Oakland has often been overshadowed by its sibling city across the bay, but that does a disservice to its own fascinatingly rich history. The new book, Hella Town, documents how political deals, economic schemes and technological innovations fueled Oakland’s emergence as the urban heart of the Bay Area, while simultaneously planting the seeds of many of the city’s postwar struggles, including displacement, freeway construction that divided neighborhoods, systemic racism and regional competition. Come hear how Oakland’s buildings, landscapes, booms and busts provide insight into its current conditions: an influx of new residents and businesses, skyrocketing housing costs and a lingering chasm between the haves and have-nots.
Co-presented by the Jack London Improvement District.
+ Mitchell Schwarzer / author; California College of the Arts
+ Ronak Davé Okoye / SPUR