1. Long Live Oscar Grant Mural

3401 E 12th St, Oakland, CA 94601

We’ll start at the Fruitvale BART Station, infamously known as the location that represents the tension between power, race, and class, not only in the Fruitvale neighborhood but in the city of Oakland at large. Part of Oakland’s locally-known history and culture, Fruitvale Station proudly remembers Oscar Grant and the tragic events of New Year’s Day 2009 when Oscar’s life ended abruptly at the hands of a local police officer. In 2019, local artist Senay “Refa One” Alkebulana created a mural at the station, calling attention to a movement around the country that pushed back against police shootings of young Black men. We highlight this history to remember and demonstrate the importance of the people who are the foundation of our city.

2. Nieves Cinco de Mayo

3340 E 12th St # 2, Oakland, CA 94601

From the mural, take your time walking through Fruitvale Village, a mixed-use development with space used for office, retail, and residential tenants. Fruitvale Village is a transit-oriented development (TOD) project that is now a nationally renowned model. The ground floor of the Village is home to locally-owned retail spaces, such as the dual-spaced Nieves Cinco de Mayo, where you can try a fresh-pressed juice or smoothie to energize your upcoming walk.

“The owner, Luis, came to the U.S. in the 1980s from a small town in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. When he got here, he had many jobs but ultimately decided he didn’t want to work for anyone. He started out with an ice cream cart during the 1991 Cinco de Mayo festival in Oakland’s San Antonio Park, owning many restaurants since then, but decided to open his first shop about 15 years ago,” says the store manager and his daughter, Griselda. His daughters, born and raised in Fruitvale, help him at the shop in their own ways. Be sure to say hi to Gris on your tour and enjoy their signature Mangonadas and wide ice cream selection.

3. Taqueria Guadalajara

1001 Fruitvale Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

Continuing through the E. 12th Street corridor, we move onto the first taco truck on the tour, Guadalajara, a community staple since the 1980s. Guadalajara Restaurant & Tequila Bar is a family-owned restaurant that is locally known for its family-friendly environment. Let it be known that this restaurant is a central destination for quinceañeras, group celebrations, and late-night, post-party meals. Since becoming a local favorite, they have grown to add many taco trucks to their repertoire, including one parked in the restaurant’s parking lot and the other on the corner of E.14th St & 45th Ave. Choose from their extensive array of tacos, burritos, and homemade salsas during your visit!

4. Ghost Ship Memorial

1305 31st Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

After enjoying a bite from the Guadalajara menu, let’s continue up Fruitvale Avenue towards E.12th Street, near the border of the Fruitvale and Jingletown neighborhoods. Walking up E.12th Street towards Derby Avenue, we are reminded of the tragic Ghost Ship warehouse fire. As we approach 22nd Ave, we can see a recent mural from artist Norman “Vogue” Chuck of San Leandro, dedicated to the victims of the deadly Ghost Ship warehouse fire. The mural, created in 2017,  includes the names of the 36 people killed in the fire and 36 whites doves, one for each victim.

The remnants of the iconic creative hub remain from the 2016 fire. This history calls us to remember how art unifies people from all walks of life and how local governance, residents, and newcomers alike have a shared responsibility for safety, community, and diligence to look out for one another’s wellbeing.

5. Aguachiles El Tamarindo

3053 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601

From here, you’ll walk two neighborhood blocks towards Derby Avenue, taking in the abundance of nature amidst lovely residential homes, witnessing how Fruitvale got its name. Historically, this land boasted several orchards and fruit trees, which line the sidewalks on the way to our next taqueria.

Located on the corner of International Boulevard & 31st Avenue, Aguachiles El Tamarindo opened in April 2017 as a family-owned business. Since 1985 they have operated food trucks and restaurants here in Oakland under the Mi Grullense name. The founders were one of the handfuls of pioneers who brought food trucks to Oakland. Their son, Edgar, had the idea for a seafood truck since there were no food trucks specializing in Mexican seafood. They began as a seafood truck with Mi Grullense’s famous tacos. They are now trendsetters in Oakland, with their quesabirrias, a Mexican dish comprising birria-style cooked beef folded into a tortilla with melted cheese and served with a side of consommé for dipping, being the most popular item at the moment. In addition to their colorful food truck, their expanded menu offers items you will not see anywhere else, including the Hot Cheetos burrito, Spicy Shrimp Boil, and Baja fish tacos—basically offering you outstanding food with a great photo to match! This restaurant is a crowd favorite and is rapidly growing in popularity across the city.