Chapter 18: Hawaii

     This chapter is describing Hawaii. Another chapter talks about a single state. I think one similarity is they both under the danger of earthquake and vocano explosion. The differennce is Hawaii is on the hot spot and California is on divergent boundary.
     Therefore, I will talk about earthquake in my last blog. Mauna Loa, Hawaii, has the largest and one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. According to the article "A volcano in Oakland?-Visit Robert Sibley Volcanic Park in the Oakland Hills", it says There is, however, a(n extinct) volcano within Oakland's city limits, in a park that is little known to those on the coastal plane where most of Oakland's population and workplaces are." There are some rock to prove volcanic activity. Most people do not believe the Bay area has volvanoes but maybe there is a potential one. The earthauake happened a lot in California since it is on divergent boundaries. Here is the California- Nevada Fault Map for San Francisco:

Sources: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqscanv/FaultMaps/San_Francisco.html

              http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/340898/a_volcano_in_oakland_visit_robert_sibley.html?cat=16

Chapter 16:The North Pacific Coast

     In this chapter, it covers part of Oregon and California, Washington, Alaska and BC Province in Canada.
     Big cities like Seattle, Portland and Vancouver are by the sea. However, their climate is very different fome coast city in Californian such as San Francisco, San Diego or Oakland. The North Pacific Coast cities are very cold in winter. They were snowing in winter but San Francisco not. These cities have advantages to trade with Canada. As Oakland is a port city, it has opportunity to trade,too. Oakland is the one of three major ports on the West Coast of the United States. the Port of Oakland is the largest seaport on San Francisco Bay and the fourth busiest container port in the United States.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Shipping

Chapter 15: California

     Finally it moves to California. I could tell California is very important area in the whole United States because in previous chapter it talks about a big area that covers 3-4 states. However, California is a only state the book use a whole chapter to introduce. One thing that I am very disappointing about is Oakland is hardly mentioned in this chapter.
     Since I mentioned all the factors like climate, population, history about Oakland, I will itroduce some attractive place in Bay area. With the exception of Mormon Temple and Lake Merrit, Oakland has not other attractive place to visit. However, its neighborhood city San Francisco has alot of place of interests. Fisherman's Wharf and the Golden Bridge is the must go place. Alcatraz Prison also is a very good place to visit. You could also drive further to the Yosemite National Park to feel the natural power or you could go to napa valley to taste the wine.

 Source: http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/

Chapter 14: The Southwest Board Area

     In this chapter, it talks about history, immigration, cheap labor from Mexico and South America. I will talk about the early settlement and immigration issue in this chapter.
     As I mentioned earlier, Ohlone people lived in Oakland area. They conquered by spanish colonist by 1772. During the World War II, the East Bay Area was home to many war-related industries.Among these were the Kaiser Shipyards in nearby  Richmond. The medical system devised for shipyard workers became the basis for the giant Kaiser Permanente HMO, which has a large medical center at MacArthur and Broadway, the first to be established by Kaiser. Oakland's Moore Dry Dock Companyexpanded its shipbuilding capabilities and built over 100 ships.
     For population, unlike Southern board area, African-American is the main population in Oakland. From the 1960s until the early 21st century, Oakland has been known as a center of Northern California's African-American community. Between 2000 and 2010 Oakland lost nearly 25% of its African-American population.The city demographics have changed due to a combination of rapid gentrification along with the fact that many African-Americans have sought opportunities in Bay Area suburbs, or have followed the national trend of middle-class African-Americans moving to the Southern United States. But still as of the 2010 Census, African-Americans maintain their status as Oakland's single largest ethnic group

Chapter 13: The Empty Interior

     In this chapter, it mentioned mormon temple in salt lake city. Therefore, I will introduce the mormon temple in Oakland which is a very beautiful place to visit.
     After 2 months I came to US, Mormon missionary talked to me and invited me to attend Church on every Sunday. This is the first time I could have a relationship with Christian. Also, I am very curious about a religion other than Buddhism because most Chinese believe in Buddhism. When I came to the temple, I found that it is so beautiful, so I want to share with you guys. Here is the information.

Location:  4770 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland, California, United States.
Phone Number:  510-531-3200.
Site:  18.3 acres.
Exterior Finish:  Reinforced concrete faced with Sierra white granite from Raymond, California.
Temple Design:  Modern, five-spire design with Oriental motif.
Number of Rooms:  Four ordinance rooms and seven sealing.
Total Floor Area:  95,000 square feet.

It is the only temple built with a modern five-spire design and exhibits an Oriental motif. Its architect was Harold W. Burton. Commanding a sweeping view of the San Francisco Bay Area, the 170-foot Oakland California Temple is a highly recognized East Bay landmark. The magnificent grounds are distinguished by a creek-style water feature running from fountain to fountain toward the temple entrance—lined with colorful gardens and towering palm trees. It is place you must visit when you come to Northern California.

Source: http://www.ldschurchtemples.com/oakland/
             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland_California_Temple

Chapter 12: THE GREAT PLAINS AND PRAIRIES

     This chapter deal with Great Plains area. Its format is very similar to previous chapter which describe the climate, agriculture and resources. There are many books write about Great Plains. Since I already mentioned climate, agriculture and other related stuff, I will talk about some literature like a famous quote " There's no there there" by Gertrude Stein.
    
     Many Oaklanders have been frustrated by the misuse of this famous quote about Oakland: "There's no there there,"writer Gertrude Stein declared upon learning as an adult that her childhood Oakland home had been torn down. Contrary to popular belief, the comment was not meant to disparage the city, but rather to express a sentiment similar to "you can't go home again." Modern-day Oakland has turned the quote on its head, with a statue downtown simply titled "There." Additionally, in 2005 a sculpture called HERETHERE was installed by the City of Berkeley on the Berkeley-Oakland border at Martin Luther King Jr. Way. The sculpture consists of eight-foot-tall letters spelling "HERE" and "THERE" in front of the BART tracks as they descend from their elevated section in Oakland to the subway through Berkeley.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#.22There.27s_no_there_there.22

            http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gertrude_Stein



Chapter 11: THE AGRICULTURAL CORE

    In this chapter, it mainly deal with agriculture core area which is the mid-east region of US that includes Ohio, Idiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iwoa and Missouri. Again it talks about their agriculture production, population and climate which I already mentioned in my previous bolg article. Therefore, I will introduce the famous bridge in Oakland.
     Oakland is located in bay area California, so there are lots of bridges. The most famous bridge is the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. It is a pair of bridges spanning San Francisco Bay of California, in the United States. Forming part of Interstate 80 and of the direct road route between San Francisco and Oakland, it carries approximately 270,000 vehicles per day on its two decks. It has one of the longest spans in the world. It is a very grand bridge, you should check it out!!

Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Transportation

           http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco_%E2%80%93_Oakland_Bay_Bridge

Chapter 10: THE SOUTHERN COASTLANDS:ON THE SUBTROPICAL MARGIN

     In this chapter, it's basically talks about the weather enviroment, the agriculture production, hazards and resources. Therefore, I will introduce these elements in Oakland.

     Oakland's climate is typified by the temperate and seasonal Mediterranean climate. Summers are usually dry and warm and winters are mild and wet. It is a coast city.

     There is no special agriculculture production in Oakland. For hazard, Oakland in different from southern coastlands, it does not have hurricans, instead, Oakland is in Seismic Hazard Zone. The earthquake is the most dangerous threaten in Oakland, or I can say in the whole California area.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Transportation

            http://geology.about.com/library/bl/maps/bloakeastliqmap.htm

Chapter 9: THE CHANGING SOUTH

     This chapter talks about a little bit of history.

     Oakland is occupied by Native Americans called Ohlone thousands of years ago. Native Americans lived in the region for over 5,000 years. The Spanish visited the area in the 1770s, and came to settle about 50 years later. Asians, African Americans, and those of Northern European extraction came with the Gold Rush. The population of Oakland is mainly African American. Oakland's leading industries are transportation, food processing, and ship building.

       The area of the ranch included a woodland of oak trees, this area was called encinal a Spanish word meaning "oakland", the origin of the city's name.  

     
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#History
             http://www.oaklandhistory.com/files/hmenu.html
            http://www.bycitylight.com/cities/us-ca-oakland-history.php
            http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/Oakland-Economy.html

Chapter 8: APPALACHIA AND THE OZARKS

      In this chapter, once again, has nothing to do with my city. Therefore, I will introduce topography of Oakland.
      
      Oakland is a coast city but it also has many hills. Oaklanders most broadly refer to their city's terrain as "the flatlands" and "the hills", which until recent waves of gentrification have also been a reference to Oakland's deep economic divide, with "the hills" being more affluent communities. About two-thirds of Oakland lies in the flat plain of the East Bay, with one-third rising into the foothills and hills of the East Bay range.
     

      One thing that I have to mention is my hometown city back in China is the sister city of Oakland. It is also a coast city. One side face to the sea and other sides covers by the mountains. Very similar to Oakland. Here is the picture of my city. If you want to come and visit, please contact me.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Geography

Chaptet 7: THE BYPASSED EAST

      Once again, this chapter never mentioned west coast. It mainly focus on Atlantic Provinces, Northern England and Adirondack region of New york. Therefore, I will talk about average income of Oakland.

      In 2008 the median income for a household in the city was $48,596 and the median income for a family was $55,949. Males had a median income of $46,383 versus $44,690 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,094.
       
        Let me compare with San Francisco, which will take you only about 20 minutes drinving. San Francisco ranks third of American cities in median household income with a 2007 value of $65,519. Median family income is $81,136, and San Francisco ranks 8th of major cities worldwide in the number of billionaires known to be living within city limits.

      We can easily conclude that Oakland income level is much lower than San Francisco's. Oakland is relatively poor.

       Lastly, I will present a chart show the average salary you will earn in different career in Oakland.
  

 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Demographics
             http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Location=Oakland-CA/Salary
             http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Francisco#Demographics

Chapter 5: THE NORTH AMERICAN MANUFACTURING CORE

      In this chapter, it mainly focus on Ohio Valley, Megalopolis on east coast and Southern shores of the Great Lakes. It also deals with agriculture productions and mineral developments. However, Oakland has none of those industries. Therefore I will talk about teh main industries in Oakland. 

  

      Since Oakland is by the coast, its industries are related to the ports. Oakland's leading industries are business and health care services, transportation, food processing, light manufacturing, government, arts, culture, and entertainment. The Port of Oakland is one of the busiest ports in the world for container ships. Nearly 200,000 jobs are related to the movement of cargo through Oakland marine terminals.Oakland is an important commercial center. Approximately 13 percent of Oakland's work force is employed in the wholesale and retail trade. The city has hundreds of manufacturing plants employing almost 9 percent of the city's workers. Shipbuilding has flourished along the city's inner harbor.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Geography
            http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/Oakland-Economy.html
            http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0108573.html

Chapter 4: MEGALOPOLIS

     This chapter mainly deal with Megalopolis. Megalopolis initially cioned by French geographer, Jean Gottmann for the large population agglomeration from Boston to Washington D.C.. Now, any agglomeration of large, coalescing super cities. As I mentioned earlier, Oakland is the eighth largeast city of California. I checked online, it could count as Megalopolis. More accurately, San Francisco, which is very close to Oakland could be counted as a Megalopolis.

     As the map shows, Oakland and San Francisco are in Bay area. They both are coast cities. According to Wikipedia, Oakland is a major West Coast port, and there are nearly 200,000 jobs related to marine cargo transport. Oakland experienced an increase of both its population and of land values in the early-to-mid first decade of the 21st century. The 10k Plan, which began during former mayor Elihu Harris' administration, and intensified during former mayor Jerry Brown's administration resulted in several thousand units of new multi-family housing and development.

    Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Geography
                http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalopolis_(city_type)

Chapter 3: FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN ACTIVITY

      Chapter 3 covers the population and settlement. Immigration also mentioned in this chapter.
     
      According to the 2010 US Cencus, there are 390,724 people lives Oakland. The city was 27.3% Black or African American, 25.9% White(non-Hispanic), 16.7% Asian. Hispanics or Latinos (of any race): make up 25.4% of the total population. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.38. I found that an analysis by the Urban Institute of U.S. Census 2000 numbers showed that Oakland has the third-highest concentration of gays and lesbians among the 50 largest U.S. cities, behind San Francisco and Seattle. Census data show that, among incorporated places that have at least 500 female couples, Oakland has the nation's largest proportion. In 2000, Oakland counted 2,650 lesbian couples; one in every 41 Oakland couples listed themselves as a same-sex female partnership


     As I already mentioned in Chapter 1, Ohlone people was the original settelers in Oakland before the Spainish conquered them. As the Census shows, African American are the major population in Oakland. According to the 2000 U.S. census, Oakland is the second most ethnically diverse city in Alameda County, with many languages spoken.


     In 1980s, Mexican start to immigrant to Oakland. Mexican population is increased. Still, African American is the major population in Oakland.




Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Post-WWII_.281940s_and_1950s.29
             http://oaklandca.areaconnect.com/statistics.htm

Chapter 2: GEOGRAPHIC PATTERNS OF THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

In chapter 2, basically talks about topography. Here is some stats that I found:

Area: 56 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 42 feet above sea level
Average Temperatures: January, 49.9° F; July, 62.1° F; annual average, 56.7° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 23 inches


Oakland has earned the nickname "bright side of the Bay" because of its sunny skies and moderate year-round climate. Humidity remains high while precipitation is low. Almost all the city's rainfall occurs between October and January. The temperature usually reads about five degrees warmer than San Francisco, and the warmest months are September and October. The area's climate has been ranked number one in the country by Places Rated Almanac.

Soil and vegetations:
The land that Oakland covers was once a mosaic of coastal terrace prairie, oak woodland, and north coastal scrub. Lake Merritt has only recently become a "lake," where it once was a productive estuary linked to the Bay. Oakland is home to many rare and endangered species including the Presidio Clarkia, Pallid Manzanita, Tiburon Buckwheat, Oakland Star-Tulip, Most-Beautiful Jewel Flower, Western Leatherwood, and the Alameda Whipsnake. Many rare species are localized to serpentine soils and bedrock.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California#Post-WWII_.281940s_and_1950s.29

              http://www.city-data.com/us-cities/The-West/Oakland-Geography-and-Climate.html

Chapter 1: Regions and Themes

      Chapter 1 deal with some basic and very general information about the geography. I will talk about some basic information such as location and history about Oakland.

      Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California. Oakland is located at 37°48'16"N 122°16'15W. It is a major West Coast port, located on San Francisco Bay, about 8 miles (13 km) east of San Francisco. Oakland is a central hub city for the Bay Area subregion collectively called the East Bay, and it is the county seat of Alameda County.

     

     The area was inhabited by the Ohlone people for thousands of years before Spanish settlers displaced them in the 18th and 19th centuries. New Spain became independent in 1821 under the name "Mexico." In 1846, the Territory of Alta California was conquered by American forces, becoming simply "California." Throughout the 1840s and 1850s, American squatters laid legal claim to the land held by the Peralta family. In 1852, the California legislature incorporated the town of Oakland.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakland,_California

Oakland

I choose Oakland because it is my fisrt stop when I entered United States. I am an international student from China. This is my fourth year in United States and the 3rd year in CSUN. Oakland, California is my first stop when I arrived. Hopefully I could learned more about there after I finish this course.