The coronavirus arrived to the east bay earlier this week. But given how long it allegedly takes symptoms to show, it’s probably been here for a bit. I’ve been a hypochondriac my entire adult life, yet I’ve somehow largely been immune to the coronavirus-hysteria, much to the chagrin of everyone around me. It just seems that there are so many other things that I’ll be more likely to die of - like driving on the 101, a nuclear blast, a headache that turns into an incurable disease exacerbated by excessive googling.
Anyway - if you’re looking to read or do things that are not related to the frenzy around viruses or elections, here’s a short list of east bay-based distractions:
🚀 Read about the factory in Alameda that’s making rocket ships. Bloomberg reporter Ashlee Vance does a deep dive on the previously secret locale and speaks to the CEO about what they’re building and why now
Stock up on outdoor furniture at the Serena and Lily outlet in Berkeley. If everyone is going to be quarantined it will be nice to sit outside at least. They’re selling outdoor furniture, rugs, pillows, whatever you can fit in your car at a discount.
🥖Break bread and learn about beloved Berkeley bakery Acme, which is nearly 40 years old. If you don’t mind the 1,000 pop-up ads, the Chronicle did a nice long read on the bread shop.
🌋Go outside. There’s a 12 million year old volcano in the east bay. It’s surprisingly not mt. diablo (though diablo is made up of volcanic sediments and even somehow has seashells embedded in the rock) - the volcano is actually Sibley - which is a stunning park with unbeatable views. Though it’s long been extinct, so you don’t have to worry about it. But if you are looking for things to worry about, you could consider spending some time reading about the Clear Lake volcano up near Sonoma.
And lastly, get your fill of small town drama with the New York Times report on Lafayette’s real estate development plans, which the townspeople say are “too aggressive,” “very urban,” “unsightly,” “inconceivable,” “simply outrageous,” “very wrong,” “blocking views,” and “will allow more crime to be committed.” The NIMBYS v the YIMBYS. It reminded me of an oldie but a goodie: the New Yorker’s write-up on Orinda’s excessive use of leaf-blowers. Which is simply outrageous.
Thanks for reading east bae. If you’re hunkering down here’s a throwback post with a list of east bay wine clubs to join.