ABC Wednesday: D is for dancing

During the summer there are free Friday night dance lessons in Jack London Square.  The evening of this photo, about 200 people showed up to learn The Hustle.  After the lesson, however, most people jumped in to do the Electric Slide.  Oaklanders are such rebels.  P.S.  Don't be fooled by the clothes; this was one of those rare, warm summer nights.  To take a gander at more "D" photos, visit Mrs. Nesbitt's meme ABC Wednesday.

evening cranes

A recent shot of cargo cranes at the Port of Oakland next to Jack London Square.

Monday mural: el condor pasa

This mural is tucked away behind a building on E. 12th St. in an industrial, commercial strip approaching downtown.  I couldn't find a signature but the Andean setting reminded me of Paul Simon's song El Condor Pasa.

ABC Wednesday: C is for Chabot Space and Science Center

The Chabot Science Center is way up on Skyline Blvd. in the Oakland hills.  It is named after Anthony Chabot (Shah-bow), who among other things, donated the first telescope to the city of Oakland.  The Science Center has three working telescopes, a planetarium, special interactive science exhibits, science summer camps, classes for children and adults, and sci-fi movies on the weekend for all you Trekkies.  You can even get lunch or dinner there if you want.  Opened in 2000 with 86,000 square feet, it replaced a small 1915 facility that was at a lower elevation.  It is also a popular launching point for hiking and biking trails.  For other "C" photos, visit the ABC Wednesday meme.

Still autoposting.  Will be able to leave comments after Friday.

peewee golf

Another shot from the Crucible event I showed you several days ago.  Between performances of the fire circus you could watch metal smithing demonstrations and play games.  Here's their version of peewee golf, if Torquemada were designing it.  You tried to hit what looked like a molten golf ball through the rotating blades.  If you were successful you won a cool looking cast metal fish.

Monday mural: samurai warrior

Here's another mural from the Wall of Fame.  This was done by Estria whose latest mural was posted a couple of months ago.  Do yourself a favor and enlarge the photo to really see the fine details of this composition.  He clearly references elements of Japanese woodblock prints and traditional Japanese iconography.  If anyone can decipher what is written across the carp, let me know.  I'm hopeless at this.

Weekend Reflection: vintage car

From July's vintage car show at Giant 1/4 lb. Burger on Telegraph Avenue. For more reflections, visit James's entertaining meme Weekend Reflections.

I'll be out of town for a week, so the next few posts are brought to you via autopost.

El Taco Bike

El Taco Bike is the street eats version of La Calle restaurant.  He's cleverly figured out how to get a steam tray kitchen, a drinks cooler, a condiments rack, and a trash can on a bike he can actually pedal.  The Lucha Libre mask is an added bonus.  The food always smells wonderful and the lines are steady wherever he shows up.

ABC Wednesday: B is for Bites on Broadway

Every Friday evening food trucks gathered at Broadway and 45th St. to offer their goodies for sale.  The organizer wanted to do something to foster a greater sense of community and bring traffic up to this end of Broadway.  She provided picnic blankets, hula hoops and bean bag toss games, and plenty of trash and recycle cans.  The turnout has been good and the vibe mellow.  Until someone complained.  The police came and shut down the operation.  The promoter stayed positive, negotiated with the city, found a new location further down 45th, and renamed the event Bites Off Broadway.  The first Friday at the new location they had 300+ people show up.  Fingers crossed it continues to prosper.  For more "B" pictures, visit ABC Wednesday.

Monday mural: hidden from view

Artist Lisa Pisa let me know about this most recent addition to the Oakland Wall of Fame that she did with Paolo Salazar, Brian Swimme, and Dennis Osborne.  Truth be told, I didn't know about the Wall of Fame until she educated me.  Located on the walls of a storage unit company, the works cannot be seen from the street.  The amount and variety of art is stunning and some date back to the mid-80s.  Lisa says she does not usually work with spray cans and enjoyed the opportunity to work with the other artists in this medium.  I appreciated learning about this fantastic plein air exhibit and seeing the works for myself.  Over time I'll post more of the photos I took.

Weekend Reflection: shop window

This shop on College Avenue was new to me.  I was sure the shabby chic look would die out in a few years.  Boy, was I wrong.  I like the window display much better than the reflection, but sometimes it's like that.  At least you can see the blue sky in the window(s).  For more reflections, visit James's Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: Oakland hills

After the 1991 Firestorm that destroyed 3000 homes in the Oakland-Berkeley hills, most people elected to rebuild.  Many built McMansions on lots that had previously held more modest size homes.  These neighborhoods were typically obscured by stands of tall trees that are only now returning to maturity.  A drive through this area was accompanied by clear blue skies perfect for Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: A is for amphitheater

It is said that Morcom Rose Garden is on the site of an old quarry.  There is a small amphitheater in the rose garden that is popular for weddings.  During the week nearby office workers come here to eat lunch.  There's a stepped brook that falls from the top to a pool below.  Community volunteers come weekly to prune the roses and maintain the garden.  For more takes on "A", visit ABC Wednesday.

fire circus

Saturday we went to the Fire Circus at the Crucible in West Oakland.  The Lucent Dossier Experience was performing.  Think Cirque du Soleil meets pyromania.  It was odd, bizarre, and exciting to watch, especially with explosions of fire coming at you from every direction.  Ringling Bros. would not know what to make of it.

Monday mural: Infinite potential

Here's an older mural located just off Telegraph Avenue in Uptown.  This is a work from the Community Rejuvenation Project which sponsors murals around town and involves local youth in creating them.

Weekend Reflection: Federal building

Here we see one tower of the Federal Building reflected in an office building downtown.  The sunny sky is courtesy of last week's weather.  Submitted to James' Weekend Reflections and Jan's SOOC Sunday.

past and present

Can you guess what business was in this building?  Yep, a bar.  The porthole windows and diamond glass in the door guarantee it.  The colored tiles are icing on the cake.  Probably dating from the 30s, this design can be found all around the Bay Area.  The bar is gone and in its place is a pottery studio.  This neighborhood is working hard to recreate itself into an arts district.  Young hipsters have moved in for the cheap rents, coffee shops have opened, and artist studios are now popping up.  It's a good thing.

ABC Wednesday: Z is for zany

I read on Streetcolor's blog that she had yarnbombed an Oakland Library.  Naturally I ran down to get a picture of it before it was taken down.  Check out her blog for other efforts.  Yarnbombing is such a whimsical and zany activity, that it's hard to imagine that folks would take exception to it.  But it happens.  Last year another group yarnbombed the T in the There sculpture on the Oakland-Berkeley line.  City officials initially protested and then backed off, probably realizing they came across as stiff-necked, humorless, bean counters.  I don't know where or when yarnbombing started, but I do remember a post by Steffe last year, which raises the possibility this activity started in Sweden!  Visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on Z.  Next week we start again with A.

yarn and fiber festival

There was a small fiber arts festival near the Lake on Sunday.  The yarn offerings were beautiful.  I was surprised to see so many vendors offering alpaca yarn from alpacas they were raising.  But these yarns are so much more colorful.  The suitcases makes packing out a simple proposition.

Monday mural: El ojo de agua

Taco trucks abound in Oakland and everyone has their favorite.  Not only are they rolling kitchens, they sometimes are rolling murals.  A moveable (visual) feast.

Weekend Reflection: varied building styles

At least a half block is reflected in these windows downtown at 14th Street and Broadway.  Submitted to both Weekend Reflections and SOOC Sunday.

Skywatch Friday: oculus

This oculus in the Lionel Wilson Building shows the blue skies we still enjoy, even though the weather has gotten cooler.  For more sky scenes, visit Skywatch Friday.

Lionel Wilson building

This graceful building anchors the City Hall plaza downtown and is part of the City Center complex.  It is named after former mayor, Lionel Wilson, the first African-American mayor of Oakland.

ABC Wednesday: Y is for yellow

At the Lake Merritt pergola late afternoon on July 4.  The yellowish tone on the columns and ground reflect the warm sun starting to set in the west.  We're having warmer than normal weather which we're all loving after a rainy spring.  For more "Y" photos, visit Mrs. Nesbitt's meme ABC Wednesday.

City Hall

Our City Hall on Independence Day.  Downtown is pretty empty on a holiday.  There were no parades or fireworks this year due to severe budget constraints.  And in your town?

Monday mural: Temescal Creek

This large mural project is expected to be completed by mid-July in time for the Temescal Street Fair.  The mural celebrates Temescal Creek that now flows under the city streets.  It's size and colorful graphics perk up the immediate area and tone down the massive "concreteness" of the freeway.  It's progress has been noted here and here.

Theme Day: Green

This month's theme for City Daily Photo is "green."  I found this wonderful deco tiled facade when I accidentally looked up.  Nothing else about the building indicates it's era.  Our skies are cloudless today after an inch of rain on Tuesday.  We're now in for a heat wave.  Go figure.  For more Theme Day photos Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.  To view the skies around the world, check out Skywatch Friday.

patty cake

 

Spotted at an event at 45th and Broadway.

Monday mural: Oaksterdam

The Oaksterdam mural, previously shown in progress, is now complete.  The artists are R.B. Moore III and Munir Sharif Munir.  The nascent controversy faded away, and now most people seem to like it.  What do you think?

SOOC Sunday: Mills College

Here's the music building at Mills College.  Several of the buildings on campus date from the early 20th century when Spanish style was popular.  Stucco, tiles, and wrought iron are such a pleasing combination.  For more unmodified photos, visit SOOC Sunday.

Skywatch Friday: Leslie Jane

Spotted at the Union Point marina.  This boat harkens back to a different era, don't ya think?  Blue skies and warm weather have been with us for a few days.  For sky shots from around the world, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: W is for wall

The Great Wall, that is.  No, not that Great Wall, the Oakland one.  During Art Murmur (first Friday of every month), along with art gallery shows, the side of a building is used as a projector screen for art videos.  It's located on W. Grand between Broadway and Telegraph Avenue.  Despite a pumped up ISO and some computer voodoo, this is the best I could do to give you an idea of what the scene is like.  For more "W" themed photos, visit Mrs. Nesbitt's meme.

Automated post.

Monday Mural: fresh paint

On a tip from «Louis La Vache»  I scouted this mural by Beth Emmerich at 25th St. and Mandela Parkway.  Eye catching to say the least.  Reminds me of Mexico's iconic La Caterina.  Much to my surprise, I also found several more murals on the other side of the building.  By good fortune, Oaktown Art posted an article on Friday about these murals, all done by women earlier this month.  Check out her interview with the artist who organized the effort.

Automated post.

SOOC Sunday: Lake Merritt

Lake Merritt draws a wide variety of bird life.  Don't know the names of these, but those blue bills are hard to forget.  Visit SOOC Sunday for other unaltered shots.  I'll be out of town for a few days, so will not be able to leave comments.  Automated posts will ensue.

Weekend Reflection: Howden Building

The Howden Building is located at Webster and 17th St.   The tiles above the entry hint at the tiled facade and a wide variety of tile within.  It was built in 1925 by Robert Howden, who had a tile business in Oakland for 30 years.  Originally from Scotland, Howland is also known for building a castle home in the Santa Cruz mountains.  This building now houses many different retail and office spaces.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Skywatch Friday: random heart

While driving down E. 12th St., this heart jumped out at me.  I like the way it contrasts with the blue of the sky.  Wish the lights still worked.  For more sky shots, visit Skywatch Friday.

Spanish baroque

What could this be?  A California mission?  A college campus?  An hotel?  Nope.  This is Highland Hospital, the county hospital and trauma center.  This building dates from 1927 when the original hospital opened.  The hospital sits on a 16-acre hilly lot just off the 580 freeway.  Although many of the original structures remain, a vast, modern complex was opened on site in 2004.

ABC Wednesday: V is for voilà!

Voila! is a local juice company that has made good.  Their warehouse is located in Jingletown.  Can't miss their trucks.  For more "V" photos, visit the popular meme ABC Wednesday.

more turtles

Dan Fontes is adding to his Emergent Sea mural featured yesterday.  Although you can readily see the mural from the freeway, finding the street it's on is another story.  I had to circle the area a few times before I found the circuitous route there.  Whew.  Mission accomplished.

Monday Mural: Emergent Sea

This sea turtle was create by mural artist Dan Fontes, who has previously been featured here and here.  You can see this Jingletown mural from the 880 freeway.  Thanks to Oakland North I learned that Dan is adding two more turtles to this work.  His new project has been a hit with the local kids.  Will post an "in progress" shot tomorrow.

Weekend Reflection: Lake Merritt

Another evening shot of Lake Merritt with the Necklace of Lights.  Submitted to Weekend Reflections and SOOC Sunday.

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.