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Creating an Unforgettable Summer at EOBA

Summer has been shining brightly at EOBA, and our campus is filled each day with excitement, learning, and laughter. Thanks to beautiful weather and an incredible team of staff and volunteers, our campers are making the most of every moment.



While summer is packed with fun, reading continues to be a daily priority through our Story Explorers program, where young readers are building confidence and discovering the joy of books. Campers are also staying active with STEM activities, arts and crafts, cooking, relay races, sports, and outdoor play that keep minds and bodies engaged.

Our field trips and community partnerships have made this summer even more memorable. A special thank you to the Elmhurst Library for hosting an amazing exotic bug exhibit that sparked curiosity and wonder among our campers. We also had a fantastic day at Children's Fairyland, where imagination came to life through play and adventure. Our teens enjoyed an afternoon of friendly competition and fun at Plank, creating memories and strengthening friendships.

At EOBA, summer camp is about more than keeping kids busy. It is about helping young people explore new interests, build confidence, develop friendships, and experience the richness of their community in a safe and supportive environment. We are grateful to our families, staff, volunteers, and community partners for making this another unforgettable summer at EOBA.

East of Zen Is in Full Bloom

Tucked away in the heart of East Oakland is one of EOBA's best kept treasures, East of Zen, our thriving community garden. We call it East of Zen because it truly feels like a peaceful oasis in the middle of an industrial neighborhood.

This summer, the garden is overflowing with life. Our lemon trees are heavy with fruit, the plum trees are producing an incredible harvest, and we're excited to welcome new avocado trees that will provide for years to come. Every season brings something new to discover, grow, and share.

The garden is also an outdoor classroom where our youth learn that growing food takes patience, responsibility, and care. They water, weed, plant, and nurture every tree and garden bed, watching their hard work turn into fresh fruits and vegetables.

The rewards are shared throughout the community. Each week, fresh produce from East of Zen finds its way into the hands of families at our community food distribution. During summer camp, children enjoy picking ripe fruits and vegetables straight from the garden, experiencing food at its freshest while learning where it comes from.

East of Zen is more than a garden. It is a place where young people connect with nature, develop new skills, and help nourish their neighbors.



We are always looking for volunteers who want to get their hands dirty, support our youth, and help this special place continue to grow. There is always something blooming at East of Zen, and there is always room for one more helping hand.

Every Wednesday, something special happens at EOBA. What many people see as a food distribution is, for us, a commitment to food justice, dignity, and community.

Our food distribution is made possible through the incredible partnerships we share with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and Arsolas. Through its food recovery program, Arsolas rescues high quality food from retailers including Target, Safeway, Costco, Trader Joe's, Starbucks, and other grocery partners. Food that can no longer be sold, but is still fresh and perfectly good to eat, is redirected to community organizations like EOBA instead of going to waste. Together, we help ensure that nutritious food reaches families who need it most.

Behind the scenes is an extraordinary team of volunteers who faithfully show up every week to sort produce, organize donations, recycle boxes, and prepare every display with care. Leading this effort is our Food Program Coordinator, Rosa Garcia. Her organization, leadership, and compassion keep everything moving while ensuring every family is welcomed with warmth and respect.

Our food distribution is also powered by youth. Young people help pick up food, sort donations, stock shelves, arrange fresh fruits and vegetables, assist families, and help with cleanup. They learn valuable workforce skills while experiencing the importance of community service and giving back.

At EOBA, we believe every family deserves dignity and choice. Rather than handing out prepacked boxes, we carefully display fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food items so families can shop for the foods they know, enjoy, and prepare at home. Our food justice model recognizes that culturally responsive food matters and that every family should have the opportunity to choose what best meets their needs.



If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, we invite you to visit EOBA every Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. We are proud to stand alongside our partners, volunteers, and youth to build a healthier community, one family at a time.

Summer Showdown I brought together more than 50 boxers from boxing clubs throughout Northern California and nearly 250 spectators who filled the East Oakland Boxing Association campus. From the opening bell to the final bout, the energy was nonstop as athletes, families, coaches, and fans came together for a day of exciting competition and community celebration.

And now, by popular demand, Summer Showdown is back.

With bigger competition.

More excitement.

More community.

More fun.

On Saturday, August 1, East Oakland Boxing Association will once again host one of Northern California's most anticipated amateur boxing events.

Summer Showdown II is more than a boxing tournament—it's a full community experience. Enjoy action-packed boxing, great food, live music, community vendors, sports exhibitors, a VIP Lounge, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Whether you're a boxing fan, looking for a fun family outing, or an athlete searching for your next challenge, Summer Showdown II has something for everyone.

Event Details

 Saturday, August 1

 East Oakland Boxing Association

816 98th Avenue, Oakland, CA

Weigh-Ins: 8:00 A.M.

Doors Open: 9:00 A.M.

First Bout: 11:00 A.M.

Boxers: Matchups are happening now! Register through the Konquer Club App or contact Matchmaker Martin "Tito" Rodriguez.510-500-2172.

Vendors Wanted: Interested in reaching hundreds of athletes, families, coaches, and community members? Vendor spaces are still available. Contact Dawna Williams for more information. dawna@eoba.org

Bring your family. Bring your friends. Bring your team.

Come experience the excitement, competition, and community spirit that make Summer Showdown II one of Northern California's premier amateur boxing events.