Skywatch Friday: style layers

Downtown Oakland has a wonderful melange of old buildings, and some not so great new ones.  See what I mean?  The clouds indicate that into each of our lives some rain must fall, maybe over the weekend.  For more sky clues, check Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: K is for kayak

One of the cool things you can do at Jack London Square is rent a kayak for paddling the estuary.  Unless that's too slow for you.  In which case there's always jet skis.  For more "K" photos visit the ever entertaining ABC Wednesday.

out for a walk

The weekend was cold and dreary and it even rained.  Today started clear and turned quite warm.  Everyone was out for a walk.  Spotted at Jack London Square.

Monday Mural: Oakland Riviera

The artists in Jingletown have designed a wall of murals in an area they've dubbed the Oakland Riviera.  Tongue in cheek of course.  One of the murals contains portraits of their beloved critters who are walked on what has been renamed the "rue de merde."  Looks like they clean up after their dogs too.  This is around the corner from the lizard/iguana posted earlier.

SOOC: Colton family tomb

This is the Colton family tomb in Mt. View Cemetery.  David Colton died in 1878 and was known in his time as a railroad magnate and land owner.  His wife may also be buried here but there is no information on her dates on this planet.  Just like Nellie, her history was given short shrift.  The cemetery is full of large tombs like these, many of which seem no longer to be connected to succeeding generations.  Kind of sad.  This photo was taken late one afternoon and is straight out of the camera.  For more SOOC photos, visit SOOC Sunday.

Skywatch Friday: new condos downtown

Our former mayor and now governor promoted the building of new residential housing downtown.  Here's an example.  Warm days and clear skies have been here for about two weeks.  September typically has our warmest weather and we're glad it's here.  For additional sky views, visit Skywatch Friday.

ABC Wednesday: J is for jeté

This weekend the dance company Project Bandaloop performed on the Great Wall of Oakland (previously featured here).  Twenty years ago the troupe's director was inspired by her rock climbing experiences to combine the rigging technology with dance to defy gravity while making art.  The performance premiered a new piece, Bound(less), with original music by trombonist Dana Leong.  The entire experience was exciting, moving, and completely unique.  It was thrilling to watch the dancers, especially when they leapt away from the wall with grace and precision.  Grand jetés are hard enough to do on a horizontal surface, let alone on a 10-story wall.  I'm guessing at least a 1000 people were at Saturday's performance, bringing their own chairs, blankets, and food as they waited for the performance.  Checkout the Bandaloop website video to get a taste of their performance style.  And check out ABC Wednesday for more takes on "J".

Monday Mural: people forest

Spotted awhile ago in West Oakland.  The other side of the warehouse was shown previously.

Skywatch Friday: slivers of glass and sky

Downtown near City Center.  Visit Skywatch Friday for more sky shot entries.

garden gate

A lovely garden gate off Broadway Terrace.  Love the Mediterranean blue color.

ABC Wednesday: I is for Idora Park

Once thought to have been part of Idora Park, this windmill was a lemonade stand that stood outside of the park.  It is now the last remnant of what had been a 17 acre amusement park that bordered Telegraph Avenue.  Way back in the day, Idora Park was a destination visited by such luminaries as Jack London, Charlie Chaplin, and Buster Keaton.

According to Wikipedia it was especially known for its Opera House, scenic railway, rollercoasters, and vaudeville shows.  Built in 1904, it closed in 1929.  Click here for more old photos of Idora.  Visit ABC Wednesday for more takes on the letter I.

night scene in Jack London Square

On a recent warm evening, I took this shot after visiting Dancing Under the Stars in Jack London Square.  Linking to Night Shot Monday.

Monday Mural: clinica de la raza

This mural decorates the Clinica de la Raza medical clinic in the Fruitvale.  It was the first clinic in Oakland designed to serve Spanish-speaking clients.  Its many services have grown over the years and it now serves much of East Oakland.

in rememberance

 Linked to SOOC Sunday.

ABC Wednesday: H is for Hi Hat Cleaners

This vintage neon sign advertises a business that has continued in the same spot for decades.  Surprisingly, despite its worn appearance, the sign continues to work too.  The owner says they turn it on winter evenings during operating hours.  During short winter days, it probably serves as a beacon to front door.  He also hopes to get it restored, although I imagine that is a costly process.  The sign and business anchor the corner of MacArthur and Maple St. in the Laurel District.  Visit ABC Wednesday for other takes on this week's letter.

Monday Mural: new mural

This mural was done this year by Chase and Bui.  It's near Jack London Square at 3rd and Broadway on the side of a vegan restaurant.  It's vibrant colors and cartoon design really catch your eye.  Don't know if the speech balloons are supposed to be sincere or ironic.  Maybe the cartoon characters have a specific reference.  It's hard keeping up with pop culture to know for sure.

parking shadows

Spotted downtown late one afternoon.  Submitted to Shadow Shot Sunday.

Skywatch Friday: Tuiaki he Lotu

The Free Church of Tonga is located on Fruitvale Avenue.  Most of the Tongans I know are Mormons.  This free church is an off-shoot from the Methodist church.  This church looks like a quiet oasis on a busy street.   This shot shows you more blue skies after the fog burns off.  The weatherman says we're in for a warming trend and no fog at night.  Yippee. For more of today's sky views, visit Skywatch Friday.

Theme Day: Perspective

Sometimes heights are scary, sometimes fun.  It's all a matter of perspective.  Spotted at the recent Temescal Street Fair.  Submitted to CDP's monthly theme day.  Click here to view thumbnails for all participants.