East Bay history podcast that gathers, shares & celebrate stories from Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond and other towns throughout Alameda and Contra Costa... more
Anyone who has ever driven on 880 and noticed that there appears to be ancient brick walls closing in on... more
Since the dawn of the smartphone era, everybody has carried a camera with them at all times. If anything, there... more
Despite being one of Oakland’s most iconic buildings, the history of the Fox Theater is filled with unsolved mysteries. In... more
About 20 years ago, Joey Santore went from illegally riding freight trains across the country to working as a “train... more
“Contrary to popular belief, most Native American people in the United States live in urban areas and not reservations.” Those... more
Many communities in the East Bay’s flatlands are built in areas that were either wetlands or completely underwater less than... more
Although Oakland has one of the highest concentrations of lesbians in the country, the history—and impact—of this community is relatively... more
Idora Park was much more than just the largest amusement park that ever existed in Oakland. Developed by real estate... more
Before the 1960s, coffee was a faceless commodity: hot brown beanwater with caffeine. Alfred Peet began a revolution in America’s... more
The 16th Street Station was built in 1912 to serve as the western depot for Southern Pacific’s transcontinental railroad. For... more
In 1949, a group of pacifists launched America’s first listener-supported radio station. Despite government repression, infighting, and countless financial crises,... more
With the weather warming up, now is the perfect time for a deep dive into Lake Merritt (not literally!). First,... more
There’s a small stretch of Oakland’s shoreline unlike any place else. Nestled between the restaurants of Jack London Square and... more
It would be easy to overlook the significance of Indian Rock and Mortar Rock, two relatively modest outcroppings located in... more
After spending more than three decades working in the underground economy, Titus Lee Barnes compiled his stunning stories of “the... more
Emeryville is a tiny town – less than 2 square miles. It’s nestled between Oakland and Berkeley, right at the... more
In 1970, Dr. Marcus Foster was hired as the first Black superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District. Widely recognized... more
When Oakland’s most prominent graveyard celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2015, SF Gate honored the occasion with this description: “There... more
19-year-old Laura Brown started the Oakland Feminist Women’s Health Center in 1972. In the early days, Laura would answer the... more
These days the East Bay’s waterfront is lined with parks, restored wetlands, marinas, and beaches, but for most of the... more
It would be easy to overlook the significance of Indian Rock and Mortar Rock, two relatively modest outcroppings located in the Berkeley... more