• Mayor's Proposals and Others Launch New Discussion on Affordable Housing:   In late 2006 Council Member Brunner and I put a proposal for inclusionary housing in front of the Council after working with developers (for and non-profit) and advocates for half a year.  It ended in a tie and a proposal for a Blue Ribbon Commission was passed.  After 8 months of work the Commission loaded with both developers and advocates could not reach consensus on all items, but did make recommendations for inclusionary housing in the fall.  Since then we have been waiting for the Mayor to weigh in, his proposal was released this month and was discussed at a special Council meeting last Tuesday. It includes broad recommendations including new changes in rent control.  Anyone interested in the problem of affordable housing should find this an important discussion. The Mayor's proposal has useful charts comparing some of the initial proposals, while there is still no consensus it generally seemed that there might be room for compromise on at least some of the issues. I will be working on building a compromise.  If you have comments for our office, please contact Richard Cowan 238-7041.
   

• Chief's Proposal to Use Measure Y Funds for Recruitment & Training Goes to Measure Y Committee 2/25 and Public Safety Committee on 2/26: At this past week's Council meeting, Council deferred a decision on the  Mayor's and Chief's proposal to use Measure Y Funds for Recruitment & Training until the  Measure Y and Public Safety Committees had a chance to review the proposals.The Measure Y fund has accumulated about $17 million because we have not been able to hire enough officers to fill these and other positions.  Some of the surplus has been used for overtime to accomplish Measure Y police work.  The Chief now wants to use About $7.8 million to recruit and train officers with the goal of reaching the total 803 budgeted officers by years end.  We are currently about 70 officers short. The two major problems in meeting the goals have been: 1) Not enough qualified candidates; and 2) Shortage of training officers.  Training new officers takes a lot of manpower.  Chief Tucker proposes to use about half of the money, $3.3 million to contract with the Alameda County Sheriff's Department to run a parallel set of academies, doubling our output.  The remainder of the money will be used in increase and speed-up the recruiting efforts and to offer better incentive packages.

• Industrial Land Use Policy Returns to Council March 4:  Although housing may be in a temporary slump, the long term pressure to convert land zoned for industrial uses to residential or mixed use often means large profits for landowners.  Meanwhile, many companies are not sure whether to expand as residential neighbors move into or close to industrial areas.  Other companies cannot find locations in the city.  The Council has been trying to balance the need for jobs and a healthy economy with the need for housing.  By clearly designating and reconfirming industrial areas, we hope to increase investment in the city. Last fall I sponsored a proposal to designate 5 areas as industrial; the Planning Commission was asked to come back with recommendations on a remaining 12 areas.  Last week the Commission forwarded a proposal for a set of criteria but did not make specific recommendations on the remaining areas. Council member Reid countered with broad designations; while there is probably agreement on some there is disagreement or confusion on others.  The issue will return to the Council on  March 4. Read the updated report and direct comments to Richard Cowan for our office. 
   

• Council Agrees to Support of State Legislation Requiring Spaying of Dogs and Cats Unless They Have Intact Permit:  As Tuesday's Council Meeting drew to a close near midnight, Council agreed to support AB 1634.  Every year the city euthanizes hundreds of animals, this bill would used fees to fund low cost spay/ neutering programs and includes cats for the first time.  Read the report here.
   

• Council To Discuss CDFA Aerial Spraying to Eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth at Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, February 26, 7:30 pm, Hearing Room 3, City Hall:  There is increasing concern about the safety of the California Department of Food and Agriculture's plans to spray the Bay Area for the Light Brown Apple Moth infestation. The Council's Public Safety Committee will be discussing a resolution to oppose the spraying  unless additional information on the health effects is presented at its meeting. This Chronicle article gives good background.  
   

• Peet's Presents $20,000 to Dimond Community for Public Art:  When we were working with Peet's to locate in the Dimond, their architects said the site needed more windows and a new paint job.  The problem was the old Dimond mural on the side of the building would have to go.  Peet's agreed to donate back the city facade grant for another mural or other public art. The overwhelming response of the people who contacted us, opined on the Dimond Forum and who attended the Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) meetings agreed.  Looking around during the ceremony, it was nice to see that even though the Bienati's may be retired and mural is gone, the new Peet's carries on the spirit of Ann's Café as a community gathering place.

The check presented to the DIA will be part of a larger pot  when combined with future Streetscape grants and my District 4 capital fund contributions.  Our office and the DIA will hold a meeting soon for artists interested in participating in Dimond public art projects, contact Richard Cowan for more information.
(Above) Jean, Peets Dimond Manager Scott SooHoo, DIA Chair Daniel Swafford and Vice Chair Marilyn Miller.

• County Presents Proposal for Transitional Housing for Foster Youth at  Fred Finch:  Alameda County representative Vince Reyes (below) and Fred Finch staff made a presentation to the Dimond Improvement Association this week on their proposal for transitional housing. The meeting was also attended by Supervisor Nate Miley. Historically, Fred Finch was an orphanage.  Recently, it has run residential and day school programs for emotionally troubled youth. This new proposal would shift the Center's emphasis to a different population-- back to its original mission of serving homeless youth.  Many foster youth become homeless when they age out of the system at 18.  This plan converts current dormitories into apartments for 40 foster youth enrolled in educational or job training programs. One building would serve 10 16-18 year olds in 5 two bedroom apartments; the other three would have 10 one bedroom apartments for youth aged 18 to a maximum of 24. Each building would have live-in staff; health, job training and counselors would also be located on campus.

• Fred Finch and the County agreed to have a Community Advisory Group building on the regular meetings held over the last two years.
• They also agreed to bring building designs, traffic studies and other issues such as "green building" materials back for broader public comment.

• Help Us Build the "The Krusherz!" District 4's own girl's softball team out of the Allendale Recreation Center: Girls softball is really taking off, unfortunately some families' work schedules and resources make it hard for their girls to participate. Working with the Parks & Rec Department I want to literally level the playing field.  My office will cover the cost of uniforms/equipment for a team at Allendale Rec and we have pledged to raise the funds for the registration fees, $110 per girl or $1200.  Studies show that young women who are involved in team sports report increased self-esteem and problem-solving skills later in life. Could you help us by sponsoring a girl?  Make checks payable to OGSL (Oakland Girls Softball League) and mail to us:  Council Offices, City Hall, 1 Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.  We could also use coaches and other helpers, contact Michael Johnson at 238-4742. Jean at a past opening day.>>

• WiFi at Dimond Library: It's taken a long time to work out technical difficulties but WiFi is coming to Oakland Libraries thanks to Measure Q and the Dimond Branch is the first to pilot our system.  Branch Manager Catherine Nichols notes that the Dimond Branch Library now has free WiFi on the first floor, with access on the second floor  Meeting Room coming soon!  Come check it out, the library offers Internet classes on Saturdays.  My office will be purchasing lap top computers to be checked out to increase access at each of the branch libraries in our district.   For questions about Dimond, call 482-7844.

• New  License Plate Readers: Car thefts are rising here and across the country.  New license plate readers installed on police cars allow them to scan cars, parked and moving, to identify stolen cars. Council Member Reid are purchasing six more units for officers in our areas.  The best defense is still prevention; keep your car locked and in your garage at night.  If you don't have a garage park it in a drive way or near your home; preferably in an area with motion detector lights. If your area is undergoing a wave of car thefts use a "club" and organize your neighbors to do so, too.  We find that thieves move onto "easier" targets.
   

• Crime & Safety in Oakland's Commercial Districts--Leadership Forum, February 27: The Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum will discuss Safety and Crime in Oakland's commercial districts. Guest speaker is Lenore Anderson, Public Safety Director, Office of the Mayor. The event will be held in Hearing Room 4 at City Hall on Wednesday, February 27, 8:30 to 10 am. Please contact Shari Godinez with questions in advance.

• Self Defense Class for Women starts March 1: The Office of Parks & Recreation offers a variety of adult enrichment classes, including a Self Defense Class for Women, Saturdays, 1-4 pm, Willie Keyes (Poplar) Recreation Center, 3131 Union Street. The course is designed to empower women to feel confident by teaching them specific skills and techniques to defend themselves in potentially dangerous situations; it covers topics such as Self Protection, Handgun Safety and Sexual Assault Awareness. Contact Instructor Titus Taylor at 238-2384 for more information. Click here to register (Activity# 70033.302)

• Community Members Wanted to Help the City 803 Police Officers, Volunteers Need as Panel Assessors for Hiring Police Officer Trainees: Interested candidates must meet one of the following criteria 1) live in Oakland, 2) work in Oakland or 3) own a business in Oakland. The upcoming oral board dates are currently scheduled for Monday, March 10, Tuesday, March 11 and Wednesday, March 12. Volunteers can serve on all three days or one of the days from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm each day. The oral boards are held at the Eastmont Mall sub-station at 2651 73rd Avenue. Additional panels are scheduled throughout the year. Community members interested in serving on the boards should contact Cee Belue at 238-3338 or cbelue@oaklandnet.com

• New Phone Numbers for the Reorganization:  Now that most assignments are completed the Police Department is trying to update its website.  In the interim they have posted lists of new phone numbers for Areas and Problem Solving Officers/Beats.

• The Measure Y website and e-newsletter contain a wealth of practical information and an area by area list of services and programs, www.MeasureY.org
   

• For a list of Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils in District 4.

• To organize a Neighborhood Watch Group on your street call 238-3091.

• How to file a Police Report: Police use crime reports to plan patrols and follow crime trends. Commanders determine their priorities based on the number and severity of crimes reported. You don't have to rely on the police to actually make the report; for non-urgent crimes such as auto break-ins or after the fact home break-ins you can download a citizen's crime report  from the City's website.

• You can also make anonymous calls for drug activity to 238-DRUG.

• Truancy Tip Hotline is 879-8172.

• Major AC Transit Fare Increase Proposal to Impact Senior, Disabled and Adult Riders and Perhaps Youth Riders, as Well: To balance its budget, AC Transit staff are recommending that fares are increased for ALL riders.  There are three different proposals on the table and the one staff is recommending will hit youth and seniors the hardest.  The proposal recommended by staff follows:

• Pothole Blitz: In a concentrated effort to keep the City traffic safe and respond to calls to fix potholes, Public Works Agency crews started a citywide pothole-filling blitz this week. This will be a three-month effort, one week each in February, March and April, with PWA crews focusing in a different geographical service area for each blitz. On average, the City receives upwards of 250 pothole complaints a month, citywide; but many go unreported. This year's series of rain storms has created much more damage to City streets, causing more potholes than usual because of the damage water goes to the "glue" between asphalt layers. Contact the PWA Call Center at 615-5566  to report pot holes. Please provide the nearest street address and cross streets.

• One Lane of Skyline Blvd Reopened a Week Early: Ever since winter rains caused a landslide on Skyline Blvd. near Snake in January, the road has been closed to through traffic. Through access in both directions (one lane only, one vehicle at a time, stop-controlled) was restored on Thursday. Plans for a permanent repair and identification of funds are currently ongoing; construction and full funding is anticipated by Summer 2009. For further information:
   

• Geotechnical Work: contact Wlad Wlassowsky, Transportation Services Manager, 238-6383, or Michael Neary, Deputy Director, 238-6659
   
• Status of occupancy of the homes on Oakwood Drive: Ray Derania, City Building Official, 238-4780
• Emergency calls regarding drainage problems, more mudslides or slippage, contact the Public Agency Call Center at 615-5566, 24 hours a day.

• "I Bike Oakland" Newsletter Now Available: The City of Oakland's Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities Program  "I 'BIKE' OAKLAND" newsletter provides an overview of the City's progress implementing Oakland's Bicycle Master Plan over the last six months (July-December 2007). As part of the plan, staff is developing bike parking plans for shopping districts in the Dimond, Montclair, College Avenue, Chinatown, Fruitvale/International, Grand/Lake, Old Oakland and Piedmont where the parking meters are being replaced. Approximately 250 new bicycle racks will be installed .To download the newsletter, go to http://www.oaklandpw.com/Page126.aspx. The newsletter is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. Those of you who provide mail addresses may also receive a copy of the newsletter in the mail.

<< Steelhead trout in Sausal Creek during happier times.

• It is illegal to put anything but rain down the storm drain. Take your car to a car wash, soap and wax that run into a storm drain are not healthy for our creek. Help us keep drains clear of plastics and other litter that are harmful to marine life.
   
• If a storm drain or creek runs near or through your property, be careful where you store pesticides, paint, detergents, cleaners or other toxic materials. Do not leave them where rain, wind, or animals move them into the watershed and where they may wash into the creek.
• If you must use fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides in your garden, do not use them during the rainy season or where they might leach into the watershed. Consider planting natives.
   
• Watch construction work.  Each year we get reports of construction workers who throw or wash pollutants into our creeks or creek beds.  Recently we fined a company using high pressure hoses to remove paint, all which flowed into the creek. 

FOSC To Discuss Protecting Fish Habitat into the Future: The Friends of Sausal Creek's Restoration Committee will be meeting on Monday, March 3 at 7 pm at 2700 8th Avenue, Unit 2. Committee members will be meeting with Robert Liedy (EPA) and Laurel Marcus (Laurel Marcus and Associates) to discuss plans for protecting fish habitat in the Sausal Creek watershed into the future. Their objective will be to provide a set of recommendations to their Board of Directors which can then be used in FOSC's 2008 Visioning Sessions. All are welcome. Please RSVP to field@sausalcreek.org.

 

• Five Things You Can Do For Our Creeks

• Oakland Moves up to the 4th (from 5th) Most Green City in the Nation, according to Popular Science Magazine: California City News noted: "A strong showing from California Cities in the latest issues of Popular Science Magazine. Popular Science issued its list of the 50 greenest cities in America, with 13 California cities making the list. Some surprises:

• Huntsville, Alabama came in at 18 beating the city of Santa Rosa (23). Who knew?
• San Francisco (2) and Oakland (4) make the final four.
• Berkeley (7) made the top 10.
• Concord (43), Fremont (44), San Bernardino (47), Thousand Oaks (48) and Stockton (49) just make the list.

• What to Do With Hazardous Materials:  After losing so many trout in Sausal Creek last week, we are running this information again:

• StopWaste.Org can tell you how to recycle/dispose of anything, start here.
• Twice a month, Thursdays through Saturday, you can drop off any household hazardous material at the Oakland StopWaste.Org site.  Directions & Schedule.  This includes materials like the paint that killed our trout!
• Never put motor oil down the drain. You can have free curbside pick-up IF you email call 238-SAVE or email  recycling@oaklandnet.com for a free oil and oil filter recycling kit, featuring two sturdy gallon jugs, instructions, and a special oil filter recycling bag. (Used oil and filters will only be accepted in containers provided by Oakland Recycles.)

• EarthDay -- April 19, 2008;Earth Expo at City Hall--Wednesday, April 16, 10 am- pm:  It's time to start organizing your neighbors and get ready to sign up for Earthday 2008! Last year, more than 4,000 people volunteered over 13,500 hours, planting 22 trees and cleaning up 28 parks. 24 schools, 18 medians, 8 creek sites, and 42 public spaces. More than 23 tons of debris was collected that day! This year, Oakland celebrates its 14th annual Earthday. District 4 typically accounts for 25% of the volunteers--last year we had more than 35 locations! Check the Keep Oakland Beautiful site to sign up.

• While we wait for the judge to rule on whether we have to do an Environment Impact Study before enacting our plastic bag ban,  we urge Oaklanders to bring their own bags and to encourage their retailers to voluntarily comply with the plastic bag ban. Whole Foods announced that they will phase out plastic bags nationally by June. In our discussions with Farmer Joes, Diane and Joe agree to stop using plastic bags after their current supply is gone. Other stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes are  in compliance.  Each year 12 million barrels of oil go to produce over a trillion single use plastic bags. Californians use over 19 billion bags and throw 600 away every second, resulting in over 147,000 tons of litter. Ordinance to Ban Petroleum Based, Non-Biodegradable Carry Out Bags at Large Retail Stores. (Above) This picture was sent to us in response to our request for interesting reusable shopping bags, it is available at Elephant Pharmacies.
   

• TURN's Bill Busters Arriving in Oakland Libraries: The Utility Reform Network (TURN) is partnering with the Oakland Public Library to bring TURN's Bill Busters to libraries throughout the City from January to March 2008. A team of experts with years of experience in lowering utility bills and handling disputes with utility companies offer tips on how to lower electric and gas usage and how to take advantage of programs to make homes or apartments more energy efficient. Bring copies of your bills, Saturday, March 1, 1 pm --Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd.  For details, go to the OPL website or call 238-3134 for other dates and locations within the City. 

• For our list of 25 Ways to Keep Oakland Green, click here.

• Dimond Canyon/Joaquin Miller Park Beautification Day & Volunteer BBQ, Saturday, March 8, 8:30 am-Noon: Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park and Dimond Canyon are two of the Bay Area's most unique and treasured open spaces--but volunteers are critical to keeping these budget-crunched parks pristine, safe, and enjoyable. Join a broad community of park users for a fun, rewarding day of trail work and beautification. We need you -- please RSVP!
  • Volunteers should bring water and work gloves. Hand-held trimming tools would be helpful too, if you have them!
  • Meet at the Joaquin Miller ranger station parking lot near the main meadow area, 8:30 a.m. for coffee, pastries, & orientation.
  • Work starts promptly at 9 a.m.
  • Stick around for fabulous BBQ when the work is done
  • To learn more or RSVP, email ckralovansky@yahoo.com by Saturday, March 2.

Park Beautification Day is sponsored by the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay and welcomes the entire community of park users, from hikers and dog walkers to runners, cyclists, and equestrians. 
 

• Merritt College Horticulture Club Spring Plant Sale Dates: It's that time of year when you can get great deals on Mediterranean plants (South African, Australian and Californian) at the Merritt College Spring Plant Sale. Saturdays, March 15, April 12 and May 10, 9 am - 3 pm, 12500 Campus Drive. There are a number of fee-based single day and short-term classes offered, starting March 1. For details call 436-2418 or check out their website.
   

• Friends of Sausal Creek Annual Native Plant Sale:  Sunday, April 27 10 am- 5 pm. This year, FOSC joins with the Bay Friendly Gardening Tour and holds its annual FOSC Native Plant Sale at the nursery in Joaquin Miller Park. Details about the Bay Friendly Gardening Tour ...

• Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour, S