Thanksgiving, of course, and a great opportunity to shop local or make a point to buy nothing at all. Need a place to get free food or a meal on Thanksgiving? Check this list on Oakland Local. There are lots of holiday events in the weeks to come. But remember to shop local!

Plaid Friday - Friday, November 25. Plaid Friday is the shop local alternative to Black Friday. Support local, independent businesses and keep your money local. (list of participating businesses; hours, events and discounts vary)

Oakland in the Black - Friday, November 25, 11am-6pm. Oakland in the Black is a shop local celebration centered around Downtown businesses taking part in Plaid Friday. They'll have DJs, live performances, and food vendors. (free)

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

Looking further ahead:
WOBO/EBBC Party - December 1. Celebrate a year of biking and walking advocacy with WOBO and EBBC.
Zorro by Night - December 1. A fundraising gala for the historic Peralta Hacienda.
City Center tree lighting - Thursday, December 1, 5pm. Seasonal music and the 3rd annual tree lighting at City Center Plaza.
Lighted Yacht Parade - Saturday, December 3. See dozens of Bay Area boats dressed up in their holiday finery.
Holiday Popup at JLS - Friday, December 2, 5pm-9pm. Holiday Popup market at Jack London Square. Proceeds benefit Wardrobe For Opportunity.
JLS lights up for the holidays - Friday, December 2, 5pm-7pm. Tree-lighting, holiday parade preview, and more.
Jingletown Holiday Art Walk - Saturday and Sunday, December 3-4. Annual holiday open studios in the thriving art community of Jingletown.
Popup Food Fest - Sunday, December 4, 12-4pm. A variety of local food vendors featured at Boucherie Marketplace at La Borinqueña.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

shop local - Plaid Friday + Oakland in the Black

The Friday after Thanksgiving has been known as "Black Friday" (1) since the 1960s, and has become one of the biggest shopping days of the year in the U.S. On one hand it means discounts and new items for consumers before the year-end holidays, and increased sales for retailers. On the other hand, it's led to a frenzy of buying things we don't necessarily need or can't afford, and even the trampling death of a security guard a few years ago. This year, some of the big box retailers are starting even earlier, opening at midnight on Thanksgiving. Which means employees won't get to fully enjoy Thanksgiving with their families and friends, because they'll be busy preparing for shoppers.

One response is to shop local and independent businesses instead of at big box stores. Plaid Friday started here in Oakland, but has spread across the country. Rather than joining hordes of people trying to buy the latest electronics they don't need and can't afford, shop and eat locally. More of the money you spend locally stays local (73¢ vs. 43¢ of each dollar).

There are dozens of East Bay businesses taking part and even some places to stop for a break from shopping, like Actual Cafe, Caffe 817, Farley's East and The Rising Loafer. Actual Cafe will be celebrating the addition of Periscope Cellars wines and Linden Street beers to their offerings, and will have a DJ and be hosting a local craft bazaar.

A number of participants are part of different popup markets around Oakland, but most are small businesses that have been part of Oakland for years.

Another shop local event on Friday is Oakland in the Black. If focuses on downtown businesses, and features many of the same ones taking part in Plaid Friday. They'll have DJs, live performances, and food vendors from 11AM-6PM at Broadway and 14th.

Whether you choose to shop downtown or somewhere else in Oakland, or shop some other day, shop local and shop independent. Keep your money local by buying local!

More on shopping (and banking and eating) locally:

More coverage of Plaid Friday on Oakland Local.


(1) It's interesting to note that the other meanings are almost all negative, because increasingly, Black Friday is viewed as a negative. The original shopping-related meaning in Philadelphia was a negative, referring to the large crowds and heavy traffic, and that part hasn't changed.

Monday, November 21, 2011

fall colors

Abit of fall color shot this morning in our back yard.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Random Acts at Fentons

November is Oakland Firefighters Random Acts month at Fentons Creamery. All month long, 25% of the proceeds from each firefighter sundae (a yummy concoction made with vanilla and rocky road ice cream) goes to support Random Acts' mission of "firefighters creating a positive difference in the lives of individuals." This past weekend, firefighters, fire cadets and volunteers showed up to help serve and celebrate.

Random Acts brought the parade rig for people to climb on, toy fire hats for kids, and had lively music playing. But people come to Fentons for the ice cream, and there was plenty of that, some served up by firefighters and cadets. A few were drafted for the hazardous duty of the annual sundae building contest. This year pitted a crew of cadets versus seasoned firefighters, but none came through unscathed. Whipped cream ended up everywhere, including some on the crowd and photographers.



Lots more pictures:


Also of note is that Fentons is working on opening Myrtle's Lodge, a retail space across Piedmont Avenue. There was a sneak peek available on Sunday, so I took a look at the work in progress. It will have ice cream of course, but served from an antique soda fountain and rung up at an antique cash register. There will reproduction toys (plus plush Myrtle the cow dolls) for sale, art and a bit of history, too. I'll report more as info becomes available.



Wednesday, November 16, 2011

upcoming Oakland events

Ashort but eclectic list of upcoming events. There's plenty of other stuff going on, too, like Goapele at Yoshi's (sold out all 4 nights) and various other shows around Oakland. What are you doing this week in Oakland? If nothing else, get out and support downtown restaurants and businesses affected by #OccupyOakland.

ICA Business Reception & Entrepreneur Marketplace - Thursday, November 17, 6pm. Inner City Advisors brings together several hundred entrepreneurs, advisors, funders, and community leaders that are working together to create quality inner city jobs and wealth. ($40)

Oakland Symphony Chorus - Saturday, November 19. The Oakland Symphony Chorus performs Haydn’s Harmonie Messe at the beautiful Christ the Light Cathedral. (free)

EBRPD Sunday Strolls - Sunday, November 20. Join East Bay Regional Parks for a hike in Redwood Regional Park. Meet at noon at the Canyon Meadow Staging Area. (free)

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

Looking further ahead:
WOBO/EBBC Party - December 1. Celebrate a year of biking and walking advocacy with WOBO and EBBC.
Zorro by Night - December 1. A fundraising gala for the historic Peralta Hacienda.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

new markets popping up for the holidays

Marshall's Honey

The current economy has left a lot of empty storefronts around Oakland. Friday on my way home from Habitat, I came across a creative way of dealing with it, a collective popup market. The force behind the Montclair Plaza Collective is photographer Reenie Raschke, and she's hoping to make the collective a permanent fixture in Montclair Village.

Reenie ran a photography studio in the village for 12 years before rising rents forced her to run her business from home. After talking with other village merchants about the vacant storefronts, Reenie and her husband Greg Fieler came up with the idea of a sustainability-based collective market. During the initial two month trial run, the market has artwork and pre-packaged food items. They're hoping to get the necessary permits to have fresh food such as seafood, and to be a drop-off point for CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) boxes, like the Beet Box from Phat Beets. Think slow food and slow money.

The list of vendors is growing, and currently includes:
Back to The Roots
Little Paper Monkeys
Glashoff Farms
Origin Spices
Gypsy Blue
Marshall’s Honey
Montclair Skin Care
Heidi Wyckoff
MRCW
My Town Montclair Book
Handy Gal
Big Paw
King Bag Co

You probably recognize some of those, like Back to the Roots (aka the mushroom guys) and Heidi Wyckoff, the artist who painted the images for the soon-to-be-released Oakland Landmarks book done in collaboration with columnist and historian Annalee Allen.

Montclair Plaza Collective
Thursday-Saturday: noon-7pm
Sunday: 10am-3pm






Another place markets are popping up for the holidays is Old Oakland. The Popup Hood is making use of currently vacant storefronts in Old Oakland. Such a setup is a win all around, as the neighborhood gets the space used, the landlord gets to show off a space that's not empty, and the vendor gets a space to use for a while. Current vendors include:

Manifesto Bikes
Crown Nine
Marion and Rose's Workshop
Piper and John General Goods
Sticks+Stones Gallery (@815 Broadway)
Turtle & Hare

Monday, November 14, 2011

food: B Restaurant

Last week K and I decided to eat out for a small celebration. Given the effect of #OccupyOakland on local businesses, we wanted to make a point of eating downtown. A downtown restaurant that's been on our "to try" list for some time is B Restaurant, on Washington and 9th in Old Oakland, so we decided to dine there.

I was a little unsure, because the menu didn't seem especially vegetarian-friendly. I was even more unsure when shortly before we left home I saw news on Twitter that someone had been shot just outside the #OccupyOakland encampment in Frank Ogawa Plaza. We discussed it, but decided to go anyway. I did modify our route downtown to steer clear of the street closures.

In any event, I'm glad we went. The service was great, the food was great, and there were plenty of vegetarian (though no vegan) options for me to choose from. The food was delicious, and beautifully prepared.

We arrived early in the evening and the restaurant wasn't very busy, though there was a decent crowd at the bar. By the time we left, the place was packed. It's a good sign for the restaurant, and for downtown businesses in general. The only distraction was the news helicopter that hovered throughout the evening.

We started with a squash medley and B Restaurant's well-known truffle fries. The squash were great, but the truffle fries were amazing -- doubtless not on our diet. For an entree, K had the petrale sole (after we verified it was Pacific-caught sole; Atlantic-caught is over fished), and I had a Caesar salad. I was excited about it because it actually had anchovies, something many so-called Caesar salads are lacking. Romaine lettuce plus shredded Parmesan cheese does not a Caesar salad make.

Short review: we'll definitely be going again.

Oakland Urban Paths: secret stairs, fire and BART

Saturday morning, Oakland Urban Paths led a walk called "Secret Stairs, Fire and BART." The walk gives some beautiful views over the Bay Area, and some unusual views of the Claremont Hotel. A group of about 30 people met across from the Claremont Hotel, just over the border in Berkeley.

Given the shape of the border between Oakland and Berkeley, we crossed it several times during our walk. Besides an interesting border, the area is also known because it was devastated by the 1991 Oakland - Berkeley Firestorm. As a result, many of the homes are new, rebuilt after the fire, and use more fire-resistant materials like stucco, concrete and metal.

Along with seeing some interesting houses, we learned a bit about the history of the area. Hiller Highlands was named for Stanley Hiller, Sr. (both Stanley Sr. and Stanley Jr. were inventors.) Amongst Stanley Sr.'s inventions was a single channel for for underground utilities in the 1950s. He was unable to get PG&E interested, so he divided part of their property into a development of 27 lots, complete with underground utilities. The lots stood empty until 1963, when resistance by PG&E had faded. The Hiller mansion still stands, and is the main building of the Bentley School.

An area resident told us about the new-ish looking stairs that were thought to have been built by BART (they are on a hill above the BART tunnel to Orinda). It turns out that the original stairs had been built by Stanley Hiller at the time of the development. Those stairs were badly damaged in the '91 fire, and were rebuilt.

lots of photos:


A Google Map of our route for Secret Stairs, Fire and BART.


Be sure to join Oakland Urban Paths for their next walk on December 10th, Walk and Shop. It's a chance to explore some of the urban paths between Lakeshore and Piedmont Avenue, and to do a little holiday shopping while supporting Oakland businesses.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

photo: run tom, run!

Isaw this turkey seasonal refugee on my ride home up Old Tunnel Road after the Oakland Urban Paths walk in Hiller Highlands. A little while later I saw four more, including two doing the iconic tail feather spread.

Friday, November 11, 2011

thank you, veterans

my grandfather in Italy

Imay not always agree with why you're sent, but thank you to all the veterans out there.

A fellow DIYer wrote this great post a couple of years ago.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

signs: G&G Hardware

G&G Hardware

One of my favorite signs. I've posted it before shot during the day, but it's worth another look. I love that they've maintained it, and it's not even for a business that's still around.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

upcoming Oakland events

Avariety of events coming up in Oakland. The current forecast has rain Thursday night and Friday, but don't let that slow you down. I'm hoping for better weather on Saturday for the Urban Paths walk, though.

Jobs Fair in East Oakland - Thursday, November 10, 10am-3pm. Come out to a free jobs fair at the Oakland Coliseum clubhouse. There will be a career expo, resume review, a course on social media and career networking (by Susan Mernit of Oakland Local), and more. Read more at Oakland Local. (free)

Mysteries of the Oakland History Room - Thursday, November 10, 7:30pm. The OHA reveals the mysteries of the Oakland History Room! What's in there? How can you find it all? How can you tell how old your house is? How do the librarians make searching the resources look so easy? ($10-$15)

Urban Paths: Secret Stairs, Fire and BART - Saturday, November 12, 10am-noon. Check out stairs, Vicente Creek and a special BART stairway along the Oakland/Berkeley borderlands with Oakland Urban Paths. (free)

Party at 16th Street Station - Sunday, November 13, 1-4pm. Celebrate and contribute to restoring this amazing Oakland building. More info. Also check out the article in the East Bay Express. (weather permitting)

Firefighters Weekend at Fenton's - Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13, 12-4pm. All month long 25% of the proceeds from the Firefighter Sundae goes to support the works of OF Random Acts. On Saturday and Sunday, firefighters will be there to wait tables, and kids can climb on the parade fire engine. Don't miss the sundae building contest at 3pm.

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

Looking further ahead:
ICA Business Reception & Entrepreneur Marketplace - November 17, 6pm at Jack London Square.
Oakland Symphony Chorus - Saturday, November 19 at Christ the Light Cathedral. Oakland Symphony Chorus performs Haydn’s Harmonie Messe
WOBO/EBBC Party - December 1. Celebrate a year of biking and walking advocacy with WOBO and EBBC.
Zorro by Night - December 1. A fundraising gala for the historic Peralta Hacienda.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

signs: Scream Sorbet

Scream Sorbet

Scream Sorbet not only has great sorbet (available in their store on Telegraph and at various farmers markets), but they have a pretty darn cool sign, too. I'd only seen it during the day before, but I was over in the Temescal for their First Friday art walk and got to see it at night.

But seeing one of their photos from the Google Maps entry, it's clear I need to get back over there with my tripod at dusk some time:

Monday, November 7, 2011

shop locally with the Oakland Grown gift card

Oakland Grown is an organization for independent local businesses and artists in Oakland. Shopping locally is one of the best ways to keep money local—shopping at a locally-owned business keeps an average of 73¢ of each dollar in the local economy versus 43¢ of each dollar spent at a non-locally owned business. To make shopping and gift-giving locally even easier, Oakland Grown is creating a new gift card.

Gift cards have grown increasingly popular because they make gift-giving easier. No more wrong thing, wrong color, wrong size, because the recipient gets to pick it out. But gift cards can be impersonal: "I care about you enough to get you something—go get something from this generic big-box national retailer." The Oakland Grown gift card gives the recipient flexibility, but at the same time says "I care about you, and I care about the city we live in and its people, too—support a local, independent business." If you enjoy shopping or exploring Oakland, you could even join your friend or loved one to see what they choose.

Oakland Grown is starting with a small pilot program, with a few dozen Oakland merchants participating, but they're planning on scaling it up in time for the holidays. And if you're wondering, the company powering the card is an Oakland business, too. The list of businesses accepting the card includes restaurants, salons and a variety of stores, and is growing weekly.

Besides buying and using the cards, there are other ways to support the card. First, you can provide seed money to help get the program started. Second, encourage your favorite Oakland businesses and artists to join Oakland Grown and register to accept the gift cards.


And yes, they're using a stylized version of one of my old sign photos, the heart on East 12th. I also used the photo in my recent Oakland Local article on banking locally, put your money where your heart is.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

upcoming Oakland events

Today's big event is the rain that's supposed to fall in the afternoon and through the night. Hopefully that will wash away the few troublemakers from #OccupyOakland but stop in time for the Art Murmur on Friday.

Oakland East Bay Symphony Opening Night - Friday, November 4, 8pm. Celebrate opening night with the Symphony, celebrating the rich, vibrant tradition of American music. At the beautiful Paramount Theater.

Food Justice: Honoring our Roots - November 4-8. Conference begins with short courses and Food Justice Tours throughout the Bay Area, and will look back to the roots of the food movement, discuss the Food & Farm Bill, and examine where the movement is heading. Read more at Oakland Local.

West Oakland Specific Plan Workshop - Thursday, November 3, 6-8pm. The West Oakland Specific Plan is under preparation and, once completed, will guide future use of sites in West Oakland. This workshop will identify locations throughout West Oakland that provide opportunities for neighborhood revitalization, and align community development goals and desires expressed at Community Workshop #1.At West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland. Please RSVP by phone or email - 510-238-3322 or ujonsson@oaklandnet.com

Plus the usual events:
Piedmont Avenue Art Walk (3rd Thursday)
Art Murmur (1st Friday)
Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)

Looking further ahead:
Urban Paths - November 12. Secret Stairs, Fire and BART - Check out stairs, Vicente Creek and a special BART stairway along the Oakland/Berkeley borderlands.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

signs: Clancy's

Clancy's

More recently known as Sweet Jimmie's, it was Clancy's Cantina before that. Sadly, it's probably best known as where 6 people were shot back in April, 2 fatally.