Hidden Bohemia: 5th Avenue
By: Andrew Thomas
Fifth Avenue
Tucked away along the Alameda Estuary in Oakland, Fifth Avenue is a haven for artists and craftspeople of all stripes. Founded in the 1970’s by Bob Schultz, both its style and substance have changed as different generations have come and gone. Despite its location right off the freeway, Fifth Avenue has remained surprisingly hidden to the average commuter, too. The nearby Brooklyn Basin development is beginning to pose an existential threat to the artists’ enclave, though, and it’s clear many of the residents won’t go out without a fight.
For a more in depth history and more images, check out “Oakland 5th Ave” by Constance Hockaday
John Colle Rogers
Quiet at first but gregarious once the ice breaks, John Colle Rogers is a bonafide blacksmith and self-proclaimed zenarchist. John makes a living largely through contract work for railing gun companies, San Francisco city parks, and other gigs all arranged by word of mouth. He rents out space from Phoenix Iron Works, a local foundry in operation since 1901. John (proudly) has a 15-year-old flip phone, is fascinated with guns, and plans to “hold his ground” against the Brooklyn Basin development.
Vinnie
Vinnie is 2nd-most tenured Fifth Avenue veteran and knows everyone. The doors to “Vinnie’s crib” are always open, and Vinnie often celebrates holidays by hosting artists who, for whatever reason, are homeless or have had to leave their homes and families under less-than-ideal circumstances. For 9 years, Vinnie cooked breakfast for the entire Fifth Avenue community. He plans to hold the fort as long as possible.
