Sueuga Kamau

Oakland

Sueuga Kamau's Guide to Oakland

Renegade

Lake Merrit is a go-to route for many community members who live in the neighbourhoods surrounding the lake. It’s perfect for easy running––it’s flat, each loop is about three miles so you can do as many as you want—and it’s beautiful. Many birds call Lake Merritt home, which is special in such a downtown area. It’s also the centre of the city for the diverse people of Oakland––our place to gather, to sit on the grass and watch the sunset, to listen to music, to ride our bikes, to run around. 

The lake is gorgeous first thing in the morning and with the last bits of light in the evening. I never admire the energy of Oakland as much as I do when I’m on the lake. 


Laney College is the site of Renegade’s track nights. Between 50-100 runners from all over the Bay gather here Wednesday nights for a track workout. Runners of all ages, experiences and abilities are in pace groups together, getting each other through a tough session. 

This is a cafe owned and operated by the Diaz family, who are generational coffee farmers in Mexico. The owner of Proyecto Diaz is Fern Diaz, and his father, Genaro Diaz, is a roaster and distributor. Both run with Renegade every week. Their cafe is spacious and great for both co-working and socialising. It also sells a host of curated items including snacks, drinks, candles, and ceramics. 

A community day-to-night gathering space with a focus on coffee and wine. This is a place where politics, culture, and revolution is at the centre of discussion. They also offer weekly events ranging from guest speakers and community organising, to DJs and dancing.

This is a small man-made lake at the base of the hills of Oakland. Tucked away, it’s about a mile around its perimeter, perfect for walking, running, and fishing (it used to be a popular swimming place, though that's unfortunately no longer allowed). It’s a great starting place for a run with routes into the Oakland neighbourhoods of Rockridge and Montclair close by. It’s also a lovely spot to meet friends at for a picnic. If you’re there in the late afternoon, the eagle that has made Lake Temescal its home is usually hovering above the lake looking for fish. 

This is a bakery with pastries that incorporate Asian flavours. It’s such a good example of combining culinary traditions, something that Oakland is exceptional at. They change out their flavours (both sweet and savoury!) often, so each visit is a brand new experience.


Bombera in the Dimond District is like visiting our ancestors; it feels like coming home. A restaurant by chef Dominica Rice Cisneros and historian Carlos Manuel Salomon in the 2024 Michelin Guide, Bombera should be top of the list of what to eat in the Bay Area. What an honour it is to have this place in Oakland. 

This specific route is one the Renegade community’s favourite trails in the park. Redwood Regional in and of itself is a gem. It reminds you how Oakland truly has it all. As you climb up Park Avenue and dip back down into the Redwood canyon to the park, all the sounds of traffic fall away to footsteps on dirt, birds chirping, and the wind in the trees. It's a refuge atop the city.   

Oakland’s home movie theatre. With a retro marquee and an iconic light display, Grand Lake Theatre is what you think of when you think of Oakland. Personal tip: go on weekend nights before the movie begins, and you can listen to an organ player! 

Renegade’s Favourite Spots to Run and Relax in Oakland

GUAPDAD 4000

Brazilian / Asian / soul food fusion spot. I know the chef personally and this food is VERY well prepared and upscale.

THE FILIPINO SPOT WITH HANDS DOWN THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS. GOTTA GET THE G FIRE CHICKEN WINGS. NO EXCUSES!

A dimly lit, very sexy, very tucked away sushi spot. Believe me when I say this is some of the best cuts of fish in the whole of the Bay Area

This is a nod to secret speakeasy spots. The hidden restaurant, the bar and the wings and burger are amazing and not to be missed.