trick or treat

Every year on the Saturday before Halloween, the Piedmont Avenue merchants sponsor a Halloween Parade and trick or treat event.  Part of the avenue is closed, music is performed, and kids (and their parents) in costume can find treats at many of the retail shops on the street.  Afterward, everyone makes their way to Mountain View Cemetery where a pumpkin patch, bouncy games, face painting, balloon animals and free food are offered.  It rained this year, but this did not discourage the turnout.  It did, however, discourage my camera.  So this photo is brought to you by Halloween past.  Have fun ghouls and gals.

Chaos without Peace within

This long mural is across the street from Oakland Tech.  It was sponsored and funded by the Community Rejuvenation Project which is responsible for many murals around the city.  The Project uses street artists and local youth to design and create the murals.  Check out their website

ABC Wednesday: O is for Oakland Technical High School

Tech is located one block east of last week's post on Broadway.  It was one of six comprehensive high schools in Oakland.  In the past 10 years the Oakland school system moved big time into the charter school and small schools movements.  As a result, Tech, which was established in the late 19th century, is now one of only three comprehensive high schools left in Oakland. The others have been broken into smaller units within their campuses.  Has this improved high school educational outcomes?  The jury remains out.  This graceful building dates to 1914 and has been refurbished twice in the last 30 years.  For more O photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

freeway fusion

Essentially we are near the spot where three freeways merge.  This section replaced the double deck freeway that collapsed during the huge 1989 earthquake.  After the earthquake, support pier retrofitting went on around the bay.  A new round is going on now in many parts of Oakland.  These really are massive structures.  I used to think of them as temporary shade; since the earthquake I think of them as lethal and hope the new engineering protects us from anymore collapses.

urban decay

I always end up doing a double take when walking past Automania.  They're just letting this truck be taken over by rust and foliage.  They've been featured before here and here.

Caffè Trieste

How many coffee houses can one city support?  Apparently a gazillion.  This is the latest addition on Piedmont Avenue.  The original Caffè Trieste is in North Beach in SF and has real Italian guys serving coffee in a real Italian neighborhood.  This one, not so much.  But still popular.  The gal on the far left must be drinking caffeinated.

ABC Wednesday: N is for neon at night

The Broadway __tel looks like it was built in the late 60s or early 70s.  It's a well maintained property but I would hate to have the room looking out on that L.  Like most neon signs around town, it's not quite in complete working order.  I wonder if it's expensive to repair neon or just low on the priority list?  For more N photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

Della Robbia in Oakland?

A detail at St. Leo's Church off Piedmont Avenue.  At noon and 6 p.m. church bells peal, which is always lovely to hear.

bike rack

This unusual bike rack design is in front of Piedmont Avenue Elementary School.

lower deck of the Bay Bridge

It ain't pretty, but it's the real deal.  This is what it looks like driving across the Bay Bridge going east to Oakland. For now.  Once the new bridge is completed, the eastern side will be a single decker.  I thought black and white would intensify the industrial feel of this engineering marvel.  For more bridges world wide, visit «Louis'» meme the Sunday Bridge Series.

water for life

Captured at Lake Temescal.  Every October 15 is Blog Action Day.  This year's theme is water to remind us of our need to consciously protect this fundamental resource.  This is also submitted to James' Weekend Reflections where you'll see many other examples of the preciousness of water.

ABC Wednesday: M is for Maison Monet

Maison Monet is located on the short street that leads into the Rose Garden.  This duplex is very well kept and its paint job is no doubt an homage to the owner's favorite Impressionist.  For other "M" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

Victorian detail

This is a detail from an idiosyncratically painted Victorian house in East Oakland.  To my eye this is a 1950s color combination but likely painted fairly recently.  But it gets your attention.

willing to be educated

This pair is found on the Oakland campus of the California College of the Arts.  CCA (formerly known as CCAC--California College of Arts and Crafts) is a nationally known and respected art college that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.  It was founded in 1907 and sits on 4 wooded acres above the quarry lake featured a couple of months ago.  CAC anchors one end of College Avenue with the entrance to the UC campus at the other end.  Tried to find out some information about these sculptures but came up empty-handed.  Frankly, I don't get it/them, which probably represents a serious gap in my education.  I have faith that someone in the blogosphere will enlighten me.

ABC Wednesday: L is for liquor

Another nifty vintage neon sign in Oakland.  This one is found on Foothill Blvd. near 35th Avenue and is enamel on metal.  Mohammed, the store owner, had this sign restored a few years back.  Although it works (except for "open"), it's much more attractive in the daylight than at night.  He must love neon since the inside of the store is completely covered in old neon beer advertising.  Quite the light show.  For more "L" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

the Crucible

The Crucible is a West Oakland art center that started as a metal art fabrication workshop.  Over the last several years, its offerings have expanded to include blacksmithing, ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and many other art forms.  Every July there is a Fire Arts Festival that is something to behold.

yesterday and today

A downtown scene with the California State Building in the background.  Despite the proliferation of tall buildings downtown, Oakland remains an incredible repository for Victorian-era buildings citywide.

Theme Day: graffiti

This month's City Daily Photo theme is "graffiti" which probably means different things to different people.  This mural, which I'm guessing is not a paint and run job, is located at 45th Avenue and International Blvd.  The building looks empty, but who knows?  I have to confess that seeing Fred and Barney made me laugh out loud.  Close inspection reveals that this work has been tagged.  Irony?  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants in this month's Theme Day.

ABC Wednesday: K is for Kasper's hot dogs

Kasper's was an Oakland institution until it closed in 2003.  It opened in 1929 and was owned by three generations of sons until its closing.  This building and iconic neon sign continue to occupy a triangle corner at Temescal's Telegraph and Shattuck Avenues.  While photographing this sign, I met a neighborhood denizen who fondly remembered getting dogs here and still laments its closing.  For more "K" photos, be sure to visit ABC Wednesday.

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.

wooded road

This eucalyptus allée is above the zoo on a road that leads to Skyline Boulevard.  It was at the end of this road I found the cowboy working his horses.  This rural area is only a few minutes from a major freeway.

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.

ABC Wednesday: J is for Jack London Square

Jack London Square is at the foot of Broadway.  Not only does it contain memorabilia of Jack London, you also can catch the ferry to San Francisco from here.  Recently a number of new and popular restaurants have opened in the waterfront complex.  It is often the site of special events and concerts.  And the view of the water and boats is exceptional.  For more "J" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

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: MLK Shoreline Park

This was taken at MLK Shoreline Park in East Oakland.  This bridge crosses a slough that branches off the estuary.  Nesting herons can be found nearby.  Do you think this child needs safety instructions about about how to safely cross a bridge?  For more shots of bridges, visit «Louis'» Sunday Bridge meme.

This is an automated post.  I'll  be traveling and probably won't have much access to computers to comment on your blogs.  See you October 1.

ABC Wednesday: I is for Ice Center

Ice skating in Oakland?  Go figure!  The Oakland Ice Center opened in 1995 amid a fair amount of controversy about the economic wisdom of the city funding this project.  The hope was that the rink would help change the sketchy feel of the neighborhood.  Can't say that it was a complete success either environmentally or economically.  The ice center is now managed by the NHL Sharks corporation and offers two rinks, one for skating and one for league hockey.  The rates remain reasonable and the Yelp reviews are positive.  I've never been inside but I like the murals that decorate the building.  I've also seen plenty of 20-somethings walking in with their gear and hockey sticks.  They must be Canadians.  For more "I" photos from around the world, visit ABC Wednesday.

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.

Hotel Touraine

Downtown Oakland has had an explosion of housing construction in the last several years which has brought a positive change to the character of the area.  But along with new condos, restaurants, and art galleries, there remain quite a few shabby residential hotels.  Here's a vestige from the past that seems to tell a tale.  I had a lengthy conversation with a woman who lives in a nearby hotel about what the neighborhood is like.  She was down right enthusiastic about the changes she's seen in the last 10 years.  She talked about the safety measures that her hotel put in place, the added comforts the rooms now have, and how she can go out after dark without fear.  Caution maybe, but not fear.  Downtown still has a ways to go, but the changes seem to be helping everyone, not just the privileged.


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.

ABC Wednesday: H is for Hansen Coffee

The Hansen Coffee Company continues to roast coffee daily near Jack London Square.  In business since 1894, the area the factory is in was formally a heavily industrial neighborhood.  Now it is primarily devoted to retail businesses, many of which are struggling to keep their heads above water.
For more "H" photos, vist ABC Wednesday.
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.

Monday Mural: eRacism

This is one of four projects done in 1992 by artist Sayed Alavi in collaboration with local high school students.  It's always a little surprising to find these works when you drive under the freeway.  To me the thought provoking blend of the two words juxtaposed with daily traffic becomes an exercise in mindfulness.

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: Park Street bridge

This is a long view of the Park Street bridge that I've previously shown you here, here, and here.   this is one of a number of drawbridges on the estuary that runs into the bay.  The green frog on the far right advertises a restaurant that offers a happy hour mai tai at a cheap price.  For more bridge photos, visit «Louis'» meme, the Sunday Bridge Series.

ABC Wednesday: G is for goat season

It's that time of year when goats appear on hillsides and munch on dry grass to reduce the fire hazard.  There were at least 100 goats in this herd grazing on zoo property above the 580 freeway.  They seem to be taking an afternoon break in the shade due to a brief heat wave.  For other "G" photos from around the globe, visit ABC Wednesday.

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.

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.