Gnome alert

In the spirit of the Space Invader of Paris, a local artist has been sprinkling Haddon Hill and other neighborhoods with tiny gnomes.  Just because.  Some wear kilts like this one and others have the traditional blue trousers and hang out at polka dotted mushrooms.  They are painted on 6" blocks that are screwed into the base of utility poles.  Close to 2000 of these little guys have appeared in  neighborhoods near Lake Merritt over the past year.  Who isn't charmed by these whimsical figures?  Well, apparently the company that owns the utility poles.

Today's paper says the company is insisting the gnomes be removed "so others don't repeat the pattern with objects that could jeopardize the integrity of the equipment."  Really?  You should see the dozen or so cell phone transmission boxes hanging off the utility pole across the street---with the utility's blessing, and probably to their profit.  Neighbors are standing up for the gnomes.  The utility company doesn't want to inflame passions---especially since it has already been the focus of intense criticism for irresponsible and unsafe business practices.  So, they are offering to remove the gnomes to "a more appropriate spot" (to be determined) and the artist has volunteered to help.  Maybe all's well that ends well, except shouldn't gnomes be free to roam?

C is for Christ the Light

The Cathedral of Christ the Light is the seat of the Oakland Catholic diocese.  It's the first cathedral built in the 21st century.  An older cathedral, located in a different part of town, was damaged in the big 1989 earthquake and needed to be replaced.  The physical site at Lake Merritt seems to suit the architecture nicely.  The cathedral has been previously featured here.  Linked to ABC Wednesday. 

Monday Mural: Maxwell Park

On Friday I showed you a shot of Maxwell Park.  Today I'm featuring the mosaic mural that covers all four walls of the restroom building on the site.  Pretty cool, huh?

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

Maxwell Park

Maxwell Park is also the name of the neighborhood in the East Oakland foothills.  The area began development in 1921.  The park itself is now full of mature trees, open spaces, and benches and tables to sit at.  Although rain was predicted, the day turned sunny and warm even in the shade.

Sea Wolf

Parked at Jack London Square, the city's rescue ship is ready for any emergency on the estuary.  You don't hear about it being used much, but it's clear they keep everything spiffed up and ship shape in case they are called to duty.

B is for Bellevue-Staten

 

The Bellevue-Staten building reigns over Lake Merritt.  It was built in 1929 by famed architect Herman Carl Baumann, and is an elegant example of the art deco style of the time.  Spanish Colonial flare is thrown in via the cement molded decorations.  It started life as an apartment building and has now been condo-ized.  In 1991, the Bellevue-Staten Building was added to the National Register of Historical Places. It received a Historic Preservation Award in 1999 from the Art Deco Society of California.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: two celebrations today

Two years ago I posted a mural on an alternator shop.  This bilingual mural is inside the entry of the same business.  The style is naive but the wishes are heartfelt.  The quotation reminds us of  Dr. King's famous speech as we honor his birthday.  The mural, which supported Obama's initial candidacy, now serves as a reminder of his second inauguration today.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

walk around the lake

The weather is generally chilly except in recent afternoons where it seems almost balmy.  In any weather folks are out walking the lake.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

A is for American Bag Company

Many of the warehouse district buildings have recently been converted to office spaces and condos.  The American Bag Company, built in 1917 and now providing office spaces, is listed on the the National Register of Historic Places.  This building is only two blocks from the waterfront, Jack London Square, and lots of excellent restaurants.  The conversion process started years ago when now Gov. Jerry Brown bought a loft in this neighborhood where he lived and ran his campaigns for the presidency.  Later, when he was mayor of Oakland, he spearheaded the building of thousands of condo units in the downtown area.  This initiative has gone a long ways to revitalize this part of Oakland.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: drumming shaman

This is only one section of a large mural on the side of a Smart & Final warehouse in East Oakland.  As this section suggests, the mural illustrates scenes of Latino culture from several countries.  I'm assuming we're observing a shamanic ceremony that bridges the corporal world with the spiritual.  I have to hand it to Smart & Final for permitting the use of their walls for this vast mural.  Unfortunately, I could not find a title or signature.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

Mormon Temple

The Mormon Temple, by virtue of its position in the Oakland Hills, can be seen from most highways crossing town.  It's most dramatic at night.  Recently the skies have been clear and the temps chilly.  Linked to Skywatch Friday.

Z is for zany

 

At a Friday Art Murmur I noticed this guy wearing a vest he had decorated with parts of a vegetable steamer basket.  (Zany is all around you at Art Murmur).  I thought it was clever, amusing, and pretty fashion forward.  We got to talking and he told me he made jewelry.  Ever helpful, I encouraged him to get a booth in this building to show and sell his work.  He was quite polite when he told me that Gump's and Bloomingdales were already his clients.  Oh.  Never mind.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

Monday mural: Straus Carpets

Straus Carpet has had their warehouses faced with eye catching murals.  So far their name is on a placard rather than on the building.  This attractive and colorful scene anchors a decidedly industrial corner here on the edge of Jingletown.  Pretty elegant, if you ask me.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  You decide what constitutes a mural.  Once you start looking, you find them all around.  Follow the Linky steps below.  Be sure to link back to this meme and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

building ad

Can't miss this ad when you're driving by.  Makes billboards seem puny.  Spotted in Uptown on Telegraph and Grand Avenue.

end of the season

Strolling through Mt. View Cemetery last week, I spied a number of graves decorated with Christmas trees.  I was both surprised and touched by the gesture.  Families continue to miss those who have died and want to share, as best they can, this season with their loved ones.

Y is for yacht

As you can imagine, boating in the estuary and bay is a popular activity.  Our estuary has lots of marinas where folks can berth their boats.  This cool, wood trimmed yacht drops anchor at Jack London Square.  Linked to ABC Wednesday.

downtown buildings

Downtown buildings showing the multiple architectural styles you'll find there.  The flag flying Tribune Building is to the right.  The large lawn is part of the City Hall plaza.