We Love the Dimond District Community
We have been located at this address in the Dimond District for over 20 years. We are part and parcel of the neighborhood, having seen its many changes and giant steps.
Oakland California has seen a recent revival, with the opening of several new businesses, restaurants, and bars. The Dimond District has been a major part of that resurgence.
The History of The Dimond District
The Dimond District was originally known for it’s lush cherry trees planted in the mid 19th century. A German family named Rhoda owned the most of the property, until a wealthy Irish businessman named Hugh Dimond settled there in 1867. Hugh named the Oakland district when he bought the land.
Originally known as Upper Fruitvale, the rolling lower hills with the Oakland hills located to the north, the beautiful weather and quick access to the burgeoning downtown made the neighborhood appealing to many settlers. Among them were many Germans who peppered the neighborhood with beer gardens, the remnants of which can be seen to this day.
To this day, Oaktoberfest, an annual Dimond celebration of the past beer gardens, takes place every October in honor of this history.
There were many resorts in the the Dimond, including the Hermitage, with dancing girls and an authentic French cuisine, which attracted visitors from San Francisco by ferry.
The Dimond District Today
At the moment, it is one of the most desirable and colorful neighborhoods in Oakland, and we are overjoyed to be part of it. This neighborhood is home to many restaurants and places to hang out. This includes the library, and east of the library a gorgeous community park called Dimond Park with tall trees, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and playgrounds.
The Dimond is now a popular place to live and do business. Our local improvement association rallies around the motto “involvement builds community,” and the community has attracted many new businesses due to its friendliness and prosperity. Local schools include, Fruitvale Elementary, Bret Harte Middle School, and Sequoia Elementary.
The neighborhood is close to a huge amount of trails and parks with beautiful redwoods, and there are many delicious family owned restaurants with many different types of culture & food.
We Love Our Library
One of the central fixtures of the Dimond District is our library in the Lower Dimond District. In 1914 the Fruitvale Women’s Club founded the library branch as a satellite of the Oakland library system. On February 23, 1980 it settled on a piece of property donated by members of the neighborhood, Mr. and Mrs. John Rohan. It has a rich schedule of programs, including (copied):
- Lego Mania: Design, build and explore with thousands of LEGOs at the monthly LEGO club: 1st Friday of the month, 3:30pm
- Baby Bounce: Play, sing, and rhyme one on one with your baby from birth to 18 months. Followed by Playtime! Wednesdays 10:15am
- Spanish Conversation Group: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30PM
- Book Discussion Group: 2nd Tuesday, 6:30-7:30 PM, Call 482-7844 for title
- Lawyers in the Library: 1st Tuesday 6:00-8:00 PM, lottery sign-up at 5:45 PM
- Toddler Storytime: Wednesdays, 10:30 and 11:15 AM
- Family Storytime: Tuesdays, 7:00 PM
To reach us from the Library: go south on Fruitvale Ave toward MacArthur Blvd
Go one block and pass the Bank of America on your right
On the next block All Eyes will be on the right.
Where We Are
You’ll find All Eyes On Me Optometry at 3417 Fruitvale, in the Lower Dimond District, two stores down from the Peets Coffee and next door to the famous “Oaklandish” culture store. One of the most prominent (and obvious) businesses is the Farmer Joe’s which is impossible to miss as you exit the free way at the Fruitvale Avenue Exit 23. Once off the freeway take your first right and go we are on the first block to your left. Directly across the street from Farmer Joe’s.
Conclusion: The Dimond District is one of the most vibrant communities in Oakland California (did I say we love it!). The district is bordered by the Hilltop district to the north, the Laurel district to the west, the city of Piedmont to the east, and the city of Emeryville to the south. The Dimond District has a lot to offer.