Throw Down for the Town

The other week was the 2nd annual Ella Baker Center Throw Down for the Town. Hundreds of people got together around Oakland to work on different projects to make Oakland better.

I volunteered helping clean up a bus stop near 14th Avenue and East 15th Street, a project that was organized by neighborhood resident Francisco. Even with a shortage of tools, we made quick work of pulling weeds, picking up trash, and otherwise preparing the area for a garden. My main task was stomping down the contents of Francisco's green bin so we could fit more in it. Very different than my experience last year with Save the Bay, but still hella fun.

I wasn't able to go to the celebration afterwards in Snow Park, but it sounds like people had a lot of fun. Thank you to everyone who came out for Throw Down for the Town, and to everyone who works to make Oakland better every day.

Photos from 14th Avenue:


Check out the photo album on Facebook for more pictures, and coverage by Oakland North.