• Police Negotiations and Other Buzz:  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. 

If the City gets half of the funds we asked for AND IF the police union agrees to the same level of cuts that other city unions are poised to agree to, we will not have to layoff any officers and can continue to keep police levels at the highest in the city's history.
 

• Mayor Objects to Cuts and Pay Go:  The Mayor met with the media and then leaders of the Council this week to react to the proposal that Council Members Brunner, Delafuente, Kernighan and I put forward this week.  He objected to layoffs we proposed in his office which were recommended in the reorganization study he commissioned earlier this year.  He also proposed to give back his "Pay Go" which we had proposed to suspend for the next two years.   (Above) Last week's mosaic mural project in Maxwell Park was funded by a small "Pay Go" grant and leveraged hundreds of volunteer hours and additional funds.  We contributed $500 for tile and supplies.

So What Is "Pay Go" and How Do Council Members Members Use It?  From what I have been told, these "Pay As You Go" funds originally were established by our former City Manager Robert Bobb.  Each Council Member was given a small share of our overall capital budget to designate to specific projects (bricks & mortar, furniture, and other permanent infrastructure) budget.  The annual amounts ranged from $125,000 per year to $250,000 a year.  Both the Maxwell Park mural from last week and the Shepherd Canyon parking lot and trails for pedestrian safety are projects that were launched with a small "Pay Go" grants.  Critics say we use them for political gain, we would say we use them to move local priorities quickly that citywide plans often ignore.  Interestingly, last year when I held budget hearings it was top priority amongst those who attended.

This is how we use "Pay Go":

• We largely use Pay Go for parks.  Unlike other Districts that have large Redevelopment areas that often fund park improvements, my only source for capital improvements is usually Pay Go. We have funded improvements in almost every park in my district:  Joaquin Miller Dog Park, lighting and security improvements at Brookdale, paths and playground improvements in Montclair Park, oak tree preservation and playground at Dimond,  and computers at Allendale Rec are examples.  My District has more park acreage than most, so this is a special problem for me.  Even the Mayor acknowledged that District 1 (North Oakland) and District 4 would have to receive other funds if Pay Go was permanently abolished.

<<Last Saturday's Celebration of the Shepherd Canyon Parking-Trail-Creek Projects with the Montclair Soccer Leagues.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

•  We use Pay Go for project planning to leverage grants.  There are so many needs and so little money, that I work with staff and community volunteers to raise fund and apply for grants.  We use Pay Go to develop plans which then can be used for grant applications and fundraising appeals.  I have helped develop plans with the community for Shepherd Canyon, Joaquin Miller, Maxwell Park, Brookdale and Dimond Parks; we are in the process of developing plans for Feather River Camp, Courtland Creek
• We use Pay Go to match grants.  Many grants require a match before you can apply.  Short time frames mean that Pay Go is the quickest source.
• We use small pay-go grants to help build community:  We are often asked for small grants of $100 to $5000 just for supplies and materials by community groups.  The Horace Mann School Salad Bar, Library, and Nutritional Garden projects, the Sequoia playground project, the Dimond Gateway pocket park, and Shortline Pocket Park are examples.  We funded over 300 trees in Maxwell Park, Dimond and other areas.
• We match School Projects:  My grants are often the seed money that leverages major fundraising or volunteer projects at schools.  Grants to Melrose, Thornhill, Joaquin Miller, Laurel, Fruitvale, Montclair, Skyline, and other schools literally bring in 3 to 4 times more money and uncounted volunteer hours.
•  We fund traffic mitigations:  Many areas of my district are not eligible for state and federal traffic funds.  For example, the stretch of road without sidewalk near Joaquin Miller and Montera Schools is very dangerous for pedestrians. (See #7)  We have put down "seed money" to develop the off street path plans and are assembling contributions, volunteers, to work on it section by section.  We hope the plans and contributions will provide the basis of a much larger grant.  We also conducted planning and design work for a Bike Path and Walkway on Park Blvd, we hope this will put us in competition for Stimulus Funding.  Finally, we used these funds to build attractive traffic rounds all along Ygnacio to slow the traffic near Horace Mann School and to discourage side shows.
• We use PayGo for quick Safety Interventions:  When librarians were worried about their safety because of gang activities in one neighborhood, I was able to quickly buy cameras to help their security guard keep an eye on all entrances and corridors.  Last year when prostitution started to take root on one quiet but dark street I was able to quickly get a new city light installed.  The waiting list for lights was long and now with the huge deficit in the Landscape and Lighting District there is little money for new lights.
• We use the funds to innovate:  The Solar Trash Can that we are piloting in front of Peets in the Dimond is a good example of how we can move faster than City Departments.  Based on our experience here, the City may increase use of these cans.   We are purchasing "check out" laptops for Dimond Library in another pilot.  The computers are always busy here and with wifi we can increase access to the internet dramatically.

• A proposed Alternative to Mayor's Budget from Council Members Brunner, Delafuente, Kernighan and myself is posted on the Council Agenda  site.  On Tuesday after hours of speakers, the Council approved removing over 150 positions from the City budget and the sending out of layoff notices; about half of the positions are vacant. A final vote on the complete budget will take place Tuesday, June 30th to meet the Charter requirements but key adjustments will continue over the next months (see below). 

The Council also approved an Early Retirement Program for some employees close to retirement (within 2 years).  If an estimated 160 employees retire early and if the City keeps the positions vacant, we will save over $4 million in the next two years.

The changing economic situation, state legislative actions, federal funding and electoral outcomes will necessitate changes in this budget over the next several months; specifically:
 
 1)  This budget anticipates the passage of 4 City Measures C, D, G & H, which will provide between $6-7 to the City and city institutions.  The all mail ballot election deadline is July 21st.  We should know soon after that date whether additional budget reductions must be made.
 
2)  The State of California is proposing to "borrow" 8 percent of our property tax revenues or $11.8 million.  Additionally, the Governor has called for taking 75% of the city gas tax revenues, about $6 million, which the city uses for street and traffic maintenance.  The State is anticipated to run out our money July, we should know by then how much the state plans to take from local governments.
 
3)  The Mayor's budget funds the Police Department at current levels only through October.  If federal funds are not granted for 140 officers in September, the City faces difficult decisions over policing levels.
 
4)  County property tax values have decreased for the first time in their recorded history.  If the trend of lower reassessments continues into next year, and if sales and real estate taxes continue to decline, we will have to make quarterly or mid -year adjustments.

Summary of Major Differences with the Mayor's Budget:

• We will not increase the debt in our internal funds -- basically spending down our reserves by $22.5 million.
• We will not borrow through bonds another $6 million; we found this very costly and too similar to the road the state has gone down for last four years.
• Instead, we have proposed a mix of cuts and revenue increases of $31 million.
• We restore the Rangers, CORE position, and 12 of the nearly one hundred park/tree maintenance staff cut this year (4 tree, 3 park clean up crews.)  The Parks are particularly hard hit, this will help but not make up for the huge deficit in the Landscape & Lighting District.
• All branch libraries will stay open 5 days instead of 2-3 days for some branches; the main library remains open 7 days a week.(See below).
• We made some additional cuts across remaining departments including the Mayor, Council, City Attorney, and Auditor's Offices.  The final amount for voluntary pay cut by elected officials has not been set; we will take same percentage as employees when negotiations are settled.
• Mayor and Council PayGo are suspended for this budget:  This is $1.5 million in capital funds that we can designate for capital projects.  Most Council members have some reserves; in my case it is money set aside for matching grants.  This means we will have very little money to pay for additional lights, signs, or planning designs to apply for grants.
• Over 100 city cars will be eliminated.
• Parking fines will generally be increased, except for the basic Parking Meter fine.  Earlier this year we passed on the $10/ticket surchage required by the Perata bill to finance court house buildings; raising the tickets to $45.  The Mayor's proposal would have increased it to $55. However, to balance this we did agree to extend parking meters to 8 pm.
• The most difficult income increase is a proposal to put a 10% surcharge on tickets at the Coliseum and Arena to pay for the cost of capital improvements.  The City pays about $12 million each year because of the Raiders deal.  This fee would bring the City about $9 million a year.  We are talking to our County partners about this.
   
   

City Amnesty for Fines Proposed:  Do you owe fines on parking tickets or back business taxes?  Part of our proposal to balance the budget includes an Amnesty on fines.  If you come in August through October and pay your original ticket amount or tax, all additional fines and interest will be waived.  We expect this will bring the City about $500,000 in additional revenues.

• Fire Department To Use Grants and other Options to Fill CORE Positions:  The Fire Department confirmed this week that grant funds will be used to continue CORE (Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies) programs.  In addition, the Chief indicated he will expand the program by asking firehouse staff from two of the least busy station to start providing CORE training as part of their duties.

• City Website Tracks Federal Stimulus Grants:  The City put up  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.
  
   
   

 

• 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

• Overall Budget Vote and 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, cultural events, 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.  >>OASES, a Chinatown afterschool program, demonstrates Capoeira moves.

• 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.

Community Support Still Needed for Joaquin Miller/Montera School Pathway Project:

• Close to 60 young soccer players, family members and donors came to last Saturday's party and ceremony dedicating the new sign at the Shepherd Canyon Park Parking Lot and honoring the Montclair Soccer Club's 40th Anniversary. While the new lot helps reduce onstreet parking, parents were encouraged to use Escher Road for parking and to explore the new trails from Escher Meadow down to the playing field.(Above) Major donors Henry Chang, Jean Quan,  Shepherd Canyon Homeowners Association President Mike Petouhoff and son, Montclair Soccer Club member Katy Costantinidis and Pam Hoffman, Montclair Soccer Club officer, talked about the importance of soccer for building physical and social skills and the need for safe parking in the area.
   

• Montclair Library Reopens Monday, July 6: After receiving extensive mold abatement, the Montclair Branch Library will be back in operation starting Monday, July 6, when it will return to its regular schedule.  Library materials will be moved back to the branch in the coming weeks, and between 6,000-10,000 items will need to be re-shelved.  In addition, custodial and maintenance crews will be working to ensure that the library facility will be in tip-top condition when it reopens to the public next month.  For more information, contact Acting Branch Supervising Librarian Sally Bean, 238-3670. 

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• 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. 
   

• Natural Home Cleaning in Dimond Named 2009 Small Business of the Year by Loni Hancock: Natural Home Cleaning Professionals,3228 Fruitvale Avenue, established in 2003, is a Certified Green Business that provides eco-friendly house cleaning services throughout the San Francisco East Bay.  Selected by SFGate.com as Best of the Bay for house cleaning services in 2008, Natural Home Cleaning Professionals has demonstrated that it is possible to be a successful small business while at the same time maintaining a commitment to meaningful and healthy economic opportunity and environmental sustainability.  For more information, contact Natural Home Cleaning at 532-6645.  
   

• Bridgeview Trail Clean Up, Monday, June 30, 6-8 pm - Do you enjoy picking blackberries, walking your dog (on leash), taking a hike along Bridgeview Trail?  If so please help keep this trail looking good.  Join your neighbors and Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) to help clean-up non-natives, spread mulch and pick up litter during the Summer Evening Restoration Project. For details, contact Melissa Evans.
   

• Vote for Montclair's 2009-2010 Pet Mayor: This annual event raises funds for the Montclair Veterinary Hospital Pet & Wildlife Fund. So far the turtle is ahead, but you can see at the left campaigning is intense at the Farmer's Market.  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.

• As the co-author of the City's ordinance banning polystyrene foodware at fast food restaurants, and the effort to use reusable grocery bags at grocery stores, I especially support the City's educational campaign to inform the public about residential food scraps recycling, and distributing reusable cloth bags at our 10 Farmer's Markets throughout the City. I've been observing patrons at the Montclair Farmer's Market, and clearly more and more of you are bringing your own cloth bags to bring home the fresh produce and other foods at that Sunday market. If for some reason you don't have a supply of reusable bags, representatives from the City's Environmental Services Division will be on hand on Sunday, July 19 with bags available for purchase. Above, Council Member Nancy Nadel, myself and Raul Godinez, II, Director of Oakland's Public Works Agency, at the July 2007 Press Conference announcing the City's efforts to encourage shoppers eschew plastic grocery bags for reusable bags.
   
• Bring Your Own Bag to Whole Foods & Benefit the Libraries: The Friends of the Oakland Public Library has been selected as this month's Nickels for Non-Profits recipient at Whole Foods Market on Bay Street!  Now and until July 5, customers who bring in their own bags for purchases, have the option of either receiving a five cent credit (per bag) or donating the five cents to the Friends of the Oakland Public Library. The proceeds from this program will be used to purchase library books and other materials for the new East Oakland at 81st Avenue Branch Library.  

• Pack Your Own Trash When You Use Our Parks--due to the 50% cutback in staffing for park maintenance (see item #3 above), the City is asking anyone who uses our parks to be sure to take home any trash they may generate. A large number of parks will no longer have trash containers available, because the City no longer has sufficient staff to do the trash pick ups. So if you are planning a picnic, be sure to bring sufficient trash bags and take your trash home.

Marlon Mayorga's dog Leo, a white Shepherd, was the only witness to his shooting.  His family is looking for a new home for him.

• This week the family and friends of Marlon Mayorga, the UCSF Social Worker who was shot Tuesday, April 28,10:30 pm, on the 3200 block of Champion near Harold Street near St. Jarlath's Church right off the 580 exit, is still hoping that someone saw something that will help us solve this crime.  This week they leafleted at the corner and distributed photos of Marlon and his dog Leo.

Police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering up to $10,000 in reward money in each killing for information leading to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information can call police at 510 238-3821 or Crime Stoppers at 510 777-8572 or 510 777-3211.

• Neighborhood Watch Block Captain's New Manual and Training Session: Monday, June 19, 6:30-8:30 pm, Hearing Room 3 at City Hall or Tuesday, June 30, 6:30- 8:30 pm, Eastmont Substation, 2651 73rd Avenue: All Block Captains and NCPC Leaders are invited to attend the upcoming roll-out training sessions for the City of Oakland's new Neighborhood Watch Block Captain's Manual. Learn valuable tools to solve problems in your neighborhood; meet other block captains, and gain tips  to keep your group going and growing. To RSVP, or for more information, please contact Brenda Ivey, Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, at 238-3091. Validated parking at 14th and Clay Street Garage at the Monday night meeting. Light refreshments.
   
• 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 patrolled 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.  Rangers were restored in the proposed budget.
   
  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 changes 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.

• 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: Greg Loud GLoud@oaklandnet.com
• North Hills 13y: John Haney JHaney@oaklandnet.com
• 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.
   

• Redwood Height Recreation Center's Annual Carnival & Open House,  Saturday, July 11, 10:30-2 pm, Movie in the Park at Dusk: Bring the entire family to 3383 Aliso Avenue. The movie, Wall-E, begins at dusk.
   
• Summer Family Nights at the Dimond Library, Tuesdays at 7 pm: Bring the entire family to 3565 Fruitvale Ave for an evening of fun
  • June 23: Buki the Clown
  • June 30: Dance and Arts of India
  • July 7: The Bubble Lady
  • July 14: Magician Timothy James
  • July 2t: DRUMM (group drumming and African percussion)
  • July 28: Magic by Andrew
  • August 4: National Night Out (outside stories and sidewalk art fun)
  • August 11: Fratello Marionettes

•  Effective Parenting Series starting June 23, Carmen Flores Recreation Center, 5:30-7:45 pm: Do you fear that your child might be hanging out with the wrong crowd-- or be attracted to or involved in a gang? Project Re-Connect in collaboration with United For Success Academy offers a series of effective parenting classes on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:45 pm, 1637 Fruitvale Avenue inside Josie De La Cruz Park. Programs include:
  • June 23,                   Self Esteem: Communication      
  • June 30                    Violence Prevention 911- 411     
  • July 07                     Conflict Resolution
  • July 14                     Substance use and abuse
  • July 21                     When Stress Gets Your Best
  • July 28                      Putting it all Together
  • August 04                 Celebration

• Free Summer Meal Program at District 4 Schools: Free meals will be available for all young people up to 18 years old (excluding infants) at Oakland schools this summer. In other words, in addition to our summer school students, young people throughout the community can visit one of these sites for a free meal. Please note school sites, dates, and serving times that the program is available:
   
  • Allendale, 3670 Penniman Ave.  June 23 - July 17
    9:30-9:45 am ; Noon-12:30 pm
  • Bret Harte Middle, 3700 Coolidge Ave.  June 15 - July 17
    8:15-8:30 am; 10:30-11:00 am
                                                               August 17-August 20
  •  8:15-8:30 am, 10:30-11:00 am
  • Bridges @ Melrose, 1325 53rd Ave       June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:15 am; 11:30-Noon
  • Fremont/Mandela High, 4610 Foothill Blvd. June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:15 am; Noon - 1 pm
  • Fruitvale,  3200 Boston Ave.          June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am; 11:00-11:30 pm
  • Glenview, 4215 La Cresta Ave.        June 22 - July 17
    9:30-9:45 am; 12:15-12:45 pm
  • Laurel,  3750 Brown Ave.             June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am; 10:30-10:50 am
  • Maxwell Park Elementary, 4730 Fleming Ave.  June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am; 11:00-11:30 am
  • Melrose Leadership @ Sherman, 5328 Brann St.June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:15 am; 12:30-1:00 pm
  • Montera Middle School, 5555 Ascot Dr.     June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:15 am; 12:30-1:00 pm
  • Redwood Heights Elementary,4401 39th Ave.  June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am;11:00-11:30 am
  • Sequoia, 3730 Lincoln Ave.        June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am; 11:00-11:30 am
  • Skyline High, 12250 Skyline Blvd.    June 22 - July 17
    8:30-9:05 am; 11:30-Noon
  • Tilden Elementary,4551 Steele St.   June 22 - July 17
    8:00-8:25 am;  11:00-11:30 am

• Sequoia and Joaquin Miller Schools Part of Caring School Initiative at OUSD: Oakland Unified School District has been accepted for the Caring School Community™ Initiative (CSC), a program of The Developmental Studies Center (DSC). The CSC Initiative is a Robert Wood Johnson grant-funded opportunity to help districts and schools create caring and inclusive learning environments, foster children's academic and social/ethical learning, and strengthen the connections among students, between students and teachers, and between home and school. The program will be held at 13 OUSD schools next fall, including Sequoia and Joaquin Miller Elementary Schools in District 4.

• Walking Tours of Oakland: A great way to introduce our fair city to your visitors, or to learn more about the richness of Oakland yourself: All tours are free and being promptly at 10 am. Reservations are encouraged. Call 238-3234.
  • Saturday, June 27, Old Oakland. Meet in front of G. G. Ratto & Co, 821 Washington Street.
  • Wednesday, July 8, Preservation Park,. Meet at park entrance, 13 Street and Martin Luther King, Jr.  Way
     

• 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.
   

• Free Circus Bella Performances in Oakland, Friday, June 26 at City Hall, Saturday, July 19 in Dimond Park and Saturday, July 25 at DeFremery Park. Circus Bella will be performing the family friendly show, DOINK!, complete with aerial and balancing acts, clowns, great music  and more.(See Item #11.)
   
  
   
  June at Joaquin Miller Park:

• 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.

• First Fridays After Five! at the Oakland Museum of California, Friday, July 3, 5-9 pm: Admission Free. 1000 Oak Avenue.Live music in the café all evening. At 7, see films exploring the topic of the African presence in Mexico. At 6:30, Aazura Nour teaches a crash course in belly dancing. At 7:30, Opera Piccola (Italian for "Small Works"), an Oakland educational theater company, presents The Play's the Thing, a staged reading of new short plays by well-known Oakland writers Judith Offer, Jay Chee and Julie Rainbow, and Nicole Shaw, a senior at Oakland Technical High School. Full cash bar-museum store and café open. Call 238-2200.

• 5th Oakland Grand Prix of Cycling, Oakland, Sunday, July 5, 8 am -5 pm:  Approximately 350 cyclists from USA Cycling will bike a .85 mile closed loop of Oakland City Streets in the Kaiser Center Area for these Multi-Lap (Criterium) Bicycle Races. Cheer on amateurs and professionals, including riders from across the country and some foreign amateurs as well. The Races will feature eight separate multi-lap events, ranging from (Senior 1/2/Pro-Am, 40 miles) down to 10 laps. Location: A .85 mile closed loop of Oakland City Streets in the Kaiser Center area: A clockwise hourglass loop on Harrison, 19th, Webster, 20th, Franklin, 22nd, Webster, 20th and Harrison. For details, call (209) 533-8234 or email Velo Promo.
   

• Splash into Summer, Lake Merritt Boating Center, Saturday, July 18, 1-3 pm: The Lake Merritt Boating Center, 568 Bellevue Avenue, cordially invites you to their "Splash Into Summer" Open House. Celebrate National Recreation & Parks Month at Lake Merritt Boating Center!

• 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
  
   
• Fourth Friday Summer Nights at Dunsmuir House, 6 pm on: Come to the Great Meadow and bring a picnic and blanket. Once it's dark enough, outdoor movies will begin:
  • Friday, June 26, My Fair Lady
  • Friday, June 24, The Secret Garden
  • Friday, August 28, A Little Princess
  • Friday, September 25, Finding Neverland
     

• Bluegrass for the Greenbelt--4th Annual Benefit Concert for the Green Belt Alliance, Dunsmuir House, Sunday, June 28, 11 am-6 pm: Pack a picnic and join the Greenbelt Alliance at the  Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate  for a wonderful day in the sun and bluegrass music. Adults $40, children under 12 free.
• 35th Annual Scottish Highland Games, Saturday, July 11-Sunday, July 12, 10 am- 5 pm: The sounds of bagpipes and drums will fill the air here at the Estate.  The days are filled with Highland games, craft booths, vendors, food, whisky tasting, Mansion tours, a gathering of the clans, children's activities, dancing demonstrations, pipe band competitions and musical performances. To purchase tickets, go to the Dunsmuir House website or call 562-0328.
• 9th Annual Fine Arts Festival at The Crucible, Wednesday, July 15-Saturday, July 18, 8 pm-Midnight, New Fire Arts Arena off West Grand Avenue, near Port of Oakland: Scorching showcase of incendiary performances and largest collection of outdoor fire and light sculptures on the West Coast. Four fire-filled nights of spectacular art installations, music, great food and libations, and the world premiere of The Rootabaga Opera by Dan Cantrell. All proceeds benefit The Crucible's art education programs for youth and adults. Admission $35-$55. Call 444-0919 or visit their website.
• Dimond Picnic and Circus Bella, Saturday, July 19: Each year the Dimond Improvement Association hosts a wonderful BBQ picnic in Mid July at Dimond Park. This year's entertainment is Circus Bella, performing DOINK! The show offers up elegant aerial displays, daring balancing feats, clown mayhem, fantastic music, and more.After the show, Kids can participate in a hands on juggling station after the show. Our office will also be on hand with handouts and other practical information.

2nd Annual Peace Ride Around Lake Merritt, Saturday, July 25, 2 pm, 628 Perkins Street:

• 100th Anniversary of Oakland Parks & Recreation-Family Day at deFremery Recreation Center, Saturday, July 25, Noon-6pm, 1651 Adeline Street. Activities include access to the pool, food vendors, crafts, music and performances by local artists and recreation performing arts programs, and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
   

• Art & Soul, August 14-16-- This year Oakland's celebrated art and music festival surrounding City Hall will be held early due to retrofit construction on the Bay Bridge over the Labor Day Weekend.
   

• Oktoberfest in the Dimond, Saturday, October 10, 11am-6pm, Macarthur Blvd. at Fruitvale Avenue: Last year more than 5,000 people came to the first celebration. Enjoy German and local craft beers, Kid's Rootbier Garten, Gourmet German Food, Entertainment and Raffle, Sausal Creek Eco Fair, and new this year, Homebrew Competition. Check it out at oaktoberfest.org.
   

Dancing Under the Stars, Friday, July 3, 8:30-10 pm, Foot of Broadway at Jack London Square

• Old Fashioned 4th of July at Dunsmuir House, Noon- 9 pm: Join friends and family as Dunsmuir House resurrect san Hellman tradition of celebrating the 4th of July in grand style.  A family outing with picnics, games, music, tours, a teddy bear parade with prizes, the reading of the Declaration of Independence.

• Celebrations on the Bay- Dinner & Fireworks Cruise, Saturday, July 4, 7:30-10:30 pm. Board the Oakland Ferry Dock at 7 pm for a three hour dinner and fireworks Bay cruise. DJ music and no-host cash bar will be open all night. Price is $70 for adults, and $35 for children 10 and under.For more information, please contact Celebrations on the Bay, LLC at 1-877-499-4229 or info@celebrationsonthebay.com.

• Fourth of July Fireworks, approximately 9:30
  • Berkeley Marina
  • Aquatic Park at Fisherman's Wharf
  • The Cannery
  • Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero
  • Pier 23, San Francisco, Evening waterfront music beginning at 10 pm.