$0/moFreeHiddenPatron count not public
$1/moOakland EstuaryHiddenThank you for believing in me and my work! Patrons at this tier have access to exclusive biweekly or more frequent posts and get to vote on polls on things like topics I should write about, character names and other fun stuff—all while helping me spend more time writing.
The Oakland Estuary is the channel that divides the mainland of what is now called Oakland from the island called Alameda, which is where I was born. It's the body of water I drive beneath when traveling through the Posey Tube to/ from the island town, and it's also where some of the iconic Oakland container cranes stand.
Photo: “a kayaker in the Oakland Estuary” by Daniel Ramirez
Creative Commons License: CC BY 2.0
$3/moLake MerrittHiddenThank you for believing in me and my work! Patrons at this tier have access to exclusive biweekly or more frequent posts and get to vote on polls on things like topics I should write about, character names and other fun stuff—all while helping me spend more time writing.
Lake Merritt is the heart of Oakland (it's even sort of heart-shaped!). I come here often to walk my dog, people watch and take in the water vibes. The lake is famous for its necklace of lights, its lovely views and the many community gatherings that are centered here.
Photo: “Lake Merritt at night” by Hitchster
Creative Commons License: CC BY 2.0
$8/moRodeo LagoonHiddenThank you for believing in me and my work! Patrons at this tier have access to exclusive biweekly or more frequent posts and get to vote on polls on things like topics I should write about, character names and other fun stuff—all while helping me spend more time writing.
Rodeo Lagoon and Rodeo Beach at the Marin Headlands is one of my favorite places in the world. I've been coming to this body of water since I was in junior high, and have had life-changing experiences here. The Pacific Ocean is just across the slender spit of sand but the lagoon makes it feel islandesque. I come here for healing and rejuvenation.
Photo: “Rodeo Beach and lagoon” by Jennifer Davis
Creative Commons License: CC BY-ND 2.0
$12/moCarquinez StraitHiddenThank you for believing in me and my work! Patrons at this tier have access to exclusive biweekly or more frequent posts and get to vote on polls on things like topics I should write about, character names and other fun stuff—all while helping me spend more time writing. I will also acknowledge you by name, with your permission, on my website, social media stream(s) or other public forum as one of my patrons.
The Carquinez Strait is one of the most stunning parts of the Bay, equal parts industrial and nature. Most people overlook (and look over) this sliver of water as they cross it on its namesake bridge(s) on their way to / from Vallejo. A pivotal scene from my novel-in-progress takes place here and involves people who live in boats.
Photo: “Carquinez Bridge Spanning the Strait” by Bill Williams
Creative Commons License: CC BY 2.0
$20/moSuisun SloughHiddenThank you for believing in me and my work! Patrons at this tier have access to exclusive biweekly or more frequent posts and get to vote on polls on things like topics I should write about, character names and other fun stuff—all while helping me spend more time writing. I will also acknowledge you by name, with your permission, on my website, social media stream(s) and / or in a future publication of my writing as one of my patrons.
The Suisun Slough is part of the Suisun Marsh in the north bay. I like to kayak here and ponder what life in the Bay might have been like hundreds of years ago. It's a beautiful, peaceful slice of wilderness less than an hour's drive from Oakland's urban core. Much of my novel-in-progress is set in a future version of this place.
Photo: “Suisun Marsh overlook” by USFWS Southwest Region
Creative Commons License: CC BY 2.0