Oakland Heritage: Montclair and the Sacramento Northern

Saturday was an Oakland Heritage Alliance tour called "Key Events in the East Bay Hills", led by Stuart Sweidler. It was focused on changes in Montclair and the Oakland hills, particularly those brought about because of the Sacramento Northern Railway (SNR).

About 35 people (and one dog) met at the Short Line Pocket Park at the corner of Mountain and Thornhill in Montclair. It was an appropriate spot, both because the presence of the berm that formed part of the SNR right of way, but also because of nearby Highway 13 which has factored heavily in the area's history. Just north of us was Fernwood, the former home of Col. Jack Coffee Hays.

We paralleled the berm down Moraga Avenue, which was formerly Canyon Road, past the Montclair Firehouse, to Montclair Park. From the park, more signs of the SNR are visible, including concrete abutments where a railroad bridge spanned Mountain Blvd. A short walk through the village then up the hill took us to the Montclair Railroad Trail, which follows the SNR right of way. Stuart told us more about railroad, and showed numerous pictures of the railroad as well as the surrounding area.

The trail goes all the way to Saroni Drive, where the SNR went through a tunnel to the Moraga side, but we didn't have time to go all the way up. We walked back down the trail, past the end of the paved section, and saw the bridge abutments we'd seen earlier from the other side. We stopped along side Montclair Elementary for some more history and more pictures, then finished outside the library.

One of the things that Stuart has done is to painstakingly find where historic pictures were taken. Se when he handed around a picture of a train, he could authoritatively say "this picture was taken here, looking that way, during this time period". It's an amazing bit of detective work, which he's posting on his web site, the East Bay Hills Project.

Additional links:

• Oakland Heritage Alliance
• East Bay Hills Project website - Stuart Sweidler's website
• Shared Ground - "Temescal Legacies" author Jeff Norman's website
• OaklandWiki - Oakland history and more

More pictures from the tour:

Face to Face art project

Yesterday a group of people created a public art project called "Face to Face". Designed to help bring awareness to immigrants' rights and racial justice, it was put on by Inside Out 11M, which travels the country in a truck that serves as a portable photo booth. Whatever you call it, the results are very cool. Like my Faces of Oakland project x 100,000. It's at 2323 Broadway, across from the YMCA—check it out if you're in the area.

More pictures from Face to Face:

the art of Heidi Wyckoff

Thursday evening there was a reception at the Alameda County Law Library on 12th Street for a showing of the art of Heidi Wyckoff. She's probably best known in Oakland as the co-creator of the book Oakland Landmarks, which features her watercolors of 34 of Oakland's historical landmarks. The book was written by local writer and historian Annalee Allen, which gives a page-long history of each landmark.

Heidi's images will be on display at the library until August 31. Posters are available on her website, heidiwyckoff.com, and the book is available on the Oakland Landmarks website.

The library is also the permanent home of a pair of striking paintings of Oakland, one featuring Old Oakland and the other featuring Lake Merritt. There is also currently a small exhibit of photos of the Black Panthers by renowned photographer Ilka Hartmann.

More photos from the reception:

upcoming Oakland events

Acouple of events happening today, the Face to Face public art installation, and the opening reception for of showing of art at the Alameda County Law Library. Also coming up is another Dishcrawl event.

Thursday - today

Face to Face - today, noon-7pm. A public art event to bring awareness to immigrants' rights and racial justice. At 2323 Broadway. (free)

Oakland Art of Heidi Wyckoff - today, 5-7pm. Opening reception of a display of the Oakland art of Heidi Wyckoff, co-creator of Oakland Landmarks. At the Alameda County Law Library, 125 12th Street. See Heidi's watercolors of Oakland landmarks at a new, larger size. Posters will be available for sale. The artwork will be on display during business hours through August 31st. (free)

Friday

Bites off Broadway - Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm. My favorite food truck event, held Fridays outside Studio One Art Center just off Broadway. Read more about Bites off Broadway. (free)

Nicholas Bearde at the Sound Room - Friday, July 26, 8-10:30pm. Join Nicholas Bearde and guest violinist Cathy Morris for some 'party jazz' at the Sound Room. ($25-30)

Dancing Under the Stars - Fridays, 8:30-10pm. The popular free dance classes at Jack London Square are back for another season. (free)

Saturday

Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Latham Square Park street painting - Saturday, July 27, 10am-4pm. Come help paint the town! Well, at least a small part of it, in preparation for turning the awkward Latham Square intersection into a park for people.

Urban Wine eXperience - Saturday, July 27, 1-5pm. 18 local wineries team up with local food purveyors to create a unique wine tasting experience. ($15-$45)

Wednesday

Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Dishcrawl Piedmont Avenue - Wednesday, July 31, 7pm. Explore four restaurants along Piedmont Avenue with other food-minded folks. It's a great way to sample a variety of restaurants and meet the owners/managers to learn more. Read about the Old Oakland Dishcrawl. Vegetarian options available. ($45)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)
• Dancing Under the Stars at JLS (Fridays)
• Art Murmur (1st Fridays)
• Jack's Night Market (1st Fridays)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)

looking further ahead:

Art + Soul Saturday - August 3, noon-8pm and Sunday, August 4, from noon-6pm. The 13th annual Art and Soul Festival, with music, food, vendors and more. Read about past Art & Soul events: 2009, 2011. ($5-$15)

National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6. Join your neighbors for a BBQ. Get to know your neighbors, and raise crime prevention awareness. Last year Oakland hosted 600 parties, and they hope to have even more this year. (free)

Laurel Street Fair - Saturday, August 10, 11am-6pm. The 14th annual Laurel Street Fair, with food, music, vendors, a kid's zone, and more. (free)

Fairyland for Grownups - August 16. Your chance to visit Fairyland without a child on an adults only night. Ever wanted to drink a beer inside a whale? This is your chance. A fundraiser for Children's Fairyland.

Pedalfest 2013

If you didn't go to Pedalfest on Saturday, you missed out on hecka fun in Oakland. I haven't heard attendance figures yet, but there were tons of people out enjoying the bike-themed activities and family fun. The weather was perfect. I helped with setup while the fog kept things cool, then right about the 11am start time, the sun came out and so did the crowds.

Lots more pictures from Pedalfest 2013:

Oakland Urban Paths: Jingletown and the estuary

Saturday we had the biggest turnout ever for an Oakland Urban Paths walk, about 85 people and at least four dogs. We met at the north end of Union Point Park to explore Jingletown and along the estuary for one of the most 'urban' walks that we've done.

First we heard from OUP walk leader Chris Kidd about the creation of Union Point Park as part of Measure DD. In a clever cost-cutting move, instead of trucking contaminated soil off-site, they encapsulated it in a mound in the park. One of the sources of the industrial contamination was Cryer & Sons Boatyard, a historic business that now sits vacant, awaiting cleanup for public use. Probably the most famous boat built there was a 130-foot yacht for Cliff Durant of Durant Motors which built cars in East Oakland in the 1920s.

We walked through the park, with a brief stop at the "Sigame" sculpture, which remembers 20 women from Oakland's history. Although we were following the Bay Trail, we came to our first departure from the waterfront. A grain mill currently owned by ConAgra still has access to the waterfront, plus there's a concrete plant, and there are no crosswalks across 29th Avenue and the maze of streets near the Park Street Bridge.

We rejoined the Bay Trail by going through the Waterfront Lofts. Part of the agreement to build housing and develop the Bay Trail was to allow public access to the trail. So there's a gate at each end of the lofts that allows people access between Glasock Street and the waterfront. Another part of the complex development was a land swap, which gave the Cal Crew a larger lot and moved part of the historic Ky Ebright boathouse.

We walked almost to the Fruitvale Bridge when we hit another obstacle. Although it has gates that are supposed to be open, a building near the bridge had locked gates that meant another detour. We walked up past the warehouse for the Oakland Museum of California's White Elephant Sale, down a railroad right-of-way, and back down to the waterfront.

There we walked through the tiny Fruitvale Bridge Park, where Sausal Creek flows into the estuary. Across the street is the massive Owens-Illinois glass factory, one of the few heavy industries still in the area.

We continued along the estuary to High Street and stopped next to the High Street Bridge. At this point the Bay Trail goes away from the water again, through a heavily industrialized area. From there we backtracked, then went to explore Jingletown.

The Jingletown neighborhood is full of artists and art studios. But it's also full of public art, with numerous mosaics gracing the walls of area buildings, and quirky sculptures and paintings awaiting the curious. We stopped by the Rue de Merde art wall, and some people headed over to Kefa Coffee for coffee or a snack, while the rest of us hung out in the shade in front of the Gray Loft Gallery or continued exploring the art wall.

After that, we headed back to our starting point in Union Point Park to finish our walk.

If you're interested in the future of the Bay Trail, Waterfront Action is working to continue to improve the continuity and access for the Bay Trail as part of Measure DD. One big project remaining is the construction of paths around each of the three bridges.

Also of note, the folks at the historic Cotton Mill Studios in Jingletown will be having an open studio event called F3 on Friday, July 19th. It's a chance to check out the work local artists and fashion designers, plus get a peek at the historic building.

Another great walk. Thanks to Chris Kidd for leading us, and to everyone and everywoof that came out for the walk. The next walk will be the usual second Saturday, on Saturday, August 10th at 10am. The location is yet to be determined, but you can check the website or sign up for the email list to get all the details.

Lots more pictures from the walk:

Additional links

• Jingletown Arts & Business Community
• Waterfront Action
• F3 open studios at the Cotton Mill - Friday, July 19

upcoming Oakland events

Lots going on this weekend, with a pet adopt-a-thon, a sketchcrawl, learn to curl, and other unusual events. And of course the monthly Oakland Urban Paths walk.

Wednesday

Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Friday

Bites off Broadway - Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm. My favorite food truck event, held Fridays outside Studio One Art Center just off Broadway. Read more about Bites off Broadway. (free)

Dancing Under the Stars - Fridays, 8:30-10pm. The popular free dance classes at Jack London Square are back for another season. (free)

Saturday

Oakland Urban Paths - Jingletown and the Estuary - Saturday, July 13, 10am. Join Oakland Urban Paths for a walk along the Bay Trail and into the art-filled neighborhood of Jingletown. (free)

Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Pet Adopt-a-thon - Saturday, July 13. Join the East Bay SPCA for its annual adopt-a-thon at Jack London Square. It will feature more than 350 adoptable animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and reptiles, all looking for good homes. (free)

WW Sketchcrawl - Saturday, July 13. Join other artists of all ages and abilities to walk Oakland and sketch what you see, then get together and compare experiences. (free)

Learn to Curl! - Saturday, July 13 and July 20, 2:15 to 4:30pm. Come learn to curl with the SF Bay Area Curling Club. You get an overview of the game and learn the basics, then play a mini-game. Read more about the experience here. Optional drinks and socializing afterwards. ($15)

East Bay Bonsai Society's Annual Auction - Saturday, July 13, 7:30pm. Preview begins at 7pm. Buy a beautiful bonsai tree and support the East Bay Bonsai Society. At the Lakeside Garden Center. (free)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)
• Dancing Under the Stars at JLS (Fridays)
• Art Murmur (1st Fridays)
• Jack's Night Market (1st Fridays)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)

looking further ahead:

Pedalfest - Satuday, July 20, 11am-7pm. The annual EBBC celebration of bicycles at Jack London Square. There will be all sorts of bike-related things, including a tricycle parade for kids, bike decorating, the Whiskeydrome, bike stunts, and more. Read about Pedalfest 2011. (free)

Urban Wine eXperience - Saturday, July 27, 1-5pm. 18 local wineries team up with local food purveyors to create a unique wine tasting experience. ($15-$45)

Dishcrawl Piedmont Avenue - Wednesday, July 31, 7pm. Explore four restaurants along Piedmont Avenue with other food-minded folks. It's a great way to sample a variety of restaurants and meet the owners/managers to learn more. Read about the Old Oakland Dishcrawl. Vegetarian options available. ($45)

National Night Out - Tuesday, August 6. Join your neighbors for a BBQ. Get to know your neighbors, and raise crime prevention awareness. Last year Oakland hosted 600 parties, and they hope to have even more this year. (free)

Fairyland for Grownups - August 16. Your chance to visit Fairyland without a child on an adults only night. Ever wanted to drink a beer inside a whale? This is your chance. A fundraiser for Children's Fairyland.

photo of the week: boom!

Wondering why it was so loud in Oakland on July 4th, and why it seemed like the noise was never going to stop? That's because people dropped some serious money on illegal fireworks. This is part of a pile of spent fireworks at Union Point Park. There were other smaller piles, and even a few cases where people had dragged the remains over by the overflowing trash cans, but it all added up to a lot of money gone in a flash.

upcoming Oakland events

Happy Fourth of July! Celebrate with Family Fun on the Fourth at Jack London Square, or save it up for Sunday and the Temescal Street Fair.

Wednesday

Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Thursday

Family Fun on the Fourth - Thursday, July 4, 11am-4pm. Fun for the whole family at Jack London Square, with food, live music, and lots of stuff for kids. See my coverage of from the 2011 event. (free)

Friday

Bites off Broadway - Fridays, 5:30-8:30pm. My favorite food truck event, held Fridays outside Studio One Art Center just off Broadway. Read more about Bites off Broadway. (free)

Seven Guitars - A Play by August Wilson - The Lower Bottoms Playaz and the Prescott-Joseph Center present August Wilson's play, Seven Guitars. Opening on Thursday; Shows Friday, Saturday, Sunday, July 5-7. ($10-$25)

Dancing Under the Stars - Fridays, 8:30-10pm. The popular free dance classes at Jack London Square are back for another season. (free)

Saturday

Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)

Sunday

Temescal Street Fair - Sunday, July 7, 12-6pm. Fine crafts and community booths, live music, food, and more! Read about last year's street fair. (free)

ongoing events:

• Oakland Walking Tours (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
• Bites off Broadway (Fridays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)
• Dancing Under the Stars at JLS (Fridays)
• Art Murmur (1st Fridays)
• Jack's Night Market (1st Fridays)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Oakland Urban Paths walk (2nd Saturdays)
  
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Piedmont Avenue Stroll (3rd Thursdays)

looking further ahead:

Pet Adopt-a-thon - Saturday, July 13. Join the East Bay SPCA for its annual adopt-a-thon at Jack London Square. It will feature more than 350 adoptable animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and reptiles, all looking for good homes. (free)

WW Sketchcrawl - Saturday, July 13. Join other artists of all ages and abilities to walk Oakland and sketch what you see, then get together and compare experiences. (free)

East Bay Bonsai Society's Annual Auction - Saturday, July 13, 7:30pm. Preview begins at 7pm. Buy a beautiful bonsai tree and support the East Bay Bonsai Society. At the Lakeside Garden Center. (free)

Pedalfest - Satuday, July 20, 11am-7pm. The annual EBBC celebration of bicycles at Jack London Square. There will be all sorts of bike-related things, including a tricycle parade for kids, bike decorating, the Whiskeydrome, bike stunts, and more. Read about Pedalfest 2011. (free)

Fairyland for Grownups - August 16. Your chance to visit Fairyland without a child on an adults only night. Ever wanted to drink a beer inside a whale? This is your chance. A fundraiser for Children's Fairyland.