San Francisco Magazine Salutes "Oakland" in Style (June Issue)

On May 28th San Francisco Magazine celebrated the launch of their June issue which was completely 'dedicated to Oakland', at Encuentro Cafe & Wine Bar in Jack London Square.  Imagine that!  Why Oakland?  Because it's far past the city's time to be given the national and international recognition it deserves for being well beyond a trendsetter.  The June issue of San Francisco Magazine nails it when it comes to capturing the essence of Oakland from the Art scene to the politics of it all. 

Oakland is #1 when it comes to Innovation, Style and Diversity.  Many are behind the 8-ball in this discovery, but it's okay just don't sleep. My colleague Mashama Carter (510 Media), saw the writing on the wall more than 5 years ago during one of his many visits to the East Coast.  He came back to 'the town' and said that Oakland is going to be the next Brooklyn.  As his prediction would come true, the New York Times Magazine acknowledged the same in their recent article about Oakland as the Brooklyn By The Bay.

My favorite section in this issue is "The People - Neighboring Words of Wisdom // Lifestyles of the Important and Famous // Easter Sunday Fashion Show // East Oakland Hoop Dreamer // Artists Who Love Artists."  I would assume many that know me would see this as a 'no-brainer' in terms of why I gravitated to this section. I think you would like it as well so dive in and enjoy.  LOL. (Photo: SF Mag Cover)

As Oakland becomes, or is as many would say, the next best place to live, the city is certainly grabbing the attention of movers and shakers in various industries.  However, when film industry maverick Dexter Davis made the decision to move to 'the town' to take the reigns of innovating the movie-goer experience, it was simply brilliant.  Dexter Davis knew about the hidden treasures in Oakland when he expanded his company, D Street Media Group, headquartered in New York City, NY to opening an office in Oakland, CA.  Let's not stop there!  Mr. Davis took it a step further and made Oakland his home. Now while residing in the city, Dexter's plans for the film industry, from branded Apollo cinemas in South Africa to a 5-city tour of the Alice Walker documentary "Beauty in Truth", is a pure game changer and Oakland will absolutely never be the same.  Mr. Davis' travel to France for Festival de Cannes prevented him from attending the festivities yesterday, as it would have been an opportunity he certainly would not have missed.

The vibe, food and mixing was in high spirits yesterday at the SF Magazine celebration and these photos will tell that story.  This issue will become a 'hard find' so get to the newsstands now and purchase right away.  And go!