Located on the eastern shore of the bay across from San Francisco and south of the city of Berkeley, Oakland is the third-largest city in the Bay Area, home to nearly 400,000 residents.
The land was initially claimed by the Spanish in the 18th century and granted to landowner Lu??s Mar??a Peralta, whose family called the territory "encinal," a Spanish word which translates to Oakland. The region experienced its initial growth following the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s. A period of rapid growth occurred following the San Francisco Earthquake of 1904 as refugees poured in from the neighboring city, effectively doubling Oakland's population.
In recent years, the economy, population, and housing prices in Oakland have seen a rise which can be partially attributed to Mayor Brown's "10k Plan", which was designed to bring 10,000 new residents into the city's downtown areas. Oakland residents enjoy a great climate, close proximity to San Francisco and the Bay Area, and attractions such as Jack London Square, the Oakland Museum of California, and its own Chinatown. Major athletic franchises include the Oakland Raiders football team and Oakland Athletics baseball team.