The hometown debut of Pixar’s 25 year reospective at the Oakland Museum of California is a welcome lift for the city and me.

Lately, it seems as if this summer has been one of bad news and grim choices for my city. The budget, the cops, the verdict, the real estate market, closing schools. It seems the sad issues are unending and relentless in Oakland.

We’re survivors and residers of scrappy living--we’ll get through whatever is thrown our way, whether it be less money for public safety, the struggle for jobs, or trying to get decent education for all of Oakland's children.

But, my heart did lift with this new exhibit making its opening today at the Oakland Museum of Calfiornia.

First of all, the Pixar retrospective is  just out of sight fantastic, I’ve grown to respect Pixar’s innovative outlook that’s grounded in traditional animation, film, and storytelling. The storyboards, the sculptures, and sketches are a great art collection that does one of the most important things valued at Pixar: storytelling.

This presentation, the first major exhibit put on by the Oakland Museum of Art since it reopened in May after major renovations, is another confirmation that we’re creating great art, having wonderful discussions, and tackling really groundbreaking issues here in Oakland.

We have a number of amazing institutions, organizations, and companies that touches both the Bay Area and the nation. Let’s keep this in mind, whenever we read (or write) about  bad or challenging issues.

The Oakland Museum of California, Studio One, Pixar, and, East Bay East Asian Youth Center, are just some of the examples. And that makes me smile.