City of Oakland

I HELLA LOVE OAKLAND!!!
Visiting California has become and annual trip and Oakland is always on the list well partly because my family leaves there but the city is just awesome. I love the shops, food and people!!!

Hurray for beautiful home town Oakland of Alameda County! Born and raised here! It has a good China Town that I now call Asian Town as many Asian cultures are represented here! There really good China Town in cities of Oakland, neighbor town San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, think even San Diego had a China Town! The so call China Town in our capitol town Sacra such an insult, I did comments under CHINA TOWN MALL!
Anyway, year 2015 Oakland and neighboring towns had WARRIORS fever! Looks or seems like again Oakland and neighboring towns having epidemic of WARRIORS fever! Yeah baby, this here is GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS nation! A final finish of seventy three wins and nine losses, as this writing, our GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS up three wins and one loss in the first round of National Basketball Association play offs! Go WARRIORS! Hurray for Golden State Warriors, maybe they get again to N B A finals? May 2, 2016 We the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, now in second round of N A playoffs! Yeah, this for now GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS Nation!

Born and raised. I love her, warts and all. Do not want her to become SF only for the well-​to-​do. This is a wonderful city.

I love my town. The weather alone is enough for tourists to come from near and far. Visit to make your own opinion.

***Hella Oaklandish***
Could be a 5 star review if there didnt seem to be a stronge move towards a form of gentrification in Oakland going on, making it difficult for «originals» to comfortably afford to buy or rent in Oakland. I cant see myself paying an arm, leg, 3 fingers, a knee cap and both eye lids to comfortably live here in this California economy.
On the Good foot… The Black panther party originated in Oakland in 1966! And if you dont know, it was established to protect the community against injustices (Neighborhood Watch), supporting community programs including feeding those in need, and make the community better and safer #LearnMore. Home of the Raiders, Oakland A’s and the Warriors! Oakland, The O, or Oaktown… its where Im from. The people, culture, and social scene in Oakland is an unforgettable experience. The many people from every background that were born here/​call it home is extremely unique and a true melting pot. From the newly renovated lake areas, art/​landscape, Off the Grid, the blocks, the Oakland Coliseum, the Hyphy movement, foothills, East, West, North, Downtown and the Oakland hills… Oakland is everything. #StopTheLies
High end to everyday people venues and activities blend well here, we get down and shake things up… we dance a little different, some say we gig! Oakland is Swag! Rep yo city, and tell everyone «where you from»
Cheers to Oakland!!!

This city is a mix… A big delicious intoxicating mix of the ‘urban’ and ‘urbane’. Where $ 20 a drink martini bars sit on a ½ empty block. Where huge acts perform in clubs next to homeless centers and ½ way houses. Where the street food served from trucks is some of the best in the country. I have some many memories from here… I love Oakland!

Regarding city of Oakland’s WM contract: Here’s what you DON’T KNOW. For ONE UNPAID GARBAGE BILL, the city can put a lien on your home, evidently with no obligation to notify you. That lien will prevent you from refinancing or even selling your home. On WM’s end, what a wonderful arrangement! WM has no bill collection costs or issues. Either you pay up or the city pays for you, and they slap on lien on the property. I guarantee you may pay up to FOUR TIMES THE ORIGINAL BILL by the end. How? Here’s what happened to me: Lost or forgot to pay ONE 2011 WM BILL of $ 61.89. City paid for me $ 61.89. WM then sends you next bill with zero balance; you’re none the wiser what’s going on. Refinance mortgage in 2016: Title search shows lien for $ 131.89 (how we got to this amt from $ 61.89 is not known). City says I must also pay $ 125 before they will allow me to pay off $ 131.89 lien. To wit, total is $ 256.89, FOUR TIMES THE ORIGINAL BILL. Further history is as property owner, I have lived in the same home for 20 or more years, with no other credit problems. I am NOT a deadbeat etc. Why hasn’t city of Oakland notified me since 2011? Lien dept (238‑7474) says there are «too many liens» to notify everyone. Really? That’s your excuse? You always manage to bill me and receive payment on my property taxes every year. If anyone wants to check for these liens on line, go to
, find Clerk-​Recorders Office.
I’ll try to update this review as I’m afraid it’s possible the bill-​padding with Oakland hasn’t stopped with the story above. Just read another complaint that mentions a $ 50 Demand Letter (what they call the hoop just to have the privilege of paying lien off) and a $ 60 fee to remove the lien. That might then total me at $ 366.89, possibly SIX TIMES the original bill. Now I realize why they both love the arrangement: WM no bill collection; Oakland creates a new stream of income.

I am unsure what we pay the people that work for the city of Oakland (PD, Parking enforcement, public works, and all in between) for.
I need to be getting raped or murdered in order for a response from police (thankfully only everything else has happened so far).
People can pull out a mattress and sleep on my sidewalk at their leisure I recently found out. As well, my street has become a public RV parking ground-​how was I the last to know?
Oakland is a growing city with lots of culture-​which is what I love. It’s just a shame it’s backbone is a piece of rotting putrid festering shit. Every. Single. Disc. :-(
Hopefully Oakland will start electing public officials that address the needs of paying RESIDENTS, and homeless alike… one day.

Impression of me preparing to attend an event in Oakland at night:
«I’m not thrilled they set this in Oakland. There could be legitimate reasons, but Oakland’s– and I don’t like to simplistically vilify an entire city– but Oakland’s a horrible place.»

This review is specific to the city of Oakland staff at the Business Tax Office. I had just 3 questions about business licenses and this women Trudy Henry was the rudest douche bag ever. Fits right in with classic Oakland BS.

Unethical tricky parking ticket practices which includes deception about mailing a correspondence and hiking up the rate for delayed response.
Study about cities across the country working to increase their budget by overburdening its citizens is very true about Oakland

#99
I really was never quite sure what the bad rap for Oakland was all about. I moved here after Hurricane Katrina with absolutely nothing. I knew no one here and had no family anywhere close (Chicago would be the closest relative I had). I had never been here before and my only purpose was to complete my degree in Berkeley.
I found a wonderfully affordable place on Lake Merritt with a friendly staff and a parking space. The plus was that I finally knew I had a community to belong to after losing my whole world in the hurricane.
I would walk around the lake to the downtown area each day, and started frequenting different spots and meeting people. I was so impressed by the west cost hospitality that I received in the City of Oakland. Yes, I will always miss the south, mostly the food, but I love Oakland.
I have made this city my home. In less than 10 short years I feel like I have lived here all my life. The people, the food, the nightlife – it is all so spectacular. No one is overly pretentious. Everyone belongs – from the normal to the crazy. I love Oakland.
Stephani Smiles for the City of Oakland ;)

Oakland reminds me of what San Francisco used to be like: authentic, artistic, eclectic, creative, diverse.
Unfortunately, it is starting to become what San Francisco is now: an overpriced scene catering to hipster and techie clones.

A lot of posters have already mentioned Oakland’s negatives ad nauseam, so for my 850^th review I thought I’d balance things out with a positive, more realistic perspective.
I’d lived in the Bay Area for several years before venturing into Oakland with any frequency. I’m glad I finally did. Despite all the negative headlines, as well as many continuing areas for improvement, what I found in Oakland was a lively, welcoming restaurant and bar scene, a thriving cultural scene, as well as truly welcoming people from all socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life. I began to appreciate how unique Oakland is in the Bay Area because of its vibrancy and diversity, and I’m glad to call Oakland home now as a first-​time homeowner.
There’s a strong sense of community, pride, and spirit here. People get to know each other on a first-​name basis, are open to new ideas, are passionate about social issues, and are committed to working together to make things better. I saw this personally in last year’s mayoral race, where, over the course of the year, people showed up en masse to hundreds of public forums and private house parties across the city to hear from over 15 candidates. Despite the fact that there were so many candidates, the debate was largely civil and issues-​oriented. I was seriously impressed at how many voters paid attention to the race and were willing to engage in positive, collaborative discussions about our city’s future. Under our new mayor, Libby Schaaf, things are looking up, and I’m proud to count her and many people I’ve met as friends on a first-​name basis.
Indeed, Oakland is a big-​enough place where you can enjoy all the amenities of a large, diverse city without being lost in the shuffle as another «number.» You really do get to be an integral part of a vibrant, positive community here. While there are many lingering issues that need to be resolved, things are nevertheless looking up for Oakland. Instead of dwelling on Oakland’s shortcomings, I invite folks to be a part of the change. Come over, experience all that makes Oakland special, and be a true, constructive part of a city on the rise.

I’ve had to deal with the City of Oakland government rather a lot as a new resident. Having moved before, I expected this would be an extremely painful experience, and it was at times, but overall, it’s been a wonderful experience. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? It does to me, but it’s true.
I’m a fan in large part because of a small number in the header of the website. It says, «For Assistance» and gives the number 510−444-CITY.
CALL THIS NUMBER to get all the information you need about where to call (with precise details like, «dial NNN-​NNN-​NNNN, then choose ‘i’ for English, and then ‘7’ to speak to a person»), or where to go (again with great directions and even parking info), what to bring (in detail), and generally, what the overall process is to e.g., get a residential parking permit, etc.
The person who answers this line must be a saint. He’s always cheerful. Always pleasant. Always helpful. And he gives a personal face to the City government.
As a new resident, I can say without hesitation that whoever it is who answers this line has saved me hours of time and made me feel uplifted — by a person in the government. Not something I’d have expected but there you have it.
Thanks, Oakland.

Waiting for any official, planning or building is a nightmare. As an architect, This is the worst place to deal with…

Ok. So let me just admit that Oakland is not my favorite place to come to but its only because people give it a bad name that what it really is.
Ranked as the 5^th most desirable destination to visit this year in The New York Times, Oakland is buzzing with art, culture and cuisine unique to America’s most diverse populace. The 8^th largest city in California and 3^rd largest city in San Francisco Bay Area this city comes with tons of transportation and lovely attractions.
Downtown Oakland– Is known for their night life and is usually the place to be during the 1^st Friday of each month. Nightlife includes: dive bars, dance clubs, modern lounges and jazz bars.
They are also known for the Oakland A’s, Oakland Raiders and Golden State Warriors.
Beautiful parks and recreations are also in this lovely city, such as:
~Joaquin Miller Park
~Lake Merritt
~Mosswood Park
School & Colleges:
~Oakland’s three largest public high schools are:
~ Oakland High School
~Oakland Technical High School
~ Skyline High School.
There are several private high schools including the secular The College Preparatory School and Head-​Royce School, and the Catholic Bishop O’Dowd High School, Holy Names High School and St. Elizabeth High School
Colleges and universities include:
~Laney College
~Merritt College
~Holy Names University (formerly Holy Names College)
~Mills College
Overall, Oakland is a great city with many places to visit. It’s a must come to city to explore if you are in the Bay Area.

Great experience. I finally saw 1 piece of California that’s talked about. Enjoyed my time here

Growing up, have you ever felt like that outcast, the one that everyone pretty much never cared for, or the one that always seemed to be overlooked? The one that didn’t have the latest or the greatest; the type of style that was kind of off and even a bit awkward.
Well… I went through that phase and I know some of you can relate. Frizzy hair, crooked teeth, stuttering, shyness, horrible acne, geeky laugh, hand me down clothes and shoes, and embarrassing old skool parents who would send me to school with a plastic Food 4 Less bag with my lunch inside.
Pardon me as I pity myself as I temporarily walk through memory lane.
*whimpers* Now Michael will NEVERRRRRR notice me!!!
So, we’ve all had those moments where we felt like the ugly duckling.
Well I’m here to tell you how Oakland is changing that stigma of being that ugly duckling.
Most associate the city of Oakland to violence, crime, ghetto folks, poverty, guns, gangstas, wannabe bougies, and scary Oakland Raider fans. Yeahhhh there’s some truth to it, but boy oh boy does this city need to be recognized for the beauty that it does have.
Oakland is ABSOLUTELY rich in history. Oakland became a city in March of 1854. From that point on, Oakland has undergone massive evolvement from being a predominantly industrial city to now becoming a ranking heavy-​hitter as one of the «coolest» cities to visit in the United States. In 2013, Oakland garnered the number 1 spot as America’s most exciting cities.
And I’m not talking about getting shot up or participating in riots, folks.
Oakland is a beautifully diverse city… And despite what the stereotypes may be, the demographics are largely consisting of Caucasians, Latinos and Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians; ethnically rated as the 4^th most diverse city in the US. What with Chinatown, the Coliseum, the stunning Morman Temple, trendy Lake Merritt, wealthy Oakland Hills, Chabot Space and Science Center, Holy Names University, Samuel Merritt University, and even Jack London Square, to name a few. Oakland also boasts one of the best transit systems in the Bay Area next to San Francisco.
Heck. even Tom Hanks is associated to Oakland Skyline High School. TOM friggin HANKS! If that isn’t cool, I don’t know what is. *Swooooooon*
I can go on and on about the new shops, restaurants, boutiques, bakeries, the sustainable practices, and culture and museums, but it’s evident how «up and coming» this city is by the way the people and its residents are showing love and pride for Oakland on a day to day basis.
So yeah, ugly duckling we may start off as, but I can definitely tell you that Oakland, in its own original beauty, is quickly becoming a swan.
By the way, I still rock my frizzy hair.
Don’t haaaaate.

Unlike San Francisco, Oakland’s glory does not rest on it’s landmarks. Oakland’s glory rests on it’s personality with their two major league sports teams, their willingness to have communities centered on stinky Lake Merritt and everyday shops from the early 20^th century still operating. They take care of their Paramount Theater with full-​fledged pride and they never forget their waterfront. Oakland would even be a great place to live even if god forbid, the Peninsula sunk into the ocean.
Everything from suburban settings to skyscrapers dot Oakland. Oddly enough, Oakland still manages to feel equal parts suburban, urban and a bit rural, while still being just a co-​player in a larger metropolitan area. They have so much to do and there is an ability to have a white existence despite what hip hop culture tells you. However, they tolerate hip hop culture because tolerance is the name of the game in Oakland. You can drive to or take a bus to what’s not in your neighborhood. Emeryville and San Leandro provide plenty of big box shopping.
What’s interesting about Oakland is that the good and bad neighborhoods are like polka dots. Downtown and the Lake Merrit area is nice but the Uptown is filled with office buildings. You have little parks all over downtown and the breeze is something special. In the north, Rockridge is nicer than the often stretched out and polluted Temescal neighborhood.
Oakland residents need not explain their city in terms of its location to San Francisco. And on the economic whole, the tech industry driven prosperity both in Oakland and nearby can remove all kinds of doubt.

I’ve worked in downtown Oakland for 15 years now but live in S.F. because I was fortunate to be able to afford a house before prices became completely insane.
PROS:
* Good restaurants downtown
* Lake Merritt is a nice walk and a break from work (don’t go after dark, though, I know someone who was hit from behind with a baseball bat while trying to run the lake at night).
* Some interesting architecture and older buildings
* Good weather most of the time
CONS:
* It’s *really* dirty. Broadway and Telegraph Avenues are kind of gross. Lots of empty storefronts.
* You HAVE TO pay to keep your car in a garage or it *will* get broken into or stolen
* Several people I work with have been robbed on the street in broad daylight. I’m a big guy and carry a taser so am not really afraid but it’s pretty messed up to have to walk around with a taser to feel safe in the City where you work.
* At least three times a year the city will be trashed by people protesting something or other. After the first couple times, you don’t even pay attention to what they’re protesting.
* Jack London Square is pretty sad as a «tourist attraction». I wouldn’t bring my grandma there.
In short, if you have to go to Oakland for work then there are things to like about it, but if you don’t have to go there then there’s really no reason to make the trip.

Oh boy, Oakland. I live here, so that almost demands five stars by itself despite its faults.
I’ve spent time in many of the East Bay cities on both sides of the hill, and for me, only Berkeley and Oakland have a strong character to them.
I’ve been here 3 years, and moved twice in Oakland, most recently to Rockridge, which works extremely well for me. I love the diversity and also that it’s so central to everywhere else in the East Bay, and for that matter, much of the rest of the Bay Area.
I couldn’t name any one thing about Oakland that gives it so much appeal, it’s definitely an aggregation.

So much negativity arises whenever Oaktown is mentioned and I don’t see why, it holds some of my fondest memories to date. Personally, its better than SF. Sure the city is bussling and has a lot more attractions to it and thats cool if you’re a tourist. Having been here just about a year, I rather head to Oakland over the city. The genre of people is so diversified. The Bay Area in general is, but Oakland stands out inside the Bay for being even more so. The vibe you get while here is one all in its own!
Oakland Museum of California. What an awesome place. The vinyl display was one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced, the concept fit the area perfect. So much music history (rap) dates back to the town. Theres too much to even get into, its mind-​boggling! The Giant Robot exhibit was awesome too, it shed lots of light as to its history on me.
Half mile down the road lies beautiful Lake Merritt, on any given day you can find yoga classes in session, joggers, family picnics, lovers hand in hand enjoying the scenery.
College and Telegraph are the main bar and club streets, very short walk from the infamous 19^th street BART station.
Im aware SF Chinatown is 2^nd only to China. I agree completely, but I would much rather come to Oaklands Chinatown any day. Its way less crowded, almost not at all and the food I’ve had is right there next to that of SF’s. Shan Dong, my favorite Chinese restaurant to date lies here and right out front is what appears to be Jack Burtons truck from Big Trouble in Little China. I guess all the movie props the world forgot about get shipped to rot away here.
Jack London Sq, another awesome spot in Oakland, full of life, good food and drink. Sure, all places have their problems and trouble areas, but you can’t just shut that place out and forget about it. Live life, come to Oakland. If you lose it here, it was meant to be, its not the towns fault. Stay in your lane and you’ll be fine.
ATT Park is gorgeous, yes. Come to an A, s game, or a Warriors game and see what life is all about. Party with real people, down to earth folk.
I Hella love Oakland!

As a city, Oakland doesn’t do very well. Its finances are a mess; its mayor is a royal mess; its police force is brutal, poorly run, understaffed, and just plain bad.
As a community, Oakland does remarkably well with the resources it and its citizens have. The restaurants and bars are really cool. I’m not just saying that as an underdog cheerleader or as someone who enjoyed himself at Jack London Square this one time in 2004. Oakland’s restaurants are always pleasantly surprising me, although I shouldn’t be surprised anymore. The people who live here tend to be nicer than their San Francisco counterparts, and there’s just this really nice mix of ethnicities and ages, especially around Uptown and Lake Merritt. There’s lots of BART access, and the airport is way less of a hassle than SFO.
The crime situation, especially in East and West Oakland, is dire. There’s just no way around that. The entire city suffers because of this, as the police are stretched very thin. Many Oakland residents have told me that calling 911 in any part of the city is kind of a waste. I don’t know that I’d want to raise a family here, but then I tend to be more paranoid than most people, especially people who grew up in the Bay Area.
I like the A’s. I’m not a fan, but I like the team and the way it is run. Compared to the Giants and even the Santa Clara 49ers, the A’s are much more representative of their city, its attitude, and its people. I hope the A’s stay put. It would be a shame for Oakland to lose yet another sports team, especially to a horrible place like San Jose. (Sorry, San Jose – OK, just kidding, I’m not sorry.)

good news or bad? Im still a resident