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My partner and I (couple in our early 40s, no kids) are in Oakland and we're looking to do a day-trip tomorrow (Saturday). We have a car but we'd prefer something pretty close (say, 60-90 min drive max) and that will give us a chance to enjoy the outdoors but probably is not a straight-up hike. Thanks!
posted by Conrad Cornelius o'Donald o'Dell around Oakland, CA at 2:50 PM - 16 answers

I'm picking up a friend at Oakland Airport in a few days. I'd like to take her to a coffeeshop or somewhere else that we can hang out for 3 hours till we go back to pick up another friend. Can you recommend a place that will be open through 5 PM, is within a 15-20 minute drive (even Alameda), is a comfortable place with wifi and coffee, has parking, and has some character? (She's new to the West Coast and it'd be nice to hang out in something other than a Starbucks if possible.)
posted by wintersweet around Oakland, CA at 7:39 PM - 13 answers

Where should we go for our babymoon that is driving distance from the SF Bay Area? [more inside]
posted by ruhroh around Oakland, CA at 6:12 PM - 9 answers

In October, I am planning a visit to the Bay Area that will include an evening show in Mountain View and a weekday at the Oakland Zoo. I will fly into SFO and rent a car. Where should I stay? [more inside]
posted by soelo around Oakland, CA at 2:27 PM - 10 answers

I’m considering a job that’ll significantly increase my commute. I live a block from the 12th St. Oakland station and currently take BART two stops to Embarcadero. Very easy. The potential new job is steps from the Palo Alto Caltrain station, which would mean my commute ups to: 12th St. to Millbrae on BART, then Millbrae to Palo Alto via Caltrain. This looks to be about 1.5hrs each way… minimum. [more inside]
posted by homesickness around Oakland, CA at 10:22 AM - 31 answers

What is the cheapest place in the East Bay (or beyond) to cut and program a key for my 2012 Honda Civic? [more inside]
posted by crazy with stars around Oakland, CA at 6:24 PM - 5 answers

Calling Bay Area residents, how effed up is traffic going to be this weekend? [more inside]
posted by hellameangirl around Oakland, CA at 6:17 PM - 10 answers

Coming in from out of town, and aiming at the Dublin/Pleasanton station. [more inside]
posted by notned around Oakland, CA at 1:47 PM - 11 answers

I'm getting gifts for my wedding party and I'm having trouble picking something for my friend who just moved to Oakland. Could y'all recommend good Oakland-based gifts for under $100? Thanks! [more inside]
posted by vakker around Oakland, CA at 9:00 AM - 6 answers

I will be in Pleasanton Tues and Wed and will have a bit of time, but sadly no car - what could/should I do with myself? [more inside]
posted by UMDirector around Oakland, CA at 2:48 PM - 10 answers

Taking the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Jack London Sq., but want to take the ferry to Pier 41 where I have a hotel waiting. But I've got luggage. Can I bring it on the ferry? No information on official site. Please help. Thanks so much! [more inside]
posted by itsjustcarlo around Oakland, CA at 4:16 PM - 11 answers

I'm considering selling my car and transitioning from using my car for most tasks (groceries, commuting to work, seeing friends, etc) to using mostly my bicycle for these same things. I plan to also get an "occasional" Zip car membership as well. Has anyone out there gone through this process? How was that transition for you and do you have any concrete advice for someone like me who is thinking about this pretty big shift in changing modes of transportation? [more inside]
posted by ethel around Oakland, CA at 6:53 PM - 28 answers

Google maps and 511 were inaccurate for oakland's ac transit this morning. What service should I use for an accurate schedule? [more inside]
posted by crazy with stars around Oakland, CA at 9:58 AM - 9 answers

I'm spending all next week in Oakland, CA. Help me get an art-y, fixed-gear, artisanal taste of this city on the make. [more inside]
posted by sureshot around Oakland, CA at 3:01 PM - 11 answers

Occupy Oakland: Are we safe going to Oakland's Fox Theater on Sunday evening? It's at 19th & Telegraph. [more inside]
posted by wnissen around Oakland, CA at 9:43 AM - 12 answers

What are some cheap and interesting ways to spend 2-3 weeks without a home in and around the Bay Area? (examples: camping, retreats in redwood forest, etc). [more inside]
posted by fake around Oakland, CA at 2:34 PM - 11 answers

Need advice on motels or hotels near Mills College in Oakland, CA. [more inside]
posted by janerica around Oakland, CA at 5:16 PM - 8 answers

I'm making a last minute trip to Oakland tomorrow and I need a place to stay. [more inside]
posted by Space Kitty around Oakland, CA at 11:43 AM - 7 answers

What information do you consider essential to being a resident in Oakland? This isn't just a "which neighborhoods are safe/ghetto" question (although I'd like to hear about that, too), I'm also wondering about things like the cost of utilities, how cold does it get in the winter/hot does it get in the summer, local events and attractions like Art Murmur, how efficient AC Transit is (I don't drive or ride a bike so I'll be relying pretty heavily on public transit and my own two feet), how important is it to rent a parking space, and anything else you wish you'd known before moving to Oakland. [more inside]
posted by foulowl around Oakland, CA at 3:31 PM - 24 answers

I'm staying in Berkeley and catching a late flight out of Oakland on my last day. I'd like to stash my bag for the day but the airport left luggage service has closed due to their remodel. I've found a past discussion of SFO options but was curious whether anyone had east bay recommendations or tips for BART-convenient storage in downtown San Francisco since I'm likely to spend the day there and won't be anywhere near SFO
posted by adamsc around Oakland, CA at 9:13 PM - 2 answers