 |
A well-loved family owned business operating in Oakland since
1944, La Boriñquena makes incredible tamales and uses local and
small businesses for vendors and suppliers. They give extra food to
the New Bridge Foundation as well as donate gift certificates and
food to many local schools.
|
 |
Design Action provides graphic design and visual communications
for grassroots community groups, nonprofits, activist organizations
and sustainable businesses and artists. They “represent the idea
of Oakland — a diverse staff, a worker-owned cooperative,
and graphic design services for many Oakland and Bay Area
activist organizations.”
|
 |
Farmer Joe’s is a grocery store specializing in organic and natural
products to serve the Oakland community; they stock local
products whenever possible. One nominator notes that they
“helped revitalize both the Dimond and Laurel commercial
districts, and offer great food too.”
|
 |
Swarm is a new art gallery that includes studio space for local
artists. Visitors can view exhibits as well as the works in progress
in the studios. A lively gathering place for lectures, exhibits, artist
workshops, and other events, they bring “a level of professionalism
to Oakland’s art scene.”
Ironworks District
510/839 2787 (ARTS) • www.swarmstudios.net |
 |
Play Café provides a safe, imaginative play place where children
can play while parents can relax, socialize, and eat a healthy meal.
The café has brought new foot traffic into Oak Knoll, and uses
local supplies and services, including Numi & David Rio Teas, Cafe
Fanny, and more.
|
 |
Nomad Café is an Alameda County certified Green Business that
serves Fair Trade organic coffees and teas. They are “zero waste
over the counter” and divert 95% of their waste from landfills.
It’s a “green business leader dedicated to art, community and the
Earth” and “Helps others go green, too!”
|
 |
Galen Peterson – Youth Empowerment Award (Artist)
Galen is an artist, musician, and music producer who a started a
free recording studio where hundreds of troubled youth have a
safe place to learn music production, make friends, and gain self
esteem. He is “a true unsung hero in West Oakland for his
work saving kids from the streets by engaging them in a music
training program.”
|
 |
McGrath Properties – Youth Empowerment Award (Business)
McGrath Properties is a real estate company that renovates
underutilized properties. Founder Terry McGrath personally
provides 3 large scholarships annually to West Oakland students,
and Community Outreach Rep. Melissa Buss leads intensive
after-school programs helping students to develop academically,
improve their literacy, and become student advocates.
|
 |
Entrez! is a colorful, contemporary new home store, showcasing
gifts, home accessories, sustainably produced items, and
Oakland goodies (e.g., Grass Roots guides, sitcom furniture, and
Creighton’s candles). Owner Marie Deleris is a true dynamo
in the community, organizing Telegraph afternoons, French
conversations nights, and Halloween carving parties.
|
 |
B is a popular California cuisine restaurant that lovingly restored
the historic LaSalle hotel; its presence has helped revitalize
Old Oakland. Chefs use locally-farmed, organic produce often
purchased from the Old Oakland Farmer’s Market. They support
local schools and organizations, including the Bread Project and
Wardrobe for Opportunity.
|
 |
Tumis – San Antonio Dynamo
Tumis is a nationally-recognized design firm that chose to locate in
East Oakland because they believe in investing and participating in
the political landscape of their community. They have participated
in hundreds of projects challenging racism, classism, homophobia,
sexism, and corporate irresponsibility.
East Oakland/San Antonio • 510/532 8267 • www.tumis.com |
 |
Laurel True is a mosaic goddess who is inspired by “publicly
accessible art, and people tapping into their own creativity.” She
founded the first mosaic education and resource center in the
country, and started the Jingletown Arts and Business Community.
She has transformed Jingletown by covering it with radiant mosaics!
|
 |
AVC specializes in digital video production, editing, transferring,
and online video posting. Owner Stu Sweetow regularly donates
his services and time to help the community. A nominator
commented that Stu’s efforts and humble attitude “make the
neighborhood and city better places.”
|
 |
Paws & Claws is a Natural Pet Food Store opened by Dimond
residents Ruth Villasenor and Diane Pfile. A nominator says it all:“[They] set the bar for businesses and community involvement.
They support all aspects of a healthy neighborhood; art,
environment, progressive growth, people, and fun.”
|
 |
L’Amyx Tea – Piedmont Ave. Dynamo
L’Amyx is a contemporary Asian tea room that offers over
80 premium whole leaf teas as well as salads, sandwiches, and
desserts. They are active in local business groups, sponsor dozens
of events and fund raisers throughout the year, and provide space
to local artists and musicians.
Piedmont (and now Lakeshore) • 510/593 8896 • www.lamyx.com |
 |
The Parkway is community-oriented movie theater and restaurant
with a playbill as eclectic as the menu. They host a variety of
fundraisers for local grass-roots organizations. One nominator
noted this is “The place that all Oaklandites miss and talk about
when they go away.”
|
 |
Tumble & Tea is an indoor play park for families and a café with “Awesomely great organic food.” As well as being a play space for
kids under 5, it is also a community gathering center for Temescal’s
diverse families. Whenever possible, they work with families of
limited income to trade services for memberships.
|
 |
Komodo Toys – Laurel Dynamo
Komodo Toys specializes in the coolest toys, gifts, & Japanese
anime. They host youth tournaments and “Ditch Your Kids
Day,” and send care packages to Troops overseas. They focus on
developing business, communication, and life skills for the youth in
the neighborhood and lead countless neighborhood improvement
organization and programs.
Laurel • 510/482 5921 |
 |
Royal Jewelz designs and creates beautiful custom and off-the-shelf
clothing and jewelry. Co-owner Quela Mikell helped lead the
revitalization of 17th Street through façade improvements, street
fairs, a merchant phone tree, and a commitment to sharing ideas
with neighbors. And… as “Santa Mama” for SOBO’s holiday event!
SOBO – South of Broadway, Oakland • 510/893 2323 www.soboshops.com |
 |
The Gingerbread House is an Oakland Institution. A fancifullydecorated
restaurant famous for its southern recipes by mama
T.J. (especially the buttery cornbread) and attentive service by her
family, the Gingerbread House brings people from all over the Bay
Area to this neighborhood.
|
 |
Fireside Realty is owned by Mario Juarez, who “grew up in the
neighborhood. When he finished his studies, he came back to the
neighborhood.” Within two years, he had provided jobs to 10
people in the neighborhood. At Fireside’s 2nd anniversary party,
he raffled off $25,000!
|
 |
Ken Katz has sold antiques and collectibles for twenty-five
years – with special interests in art, pottery, and Bay Area history.
He works on crime prevention and the homeless connection in
addition to spearheading efforts to improve Splash Pad Park, which
now hosts the hugely successful Grand Lake Farmers Market.
|
 |
This independent bookstore regularly donates to Oakland
schools, co-sponsors literacy projects, works with the Oakland
Public Library, and serves as a gathering place for the Montclair
community. A nominator tells us the owner has a “great sense of
humor and is a wonderful source of book recommendations for
anyone who visits the store.”
|
