This blogger follows Twitter, where there's so much information, the micro-blogging site that some call a social network, but really is a social broadcasting site, is the best news aggregator ever made to date. So what's happening, large and small, in Oakland and San Francisco? Let's check out some samples from Twitter, and other sources, too.
A friend, who's been involved in Oakland, Ca real estate for years, mentioned that while Mayor Jean Quan's scoring points for community outreach, she doesn't seem to be reaching out to the business community. His perspective is a good one; if that's the case, Quan's got to work to erase that feeling. Small business create jobs; getting rid of the Oakland parking ticket enforcement system (which may be illegal by the way), is one start.
Quan would counter that, she met with software companies, but they were in San Francisco. The Mayor would also say she met with the Women's Initiative for job training, and list other meetings. But what my friend means are specific steps to further improve Oakland's business climate and more hands-on contact with Oakland's established business people.
I would translate that into this: Mayor Quan needs to get the "I won. I'm Mayor" chip off her shoulder and meet with these folks, even if they backed Don Perata. That's the issue for many, and I'm not dancing around it. That's the talk.
Moving along...
Emeryville's "Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe" is opening in Downtown Oakland's Uptown District in May, in the Fox Theater, at the ground floor level. For late-night foodies like this blogger, that's welcome news. Rudy's has a kick-ass breakfast menu, too. Hopefully, I can get breakfast at 1:30 AM.
To mark the occasion, Rudy's is having a BARBIE WALK OF FAME. Check out their Facebook page here, for more information.
But I've got to ask, what is that going to do to Flora's restaurant traffic? I still hold that Oakland's adding a lot of eateries, and at some point, one of them's going to fail. Since Rudy's says it "can't fail," it's safe. But the others? I'm not so sure.
I was at Cafe Van Kleef for a spell Saturday night, and at around 12:30 AM it was lighter than usual. Luka's was jamming, but even there you could see the crowd thinning out. When things were better, economically, 1AM was the ramp-down point; now it's closer to 12 AM.
And of course if you didn't see it...
And...
northoaklandnow Oakland NorthChecked out the link. It leads to a report that Oakland celebrated Earth Day a bit early with 79 volunteer sites set up all around the city; Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd.
#EarthDay started early in #Oakland for volunteers this weekend. See Shirley Lau's photos, contribute your own! http://tinyurl.com/44wtpkw
MarvyMcFly MC HeglerNot a happening, but a cool thought... But the next one is funny and of note, and the mural's cool too:
that's why they copy the swag (by the way I hate the word swag) RT @TDOUBLE22: Secretly, everyone want to be from #Oakland
42 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
1599Geneva Black FrogThat, all under the #oakland hashtag now, so not much there right now. But after I removed the # from Oakland I learned that The Oakland A's are holding MC Hammer Bobblehead day in July! Seriously...
Colorful #Oaksterdam mural in downtown #Oakland ironicallt not painted by high #potheads http://yfrog.com/h4e6jvaj
53 minutes ago Favorite Retweet Reply
angela3fold Angela CriserOther notes:
This actually makes me want to go to an A's game...MC Hammer Bobblehead Day at the Oakland A's In July: http://3fold.me/fNEsOU
A friend, who's been involved in Oakland, Ca real estate for years, mentioned that while Mayor Jean Quan's scoring points for community outreach, she doesn't seem to be reaching out to the business community. His perspective is a good one; if that's the case, Quan's got to work to erase that feeling. Small business create jobs; getting rid of the Oakland parking ticket enforcement system (which may be illegal by the way), is one start.
Quan would counter that, she met with software companies, but they were in San Francisco. The Mayor would also say she met with the Women's Initiative for job training, and list other meetings. But what my friend means are specific steps to further improve Oakland's business climate and more hands-on contact with Oakland's established business people.
I would translate that into this: Mayor Quan needs to get the "I won. I'm Mayor" chip off her shoulder and meet with these folks, even if they backed Don Perata. That's the issue for many, and I'm not dancing around it. That's the talk.
Moving along...
Emeryville's "Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe" is opening in Downtown Oakland's Uptown District in May, in the Fox Theater, at the ground floor level. For late-night foodies like this blogger, that's welcome news. Rudy's has a kick-ass breakfast menu, too. Hopefully, I can get breakfast at 1:30 AM.
To mark the occasion, Rudy's is having a BARBIE WALK OF FAME. Check out their Facebook page here, for more information.
But I've got to ask, what is that going to do to Flora's restaurant traffic? I still hold that Oakland's adding a lot of eateries, and at some point, one of them's going to fail. Since Rudy's says it "can't fail," it's safe. But the others? I'm not so sure.
I was at Cafe Van Kleef for a spell Saturday night, and at around 12:30 AM it was lighter than usual. Luka's was jamming, but even there you could see the crowd thinning out. When things were better, economically, 1AM was the ramp-down point; now it's closer to 12 AM.
And of course if you didn't see it...
Oakland Rapper Alleged Sex Predator? Jesus Campos Murder A Hit?
A shocking and unfortunate story was relayed to this blogger by a source recently.
A very famous, well-known Oakland rapper is accused by two sources of being a sexual predator, who asks young women, in some cases underaged, if they need a ride in his car, then he "talks sex talk" to them, takes them to his home, where he proceeds to try and have sex with them - to allegedly rape them...(more)
And...
Oakland Kwik Way - Restaurant Legend ReopensStay tuned.
Some good news to counter the Oakland Rapper Alleged Sex Predator? blog post.
Kwik Way, the place known for its big, greasy burgers of the 70s and 80s reopened two days ago. Its at 500 Lake Park Avenue, just down the street from the Grand Lake Theater.
During the 70s, and when this blogger was in junior high and high school, Kwik Way was known as the "hang," the favored burger joint, where one could stand outside and watch the food being prepared. It was an excellent stop after a movie at The Grand Lake Theater, so it's a given the movie palace's owner Alan Michaan is grateful for it's reopening. But it was a long time coming..(more)
