For basketball fans, there’s never a dull moment at the Oracle Arena, home of the NBA’s Warriors. Enjoy a wide variety of concession stands circling the venue, win prizes, and see the halftime shows.

The fun doesn’t stop at basketball. Many travelling shows — like Disney on Ice and the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus — stop at the arena, providing a night out the whole family can enjoy. Big name musical performers also come to Oracle Arena so you can take East Bay BRT to see some greatest entertainers of the day.

Right next-door is the O.co Coliseum. As the home of the Oakland Athletics and Oakland Raiders, this multi-purpose venue acts as a ballpark and football stadium year ‘round. Attend one of the games and you will feel the true meaning of Oakland’s pride.

Pick your view at the coliseum. You can sit in club seats, luxury suites, and general seating in a venue that can be configured to hold 35,000 for baseball and more than 50,000 spectators for football.

Don’t worry about the hassle of parking when you can take East Bay BRT to enjoy the sports, entertainment, and family fun.

Boys & Girls Club offers haven

At the Ossain E. Carr Branch of the Boys & Girls Club of Oakland (8530 International Blvd.), youth in the Hegenberger and Elmhurst neighborhoods can find a safe place in which to learn, grow and play.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland began in 1941 to develop the community’s youth and provide a safe place to serve families and children ages 6 to 17. With a goal to serve over 5,000 youth and 10 percent of the Oakland Public School District’s enrollment, the Boys & Girls Clubs work year around to provide programs that cater to all backgrounds, disadvantages, or special circumstances. Club membership costs $20 for the whole year.

During the school year, kids can participate in the “Power Hour,” which is a tutorial and homework assistance program that is coordinated with the work of Oakland public schools. Starting at age 11, youth can be introduced to different career options through the “Career Beginnings” program.

“We have a big academic focus here at the Boys & Girls Club,” said Fred Fraizer, director at Ossain E. Carr Branch. “By networking with feeder schools, we are able to design programs that are needed outside of the classrooms.”

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Health and life skills are important values that the club promotes. There are programs designed to establish a positive self-image, develop healthy eating habits, and grow individuals to be self-sufficient adults.

This branch offers free lunch and snack programs as well as cooking classes in the clubhouse. The club also provided free health screenings and physical fitness assessments that can be catered to each child.

Sports and recreation is one key to the development of each child and the Ossain E. Carr branch membership includes sports, art classes, and zumba classes in the dance room. From the basketball court to the game room, kids can find an activity that they enjoy and participate in daily games to stay fit.

“We’re looking forward to the East Bay BRT because it will provide access for our members and comfort for their parents,” said Fraizer. “Our kids will arrive safely and affordably.”

Seniors have convenient housing

The Allen Temple Development Corp. provides safe, affordable housing to senior citizens along the East Bay BRT route in facilities such as Allen Temple Arms I and II, Allen Temple Gardens, and Allen Temple Manor. All of the housing communities are easily accessible and within walking distance of BRT stops on International Boulevard.

Allen Temple Arms I & II (8135 International Blvd. and 1388 81^st Ave.) provide 128 units designed to meet the needs of seniors who are on a fixed income. The apartments are one bedroom or studio and include paid electricity. The common areas of Allen Temple’s housing developments are what make each facility enjoyable. There’s a beauty salon, outdoor patio for summer cock-outs, library, and lots of space for holiday parties and events.

“I enjoy the open door policy that they provide to the seniors,” said Annie Allen, 89, who has been a resident of Allen Temples Arms I since 1997. “Any time that we have concern the staff is always here to help.”

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“I take the bus to downtown San Leandro to see my doctor all the time so I look forward to East Bay BRT getting me there with less hassle,” said Allen.

Other housing developments include Allen Temple Gardens (10121 International Blvd.) and Allen Temple Manor (7607 International Blvd.), which also are located on the bus route. The Gardens and the Manor include 50 one-bedroom apartments offering similar amenities.

Residents at Allen Temple Development Corp. facilities enjoy activities that cater to the social, wellness, and learning needs. There are grocery store trips, weekly coffee hour, massage therapy sessions, and field trips.

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Friends and family can visit the housing communities easily when taking East Bay BRT. And getting to off-campus appointments will be a breeze when you live in an Allen Temple housing community.

(Photo Credit: Calvin Walker)