On the most recent Oakland Urban Paths walk in Old Oakland and West Oakland, the subject of "how do you find out what's going on in Oakland?" came up while we were walking.
The group had a bunch of responses, because there are a lot of different ways to find out about stuff. Some sources try to list everything going on in Oakland or the East Bay, while others are shorter lists that try to capture an interesting selection. The upcoming Oakland events (which you can get to easily at any time by clicking on the the "events" button at the top of each page) is a list of things that's interesting to me or I've been told about, so it's somewhere in the middle.
Here are the sources I know about, sorted roughly from "all inclusive" to "most selective".
Visit Oakland - The Oakland Visitor's Bureau maintains the most comprehensive list of things to do in Oakland, both ongoing activities and specially schedule ones. It's such a huge list that it can be a little daunting, but fortunately you can narrow your list by date or category.
East Bay Express - The East Bay Express maintains a long list of events all over the East Bay. You can narrow your search by date, category or neighborhood.
Fun¢heapSF - Johnny's Guide to San Francisco for Cheapskates maintains a large list for the whole Bay Area, but it's restricted by one important criteria: cost; the event has to be either free or cheap. And while there's not a category just for Oakland, there is one for East Bay events.
Oakland North - Oakland North is a project of the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. Their This Weekend in Oakland posts list a variety of upcoming events in Oakland. The 'staff' of the paper changes as students move through the journalism program, so the list has a slightly different feel depending on who compiled it. Unfortunately there's no single link (that I can find) to get the most recent events post.
Oakland Local - Hyper-local news source Oakland Local has a list similar to Oakland North's. I previously cross-posted my upcoming Oakland events to Oakland Local, and now it seems that different people compile the list, so it also has a different feel depending on who compiled it.
Our Oakland - my list of upcoming Oakland events. It's a combination of things that interest me plus events other people let me know about. So it tends to be slanted towards my interests: history, food, beer, bicycling, etc.
Jean Quan's Newsletter - Regardless of how you feel about her politics, someone in the mayor's office puts together a great newsletter of things to do in Oakland. The only downside is that sometimes it comes out too late—some of the events may have already happened or be happening later that day, too late to plan for.
Oakland's Own: Don't Miss of the Week - An Oakland blog with a selection of things to do in Oakland.
EBX Culture Spy Blog - In addition to the lengthy list noted above, the East bay Express also has the Culture Spy Blog with the shortest list around: Weekender: This Weekend's Top Five Events.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
Thursday, September 26, 2013
upcoming Oakland events
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
Anza Trail caravan - Saturday, September 28. Join the National Park Service to explore part of the Anza Trail, starting in Fremont and finishing up at Peralta Hacienda in Oakland. (free)Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)
Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)
Sunday
WasteNot: e-waste drop-off - Sunday, September 29. Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and get rid of your e-waste at the same time. At St. Theresa church, 30 Mandalay Road. (free)Sundays in the Redwoods - Sundays, starting September 22. Hang out in beautiful Joaquin Miller Park and listen to live music amongst the redwoods. ($14+$2)
Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)
Wednesday
Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (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:
Fences - from the Lower Bottom Playaz - opening in October. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue working their way through August Wilson's remarkable Century Cycle.Opening Reception for Indisputable Still Life - Friday, October 4, 6-9pm. Opening reception for the new exhibit at the Transmission Gallery. (free)
Black Cowboy Parade - Saturday, October 5, 10am-5pm. The long-running Black Cowboy Parade, a staple of West Oakland for almost 40 years. Read about the 2011 parade. At Defremery Park, though the parade goes for a number of blocks. (free)
Rockridge Out and About - Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm. Food, music, activities for kids, crafts, and more at the annual Rockridge street festival. Check out coverage of Rockridge Out and About 2011. (free)
Tall Ships visit Oakland - October 8-14. The tall ships Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain will be back in Oakland at JLS. Tours ($3) and battle sails ($40-$60) available. Read about a visit last year.
Life is Living Festival - Saturday, October 12 at 10:00am. The annual West Oakland festival celebrating urban life through hip hop, inter-generational health and environmental action. Music, vendors, food, health screenings, skate demos and more. (free)
CityCamp Oakland - Saturday, November 9. The 2nd annual "unconference" brings together citizens, city government, and businesses to innovate, enhance transparency and increase civic engagement. (free)
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
food: Aria
It's taken me almost a year, but I finally got around to trying Aria Mediterranean Grill and Afghan Cuisine. I first spotted it right at its opening, but hadn't gotten around to trying it until I was downtown during the lunch hour a couple weeks ago.
I had the sabzi challow, but vegetarian instead of with the traditional lamb, and it was amazingly delicious. I ate it embarrassingly fast, but if any of the other diners or take-out customers noticed, they were too polite to say. There are only a few vegetarian entrees, but if the others are as good as the sabzi, I'm sold. There are also some vegi appetizers like falafel. Check it out next time you're downtown.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Park(ing) Day 2013
Friday was the annual Park(ing) Day, where people all over the world take over parking spots and turn them into temporary parklets, giving over a little of the streets to the enjoyment of people instead of just another parking spot.
Because of work I got a late start checking out the parklets, but I managed to visit most of the 10 around Oakland. Two of them are more permanent parklets outside of Farley's East and Manifesto Bikes, so they have a definite advantage in getting set up. But I was impressed with the temporary parklets I saw, especially the one outside the main Oakland Public Library. They had lots of seating, plants, free books for kids and cheap books for sale, and they had even laid down sod!
What was your favorite parklet this year?
More pictures from Park(ing) Day 2013 in Oakland:
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Bison Organic Beer raises $9,102 for charity, looks to raise more
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| Brewmaster Dan Del Grande of Bison Organic Beer; Chef Kim Alter of Haven; Karen Rogers, Founder of Sprouts and the three lucky scholarship winners! |
The event raised $9,102 for Sprouts Cooking Club. Sprouts is using the money to put three students through their Chef-in-Training program—a culinary-training program that provides disadvantaged youth the opportunity to turn their lives around and secure a job in the restaurant industry by learning essential cooking skills under the tutelage of some of the best chefs in the Bay Area.
Bison is currently raising money for another philanthropic initiative called The Beer Wagon—a 501(c)3 pending beverage truck that will donate 100% of its profits to like-minded local charities, like Sprouts. To learn more about The Beer Wagon and how you can donate to the cause, visit Indiegogo.com. There are great perks available at various donation levels.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
upcoming Oakland events
Thursday
Urban University's Local Artist Showcase Opening Party - Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm. Urban University is launching a series of local artist/artisan showcases and is kicking it off with an opening party! (free; donations go to the Single Parents at Work program)Oak Barrel Bash - Thursday, September 19, 6-9pm. Join Rebuilding Together Oakland for a benefit celebrating 20 years of service. There will local wine and beer, and a raffle with prizes like an instant wine cellar, a private event at Linden Street Brewery, or a year's worth of growler refills at Drakes. ($60-$100)
Friday
Park(ing) Day - Friday, September 20. Join WOBO and local businesses as parking spaces are turned into temporary parklets. Even the Oakland Main Library is getting into the act! A map of the parklets planned for Friday can be found here. And of course, there are the existing parklets like at Farley's East and Manifesto Bikes. (free)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
Creek to Bay Day - Saturday, September 21, 9am-noon in various locations around Oakland. Help clean up Oakland's waterways. Read about last year's Creek to Bay Day. (free)Oakland Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)
Oakland Music Festival - Saturday, September 21, 11am-7:30pm. There's hella music, from The Coup to Kev Choice and lots more. Plus local food, beer, wine and more. ($20-$70)
Sunday
Sundays in the Redwoods - Sundays, starting September 22. Hang out in beautiful Joaquin Miller Park and listen to live music amongst the redwoods. ($14+$2)Wednesday
Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (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:
Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)Anza Trail caravan - Saturday, September 28. Join the National Park Service to explore part of the Anza Trail, starting in Fremont and finishing up at Peralta Hacienda in Oakland. (free)
WasteNot: e-waste drop-off - Sunday, September 29. Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and get rid of your e-waste at the same time. At St. Theresa church, 30 Mandalay Road. (free)
Fences - from the Lower Bottom Playaz - opening in October. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue working their way through August Wilson's remarkable Century Cycle.
Black Cowboy Parade - Saturday, October 5. The long-running Black Cowboy Parade, a staple of West Oakland for almost 40 years. Read about the 2011 parade. (free)
Rockridge Out and About - Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm. Food, music, activities for kids, crafts, and more at the annual Rockridge street festival. Check out coverage of Rockridge Out and About 2011. (free)
CityCamp Oakland - Saturday, November 9. The 2nd annual "unconference" brings together citizens, city government, and businesses to innovate, enhance transparency and increase civic engagement. (free)
Monday, September 16, 2013
Oakland Urban Paths: Old Oakland and West Oakland
A special thank-you to Robert Perricone and Fran Estrada for the use of their photos. For a variety of reasons, OUP was short-handed for Saturday's walk, and I've found it difficult to lead a walk and take pictures of it at the same time, so I'm very grateful to them for the use of some of their photos.
These days it's easy to think of Old Oakland and West Oakland as separate areas of Oakland because of the freeways, but in the past they were connected into one continuous neighborhood. Saturday about 35 people and two dogs joined Oakland Urban Paths for a walk exploring these areas.
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| Tina Tamale photo by Robert Perricone |
In front of Tina's tamale shop is a marker for the 10,000 Steps Project. It's an art project highlighting the historic parks of downtown Oakland. We passed by a number of other markers on the walk, including ones at Lafayette Square Park, the Pardee Home, and Jefferson Square Park. There are 37 markers total, and more than half of them have an associated audio segment, including interview clips with Tina and her mother.
We headed up to Lafayette Square Park, which was the original location of the Chabot Observatory. It was a gift of Anthony Chabot, who is probably best known as the founder of the water company that eventually became EBMUD. The observatory was in downtown Oakland from 1883 until 1915, when increasing light pollution from the growing city required a move to the hills.
A short walk from the park took us to the Pardee Home Museum. It was the home of Enoch Pardee, who was mayor of Oakland from 1876–1878, and later the home of his son, George Pardee, who was mayor of Oakland and later governor of California. Besides preserving the historic house, it also serves as a museum. George and Helen Pardee's daughters, Madeline and Helen, lived in the house their entire lives, changing very little over the years, so it is well-preserved. George Pardee was also involved in the creation of EBMUD and somewhat indirectly the creation of the East Bay Regional Park District.
Across the street is Preservation Park. There are 16 historic buildings there, but 11 were moved from elsewhere to save them from the wrecking ball when the freeways were built. The park is now run by a private company and houses offices for different non-profits as well as a small restaurant. Unfortunately there was an event so the park was closed, preventing us from getting a closer look at the homes and at the Latham-Ducel fountain in the middle of the park.
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| First Unitarian Church photo by Fran Estrada |
Our next stop was further away, on the other side of I-980. Blocks and blocks of homes and businesses were destroyed for the construction of the freeway, but some of the homes were saved and moved to Preservation Park. A block or so south of our route was the original location of Oakland High School, but it was gone long before the freeways came through.
We eventually came to de Fremery Park. The park is a hub of West Oakland, with a recreation center, picnic tables, tennis courts, and a skateboard park. It hosts a variety of events, including the annual Black Cowboy Parade, which has been around almost 40 years. Even more years ago than that, the Black Panther Party held rallies and food giveaways at the park. But originally it was the grounds of the de Fremery family house known as "The Grove". James and Virginie de Fremery were a wealthy couple and had numerous descendants in Oakland. But what is less well-known is that Viginie was the child of a Dutch merchant and a former slave he purchased then later married.
We discussed gentrification and the broader sweep of West Oakland's history. Although there were exceptions like William Shorey, the largest number of African Americans came to Oakland during WWI and WWII. Some had found work as Pullman Porters, and Oakland was the end of the line for the transcontinental railroad. Many settled in West Oakland, not necessarily because they wanted to, but housing covenants as well as unspoken rules made it so West Oakland was the only place they could live.
From there, we walked past the former site of the Miller home. Keeping with our earlier utilities theme, Albert Miller and his son C.O.G. Miller were involved in the creation of Pacific Gas & Electric. There were questions about the food mill across the street. Although there are no signs, it's still an active business. It began back in 1915 as the Pacific Coast Shredded Wheat Company; now it produces organic rice flour, crisp rice, and corn flakes, most of which goes to Japan.
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| Cypress Freeway Memorial Park |
We headed down Mandela to 7th Street. We didn't have time to walk there, but I pointed out where Esther's Orbit Room and other music clubs in West Oakland made up what was once known as the "Harlem of the West". Noted jazz and blues musicians from all the U.S. came to Oakland to perform, and some even got their start here.
We walked past The Crucible and talked about its art programs, as well as the Oakland Running Festival that passes through the area. Then it was down to Linden Street Brewery. The brewery itself is in a building that was originally cable manufacturing plant. But we were there to see the former location of the nearby Moore Dry Dock Company, which built ships including ferryboats for the Key System, as well as structural steel for projects like The Paramount Theatre, the High Street Bridge, and caissons for the Bay Bridge.
Our return journey took us past Urban Legend Cellars, one of Oakland's wineries. Turns out one of the people on the walk works for a winery in Alameda [ sorry, don't remember name ]. Both of them are members of the East Bay Vinter's Alliance, which holds a number of fun wine events in Oakland and Alameda. Then it was through Jefferson Square Park and back to La Borinqueña. A number of us stayed for lunch and for a sneak peek of the new garden space behind the restaurant. It was featured the next day at the Viva Tamales! fundraising event.
Thanks to Tina for her hospitality, special thanks to Robert Perricone and Fran Estrada for the photos, and thanks to everyone and everywoof that came out for the walk.
October's walk will be on the second Saturday, October 12th, and will feature the new Bay Bridge Trail and pathway.
Lots more photos from the walk:
Sunday, September 15, 2013
yummy tamales at Viva Tamales! fundraiser
Today was the first ever ¡Viva Tamales! event, raising funds for the pregnancy education program at La Clinica de la Raza, which has been providing affordable healthcare in Oakland and the East Bay for over 40 years.
Lots of people turned out and were having a great time. I only tasted the non-meat tamales, but everything I tried was great. I haven't heard the official winner, or how much was raised, but the event seemed like it was a huge success.
Thanks to Tina Tamale for hosting the event, to all the competitors, to Tim and Chris for creating La Borinqueña's new garden and to everyone who came out to support the event.
Lots more pictures from today's event:
photo of the week: pelican
Yesterday after leading the Oakland Urban Paths walk in Old Oakland and West Oakland, I stopped by the south end of Lake Merritt to decompress, enjoy the view, and call K to let her know my ETA. It's such a different experience than before the Measure DD work was done. Instead of odd smells from the water and the pedestrian underpasses, with traffic zipping past a few feet away, I was treated to a peaceful scene of birds feeding and a variety of Oaklanders out enjoying the view.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
upcoming Oakland events
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 Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)
3rd Annual Pio Pico Bash at Peralta Hacienda - Saturday, September 14, 6-7:30pm. Author Carlos Salomon will relate the life of Pío Pico, the last governor of Mexican California, of mixed African, Native and Spanish descent, and tell about the system of 136 racial classifications or castas in use at the time.
Sunday
Green Street Party in Glenview - Sunday, September 15, 1-4pm. Join Glenview neighbors in learning about climate change and ways to address it. (free)
Delilah Beasley Tea - Sunday, September 15. Join the Pardee Home for the 2nd annual Delilah Beasley Tea, honoring women with a pioneering spirit. ($5/$15)
Tuesday
Taste of Temescal - Tuesday, September 17, 6-8:30pm. A culinary crawl through Temescal, raising money for local schools and organizations. There will also be live music and prizes. ($30)Wednesday
Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (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:
Creek to Bay Day - Saturday, September 21 in various locations around Oakland. Help clean up Oakland's waterways. Read about last year's Creek to Bay Day. (free)Sundays in the Redwoods - Sundays, starting September 22. Hang out in beautiful Joaquin Miller Park and listen to live music amongst the redwoods. ($14+$2)
Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)
WasteNot: e-waste drop-off - Sunday, September 29. Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and get rid of your e-waste at the same time. At St. Theresa church, 30 Mandalay Road. (free)
Fences - from the Lower Bottom Playaz - opening in October. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue working their way through August Wilson's remarkable Century Cycle.
Black Cowboy Parade - Saturday, October 5. The long-running Black Cowboy Parade, a staple of West Oakland for almost 40 years. Read about the 2011 parade. (free)
Rockridge Out and About - Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm. Food, music, activities for kids, crafts, and more at the annual Rockridge street festival. Check out coverage of Rockridge Out and About 2011. (free)
CityCamp Oakland - Saturday, November 9. The 2nd annual "unconference" brings together citizens, city government, and businesses to innovate, enhance transparency and increase civic engagement. (free)
Thursday, September 5, 2013
upcoming Oakland events
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)ThEN is Now opening - Friday, September 6, 6-9pm. Join the Joyce Gordon Gallery in celebrating their 10th anniversary with the opening of a new show. Read more about the gallery in the Oakland Tribune. (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 Walking Tours - Saturdays, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (free)Volunteer Fair - Saturday, September 7, 10am-1pm. Come learn how you can help make Oakland schools better by volunteering your time. (free)
Dim Sum Then Sum opening - Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm, starting September 7. Black Ball Universe opens a new exhibit, Dim Sum Then Sum, featuring the work of Jackie Lo, Tamara Chang, Tracy Piper, and Mary Luong. Look for a party on the 20th! (free)
Sunday
Dim Sum Then Sum opening - Saturday and Sunday, 12-5pm, starting September 7. Black Universe opens a new exhibit, Dim Sum Then Sum, featuring the work of Jackie Lo, Tamara Chang, Tracy Piper, and Mary Luong. Look for a party on the 20th! (free)Wednesday
Oakland Walking Tours - Wednesday, 10am. Free downtown walking tours highlighting Oakland's history, architecture and people. Read about past Oakland Walking Tours. (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:
Green Street Party in Glenview - Sunday, September 15, 1-4pm. Join Glenview neighbors in learning about climate change and ways to address it. (free)Delilah Beasley Tea - Sunday, September 15. Join the Pardee Home for the 2nd annual Delilah Beasley Tea, honoring women with a pioneering spirit. ($5/$15)
Creek to Bay Day - Saturday, September 21 in various locations around Oakland. Help clean up Oakland's waterways. Read about last year's Creek to Bay Day. (free)
Sundays in the Redwoods - Sundays, starting September 22. Hang out in beautiful Joaquin Miller Park and listen to live music amongst the redwoods. ($14+$2)
Eat Real Festival - September 27-29. The annual food festival is back, with tasty eats, beer, music, and how-to sessions. (free)
WasteNot: e-waste drop-off - Sunday, September 29. Support the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and get rid of your e-waste at the same time. At St. Theresa church, 30 Mandalay Road. (free)
Fences - from the Lower Bottom Playaz - opening in October. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue working their way through August Wilson's remarkable Century Cycle.
Black Cowboy Parade - Saturday, October 5. The long-running Black Cowboy Parade, a staple of West Oakland for almost 40 years. Read about the 2011 parade. (free)
Rockridge Out and About - Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm. Food, music, activities for kids, crafts, and more at the annual Rockridge street festival. Check out coverage of Rockridge Out and About 2011. (free)
CityCamp Oakland - Saturday, November 9. The 2nd annual "unconference" brings together citizens, city government, and businesses to innovate, enhance transparency and increase civic engagement. (free)
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
sponsor me: help create and maintain affordable housing in Oakland
2008 Carter Work Project in Mississippi
It's not just building new housing. Some people will be working to repair and do needed maintenance on homes in East Oakland, as part of Habitat's foreclosure-prevention strategy, while others will be doing community projects like deconstructing an abandoned building in William "Bill" Patterson Park in Brookfield Village. Even more projects will be going on in San Jose. I've been volunteering with Habitat since 1995, and I'll probably be helping lead a crew on one of the repair houses.
But the CWP isn't just about building and repairing affordable housing, it's also a fundraiser to help with future projects. As part of my participation, I need to raise money, and that's where you come in. You can either donate through my FirstGiving.com page, or donate via check to Habitat for Humanity East Bay / Silicon Valley. Habitat is a 501(c)3 non-profit, and all contributions are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Thank you for your support! Read more about the Carter Work Project at Habitat for Humanity East Bay / Silicon Valley.
photo of the week: a flower grows in Temescal
This lovely flower is in a garden behind Doña Tomas on Telegraph.