The Forgotten City This paper will discuss the many unique aspects of Oakland, California. Divided into five major parts, Oakland is a very diverse city. The five major parts include: Downtown Oakland which is located in the heart of the city, East Oakland which consists of the majority of the city, West Oakland, North Oakland, and the Oakland hills where the terrain is quite different from other parts of the city. While many may perceive the population to mainly consist of African Americans and Whites, there is a significant growing population of Latinos, and Asians. The topics covered in this paper will shed light on the city of Oakland itself, and discuss the unique city that it is. I will also give my personal experience and perception on the city, after living there for 16 years of my life. History In historical terms the city of Oakland was named after the many Oak trees that inhabited the land when the city was established. Oakland was first founded in 1852 and is located on the East side of the Bay Area in Northern California.(Oakland History) Native Americans had previously lived in the area for over 5 thousand years before many arrived for the Gold Rush, and put down their roots.
The famous author Jack London also spent many of his earlier years in Oakland, and his works have said to have been influenced by the city. My personal perception of Oakland is that it has always been the forgotten city in the Bay Area. Almost no one would notice that famous actors Clint Eastwood, and Tom Hanks spent many of their childhood days in the city. Basketball future hall of famers Gary Payton and Jason Kidd also spent their childhood days there. Baseball hall of famers Reggie Jackson and Ricky Henderson still own homes in the city. In modern times Oakland is known as the main metropolitan city in the East Bay. The city possesses 3 professional sports teams, which have a population of just below 400,000. Oakland is also the 3rd largest metropolitan city in the Bay Area behind San Jose, and San Francisco.( Encyclopedia Britannica ) The city mayor is the ex Governor of California Jerry Brown.
The Term Paper on Early Mission system in California
Although the settlement of California did not begin until 1769, forces were at work only the year after the first voyage of Columbus, which ultimately brought Spanish missionaries to the Golden State of today. In 1493 Pope Alexander VI drew an arbitrary line on the map which was to divide the spheres of interest of Spain and Portugal, and declared that all explorers should be accompanied by &# ...
Located in Alameda County Oakland’s area consists of a total square mileage of 78.2 miles, of which 56.1 miles is land, and the latter consisting of water.( Encyclopedia Britannica ) Oakland also possesses the 3rd largest seaport on the west coast.( Encyclopedia Britannica ) However it has also been overshadowed most notably by the city across the Bay Bridge, which connects the two cities known as San Francisco. To the city’s north lies the unique city of Berkeley which is home to the University Campus of UC Berkley. South of the city lies the island city of Alameda, and San Leandro. Different Neighborhoods in Oakland Oakland has been mainly noted for its public reputation as a high crime city, with a deteriorating education system in the past. However, I believe it is notable that a lot of things have changed throughout the years. Forbes.com quite recently rated Oakland as the 20th safest city in America to live in. While many may still have the perception of the city from the past stuck in their heads, the city has improved immensely from past years.
East Oakland is still home to many lower class African Americans, and some remnants of the black panthers may still be found to this very day. This part of the city is deemed by many to be the heart of the Oakland ghetto. Several famous rappers have come out of this part of the city, most notably Tupac Shakur who spent 9 years of his life with friends and family in this part of town. Rapper Too Short has also become famous and spent his childhood days in this part of the city..
