Dimond District in Oakland

Small business owners who are committed to the community where they run their business are such an asset to any city.

In Oakland, the Dimond District has gone through many ups and downs from its original settlers, to the Spanish land owners, to the orchard owners and beer makers who made this their home, to the mixed bag that was the last decade and finally to the rejuvenated, lively atmosphere the Dimond is today.

Tepper’s was one of the German beer gardens that were frequent weekend attractions for wealthy San Franciscans… there’s a lot of history in these hills, learn more from this guy, he’s a treasure chest of info and can even point out structures or partial structures that date back to the area’s early days. If you want more history, I wrote this article (although it was changed a lot by the editors) on the occasion of the first annual Oaktoberfest.

It is still a work in progress, but the scene at the main intersection of the neighborhood, Fruitvale Avenue and MacArthur Boulevard, with its new light fixtures, park benches, solar trash compactors, and upgraded crosswalks represent genuine positive change, and a great amount of effort.

Just a few years ago there were empty storefronts lining the blocks, intermingled with businesses owned by people on a mission to improve their neighborhood. The determination was to make a place where people who have lived for generations can afford to, and be included in, the growth of their community into a safer, more economically-sustainable place. Head to Dimond today and you’ll see signs of that success everywhere, from the Halloween pet costume contest at Paws n Claws to the smell of fresh baked criossants wafting from Dimond Cafe’s ovens in the early morning.

This is what can be when people work together in a commendable way. There are authentic Thai, Mexican, Japanese and Indian restaurants. The businesses are owned by people from many backgrounds, with varying business models (ranging from glamorous bakery La Farine to High Hat Cleaners, a green dry cleaners). Goals were aligned. Similarities listed. Differences of opinion addressed. Dimond Improvement Association founded. I wasn’t there, but I was once I lifeguard at the Lions Pool and had a daily adventures around Dimond. I watched closely at what was transpiring, and continue to. Without a huge state budget, and limited city funds, the community made a lot possible with patience and perseverance. And this isn’t sugar-coated.

Even though it took seven years to get those new streetlights, they are here now. Community events in the Dimond are booming, helped along by a few key locals, like recent council member candidate Daniel Swafford, who was one of the founders of Oaktoberfest. Oakland’s new Mayor (signed in January 2011) Jean Kuan affected great positive change in the neighborhood. It is stories like these, even in broad strokes, which can inspire real positive change in communities. It isn’t easy. It is a constant process, but something any visitor to Dimond can enjoy today.

My recommendations? Coffee and a croissant or scone at Dimond Cafe (free WiFi there to boot!), produce perusal at Farmer Joe’s, slice of cake to go at La Farine, doggie and kitty goodies at Paws n Claws, burritos at Los Comales, a dip in the pool at Lions Pool, and a new-to-you outfit at consignment shop The Bargain Store. And don’t forget about all those annual events!

Good Idea

Think about where your trash is going. That can you got from Los Comales? The wrapper from a treat at La Farine? Put it in the nifty solar trash compactors along Fruitvale Avenue. They use solar energy to compact the trash, and have various compartments for metal, paper, and true trash. I’ve seen these babies in Philadelphia too, but they aren’t everywhere… Keep your eye out, and if you don’t have a way to recycle a recyclable, bring it with you until there’s a reliable place to put it.

Deets

Dimond neighborhood is located in the Oakland Hills, off the Fruitvale Blvd. exit of the 580, or by taking AC Transit bus 11, 20 or 21. The main intersection is at Fruitvale and MacAruthur Blvds. My favorite reading and info sites for Dimond District info:

• www.dimondoakland.org/
• www.dimondnews.org/
• shopdimond.com/