On-Site Conversations:

People in general were a bit skeptical about talking with us. One corporate fellow approached the kiosk and from a distance shouted: "What's this all about?" We explained our plans and he smirked and said he didn't have time to talk to us because he was waiting to pick up his to go order. Then, about an hour later, he stopped by again, as if not convinced of the reality of our presence. We encouraged him to share his thoughts, but he just walked on by. We also noticed that women were more reluctant to talk to us than men. Once we had the buzz of activity with the kids, other people decided to check out what was going on. We spoke with local business people including city workers, storeowners, and service people. Here are some of their comments:

WE Riders: Can you help us find West and East Oakland?

Passer-by: I thought you were going to educate me!

Commenting on the outline of the city's shape: 'It's weird to see the city this way.'

'It takes ten years of living here to begin to know where West & East Oakland are. The most easterly point (indicating on the map) is not East Oakland.'

'Where are the borders? Does downtown count? It's confusing!'

'East Oakland is towards the 'hundreds' (streets). West Oakland is that way (pointing roughly west).'

'West Oakland? That's easy! Just follow the sun...'

'Why is downtown called downtown?'

'I live west of Oakland and take BART to downtown for work. I walk five blocks during lunch and then go back to work. To go to West Oakland, I'd say take the BART to the West Oakland station. Then you're there. East Oakland? I don't know where that is. I don't know any of the surface streets. That's all I know of Oakland!'