• Edna Brewer 8th Grade Car Wash, Saturday, April 5th, 9am to 2 pm, 3718 13th Ave: Help these students earn money for their graduation picnic and dinner/dance.  Brewer was recently the subject of this National Public Radio program on how parent and community participation help this public school thrive.  Check it out and be proud.

• 10th Anniversary of World Grounds in the Laurel, Saturday, April 5, 3726 MacArthur Blvd:  Come by and thank Martha & Uffe for their pioneering effort in the Laurel and their big part  in building our community.  Michael Johnson of our office takes his turn doing our regular Saturday office hours there, 10 am to Noon.  The Fire Department will bring its truck by for tours and hats for the kids, 11am- 1 pm.  Special food and wine pairing featuring Blacksmith & Lost Canyon Wineries and music by La Cascada from 6-8 pm, $7 at the door.

• Clear Your Clutter Workshop, Saturday, April 5, 1-3 pm, Rockridge Library, 5366 College. Learn techniques to clear your clutter and improve your home and work environments. Professional organizer Joan Craig will share methods for restoring order. 597-5017   For other free library classes for every age.

• Friends of Sausal Creek Native Plant Nursery Workday, April 5, 1:30-4:30 pm: Sowing, cutting, transplanting, and weeding. Located in Joaquin Miller Park; snacks & a great bay view!

• Anthony Brown's Asian American Orchestra and Oakland Museum of California, Saturday, April 5, 3-4 pm: Dr. Anthony Brown, percussionist, composer and ethnomusiciologist, leads his Asian American Orchestra in a matinee concert for all ages and musical tastes. In the spirit of the Oakland Museum's exhibition Trading Traditions: California's New Cultures, the Grammy-nominated ensemble reinterprets jazz classics by adding Asian instrumentation to the mix. Included with museum admission.
   
• Cheer on The Krusherz! Girls Softball Team-Saturday, April 5, 11 am, Oakland Krusherz! vs. Oakland #2 at Marshall Field.

• April Auditions for Summer Musicals at Woodminster: Adult singers and dancers of all ages and children who appear to be between 8 and 10 are invited to audition for this summer's productions of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (July 1-20; Seussical, August 8-17 and The Pirates of Penzance, September 5-14. Audition dates as follows: Adult singers (ages 14 and older)-- Sunday, April 6 and Saturday, April 12, 1-4 pm at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park. Adult dancers (ages 14 and older), Sunday, April 6, 10 am sharp at Laney College D-100. Children (appearing to be 8 to 10 years old), Saturday, April 5 at 10 am at Woodminster Amphitheater. Children will be asked to sing Doe a Deer so that the Music Director can hear range and volume.  Check out Woodminster Summer Theater's website for details. Photo by Kathy Kahn 

• County Public Protection Committee Meeting, Monday, April 7, 10:30 am, 1221 Oak Street, 5th floor: Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley is hosting a special public meeting to hear and answer questions and concerns regarding the role each Alameda County agency  plays in dealing with crime. Representatives from the District Attorney's Office, Sheriff's Department, Probation, Parole, Judicial and other departments will explain their role and the different steps that follow after the Oakland Police Department performs their job.
  
   
•  8th Annual All Oakland Talent Show for Students Auditions: For more information.... 
  • Tuesday, April 8, 4:30-7 pm at Youth Uprising, 8711 MacArthur Blvd.
  • Thursday, April 10, 4-6:30 pm Ascend, 3709 E 12th Street
  • Tuesday, April 15, 4-6 pm, Oakland School for the Arts, 1800 San Pablo Blvd. 

Planning an Event? Consider the Joaquin Miller Community Center--Open House, Thursday, April 10, 5:30-7:30 pm: Our office held our quarterly staff retreat at this lovely  locale in Joaquin Miller Park. If there's a wedding, Bar-Mitzvah, anniversary, fund raiser or other community meeting in your future, stop by the Open House to see the possibilities and to meet with caterers. The Community Center is located at 3594 Sanborn Drive by the Ranger Station. To schedule an event, call 238-3187.

 

• Sequoia Elementary's Multicultural Program, April 11: Sequoia Elementary will be hosting a Multicultural Potluck and Program on Friday, April 11. The Multicultural Parents Group seeks students or parents who can perform traditional folk/ethnic dance, song or play musical instruments that day. They are also looking for students or families who can provide and wear traditional folk or ethnic costumes as part of the program's costume show. Contact Joy Villafranca at 531-4245.

• Saturday, April 12, 2-4 pm: Second Saturdays @ Peralta Hacienda-- Music and Crafts the Ohlone Way-- Meet Ohlone Elder Ruth Orta; Marvin Marine and the Maidu-Miwok Dance Group and Dino Labiste of East Bay Regional Parks. Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue. 

• Oakland Firefighters Random Acts 7th Annual Awards & Dinner Dance, Saturday, April 12: Live & silent auctions, delicious buffet dinner and ice cream from Fenton's 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. $75 per person. Call 465-8422 or check  their website.

• Council Endorses Resolution to Sponsor SB 1508--Seismic Retrofit Standards for Residential Housing: This week, the Council unanimously approved a resolution presented by Council Member Nadel and I to sponsor SB 1508, Senator Ellen Corbett's bill to establish state standards for earthquake retrofits.  A 1999 survey by the Association of Bay Area Governments  (ABAG) revealed that anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 of retrofitted homes in the Bay Area were not adequately prepared for a future quake.  This bill will appropriate some existing funds from the California Earthquake Authority to the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop statewide guidelines and standards for seismic repairs of cripple walls in residential homes; to codify and publish these guildelines within the California Building Standards Code, and to adopt a training and testing program for a specialty license from the Contractors' State License Board for the seismic retrofit of cripple walls for residential housing. We have received strong support from local contractors and building inspectors as we have refined the Oakland program.

The lack of such standards has been a real challenge for consumers and building officials in local cities who are trying to encourage more homeowners to retrofit their older homes.  When Oakland passed its Voluntary Seismic Strengthening Program last July, the City incorporated into its municipal code voluntary standards for a basic type of residential housing (1-2 story, wood frame, square home on a flat lot) but there are many other types of older homes that need similar standards. I have been working with the ABAG, which has joined us in supporting SB 1508, and  have met with many state legislators to generate support for this bill.  Next week Sue Piper will be testifying before the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee on Tuesday, April 8 on our behalf.     For a description of Oakland's program...

• Do you have taxi complaints?  Over the last months we noticed increased complaints about taxis refusing to go to or to pick up from certain neighborhoods.  Such violations could lead to the loss of taxi permits by the offending companies.  Several complaints in my district were specifically about Yellow Cab and a hearing will be scheduled soon.  If you have a complaint about refusal of service from Yellow or any other company, please contact Barbara Killey, bkilley@oaklandnet.com

Blight Fines for Garbage Cans?  The news reported this week on a case where a person who received previous warnings was fined $2000 for failing to remove garbage cans from the street.  Without getting into the specifics of this case, we thought it would be useful to discuss some of the issues around these kinds of incidents.

• The current fee is set as a violation of the blight ordinance which requires an inspector and is fairly high, after a warning it is $600.  I am working with staff to set and  introduce a more specific fine for garbage cans which are more in line with the problem and  in time for the mid-budget adjustment in June.
• Computer problems inadvertantly failed to clear resolved complaints and charged sine residents additional fines over the last month.  If you believe this has happened to you, please contact the City and copy our office on your issue.
• This kind of fine is almost always levied because of neighbor complaints.  We do not have inspectors roving the streets looking for cans.  If you have a problem on your street, we would suggest you speak to your neighbor first.  If you like, you could call us, we have mediated many of these disputes.
• In some neigbhorhoods with narrow streets or sidewalks, garbage cans are a real safety hazard or blight.  If you cannot take in your can (vacations, etc) see if a neighbor or friend will take it in for you.  Some of my neighbors assist elderly residents on my street.
• Remember that backyard service is available for the physically impaired and for others it is available for a fee.
• If you have a question about the size of your can or other garbage issue not related to your bill, contact recycling@oaklandnet.com

• Another Link in the Bay Trail Completed at 66th and Oakport:  A joint effort with the East Bay Regional Parks and Oakland City DD funds have funded one more stop on the Bay Trail using artful forms of wildlife. Facilities are scheduled to be completed next week, it is a good place to see the gradual restoration of bay marshes that were almost lost. (Above) Students from MLK Elementary examine a giant sculpture of sea anenome.

• Saturday, April 5,  City Hall Hearing Room #1
  • 10 am Alameda County Board of Education Area 2: Ernest Hardmon, Conchita Tucker
  • 10:45 am Alameda County Board of Superivsors District 4: Nate Miley, Steve White
  • 11:30 am Alameda County Board of Education Area 3: John Bernard, Ken Berrick, Celsa Snead
  • 12:30 pm Alameda County Superior Court Seat 9: Phil Daly, Dennis Hayashi, Victoria Kolakowski, Dennis Reid
• Friday, April 11, City Hall Hearing Room #1 (Broadcast Live)
  • 7 pm Senate District 9: Wilma Chan, Loni Hancock
  • 8 pm City Council District 1: Jane Brunner, Patrick McCullough
  • 8:45 pm School District 1: Jody London, Tennessee Reed, Brian Rogers
• Thursday, April 24, Merritt College, 12500 Campus Dr, off Redwood Rd 
  • 7 pm Council-at-Large: Kerry Hamill, Rebecca Kaplan, Clinton Killian, Charles Pine, Frank Rose  

Do You Know Who Your Council Member Is?   You can find out by entering your address here.

• "Club Campaign" Planned for the Laurel:  We monitor the crime trends in each of out neighborhoods on a regular basis. Last month the Laurel area was hard hit with car thefts and car break-in's. In cooperation with the NCPC and the Laurel ACE hardware we are planning a campaign to increase the number of residents using a "club" type device and for more eyes on the street. The Laurel ACE will give a 20% discount, we are producing a bilingual leaflet which we hope to walk door-to-door this month.  The beat officer recently made an arrest catching some young people breaking into a trunk and the stats have fallen, but car thefts come and go in cycles. It is best to be prepared.  If you would like to help distribute the leaflets, please contact Michael Johnson in our office 238-4742. 

• Increase in Catalytic Converter Thefts:  The scrap value of the metals in catalytic converters is quite high: Platinum is $1298 per ounce; Palladium is $375 per ounce and Rhodium is $940 per ounce. There is only a small amount of each metal inside the converters, and thieves must steal multiple converters in order to profit. Most recycling centers have stated to authorities that they are not accepting catalytic converters from non-licensed individuals; however, reports from confidential sources indicate otherwise. The increased number of thefts indicates that there is a significant underground market dedicated to recycling catalytic converters and extracting the valuable metals from within. The challenge for Oakland and other police departments is that catalytic converters are easily stolen--typically they are simply cut from underneath cars and trucks in 2 minutes or less! Your best protection is to park your car in your locked garage.  Please report any thefts of catalytic converters to the Police Department to 777-3333.
   
• Stop by the Montclair Recreation Center (6300 Moraga Avenue) on Saturday, April 26, 11 am- 2 pm  for a Park for Peace pole dedication and ceremony. The program includes dedication of the peace pole, a custom car show, live entertainment, guest speakers, community resources and more.

• Save the Date, Saturday, May 31, for the  Neighborhood Services Division Summit 2008-- My Block, My Community, My Responsibility!-- The Neighborhood Services Division (NSD) will be hosting this year's Summit at Laney College at 200 Fallon Street on Saturday, May 31 8:30 am-2 pm. There will be several workshops, including a session on Gang Interventions and Sexually Exploited Minors. Free breakfast, lunch and day-care will be provided. Translations will be available. BART, AC Transit and accessible to the differently abled. Contact Michael Johnson (238-4742) in our office for more information or to sign up.
   
• 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 Area 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 510-238-3091.
• 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.
• Make anonymous calls for drug activity to 238-DRUG.
• Truancy Tip Hotline is 879-8172.

• Public Workshops on Estuary Crossing Feasibility Study: The City of Alameda, with support from the City of Oakland, is conducting a study to determine alternatives to the Posey Tube for bicyclists and pedestrians wishing to cross the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. For more information, go to their website.
   

• How Well Do You Know Your Bike Safety Rules? The recent bicycle tragedy in the South Bay, and the death on Skyline of Ed Weiss two years ago demonstrate the need for better bicycle safety awareness for bicyclists, motorcyclists and car and truck drivers. Oakland, fortunately, ranks as the fourth safest city for bicycling in California with a population over 60,000. See pages Oakland in State Perspective on 35-36 of the Oakland Bike Plan for additional information. The East Bay Bicycle Coalition has a great safety quiz available in English, Spanish and Chinese as a pdf and online in English.

• Bike Safety Courses: The East Bay Bicycle Coalition offers bike safety courses throughout Alameda County beginning in late March and continuing through May. There's a "Day 1 in classroom session" at Oakland Kaiser on  May 1.

• Save the Date: Bike to Work Day is Thursday, May 15, 7-9 am: Every year, I join members of the Bicycle Coalition on a trip from Montclair leaving around 7:30 am to City Hall in celebrating Oakland's 15th annual Bike to Work Day. Sign up at any official site and get a free bike bag and other useful gifts. Please join us! Along the way we usually meet up with a team lead by Council Member Pat Kernighan on Grand Avenue as we wind our way to City Hall. As in past years, the City will host a free pancake breakfast and raffle drawing in Frank Ogawa Plaza. Stay tuned for details about our route starting from Montclair Village. Additional resources:

Additional resources:

• More Oakland Biking Information
• Metropolitan Transportation Commission
• League of American Bicyclists

Facing state cuts from California's $16 Billion shortfall, the impact of the recession and housing slowdown, many cities are making across the board cuts and layoffs.  Oakland is projected to face a $9.5 million deficit in the current fiscal year (ends June 30) due to lost income primarily due to a decline in real estate transfers and vehicle license fees.  The Finance Committee has asked the City Administrator to return with a report on actions taken and options to reduce expenses and balance the budget. So far all vacant non public safety positions are frozen unless approved by the Administrator.

Next year the budget shortfall could range from $20-$50 million based on state and federal cuts, an expected continuation of a weak real estate market, the results of ballot measures, the growing gap in the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District and rising costs. Departments are being asked to plan for a minimum of a 4 percent cut or enhancement of revenues.  Finance Report

• LANDSCAPE & LIGHTING DISTRICT (LLAD) TO GO BACK OUT TO A VOTE:  In an attempt to maintain current levels of park, median, tree, open space maintenance, and safe lighting; the Council voted this week to put the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District back out to property owners for a vote.  This new measure will only attempt to maintain current maintenance, unlike the last attempt which would have increased maintenance and facilities.  It includes a set of maintenance standards.

Funding for the current Landscape and Lighting Assessment District has not increased since 1993.  For the last six years there has been a growing  gap because costs have risen and because the City has added over 350 acres of parks (DD purchases of Bay Trail & Creek Watershed like Castle Canyon & Butters, the Mandela Parkway, etc), over 10,000 new street lights to improve safety, and over 9,000 new trees.  The Council funded the LLAD gap and added some staff with the windfall tax increases from the real estate boom; but real estate taxes have crashed and will fall $20 million short of what we projected for this year.  Next year real estate sales are expected to continue to be down, while the LLAD gap is expected to rise to $9.8 million. (Above) New Bay Trail Sculpture at Oakport and 66th.

• BUDGET WORKSHOP & HEARING SCHEDULE:  The public is encouraged to attend the Council's budget workshops in Council Chambers at City Hall; additionally I will hold at least one hearing in the district:  
   

• Workshops to Discuss Conceptual Issues, Receive Direction from Council
  • Thursday, April 24, 2-4 pm
  • Thursday, May 1, 2-4 pm (if necessary)

• Workshops/Budget Hearings re FY 2008-09 Budget Amendments
  • Thursday, May 15, 5-8 pm
  • Thursday, May 29, 5-8 pm

• Adoption of Budget Amendments, Related Budget Legislation
  • Tuesday, June 17, 6-7 pm

• Earth Expo at City Hall--Wednesday, April 16, 10am-2pm:  The City invites over 100 community and environmental groups and agencies to showcase their contributions to our "Sustainable Urban Environment"  at Earth Expo. Oakland was rated this year as the fourth most sustainable city in the nation.  Join us for this regional kick-off to Earth Day activities.

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

• Annual California Wildflower Show at the Oakland Museum of California, Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20: Savor the colors and fragrances of hundreds of freshly collected native flowers at the 50th Anniversary of this show-- flowers from the entire state! The weekend includes slide shows and lectures about California's native flora and horticulture and a chance to talk with experts. Presented with the California Native Plant Society, the Jepson Herbarium of UC Berkeley, and the UC Botanical Garden. Included with museum admission.

• Maxwell Park Monthly Clean up, Sunday, April 20, 9 am- Noon: the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council meets the third Sunday of the month at Walgreens/Courtland/Redding to combat weeds and trash and to enjoy the daffodils, poppies and other blooming foliage. Coffee and coffee cake will get you through the morning. Meet your neighbors and be an active participant in beautifying the neighborhood. For details, contact Jan Hetherington .

• 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

• Oakland Parks & Recreation--offers a wide range of programs at their 25 Recreation Centers for kids of all ages. Call 238-7275 or download the 2008 catalog.

• MOCHA Summer Art Camp-- June 16-August 22 (kids Ages 6 and above). MOCHA camps provide age-appropriate, fun and enriching art activities; no previous art experience is required. Call 465-8770 for a catalog.

• Oakland Fine Arts Summer Session: Parents need to enroll students in both sessions - morning program is at Glenview Elementary School 8:30am-12:45pm, and an afternoon program at Oakland Parks & Recreation 12:45-5:30 pm. Download both applications from on-line registration.

• Parents Press offers a fairly comprehensive listing of opportunities.

• The City of Oakland's Shining Stars catalog is another great resource.

• Youth Summer Jobs for Oakland Residents (Ages 14-21): The Mayor's Summer Job Program is a collaboration that brings together the Youth Employment Partnership (YEP), Scotlan Center and Youth UpRising to make an investment in Oakland's future workforce by providing opportunities for youth in the City's job market. Young Oakland Residents (ages 14-21) need to submit an application prior to the June 10th deadline. Applications and program information available at 533-3447, the Mayor's Web site or at:
  • YEP, 2300 International Blvd.
  • West Oakland Hub-Scotlan Center, 1324 Adeline
  • East Oakland HUB-Youth UpRising, 8711 MacArthur Blvd.