Oakland is a major West Coast City located on the San Francisco Bay, eight miles east of San Francisco. With a population of approximately 404,000, Oakland is a major economic, cultural, and educational hub in the region. Home to more than 50 different neighborhoods, Oakland was defined as the second most ethnically diverse city in the United States according to the 2000 U.S. census.

Oakland serves as the corporate headquarters for a number of national and multinational companies, including Clorox, Kaiser Permanente, Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Market.

This large city knows how to enjoy itself, boasting three professional teams and a plethora of leisure activities. The Oakland Athletics, Oakland Raiders, and Golden State Warriors represent the city in baseball, football and basketball. The Fox Theater, Paramount Theatre, Oakland Estuary, and Oakland Zoo are all popular entertainment centers. Jack London Square offers an excellent restaurant and downtown scene. The city also hosts several popular events, including the Oakland Greek Festival, Lakefest, Montclair Village Family Fun Festival, and the Oakland International Film Festival.

Educationally, Oakland houses seven colleges and universities. The California College of Arts, Holy Name University, Laney College, Merritt College, Mills College, Patten University, and Samuel Merritt College welcome students with a wide variety of academic programs.