Ghost Town, Oakland, California facts for kids
Ghost Town is a nickname for a neighborhood in West Oakland, Oakland, California. Its official name is the Foster Hoover Historic District. This area has been known for its challenges, but it is also a place where people are working hard to make improvements.
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What is Ghost Town?
Ghost Town is located in West Oakland, near a big highway interchange called the MacArthur Maze. It stretches roughly from 27th Street to 35th Street. Some people also see its boundaries as Adeline Street on the west and San Pablo Avenue on the east.
Why is it Called Ghost Town?
There are a couple of ideas about how the neighborhood got its unusual name.
- Some say it's because two companies that made caskets (boxes for burials) used to be located side-by-side on Filbert Street.
- Others believe the name came from the presence of people who were not Black in a neighborhood that was mostly Black at one time.
Community Efforts and Improvements
Even with its past challenges, Ghost Town is a place of positive change.
- Urban Farms: One successful project is Ghost Town Farms. It's a great example of urban agriculture, which means growing food in a city. It's located on Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
- Public Art: The neighborhood is also like a giant outdoor art gallery! Many beautiful murals (large paintings on walls) can be seen, especially along Martin Luther King Jr. Way.
- Neighborhood Watch: People in Ghost Town care about their community. There are active groups, like a citizen crime patrol. Some older residents even walk the neighborhood weekly to get exercise and report any neglected areas.
- Government Support: Jerry Brown, who was once the governor of California, tried to help improve West Oakland. This happened after a TV show called 60 Minutes featured the area. Since then, housing prices have gone up, showing positive changes.
"Ghost Riding" and its Connection
The term "ghost riding" is sometimes linked to this Oakland neighborhood. "Ghost riding" is when someone lets a car drive by itself, often while they dance outside it. Local rapper Mistah F.A.B. helped make the term popular with his song "Ghost Ride It." He suggested that the idea for "ghost riding" might have come from Ghost Town.
City-County Neighborhood Initiative
The city of Oakland has special programs to help neighborhoods like Ghost Town (Foster/Hoover Historic District) and Sobrante Park. These programs are part of something called "Measure Y" campaigns. The specific program is known as the "City-County Neighborhood Initiative."
- How it Works: This program sends "community builders" door-to-door. They talk to neighbors and encourage them to work together on local issues. These issues might include young people not attending school, neglected areas, or people gathering in ways that cause problems.
- Community Power: The goal is to help neighbors organize themselves. This can lead to groups like "Friends of Durant Park" or "Block Captains." The idea is that when people work together, they can solve problems and take ownership of their community. This helps make the neighborhood safer and better for everyone.
