shoe renewing

Even though this neon sign no longer works, a shoe repair shop is still there.  The sign and shop are located in the Piedmont Avenue shopping district.

This is an automatic post.  I'm traveling and will likely have restricted access to computers to comment on your blogs.  Back in town on October 1.

Sunday Bridge Series: bridge of sighs

With the institutional design and the arrow slit windows, what else could this be?  The local jail, of course.  The bridge leads to the Superior Court.  And that pink building in the corner?  That's the well-known Mexicali Rose restaurant.  All on 7th Street.  For more bridge photos, visit «Louis'» Sunday Bridges meme.

This is an automatic post.  I'm traveling and will likely have restricted access to computers to comment on your blogs.  Back in town on October 1.

commute time

The Caldecott Tunnel cuts through the East Oakland hills to connect Oakland to the adjoining county.  Since the 3rd bore was drilled in the 1960s, Contra Costa County has had a huge surge in population and is now a bedroom community to the East Bay and San Francisco.  You can see that commute time involves long waits to crawl through the tunnel.  Hopefully the 4th bore, due to be completed in 2013, will help alleviate this traffic snarl.  We'll see.  Tip:  During the most intense commute period, you can drive a winding road over the hills faster than you can drive through the tunnel.  Shhh, don't tell.  P.S.  Note the deer sign.  Even though we live in a highly urban area, wildlife is abundant.  Besides deer, it is common to see coyote, possum, skunks, and foxes.  On occasion, people spot mountain lions.  Really.

ABC Wednesday: F is for the Fox Theater

The Fox Theater is a pastiche of styles that mostly look Moorish to my eye.  It was built in 1928, fell into decline in the 60s, and was restored and resurrected in 2009.  It also houses Jerry Brown's charter school, the School for Performing Arts.  Many popular acts now perform here and the Fox is part of the revival of the Uptown area.  For other "F" photos, visit ABC Wednedsay.

Sunday Bridge Series: MLK Shoreline Park

This shoreline near the airport demonstrates the curative powers of a restored marshland.  It is a beautiful place to walk or have a picnic.  This walkway allows you a close-up look at the marsh ecology.  Quiet despite the nearby freeway, the nesting terns and ground squirrels couldn't be happier.  For views of other bridges, visit «Louis'» meme Sunday Bridge Series.

Skywatch Friday: along the shoreline

Another view of the MLK shoreline park.  Taken in the afternoon before the fog came in.  For more Skywatch photos, visit Skywatch Friday.

Jack London statue

A statue of Jack London in the public space named after him at the foot of Broadway.

ABC Wednesday: E is for equine exercise

Recently I decided to follow a street above the 580 freeway to its terminus at Skyline Blvd. At the end of the road I found this private property where the rancher was putting his horses through their paces.  He gave me a "howdy, m'am" nod, and continued to work his horse.  I love the fact that he was wearing chaps and a big hat.  Who knew there still are cowboys and ranches in the Oakland hills?  Then, yesterday's newspaper had an article about a problem with cattle rustling in the East Bay hills!  It looks like the wild west still exists in decidedly urban/suburban Alameda and Contra Costa counties.  I also learned that these two counties have 400,000 acres of ranch land still in operation.

The second photo shows you how rugged the Oakland hills can be.  Much of this area is preserved by parks and watershed land.  And grazing rights, of course.  For additional "E" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

a walk along the shore

Took a stroll along the MLK Shoreline Park late Sunday afternoon.  Despite its proximity to the airport and the 880 freeway, the park was a peaceful retreat.  I shared the park with families enjoying the day, bicyclers, cawing terns, and a huge colony of ground squirrels.  This small area of marshland was restored in 1998 and has been quietly restoring the health of the estuary ever since.

Weekend Reflections: California State Building

This is a bit of a trompe l'oeil.  The back windows of the downtown California State Building reflect the multi-story wing on the right.  The baroque looking cupola tops our City Hall one block south of the State building.  It just happened to align with the structure in the reflection.  Serendipity.  For more reflective photos, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: view from a bridge

Late afternoon from the High Street bridge looking southeast.  The Oakland side of the estuary is on the left and Alameda boat slips are on the right.  This is our typical sky once the fog burns off and before the fog rolls back in.  I know, quit whining.  Right?  For more sky shots, visit Skywatch Friday.

blues in Oakland

I was downtown late in the afternoon taking pictures when I heard rhythm and blues coming from somewhere.  I followed the sound to City Hall where the East Bay Blues Society Caravan of All Stars was playing.  I assume they were there to advertise the 10th Art & Soul Festival happening this weekend.  Teddy Watson was called up from the audience to sing.  He slowly walked to the stage aided by his cane.  Once he got there, he put down the cane, performed some bluesy dance moves and then sang his heart out.  Still the showman.  The audience loved it.  Bravo.

The small crowd sits in the mini-amphitheater in front of City Hall.  The official Oakland oak tree is in the background.  I stayed until the fog and chilly air sent me home.

ABC Wednesday: D is for dockside

A couple is taking advantage of the sunny afternoon at Jack London Square.  Later that afternoon was a wine and food festival.  By then the fog had come in and it was breezy and cold.  For other "D" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: condo mural

This mural is at 19th and Broadway behind the Fox Theater.  It is on one of those new condo buildings built in the Uptown area during the Jerry Brown mayoral administration.  The mural was done in 2009 by Pineda and Newman.

Sunday Bridge Series: a river (of paperwork) runs through it

A pedestrian bridge joins the two towers of the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building.  Dellums is our former congressman and current mayor.  It has over a million square feet of office space, houses over 2000 workers, and was built to be as energy efficient as possible for the times.  It was a welcome addition to the skyline when built in 1993 and is easily spotted from afar.  It anchors a complex of government and private business office space collectively called City Center.  For a wide array of other bridges, visit «Louis'» meme Sunday Bridges.  Better yet, post a bridge of your own.

Weekend Reflections: shopping center quarry

This old quarry borders the parking lot of a busy shopping center.  Until recently the view was obstructed by tall bushes fronting the surrounding chain link fence.  Recent construction now allows an unobstructed street level view (albeit still through the fence and barbed wire).  I read that "traprock" was quarried here a long while ago and don't know when operation ceased.  A creek runs through the Claremont Country Club and tumbles by waterfall into the lake.  A member told me that the club (posted Tuesday) owns the quarry and pumps the lake to water the golf course.  I was pleased that the sun came out long enough to allow a late afternoon reflection to share through James' meme Weekend Reflections.  Have a relaxing weekend.

Laurel Lounge

Another cool neon sign.  I like the sputnik globe on top.  Too bad the cocktail glass doesn't light up.  Like the sign says, this is in the Laurel District in East Oakland.  Funk grooves and laughter were coming out of the bar.

ABC Wednesday: C is for Claremont Country Club

Golf in Oakland?  Ya betcha!  This 18-hole golf course was established in 1903 and the country club some time after.  Between 1937 and 1943 Oakland hosted The Oakland Open.  The first one was played on this course.  The winner was a chap named Sam Snead in his first professional win!  It is strictly a private club now and costs megabucks to join plus a hefty monthly fee for services.  The surrounding neighborhood in Upper Rockridge is quite expensive with large, beautiful homes.  The immediate area around the course was spared damage in the 1991 firestorm but the area above the course lost many, many homes and some lives to the fire.  Besides the large, open expanse of green this course provides the area, I was impressed by how humid the air felt on the course.  Since it doesn't rain here in the summer, they must really pour the water to it to keep it so green.  For other "C" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

The Pardee House

Welcome to the Pardee Home and museum.  Enoch Pardee came to California for the Gold Rush and ultimately served in the state legislature.  His son George served as governor and was particularly well respected due to his leadership after the 1906 earthquake.  The family home, built in the late 1860s, is considered to be one of the finest preserved Italianate homes in the state.  Lucky for us, Oakland is rich is Italianate architecture.  George's wife was a collector extraordinaire of many things including Chinese altars, Alaskan scrimshaw, and Mexican rosaries, which are displayed in the home along with many of the original furnishings.  In the 1970s the home was slated for destruction for the building of the 980 freeway.  Oaklanders rose up in protest and ultimately had it declared an historical landmark, thereby preserving it and its furnishings.  Though saved from the wrecking ball, it is now cloistered in a less than beautiful part of downtown where two freeways converge.  You can actually see it from the freeway where it glows despite its surroundings.

Theme Day: bright colors

This is the Flux 53 Theater in East Oakland.  It is a performance space that offers a variety of musical and theater events.  This tromp l'oeil mural snazzes up a faded block of businesses and older homes in a gritty area of town.  I really like the "reality behind the reality" theme working here.  It has both an exotic and hopeful message.  I wish the founders luck in achieving their vision.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this month's City Daily Photo Theme Day.

Skywatch Friday: elevated seats

This photo was taken at the zoo a few days ago.  But trust me, the sky is the exact same color today as we speak.  What the picture doesn't convey is that except for a few days this month, the weather has been cold and overcast until about noon or 1 p.m.  Finally the "marine layer" (local weather-speak for high fog) burns off, and we have clear skies until it begins to return again at 6 or so.  So while most of the country is withering in heat, we're shivering until noon.  Weird, huh?  For more sky photos from around the globe, visit Skywatch Friday.

a quiet corner

Here is a quiet corner in a mausoleum/columbarium in the Mt. View Cemetery.  The building remains open to anyone interested in visiting as long as the cemetery gates are open.  Chairs are dotted throughout the building for visiting, contemplation, and I imagine for reading if you want.  This particular building dates from the deco era although they've recently opened a new wing. 

There's a lovely wooden ceiling chapel for services, a garden room with a skylight, and endless corridors to wander.  This is only one of several such buildings on the vast grounds.  In case you were wondering, the most expensive niches are those that are at eye level and can run up to $18,000.  Better to enjoy the cemetery while you're alive.

ABC Wednesday: B is for bee mural

Here's another fascinating mural by Desi in West Oakland on Mandela Parkway.  I think it's official name is Connected Worlds.  He's also responsible for the one that is around the corner from this bee.  For more "B" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

it's all happening at the zoo

Yesterday at the Oakland Zoo in Knowland Park.  The afternoon was warm and the parking lot was full.  The carousel is outside the main gate and is a favorite spot for parents to take pictures of their children.

Here's the formal entrance setting the scene for the African themed presentation.  The zoo was relocated to the hills in about 1950 and has been noted for its realistic environments for the animals. This is for LD in Monterey, whose grandparents took her to the zoo when she was a little girl.

Weekend Reflections: you looking at me?

Down the street from the mural with the abandoned mattress, I was stopped dead in my tracks trying to figure out what I was seeing.  Or what was seeing me.  After a moment of disequilibrium, it finally dawned on me that I was seeing a reflection of a mural that was out of view.  See what I mean?  Unfortunately, I failed to note the name of the business that wears this mural.  To see more reflections from around the world, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

ABC Wednesday: A is for African-American Museum

The African-American Museum is housed downtown in what was Oakland's original main Library from 1902-1951.  It is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building with a frieze inscribed with the names of the most celebrated writers of Western Civilization.  The museum is dedicated to preserving the history and experiences of African-Americans in the Bay Area and Northern California.  It contains an extensive archival collection of such artifacts as diaries, correspondence, photos, and periodicals and is well worth a visit.  For more "A" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

construction at the Caldecott Tunnel

The Caldecott Tunnel bores through the Oakland hills to connect the East Bay with Contra Costa County.  It's a heavily traveled route which results in intense traffic snarls during commute hours.  So now a fourth bore is being drilled to the tune of $420 million.  During construction these imposing sound walls have been built to protect the housing development that faces the freeway from construction noise.  Every time I see them I can't help but think of 2001: A Space Odyssey.  Just last week, fossils were uncovered by the dig!

Sunday Bridge Series: Oakland Bay Bridge

This is the suspension side of the bridge which runs from Yerba Buena Island to San Francisco.  This shot was taken from Treasure Island.  TI was built from the soil dredged for the construction of the Bay Bridge.  The Island was the site for the 1939 World's Fair.  As you can imagine, it offers killer views of the City and the East Bay.  Now that the island has been demilitarized, the debate about how best to use the land rages on.  For more bridge views from around the world, visit «Louis La Vache's» Sunday Bridge Series.

Weekend Reflections: paint and concrete

This mural of Lake Merritt is located on 27th Street at Broadway.  It is painted on the side of what used to be a car dealership.  Now the building contains a popular restaurant.  The first thing I noticed about this mural was that it includes a reflection.   I immediately thought, "Ah ha, perfect for James' meme."  And so here it is.  For more reflection photos from around the globe, visit Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Cathedral Building

The Cathedral Building was constructed in 1913 and sits on the triangle corner where Telegraph Avenue ends at Broadway.  And where this fountain stands.  The building was recently renovated and offers a variety of retail, office, and condo spaces.  I've read there is a very chic penthouse on the top floor.  Given the current economy, I wouldn't lay any odds on when all the spaces will finally be rented or sold.  In the meantime you can see that in the past few days we've been enjoying fine weather with a minimum of fog (hallelujah).  For more Skywatch views from around the world, click here.

mural with mattress

I was in the neighborhood to see a photography show of old Oakland business signs at Woody's Cafe on Park Blvd.  This mural was spotted behind Woody's Laundromat which is next to the cafe.  The mural was sponsored by the Lake Merritt Business Association, presumably to spruce up the parking lot and the street it faces.  I don't think the mattress was part of the original artistic vision. 

ABC Wednesday: Z is for zebra

Oakland has a multitude of public murals, only some of which have been shown on ODP.  For this particular ABC Wednesday, what could be more fitting than the zebra mural under highway 580 on Broadway?  Actually, several zebras graze on this freeway support pier, with this as an exemplar.  This mural was done many years ago by muralist Dan Fontes, who also did this giraffe posted last fall.   For more "Z" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.  Next week we start the alphabet all over again.  Yippee!  Why not join us?

laundry day

Here's one way to get all your stuff to the neighborhood laundromat.  Spotted at International and 45th Ave.

Sunday Bridge Series: near the Bridgeview trail head

Only a few feet from the Warren freeway, which runs the length of the Oakland hills, is a trail head that leads through Dimond Canyon to Dimond Park.  I followed it for a bit and found this little bridge crossing what I think is Sausal Creek.  The trail descends steeply and cuts through redwood stands, wild berry brambles, and fern groves.  Oakland has a number of these natural preserves that survive in the midst of a decidedly urban setting.  I assume the bridge in "Bridgeview" is not the little footpath seen here.  Another day I'll follow the trail to its end and get a shot of the bridge it refers to.  For an array of bridges from around the world, visit «Louis'» Sunday Bridges Series.

Weekend Reflections: Fleetline chrome

A vintage car reflects the scene around it one week ago.  For more reflections from around the world, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

feet in the air

Don't know what this ride is called.  But it looks like fun.

ABC Wednesday: Y is for yesteryear

Here's another vintage car seen in the 1/4 lb Giant Burger parking lot last Friday night.  Studebakers , with that distinctive bullet nose, are hard to miss.  (Except «Louis» tells me this is a Ford.  Also with a bullet nose.  My bad).  Like all vintage cars, they are portals to the past.  Although I don't pine for the 50s, it's kind of fun to visit now and then.  Car restoration also represents incredible skill and artistry that has endured across the generations.  This little beauty probably never looked this good when it rolled off the assembly line.  For more expressions of "Y" visit this week's participants in ABC Wednesday.

blast from the past

Vintage cars and burger joints just seem to have a natural affinity for one another.  On the first Friday of every month vintage car owners from around the Bay gather at the 1/4 lb. Giant Burger in Uptown.   Last Friday was a warm night, the sound of early rock 'n' roll filled the air, and the vibe was welcoming.  The car owners were incredibly nice and more than happy to talk about their rides.  It was a very festive evening with people eating, dancing, laughing, and swapping stories. 

Sunday Bridge Series: Oakland Bay Bridge

Here's a shot of the Bay Bridge looking east toward Oakland.  I took it today from Yerba Buena Island where the eastern and western sections are anchored.  This side is slated for demolition once the new eastern span is finally completed.  You can see part of the new span just beyond the original.  It's only taken 20 years and zillions of dollars more than initially anticipated (since the 1989 earthquake damage) to get this far.  The actual construction process has been interesting to follow and the new bridge will ultimately have some engineering and design innovations.  For every detail you could possibly want to know about the new construction, click here.  For more bridges from around the world visit «Louis'» Sunday Bridge Series.  Have a happy 4th.

Theme Day: Reflections

Here we are at Lake Merritt again, this time looking north.  The Necklace of Lights can be seen in both the foreground and background.  The pointed-roofed building in the middle of the photo is the Tribune Tower, the former office of our local newspaper.  It was previously featured here.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this month's Theme Day.  I'm also linking this post to Weekend Reflections.  Have a great 4th of July weekend.

ABC Wednesday: X is for xylography and xanthous

Really?  The challenge of X sent me running to the dictionary.  I confess that I didn't know these words until I ran through the short X list.  But never let ignorance stop you from giving it the old college try.  Hence:

The xanthoutic light bathes the columns that mark the entrance to The Morcom Rose Garden.  The garden is tucked away in a quiet neighborhood off a busy street.  Many Oaklanders don't know it exists.

 The sign that marks its entrance is a simple example of xylography. 

This garden opened in 1932 and now features 6,000 plants throughout its eight acres.  It also includes terraces, a cascade fountain and a reflecting pool.  It is a popular venue for weddings.  With all the budget cuts, the city relies on the Friends of the garden to help maintain it.

How'd I do?  For more "X" photos from around the world, go to ABC Wednesday.  You'll find lots of entertaining takes on this week's letter.

the county fair

It has been more than 20 years since I have attended our county fair which takes place at the fairgrounds in Pleasanton.  The fair is the essence of egalitarianism.  Everyone is welcome, all submissions to the competitions are accepted and displayed, all ages are represented, and everyone is recognized.  I used to make fun of the humble sock monkey and now adore them.  To me they are the iconic representation of the long tradition of the county fair, which occurs in every county across the nation all summer long.  Regional differences occur from state to state, some featuring farm equipment and rodeos.   Below are a few photos of various aspects of the fair:  home crafts, animal husbandry, horse racing, cholesterol increasing fast food, and more.  What's the county fair like in your area?