A Different Side To Oakland
A Different Side To Oakland
Oakland, California is a place familiar with screaming and gunshots in the background of everyday life. To protect the innocent children, the color of their clothing is restricted to a limited number of colors. This is done to prevent gang violence. Unaware of Oakland’s diversity, most people avoid Oakland at all costs. People drive past Oakland never pulling over to stop for gas or to eat a meal, because of their fear of the violence and their disgust for the area. However, if one takes the time to look beyond the Oakland stereotype, they will find a whole new definition for Oakland.
Just beyond the most populated areas of Oakland lies the secluded towering hills and refreshing forests of Oakland. A blanket of fog rolls through the trees covering the streets and modest homes. Rain trickling from the trees and making pools of water on the forest floors. This rich forest looks untouched by the public. There is no litter piling up on the sides of the winding streets going up the beautiful hills. Fresh, crisp air fills the lungs of every individual entering this secret haven. An exciting discovery in this safe forest, on top of a hill, is the Chabot Space and Science Center.
Here, everyone can come to escape the rush of the city life. Just by driving to the Chabot Space and Science Center one can gaze over the city of Oakland. Every skyscraper building becomes miniature and the people in the city go unnoticed, blending in with the streets. This view highlights the achievements people have made together to establish Oakland. Violence cannot be observed from this view, making Oakland appear more serene, a quality all wish Oakland would achieve as a whole. By gazing over Oakland one can see all the different aspects of the city, the bay and the forest.
Chabot Space and Science Center adds a whole other dimension to Oakland. Chabot’s MegaDome, exhibitions and telescopes are sure to grab everyone’s interests. The MegaDome is a 60-foot large screen theater. While watching a film, one feels transported into the movie because the screen wraps around the whole theater. This, for instance, makes someone who is watching Tales Of The Maya Skies feel as though they are experiencing walking through the villages of the Maya people. The booming surround sound is an additional theatrical effect helping transport visitors mentally into the feature films.
Through the exhibitions one will develop a better appreciation for astronauts and space. Explore their thrilling exhibits, such as the one that creates a picture of you floating in space. Wanting to
perform similar tasks to astronauts, try out their exercise gear or even eat dehydrated astronaut food. Fun facts and simulators are found in every exhibit.
Enormous historic telescopes can be found in the Chabot Observatories. Leah and Rachel are large, off-white cylinder telescopes. These remarkable telescopes are used to teach and to show the public beyond our daily sky. The comical Chabot staff member even adds that Leah and Rachel are perfect additions for a date. One can bring their date to Chabot Space and Science Center to look through the telescopes at the beaming stars and glowing planets.
Hunter green forests, fresh foliage covered mountains all exist and contribute to the secret identity of Oakland. By driving along the curving cliff side streets and by exploring the hidden forests one can discover a peaceful side to Oakland. Hopefully, by taking in the tranquility of the forest, the vast view of Oakland and by experiencing Chabot Space and Science Center one will have a new expanded definition for Oakland, a place encompassing diversity.
If You Go:
Chabot Space And Science Center:
Address: 10000 Skyline Boulevard,
Oakland, CA 94619
Phone: (510)336-7373
Website: www.ChabotSpace.org
