The north end of the lake can get pretty stagnant so hosts two fountains.

One right next to the bandshell.

And another down at the very northernmost and stinkiest part of the entire lake. There's a nice little overlook and bench to rest on, but it's rarely cold enough that the smell goes away.

The veteran's building at Grand and Harrison has fancy dancing on Saturday nights. I'm going to go learn to fox trot with the old folks one of these days.

FACT! None of the original trees for which Oakland is named still exist. Every last one of them (and to hear tell, there were a lot) was cut down for lumber during the various boom periods. The red tag is the bad tag; it means they're cutting it down to make room for more concrete. (Kaiser building, 20th and Harrison.)

I don't know exactly what they do here but I sure do like that logo.

The lake may be our jewel, but Gold Teeth Master is our pride and joy.

I. Magnin closed down ages ago. I wasn't too sad; all they had was overpriced matronwear, and as long as the building's still standing...

(10th and Broadway.)

The Warriors' practice space is up there. I don't know what that thing jutting out it, but I assume it's either decorative or used to dangle unmotivated players from. (10th and Washington.)

Taylor's at Swan's has the best chorizo anywhere. If you like the boudin blanc or links, they've got that too. Caveat: super long lines preceding holidays and on Friday afternoons.

Abraham the fish purveyor at Swan's told me how old he is. I don't remember the exact age, but he's jaw-droppingly old and looks at least 20 years shy of it. He works at his market six days a week then tends to his watermelon farm on his day off. He's been just about everywhere and done just about everything, including playing with the Harlem Globetrotters. He's an old flirt, so be sure to say hi, but watch out if his girlfriend's around.

It's that stupid Shorenstein building again. I hate everything it stands for but it's so cute and shiny when it's reflecting the fluffy clouds behind the old Chinese herbalist's.

One of the many antennae on my roof. I keep meaning to string a wire from our TV up to one, but our reception's pretty good already.

My corner. The air raid siren that goes off once a month is in the foreground. You don't ever want to hear anything that loud suddenly start blaring, because it will either put the fear of god right in your or scare him right out, depending on your current proclivitiies. And Chabot Observatory used to be in that park right there. (next: a bunch pictures of one sunset)