Kristen Loken & Melissa Davis
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Isla Oldani, Luigi Oldani & Sacha Oldani
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Anna Campbell & Kerri Johnson
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Jeffrey Probart & Cheyenne Cannon
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Sherri McMullen
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Karen Anderson & Katie Petersen
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Noella Teele & Joe Colley
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Sam Davis, Sammy Davis & Melissa Davis
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Erica Skone-Rees & Matt Kalkstein
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

DJ Ed the Soulector
Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Photo Credit: Kristen Loken

Melissa Davis celebrated the release of her first book, This is Oakland, alongside friends and local businesses at a block party-style event in Old Oakland on Saturday, June 21st. Davis, a former Mademoiselle editor and owner of public relations firm Ruby Press, along with Kristen Loken (the book’s photographer) were on hand to sign copies. The new tome, which was fully funded through Kickstarter and released in May, profiles 90 hot spots across Oakland from restaurants and cafes to boutiques and theaters. Anna Campbell of The FloraCultural Society planned the affair incorporating a handful of neighborhood businesses, including Bella Vita, Standard & Strange, and Rare Bird Books. While DJ Ed The Soulector entertained with retro R&B hits, guests noshed on Doughnut Dolly’s artisanal pastries, root beer floats by Fentons Creamery, and fresh frescas by El Taco Bike.