the new Bay Bridge

The tower you see is part of the new eastern span of the Bay Bridge.  The erector set behind it is the original span which will be in use until September.  The new structure will be the world's largest self-anchored suspension span.  It will no longer have two decks and it will also include bicycle lanes.  It's only been in the works since the big earthquake of 1989 and is the most expensive public works project in California history.  The span runs from Oakland to Yerba Buena Island; the western suspension section runs from the island to San Francisco.  This picture was taken from Treasure Island (built on soil dredged from the construction of the original bridge which opened in 1936) looking east to Oakland.  The sky shows you the weather has been clear and dry.  Linked to Skywatch Friday and Weekend Reflections.

walk around the lake

The weather is generally chilly except in recent afternoons where it seems almost balmy.  In any weather folks are out walking the lake.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

vinyl nirvana

If you're looking for vinyl records from new and vintage bands, this is your place.  Originating in Seattle in 2001 and transplanting to Oakland in 2003, 1-2-3-4 Go! focuses primarily on indie and punk music.  In 2008 they opened a retail store in the Temescal area, where they also host live concerts.  They've also branched out with their own record label.  Check out the website just to read the band names; they're a hoot.  I'm so out of it, I have no idea who any of these performers are.  But I like the idea of a home grown label.  If you follow various links, you'll also get to hear samples of some of the music.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

holiday reflection

This is part of the annual holiday lights display at Mt. View Cemetery.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

behind the gauzy curtain

Spotted in Montclair Village.  The tree seems to reach to the clouds.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

City Hall

City Hall reflected in three windows.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Manifesto reflection

The window at Manifesto Bicycles on 40th St.  Love the font.  The reflection with the dash of red was a bonus.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

48 Chevy

So many shiny surfaces, so many possible reflections.  Taken at the recent vintage car show during Art Murmur.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Creative Growth Center

The Creative Growth Art Center serves adult artists with developmental, mental and physical disabilities, providing a professional studio environment for artistic development, gallery exhibition and representation and a social atmosphere among peers.  It's one of the galleries that is open during Art Murmur on the first Friday of each month.  Their large plate glass windows are perfect for late afternoon reflections.  Linked to Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflection: another vintage car

As you've probably guessed, I like reflections on shiny surfaces.  Hope you don't mind one more from the First Friday vintage car show.  For more reflections, visit James's meme, Weekend Reflections.

vintage reflection

This reflection is from the trunk of a vintage car.  The vintage car show is on the first Friday of the month and coincides with Art Murmur.  The Royal Jokers car club is now sponsoring posters for the monthly show.

To view more photo reflections, visit James' meme,  Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflections: ragtop convertible

Spied at a car show during Art Murmur.  With reflections on every surface.  Linking to Weekend Reflections.

the golden hour

Late afternoon sun on Lakeshore Avenue along Lake Merritt.
Linked to both Skywatch Friday and Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflection: Peralta Creek

Down the hill from the Peralta Hacienda (previous post) is Peralta Creek.  This is one area where it comes above ground and creates an authentic riparian ecology niche.  This is one of the things that is so surprising about Oakland.  In the middle of a decidedly urban area, there are these oases of rural life that appear and delight.  This small section has picnic tables and access to surrounding streets.  I imagine this creek provided the adobes their water source and probably helped irrigate crops.  Because there are tiny glimmers of watery reflections, I'm linking to Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflections: estuary scene

The boat name had me puzzled.  The dockside Weber barbeque added to the incongruity.  Who can forget the great German movie by the same name.  Hardly a light film.  If the owner meant to reference the movie, he has the wrong boat.  If he didn't, should probably choose another name.  Nonetheless, he and the other boats provided reflections, even in icky water.  For more reflections, visit James's meme Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Relection: estuary marina

This is the marina at Embarcadero and 16th Avenue.  It's just off the 880 freeway and yet is a surprising oasis.  The shoreline has charming Victorian buildings that look like they were brought onto the property to preserve them.  I'll show them at a later date.  The water was pretty flat this day, and reflected the masts and hulls in the marina.  For more reflections, visit James's Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflection: City Center

Weird, huh?  Can you guess how this reflection occurs?  These are polished metallic ceiling tiles at an outdoor cafe in Oakland's City Center.  The shot below shows the terrace and the ceiling in context.

It is warm today with lots going on.  Not the least of which is yesterday's 160th anniversary of the founding of Oakland.  I missed the cake cutting with the mayor.  But happy birthday, Oakland.  For those of you seeking more reflections from around the globe, visit James's meme, Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflections: Lake Chalet

The Lake Chalet, a relatively new restaurant, sits in a beautiful spot on the shore of Lake Merritt.  On a morning walk around the lake, we popped into the bar just to have a look.  The silver balls immediately caught my eye et voilà.  Then I noticed all the other reflections at the bar!  I hear it's a lively spot during happy hour.  It would be a pleasure to sit on their dock at sunset as the Necklace of Lights begins to shine.

Weekend Reflections: Lakeside Park

Lake Merritt is the country's first official wildlife refuge, designated in 1870.  It attracts many bird species who use it as part of their migratory flyway.  Lakeside Park is one of the lake's features and is where many birds come to be fed.  If you squint hard you can see a water reflection in the background.  For more reflection photos, visit James' meme, Weekend Reflections.

Weekend Reflections: downtown

Recently shot in downtown Oakland.  The Tribune Tower, former home of the local newspaper, is reflected in the wall of glass.  You can tell it by the US flag flying from the roof.  For more reflections, visit James' meme.