User:Kampalasean/temescal

Temescal is a neighborhood in North Oakland, California centered around Telegraph and Claremont Avenues from 40th Street to Alcatraz Avenue. As of 2005, it is in the midst of an urban renewal or gentrification process. The makeup of the neighborhood is very mixed, with a wide range of economic, age and racial groups. Homes range from expensive houses that shelter young, upwardly mobile couples to run-down apartments and low-income housing.

The neighborhood is notable for its large Abesha (Ethiopian/Eritrean) and Korean populations and has become a focus for the cuisine of those communities within the Bay Area. The neighborhood boasts a number of Korean, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Japanese restaurants as well as grocery stores and community centers for those communities.

Local landmarks and businesses of note include:

Genova's Delicatessen - The neighborhood was once heavily Italian-American and that influence remains in the architecture of its homes and in this long-time Oakland deli.

Global Video - The giant, grey building does not resemble a video store at all, but houses a tremendous collection of VHSs and DVDs. The collection includes everything from the mainstream to the obscure and while the punky staff will not always be nice to you, they will be sure to keep something interesting playing on the large TV monitors that hang from the walls.

Asmara Cafe -