If you seek whimsy; if your house crest shines bright in a thousand shades of Bic-pen ink; if you…read morefear neither lava floor tiles nor sand in your boots, seek out Oakland's Department of Make Believe! I visited the brand-spanking-new and super-cool space on December's First Friday, and it was poppin'. A local band jammed on the pulpit-turned-stage; guests milled and chatted and sketched on huge slices of paper spread out on the tables; the organization's founders buzzed and zipped around, offering plastic bubbles with paper slips inside, fortune-cookie style - prompts to capture conversations with fellow make-believers. (There were also enchiladas and rice and beans, but I don't think that's an always-thing.) The nonprofit takes cues from like-minded writing centers like 826 and NaNoWriMo, but is by no means cookie-cutter. With inspirational merchandise whose packaging is a meld of 1960s cereal boxes and high-tech spy gear, an ACTUAL CHALKBOARD WALL that covers the entire east side of the ginormous writing room, and a sandbox populated by superheroes and smallish plastic animals, the atmosphere is of the "I'm-never-leaving" kind. And that's not even taking into account the stellar staff and what they do there. The org's mission is to help Oaklandish youths unleash their creativity, and their aesthetic hits the nail on the head: whimsical, engaging, a little tongue-in-cheek, it's sure to draw in scads of writers looking to express themselves through zany mediums like sassed-up waiting room forms, collective collages, and story prompts popped out of gumball machines. Basically: mount your steed/your Huffy/the 72M bus and GET THERE! (Appointments frowned upon and poked hard with a stick.)

I rented this place to shoot a classroom scene for my short film and it worked out perfect…read more I recommend this establishment.

Okay, I don't want to seem like everyone else who is writing reviews for things, but E.L.L.S.S.A…read more is literally one of the best non-profit organizations I know of. Yes, there are amazing ones out there, but working and being and ambassador for this specific one has given me so many great opportunities. I was given the opportunity to move and live in California from a little town in Oregon. Not many people I know get out of this little town I call home, Albany, a town of scarcity. I was ELLSSA's first intern. I am still learning everyday! Along with teaching the little things I know as well. Everyone involved with ELLSSA are all amazing, bright, and beautifully flawed people. We all have our own story and ELLSSA has helped us all in our own ways. Many of us come together to create and evolve as one. ...Living within a new family. ...A community of living. We, as a community, have held free events for those to join and learn self development and many more things within that such as meditations and daily wellness. Donations involving the distribution of clothing, personal items, and food to the homeless. Free weekly yoga classes and many more have been put out in this world of ours to show that we are trying. Within ELLSSA is a product line called NoMore. It is a part of how we fund to support those in this world who are in need. Our products are created with pure, all-natural, and handcrafted recipes. Each purchase gives a direct percentage donation. Recently, I have been working with a few of the team girls and we have came together and had what we call "Mixing Day." They worked together to teach me their ways (LOL, 'their ways') of mixing. And I had a blast. The process is long but well-done and as systematic as it gets for being done at home. I love everything about ELLSSA and everything there is to come beyond what we have now. There is so much more that can happen! -Asia Rayne

ELLSSA brightens my life every day. Through the weekly homeless distributions, daily wellness…read morecoaching, and nightly meditation sessions I'm able to connect with those around me as well as myself. Life as never been better now that my family and I live the "Mission" of ELLSSA.

Just updating my previous review. The fridge has since been replaced with a better one, so I'd…read moreraise my rating from 1 to 4.

I added some food to the Free food Fridge on 44th and Telegraph today. It's stocked! I noticed a…read morefresh ready-made salad and some veggies. What a great place to "take what you need, leave what you can." The fridge is actually cold, so people can leave perishables. Such a great idea!

Ya know that old cliche about feeding a man a fish versus teaching him to fish? So he can eat…read moreforever? That's kinda what Spokeland is like. Maybe it would be easier to pay someone to fix my bike for me, but then I would have to keep on doing that every time something goes wrong. At Spokeland, instead of doing repairs for you, they let you do it yourself but give you helpful guidance throughout. I now know much more about fixing my own bike thanks to these awesome people! I've come here to fix a flat, change out a cassette, and tune up my brakes. The volunteers that run Spokeland have been helpful and friendly every time. Sometimes things can take a while cause they're understaffed and don't have many open hours (a few hours Tu/Th evenings and Sunday afternoons). This is fine. They're volunteer-run and can only help so many people at once. Plus the vibes are welcoming, so it's not a bad place to spend a while! In addition to providing knowledge and a workshop space, Spokeland has lotsa parts and used bikes for sale. Think I saw some helmets too. I believe they also offer classes on occasion. Not sure how often these actually happen, but they seem to range from bike basics up to more advanced concepts and look super helpful. The best part of Spokeland is their determination to make bikes accessible for all. If you don't have the money, you can volunteer to pay off your shop time. And if you prefer to use money, it's super affordable. I've been twice, fixed several things on my bike, and only paid $10 total. Not bad for to get moving again and gain bike knowledge that will help me maintain my bike-friendly lifestyle long-term!

Spokeland is a volunteer-run bike education non-profit in Oakland, walking distance from MacArthur…read moreBart. I came on Thursday needing some basic bike maintenance training. Pierre, one of the volunteers, was (more than) nice enough to spend an hour and a half with me going over how to patch a tube, change a tire, replace a chain, etc. It's a perfect place to go if you need a replacement part for your bike and you want a fair price. You can also just spend time there with your bike fixing any problems it may have. They have a suggested donation of $5/hr. Everyone who worked there was really nice and welcoming. Thanks again!!

Awesome Organization!!!…read more They Take Donations Of Certain Medical Equipment And Supplies!! They Then Redistribute The Medical Equipment And Supplies To People That really Need Them!! It's First Come First Served!!! I have 2 Friends That Use Their Services Exclusively!!!! One is Nicknamed Ed Flintstone he is on Social Security and Uses Adult Diapers which he gets every week from the ReCares Network!!! He has Even gotten a Berry Atric Walker and a Wheelchair for Future Usage My Other Friend Is Called Randy Big Sexy!!! He Is A Diabetic and Weighs 500 Pounds and Is 6Ft 4 Inches !!! Unfortunately he suffers from Low Esteem and Has a Chip on his Shoulder and Feels Like The World Owes Him Everything!!! Thank God for ReCares he Gets His Diabetes Supplies , Dressings , Adult Diapers, Walker and Canes from there !!! People and Organizations like this are Heaven Sent!!! This Charity Is A Baller On A Budget Approved!!! I keep my Pimp Hand Strong!!!! Number # 34 On The Yelp Top # 50 List Of Most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025!!!

As a mover, I love having a place where I can drop off durable medical equipment and expendables…read moreeasily, and know that they are going to go to the people who really need them. This is the kind of operation that makes our community better.

Going, going, gone. I've been coming to this place over the span of a couple years to remove my…read moretattoo and I had my last session today. Rosalind did such a great job, taking consideration for my skin tone and safe and effective removal. The price was very affordable and I've always been seen promptly. I would highly recommend coming here for your services.

Affordable and quick tattoo removal You do have a small…read morewindow o get on the schedule for the month but the with the rates they offer I really don't mind

1951 Coffee Co. is such a nice pick-me-up. I tried the Banana Pudding Iced Chai, and it was a sweet…read moretreat. The space had a welcoming vibe, and I learned so much about the history/roots of coffee. Definitely worth a spot on my Coffee Passport.

Came for an event and fell in love with this place. I…read morerarely come to Berkeley, but this place was a pleasant surprise. Parking was easy to find, spacious and neat with so much educational information on the walls. This coffee shop is mission minded to support refugees which is so beautiful! Your money not only gets you a cup of something good, but also can help out others in the process. I ordered the special espresso cream soda and I was skeptical at first but it was surprisingly really good. I could use another right now actually!

OK, so there was this event in Jack London Square where they had all these bakeries and candy…read moremakers showing off their goodies, and you know what was off the hook? The chocolate bark with cranberries from the Bread Project. Turns out that they also have a little cafe in the school where they turn out some pretty awesome eats, that are freshly prepared. They purchase their produce in the area. In addition to being a classroom. If you are in the area, stop by, pick up a sandwich or some muffins or the fresh made soup. Also, they cater. Planning a wedding or birthday party? They make cupcakes for $1 each! Whooo whheeee, that's what I'm talking about. Sustainability Education Fresh Eats Easy on the wallet **Support your local nonprofit**

Bought a small summer fruit pie for $5 at their stand in the Emeryville Farmer's Market. First of…read moreall, I haven't seen a pie priced so reasonably for at least 10 years. Second, the crumble on top was sweet crunchy heaven, the crust was perfection and the fruit not overly sweet or loaded with slimy cornstarch. I also tried the generously portioned brownie which was straight from mom's kitchen: cakey, not fudgy. Yum, I'm hooked.