East Bay Action

Spent the Day in Oakland joining Friends, Loved Ones and Allies in solidarity with the Striking prisoners in the California Department of Corrections system. We had cool weather through the valleys and clear skies by the bay. I was able to listen to the stories of those directly touched by the evil of the Prison Industrial Complex. Witnessing the collateral damage of the "War on Crime", the "War on Drugs" and the class wars puts a sharper edge on the strike for me. here are some of the sights.

Oaksterdam

Went down to the Bay Area for the first time since the move. Had to renew my 215 recommendation and that required a trip. The practice had changed hands since my last visit so I had to renew in person as opposed to through the mail. the highway has changed a lot since my last trip, 2001 and I went across the new bridge spanning the straights, the $4.00 toll seemed a bit excessive.

The clinic was downtown and I found it very easily. The directions I got off the web got me close enough but next time I will take the Bart. I am not a fan of driving in the city unless I have no other choice. I was really disappointed in the scene. I will look for more next time down as I was not feeling well to begin the trip and the exam aggravated my back. There was nothing going on with the exception of a line at the Id store.