Oakland
Founded in 1852, the City of Oakland is now the 44th largest city in the United States and is one of the most diverse communities in the nation. Situated in the beautiful Bay Area, it is often referred to as the “sunny side of the bay.” It boasts a sparkling shoreline as well as scenic hills. The tourist destinations often include Chabot Space and Science Center, Lake Merritt and the Oakland Zoo. Many of its residents enjoy temperate weather all year long.
The City of Oakland is proud of its ethnic diversity with over 150 languages spoken between its approximately 400,000 residents. This diversity is visible in the rich culture of neighborhoods including Fruitvale, Lower San Antonio, and Chinatown. Much of the economic diversity of Oakland can be attributed to the fact that it posses the fifth largest port in the country. Residents of the city also enjoy three major sports teams including the Golden State Warriors (basketball), Oakland A’s (baseball) and Oakland Raiders (football).
Chinatown
Commonly referred to as “Oakland Chinatown” to distinguish it from neighboring San Francisco Chinatown, Chinatown has been a vital part of Oakland since the 1850s. One of the oldest Chinatowns in North America, the community served as a cultural center for Chinese Americans displaced from San Francisco following the 1906 earthquake. This pan-Asian community is the home of many Oakland residents with roots in Chinese, Cambodian, Japanese, Korean, Lao, the Filipino, Thai, Vietnamese, Mien, and other cultures. With 8th Street and Center Street at the heart of the community, this commercial district is supported by hundreds of local merchants who help generate sales tax revenue for the city of Oakland.
Fruitvale Neighborhood
The Greater Fruitvale is a two and a half square mile area bounded by 14th Avenue to the west, the Oakland Estuary to the south, High Street to the east and Interstate 580 to the north. Home to approximately 48,000 residents, Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood is the most densely populated neighborhood in the city, housing 12% of Oakland’s total population.
Moreover, Fruitvale boasts the most racially, ethnically and culturally diverse population in Oakland. Despite the significant economic challenges facing the district, Fruitvale is now looked upon as a neighborhood with a booming economic future. Home and property owners have experiences a high increase in property value. In addition, work by community groups like the Unity Council has brought hundreds of jobs to the area through the Fruitvale Village development. Strong partnerships have been forged between local residents, business owners, and community organizations in order to revitalize the Fruitvale Neighborhood and create a viable business community.
San Antonio and Lower Hills
Three distinct communities make up this dynamic residential and commercial area. Buildings from original pioneer towns are mingled with early 20th century and post-WWII development. The San Antonio neighborhood is among the most ethnically diverse areas in the country. This diversity is also reflected in a rich businss mix offering cuisine, cultural activities, and goods from around the world. The Lower Hills, which include Grand/Lakeshore and Glenview, are known for architectural character, strong neighborhood identity, and successful pedestrian-oriented shopping districts.
City of Oakland (official site)
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland Chamber of Commerce
Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau
**To view a list of funds allocated for California's 9th Congressional District through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, please click here.
Events Calendar
Visit the events calendar for a complete listing of upcoming events in the district.
