Category — citycenter

Oakland was incorporated as a city on May 4, 1852. The City of Oakland and community groups are celebrating the city’s 160th anniversary with a week of events kicking off at Frank Ogawa Plaza at noon today (PDF). But Oaklanders don’t rest on our laurels – new spots and services bloom! Here is your pre-anniversary reading file:

• AC Transit approved the long-studied Bus Rapid Transit project, connecting Downtown Oakland to Downtown San Leandro with dedicated transit lanes and light-rail-like stations, street improvements, bike lanes, and a super-fast service that will run every five minutes (!).
• The Food Craft Institute has opened in Jack London Square, offering classes for novices and professionals alike.
• New American City has written an extensive article about Redevelopment in California and what the future may hold.
• Bike to Work Month kicks off next week with a City Council proclamation on April 30th. Bike to Work Day is May 10th.
• Vegan restaurant Banana Soy opened on 15th Street near Broadway.
• A nicely-designed wine and whiskey-focused bar named District opens this afternoon at the corner of 9th and Washington in Old Oakland.

Enjoy the new while celebrating the old in Oakland this weekend!

It’s Friday the 13th, and after an arresting image of City Hall being struck by lightning made the Facebook rounds today, a sunny day seems more special than usual! Find some of this week’s happenings and new news about the DTO, in this week’s collection of news and views.

• Paradiso Lounge (née Club) reopens with a dance party by Brothers and Sisters, at 2272 Telegraph.
• Damon and the Heathens play at Cafe Van Kleef tonight (1621 Telegraph).
• TONIGHT is the deadline to nominate a business or artist for an Oakland Indie Award.
• Assembly candidate and Peralta Trustee Abel Guillen hosts a block party on Sunday at 19th and Broadway for the opening of his campaign headquarters, with an after-party at Feelmore510.
• Old Oakland’s Endgame (921 Washington) hosts a MiniCon this weekend, a few slots are still available online.
• The Chronicle picks up on the revitalization of 14th and Broadway.
• Oakland Vegetarian Week, which starts Sunday, features special menus from many downtown restaurants (and restaurants outside the DTO).
• The East Bay Express reviews Old Oakland’s oft-overlooked OB’s Cafe (729 Washington St).
• Lost Amusement Parks of the East Bay is the title of a group of photo displays at the Oakland History Room, including Idora Park, Shellmound Park, and Neptune Beach. Upstairs at the Main Library, 125 14th St at Madison.

Next week: update on Broadway and 23rd Street – a new hub for Uptown?