People who live in Oakland know that all the cool happening stuff on New Years is always in SF, this year we are trying to switch it up and make it pop in the town!

Booze Wazi was started because we wanted a night that was a space in-between obscure warehouse parties and the posh club scene, plus we thought it was a funny word play on bourgeoisie. I tend to find out about the underground parties a day late and I pretty much don't have the clothes or the money to be a part of the club scene.

With that said we wanted to find a place with the warehouse aesthetic and where the bartenders that can make tasty drinks at a reasonable price. Also we wanted a party that everyone can have a good time at and not spend too much money, our home is Radio Bar located right smack in downtown Oakland, conveniently located next to 12th street BART. 

In an era where pretty much everyone has a computer equipped with digital music programs like Fruity Loops or Garage Band, it’s refreshing to hear electronic music made with analog drum machines and synthesizers.

When roaming the streets in the San Antonio District people wouldn’t normally think of it as a place for cultural landmarks in Oakland. Well I didn’t at least, until I met up with local artist Chris Granillo at his compound to talk about the community of artist that surround him, future projects, and life as an artist.

This “ghetto palace” has been a home for artists for more than 20 years. “The guy who started the Griffin Company”, a lithograph etching press, made some of his prototype models in the space.  It is currently home to 4 artist, contains a studio, and a gallery space that is in the workings. “La Lucha studio” as Granillo calls it is a cultural space that is chicano oriented.

Videographer Mike Melero, writer Jen Ward and photo Stefan Armijo went and spoke with folks around the city after the Mehserle verdict--here's some words worth listening to from various points in East Oakland:

Youth Uprising: