• I called a meeting of the Library Coalition this Week to Consider Alternatives to the Mayor's Proposal to Cut 6 Libraries from 6 to 2 or 3 Days:  Over 60 advocates and staff members from the City's 17 sites attended.  The last time we met was 6 years ago when Mayor Brown and City Administrator Robert Bobb proposed to close a third of the branches.  At that time the Library Coalition agreed to have all branches open less days --five -- rather than close any branch. Later that year we organized to pass Measure Q and expanded library days to 6 days a week and increasing the materials budget by nearly four fold. 

Many people came from Melrose and the other libraries slated for reductions --Lakeview, Temescal, Elmhurst, Golden Gate and Martin Luther King, Jr. After laying out some the of the options we agreed to propose:

• All Branches stay open 5 days a week, Tu-Sat or Mon-Friday. (Cost: $380,000).
• That 10 percent of the materials budget be cut to help pay for this, $190,000, and that a united "Friends Campaign" be organized to try to make up for this.
• The remainder would come from cutting the General Funds from the Literacy Program  ($150K), leaving the grant funding (about $240K) and pursuing joint opportunities to sponsor literacy programs with the Oakland Public School Adult Ed which is also facing cuts.
• We will have a follow up meeting of Friends Organizations, organizing new groups for branches that do not have a Friends group like Melrose and coordinating Citywide activities to continue to organize and fundraise as the budget processes continue through the year.
   
• Fire Department To Use Grants and other Options to Fill CORE Positions:  The Fire Department confirm this week that grant funds will be use to continue CORE (Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) programs.  In addition, the Chief indicated he will expand the program by asking firehouse staffs from two of the least busy station to start providing CORE training as part of their duties.

• The longest debate at recent Budget Workshops 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 a "pay back plan, " paying down some of the debt each year.  However, the proposal would not pay any of the internal service funds, doubling the debt and straining 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.
   
• 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,  item #6 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.

• 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

• 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
   

Four Ballot Measure Go To Oakland Voters in An All Mail Vote:

• 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.  >>Skate board competition at Eastside Festival last Saturday.

• 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.

• 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.

• Farmer Joe's in Dimond celebrates their 3rd Anniversary, Saturday, June 20, from 1-4 pm: Please join friends and neighbors for the festivities at Farmer Joe's, 3426 Fruitvale Avenue. >>Original opening 3 years ago at Farmer Joes.

• Community Meeting about Redwood Hill, Wednesday, June 24, 7 pm, St. Lawrence O'Toole: Redwood Hill is a 16-unit low-and moderate-income development proposed by Habitat for Humanity for the corner of MacArthur and Calaveras. It was previously approved for a larger project, this is slightly smaller with individual units.  It will still be an home ownership project. They are currently seeking community approval for their design at a meeting to be held at St. Lawrence O'Toole 7 pm on the evening of June 24. For further information, contact Richard Cowan of my office.

• The Goats Are Here:  Official fire season means the Wild Fire Prevention District goats are back in the hills, they are at Joaquin Miller Park right now.  The shepherd lives in an adjacent trailer and two dogs are on hand. 
   

• 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.

• Dimond's Clean Merchant Program: is sponsored by Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful and the Dimond Merchant Association. These businesses are working everyday to help keep Dimond clean. Residents are asked to  patronize these companies:Stable Core Pilates + Physical Therapy; Perpetuo Z Taylor, CPA;7-Eleven; Citibank; Paws &Claws Natural Pet Food Store; Dimond Kitchen; La Farine Bakery; Natural Home Cleaning Professionals; Dr. Aaron Thornton, ODCompanies and volunteers can participate in this program by contacting stankdodson@yahoo.com or call 710-5985.
   
• 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. 
   

• 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.

•  In recent budget hearings 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 costs.  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. We are meeting region by region to discuss how Problem Solving Officers can work with rangers to meet some of our needs.

We are getting emails about the Rangers and station.  There are two issues.  1)  The Mayor's budget and police department propose ending the ranger program and cutting the 3 remaining ranger positions, two are filled.  Several Council members including myself are opposed to this cut and argue that the Rangers have specialized skills and knowledge esp in the wild land parks and costs are about half  compared to police officers.  You can email the Council your concerns about these positions, please copy me.
 
2) The Oakland Police Department is not closing the Ranger Station in Joaquin Miller.  Rangers and other officers will continue to use the station and have a citywide jurisdiction.  Some equipment, not currently used such as Ranger cars will be used by other officers. Under the consent decree, each ranger must report to a supervising sergeant and will be part of a team of Problem Solving Officers; they will be checking in and fulfill their administrative tasks at the Downtown or Eastmont stations. We are discussing with Deputy Chief Kozicki park coverage and scheduling.  There hours will be changed with the summer schedule. You can reach Deputy Chief Kozicki at dkozicki@oaklandnet.com

 The ranger situation is very tough now that the numbers are so low and those of us who support rangers will have to advocate for new rangers in the next academy and funding in the worst budget in three decades.

 

• Graduation Pranks, Vandalism, and Parties:  In the next weeks high school graduates will be celebrating.  Unfortunately each year we see some dangerous traditions.  If you have graduating teenagers, please help us keep them safe:
  • Do not let them drink and drive.  It seems we have a serious accident every year.
  • It is a tradition to have parties in our parks often starting dangerous bonfires for their party. The kids are often from out of town including Piedmont, Moraga, etc.  Our parks are closed at dusk.  If you see large numbers of cars in any park lot or along Skyline, please call the police.
  • There has been a strange pattern of vandalism of cars:  In the past bats, pellet gusn and this year a bowl ball was used to knock off mirror or break car windows.  I don't understand the tradition, I can just tell you that as both a school board member and council member it happens around this time.  In past years we have caught juveniles and it was pretty expensive for their parents.

• Sign Up for National Night Out Now, Tuesday, August 4, 7-9pm:  
  Last year we had over 100 NNO Parties in our district!  Let's see if we can break that record.  It is a great way to meet you neighbors, have fun, and make your community safer.

• 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. We continued to have a rash of quick smash and run burglaries.  Do not leave lap tops and expensive equipment visible from windows.  Check your doors, it is weak doors that are the target.   This is a useful checklist 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.
   

• 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.

• Music  & Drama are Alive and Well in OUSD: The Claremont Middle School Band and Orchestra traveled to the Great America Music in the Parks Festival hoping to make a strong impression and returned with praise that was music to their ears. The Oakland middle school emerged from the competition with a slew of awards including first place honors for the Claremont Band - which was voted Best Overall Middle School Band - and second place honors for the Claremont Orchestra.The Oakland Technical High School Drama Department under the direction of Jessa Brie Berkner has been selected as one of the fifty best high school drama departments in the United States and will perform as part of the American High School Theatre Festival (AHSTF) in the 2010 Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world's largest and most prestigious arts festival.
   

• 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. 
   

• Library's Summer Reading Program Kicks Off with a Party, Saturday, June 13, 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.
   

• 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.
   
•  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.
  • Woodminster Amphitheater Bookfair at Jack London Square Barnes & Noble, Sunday, June 28, 9 am-10 pm: Actors from Peter Pan, appearing at Woodminster Amphitheater July 10-19, will be on hand to sing songs and read stories from 11 am -2 pm! Present the Woodminster voucher when you make your purchase, and a percentage of what you spend will be donated to Woodminster. For your free voucher, click 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.
     
  
   

• 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.