Sunday, April 27, 2014

photo of the week: orchids


I'd love to take credit for growing these lovely orchids, but they were there when I bought the house 20 years ago. All I've done is occasionally clean out the pine needles and leaves, and try to remember to give them some water in the dry months.

These lovely flowers are growing outside our front door. Which is as far as I got today, because I've been hella busy with work and other commitments lately. I did manage to catch some of the Warriors win today.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

signs: Kelly Paper


The sign for Kelly Paper has been around for a while. Doubtless at some point there was a motor to rotate the sign, but now that happens when a passing breeze hits it.

Saturday, April 19, 2014

A Day at Habitat


Kand I spent the day working on a home repair with Habitat for Humanity in Arroyo Viejo / Eastmont. While I have a lot more experience and comfort doing such things, K gamely joined me in working on installing a new roof for a lovely (but no nonsense) 80 year-old woman. I'd forgotten how much more tiring working on a roof is. Just standing takes more energy than it does on flat ground, and add in the extra heat, the bending and squatting, and I'll definitely be feeling this tomorrow. But it was hella fun, and it was great to be helping someone.
Kat on a hot tar roof

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

signs: Anderson


This sign on Broadway still exists, but probably not for much longer. For many years the location was the home of Anderson Carpet and Linoleum, a business that was started when Linoleum Sales of Berkeley bought the Anderson Carpet Company in 1973. A couple of years back they moved operations to West Grand, and now the site is due to become a new location for True Burger. I'm still looking into whether they were connected, but there was an Anderson's Carpet House that dates back 1891, founded by Severin Anderson and later run by his son Harry S. Anderson (who also served as a city commissioner).

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Oakland Urban Paths: Jingletown and the Estuary


On a foggy Saturday morning, 40 people (plus a record 7 dogs) turned out to explore Jingletown and the Estuary with Oakland Urban Paths. While we gathered at the former Cryer & Sons Boatyard at Union Point Park, we watched some whaleboat races in the channel near Coast Guard Island.

By the time we got underway, the sun was starting to break through the fog and it warmed up quickly. A short walk took us to the controversial Sigame sculpture, which features pieces of different notable women from Oakland's history. Chris Kidd also told us about the clever approach used to clean up the land for Union Point Park, encapsulating the soil into the spiral mound at the center instead of trucking it off for remediation. At the south end of the park, the Bay Trail leaves the waterfront because the ConAgra Mill still uses its waterfront access (in addition to railroad trains, which we saw evidence of later). That was a recurring theme of outbound walk—while access is getting better, there are still lots of gaps in the Bay Trail.

Along the way, we saw a new mural being painted by Ernest Doty and some other Oakland artists, the Fruitvale and High Street bridges opened to allow a sailboat through, the outflow of Sausal Creek into the estuary, and more. We went as far as High Street; to go further would mean another departure from the waterfront and a walk along a heavily industrial road.

Our return trip wandered through Jingletown to check out the various public works of art: murals, mosaics and sculptures. There are artworks around every corner, and even a few painted on the street. It's definitely worth visiting Jingletown when there are open studios or other events to see more. Thanks to everyone and everywoof who came out for the walk!

More pictures of the walk from Alan Forkosh can be seen on Alan's website.

More pictures from the walk:

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Oakland Earth Expo


Wednesday was the annual Oakland Earth Expo, held on Frank Ogawa Plaza. There was a nice turn out to check out ways to help make Oakland more sustainable, as well as dine at the collection of food trucks and area restaurants.

This is part of the lead up to Earth Day, which Oakland celebrates with cleanups and other events all over the city. Check the Oakland Earth Day website for details. This is a great, easy way to volunteer to make Oakland better. For most projects, the time commitments are short, and the results gratifying. You can also use it as an opportunity to get out an experience a different part of the city than you normally do, or do something to help a favorite Oakland park.

More pictures from the expo:

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

signs: Merit Market


Idon't know how long ago Merit Market closed, but its sign lives on near the intersection of 27th, 24th and Harrison.

Monday, April 7, 2014

One Day in Oakland


The following is a guest post from Alden Olmstead, creator of the cool, artsy map above, and of the new blog, One Day In. Cards featuring the map can be purchased at a number of local businesses. See the list at the end of the post.

Lake Merritt
Flag of Oakland, Calif.Jack London and Oak trees, fire artists and urban blight – oops – urban renewal, sorry mayor. What to make of a town like Oakland, California depends partly on perspective, more on your stance against the world. What’s that – you don’t have a stance? You don’t thrive on challenges that everyone says won’t work? You’ve never felt like the underdog, succeeding regardless of – or even especially because of what others think? Oakland might not be for you. You might not get it. However, if you can appreciate a young man whose dreams and aspirations were so strong that he hopped a steam ship to the Yukon to pan for gold, came back more broke than when he left, sold his bicycle to buy heating gas and bread for his mother, then found success writing about his struggle amidst the elements and the hardened souls of men, Oakland might just be for you. Jack London was not the first underdog to grace Oakland and he certainly won’t be the last. From its artists to its sports teams, its beautiful Lake Merritt and skyline to the ongoing reality of urban violence, Oakland is honesty. The sweet with the sour, it’s all here. Be prepared, stay alert, and you’ll be surprised at how friendly people are. Overcoming challenges produces character. Oakland has truckloads of it.
::

Basic instructions for Oakland, California:

1. Dogs can smell fear, so can people. Smile and the world smiles back – be smart and you’ll be fine.
2. Everything that’s a challenge in San Francisco is one or two notches less in Oakland. Parking, harsh weather, Toyota-swallowing potholes, baseball ticket prices, parking, etc..
3. Layers. You can start with a sweater or jacket if you like but by noon or so you’ll be shedding it faster than a 70′s streaker at an A’s game. I recommend a medium sweater, flannel, or fleece, with a favorite t shirt underneath. But that’s just me. In winter months maybe a scarf. I’ve never owned one but they sure look warm. And stylish.
4. Park at 101 Washington Street – or street parking if it’s a weekday – or BART to 12th street/ City Center if you don’t mind the aforementioned blight.

Let’s begin:

8:00 am Jack London Square
Oakland, Ca 94607
Speaking of the wavy-haired socialist himself, your day in Oakland begins near the water for a variety of reasons, most of which you’ll discover for yourself. Grab coffee at Blue Bottle on Webster or Autobahn (at 5th and Clay) and walk to the end of Broadway – down to the water. Put your black and white glasses on, flip your collar up on your Navy peacoat and smell the cool and salty air. See the hundreds of cranes? The port of Oakland is an international cargo hub and was one of the early adopters of container shipping. Though Lucasfilm claims to have taken no inspiration from these cranes for The Empire Strikes Back, I say let your imagination go. Besides it’s more fun to disagree with George these days.
Walk south to Jack London’s little cabin, make a note to yourself to visit his estate in Glen Ellen at Jack London State Park (one hour north) and enjoy the fountain and the many seats available. *Good luck finding a seat if this is Sunday, farmers markets here can get a little crazy.
8:30 am Eat Breakfast at Home of Chicken and Waffles (Broadway and Embarcadero) or the Oakland Grill, two blocks up and one block south, at 3rd and Franklin. Both are very good, though completely different atmospheres.
10:00 am Walk East (away from the water) up Broadway, stopping wherever you like. You might see an estate sale – at Something to Sell About, or an art or clothing store you like – if today is a first Friday check out an art walk schedule at http://oaklandartmurmer.org. Either way head up Broadway towards Old Oakland. The mornings are when your mind is fresh, let’s find some history.
Turn left, north, on Eighth St.

You can make a nice side loop and enjoy the architecture of Old Oakland by turning on 8th street, and heading north for a few blocks. Turn right up Jefferson or Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and then back towards Broadway on 12th. Great photo opportunities and light should be happening to free your mind. Stop at the Flower Mart or pose outside the Washington Inn. Very cool.

12 Noon at the Oak Tree
Oakland City Hall and Frank Ogawa Plaza – Overheard: "Dude that tree is huge!"

I know, someone should make a logo of it. Oh they have? How about a shirt? Oh really? Ok, ok – where do I get one?”

Before heading back towards the water for lunch, watch the plaza come alive with the working crowds from the Oakland Tribune, Clorox, the state building, or from the many other businesses around Frank Ogawa Plaza. Walk up to Oaklandish on Broadway to get some Oakland apparel. Don’t spend it all in one place though – the awesome shirts at lOakal back on 2nd street will make you glad you saved some dough.
Walk back towards the water to:

Lunch at Everett & Jones BBQ
Everett jones sign E & J brisket


Are there great places for lunch other than E&J? Of course – There are also blondes other than Marilyn but really? Eat. Wow.
*If you’re more of a chicken person, or you’ve heard so much about it, yes – it’s worth it to try out Bakesale Betty up Telegraph ave. at 51st. An ironing board might be your dining table and the chicken – yes. yes.

Afternoon:
The afternoon is yours, I recommend the following based on number of people in your party:
1. Just you? Hello you – you’re awesome! Find some peace and solace – and ridiculous views at close-by Joaquin Miller Park. Sure there are others and more secluded but we’re talking about one day. Get in your car and drive just 8 miles – 580 East to Lincoln Exit and go left up the hill, which becomes Skyline Blvd. Follow the signs.
2. Just the two of us? What a great pair you are – are you active? Of course you are, you should be hiking the East Bay’s hidden stairs? Where are they? They’re everywhere! Thanks to Julian for her amazing blog as well as Oakland Urban Paths. I recommend (esp. for one-day-ers) Grizzly Peak or Piedmont, they'll walk you through a perfect two-hour trek.
3. A small group – Jack, Chrissy, and Janet? Perfect for sidewalk shopping and strolling the streets of Piedmont, Lakeshore and Grand, or College in Rockridge. You won’t be disappointed. Just make sure you end this session on Grand near Children’s Fairyland, park and walk out to Edson Adams’ point on Lake Merritt and share your deepest secrets. Yes with the ducks.
4. Four or more? Are there kids? Go to the Zoo or to an A’s game – both are close, both are cheap, both are awesome – though the zoo might have more civilized inhabitants, and perhaps some of the fans should be in … well you get the idea. For the zoo take 580 East to Golf links exit. Lemurs are really cool. A’s game take almost any Bart south toward the airport – Orange, Green, and Blue lines – they all stop there. Moneyball hey!
6-7pm Dinner
*No you don’t have to eat at 6 or 7, but you can begin to head towards Piedmont Ave. or Lake Merritt, depending on the season.

Dining in Summer:
#1: Portal Oakland
1611 2nd Ave, Oakland, CA 94606
(510) 663-7678

A great location, a great outdoor patio, interesting food choices and a great beer selection make this an easy choice for a one-day visit.

Dining any other time:
#1: Cato’s Alehouse Pub
Yes, there are plenty of great restaurants, but an old English vibe with a neighborhood feel, a sometimes very lively band, an ever- changing selection of interesting beers from all over, awesome pizza and salad options, together make this my first choice. Especially for the one day you might be here. You’ll want to come back.
After dinner:

Check the calendars (or just the marquee) of The Paramount historical theatre on Broadway. Whether it’s an old movie, a halloween costume contest (and showing of the original Vampire in B&W!), or a live Gospel Choir, you will enjoy this experience, as many have been doing for almost 90 years.

Paramount_Theater_Oakland_CA_marquee
The Fox theatre is also nearby, as well as outdoor fire events at the Crucible, usually in mid-July.
Lake Merritt stroll

Lake Merritt stroll Oakland, Ca Alden Olmsted Photography

Lake Merritt string of lights at sunset, Oakland, Ca Alden Olmsted Photography

Lake Merritt string of lights at sunset, Oakland, Ca Alden Olmsted Photography

Or you can just stroll around the lake, maybe ending at Luka’s Taproom & Lounge on Grand and Broadway to reflect on your amazing day, meet a few more locals, or just watch the world go by.
::
If you need a true bookend to your day, head back towards the water – remember where you started? Step inside the bar next to Jack London’s tiny cabin, Heinold’s first and last chance Saloon, and imagine you just sold your first novel, a destructive, cold, hard experience that changed you forever, but you bought some gas for the furnace, you bought your bicycle back, and you bought some bread and fish for your mother. You’re a good son. Have a whiskey.
Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon, Oakland Calif. courtesy Wikipedia

The cards are available at:

Sunday, April 6, 2014

signs: Coroner's Bureau


I've seen and photographed this cool sign a number of times over the years, but when I passed by there the other week, it looked like it was gone. I hope I've got a photo of it at night tucked away. I'm good about tagging and organizing photos now, but I wasn't always, so there may be a night shot somewhere among the tens of thousands of pictures of Oakland I have.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Smitten Ice Cream + local food


Monday evening several dozen Bay Area foodies joined Savor Oakland for a special sneak peek of Smitten Ice Cream that just opened Tuesday on College Avenue in Rockridge.

Smitten is small, local chain of ice cream stores that started in San Francisco. One of the things that makes Smitten unique is that they make the ice cream on demand. That's right, they start with cream and other fresh ingredients, chill it with patented technology, and minutes later produce really fresh, creamy ice cream. I only got a chance to taste two of the six flavors, but the salted caramel ice cream was awesome, and the fresh mint chip (thanks, @eastbaydish!) was astoundingly fresh. And I generally don't even like mint ice creams that much. (If I've got to limit my frozen dairy intake, I'll generally go for chocolate, coffee, or combinations thereof.)

I suspect that the Smitten Ice Cream on College will do very, very well. While there is a Dreyer's Ice Cream Shop in the College Avenue side of Dreyer's headquarters a short distance away, they're not in the same league. Smitten has a limited number of flavors (maximum of 6; 5 fixed plus 1 seasonal flavor), but the ice cream that they make is super smooth and creamy, and extremely fresh-tasting since they make it on demand. And I think kids, foodies and others will enjoy the process: you order the ice cream, then watch as the ingredients are combined, not unlike watching a chef in a restaurant kitchen. And while Dreyer's may have started in Oakland, they're owned by mega-corp Nestle's now, and definitely don't feel local by any stretch.

Besides the sneak peek of Smitten Ice Cream, Carlo of Savor Oakland had also arranged for some tastes from other local food creators. We heard from The Cookie Department which makes great, "fully functional cookies", Chunky Pig, which makes (what I'm told is) a tasty bacon caramel corn, and Sugar Knife artisan sweets, which make great booze-flavored marshmellows.

More pictures from the event:

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

signs: Smitten Ice Cream


The newest sign in my photo collection is for Smitten Ice Cream, which opens today (no foolin'). The ice cream is made to order, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the cream and other fresh ingredients.