BIO

Yes, it's true I am 99+

Born in Oakland, I was promptly returned to the San Francisco Fillmore district where my grandparents owned a home. Some may argue technically I am not a true San Franciscan; however, the attitude says it all. Until my late teens however I spent my growing years in the Oakland and Piedmont hills across the bay. Needless to say, I experienced a privileged life and all the amenities that come with it. Private schools, summer camps and illusions.

My late teens became more of a struggle, going to Junior Colleges, seeking a career in music. By nineteen I was writing for a group called Space People under Capitol Records, working in restaurants like all broke artists.  Which I would later focus on as a career choice.

Baby boomers were coming of age in San Francisco and Berkeley. The return of boutiques and small cafes. The late Seventies ushered in California Cuisine. What an incredible time to be in food. Working prep and line cook, at Zuni's, Square One, Ryan's Café, I attended the California Culinary Academy. This was at a time when there were only 48 students, and you had to exhibit talent! Attending for two years and returning another to focus on pastries. Afterwards working and perfecting my craft at different locations.

In 1994, I opened Onnies Café Java Juice Joint on 3rd. St. in San Francisco, winning many local awards. With the DIP investment firm, we created the Onnie Pie Company, distributing in the SoCal and NorCal, selling before the 2008 boom/bust. I opened Café Phoenix for the RAM Inc., and then I realized I needed change!

I removed myself from that industry and did something for me. At 50 plus, 6'2” I'd surpassed 300lbs. My blood pressure was 189/113, yep, heart attack stage. I spent 9 months losing 111 lbs. and nurturing myself back to good health. Juicing and power walking 9 miles, 5 times a week at Land's End. That is how,

 "A Fellow Got His Groove Back"

 I enrolled in CCSF not knowing what I'd focus on. What I did know I would enroll in a media course. My peers would always choose me as talent. I never understood why people under 25 found me so captivating. They'd say, " Your just Onnyx!. No one else is like you. You're interesting and funny." We'd go to parties, dance clubs and events. That's when I and they became 99+, age was of no issue. I'd zip around town in Babyboi,(convertible mobile), and no matter where I was, people of all ages, would start dancing, swaying or moving to Jazz, Swing or BPM. Whole families would dance in crosswalks and skateboarders would skate behind me pumping. People take pictures, run up to shake my hand. People would walk out of their homes, wave from windows and sidewalks giving their approval. It was the beginning of "SfCitibro on the Go".

Traveling to farms, restaurants, parades, nightclubs, parks, etc., bringing the story to you. Why will you want to hear it? It's how I tell the story.