Thursday, November 28, 2013

love Oakland? Shop local #PlaidFriday


Ihope you're able to spend today with loved ones, and that you're not rushing off to the early Black Friday sales, or worse, having to work at them.

One of the things I'm thankful for are the wonderful people in Oakland, especially those that run small businesses that are the backbone of our economy and part of Oakland's diverse character. So instead of rushing off to the mall, shop local on Friday. More of the money you spend locally stays local (73¢ vs. 43¢ of each dollar). Show your Oakland love and shop Oakland.

You can even shop while you drink! Read more about Plaid Friday at the East Bay Express.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Savor Oakland food tour of Jack London Square


On Friday I joined some other curious and intrepid souls for a Savor Oakland food tour. But the tours aren't just walking from place to place and eating. Our guide, Carlo, is very knowledgeable about the food and the places we were going, as well as Oakland history. He humbly says his wife Geneva is an even better guide. Either way, they've put together a great tour around Jack London Square. I highly recommend it.

We started at Home of Chicken and Waffles, and they'd made arrangements for a vegi option for me, replacing the chicken with mac and cheese. Carlo told us about the invention of the combination, originally a favorite of jazz musicians after a late night gig, it was popularized in Los Angeles at restaurant called Roscoe's. But he also told us about the origins of fried chicken (Western Africa and Scotland) and of waffles (Europe, popularized in the U.S. in part by Thomas Jefferson).

Then we walked past Cerruti Cellars, one of a number of wineries based in Oakland, where Carlo told us about the burgeoning wine scene in Oakland and the East Bay. We walked through the warehouse district and Carlo told us a bit about the history of Oakland and the railroads.

We stopped near Blue Bottle Coffee. Because of their demands for freshness, it's not practical to stop there with a group, so instead we had a taste of some of their New Orleans-style iced coffee. It's different than most iced coffee you've probably had. Instead of putting ice cubes and sugar into regular coffee, the coffee is cold-brewed for 18 hours and combined with some chicory and some organic cane sugar. The results are delicious. On our way to the produce market area, we walked past nearby Bicycle Coffee, and we heard more about the "third wave" of coffee, from the likes of Folger's, to Peet's and Starbucks, and now careful, small-batch roasting that Blue Bottle and Bicycle do.

At the produce market it was relatively quiet, since most of the activity starts early each morning. We about the history of the produce market, which was originally further up, but has always been a bustling area even back to the days of horse-drawn carriages.

Heading north, we went next to Authentic Bagel Co. for some samples. It was started by two brothers from the East Coast, Mark and Jason Scott. During a stint making brunch at Monaghan's, they started making their own bagels. They found a hand-written recipe from their grandmother and used that as the basis of theirs. The results are great. Not the bready things you get most places, but a nice, chewy, flavorful bagel. Then we took another pause from eating and stopped by the lOAKal Art Gallery & Boutique. Besides their usual assortment of locally-made and local-loving items, they currently have a show on display from Peter Adamyan.

Walking past another local art gallery, The Hive, we came to Urban Legend Cellars for some wine-tasting. Marilee and Steve told us about their wine making and about their name. Part of their story is about breaking down myths about how wine is made, so their name and logo is a nod to that. Despite the persistence of the rumor and even t-shirts, the port cranes in Oakland were not the inspiration for the Star Wars AT-ATs walkers—that's a local urban legend.

We looped back along the waterfront, taking in the beautiful (though still sometimes breezy) day, and hearing more about Oakland's history. Our next stop was Forge for some tasty Neapolitan-inspired pizza and some local beer from Linden Street Brewery. We lingered there for a bit, then headed next door to Bocanova. Most folks had some ceviche while I had a very tasty quinoa salad, and we followed that with some churros dipped in chocolate. Yum!

Our final stop was Miette, where we heard about their story, and (since we were pleasantly full), we got some macarons to go. It was a great tour. I'm looking forward to their next Savor Oakland destination: Chinatown.

Lots more pictures from the tour:



Since a number of people asked about other walking tours in Oakland, here's the Oakland Wiki page on Walking Tours.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Mountain View Cemetery: exploring plot 26 and fall colors


Yesterday I spent a while exploring plot 26 in Mountain View Cemetery, doing a bit of genealogical research for someone with a family lot there. Although the day was a bit overcast, there was also some great fall color around the cemetery that really popped when the sun came out.

More pictures from plot 26 (and elsewhere):

Monday, November 18, 2013

art show at Blackball Universe


After our time at the Jack London Square farmers market on Sunday, K spotted a sign for an art show not far away. I've posted about events at Blackball Universe before, but hadn't been there yet so I jumped at the opportunity to check it out. The current show is "Urban Outskirts", and features the work of three different artists, Lorna Strotz, Seren Moran, and Lauren Ssherf-Srivastava. All three use different mediums and have very different styles, but it's all about the urban landscape. Check it out next time you're in the area—it's close to JLS and Lake Merritt BART.

More pictures:

Sunday, November 17, 2013

an afternoon in Jack London Square


After a cloudy start, today turned out to be a beautiful day. K and I had some lunch and visited the farmers market at Jack London Square. Afterwards we had a beer at Heinold's, and enjoyed the weather. We sat and people-watched and dog-watched, too. Then headed over to Miette for a super-tasty cupcake.

More pictures from Jack London Square:

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Hops 'N' Harvest fundraiser for People's Victory Gardens


Saturday afternoon there was a fundraising event for the Victory Garden Foundation, sponsored by Bison Brewing. There was a brewing demonstration, a fermentation class, edible garden classes, live music and dance, and various activities for kids and adults. And of course, Bison's special Oakland Hop Harvest beer, made with hops grown in Oakland. Lots of people from the neighborhood came out for the fun, including CM Dan Kalb.

Lots more pictures from the event:


If you didn't make the event but want to try out the Oakland Hop Harvest beer, see the earlier post for a list of bars and restaurants in Oakland and Berkeley that have it. It's based on their Hop Cuvée, but a bit less hoppy tasting and more aromatic.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Oakland Urban Paths: Hayward Fault


Saturday we had a record turnout for an Oakland Urban Paths walk, led by local historian Dennis Evanosky. About 125 people showed up to explore the traces of the Hayward Fault. We were joined by Andrew Alden, who has led geology-based OUP walks before, including an exploration of another part of the Hayward Fault last year.

We started the walk at the Redwood Heights Recreation Center, then headed down to 39th Avenue. One of the few residents in the area in 1868 lived nearby, but the great earthquake of 1868 was felt all over the East Bay and beyond. It was estimated to have been between 6.8 and 7.0 magnitude, and the shaking last 42 seconds. The worst damage was in Hayward, and there were 30 deaths including four in San Francisco.

Along 39th is an EBMUD reservoir, which was originally a "sag pond" formed by a depression along the fault. From there we headed north across 35th Avenue where Dennis told us more about local history. Many of the streets in the area are named for veterans of WWI.

Then it was up to Rettig Avenue along Peralta Creek. Part of Rettig is closed to automobile traffic because the effects of a landslide. A neighbor from the area told us about the slide and subsequent efforts to stabilize the hillside. A little further down the creek we heard from another neighbor about the efforts to clean up the area around the creek and make it into a park.

Up the hill, we came to the Kitchener Court landslide. After heavy rains in 1970, the entire area slid. First it damaged 14 houses, and eventually expanded to 22 houses. An even bigger concern was a fuel line carrying jet fuel from refineries to the Oakland Airport. A similar accident in 1969(?) in Canyon, CA, (just east of Oakland) raised serious concerns about a repeat on a larger scale in Oakland.

Then it was up hill past the Mormon Temple. We'd been there before on the Oakmore Highlands walk back in March, but approached from the other direction.

After a long downhill (and losing a few people to an estate sale in an interesting house), we returned to our starting point. Thanks to Dennis for leading the walk, and to everyone and everywoof who came out for it. And thank you for your patience as we worked out the bumps with the new sound system. Your donations are what made that possible, and help us with the mission of educating people about the urban paths, stairways and walkways around Oakland.

On a related note, did you know that Oakland was ranked the 9th most walkable large city in the U.S.? The hills definitely bring down Oakland's score, but our beloved city is still a pretty darn walkable place. Oakland Urban Paths and Walk Oakland Bike Oakland are working to make it even more walkable and more livable. Thank you for your support in helping make that happen!

Additional Links:

map of our route (PDF)
Google Earth Tour of the Hayward Fault

Lots more pictures from the walk:

Saturday, November 9, 2013

birds of Lake Merritt


For a variety of reasons, the last couple of weeks I've been spending more time than usual around Lake Merritt. Which is a nice thing, because the lake is beautiful spot, truly a gem of Oakland. Besides seeing beautiful sunsets, people watching, and enjoying the scenery, the lake is also a great place for bird watching.

Many people think mostly about the Canada Geese, which are known for their pooping, honking, and other anti-social behavior. But there are numerous species of birds in and around Lake Merritt, some year-round residents, and some just passing through. I recently added pictures of a variety of the birds to the Oakland Wiki page, Birds of Lake Merritt. But there are even more, which I haven't photographed yet. What interesting birds have you seen at the lake? And have you seen Hank?

More Lake Merritt bird photos:

Friday, November 8, 2013

photo(s) of the week: Lake Merritt


Lake Merritt was its usual, beautiful self, with people walking, running and biking around it. Meanwhile the sunset helped the lake put on a gorgeous show. So today you get two pictures for the week.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

upcoming Oakland events

Lots going on this weekend, more stuff that I want to do than I have time for. Biketopia with EBBC on Friday, an Oakland Urban Paths walk, Hops and Harvest and more on Saturday, and Novemberfest with WOBO on Sunday.

Thursday

Barbary Coast Comedy - Thursdays, 7-8:30pm, at Legionnaire Saloon on Telegraph. A weekly comedy showcase, featuring cutting-edge comedy from names you know and up-and-coming comedians from around the Bay and beyond! ($5 cover)

Friday

Biketopia with EBBC - Friday, November 8, 5:30-9:30pm. Join East Bay Bicycle Coalition to celebrate successes and look forward to future challenges to making the East Bay bicycle-friendly. ($15-$50)

Saturday

Oakland Urban Paths - exploring the Hayward Fault #2 - Saturday, November 9, 10am. OUP explores a different section of the Hayward Fault with historian Dennis Evanosky. (free)

PLACE Festival of the Commons - Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm. Join neighbors in the Golden Gate District for a festival of the commons. Actual Cafe and Yu Ming School will be planting in front of the school, and there will be numerous demos and activities. (free)

Hops 'N' Harvest - Saturday, November 9, 1-5pm. Peoples Victory Garden and Bison Brewing celebrate the release of Bison's Hop Harvest Ale made with hops grown in Oakland. Fundraiser for the Victory Garden Foundation, with live music, brewing demo, garden classes, and more. ($5-$15)

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)

Sunday

Novemberfest 2013 - Sunday, November 10, 12-4pm. Enjoy local beer from Linden Street Brewery, Drakes, and more, sausage from Pizzaiolo, live music, and more. Proceeds benefit WOBO. (free)

ongoing events:

looking further ahead:

Blackball Universe: Urban Outskirts - Friday, November 15. Meet the artists behind Urban Outskirts, showing November 2-December 29. (free)

Transgender Day of Rememberance - Wednesday, November 20, 5:15pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza. A day of sharing, silence, support and community to remember those lost to violence.

Underground Runway: Civilized - Thursday, November 21, 6-8pm. Join Underground Runway (UGRW) for a fall fashion show. UGRW is a platform for unsigned and under recognized talent. Hosted by Vessel Gallery.

"Fences" by August Wilson at AAMLO - November 28,29,30. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue through Wilson's The Century Cycle, presending "Fences" at AAMLO. ($15-$30)

Winter Wonderland with WOBO - Wednesday, December 4, 6pm. Enjoy food, drinks, and music at the New Parish all while supporting the work of WOBO to increase walkability, bikeability, and general livability in Oakjland.

JLS lights up for the holidays - Friday, December 6, 5-7:30pm. Lighting of the 55' tree, holiday musical entertainment, live reindeer, tap dancing trees, costumed characters, and more! The tree lighting will take place at 7:15. (free)

Bison brewing with Oakland-grown hops! - celebrate at Hops and Harvest


I'm a big fan of buying local, urban gardens, helping others, and of beer, so Saturday there's an event tailor-made for me.

Bison Brewing has been making tasty beer since 1989. Beginning in 2003, their beers were certified organic, one of the first breweries to make fully organic beers. Bison supports local non-profits, and are working on The Beer Wagon, a big red beer-serving truck, to help raise funds for even more non-profits.

On Saturday, Bison is teaming up with the Peoples Victory Garden for a fundraiser, Hops and Harvest. They're celebrating the release of a new beer, Oakland Hop Harvest Ale, which uses hops grown here in Oakland. (Cascade Hops, for those who wonder about such things.)

The event will include a brewing demonstration, edible garden classes, live music and various activities for adults and children. Food from Fist of Flour Pizza Company (who are working on a new brick-and-mortar location) and Rosamunde Sausage Grill will be available for purchase. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance ($5 for kids) or $15 at the door. Get tickets here.

If you can't make the event on Saturday but want to check out the beer, below is a list of locations that are serving it. Most are in Oakland and Berkeley, though there are a few elsewhere.
locationcity
Ben & NicksOakland
Cato'sOakland
CommonwealthOakland
Hog's ApothecaryOakland
New Parkway TheaterOakland
Olde DepotOakland
PortalOakland
Rosemunde'sOakland
Bobby G'sBerkeley
Beta LoungeBerkeley
FreehouseBerkeley
JupiterBerkeley
SaturnBerkeley
TRexBerkeley
BistroHayward
California Craft BeerFremont
Whole Foods Potrero HillSan Francisco

Check out the great article on Bay Area Bites.

Friday, November 1, 2013

upcoming Oakland events

It's a First Friday, so the usual Art Murmur and First Friday activities. The big event for the weekend is the Day of the Dead festival in Fruitvale.

Thursday

Barbary Coast Comedy - Thursdays, 7-8:30pm, at Legionnaire Saloon on Telegraph. A weekly comedy showcase, featuring cutting-edge comedy from names you know and up-and-coming comedians from around the Bay and beyond! (a Belgian comedian? they can probably make you laugh in 3 languages) ($5 cover)

Friday

Art Murmur and First Friday - Art Murmur Uptown, Downtown, every where in town. Plus First Friday events on Telegraph. (free)

Saturday

Dia De Los Muertos festival - Saturday, November 2. The annual Day of the Dead celebration in Fruitvale. Read about last year's festival. (free)

Sunday

Underground Runway presents X'Pression - Sunday, November 3, 1-3pm. Join Underground Runway (UGRW) for a fall fashion show. UGRW is a platform for unsigned and under recognized talent. ($5-$10)

ongoing events:

looking further ahead:

Biketopia with EBBC - Friday, November 8, 5:30-9:30pm. Join East Bay Bicycle Coalition to celebrate successes and look forward to future challenges to making the East Bay bicycle-friendly. ($15-$50)

Oakland Urban Paths - exploring the Hayward Fault #2 - Saturday, November 9, 10am. OUP explores a different section of the Hayward Fault with historian Dennis Evanosky. (free)

PLACE Festival of the Commons - Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm. Join neighbors in the Golden Gate District for a festival of the commons. Actual Cafe and Yu Ming School will be planting in front of the school, and there will be numerous demos and activities. (free)

Hops 'N' Harvest - Saturday, November 9, 1-5pm. Peoples Victory Garden and Bison Brewing celebrate the release of Bison's Hop Harvest Ale made with hops grown in Oakland. Fundraiser for the Victory Garden Foundation, with live music, brewing demo, garden classes, and more. ($5-$15)

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)

Novemberfest 2013 - Sunday, November 10, 12-4pm. Enjoy local beer from Linden Street Brewery, Drakes, and more, sausage from Pizzaiolo, live music, and more. Proceeds benefit WOBO. (free)

Blackball Universe: Urban Outskirts - Friday, November 15. Meet the artists behind Urban Outskirts, showing November 2-December 29. (free)

Transgender Day of Rememberance - Wednesday, November 20, 5:15pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza. A day of sharing, silence, support and community to remember those lost to violence.

Underground Runway: Civilized - Thursday, November 21, 6-8pm. Join Underground Runway (UGRW) for a fall fashion show. UGRW is a platform for unsigned and under recognized talent. Hosted by Vessel Gallery.

"Fences" by August Wilson at AAMLO - November 28,29,30. The Lower Bottom Playaz continue through Wilson's The Century Cycle, presending "Fences" at AAMLO. ($15-$30)

JLS lights up for the holidays - Friday, December 6, 5-7:30pm. Lighting of the 55' tree, holiday musical entertainment, live reindeer, tap dancing trees, costumed characters, and more! The tree lighting will take place at 7:15. (free)