After losing my heart-cat 5 years ago, I am ready to consider a new companion. Cat Town's staff was…read morefriendly and informative. It's obvious from the cats I met they are well cared for. I didn't feel pressured to take a furry friend on my first visit unlike some shelters. And, while I didn't find the right match, I will return and hopefully will meet a new friend. Thanks for your warmth and compassion!

A Disneyland for cat lovers and cats. A beautiful space with the best volunteers and workers one…read morecould imagine. Only warning is you might fall in love - I know I did. You are important. Yes, you the reader of this right now. You are important to the successful operation of this cat cafe. An important part of this cafe is to socialize the cats with visitors so they become more friendly. Friendly cats get adopted. I found a friendly cat. He came right to the door to sniff me. Then as I entered from one door he was guided to his little stool - very obedient - so well trained I was in awe. His more shy brother always in the background - he would protect him and check me out first to make sure I was ok. The little guy had only interest in my - none of his toys. I gently got closer with some affectionate love pats and scratches. It is a love story of him and his brother and what landed them here. I fell in love with how they were so bonded and took care of each other. My heart melted as they snuggled up together in their little box as I left. If you are curious they are two brothers by the name of some sweet frozen desserts. A cute bonded pair that I spent all my time with there. There are so many other great ones here. I was blown away with the variety of colors and good movie star looks they had. I will be back.

Okay, I don't want to seem like everyone else who is writing reviews for things, but E.L.L.S.S.A…read more is literally one of the best non-profit organizations I know of. Yes, there are amazing ones out there, but working and being and ambassador for this specific one has given me so many great opportunities. I was given the opportunity to move and live in California from a little town in Oregon. Not many people I know get out of this little town I call home, Albany, a town of scarcity. I was ELLSSA's first intern. I am still learning everyday! Along with teaching the little things I know as well. Everyone involved with ELLSSA are all amazing, bright, and beautifully flawed people. We all have our own story and ELLSSA has helped us all in our own ways. Many of us come together to create and evolve as one. ...Living within a new family. ...A community of living. We, as a community, have held free events for those to join and learn self development and many more things within that such as meditations and daily wellness. Donations involving the distribution of clothing, personal items, and food to the homeless. Free weekly yoga classes and many more have been put out in this world of ours to show that we are trying. Within ELLSSA is a product line called NoMore. It is a part of how we fund to support those in this world who are in need. Our products are created with pure, all-natural, and handcrafted recipes. Each purchase gives a direct percentage donation. Recently, I have been working with a few of the team girls and we have came together and had what we call "Mixing Day." They worked together to teach me their ways (LOL, 'their ways') of mixing. And I had a blast. The process is long but well-done and as systematic as it gets for being done at home. I love everything about ELLSSA and everything there is to come beyond what we have now. There is so much more that can happen! -Asia Rayne

ELLSSA brightens my life every day. Through the weekly homeless distributions, daily wellness…read morecoaching, and nightly meditation sessions I'm able to connect with those around me as well as myself. Life as never been better now that my family and I live the "Mission" of ELLSSA.

Just updating my previous review. The fridge has since been replaced with a better one, so I'd…read moreraise my rating from 1 to 4.

I added some food to the Free food Fridge on 44th and Telegraph today. It's stocked! I noticed a…read morefresh ready-made salad and some veggies. What a great place to "take what you need, leave what you can." The fridge is actually cold, so people can leave perishables. Such a great idea!

Ya know that old cliche about feeding a man a fish versus teaching him to fish? So he can eat…read moreforever? That's kinda what Spokeland is like. Maybe it would be easier to pay someone to fix my bike for me, but then I would have to keep on doing that every time something goes wrong. At Spokeland, instead of doing repairs for you, they let you do it yourself but give you helpful guidance throughout. I now know much more about fixing my own bike thanks to these awesome people! I've come here to fix a flat, change out a cassette, and tune up my brakes. The volunteers that run Spokeland have been helpful and friendly every time. Sometimes things can take a while cause they're understaffed and don't have many open hours (a few hours Tu/Th evenings and Sunday afternoons). This is fine. They're volunteer-run and can only help so many people at once. Plus the vibes are welcoming, so it's not a bad place to spend a while! In addition to providing knowledge and a workshop space, Spokeland has lotsa parts and used bikes for sale. Think I saw some helmets too. I believe they also offer classes on occasion. Not sure how often these actually happen, but they seem to range from bike basics up to more advanced concepts and look super helpful. The best part of Spokeland is their determination to make bikes accessible for all. If you don't have the money, you can volunteer to pay off your shop time. And if you prefer to use money, it's super affordable. I've been twice, fixed several things on my bike, and only paid $10 total. Not bad for to get moving again and gain bike knowledge that will help me maintain my bike-friendly lifestyle long-term!

Spokeland is a volunteer-run bike education non-profit in Oakland, walking distance from MacArthur…read moreBart. I came on Thursday needing some basic bike maintenance training. Pierre, one of the volunteers, was (more than) nice enough to spend an hour and a half with me going over how to patch a tube, change a tire, replace a chain, etc. It's a perfect place to go if you need a replacement part for your bike and you want a fair price. You can also just spend time there with your bike fixing any problems it may have. They have a suggested donation of $5/hr. Everyone who worked there was really nice and welcoming. Thanks again!!

Awesome Organization!!!…read more They Take Donations Of Certain Medical Equipment And Supplies!! They Then Redistribute The Medical Equipment And Supplies To People That really Need Them!! It's First Come First Served!!! I have 2 Friends That Use Their Services Exclusively!!!! One is Nicknamed Ed Flintstone he is on Social Security and Uses Adult Diapers which he gets every week from the ReCares Network!!! He has Even gotten a Berry Atric Walker and a Wheelchair for Future Usage My Other Friend Is Called Randy Big Sexy!!! He Is A Diabetic and Weighs 500 Pounds and Is 6Ft 4 Inches !!! Unfortunately he suffers from Low Esteem and Has a Chip on his Shoulder and Feels Like The World Owes Him Everything!!! Thank God for ReCares he Gets His Diabetes Supplies , Dressings , Adult Diapers, Walker and Canes from there !!! People and Organizations like this are Heaven Sent!!! This Charity Is A Baller On A Budget Approved!!! I keep my Pimp Hand Strong!!!! Number # 34 On The Yelp Top # 50 List Of Most Prolific Yelp Elites of 2025!!!

As a mover, I love having a place where I can drop off durable medical equipment and expendables…read moreeasily, and know that they are going to go to the people who really need them. This is the kind of operation that makes our community better.

Going, going, gone. I've been coming to this place over the span of a couple years to remove my…read moretattoo and I had my last session today. Rosalind did such a great job, taking consideration for my skin tone and safe and effective removal. The price was very affordable and I've always been seen promptly. I would highly recommend coming here for your services.

Affordable and quick tattoo removal You do have a small…read morewindow o get on the schedule for the month but the with the rates they offer I really don't mind

Amazing coffee shop in Berkeley's Southside. 1951 is a coffee shop that has a focus on supporting…read morerefugees and serves delicious drinks + pastries! They carry out their mission as a non-profit specialty coffee org by providing job training and employment to refugees (more details about their mission are found on their website)! My favorite drinks from 1951 are their Strawberry Lychee Matcha Latte and their Honey Lavendar Latte. It's a good study cafe in my opinion with free wifi, a few outlets, and a good amount of seats. The service is fast - I usually order ahead of time on Snackpass and pick up my order once I get to the store. Highly recommend anyone in the area to check this cafe out!

I wanted to try a new coffee shop, so I ventured a bit further from campus to try 1951 Coffee…read moreCompany. Even with dozens of boba and coffee shops nearby, 1951 Coffee Company was still packed with students around weekend lunchtime. I need a mid-day pick-me-up, and the honey lavender latte was calling my name. I noticed that I was charged an extra $0.25 for the to-go cup, which I suppose is good for minimizing waste but still came as a bit of a surprise on top of the nearly $8 latte. The latte was prepared within minutes, and I took my drink to-go. Sweet and creamy, the latte nicely balanced subtle lavender flavor with a hint of sweetness - without tasting overly floral. Hopefully I won't be in as much of a hurry on my next visit and can enjoy my coffee in the cute cafe.

OK, so there was this event in Jack London Square where they had all these bakeries and candy…read moremakers showing off their goodies, and you know what was off the hook? The chocolate bark with cranberries from the Bread Project. Turns out that they also have a little cafe in the school where they turn out some pretty awesome eats, that are freshly prepared. They purchase their produce in the area. In addition to being a classroom. If you are in the area, stop by, pick up a sandwich or some muffins or the fresh made soup. Also, they cater. Planning a wedding or birthday party? They make cupcakes for $1 each! Whooo whheeee, that's what I'm talking about. Sustainability Education Fresh Eats Easy on the wallet **Support your local nonprofit**

Bought a small summer fruit pie for $5 at their stand in the Emeryville Farmer's Market. First of…read moreall, I haven't seen a pie priced so reasonably for at least 10 years. Second, the crumble on top was sweet crunchy heaven, the crust was perfection and the fruit not overly sweet or loaded with slimy cornstarch. I also tried the generously portioned brownie which was straight from mom's kitchen: cakey, not fudgy. Yum, I'm hooked.

They have a great selection of materials, from fabric (what I'm usually looking for) to notions to…read morechildren's play materials to funky collectibles to actual sewing machines and earrings made from their supplies (presumably). I attended a craft night there and hope I get to again soon!

I once bought a box of popsicle sticks. The box was moldy, some of the sticks were moldy, but I was…read moreusing them for a project. Yes, I paid 97 cents, but that box was ratchet. And I have to say that is true with much of the stuff in there. The person who donated them must have been non-melinated, because I have had the hardest time with my donations. So, they need donations to keep afloat and want to give you the third degree and reject your stuff. I went to give them lights, no xmas lights, but just regulary white lights, the type the a teacher will put around a board to highlight it or something. I was told coursely that they don't take xmas lights or nonworking lights. I explained their usage in my room and the guy plugged them in and reluctantly took them. Another time I came with binders, I'm a teacher, graduating from school and have more binders than I know what to do with. And they are good binders. Also, he said that they had too many of them. Where??? I didn't see them in the little donation space and I didn't see them in the store, so...The guy was so dismissive. The attitude is like they're doing me a favor looking at my stuff before rejecting it. Is this the nonprofit donation version of the black tax, where if a black hand is touching it, you reject it? Or you choose to pay less? While there, a black male dropped something off and got in his car. This guy (big and blond) chased the SUV yelling after him and said he couldn't do that. The guy parked and got out of the car and they accepted the donation. I find it amazing that they will accept junk from some people and reject reusable things from others (melinated?) That may be the pattern. They are a joke!

I didn't have any martial arts experience when I walked into this dojo over a year ago. I signed up…read morefor the Intro Class series, which was $50 and included 4 special classes and a "gi" or uniform, and discounted dues if you register (a great bargain). The instructors talked about the history and philosophy of Aikido, started teaching the basics (stance, footwork, blending exercises), and gradually built things up into a full technique. The atmosphere was very welcoming. I remember feeling a slight panic when everyone started to pair up on my first day, but then a smiling black belt came sliding into view and coached me through all the steps. It was the people (and the cool moves) that kept me coming back. I didn't think I'd be able to roll, but now I'm doing dozens of them each day. I'm not very good at dancing, and am terrible with my feet, but now it seems I have some basic footwork patterns etched into muscle memory. At first, I was overwhelmed with all the strange sounding Japanese names, but now I have a very clear catalog in my head of the different attacks, blends, techniques, and variations. I credit a lot of this to the beginners or "basics" classes held on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings. They are incredibly valuable for the new student. Now I find that I'm really taking advantage of what the dojo has to offer. It's a lot, and it's affordable! Unlike other dojos, the Sensei here are all volunteers, people with a passion. You get to learn from 6 or more instructors, of very high rank, with decades of experience. In addition to the beginner or basics classes, there are regular classes (can be quite intense), a special "ukemi" class (rolling, falling, and how to stay safe when you receive a technique), and classes on weapons: the "bokken" (wooden sword) and "jo" (short staff). If you really want to dive in, there are a total of 10 classes each week. Students at the dojo train hard, but they also like to have fun. It's not unusual to grab lunch or dinner after class, and there's a movie night once a month, where a martial art movie is projected onto the wall. There are also a number of potlucks to celebrate special occasions. So if you're looking to develop yourself (physically and mentally), learn techniques that can be applied in a self-defense situation, and connect with a great community, this is the place to be. But be forewarned, you might end up spending the next 20 years trying to master the subtlest of nuances!

I trained here from 1990 to 1994 and it is a testament to the quality of Aikido and instruction…read morethat most of the teachers and several of the students continue to be here for the last 20+ years; and more since they were here many, many years before I started. Enduring and endearing people. There is no other dojo that I would recommend more highly.