Citing Crime, In-N-Out announces closure of Oakland location

[Sympthsical]

22. Yep, it's going to get worse, then bought up

I remember the last A's game I went to, also midday, where it was maybe a fifth of the stadium being used. They actually had roped off half of the place, because no one bought any tickets.

One time, some years back, I had to go to my work HQ when my car was being repaired. I thought, "Oh, I'll just take my bike onto BART and get off at Coliseum!" Biked through that area, and it was like a bomb had gone off. It was noon, and none of it seemed very safe. By my work HQ, in the foothills of East Oakland, you could sit outside and eat lunch while just watching crime. Like dinner theater.

It's been a minute, but the last time I was around Coliseum about three years ago, that area was getting heavily into gated townhouse new construction. Little enclaves of tech people. And West Oakland is seeing similar. I know people in tech who started buying up dilapidated houses there and doing complete renovations on them.

The real shame is Lake Merritt. That should be the jewel of the city. Even five years ago, I'd walk through, find a table, and feed the squirrels while having lunch. You couldn't pay me to go there now.