Monday Mural: Temescal mural

Last year I showed you this large mural project under construction.  Here are a couple of details from the mural.  The project covers a freeway overpass and most of its support pillars in the Temescal-Telegraph neighborhood.

The dominant motif represents Temescal Creek which now flows underground in this neighborhood.  The mural has been so successfully received by the community, that the colored lines representing the flowing water of the creek have now been adopted for the neighborhood banners on Telegraph Avenue.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

Weekend Reflection: restaurant lights

These yellow paper lanterns really spoke to me.  Their reflections is the window was a bonus.  Shimizu Restaurant on Piedmont Avenue.  For more reflections visit James's meme Weekend Reflections.  Also linked to City Daily Photo's Theme Day, electricity.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.

the old Allendale Theater

I wonder what it's like living in a converted theater?   This is the site of the Allendale Theater constructed in 1927 at the beginning of talkies era.  It is located in East Oakland at 38th and Liese Avenues just below MacArthur Blvd.  Surprising to me, the theater was converted to apartments in 1949!  I thought conversions like this were a recent phenomenon.

ABC Wednesday: F is for Flora

This week we're visiting Flora at 19th and Telegraph Avenue in Uptown.  It is housed in a stunning art deco building faced in cobalt and silver terra cotta tile previously featured here.  Flora opened in 2007 and was an anchor business in the revival of Uptown.  The old neon sign that marked the flower mart was restored by the restaurant.  This is a popular and welcoming restaurant that is best visited with reservations.  A sidewalk peek into Flora shows it's busy even at the early dinner hour.

The entry reveals its deco roots are undeniable.

The inside is noisy and convivial with simple but pleasing decor.

It's on the pricey side but the food is very good.  The new cocktail generation kept the bartenders busy the entire time we were there.  I had a New York strip, which was probably the tastiest steak I've ever had.  No exaggeration.  So, thumbs up.  For other takes on the letter "F", visit ABC Wednesday.

Neo-Romanesque tombs

More shots from Mt. View Cemetery.  This is a series of family tombs designed by architect Henry Hobson Richardson.  He included elements of Romanesque architecture in his structures.  For some reason, I think of beehives when I see them.  Although they look identical, there are subtle differences between the buildings.  These mausoleums house prominent San Francisco families beginning with scions who died near the turn of the 19th century.  Even for San Franciscans, Oakland's Mt. View Cemetery was THE place to be buried.  More detailed information can be found at Lives of the Dead, which tells the tales behind the tombs.  Linking today to Julie's Taphophile Tragics.

Monday Mural: Dufwin Theater

The Dufwin Theater, located Uptown at 17th and Telegraph, was built in 1928 and adorned with these tile mosaics created by the local Gladding, McBean Company.  Two years later the theater was converted to a movie house and renamed the Roxie.  Somewhere along the way the murals were covered up and forgotten.  In 1983 the building was again renovated and turned into office spaces.  During the renovation the tile murals were uncovered and restored.  They appear to represent drama, dance, and music.

 If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week.

Weekend Reflection: museum pond

The Oakland Museum pond features both a sculpture and a bale of turtles.  The turtles especially draw the attention of children.  Considering the museum hosts over 30,000 school children a year, that's a lot of turtle watching.  For more reflective shots, visit Weekend Reflections.

tiles at night

Spotted outside of the gates of Mt. View Cemetery.

the Edson Adams mausoleum

Edson Adams was one of the founding fathers of Oakland, which was incorporated in 1852.  He came out to California during the Gold Rush and eventually made a fortune in real estate.  The title of "founder" suggests an illustrious career that actually had a seamier side.  He and his partners essentially stole the land from the Peralta family, which owned much of the East Bay through a land grant from the Spanish king.  Of course, the Peraltas (and the king for that matter) had themselves taken the land from the native peoples who lived in the area millennia before the Europeans arrived.  As befitting a prominent citizen, Adams' family mausoleum is built into a hillside at Mt. View Cemetery where succeeding generations of the Adams family are also interred.  For more cemetery wanderings, visit Julie's meme Taphophile Tragics.

Monday Mural: heart and mind

This is a section of a larger mural found on E. 7th St. Near Fruitvale Avenue.  It was recently done by students at Arise High School under the guidance of the Community Rejuvenation Project.  CRP is the organization behind many of Oakland's murals.

Many of Oakland's well known muralists help students design and execute these murals.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Can't wait to see the mural finds posted this week.

Weekend Reflection: mural and tiles

After I took a picture of this mural, I noticed it reflected in the tiles on the building across the street.  Since I also love the old tiles that decorate so many of Oakland's buildings, I had to take a picture of this one too.  I like the abstract, watercolorish, fractured quality of the reflection.  But I agree, without an explanation, you don't know what you've got here.  For more reflections, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

mercy

A vintage clothing store on Piedmont Avenue.

ABC Wednesday: D is for Dopo

Dopo is a small Italian restaurant on Piedmont Avenue.  It is often touted as having authentic Italian food, which I'm not sure is literally true.  Nonetheless, the food is very good and reasonably price, especially if you go for lunch.  Most people go for the thin crust pizza but you shouldn't overlook the risotto and their fish dishes.  They don't take reservations, so lines begin to form before they open for dinner.  Up the street is their sister restaurant Adesso, which focuses on house-made salume.  On any given night both places are usually packed.

Sometimes time flies at warp speed and consequently I wasn't ready for my Wednesday post; so once again I caged photos from Google.  Bad me.  But honest, I've been to Dopo several times.  No doubt as punishment for not using my own photos, I can't get this second picture to center.  Grrr.  Be sure to visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on the letter "D".

Monday Mural: MLK Cultural Korridor

Here is a detail from a larger mural previously featured here.  It presents a dignified portrait of Marcus Garvey, who lead the Back to Africa movement of the early 20th century.  This is a work from the Community Rejuvenation Project, which is responsible for many of Oakland's murals.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Can't wait to see the mural finds posted this week.

Weekend Reflection: Bay Bridge

Last week I was on Treasure Island for the monthly antiques fair.  The weather was glorious and the killer views could not be beat.  The new eastern span of the bridge is progressing, with the gigantic support tower now in place.  The Oakland hills are in the background.  Note the four catwalks at a steep 45∘angle to the tower.  Bridge workers must have nerves of steel to climb these structures.  The new span connects to Yerba Buena Island where it joins the suspension section that goes to San Francisco. The new section will also be a suspension bridge and is scheduled to open next year.  Check out the bridge website for all kinds of fascinating information.  Since a bike lane is included in the design, I hope we'll be able to walk on the new bridge.  This photo is doing double duty this week and is linked to Weekend Reflections and Sunday Bridges.

Skywatch Friday: Chapel of Memories

Here's a longer shot of the Chapel of Memories featured in Tuesday's post.  It's been cloudy in the morning and late afternoon, but rarely any rain.  Our annual average to date is usually 13 inches; so far all we've had is 5.  We all like the fair weather, but there's also an undercurrent of fear of another drought.  For more sky shots and weather comments, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: C is for Can't Fail Café

(Rudy's) Can't Fail Cafe is located in Uptown on Telegraph Avenue next to the renovated Fox Theater.  It is easily distinguished by its blue neon sign and giant palm tree in front.  Even just ordering a coffee guarantees you a warm welcome and friendly chit-chat.  The decor is kitschy and fun.  Along one wall is a 20 foot case filled with Barbie and Ken dolls wearing a blue and black uniform and a button saying "I am Rudy."  Closer inspection reveals that many of the dolls have been "modified" to include masks, C3PO heads, Wonder Woman lariats, feathers, and other amusing details.

The tables on the other side of the cafe are essentially shadow boxes with themes including Star Wars, rock and roll, and children's game pieces.  In the rear of the cafe is the back end of an Air Stream trailer that has been hollowed out to house a private booth.

I didn't order anything to eat, but in the brief time I was there several more parties came in for a late lunch.  So the food must be good and the Yelp crowd generally approves.  I hear it's a hipster scene at night which is both bad and good depending on your point of view.

 For more takes on the letter "C" be sure and visit ABC Wednesday.

Chapel of Memories

Inspired by last week's post by Gene of Our Oakland, I decided to visit The Chapel of Memories for the first time.  Not exactly difficult, since I live in the neighborhood.  This facility is now owned by the Chapel of the Chimes which is a couple of blocks away.  The columbarium appears to be from the same period and is of a similar style.  This is the first urn you see when you enter these doors:

The various rooms have names like Prayer, Remembrance, Psalm, and Rest and are lined in glass fronted niches.

The stained glass ceilings are a lovely touch and allow in natural light.  My favorite room had Della Robbia type faience rondelles.

 Like the Chapel of Chimes, the Chapel of Memories has multiple levels and usually a place to sit and think a while.

For more cemetery wanderings visit Julie's fascinating meme Taphophile Tragics.

Monday Mural: Gateway Market

Gateway Market is located in the Golden Gate district on San Pablo Avenue near 59th Street.  Their advertising mural is new and full of local references including the Oakland A's logo.  I didn't find a signature but I'm sure it's hidden in the mural somewhere.  Below is a close-up of the W to show you the detail and humor you can find in the mural.

Thank you, «Louis La Vache», for alerting me to this new addition to the mural scene.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Can't wait to see the mural finds posted this week.

flying near the cuckoo's nest

Driving down 7th Street in West Oakland I spied this amusing storefront.  Apparenty Lady Cuckoo designs and makes clothing from recycled materials.  You can find her stuff at local flea markets, in her Etsy shop, and in her collage factory.  Didn't go in because of my impeccable timing, the shop was closed.

ABC Wednesday: B is for Brown Sugar Kitchen

BSK is situated in a heavily industrial section of West Oakland.  It's housed in a triangular shaped clapboard building on a wedge of land on Mandela Parkway.  Nothing special to look at.  Then you enter.

Open for breakfast and lunch, it draws people from all over the city and even from that bigger city across the Bay.  Think Southern heritage cooking meets a French trained chef and you have an idea of the quality of the fare.  Since I was there for breakfast, I can definitely recommend the waffles.  Check out their menu and try not to salivate while reading it.  (The interior photo taken from the BSK website).  And definitely visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on the letter "B".

Home of Peace Cemetery

One of the best things about having a CDP blog is that you learn more about your own town.   Julie's new meme Taphophile Tragics prompted me to look for more Oakland cemeteries.  Thus I found Home of Peace Cemetery in East Oakland on Fairfax Avenue off High Street.  It is located in a residential neighborhood and is a dedicated Jewish cemetery.  Although I worked in East Oakland for many years, I had never heard of it. 

Unlike the much larger Mt. View Cemetery, the headstones here are of modest size, the landscaping is spare, and there are no grandiose tombs or family crypts.  But it is an active cemetery with recent interments.  Most of the headstones are in English, some are in Hebrew, and a few are in Russian. 

   The earliest grave marker I found was from 1905.  This is the most humble grave marker I saw and thought it very touching.  I somehow think this was according to Mr. Posner's wishes.

You can see there is still room for more burials.  The steepness of the site gives the visitor a view of the Bay.  

Thank you, Julie for nudging me to look harder in my own community.  For more views and commentary on cemeteries from around the world, visit Taphophile Tragics.

Monday Mural: in the spirit of a connected community

This is a new mural on the back of a building that faces the Nimitz freeway near the 23rd Avenue on ramp.   I noticed it only a few weeks ago and it took me a while to figure out how to access it.  It's not that easy to do when you're driving 65 mph!  It is painted by J. Medlin who says it was inspired by the East Oakland Boxing Association and Carrie's Touch which supports African-American women with breast cancer.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.

Weekend Reflection: Montclair Barbershop

The interior of this barbershop is far more interesting than the reflection.  Wondering where you can get your flattop shaped?  Or your suave razor cut freshened?  This is the place.  No frou frou salon here.  Looks like a time warp, right?  For more reflections, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

quai side

After walking around the old docks near the Port, I found myself drawn to rust and decay.  It helped that the afternoon was mild and the weather clear.  Tonight or tomorrow rain is due.  So far this has been one of the driest winters on record.   Despite concerns, most of us have enjoyed (sometimes guiltily) the sunny skies.

ABC Wednesday: A is for Actual Cafe

Today starts a new round of ABC Wednesday.  I thought I'd try and show coffee shops and restaurants around town during this round.  Today we start with Actual Cafe on San Pablo Avenue and Alcatraz Avenue.  Actual Cafe has been a positive force in this transitional neighborhood ever since it opened in 2009.  It offers free wifi, places to park bicycles indoors, and frequent artist events; it serves as a magnet for those who live in the area.  The cafe is also a voice for the parklet movement that's gaining hold in the Bay Area.  All in all a comfortable place to visit and stay a while.  For more takes on "A", please visit ABC Wednesday. 

blue and white tiles

More Oakland tiled buildings.  This one is on San Pablo Avenue at about 59th St.

Monday Mural: MLKing Jr. Day

Today is the federal holiday honoring the life and works of Martin Luther King Jr.  Many images of him can be found around Oakland.  This one happens to be on a wall that faces the street named after him.

Several bloggers have been posting their own murals on Monday and linking back to each other.  They have encouraged me to start a Linky where we can all gather to post our murals.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Just follow the Linky directions below and post away.  Be sure and visit fellow mural posters and please link back to this blog.  Since this is my first attempt at a Linky, there may be glitches.  I'll do what I can to "unglitch" them.