Oakland: Take a self-guided Mural Walk at Jack London Square

880 South

Take a self-guided Mural Walk at Jack London Square

Take a self-guided walking tour to view a bevy of thought-provoking murals that were painted for the 2018 Oakland Mural Festival.  This festival features primarily local artists.  The first was in Berkeley, the second in Richmond, and the third in Oakland--the first one that was supported and for which artists get a stipend.  Though the festival is over, the murals remain, so as you wander the streets immediately adjacent to the square keep a look out for these outstanding examples.  Map.

I was fortunate to experience a mural tour during the festival led by local Jena Dominique (her mom was a Raiderette), who introduced us to many of the artists that were applying finishing touches.  She leads several other Oakland tours via her Street Salad enterprise and integrates post cards into the fun. 

Murals:

1.  Lower Bottoms Collective  Painted by four Oakland-based artists who have been creating murals together for 5 years.  The painting is on a PG&E building.

mural by Lower Bottoms Collective at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

2.  Mike Bam Tyau & Jesse Rodriguez  Recently Mike has been including his Hawaiian ancestors in his work.

mural by Mike Bam Tyau and Jesse Rodriguez at Jack London Square
in Oakland, California

3.  Alise & Jack Eastgate  Their work draws on the lush landscapes of Jack’s native Fiji.  The painting on a PG&E building.

Alise and Jack Eastgate work on their whale mural at Jack London Square
in Oakland, California

4.  Caleb Duarte  He has created public works around the world.

mural by Caleb Duarte at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

5.  Trust Your Struggle Collective  This group has produced more than 100 murals since 2003.

Jena Dominique describes mural by Trust Your Struggle Collective
at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

6.  Los Pobres Artistas  The artists in this group have Chilean ancestry.

mural by Los Pobres Artistas at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

mural plans by Los Pobres Artistas at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

7.  Dave Young Kim & Erik T. Burke  Don’t miss their giant rooster.

rooster mural by Dave Young Kim and Erik T. Burke at Jack London Square
in Oakland, California

8.  David Burke  He has written a love letter to Oakland.

David Burke works on his mural at Jack London Square in Oakland, California

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Oakland Aviation Museum; things to do

880 South

Oakland Aviation Museum  

8252 Earhart Rd./Swan Way, (510) 638-7100.  W-Sun 10-4.  18 $12, 60+ $10, 13-19 $8, 5-12 $6. 

exterior of Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, California

Housed inside a 1939 airplane hangar that once was home to the Boeing School of Aeronautics, the Oakland Aviation Museum is located on the North Field at Oakland Airport--just two blocks from where the airport bus drops riders at the Rental Car Center, making it a candidate for something to do if you have a long wait for a flight.  The vintage aircraft collection includes a crowd-pleasing favorite--a rare giant 1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat that once flew passengers from London, England to Johannesburg, South Africa and to Australia.  It is sort of a baby Spruce Goose, and the last of its kind in the world.  Those long journeys took even longer--four days--because the plane flew only in daylight hours, so everyone overnighted along the way.  The Solent was featured in the 1981 movie "Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark," and is the star of this collection.  This treasure is opened at an additional fee for tours on weekends, when you can capture a selfie seated in one of the comfy seats inside, but can always be viewed from the outside.  And it can be rented for special events--think a birthday party, an anniversary.

1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

interior seats on 1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

1943 Short Solent mk3 flying boat in action at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

None of the planes displayed here are flyable.  The collection also includes a T-3 tail glider that was built on the premises, a scale-model blimp hanging from the ceiling, a Hiller helicopter from a local aviation company, and a small plane like the one John Denver flew.  Young children will especially enjoy the playground in front featuring kid-sized planes to play on, as well as a play table inside and a few models to climb in for a photo op.

crashed plane at Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, California

interior of hangar at Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, California

Kitfox Classic IV-1200 Taildragon plane at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

toy Flying Tiger plane for kids at Oakland Aviation Museum in Oakland, California

Small side rooms hold focused collections, including the Engine Room where engines from different eras and types of aircraft are displayed, Women in Aviation featuring photos of Amelia Earhart (who landed here in Oakland in 1935 at the conclusion of her record-setting flight from Honolulu, and who also famously began her ill-fated 1937 flight around the world right here), Black Americans in Aviation & Space that details the famous Tuskegee Airmen of World War II, and the General James Doolittle Room (this famous World War II aviator was born in Alameda).

Amelia and Carole prepare for takeoff at Oakland Aviation Museum
in Oakland, California

Open Cockpit Day is held periodically.  Visitors then can enter a variety of aircraft.  Additional special activities might include Canine Companions for Independence, live music, refreshments for purchase, and roller derby demonstrations.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Oakland Museum of California; things to do

880 South

New Show at Oakland Museum

“Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom” tells the story of Oakland-specific Hip-Hop, beginning with pre-rap, through breakdancing, and into mainstream culture.  In a darkened room at the Oakland Museum, I viewed a film loop that covered influential performers ranging from local resident MC Hammer performing “Can’t Touch Me” in his trademark baggy pants to current wonder Kendrick Lamar in his award-winning hair’s-on-fire “Humble” video.  Pre-teens from a school group screamed atmospherically at appropriate times.  Among the artifacts displayed are a freaky pair of Adidas sneakers with soles lined with real teeth.  Runs through August 12.

Adidas sneakers with real teeth as soles
in "Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom" show at Oakland Museum

exhibit room at "Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom" show at Oakland Museum

gift shop goods for "Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom" show
at Oakland Museum

More information about the Oakland Museum.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Temescal Alley shops; things to do

880 South

Temescal Alleys  

Off 49th St.; ½-block east of Telegraph Ave.  

The Temescal Alleys--which are made up of Temescal Alley and Alley 49--are lined with unique shops that are perfect for gift-hunting, plus casual snack stops for refueling.  They are pedestrians only.  Originally the narrow roads were home to stables for trolley horses.

Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

Temescal Alley

●Ali Golden  

#470-E, (805) 340-7086. 

The sparely furnished Ali Golden designer boutique displays a casual women’s clothing line, all of which is Bay Area-made.

Ali Golden shop in Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

●Crimson  

470 49th St., (510) 992-3359. 

Stuffed with botanical delights, Crimson has a large selection of air plants and potted items as well as lovely botanical body products, vintage gardening books, and plenty more.

Crimson shop in Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

●Curbside Creamery  

#482, (510) 250-9804. 

At Curbside Creamery, regular dairy as well as cashew vegan ice cream is available in cones or sandwiches.

●Homestead Apothecary  

#486-C, (510) 495-6549. 

You’ll find everything for what ails you here at Homestead Apothecary—elder flowers, Echinacea, gingko leaves—plus lovely botanical cards and a few other related items.

●Marisa Mason  

#484-D, (510) 325-0019. 

Jewelry is handcrafted using original designs right in the studio in the back of the Marisa Mason shop. 

Marisa Mason workshop in Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

●Temescal Alley Barbershop  

#470-B, (510) 761-5074.  No reservations. 

Men and women alike line up on the bench outside the Temescal Alley Barbershop, waiting their turn to sit in the antique chairs of this old-style barbershop.  Haircuts, beard trims, and straight-razor shaves are the specialties. 

Temescal Alley Barbershop in Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

●Walrus  

#470-G, (510) 545-9784. 

Home accessories at Walrus are repurposed, used, and vintage items.   You’ll find everything from felt dryer balls to sturdy antique school chairs. 

Walrus in Temescal Alley in Oakland, California

Alley 49

●Doughnut Dolly  

CLOSED  #482-B, 9510) 338-6738. 

It’s hard to believe, but only one thing is sold here at Doughnut Dolly—hand-rolled doughnuts dusted with either granulated or powdered sugar.  You get a choice of four fillings pumped in by hand from funnel dispensers.  I chose their signature Naughty Cream, which is a thick mixture of vanilla bean and crème fraiche, but Mexican chocolate and a couple of others were also available.  When they run out of a flavor, there is no more available that day.  Owner Hannah Hoffman is a graduate of the Chez Panisse kitchen.

Doughnut Dolly in Alley 49 at Temescal Alleys in Oakland, California

●Esqueleto  

#482-A, (510) 629-6216.  Tu-Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm. 

This shops owner relocated here from New York with her namesake line, Lauren Wolf Jewelry.  In her desert-like Esqueleto gallery she represents both local and international contemporary jewelers, ceramicists, and fine artists.  Art shows change regularly. 

Esqueleto in Alley 49 at Temescal Alleys in Oakland, California

Around the Corner on Telegraph

●Ruby’s Garden  

5026 Telegraph Ave., (510) 595-5325.  M-Sat 10am-6pm. 

The gigantic one-room Ruby's Garden shop has a vast inventory of children’s items.  Prices are good, and many items are unusual.  Some used items are also for sale.  Bring new or gently used children’s books to donate to their collection bin for the East Bay Children’s Book Project.

Ruby's Garden shop near Temescal Alleys in Oakland, California

●Sagrada  

4926 Telegraph Ave., (510) 653-7196.  Tu-Sat 10am-5pm, Thur to 7pm. 

Sagrada is devoted to sacred arts stocks books, religious art and crafts, and gifts representing all faiths.

Sagrada shop near Temescal Alleys in Oakland, California

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images ©2015 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

last image courtesy of Sagrada website

Oakland, The Gardens at Lake Merritt; things to do

880 South 

The Gardens at Lake Merritt  

Free.  No dogs.

In addition to rhododendron and succulent gardens, the expansive Gardens at Lake Merritt include a Japanese Garden with a koi pond and small waterfall and a Pollinator Garden with a “bee hotel” (did you know that there are 1,600 native bee species in California?).  You’ll also see mature dawn redwoods, a giant old Angel’s Trumpet tree, and a bunya-bunya tree that dates from the 1915 World’s Fair.  All this and the largest collection of outdoor cool-weather palms on the West Coast, the largest collection of Vireya rhododendrons on the U.S. mainland, and a
Sensory Garden with 30 kinds of sage, too!

A Bonsai Garden exhibits more than 150 bonsai trees--among them a 400-year-old Japanese black pine that was brought to the U.S. for the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco and a Dalmyo oak that is the oldest in cultivation in the U.S.  The trees range in age from 30 to 1,000 years old.  An assortment of suiseki viewing stones is also displayed.  The gardens have been pesticide-free since 1998, and an effort is made to recycle and reuse everything.  An adjacent Lawn Bowling area has been here since 1910.



Way more things to do in Oakland.

More gardens.

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images © 2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Oakland Zoo; things to do

880 South 

Oakland Zoo

Have you ever wondered what superlatives reside at the superlative Oakland Zoo? 

When you visit the zoo with children, you have an excellent opportunity to teach them more about language.  Challenge them to see how many more superlatives they can find—the sleepiest, the quietest, the cutest, etc.  I visited with my three grandchildren, two of whom afterwards stuck to their guns about pre-visit animal favorites—the 4-year-old loves the giraffes and the teen adores the big cats.  I’m not sure about the 2-year-old, though he did stare for a long time at the meerkats.  This time I personally settled on the zebras--which we saw chasing each other--and the vividly colored frogs in the children’s area. 

A cafe at the main entrance offers hot lunch items—including a vegan burger and some vegetarian selections--but the food is ordinary and on the expensive side.  I suggest taking a picnic and supplementing it with the soda, ice cream, and other sweet treats that are dispensed from stands around the zoo.  A scattering of benches and grassy expanses invite a relaxing break. 

You’ll know it is time to start for the exit when you hear something like, “I’m done with the zoo,” as I did from my 4-year-old granddaughter, or, “But I don’t want to see the rabbits,” as I overheard another pre-schooler whine.  But before we left, we exited the zoo and boarded the Outback Express Adventure Train ride around Wild Australia, a part of the zoo you don’t otherwise see.

Check out the sun bears via webcam.


Way more things to do in Oakland.

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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill + Yoshi's; restaurant review + things to do

Blue Lake cocktail at Lake Chalet

880 South

If you like to go out on Valentine's Day, it is never too early to make plans and reservations. In Oakland, you might want to think about these heart-thumpers:

A gondola ride on Lake Merritt, complete with a live serenade, followed by a lovely dinner at 

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill  

More . . .

or

Yoshi's

Dinner and a performance at Yoshi's jazz club.  More . . .

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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image ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Cathedral of Christ the Light; things to do

880 South

Cathedral of Christ the Light  

2121 Harrison St.  Tours M-F at 1pm; meet at front doors; tour begins with organ music on 2nd & 4th Tu.  Free. 

Overlooking beautiful Lake Merritt, the spectacular Cathedral of Christ the Light  was built in 2008 on 2½ acres.  It seats 1,250 people and is the world's newest Catholic cathedral.  Designed by architect Craig W. Hartman (who also designed the San Francisco Airport’s International Terminal) in the shape of the ancient Christian symbol for a fish, it is entered by visitors through the tail.  Made of wood, concrete, and glass, it is meant to have a humble aura.  Some people think the interior

resembles a basket or a Noah’s Ark.  The largest of the organ’s 5,298 pipes is 34 feet long, while the smallest is the size of a pencil.  The fourteen Stations of the Cross are depicted on Romanesque-style cast bronze reliefs spaced around the interior perimeter, and the altar is made of Italian grey-streaked white Carrara marble from the same quarry Michelangelo used.  Visitors are welcome.  The tour includes in-depth description of the magnificent cathedral interior as well as visiting some of the smaller side chapels, including the Chapel of the Suffering Christ, which has a sculpture of Jesus on the cross that comes from Mexico City.  A cafe and gift shop are adjacent, and many special events are regularly scheduled.  I always like to stop in to see the magnificent cathedrals in Mexico and Europe and other countries when I travel, but I have rarely seen a spectacular new version such as this.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images ©2014 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Bourbon & Beef; restaurant review + things to do

880 South

Bourbon & Beef  

5634 College Ave./Keith Ave., Rockridge, (510) 788-4821.  L M-F, Sat-SunBr, D daily. 

Featuring a dark, earth-toned clubby atmosphere—updated with comfortable tables and chairs along one wall, and with a long bar and high communal tables along the other—this smallish venue features a Spanish-Mexican tapas menu with other things mixed in.  We started with Sopa de Langosta (lobster bisque with corn flan, lime cream, and caviar), which had no lobster chunks or detectible caviar, but I loved the smoky flat bread triangles served with it.  We shared fish and chips that were over-battered nuggets of salmon with french fries instead of chips, but I loved the jicama slaw that came with it and would have liked extra.  What came next--pork belly and shrimp taquitos—made me want to return for more.  The saucy toppings at Bourbon & Beef are stellar, and filling choices include carne asada, salmon, chorizo, Kobe short ribs, chicken, and veggies.  If ordered alone, three will likely do it.  Promising dinner items include Carne de Res con Papas (grilled rib-eye steak with roasted shishito peppers and potatoes topped with chimichurri sauce and a shallot-bourbon demi glaze), Torta de Camarónes (shrimp cakes topped with coconut-mango chutney), and paella with giant Tasmanian prawns and chorizo.  My companion and I went for a sweet ending—she delighted in the kitchen’s signature crème brulee-rice pudding with bourbon and Bing cherries, and I blissed out with a hot fudge sundae with fresh whipped cream.  Weekend brunch brings on huevos rancheros and pan dulce (baked French toast stuffed with jalapeño sweet cream and served with strawberries, caramelized plantains, and rum whipped cream).  Cocktails are a specialty and twenty-plus bourbons are poured, but I sipped happily on a tasty, fruity deep-burgundy sangria, while my companion nursed a virgin mojito so she could get some work done after. 

gift items at Maison d’Etre in Oakland, California

Allow time to browse this delightful shopping street.

Maison d’Etre

Right next door is gift shop extraordinaire—Maison d’Etre, which is filled to the rafters with lovely gifting items as well as many items you will want to purchase for yourself and your own home.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
updated 10-30-14

Oakland: Alta Bates Summit Showcase (CLOSED); things to do

880 South

Alta Bates Summit Showcase  

CLOSED  5615 College Ave./Ocean View Dr., Rockridge, (510) 653-1527.  Tu-Sat 10-3.  

The inventory in this resale shop changes regularly.  You’ll find well-priced sets of fine china and etched crystal as well as books, children’s toys, and seasonal items such as colorful nutcrackers at Christmas.  All proceeds benefit the programs and community services of the Alta Bates Summit Medical Center.  Donations are welcome. 




Way more things to do in Oakland.

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images c2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Uzen Japanese Cuisine; restaurant review + things to do

880 South

Uzen Japanese Cuisine  

5415 College Ave./Hudson St., (510) 654-7753.  L M-F, D M-Sat; $$.  Takes reservations. 

Narrow and deep, this small spot manages to squeeze in a full-size sushi bar.  Sushi (vegan sushi, too) and sashimi are the strong points at Uzen Japanese Cuisine, but udon noodles, salmon free-range Rocky chicken teriyaki, tempura, and katsu don (fried pork cutlet) all share the menu.

Bella Vita 

5307 College Ave., (510) 653-1639.

Nearby, Bella Vita stocks a browse-worthy collection of locally handmade goods plus children’s items and some new and vintage clothing. 

Rockridge Home 

5418 College Ave., (510) 420-1928.  Daily 11-8. 

Across the street, the Rockridge Home gift and kitchen shop is stocked with a spectacular and colorful selection of goods.  You’ll find items for children, for organizing your home, and for thrilling a giftee.




Way more things to do in Oakland.

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image ©2013 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse; things to do

880 South

East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse  

4695 Telegraph Ave./47th St., (510) 547-6470.  Daily 11-6. 

The East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse purveys an eclectic selection of sometimes bizarre donated items—you’ll see everything from colorful rayon sarongs to logo squishees--and is particularly popular with artists and teachers.  I dropped off a batch of well-received peach lugs and event badges when I visited. 

It is a few doors down from Burma SuperStar. 



Way more things to do in Oakland.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image ©2012 Carole Terwilliger Meyers

Oakland: Parkway Speakeasy Theater (CLOSED); things to do

880 South 

Parkway Speakeasy Theater 

CLOSED

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

Oakland: Oakland Museum of California; things to do

880 South 

After being renovated and expanded to the tune of $62 million, the Oakland Museum of California reopens this weekend. Admission is free beginning May 1 at 11 a.m. through May 2 at 6 p.m. Yes, that is 31 hours straight, with plenty of festivities planned to entertain throughout--all funded by Target. Inside The Gallery of California History you'll see Dorothea Lange’s Depresession images projected on the windshield of a Model T Ford and--in the museum’s spirit of providing thoughtful experiences and making clever use of artifacts--you can curl up in a real pipe from the infamous Pipe City. The Gallery of California Art offers further interactive ways to heighten your sensitivity to the art being observed.


More things to do in Oakland.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

More ideas for exploring Northern California.

image courtesy of venue; Isaac W. Baker, Untitled (Portrait of a Chinese Man), c.1851; gift of an anonymous donor.

Oakland: Oakland Museum of California; things to do

880 South 

The Oakland Museum of California 

will remain closed through May 2010 while it reinstalls the art and history galleries.  

REOPENED



More things to do in Oakland.

Way more things to do in Oakland.

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