• The longest debate this at this week's Budget Workshop concerned the Mayor's proposal to "not pay" Internal Service Fund expenses, $24 million.  These are mostly Facility expenses like custodians, water and electric bills, etc. and Equipment expenses like mechanics, vehicles, etc.  What this would mean is borrowing from cash reserves.  While this was done to some extent in the past, when I became Finance Chair I got the Council to agree to "pay back" some of this debt each year.  However, this proposal would double the debt and strain our cash reserves.  It seems too much like what Sacramento has been doing.  I expect from the discussion. we will try to trim some of these expenses and make more cuts instead.
   
• Fire Department Seeks Grants and other Options to Fill CORE Positions:  The Fire Chief in response to questions assured the Council he has at least two alternatives to continue CORE (Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) programs.  Even if one city funded positions is eliminated as proposed by the Mayor, grant funding is like to fill the position.  In addition, he will ask the firehouse staffs from two of the least busy station to start providing CORE training as part of their duties.
   
• Acting Chief Jordan Discussed His Proposed Cut of the Rangers:  Jordan believes problem solving officers can fill in the duties in the parks.  I and other Council Members argued that:  1) Rangers have special trail, wildlife, and other knowledge.  2) They cost half of what an police officer cost.  3) Large parks, open space, and creeks are not easily patroled by regular police.  Currently, two rangers remain because we have not trained an additional rangers in recent academies.
   
• Firefighter Cadets Laid Off, City Administrator is Hopeful Most Will Be Hired Before Year's 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 firefighter 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.
   
• Senior Shuttle Funding Restored, But Governor Proposes More Senior Cuts:  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. Meanwhile, the above item describes several critical health care, in home, and city senior programs that are proposed to be cut by the Governor. 

• 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:  In the previous 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 as patrons began organizing against the proposal to reduce library days to 2-3 per week.
   
• 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.

 

• 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 #2, Monday, June 1, 4-7pm, Council Chambers
• First Reading of Ordinances, Tuesday, June 16, 6 pm, Council Chambers
• First or Second Reading of Ordinances, Tuesday, June 30, 6 pm, Council Chambers
• Possible additional meeting TBD
   

• Measure F:  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.
   
• Measure H: The Real Estate Transfer Tax proposal for a technical fix to make sure corporations pay the same real estate transfer tax as individuals homeowners.
   
• Measure C:  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.
   
• Measure D:  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 bus 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. NOW THREATENED BY THE GOVERNOR'S CUTS, SEE #2 ABOVE.
   
• 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. NOW THREATENED BY THE GOVERNOR'S CUTS, SEE #2 ABOVE.

• Life-long Learning Classes from OUSD's Older Adult Program: Last month, the school district canceled a number of Older Adult Education Programs due to their own budget crunch. Our office convened several meetings with the City's Senior Services Department, Oakland Parks & Recreation Department and OUSD's Older Adult Education Program to see if some of these programs could continue under the auspices of Oakland Parks & Recreation. OPR will be working with the teachers from OUSD's Older Adult Program to market classes on a fee-for service basis, in many cases at the same locations where they had been held under the Older Adult Education Program. In this way, our senior residents can continue to attend programs that provide critical social interaction and engaging activities to keep their minds and bodies healthy and strong. We are also working with representatives from Alameda County's Senior Services Coalition to see if there are additional ways that we can partner to support services that have been hard hit by the recent budget cuts at the state and local level. For details, contact Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042--after June 8, as she will be on vacation this coming week.

• 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. The community is needed for construction on Saturday, June 13.
 

 

• Radar, Radar and More Radar!: Last 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  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: 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.
   
• Vote for Montclair's 2009-2010 Pet Mayor: This annual event raises funds for the Montclair Veterinary Hospital Pet & Wildlife Fund.  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.

• While City Crime is down by about 20 percent, home burglaries are up.  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
     
• 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.
   

• The State Assembly has voted 44-26 to approve a bill that would return full control of Oakland's schools to its elected school board on July 1 after six years of state control. This would coincide with the first day of the new Superintendent Tony Smith. Assemblyman Swanson authoried AB 761 to nudge the State along. The Oakland Unified School District received a clean bill of health five months ago from a state-mandated independent auditing firm, but he said the state is dragging its feet on returning the final areas of responsibility to the school board. The bill goes to the Senate next.
   
• Teach Tomorrow in Oakland, a partnership between the Oakland School District and City, has won a $2.1 million federal grant to recruit and train residents to become teachers in Oakland schools.  The program was created as part of an effort to reduce teacher turnover; in recent years, the school district's attrition rate has been about 14 percent.  The first group of 25 will begin in the fall, each teacher must  make a 5

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.

• Healthy Families Fair on Saturday, June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California in the Great Court Gardens:   The Red Cross and Clorox team up to help you become better prepared and healthier.  Spend the day playing outdoors together as a family, while learning important information on how to keep the entire family healthy and safe this summer and throughout the year. Participate in fun activities and exercises that help the whole family learn about important health and safety topics.The first 100 attendees will receive a FREE solar-powered portable Eton radio with flashlight and cell phone charger--a perfect item to add to your disaster kit. (Retail value: $40)  
  
   
• 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
     
• 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.
   
• 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. 
     
  
   
  June at Joaquin Miller Park:

   

  • 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 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.
     
  
   

• 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.