We’re Expanding into the East Bay!
Since launching in 2011 we’ve mapped A LOT of signs in San Francisco. But aside from signs revealed during demolitions, there aren’t a whole lot more to add to the map. So we’re turning our eyes eastward to replicate our documentary efforts in Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda, and the surrounding environs.
This is a homecoming of sorts since we’ve been based in Oakland the entire time we’ve been maintaining the San Francisco map. And with Covid-19 we’re spending more and more time on this side of the bay.
And we’re not the only ones spending more time here in the East Bay.
So for this expansion of the map we’re turning to the community because mapping the East Bay presents some unique challenges:
It’s larger with less robust public transportation than San Francisco, making identifying and documenting signs more difficult.
Much of the historical record, specifically historical photos, has yet to be digitized, making researching the signs and buildings more difficult.
Without dedicated participants in different cities and neighborhoods it’s harder to keep tabs on signs that have been destroyed or revealed, making updating and maintaining the map more difficult.
1900 Broadway, Oakland
How to Get Involved with the East Bay Map
We’re open to all kinds of collaboration in the documentation, research, and maintenance phases of the mapping project. The East Bay is a big place! Here are some neighborhoods we’re initially targeting as they’re likely to make for good sign hunting.
Downtown Oakland
West Oakland
Jack London Square and Chinatown
The old industrial parts of East Oakland
Downtown Berkeley
The old industrial parts of Berkeley
Alameda Naval Base
But, if you have signs from further afield in the East Bay, by all means, send them our way and we’ll add them to the map! So what are some ways to do that?
We’re pretty active on a variety of social platforms!
You can always share information with us there. Here’s how.
Our Mailing List
Don’t check Facebook as often as you used to? Sign up for our mailing list to get all our ghost sign and event updates sent straight to your inbox.
On Facebook
Follow the San Francisco Ghost Sign Mapping Page to stay up to date on ghost sign info and to get invites to our East Bay Community Mapping Days. Feel free to tag us in pics!
On Flickr
If you see a ghost sign in the East Bay snag a pic and add it to the East Bay Ghost Sign Mapping Flickr Group. We will add your sign to the map, giving you credit, of course.
On Instagram
Follow us on Instagram at @sfghostsigns. If you see a ghost sign in the East Bay snag a pic, tag us in it, and include the hashtag #eastbayghostsign. We will add your sign to the map, giving you credit, of course.
On Patreon
We JUST launched a Patreon to support this effort and our in-progress book. Click here to support us on Patreon.
Or, shoot us an email using the form below!
Sometimes for in depth conversations and collaborations, email is the only way to go.
A Gallery of some of the East Bay’s best ghost signs
