Understand

The East Bay, a region encompassing cities like Richmond, Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Union City, and Fremont, offers two distinct areas separated by the East Bay hills. On the bay side of the hills, these cities rise from the edge of the San Francisco Bay up the western face of the foothills. The climate here tends to be mild, the culture diverse, and the traffic unbearable. Brace yourself for the hustle and bustle of this vibrant and lively region. On the eastern side of the hills lies the Tri-Valley region, consisting of Walnut Creek, Pleasanton, and Livermore. The climate in this area is more similar to that of the San Joaquin Valley, with foggy winters and scorching summers. The population here is more homogeneous, but don't be fooled, the traffic is still a nightmare. Originally, these small towns began to grow into immense suburbs in the 1970s, attracting commuters who crossed the hills to work in the South Bay, the Peninsula, or the City. Today, the Tri-Valley area is home to many large corporations, and the suburbs of Pleasanton and Walnut Creek are evolving into small cities. Recently, there has been a population exodus from San Francisco due to high prices and a low bang for the buck. This has led to a rapid growth in the East Bay, causing the traffic to rival any other place in Northern California. As the locals would say, "The traffic is like, um like, hella bad here!" So buckle up and get ready for an exciting adventure in this lively and ever-growing region. Contra Costa County, which is a part of the East Bay, is divided into three distinct parts: "West County" near Richmond, "Central County" for the booming area near Walnut Creek, Concord, and Mount Diablo, and "East County" for the area near the Delta including Antioch, Oakley, or Brentwood. Remember these divisions as you explore the various communities of this diverse county. If you need to make a phone call, remember that the main area code for Western Alameda county and the "West County" region of Contra Costa is (510), while the area code for central and eastern Contra Costa County, as well as the central-eastern part of Alameda county near Pleasanton and Livermore, is (925). Keep these numbers handy as you navigate through this bustling region. The East Bay is also home to many malls and shopping centers, catering to every shopaholic's dream. Some of the largest and most popular shopping destinations include Sunvalley Mall in Concord, Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton, Bay Fair Mall, New Park Mall, Southland Mall, and Hilltop Mall. Get ready to shop till you drop! Sports enthusiasts will find plenty to cheer about in Oakland, as the city is home to three professional sports teams: the Oakland A's (baseball), the Oakland Raiders (football), and the Golden State Warriors (basketball). Catch a game and experience the thrilling atmosphere of live sports in this vibrant city. For those seeking intellectual pursuits, the University of California Berkeley is a world-renowned institution known for its exceptional educational standards and its liberal viewpoint on most things. The campus creates an inspiring environment for learning and exploration, and the California Bears Football team adds a unique charm to the university spirit. Keep in mind that their stadium sits right over the Hayward Faultline, so be prepared for a truly breathtaking experience. If you're interested in pursuing higher education, CSU East Bay in Hayward (formerly known as "CSU Hayward") offers a great academic program. Additionally, Pleasant Hill, in Contra Costa County, is home to one of the biggest two-year junior colleges, Diablo Valley College. Explore the educational opportunities in the East Bay and embark on a journey of knowledge and growth.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

**1. Hamburger**The hamburger, often simply called a burger, is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground beef, usually served in a bun with toppings and condiments such as lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, and pickles. It is a quintessential American fast food item that can be found at restaurants, fast food joints, and even street vendors throughout the country. While traditional hamburgers typically include beef, there are also vegetarian options available made from plant-based ingredients.

**2. Pizza**Pizza is a popular Italian-American dish consisting of a yeasted flatbread base, typically topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and herbs. In the United States, pizza is often sold as both a take-out and sit-down dining option, with numerous regional variations in styles and toppings. Pepperoni is a particularly popular topping in the U.S., but vegetarian and vegan pizzas are also widely available.

**3. Fried Chicken**Fried chicken is a southern-style dish comprised of marinated chicken pieces that are coated in a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Originating from the American South, fried chicken has become a staple in the country's culinary landscape, with various regional variations in preparation styles and seasonings. It can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or as part of a larger feast, and although traditionally prepared with chicken, vegetarian alternatives do exist.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing