The Location

CalTrans lots between 5600 Carberry and 5600 Telegraph (“Carberry-Telegraph”)

The Situation

The lots have been vacant since the Delancey St Christmas tree farm ended their lease of the land. There are currently no plans by CalTrans to routinely use the parcels. California Highway Patrol have regularly been relocating unhoused persons from these lots. Traffic onto CA-24 East and off of CA-24 West is frequently routed along these roads through the Idora Park residential neighborhood.

For years, Idora Park residents have hoped to make better use of the space. 2026’s successful conversion of a CalTrans lot at 54th & Shattuck into a native plant pollinator garden has inspired current residents of Bushrod and Idora Park to organize a new effort to reintegrate Carberry-Telegraph into the community.

Ideas for the space

Initial concepts are to complement existing parks with amenities that will encourage community such as pollinator/native gardens, paths and seating, and dog play areas. If Rockridge residents can turn a vacant CalTrans lot into basketball courts and a dog park, we can achieve something similar!

Purpose of this site

We hope to identify neighbors and visitors to North Oakland that care about and are impacted by a community adoption of these lots. This is just the start of the conversation about what is possible for Carberry-Telegraph.