Skywatch Friday: dragon entrance

This dragon stands at the entrance to Children's Fairyland.  The little critter at the lower edge of the photo is a book worm, of course.  Fair skies for the next few days.  Almost feels like summer.  For more sky scenes from around the world, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: U is for Union

The Union Machine Works has been in existence since 1885.  They've been in this location since about 1915.  Most windows are boarded up and those that are not have been targets for rock throwing.  Contrary to appearances, they are still in business.  This building is on 4th St. very near Jack London Square and occupies much of the block.  For more "U" themed photos, visit Mrs. Nesbitt's meme.

Monday Mural: Calvin Simmons

This mural decorates the north support structure of the 580 freeway on Grand Avenue.  Parts of this massive mural have been featured previously.  The focus here is  Calvin Simmons, conductor of the Oakland Symphony until his premature death in 1982.  This mural is located kitty korner to the Grand Lake Theater.

SOOC Sunday: bouquet

Spotted at Lake Temescal.  I imagine a child picked this bouquet of wild flowers, got distracted (ooh, look at that butterfly!), and accidentally left it behind.  I was surprised at the color accuracy of this image straight out of the camera.  Shows that even a blind squirrel finds an acorn now and then.  For more unaltered images, visit Jan's meme SOOC Sunday.

Diesel Books

Diesel is one of several independently owned bookstores in town.  It's housed in an old brick building in the Rockridge district.  They've done a good job of preserving the old architecture while creating a warm and welcoming space.

Skywatch Friday: no rain today

Looking west toward Angel Island from Mt. View Cemetery.  No rain today but more is on its way.  For more sky shots, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: T is for turf dancing

This video is of an Oakland dance crew called Turf Feinz.  Turfing is a dance form developed in Oakland that to my eye looks like it has its roots in break dancing.  But you'll see it has new features including "bonebreakin'" and "tuttin'".  I first saw this video last summer on Gene's Our Oakland blog and was amazed at the agility and spontaneity expressed in this dance form.  In the fall the local paper ran an article that told the back story about their dance in the rain.  The dance occurs in East Oakland on the corner where their friend was killed by a hit and run driver the previous day.  A minute or so into the video you see two new dancers enter the scene.  Friends with no bus money, they ran half way across town to join the memorial dance.  This YouTube video has had almost 3 million hits.  To view it in a larger format, go here.  For more "T" posts, visit ABC Wednesday.

wood for sale

Spotted in Jingletown.  Note the mosaic on the wall.

Monday Mural: Marcus Books

This mural is painted on the front of Marcus Books in north Oakland.  The San Francisco store has been in business for 51 years; I believe the Oakland branch opened in the 60s.  It focuses on the African diaspora and African-American history and literature.  Both stores have hosted book readings by many well-known writers including Maya Angelou and Ishmael Reed.

Skywatch Friday: dive shop

Steele's on Telegraph Avenue sells all manner of diving equipment and has rave reviews on Yelp.  Even though the shop's name is in giant, red plastic letters, their funky old sign is what I notice most.  The peeling paint shows that over the years the sign has been used by more than one business.  The pentimento reveals that at one time you could get custom made golf clubs.  For more sky photos visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: S is for squeegee

You probably think I've have taken leave of my senses, or become desperate for an S photo, or both.  Well my little chickadees, the humble squeegee has a definite Oakland connection.  In fact, it was invented here by Ettore Steccone in 1936, an Italian immigrant and window washer.  Check out your squeegee; good chance it says Ettore Products.  Made in Oakland until five years ago, the factory has now moved across the estuary to our neighbor city, Alameda.  Accept no substitutes.  But do visit other "S" photos at Mrs. Nesbitt's meme, ABC Wednesday.

Lil' Bobbie Hutton

This art installation was on display during this month's Art Murmur.  This harkens back to the turbulent days of the Black Panthers, which was founded in Oakland.  Bobbie Hutton was killed at a young age during a shoot out with the police.  The circumstances of his death continue to be debated but the artist leaves no doubt where he stands on this 40 year old controversy.  The installation is visually compelling and full of intricate detail.

Monday Mural: PG&E gallery

There is a PG&E (Pacific Gas & Electric Co.) substation at Shattuck Avenue and 51st St. that is surrounded by a massive concrete wall.  A few years ago the local merchants association, with the utility's cooperation, had local art students paint small murals in the wall's recesses.  Now the wall looks like a gallery rather than a prison wall.  Here's only one of the many paintings in this "gallery."

SOCC Sunday: not this time

Foolishly, I thought this was strictly a local campaign, especially since this group is based in little ol' Oakland.  Then suddenly three weeks ago it's on the national news!  Why do people keep trying to predict the rapture?  Seriously, what is the point?  Visit SOOC Sunday for presentations of more unaltered photos.

Skywatch Friday: blue skies, weird statue

This statue can be found at Union Point along the estuary.  I think it's supposed to represent multiple cultures that inhabited the immediate area throughout history.  Nice try, no cigar.  For more sky shots, visit Skywatch Friday.

fresh bait

The business is long gone but the sign remains.  The building recently was an art gallery and is now part of the East Bay Jazz Workshop.  Located on San Pablo Avenue at 66th Street.

ABC Wednesday: R is for Rockridge

The Rockridge neighborhood is an upscale area with a BART station (next to Highway 24), gourmet food and wine shops, restaurants, cafes, service businesses, and a variety of architectural styles.  Even modest homes are pricey.  For more "R" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

publick house

The Commonwealth pub at 28th and Telegraph is relatively new but already has a big following.  Microbreweries are more popular than ever, and their beer list represents both American and English offerings.  The joint was jumpin' during first Friday's Art Murmur.

Monday Mural: hidden mosaic

This vine is growing up the side of one of my favorite thrift shops in the Rockridge district.  Because it faces onto a narrow alley, it's easy to miss.  What amazes me is that it is composed of thousands of mosaic tiles.  I can't begin to contemplate the number of work hours that went into creating this splashy design.

SOOC Sunday: vintage cars on display

More photos from Art Murmur Friday and the vintage car show.  The light was getting low and I purposely didn't bring my tripod.  This is SOOC for better or worse.  Submitted to SOOC Sunday.

Skywatch Friday: vintage reflection

On the first Friday of the month vintage car enthusiasts meet at 1/4 lb. Giant Burger in Uptown to display their proud possessions.  The reflections show you our almost cloudless skies.  What they don't show is the cold wind blowing.  Sounds of a vintage rock 'n' roll soundtrack infused warmth into the scene.  Submitted to both Skywatch Friday and Weekend Reflections.  Visit both for many more photos of skies and reflections (once Blogger is completely restored, of course).

ABC Wednesday: Q is for quirky

Friday evening was Art Murmur.  The first Friday of the month the art galleries in Uptown throw open their doors for special exhibits, demonstrations, and general merriment.  It's quite a scene.  Here a band is setting up in front of one of those monumental sculptures by Das Mann and Karen Cusolito.  Their work has been featured previously on this blog.  For more "Q" photos, visit the entertaining meme ABC Wednesday.

Monday Mural: mural update

They are making progress on this mural previously posted back in March.  The water theme is related to Temescal Creek which now runs under ground.  They still have lots of pillars to go, but Alan (in the reflective vest) is hoping it will be completed by the end of June.  The local merchants association commissioned the work.  This neighborhood is being revitalized at an amazing pace.  I counted 11 restaurants in a block and a half stretch, all of which are popular and crowded.  Nice to witness the comeback.

Sunday Bridges: bridge to Coast Guard Island

I finally found another bridge.  This one goes from Union Point to the Coast Guard Island that sits in the middle of the estuary.  The rubble and tracks are detritus from a long abandoned warehouse loading dock.  I'm surprised no one has dug up the metal tracks to recycle them.  There's money in them thar rubble.  Check out «Louis'» meme for more bridge shots.

Weekend Reflection: Union Point

There's a small marina at Union Point.  For more reflections, visit James' meme Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Union Point

Here it is Skywatch Friday again.  We're currently enjoying warm weather and clear skies.  This was taken along the estuary shores at Union Point.  Access to the shoreline is open to the public and there are nice benches and lawns for picnicking at this spot.  For more sky photos, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: P is for Park Street bridge

You've seen this bridge before here and here.  But I don't think you've seen it with the road bed up.  This bridge was built in the late 1930s and still works really well.  Today a small sailboat with a tall mast stopped traffic.  Visit more "P" posts at Mrs. Nesbitt's ABC Wednesday meme.

meet the artists

While visiting the progress of Water Writes, a new mural in Uptown, I was lucky enough to meet the artists who created it.  Meet (from left) Estria, Ceci, and Josue.  They were generous with their time and answered my many questions.  Much of the mural was done freehand and the finished work looks much different than the initial design.  An amazing accomplishment.

Monday Mural: Water Writes

 

This mural is located at Franklin and 21st street in the Uptown area of Oakland.  This space was donated by the building's owner.  It is freshly completed and not yet signed by the artists Estria, Ceci, and Josue.  I was lucky enough to meet the artists and discuss this intricate mural with Estria, who was previously featured here.  Water Writes is one of 10 murals planned around the world based on the theme of water as an endangered resource.   One mural has already been completed in LA, and others are currently planned for Hawaii, El Salvador, Palestine, and Washington state.  Tomorrow, meet the artists.

Theme Day: mailbox

More cool stuff from Automania, previously posted here, here, and here.  Their mailbox is symbolic of what occurs in their studio. Click here to view thumbnails for all participants from around the world who are in this month's City Daily Photo theme day.

signs of the times

Spotted in East Oakland, these signs indicate an interesting mix of neighbors.

running the lake

Yet another shot of Lake Merritt.  In the background you can see the Tribune Tower, City Hall, and the pyramid capped Federal Building.  At the top of the photo is part of the Necklace of Lights that circles the lake.  The path around the lake is a smidge over 3 miles and is popular with runners, walkers, and bird watchers.

farms in Oakland?

An interesting tableau spotted at Ghost Town Farm, an urban farm in West Oakland.  This half acre or so is located on a decidedly urban corner in a sketchy neighborhood.  The owner is recognized as a leading voice in the national urban farm movement.  She grows vegetables, raises goats and bees, and occasionally has a pop-up market where she sells surplus veggies.  And now she's the center of a surprise controversy related to some obscure and ambiguous regulation about farming within the city limits.  How dispiriting.

Monday Mural: history at a glance

This wonderful mural is found at an alternator shop in East Oakland.  The mural highlights important events or people in Mexican history.  Not surprisingly, East Oakland has a large Latino population.  They also have a nifty mural inside the entrance which I'll post later.

Skywatch Friday: East Oakland church

One of many small churches that line International Blvd. in East Oakland.  I've always been fascinated by these humble expressions of faith.  For Skywatch Friday you can see we have cloudy skies but little rain.   The sun is expected to shine brightly this afternoon.

Monday Mural: deep space at the Rockridge BART

This mural was created in 1980 by students from Laney College. It adorns the parking area at the Rockridge BART which is

under the 24 freeway.

music along the marathon course

Oaklanders show their love for the Running Festival:

A little cool jazz by the lake

Some blues and rock at the Crucible in West Oakland.

I'm out of town for a few days and will be limited in my ability to post comments.  Sorry about that.

ABC Wednesday: M is for marathoner

One of the many participants in the Oakland Running Festival.  Taken after he rolled through the Arch of Fire in front of the Crucible in West Oakland.  For other "M" photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

I'm out of town for a few days and will have difficulty leaving comments.

Monday Mural: let us forgive

Spotted this mural on 8th and Union in West Oakland on the day of the Running Festival.  Couldn't find any information about it.

Out of town for a few days, so won't be able to post many comments.

Weekend Reflection: after the marathon

After an exhausting marathon in the Oakland Running Festival, all runners were wrapped in these "space blankets."  The shiny surface made for some interesting reflective patterns.  For other reflections, visit James' meme.

Skywatch Friday: Triple Rock

This building may be advertising a Berkeley brewery, but this building is in Oakland.  You can see it from the Highway 24 freeway.  Looks ol' timey, but it is a relatively recent ad.  The rain is returning and it actually snowed in Fairfield, which is about 40 minutes northeast of Oakland on the way to Sacramento.  Snow in Fairfield?!!  For more sky views, Visit Skywatch Friday.

Lakeshore apartments

Typical of 1920s and 30s California architecture are white stucco, the terra cotta tile roofs, wooden balconies, and arched windows.  Definitely has a Mediterranean feel.  These graceful apartment buildings are on Haddon Hill just across from Lake Merritt.  Too bad the balconies now face a freeway on-ramp.

ABC Wednesday: L is for Lakeshore Avenue

Lakeshore Avenue is a shopping district east of Lake Merritt.  In just a three blocks it offers a wide variety of restaurants, businesses, and architectural styles.  You can see from this sampling that it's been around for quite a while.  At least by California standards.  For lots more L photos, visit ABC Wednesday.

church door

This church---The First Church of Christ, Scientist at 17th and Franklin---sits on a corner and muscles right up to the sidewalk.  I've always admired the door.  Only recently did I realize that the iron strapping includes initials.  Duh.  Not very observant of me.   This church was constructed in the early 20th century but I haven't been able to find the name of the architect.  I do know it has an original Tiffany window that was restored a few years ago.  I hope to get inside one day to photograph it.

Monday Mural: Oaksterdam

This mural-in-progress is kicking up some controversy.  Oaksterdam "University" is the group that wrote the decriminalization of marijuana proposition that lost in the last election.  Their headquarters are in this Uptown building near a few medical marijuana clinics.  Many citizens feel this large mural is trying to rename this part of Uptown and gives the impression that the group uses the entire building rather than just one suite.  The mural features several iconic Oakland sights, most of which are not in the Uptown area.  We'll see how it plays out.

Weekend Reflection: Venice in the courtyard

The owner of a local apartment building has covered the side of his building and the back courtyard with a Venice mural.  There is no attribution to the artist.  Or the motorcycle.  But there is a reflection in there somewhere.  Be sure to visit James' meme for other reflections.

Skywatch Friday: family crypt

Found at Mt. View Cemetery.  This is the second pyramid tomb I've spotted.  I'm going to guess this family was associated with a fraternal order such as the Masons or the Rosicrucians.  As you can see the skies are blue.  After all that rain we're now having a mini heat wave with local temperatures in the low 80s.  Won't last long.  Visit Skywatch Friday for more sky views.  Also submitted to CDP's Theme Day "Edges."  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.