planet gusto
Cultural Portraits
planet gusto
Cultural Portraits
Zio Ziegler Mural - Cathedral Building Classic Architecture Uptown Oakland California

Oakland

Share
Pinterest0
Google+0

I spent 8 years living in downtown Oakland, observing its redevelopment… and it continues to evolve. Oakland is all about its distinct, vibrant, and diverse neighborhoods. It is a city that is at once gritty and compelling and rivals San Francisco’s food and art scenes. Yet with the volatility of 2020, some favorite spots are gone forever, but some are resilient and transformed.

The intrigue of Oakland may not be readily apparent to non-residents. Oakland is compelling because of its grittiness, innovation, and embraces of its history. The organic interplay of expressive graffiti intertwined with fine art murals peppered amongst stunning vintage architecture. can be raw, whimsical, and political.

 

May Day Demonstrators - First Fridays, Oakland
May Day 2015 – First Fridays – Downtown Oakland

Many of the neighborhoods are easily accessible by BART, if you dare. Have a plan before you arrive, and you will find yourself addicted to this striking city, striving to balance the pitfalls of urban renewal while remaining true to its roots.