1. Who produces and pays for the newsletter?  Fortunately, most of us in our office were school newspaper editors or worked in some media field.  We all contribute reports from Council and community meetings, Sue Piper and I do the bulk of the writing and editing.  The web service is paid for out of donations to my office holder's fund; we do a fundraiser for this and other activities year round.
    
2. Sometimes the weekend events have passed before I have a chance to read it, can you work to put it out earlier on Friday?  When we can put it out Friday, we do.  Unfortunately with only 3.5 people in our office and fast moving events, I sometimes don't get to writing the policy sections and final edit until Friday night. It usually comes out before 9 am on Saturday, but not today sorry.  We try to post most events in for a week in advance.  They first appear in the upcoming event sections at the bottom of the newsletter; then move up to the first section during the week they happen.  We encourage you to scan the events in the last sections and calendar them in advance.
    
3. When I open the newsletter only the first sections appear?   Over the years we have added more photos.  Digital cameras make it easy to document community events, many others are sent to us.  However, photos take a lot of memory, some older computers cannot show more than part of the newsletter and readers who have dial up internet connections will find it too slow.  Many readers find that the web version at  www.jeanquan.org  takes less memory; just click on the link for "Read the Current Newsletter." If you get the yahoo listserv version, you often need to click on a security link to see the photos and graphics. We also archive the newsletters if you miss and issue.  (Above) Aztec dancers perform for the Mother's Day Cancer Survivors Support Event this month, an example of a community event I attended this month and a photo we wanted to share.
    
4. Errors in the Newsletter:  Last week a combination of sleep deprivation and unending work on the budget led to more than the usual number of typos and errors.  When we are told about them (thank you), we change the web version immediately.  So if you receive the newsletter directly and notice what you think is an error, let us know or go to the web version at www.jeanquan.org   If you read us through the link on a neighborhood Yahoo listserv, the link will show you the latest version automatically.
    
5. The Newsletter is Too Long:  We have considered publishing twice a week, but the heavy legislative calendar at the beginning of the week makes it impossible. Also, because studies show most readers only browse through or don't open every e-newsletter, we try to run most important items at least two times.  We are doing three things to help readers:  1) In each section, the top items are new or more recent.  2) We put some important numbers and links that we run every week in the left column, such as police numbers and how to file a complaint.  3)  We are doing special one subject issues about once a month, for example our newsletters on Domestic Violence or 25 Ways to Keep Oakland Green.  These are posted on our website and updated throughout the year.

• Walking Tour of Historic Oakland Churches and Temples, Saturday, May 23:  Meet at 10 am at the front of the First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway. Visit historic places of worship and learn about their architecture and influence on the development of Oakland. Highlighted buildings include First Presbyterian, First Congregational, and First Christian churches as well as Temple Sinai. Tour lasts 90 minutes. For information on this and other tours: www.oaklandnet.com/walkingtours

• African American Quilters, Saturday, May 23rd, Noon-3 pm:  Join experienced and new quilters from all over the city; buy a basic starter kit from the group or bring your own project. This friendly and supportive group meets on the 4th Saturdays of the month. West Oakland Library, 1801 Adeline St.

• Last Week for 400 Years of History--Black Composers Exhibit at the African American Museum and Library, Noon-5:30 pm, closed Sunday and Monday.  This exhibit on the second floor of the Museum includes photos and music. Exhibit closes next Saturday, May 30th.

• The African Presence in México Exhibit Curator Led Tour, Saturday, May 23, 2-4 pm, Oakland Museum:  This new exhibit looks at the little-known history of enslaved Africans brought to Mexico in the 1500s and their contributions to Mexican culture. 3 pm Scholars Café: An in-depth dialogue about the scholarship involved in the making of  The African Presence in Mexico with scholars Carlos Munoz, Jr., Ron Wilkins, Ted Vincent, Betita Martinez, and radio personality Chuy Varela.
   
• Oakland A's Fireworks, Saturday, May 23, after the game:  The A's have several fireworks nights each year.  Expect to hear them after the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks which starts at 6:05 pm. 
   
• Sunday, May 24, 3 pm, Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sunday, meet at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. 
   
• Memorial Day Events, Monday, May 25:
  • Memorial Day Ceremony onboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet from 1-2 pm, honors veterans. Tours of the ship will be available10 am- 4 pm, 707 W. Hornet Ave, Pier 3, in Alameda. Cost is $6-$14. 521-8448. www.uss-hornet.org
  • Memorial Day Civil War plot tour, Mountain View Cemetary, 11:30 am: The tour honors veterans who rest at Mountain View. Meet Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, "drummer boy" Annie Glud and the man behind the custom of standing for the Star Spangled Banner.
  • The 442nd Memorial at Roberts Park:  The annual service was held last weekend but a walk to this quiet spot in the redwood groves in our district is another a way to mark the day. The segregated unit of Japanese Americans earned more medals per soldier than any other unit in American history, suffering heavy casualties.  Many of them fought while their families were interned in concentration camps during WWII.  
     
• Miles Davis Birthday Bash at Yoshis "Birth of the Cool" Concert, Monday, May 25, 8 pm, 510 Embarcadero: Celebrate Miles Davis' birthday and the 60th anniversary of his ground breaking recording, "Birth of the Cool". The entire album will be played by Bay Area teens directed by Khalil Shaheed with a special performance from Savage Jazz Dance Co. and students from Oakland School of the Arts dance program. The musicians come from High Schools from all over the Bay Area and have been working on this music for over a month. Come support these young musicians and enjoy an evening of really good music.
   
• Prop 8 Decision To Be Announced Tuesday, May 26; Demonstrations Planned for 6 pm at SF Civic Center:  The California Supreme Court will make its ruling known on Tuesday; gay rights organizations plan a massive demonstration at SF Civic Center. >>Oakland family speaks out on Prop 8 on the first anniversary of gay marriages in Oakland.

• United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland Holds Special Session Congress 2, Tuesday, May 26, 6:30 pm, Eastmont Mall OPD Station: Delegates from each of the City's Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils are encouraged to attend this second meeting of the United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland (UNCO). For details, contact Jim Dexter, Interim Chair at 339-2184.
   
• Golden Gate Audubon Society Bird Walk at Lake Merritt and Lakeside Park, Wednesday, May 27, 9:30 am:  Meet at the large spherical cage near Nature Center at Perkins and Bellevue. Some winter migrants and the cormorant and egret rookery expected. The Park may offer warblers, woodpeckers, and a few surprises. www.goldengateaudubon.org
   
• Memorial Services for Mother Wright Set:  The family of Mary Ann Wright, known by the City as "Mother Wright" have been announced by her family and foundation.
  • Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Marriott Downtown Oakland, Convention Center Jewett Ballroom, 10a m -3 pm.
  • Civic Memorial Services, Wednesday May 27th, 6 pm at the Marriott Downtown Oakland Convention Center.
  • Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 28,10 am at Acts Full Gospel 66th Avenue 
    
    Flowers can be sent to Fouche's Hudson Funeral Home 3665 Telegraph Ave; Oakland, CA 94609.
    
    In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorial contributions can be made to the Mary Ann Wright Foundation Memorial Fund at the Alta Alliance Bank
    www.altaalliancebank.com ,1337 Grand Ave, Piedmont, CA 94610, 899-7534; or to  The Mary Ann Wright Foundation, P.O. Box 99366,
    Emeryville, CA 94662
     
• Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee, Wednesday, May 27, Hearing Room 4 at City Hall, 6:30-8:30 pm: City Auditor Courtney Ruby will discuss the Measure Y Program audit. All Neighborhood Watch Block Captains,  Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) leaders and participants, and others are encouraged to attend this meeting. To attend, please send Felicia Verdin an RSVP at 238-3128 or e-mail Felicia at fverdin@oaklandnet.com
   
• Asian Pacific Heritage Festival During May, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Suite 290:
  • Film Screening  Mosque in Morgantown, Wednesday, May 27, 6:30-8:30 pm: Directed by Brittany Huckabee, this documentary follows an Islamic woman's fight for equality in a West Virginian Mosque. Screening is co-presented by the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). $5 suggested donation.
  • APA Women Writers Literary Night, Thursday, May 28, 7 pm: A writers showcase, guest-curated by the editors of Writing the Lines of Our Hands, the first anthology of South Asian American poetry.  Featuring Diana Ip, Summi Kaipa, Neela Banerjee, Maya Khosla, Aimee Suzara, Mimi Lok, Pireeni Sundaralingam and more. $5-$20 suggested donation.
     
• Film-- "Ask Not," Wednesday, May 27, 6:30 pm, Oakland Museum:
  Filmmaker Johnny Symons exposes the effects of the US military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, the tangled political battles that led to the law, and the shifts that have occurred since its passage in 1993. Current and veteran gay soldiers reveal how "don't ask, don't tell" affects them during their tours of duty and explores how they are turning to personal activism to overturn the policy. Q & A following the film with filmmaker Johnny Symons and Berkeley Councilperson Darryl Moore.  Parking is free for ITVS film screenings.
   
• 22x NCPC Sidewalk Repair Meeting, Thursday, May 28 7 pm at Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue: Marcel Uzegbu, Supervising Civil Engineer/Sidewalk Manager for the City of Oakland, will discuss city allocation of funding for sidewalk repair projects in commercial corridors, residential neighborhoods, and areas where sidewalk damage poses a threat to the disabled community.  How can residents use city contractors and dramatically decrease sidewalk repair costs? This question and others will be answered on May 28.  For more information contact Michael Johnson at 238-4742.
   
• Aging in the Arts, Commemorating Older Americans Month, Friday, May 29: In conjunction with the City of Oakland's 7th Annual Celebrate Aging, Making Oakland a Great Place to Grow Old event on May 29, 2009, the free event includes a Senior Arts Exhibit entitled "Aging in the Arts" located in the Lionel J. Wilson Building (Ground Floor) at 150 Frank Ogawa Plaza.  Over 50 artists are showcased.
   
• 7th Annual Older Americans Month Celebration on Frank Ogawa Plaza, Friday, May 29, 11 am- 2 pm: Ruth Beckford, dancer, actor, speaker, will be the key note speaker. Entertainment, community resource table, Gold and Silver Awards, Farmer's Market and more. Call 238-2377 for details.
   
• Sequoia Stomp--Walkathon to Support Sequoia Elementary School, Friday, May 29: Join in on the fun for the last big fund raiser of the year. Proceeds support art teachers, the librarian and garden teachers. If you would like to help, contact Kim Chaney at 482-9842.

• Senior Shuttle Funding Restored:  The City's federally funded Community Assistance Program board voted last week to fund one year of the senior shuttle program out of increased funding from the federal government under the stimulus program.  The shuttles help low income seniors with shopping, transportation to senior and health care programs.  Elimination of the shuttle funding was proposed in the Mayor's budget.
   
• Fire Department Seeks Grants and other Options to Fill CORE Positions:  Fire Department officials may be able to temporarily fund the position one of three Emergency Preparedness Program positions.  Currently, one of the three CORE (Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) is scheduled for elimination.  I am working with my colleagues and fire officials to save this position. 

• Firefighter Cadets Laid Off, City Administrator is Hopeful Most Will Be Hired Before Year End:  The City is currently negotiating a new contract with City firefighters whose leadership has been trying to reach the ten percent give back that we have asked from all employees.  For several weeks it was clear that the current fire fighter academy might have to be suspended because there are no funds for the new positions. Normally, we could expect many retirements over the next month, but we are waiting to see if the recession has caused some current employees to delay their retirements.  As retirements take place cadets will be called in to complete their training.
   
• City Website Tracks Federal Stimulus Grants:  The City put up this week a website on the Federal Stimulus Grants; it includes a list of Oakland applications, links to federal sites, and will eventually have postings of  local opportunities.
   
• Council  Reviews Mayor's Proposals, Starting with Libraries and Parks & Recreation Programs:  Last week the Council had a chance to hear about the proposed cuts in the libraries, including the elimination of the Book Mobile and the paired closures of six branches.  Three pairs of libraries would share a staff, opening only 2-3 days a week each.  Proposed libraries include Lakeview, Temescal, Melrose, Elmhurst, Golden Gate and Martin Luther King, Jr.  The Council asked for alternatives.   We are working with the Friends of the Library and their local branch Friends groups to host a discussion on budget cuts to the Libraries on Wednesday, June 3 at 7 pm at the Dimond Branch Library. (Above) Father and son enjoy cake in honor of Lakeview Library's 60th last Saturday as patrons began organizing against the proposal to reduce library days to 2-3 per week.
  •  Also discussed was the elimination of over sixty part time positions in Parks and Recreation.  The Council asked for how these cuts would affect programs in each center and program. 
  • The department by department review continues Thursday, May 28th, 1-7 pm.
     

• Mayor's Budget Proposes 319 Positions for Elimination; Counts on Passage of OO Compromise, COPS Funding from the Feds and other Revenue: The complete FY 2009-11 Proposed Policy Budget is available on the Mayor's web site and the City's home page. You can also find copies in the City Clerk's Office or at City libraries. 
  • The largest and most difficult issue in the FY2009-11 budget is the $83 million shortfall in the General Purpose Fund, although serious financial problems also exist in many other funds. Across all funds, a total of 319 positions are proposed for elimination (193 positions from the General Fund and the remainder from other funds). About 250 of these 319 positions are currently filled; this brings the number of city positions eliminated in the last four years to about 600 positions.
     
• Anticipated Federal Funding to Avoid Police Layoffs ($23 million)  The City's current fiscal reality means that the only way to address the unprecedented budget deficit is to cut public safety costs, which now account for two-thirds of the available General Purpose Fund revenues, or get substantial outside funding.
  
  The City has applied for about $23 million in annual funding for three years from the federal government from the COPS grant, which is only available to forestall the firing of police officers or to hire new officers. If these grant funds do not materialize, the City would be forced to lay off 140 sworn police officers effective October 1, 2009 or find alternative cuts. Grant notification is expected by August or September.

• Proposed Revenue Increases ($4 million)
  The proposed budget contains about $4 million in revenue increases, including $2 million from increased parking ticket fines and recreation fees, and nearly $1 million from  measures on the July 21, 2009 ballot (expansion of Real Estate Transfer Tax to include mergers and acquisitions and 18 percent business tax on medical cannabis sales).
• Proposed Expenditure Reductions ($56 million in addition to $23 million in federal funding above)  The proposed budget contains over $79 million in General Fund expenditure reductions. In addition to possible police cuts mentioned above, key balancing measures include:
  • Use of nearly $2 million in anticipated Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) federal funding to offset police expenditures for criminal lab and investigative support staff.
  • Over $1 million in annual savings from the early retirement program for City employees.

• Reduction of nearly 53 FTEs to save $2.8 million annually. Position eliminations in non-public safety departments add to the significant reductions made in July 2008, October 2008 and March 2009. Collectively, non-public safety reductions in the General Fund during these recent rounds of budget cuts resulted in the elimination of nearly 245 FTEs.

• Reduction in hours and position downgrades for various employees.

• Employee concessions from civilian unions, adding up to the equivalent of a 10 percent pay cut, would save nearly $7 million annually. Discussions continue with all unions including the police and fire sworn unions on proportionate cuts.

• Nearly $4 million in savings if voters approve a compromise Kids First! measure on July 21, 2009.
• $6 million in debt service savings from anticipated debt restructuring. 
• Transfers of costs to other funds (mainly City Attorney's liability-related expenses) would save over $4 million.Reduction in branch library service from six to five days a week and "paired" closure of branch libraries (six smaller braches would be "paired" for rotational closure, with one set of staff serving both branches), to save over $0.8 million annually.
   

• Elimination of 140 Police Positions from the General Fund in Hopes of Receiving Federal Grant Funding
• Two year halt to paying back internal fund debts, basically spending down reserves and reducing cash flow.
• Elimination of Senior Set-Aside programs in lieu of closing or reducing hours of senior centers.  In all 3 of our hearings with Mayor and his staff, seniors who have been hard hit by other cuts at the state, county, and school levels asked to save Senior Centers and a restoration of hours. I am working with a multi-agency group to try to reduce the impact of layoffs.  The City may sponsor some of the Adult Education programs eliminated by the School Board by charging minimum fees (about $1/session).
• One-time or limited duration savings of nearly $26 million from the proposed two-year suspension of General Fund payments to two internal service funds (facilities and equipment) to save $24 million annually. This would double our internal debt and brings cash reserves to very low levels 
• Elimination of Park Rangers
• Elimination of One of the Coordinators of the Emergency/Disaster Preparation Program (See update above)
• Rotating Closure of Pairs of Smaller Libraries:  (see above)

 

• Check out the Oakland Budget Challenge, an online budget balancing exercise where you get to choose your priorities. We are the first city in the state to use this software, this has been a special project of my office and the Finance Committee staff person Sabrina Landreth. (Above)
• Keep up to date at http://oaklandbudget.blogspot.com
• Send in your suggestions at budgetsuggestions@oaklandnet.com

Revised Council Schedule for Budget Approval

• Budget Workshop #1, Thursday, May 28, 1-7pm, Council Chambers
• Budget Workshop #2, Monday, June 1, 4-7pm, Council Chambers
• Final Budget Adoption and First Reading of Ordinances, Tuesday, June 16, 6 pm, Council Chambers
• Second Reading of Ordinances, Tuesday, June 30, 6 pm, Council Chambers
   
• In addition, there will be a live televised "Budget Townhall" on Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 pm during which KTOP viewers can call-in to have their budget questions answered on-air.

• A proposal to increase Medical Marijuana Club business tax rates was the last item approved for the ballot. The measure raised the taxes comparable to alcohol outlets.
   
• The Real Estate Transfer Tax proposal for a technical fix to make sure corporations pay the same real estate transfer tax as individuals homeowners.
   
• A Hotel Tax to provide a 3% increase to fund the Oakland Museum, Zoo Chabot Space and Science Center, and Convention Services will provide $3 million a year to these vital cultural and educational institutions and help stimulate and market our tourist industry.
   
• A compromise Kids First measure will repeal Measure OO but still provide a small increase for youth programs, saves $4 million this year and up to $17 million in future years.  >>Parents and youth at recent City Hall meeting.
   

• Oakland Paratransit for the Elderly and Disabled (OPED)--under a grant from Alameda County's Measure B, the City provides subsidized transportation for senior residents and persons with disabilities unable to utilize public transportation, including the ADA paratransit service.  OPED users require additional service, such as help with stairs and bags, same day service, door-to-door service and/or are living beyond a scheduled buse route. The City contracts with taxi and wheelchair lift van companies and participants use taxi scrip or van vouchers to use the service.  Call 238-3036 for details.
• Senior Companion Program--Under grants from the Corporation for National and Community Services, the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging and the City of Berkeley, the City provides meaningful part-time volunteer opportunities for income eligible senior residents in the City of Oakland. Senior Companion volunteers offer supportive person-to-person services to Oakland's frail and elderly residents to help them remain independent in their homes and community. This program has been in existence for 32 years. The exciting part of this program is that everyone benefits: the clients benefit from the assistance provided by the volunteers, and the volunteers gain a sense of civic pride and responsibility. Senior Companions must volunteer 15 to 20 hours a week to receive a stipend of $2.65 per hour of volunteer service.  For details, call 238-3080.
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP): The goal of MSSP is to help seniors continue living safely and independently in their own homes. Each senior is assigned a nurse and social worker who assess needs and provide ongoing care management. Call 238-3762 for details.
   
• Senior Centers: Six Senior Centers located throughout Oakland provide a space where seniors can spend their leisure time. Find a location near you. The Centers provide a full range of social, recreational, nutritional and educational activities. The Downtown Oakland Senior Center's renowned Ballroom Dance program offers dances nearly every day of the week. Line dancing is a popular activity at the East and West Oakland Senior Centers. And all of the centers offer exercise classes-traditional stretching and aerobic movement as well as Yoga and Tai Chi. While the Centers are open to all, Oakland residents over the age of 55 are eligible for discounts on certain activities. 
• ASSETS Senior Employment Opportunities Program: Offers FREE job placement and training services to residents of Alameda County who are 55 years and older. You can earn minimum wage while getting the training needed to make the transition to full or part-time jobs outside of the program. call 238-3535.
• Linkages: Connects disabled adults (18 years and older) and frail older adults to community-based programs, enabling them to remain living in the community rather than in nursing homes.  Each client is assigned a social worker who assesses needs and provides care management.  In addition, information and referral services are provided to clients as well as other other residents of the East Bay. Call 238-3931 for details.

• Help Improve Dimond Canyon/Camp Out in Dimond Park, Friday, June 26-Sunday, June 28: Volunteers for Outdoors-California, who transformed two trails in Joaquin Miller Park in one weekend two years ago, return to District 4 this June. This time, they will be removing invasive plants and improving trails along Dimond Canyon. At night, volunteers can camp out in Dimond Park, and enjoy gourmet food prepared by V-O-Cal's outstanding camping chefs. We're looking for 200 volunteers.  To sign up, go to www.v-o-cal.org  (Above) Planting natives on Earth Day in Dimond Park.

 <<Nancy Karigaca of the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council Neighborhood Action Plan discusses their project for Maxwell Park at the Oakland Parks Coalition meeting last Saturday.  Regular activities, clean-ups and now a planned Mosaic Mural have increased usage of the park. The mural is partially funded by a grant from our Pay-Go Fund.
 

 

Radar, Radar and More Radar!: This week a car drove off the Cabot Rd into the canyon.  Every day we hear about accidents, please slow down!  In the past year we've had great success in training volunteers to use a radar gun as part of a District 4 pilot project. After our last radar training more than a week ago, we ran many of your ideas past our favorite officer, Officer Dan Tirapelli, and he recommended that High Street be divided into two sections; one section from Foothill to Brookdale, and one section from Brookdale to MacArthur. So, if you regularly drive down High Street, watch your speed. You never know when the radar gun team will be on duty--monitoring speeding cars and sending the information to OPD, who then run the license plates via the DMV and send warning letters to the owners of the cars caught driving above the speed limit. If you have been radar-trained and would like to participate as a volunteer, contact Michael Johnson in our office. If you have not, he can also put you on our list for future trainings.

• PRAC Approves Plans to Restore Joaquin Miller Abbey: This week, the Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) approved plans to restore Joaquin Miller's Abbey to it's 19th Century glory. The plans were previously approved by the Alameda County Historical Society and the City's Landmarks Preservation Board. The plans were developed pro bono by the 1870 Design Group,who are experienced in designing and reconstructing historical gardens and buildings. The project has long been on the wish list of the Joaquin Miller Working Group, an organization representing various park user groups who have been shepherding a number of improvements to the 500-acre natural park. Plans call for restoring the current building to its appearance in the above photo, and to provide a number of educational panels that capture the history of Joaquin Miller, the poet, and his park. Many thanks to working group member Dale Risden and his partner, Patrick Lochiatto of 1870 Design Group for their hundreds of hours on designing this project. If you are interested in contributing to the project or in volunteering on one of the work days, contact Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042.

<<Dancers, young and old, learn Greek folk dances at last week's Greek Festival, the largest in northern California.

• Vote for Montclair's 2009-2010 Pet Mayor: This annual event raises funds for the Montclair Veterinary Hospital Pet & Wildlife Fund. The Primary is May 3-May 31; Mayor's Race Voting is June 1-June 28 with the winner announced at 1 pm on June 28. For details, contact Lee Richter at 339-2400.

• Free Drought Goodies from EBMUD:Check out EBMUD's website for a list of great drought saving goodies-- from audit kits and mirror signs to garden hose nozzles and low flow showerhead with on/off switch.
   
  
  
  For a list of 25 ways to Keep Oakland Green....
   

• Take Time This Weekend to Do a Safety Audit of Your Home:  With summer many of us forget to secure windows and doors. With the recession crimes like burglaries appear to be on the rise across the nation.   This is a useful checklist to consider.

• Aggressive Panhandling:  Many of us are very sympathetic to the increasing number of homeless residents in the Bay Area.  In some cases aggressive panhandling makes some uncomfortable or seems threatening.  These are some of issues we are dealing with:
  • It is illegal to live in the parks.  It is not illegal to be homeless and to use public facilities.  However, all parks are closed at sunset.  If you know of a location where someone is regularly living, we will send out the County van which works with the homeless and provides services.  We will tag the encampment and give the person a period of time to move thereafter.
  • It is illegal to disrupt business or block passage:  In a many incidences we try to identify the person; homeless people are often mentally impaired or otherwise involved with the County Social Services Program. In serious cases we have worked with merchants to obtain stay away orders because individuals disrupt their business by interfering with customers.
  • Some merchant groups encourage their customers to not give to panhandlers and donate to Food Banks and other organizations serving the homeless.
     
• Dimond Coaliton for Positive Change, the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council 22X, is working with police and our office to examine what seems like a recent increase in crime in the neighborhood.  We are trying to understand if there are patterns and which crimes are random. Whenever we see a crime rash, we request additional patrols, both black & white cars and undercover.  If you live in the Dimond, these are some things you can do to help.
  •  We encourage you to attend the NCPC meetings, check the web link above.
  • If you notice anything suspicious, don't hesitate to contact our Neighborhood Services Coordinator Rene Sykes at 238-7929 or
    rsykes@oaklandnet.com
  •  For problems in the Commercial area contact the Walking Officer, Sean Hall at shall@oaklandnet.com  
  • For problems in the residential area copy your email our Problem Solving Officer Rick Coglio at rcoglio@oaklandnet.com
  • Don't expect city officials to comment on specific crimes on the neighborhood listserv's.  It is general policy not to comment on crimes under investigation, but if you have a specific question that we can answer we all respond individually as we can.
  • Sometimes crimes are tied to specific locations.  For example, a store or home tied to drug dealing .  When the Hillcrest Motel was operating (now replaced by the Lincoln Courts Senior Apartments), the Dimond was the fourth highest crime spot in the city.  Your complaints or even anonymous call to the drug hotline - 238-DRUG - help revoke business licenses or evict tenants tied to neighborhood crime.
  • Organize a Neighborhood Alert or Block Group.  Neighborhoods that are organized have less crime.  Contact Rene above or Richard Cowan in my office for advice.
  • Continue to support the growing business district, library and parks.  More people make an area safer.  We make a point to shop and eat in the Dimond regularly to help it's new businesses.  Most of the recent crimes happen after 10 pm, but crime can happen anytime anywhere.  Here are common sense tips to consider.
     
• New Online Citizen Reporting at www.oaklandpolice.com: If you've been a reader of our newsletter, you know how frequently we encourage residents to report crime. The reports generate the data that OPD uses to set priorities, as well as provide practical information to help police spot crime trends and solve crime. You don't have to wait for an officer to show up at your door, or download a form and fax it back to complete a crime report. Oakland's has been up and running for several months now to report certain property crimes:
  • Lost Property
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Vehicle Burglary
  • Vehicle Burglary
  • Vehicle Tampering
     

• Laurel 25x: Ryan Kabahit RKabahit@oaklandnet.com
• Dimond 22x: Rick Coglio RCoglio@oaklandnet.com
• Bret Harte/Joaquin Miller 22y: Ann Pierce Apierce@oaklandnet.com
• Jefferson 24x: Joseph Fong JFong@oaklandnet.com
• Montclair 13z: Maureen Vergara MVergara@oaklandnet.com
• Maxwell Park 28x: Keith Clement JClement@oaklandnet.com
• Melrose 27x: Anthony Burns (temp) ABurns@oaklandnet.com
• North Hills 13y: John Haney Jhaney@oakland.net
• Allendale 24y: Richard McNeely RMcNeely@oaklandnet.com

• Program Your Cell Phone for the Oakland Fire Department and Medical Dispatch:  In addition to 777-3211, which will connect you directly to the Police Dispatchers from your cell phone when you are in Oakland (9-1-1 on your cell connects you to the Highway Patrol),  you may also want to program into your cell phone Oakland Fire Department and Medical Dispatch at 444-1616.

• To Help Shorten the Newsletter, some of the regular Safety Related Phone Numbers have been moved to the left hand column a the beginning of the newsletter.
   

OUSD Names Tony Smith New Superintendent:

• Good Cents for Oakland Partners with Schools to Help Feed Hungry Families: Good Cents for Oakland is partnering with Project Outreach, Montclair Elementary School and Markham Elementary School to distribute food to hungry families in East Oakland on Saturday, May 30th at Markham Elementary School.  This food distribution has been advertised to schools in East Oakland.  They anticipate hundreds of people arriving with the hope of receiving a bag of nutritious food. They desperately need food donations.  These types of food are most urgently needed:
   
  Canned tuna fish and other meats
  Peanut butter
  Canned vegetables and fruits
  Canned soups
  Powdered milk
  Instant oatmeal
  Cereals
   
  If you are willing to make a food donation or organize a food drive on our behalf, please contact Good Cents for Oakland at 658-7100 or by e-mailing Dagmar Serota at dagmar@goodcentsforoakland.org.  They need to receive all food donations by Friday, May 29th.
  
   
• Family Art Nights presented by 100 Families Oakland and Art Esteem, M. Robinson Baker YMCA, 3265 Market Street, May 28 and June 4, 5:30-8:30 pm: All events include:  family dinner, intergenerational artmaking workshop and discussion, exhibition and raffle with spectacular art supply prizes. For additional information or questions, please contact Sierra Falcon: 670-4557 or arts@acoe.org.
• Montera's Spring Fling, Saturday, May 30, 10 am-2 pm: Food, games, activities, auction to support Montera Middle School. For details, contact Daphne at 655-5912.

<<Tilden families win another year & celebrate:  In April Tilden School in the Laurel District escaped closure by the School District.  During the next year it will try to restructure and attract more families.  This is a small school and the families there fought hard to keep it open.

• Library's Summer Reading Program Kicks Off with a Party, Saturday, June 1, 2-4 pm, Children's Room Patio at the Main Library, 125 14th Street: The Oakland Public Library invites Oakland's youth to Be Creative @ Your Library this summer. That's the theme of the 2009 Summer Reading Program, a chance for young bookworms, ages 13 and under, to read their way to great prizes starting June 13 and running though August 9, 2009. Kids, ages 13 and under, are encouraged to visit one of our branches, the bookmobile, or the Main Library's Children's Room to sign up and start reading. (Pre-readers can participate by having someone read to them.) Prizes include books and tickets to some of Oakland's hottest attractions. At the Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party children will be treated to face painting, sidewalk chalk art, ice cream, a scavenger hunt, music, and creative projects by the East Bay Depot for Creative Re-Use. And, back by popular demand, kids will get an opportunity to Dunk the Librarian! For more information about the program or to see a schedule of the many free events taking place this summer at your neighborhood library, please call 238-3615, or visit the library's website. Your branch can also provide you with a calendar of its events.
   

• Garden Jubilee Celebration at the Garden Center and Gardens at Lake Merritt, 666 Bellevue, Sunday, June 7, 11-4 pm: Rediscover the Green Heart of Oakland, seven-acres of themed gardens in Lakeside Park. Music throughout the gardens, gardening demonstrations, children's activities, art and food. In conjunction with Oakland Office of Parks and Recreation's 100th Anniversary. Free, with donations happily accepted. For more information contact gardensatlakemerritt@gmail.com or call 763-1959.

• Public Meetings on Restoration Work in the Redwood Regional Park Serpentine Prairie,  Richard C. Trudeau Center, 11500 Skyline Boulevard, Redwood Regional Park: (<<Endangered Presidio Clarkia is found at this Redwood Park site) www.ebparks.org  
  The East Bay Regional Park District has prepared a 3-4 year  restoration plan for Redwood Regional Park Serpentine Prairie that will bring back the vitality and botanical diversity of the Serpentine Prairie, including the endangered Presidio clarkia, while continuing to provide for the enjoyment of park users.  It will include removal of trees not endemic to prairie habitat, closing severely impacted areas for recovery, removal of informal trails and creation of a new Serpentine Prairie loop trail and interpretive overlook, installation of informational signage, and may include  limited future prescribed burns and sheep grazing as part of a long-term adaptive management program. You can view these documents on the Park District's website,
  • Saturday, June 13, 3-4 pm-Interpretive Field Walk

• Walk to End Poverty & Violence, Saturday, May 30, 8 am, Lake Merritt Bandstand: Meet at the Lake Merritt Bandstand to register for the walk between 8 and 9 am. First 400 to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Alameda County Community Food Bank who register to walk will receive a free t-shirt.  Walk around the lake (9-10am), enjoy water and a snack and visit the Community Fair (10 am-2pm) with local agencies offering help and advice to those in need. For details, contact City of Oakland Community Action Partnership at 238-2362 or download forms from the web at Nomination forms for Community Action Leadership, Community Service and Youth Service Awards to be awarded during the annual Walk to End Poverty on Saturday, May 30, 2009.  are available at  www.oaklandCAP.org.  
   

• Free Oakland Civic Orchestra Concert, Sunday, May 31, 4 pm, Lake Merritt United Methodist Church: 1330 Lakeshore Avenue. The Oakland Civic Orchestra, conducted by Artistic Director Martha Stoddard, presents its season finale concert, Soundscapes. The program features works by two Bay Area women composers: the world premiere of Artistic Director Martha Stoddard's Something Else Again, with soloists Susanne Rublein (flute) and Anne Szabla (marimba) and Fragile Forests II: Cambodia by Alexis Alrich.  Also on the program is Sibelius' Symphony No. 5.  Admission is free.  For more information, please call (510) 238-7275.
   

• Garden with the Friends of  Sausal Creek--Harvest seeds of native plants, help propagate seeds at the native plant nursery, work to remove invasives throughout the Sausal Creek Watershed or attend their bimonthly educational workshops. There's something happening several days a week and on most weekends, in Dimond Canyon, Joaquin Miller Park and Beaconsfield Canyon. Check out their monthly calendar of events at the FOSC website.
   

• Summer Splash Open House at Jack London Aquatic Center, Saturday, June 6, Noon-4 pm: The Jack London Aquatic Center (JLAC) (in Estuary Park, on the Embarcadero, between Oak Street and 5th Avenue) is Oakland's "trail-head" to the open-spaces of the Oakland-Alameda Estuary. Free of charge ... your opportunity to check out kayaking, rowing and dragon-boating activities. Go to www.jlac.org, or call the JLAC at 208-6060.

• 2nd Annual Summer Splash at the Jack London Aquatic Center, Saturday, June 6, Noon-4 pm: This free open house gives Jack London Aquatic Center the opportunity to take the community out in kayaks, rowing barges, and dragonboats for the afternoon for free.  The JLAC family invites you and your family down to the Jack London Aquatic Center (in Estuary Park, on the Embarcadero, between Oak St. and 5th Ave) on Saturday, June 6, 2009, between Noon and 4 pm. Call 208-6060 for details.
   

• Organization Chinese Americans' - East Bay - 22nd Annual Gala Celebration, Friday, June 12, 6 pm, Restaurant Peony, 388 9th Street, 2nd Floor:  "Developing Asian American Leadership - Past, Present and Future" is the them of the 22nd Annual OCA Gala Celebration. This year, OCA honors Kevin Tan, the 2008 Beijing Olympics Mealidst and 2008 U.S. Men's Gymmnastics Team Captain, and Joe, Wong, Deputy Executive Director of the Port of Oakland.On Saturday, June 13, OCA sponsors "Kids Day with an Olympian" at the Lincoln Recreation Center when school children are invited to meet and talk with Mr. Tan about his life and Olympic experience. Cost:  $100 per person. Please RSVP to (415) 392-9688 or email CHShao@CHSconsulting.net.  
   

•  June at Laurel Books: Stop by Laurel Books, 4100 MacAthur for two exciting book events:
  • Thursday, June 18, 7 pm: The long awaited signing for The Sharing Solution with Janelle Orsi and Emily Doskow! (watch for them in Sunset magazine!)
  • Saturday, June 20, 4 pm: Vegan Soul Kitchen with Bryant Terry, Oakland chef and neighbor. Hey!  Special guest Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, author of Joy of Vegan Baking.
  • Tuesday, June 23, 7 pm: Pam Allyn and her book What to Read When. This is a great book for parents and teachers with a wealth of suggestions for every need or topic written by an expert in the reading field. 
     
  
   

May-June at Joaquin Miller Park:

• MHA Spring Hunter/Jumper Schooling Show at Sequoia Arena, Sunday, May 31 9 am.: Alison Potter judges this first of a series of horse shows in Joaquin Miller Park. For details, contact the Metropolitan Horsemen's Association.
   
• Annual Woodminster Cross Country Trail Race at Joaquin Miller, Redwood Regional Parks, Sunday, June 21: The 44th annual Dick Houston Memorial Woodminster Cross Country race is a challenging 9-mile hilly loop trail course that runs through the Oakland Hills.  Call 655-8228 for details.
• ORCA Field Day in Sequoia Arena, Thursday-Sunday, June 25-27, The Oakland Radio Communications Association will be communicating with as many other Ham radio operators around the world as possible. A great opportunity to bring kids and neighbors to see our back-up communications plans during and after emergencies.
• Great American Backyard Campout at Joaquin Miller Park, Saturday, June 27-Sunday, June 28: Oakland Parks and Recreation and the National Wildlife Federation invite Oakland families, friends and neighbors to come campout overnight at The Great American Backyard Campout at Joaquin Miller Park! Take a hike, enjoy nature activities, sing around the campfire - experience family fun in the great outdoors! Includes dinner, camp snacks and continental breakfast. No pets, radios, kerosene lanterns or cooking gear. $8 per person. Sign up here.
   

• Free Family-Oriented Outdoor Movies at East Bay Regional Parks: Enjoy FREE, family oriented outdoor movies in beautiful park settings. Movies are family oriented, rated PG, and begin shortly after sunset. Arrive early for a good seat. Bring a flashlight, warm clothes, snacks, and a blanket or chair. Each location offers a unique experience. No pets. Rain cancels. More information: recreation@ebparks.org, or 530-8241.
  • Saturday, July 18, Contra Loma Regional Recreation Area, Antioch: Featuring The Sandlot, rated PG, 149 minutes, 1993. Come early to enjoy the pre-movie entertainment-the swimming lagoon will be open and free with lifeguards on duty during the movie event. Swimming will shut down from 6-7 pm to set up, then resume at 7 pm. Meet a park naturalists and learn about your surroundings. Snacks available for sale. Expected movie start time is 9 pm. Normal park fees are in effect till 7 pm.
  • Saturday, July 25, Roberts Regional Recreation Area, Oakland: Featuring The Neverending Story, rated PG, 93 minutes, 1984. Come early for arts & crafts. Snacks available for sale. Expected movie start time is 9 pm.
  • Saturday, August 8, Contra Loma Regional Park: Featuring The Pink Panther, rated PG, 93 minutes, 2006. Come early to enjoy the pre-movie entertainment-the swimming lagoon will be open and free with lifeguards on duty during the movie event. Swimming will shut down from 6-7 pm to set up, then resume at 7 pm. Meet a park naturalists and learn about your surroundings. Snacks available for sale. Expected movie start time is 9 pm. Normal park fees are in effect till 7 pm.
  • Saturday, August 29, Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont: The Chicken Run, rated G, 82 minutes, 2000. Come early to enjoy rock climbing wall, face painting, arts & crafts. Snacks available for sale. Expected movie start time is 8:30 pm.

• Asian Pacific Heritage Festival During May, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Suite 290:
  • Asian Arts Together, Saturday, May 30, Noon-1 pm: Make cultural art activities like Lunar Year Ox puppets, Tet Dragon Mobiles, & Korean Kites  for the whole family!  Free.               
  • Dances of Asia, Saturday, May 30, 1-2:30 pm: Performances by the Sahiyar Dance Company, DowneFx, OACC Artists in Residence Jay Loyola, AYPAL, Kyoungil Ong and other performers to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! $3-$20 suggested donation.
    
     
• The East Side Arts Alliance presents the 9th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival, May 30th, 11am-7 pm, San Antonio Park (18th& Foothill)
   
• Dancing Under the Stars at Jack London Square, Fox Trot Night, Friday, June 5, 8:30-10 pm, : Join Jack London Square and the Linden Dance Studio for FREE dance instruction. Make dinner reservations at your favorite Jack London Square restaurant and learn how to FOX TROT. Jack London Square Pavilion Stage, Broadway & Water Street. Call 645-9292.
   
• Temescal Street Fair, Sunday, June 7, Noon- 6 pm, 51st & Telegraph Avenue: Celebration of all things Temescal at this community street fair. Two stages of live entertainment, local foods and fun for all. Call 654-6346.
   
• Uptown Unveiled, Thursday, June 18, 5-10 pm: Discover the Uptown District during this free street fair open to all. Tour the lavish interior of the recently renovated Fox Theater, skate the night away at Oakland Ice Center, enjoy live music and "Taste of Uptown" featuring acclaimed downtown restaurants. This is a great opportunity for foodies, families and urban warriors of all ages to celebrate the start of summer! Call 238-2107 for details.
   
• 4th Annual Laurel Summer Solstice Festival, Saturday, June 20, 1-7 pm, Laurel District: For the fourth year in a row, the Laurel Village Association is coordinating a Summer Solstice Music Festival at numerous sites along MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland's Laurel neighborhood.
   
• 6th Annual Healthy Living Festival and Walk-A-Thon  for Seniors and Those Who Love Them, Friday, June 26, 9 am-2 pm, Lake Merritt Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue:  Over 3,000 older adults have participated in past Festivals, and walked well over 6,000 miles around Lake Merritt--including the 1,400 older adults who walked around the lake last year, logging over 1,800 miles! Cheer your favorite senior on and visit the more than 140 public and private exhibits. Registration begins at 9 am; Tai Chi demonstration and warm-up begins at 9:15; walk-a-thon begins at 10.