• White Elephant Sale, Saturday, March 1-Sunday, March 2, 10 am- 4 pm, 333 Lancaster Street: Take a peek at Oakland's giant, collective "garage." This is a huge, fun rummage sale in a 96,000 sq ft warehouse and it supports our wonderful Oakland Museum. Nice housewares, fun jewelry, used toys and clothes, furniture, artwork, something for everyone. FREE.

• Friends of Sausal Creek Workdays This Weekend: Propagate native species and other work at the Joaquin Miller Park Native Plant Nursery, Saturday, March 1, 1:30-4:30 pm. Call Molly Bolt at 501-3672.

• Volunteers Needed for Clean up of Morcom Rose Garden, Saturday, March 1, 9 am- 1 pm: Volunteers are needed to assist City gardeners in readying the flower beds at the Morcom Rose Garden, 700 Jean Street, for the spring bloom. Learn how to sheet mulch using a combination of cardboard and wood chips to keep weeds from invading the historic Rose Garden.
   

• TURN's Bill Busters At Montclair Branch, Saturday, March 1, 1 pm, 1687 Mountain Blvd: 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,  For details, go to the OPL website or call 238-3134 for other dates and locations within the City.
   

• Princess Project Seeks Volunteers: The Princess Project  provides free prom dresses and accessories to high school girls who cannot otherwise afford to attend their prom. This year the group is trying to expand to the East Bay and plan to give away 3,000 dresses. Volunteers are needed to set up, run the two dress giveaways and pack up the site. East Bay volunteers are needed on March 1, 2, 7, 8 (Boutique Day), 15 (Giveaway Day) & 16 (Tear Down Day). To sign up, please check their website at: http://www.princess.

• Oakland Youth Orchestra Pops Concert and Gala, Sunday, March 2, 3-7 pm, Greek Orthodox Church: This year's annual fund raising event for the Oakland Youth Orchestra features music from the Pirates of the Caribbean. OYO provides talented young musicians from 12 to 22 with exceptional experiences including concerts and world-wide tours under the artistic direction of Michael Morgan.  Enjoy great music, plentiful food and drink, fantastic auction items and zany pirate antics.  Wear a costume if you dare.  www.oyo.org.

• Want to learn how to knit? Or improve your skills? One of dozens of wonderful free classes and events at our public libraries every week. Sonya Philip will teach you. Bring a ball of worsted wool & a pair of #9 needles. Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. Contact: Sarah Hodgson   482-7844.   

• Oakland Business Tax Deadline is March 3: Anyone doing business in Oakland (self-employed, landlords, etc.) must file tax returns by March 3, 2008. Tax payments not received by the deadline are subject to a 10% penalty plus interest. The penalty increases to 25% if taxes are not paid by May 1, 2008. The City of Oakland's Business Tax Customer Service Office is open from 8 am-4 am Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9:30 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays. The office will be open from 8 am - 6 pm on Friday, February 29 and Monday, March 3. The office is located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 1320. to obtain forms or get additional information, call 238-3704 or email them directly.

• "First Fridays After Five" at the Oakland Museum, March 7, 5-9 pm, are becoming "the party" in Oakland.  A great inexpensive date or way to celebrate the weekend for Oaklanders of all ages.  This Friday there's reggae in the café, special performances at 7 and 8:15 pm in the James Moore Theatre by the Korean fusion jazz band Purirak; contemporary Persian ballet with the Shahrzad Dance Company, and modern dance by the Navarrete x Kajiyama Dance Theater; Persian music by Taghi Amjadi in the gallery; talks and book signings with Lonny Shavelson and Fred Setterberg, authors of Under the Dragon, and J. Gary Gwilliam, author of Getting a Winning Verdict in My Personal Life; shopping including a special sale featuring Monterey metal jewelry artists, yoga, and a great chance to make new friends. Full cash bar-museum store and café open. All ages welcome. All entertainment included with museum admission.

• See the Brilliant Rings of Saturn This Month:  Friday and Saturday nights (weather permitting) from 7:30pm-10:30pm.  Saturn comes to "opposition" this month which means it's a great time to look at the ringed planet in our telescopes. It will take your breath away. Saturn is a "must see" through a telescope.  Photo taken through Chabot telescope.
   

• Chief's Proposal to Use Measure Y Funds for Recruitment & Training Goes to to Council with Changes: This week the Public Safety Committee forwarded my compromise motion to accept the Mayor's proposal with changes to the March 4 Council next week. The funding of the proposal not to exceed $7.8 million will now be split between Measure Y and general funding. Beat problem solving officers, school police, crime reduction teams, Youth and Family Services officers designated in Measure Y will be funded from these funds.  All others will be funded from the General Fund.  This was not budgeted and may be cuts in other areas.  Additionally, the advertising budget was reduced and $500,000 will to be used for officer signing bonuses and other incentives such as bonuses for college grads.

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 and Mayor's plan to recruit and train officers with the goal of reaching the total 803 budgeted officers by years end addressed several major obstacles we have been struggling with: 1) Not enough qualified candidates; 2) Shortage of training officers to run a double academy; and 3) Shortage of field 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. Field training officers will be offered additional money in a hope of retaining retiring officers to work with new graduates.  The remainder of the money will be used in increasing and speed-up the recruiting efforts, to offer better incentive packages, including the new officer signing bonus program, and to start "grow our own programs" with local colleges.

• Public Safety Committee Opposes CDFA Aerial Spraying to Eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth --Goes to Council:  The Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to move a resolution opposing the aerial spraying of Bay Area communities to eradicate the Light Brown Apple Moth to the full City Council after hearing testimony from representatives from both sides of the issue. The California Department of Food and Agriculture insisted that the aerial spraying would be harmless to Oakland and other Bay Area residents. I found the most disturbing  testimony was the state's medical expert who thought that 400 reports of adverse health effects was a "small number."  Monterey County has a population about the same size as Oakland. Many of these people indicated problems breathing and asthma attacks, troubling for a city with one of the highest asthma rates in the state.  This Chronicle article gives good background. (Above) Speakers at the Public Safety Committee.

• AB2892 - (Swanson) Requires Department of Agriculture to obtain 2/3 voter approval before spraying
• AB2764 - (Hancock) Prohibits spraying in urban areas unless Governor declares State of Emergency
• AB2760 - (Leno) Requires Environment Impact Report before use in urban areas
• AB2765 - (Huffman) Requires public hearing and examination of alternatives to spraying
• AB2763- (Laird) Requires Department of Agriculture to provide written analysis of most appropriate means of eradication including impact on health & environment.
   

• Industrial Land Use Policy Also Returns to Council:  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. 

• Pothole Blitz for Central Oakland (and District 4) This Month:  Public Works Agency crews are conducting citywide pothole-filling blitz for week each month through April, with PWA crews concentrating in a specific geographical service area. They are working in District 4 during March, so report your neighborhood potholes this weekend, PWA works on a complaint driven system.  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.

• Good Discussion at City Contract Meeting: Thanks to about a dozen District residents who attended our discussion this week on doing business with the city.  We covered many issues:
  • Some business owners wanted to know how to get started, while others had problems problems getting certified as local businesses.  We discussed city certification so they could get on mailing lists for city opportunities and get additional points for being local businesses.
  • Others talked about the delays in city payment, a major problem for small businesses. We were happy to talk about Oakland's new Prompt Pay Ordinance which requires the city to pay undisputed bills from local businesses within 20 working days or pay interest penalties.
  • Some small contractors talked about their special problems.  One needed help getting bonding and we talked about our strategy to break projects to into smaller jobs so local companies could get bids.  Another wanted the jobs to be bigger because of the overhead of putting a project together.
     

• Help Us Level the Playing Field and 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.>>

• 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 on their proposal for transitional housing. Historically, Fred Finch was an orphanage; recently, it has run residential and day school programs for emotionally troubled youth. This new proposal shifts the Center's emphasis 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.The school programs are already shifting to independent living basics, vocational training and computer programs, and job resume and interviewing skills.

• 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.

• Pedestrian Safety Project in the Dimond: People too often blast through the Dimond area on their to or from the 530 Freeway. Dimond Walking officer Sean Hall (on the left) conducted a pedestrian safety project this week. He was given a team, motorcycle officers and an OPD officer dressed as a civilian, to enforce the right of pedestrians to walk safely in the Dimond business district. He will be making a report about the increased enforcement of pedestrian safety at the next Beat 22X meeting: Sequoia School on March 10 at 7 pm.  Photo by Tim Chapman posted on the Dimond Forum.

• 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 and I 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.

• Catalytic Converter Thefts are a growing trend.  An ordinary catalytic converter houses traces of the precious metals platinum, palladium and rhodium, making it a tempting target for thieves.  They can be removed in less than a minute by a skillful thief and can sell for up to $200.  Back East shopping centers are the targets, I've noticed reports in the Glenview and Maxwell Park neighborhoods. To safeguard against these thefts, it is pretty much the same strategy as above. Use your garage or park in your backwards driveway if you have one (converters are usually in the back).  Otherwise park near your home, preferably in a well lighted area or area with motion detector lights.

• 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.

• Montclair Traffic Light Held for Further Study: At Tuesday's Public Works Committee, after hearing from staff and members of the community, committee members directed the City's Traffic Engineers to hold off on installing a traffic light at the intersection of La Salle and Mountain  in Montclair until a comprehensive traffic study of the entire Montclair Shopping District can be conducted as our office and others requested.  This will include further analysis on traffic and pedestrian safety and liability at the intersection.

• 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.  The AC Transit Board has tabled a decision until staff returns with additional data. On the table are  three different proposals with the staff recommendation  affecting  youth and seniors the hardest. AC Transit website. The proposal recommended by staff follows:

• Greening Oakland's Infrastructure, Tree by Tree: Architects, engineers, planners and neighborhood green/beautification activists are key players in the new frontier of street design: Sustainable Streets that integrate ecology, movement and community. The role of street trees in supporting all the elements of sustainable streets is the focus of this lunchtime talk by Greg McPherson, UC Davis Department of Plant Science, on Wednesday, March 5 at City Hall, Hearing Room #2, Noon until 1:15 pm. Please RSVP by noon Tuesday, March 4 to Ferial Mosley at 238-7433.
   

• 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.

• Oakland Moves up to the 4th Most Green City in the Nation, according to Popular Science Magazine:  Popular Science issued its list of the 50 greenest cities in America; Oakland was named fourth with strong scores for renewable energy sources, alternative fuel transportation, and near perfect recycling score. 12 other California cities made the list.
   

• 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.
   

• 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 1.

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.  

• Upcoming Friends of Sausal Creek Workdays:
   
  • Friday, March 7, 9am-1:30 pm: Join students from head Royce School to clear ivy and remove other invasive plants from Sausal Creek in Dimond Park. Meet at the Scout Hut in Dimond Park. Call Kathren Stevenson at 388-5676 for details.
  • Friday, March 7, 9:30 am-Noon: Seed hike to collect seeds to propagate native plans in the Sausal Creek watershed. Call Molly Bolt at 501-3672 for exact location.
  • Saturday, March 8,1:30-4:30 pm: Propagate native species and other work at the Joaquin Miller Park Native Plant Nursery. Call Molly Bolt at 501-3672, especially for groups larger than six.
  • Sunday, March 15, 9:30 am-Noon: Restoration workday: pruning, weeding and mulching in Sausal Creek in Dimond Park. Call Kathren Stevenson at 388-5676.
  • Saturday, March 16, 9 am-Noon: Aquatic insect sampling in Sausal Creek. Call Emma Brown at 527-2507 to confirm.
  • Friday, March 21, 9:30 am-Noon: Seed hike to collect seeds to propagate native plants. Call Molly Bolt at 501-3672.
  • Saturday, March 22, 1:30-4:30 pm: Propagate native species and other work at the Joaquin Miller Park Native Plant Nursery. Call Molly Bolt at 501-3672, especially for groups larger than six.
  • Sunday, March 23, 9 am-Noon: Water quality monitoring in Sausal Creek. Call Nick Kish at 530-4490 to confirm.
  • Saturday, March 29, 9am-Noon: Planting and non-native plant removal in Beaconsfield Canyon. Call Kathren Stevenson at 388-5676.
  • Saturday, March 29, 9am-Noon: Remove native plants to help convert Acacia forest back to native grassland in the Grassland Restoration Site at Sausal Creek. Call Kathren Stevenson at 388-5676.
     

• 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.

<<Bay Friendly Conference this week.  To find Bay Friendly  landscape professional check out the StopWaste.org website.







 

• Bay Friendly Garden Tour, April 27, 10am-4pm: Find out how varied and beautiful Bay-Friendly Gardens are on this FREE, self-guided tour. Over 30 public and private gardens will be featured in geographic clusters throughout Oakland and the rest of Alameda County. Several of the garden clusters are walkable and/or bikeable. Register Now.
   

• 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, Sunday, May 4, 10 am-5 pm: A free, self-guided tour of 60 Alameda and Contra Costa county gardens. Details--

• Create Your Own Manga/Anime Character Contest:  Enter our 5th Making Manga Magic drawing contest. You must be 12-18 yrs old and have an Oakland library card. Deadline is March 30th, 2008. Entries must follow guidelines in order to be considered. Call the TeenZone staff at 238-7332 or visit the following link for more information http\\www.oaklandlibrary.org/links/teens
   

• Sale at the Friends of the Oakland Public Library's Bookmark Bookstore, April 2-5:  Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Oakland Public Library's semi-annual sale. Members and the general public receive 30% off the Bookmark's unbelievably low prices. FOPL accepts donations of your gently-used books, DVDs and CDs.  Your donations help raise funds for the library.  Call 444-0473 for more information or visit the Bookmark, 721 Washington Street, Monday to Friday, 10:30 am-5:30 pm and Saturday, 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

• Legendary Poet and Activist Nikki Giovani Headlines Annual National Library Week Celebration: The Oakland Public Library, in conjunction with the Oakland Museum of California and the Friends of the Oakland Public Library, will be hosting a special evening with poet, writer, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni on Thursday, April 24, 7:30 pm at the James Moore Theatre, Oakland Museum of California (1000 Oak Street at 10th Street). This annual author event, now in its 16th year, celebrates National Library Week, April 13-19.  Other National Library Week events include Word for Word, the award-winning theatre troupe presenting When Tom Smith Caused the 1906 Earthquake, and Stories to Play with Kids With: Kids' Tales Told with Puppets, Paper, Toys and Imagination!, featuring traditional Japanese folk tales. All events are free. For information about the Nikki Giovanni event, call 238-3271. Oakland Public Library's website.

• Free Tax Help at the Library: The Oakland Public Library has partnered with the American Association for Retired Persons to offer free tax assistance from February 1 through April 15, 2008. Bring copies of last year's federal and state tax returns and all materials pertaining to your 2007 tax forms for you and your spouse (if filing jointly). Seniors, aged 60 or over, will be given preference at walk-in sites only. For details & other sites  238-3134. Please call ahead to confirm times:
   
  • Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue, Tuesdays, 12:30-4:30 pm, Thursdays, 10 am-2:30 pm. 482-7844. Call for appointment; some walk-ins accepted.

• Mirrors of Mumbai: A Tale of Modern India: Opera Piccola, which provides programs in many Oakland schools and after school programs, presents Mirrors of Mumbai: A Tale of Modern India at the Molanga Casquelord Arts Center, 1328 Alice Street, Saturday, March 8, 7:30 pm. $17 general admission; $10 students & seniors/$7 children. Call (925) 798-1300 or go to the Opera Piccola Website.

• Laurel Book Stores' Upcoming Author Events, 4100 MacArthur Blvd : 
  • 7pm, Wednesday, March 5  Diana Raab author of Regina's Closet; Finding My Grandmother's Secret Journal.
  • 7 pm, Wednesday, March 12  Gina Daggett and Kathy Belge authors of Lipstick and Dipstick's Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships.  
  • 7 pm, Wednesday, April 16, 7 pm  Laurel Ann Hill author of Heroes Arise.   It's a good crossover book for teens or adults.
  •  7 pm, Friday, April 18   Oakland poets Jack and Adelle Foley will be here to help us celebrate Poetry Month. 
     

• Stagebridge Presents 17th Annual Family Matinee & Ice Cream Social--Chicken Sunday: Saturday, March 15 and Sunday, March 16 at 3 pm at the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Street.  Enjoy this world premiere musical  of neighbors from different cultures connecting through the power of fried chicken and Ukranian eggs. Sundays will never the the same! Admission: $12 general, $5 children (under 12). Call 444-4755 for tickets or buy online.

• Skyline at Yoshi's Jazz House, Monday, March 10, 8 and 10 pm: If you're wondering who the next music leaders of the future will be, come to Yoshi's Jazz House on Monday, March 10 to hear Skyline's award-winning Jazz Band. The Skyline Jazz Band won 2nd place in the Reno Jazz Festival in 2007 and rocked the hosue at Yoshi's. For tickets...
   

• Jack London Aquatic Center Offerings: Two classes you might consider, to enroll or for additional information, call  208-6060.
   

• Sale at the Friends of the Oakland Public Library's Bookmark Bookstore, April 2-5:  Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Oakland Public Libary's semi-annual sale. Members and the general public receive 30% off the Bookmark's unbelievably low prices. FOPL accepts donations of your gently-used books, DVDs and CDs.  Your donations help raise funds for the library.  Call 510-444-0473 for more information or visit the Bookmark, 721 Washington Street, Monday to Friday, 10:30 am-5:30 pm and Saturday, 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

• Oakland Firefighters Random Acts  7th Annual Awards & Dinner Dance, Saturday, April 12: Live & silent auctions, delicious buffet dinner and ice cream from Fentons to raise funds for the Oakland Firefighters Random Acts,a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization that provides funds and resources for Oakland Firefighters to create a Random Act of Kindness when they encounter people in need in the community. Mistress of Ceremonies is Diane Dwyer, NBC11 news. Cocktails 5:30; Dinner 7 pm. Cost per person $75. Call 465-8422 or check out their website.
   

• Save the Date-FOPR Taste of Spring, May 8, 5:30-8 pm, The Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza:  The Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation's annual fund raiser to support projects throughout Oakland. Live entertainment, wine tasting, appetizers, live and silent auction. To purchase tickets call 465-1850.

• Feather River Camp Reservations Now Available:  How would you like to go to camp with your kids?  Consider Oakland Feather River Camp . . . where kids get to be kids, and parents remember the joy of being kids again . . .The city owned Sierra family summer camp near Quincy, CA  is now taking reservations.  It is an inexpensive way to spend time with your family or make friends with people who share your interests -- music, folk dancing, youth camps.

• 2008 United States Youth Games Coming to Oakland, July 16-19, 2008! The U.S. Youth Games host thousands of youth from across the nation, participating in Olympic-style competitions in basketball, volleyball, soccer, swimming, track and field, bowling, flag football, golf, double Dutch jump rope, tennis, chess and academic bowl. The Games feature boating and table tennis exhibitions. This is a real coup for Oakland's Office of Parks & Recreation.  Team registration, partnership opportunities and more by calling 238-PARK or going to the Office of Parks & Recreation website.