• Old Fashioned 4th of July Teddy Bear Parade at Hellman-Dunsmuir House, Noon- 9 pm: A family outing with picnicking on their expansive lawns, music, and games for the adults and kids. Get your appetites ready as there will be watermelon contests and pie eating contests for everyone of all ages, along with potato sack racing, three-legged racing, children's golf, and a series of old fashioned games like hop scotch, Jacob's Ladder, ring toss, wood propeller, pick up sticks, tic-tac-toe, jacks, tops, and croquet .Have your child bring the best of their teddy bears; dress , decorate and bring them in a wagon, a basket, or in anything their imagination conjures. They will parade with their teddy bears around the Estate and be candidates for Teddy Bear Best of Show prizes. The parade begins at 1 pm. The Neoclassical Revival, mansion will be open for free self-guided tours.
   
• Corpse Flower at the UC Botanical Garden in Bloom:  These rare, giant Titan arun, known as the Corpse flower because of their smell, are in bloom now. Trudy is collapsing but a new flower is getting ready.  Watch this great video of Trudy.   This garden has acres of hillside gardens and many drought tolerant plants, a quiet way to spend the weekend.

• Oakland Zoo Open July 4th, 9:30 am-6 pm:  Need to get away from fireworks? Want something that all members of the family enjoy?  If you have not been to the Oakland Zoo recently, come and see why this is considered the best zoo in northern California.   Enjoy the views of the bay from the Sky Ride and don't miss my personal favorite, the largest bats in the world with 5 to 6 foot wing spans.  Watch this video.
   
• Chabot Space Science Center Open, Too:  The cafe is providing a special BBQ menu,12 pm - 6 pm.  Ribs, chicken, portobello mushrooms, pasta salad, potato salad, corn on the cob, and dessert. Plus hot dogs and hamburgers for kids. Guests: $10, Members: $8, Kids: $7. Free telescope viewing.

• First Youth and Families Day at the Laurel Community Farmers' Market, Saturday, July 4, 10 am- 2 pm, 4173 Macarthur in the parking lot of the Laurel Office Center. Live musical performances throughout the day by local favorite Iya Khan, games, activities and face painting for kids as well as an OFC raffle to be announced at the end of the day! Vendors: JP and family of J&P Organics, Biscotti di Bianchi, Bee Healthy Honey, bead jewelry by Sue Richardson and new vendor Mee Vang of Patao Farms from Fresno! Plus a fresh-made meal being served up by the Purple Lawn Café! Come celebrate the Fourth with OFC!
   
• Summer Reading Sale, Great Place for Books, 15% off this Weekend, 6120 La Salle Ave:  One of our great independent bookstores is having their annual sale.  They often have wish lists of local libraries, so buy one for your local branch or for Montclair Library which is reopening Monday! 
   
• Free Oakland Municipal Band Concert, "All Sparkling Red, White & Blue," Edoff Memorial Bandstand at Lakeside Park, Saturday, July 4, 1 pm: Ring in the 4th of July with an old-fashioned band concert. The free 2-hour concert is performed by the Oakland Municipal Band, which also will perform on Sundays, July 12, 19, 26 and August 5, at 1 pm.

• Chinatown Summer Night Market, Pacific Renaissance Plaza Courtyard, 9th  between Webster and Franklin, every Saturday, 4-9 pm through July 25:  If you're going down for the fireworks consider eating in nearby Chinatown. Anyone who has traveled in Asia knows that in the cool evenings residents of big cities stroll night markets for tasty snacks and shop for bargains.  The Night Market is sponsored by the Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy cooking demonstrations by local chefs, performances, and vendors. Discount coupons are distributed for nearby restaurants.  <<Chef demonstrates noodle making.

Fourth of July Fireworks, approximately 9:30 pm sponsored by Jack London Square Associates and the Port of Oakland, Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero

 >>Fireworks over the estuary last year.

Remember, fireworks other than those above are illegal ($1000 fine). If you suspect there are illegal fireworks in your neighborhood, please call the fireworks hotline at 238-2373. Leave tips about where illegal sales may be conducted or where a dangerous stash may be.  Each year fires and injuries are caused by illegal fireworks. A few years ago as I rode along with police, I saw a classic wooden Victorian home catch fire because neighbors were using dangerous professional rockets that landed on their roof.

Parents May be Liable - The Oakland Municipal Code makes ALL fireworks illegal. Violators who are sixteen years or older may be cited and face fines of $1,000. Also, the ordinance states that "every parent, guardian, or other person, having legal care, custody or control of any person under the age of eighteen years, who knows or reasonably should have known that a minor is in violation of this ordinance, may be issued a citation."

The sale, transfer, possession and use of fireworks is prohibited. Specifically, the law makes the following activities a criminal offense:
      1.     Sell, or advertise for sale, any firework or pyrotechnical device.
      2.     Transfer to another any firework or pyrotechnical device.
      3.     Possess any firework or pyrotechnical device.
      4.     Use or cause to be detonated any firework or pyrotechnical device.
The law can be viewed in its entirety at http://municipalcodes.lexisnexis.com/codes/Oakland/

 

•  If you see a dangerous situation, fireworks that may cause a fire or the rocket type of professional fireworks which are often the equivalent of half a stick of dynamite, call 911 with exact location.
• Even the so called "Safe & Sane" fireworks sold in neighboring cities are illegal here in Oakland and may be seized by police or firefighter

• 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.
   
• Local Beat Poets Hold Open House July 5, 2 pm, with Film Showing of documentary on Kenneth Rexroth.  Jack and Adelle Foley, known for their volunteerism in the Melrose & Maxwell Park neighborhoods, are amazing beat poets.  They are holding a free reading and film viewing in their home at 2569 Maxwell, call for information and to RSVP 532-3737. They will be joined by Michael Ford, whose selected poems, Emergency Exits (1998), was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
   

• 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. For more information, contact Acting Branch Supervising Librarian Sally Bean, 238-3670.

• Waterfront Flicks Outdoor Movie Night at Jack London Square, Thursdays at 8-11 pm: Dead Calm, Thursday, July 9: DEAD CALM. Location: TBD Enjoy an outdoor movie under the twinkling stars on the beautiful waterfront. Guest speakers and trivia games begin at 7:30 pm. At nightfall, favorite movies will be shown on giant screens. Diners may enjoy restaurant specials, as well as take away meal boxes.
   
• 19 Arrests and No Convictions, Temescal Street Cinema, Thursday, July 9 on the Bank of the West building at Telegraph and 49th. Free cinema from 9 to 11 pm.
   
• Peter Pan Flies Into Woodminster Amphitheater, July 10-19, 8 pm: Woodminster Summer Musicals launch their 43rd year with the musical Peter Pan, based on the play by Sir James M. Barrie, music by Moose Charlap, lyrics by Carolyn Leigh, additional Music & Lyrics by Jule Styne, Betty Comden and Adoph Green.
  Above:the young actors playing the Darling children learn a song at the first rehearsal of Peter Pan on June 18. L to R, Anthony Ferguson (Michael), Grant Lowenstein (John), and Deanna Ott (Wendy).
  
  This is a wonderful way to introduce your children and grandchildren to the delights of musical theater in the wonderful outdoors, right here in Oakland! Woodminster has a "Kids Come Free" program where an adult paying full price can get a free ticket for a child or teen (16 and younger). For "Peter Pan" only, this offer is doubled -- One adult can bring TWO kids for free. Free tickets are available the night of the performance (after 5:30), and certain restrictions apply.
  
  For tickets...

• July 4th Costs and Police Overtime:  Yesterday we got a couple of calls for and against the Jack London fireworks display and the cost of police.  While I have not been able to talk to the chief, I think a few issues should be clarified.
  • From what I know, the decision to have Fireworks at Jack London Square was not a poliltical one.  Not the kind of thing that is approved by the Council.  Jack London Square and the Port are the sponsors.
  • On July 4th because of the increased drinking and dangerous use of fireworks in some neighborhoods, we always have extra police on duty.
  • How much extra overtime costs is a function of the Jack London event, I do not know.  I know there are some efforts to get the donations to help pay for extra police over time or to get Jack London to hire more private security guards.
     
• Police Negotiations Continue, OPOA Votes on Whether to Delay their Raise: Negotiations are continuing wotj the Oakland Police Officers Association (OPOA).  We want to thank the union's leadership for asking for a delay in the Arbitrator's award of 4 percent beginning July 1st. 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 Council is asking the police to give back the same 10 percent as other employees, this week we put that calculated amount in the budget--almost $13 million. 

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.

• The Council adopted an alternative to Mayor's Budget from Council Members Brunner, Delafuente, Kernighan and myself as posted on the Council Agenda site.  So far, the Council has approved removing over 150 positions from the City budget and the sending out of layoff notices; about half of the positions are vacant. This is a summary of changes from our first proposal and some last minute changes added on the flood Tuesday :
   
  • We budgeted a 10% give back from the police officers union.  While this is still being negotiated we wanted everyone to be clear how much a 10% give back would be -- about $13 million. 
  • In this budget we assume we will get 60% of the 140 officers applied for in the COPS grant, to be more conservative. 
  • Eliminate Field Officer Training Bonus for police for next year because we will not have new police academy graduates until following year, $916,000.
  • Fully restored the Police Helicopter for the time being.  Whether it remains fully staffed will depend on Police negotiations. Add $1 million.
  • Eliminate Pilot Project for peak hour meter rates, add back $767 K.
  • Raise Parking Meter rate to even $2/hour, 25 cents more.
  • Add back Diesel Parking tax at Port, $162,000; increase parking lot rates to street meter rate $300,000.
  • Set elected official give back of salary and benefits at 10%, $176,000.
  • Full funding for the Library Literacy Program restored.  We had proposed a cut in the general fund sources (not grant funding), a $150,000 add back.
  • Eliminate proposal to charge fees for the Tool Lending Library.
  • We remove a mechanics assistant because of the reduction of the City fleet of vehicles by 100, about $90,000 with benefits.
  • Two painters were added back to Public Works.
  • The Measure Y adminstrator position was elminated.  A part-time position paid at a lower level was substituted.
  • The County is fighting the charging of the parking tax at the Coliseum.  A judge refused a restraining order, but implementation may still be delayed.
     
• 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 and $8 million in Redevelopment Funds.  The State is anticipated to run out of money July 1, we should know in the next weeks 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. It assumes that 140 officers will be funded through the federal COPS program.  Our budget assumes less officers will be funded and that the police union must join the other employees in give backs.  How much will be funded and how much the OPOA will give back are yet to be determined. 
   
  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 Other 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 about 12 FTE 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. >>Friends of the Asian Library sell books to raise $ for books and materials at the Chinatown Night Market. 

 

• 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.  This week the Coliseum Board asked staff to bring a formal proposal to them, 6-2.
   

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.

• 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

I'll  be at the Montclair Farmer's Market to answer questions at our booth and will leave signs on the "Free Speech" corner Sunday.

• 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.  
• 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.

• Help Local Businesses In The Express Best of the Bay Contest, Poll Ends Sunday:   My kids get Oaklandish T-Shirts every Christmas because they are well made, stylish.  This homegrown business is in the run-off.  So are some District 4 businesses: Wheels of Justice, Farmstead Cheeses & Wines, Montclair Animal Hospital (2 categories), Paws and Claws, Sarber's Cameras.

VOTE HERE 
 

• 60  Volunteers Clear Ivy, Brush from Narrow Trails in Dimond Canyon--Many thanks to the volunteers who participated in this past weekend's Volunteers for Outdoors California (V-O-Cal) trail clean up in Dimond Canyon. They cleared more than 2000 yards of ivy, fennel and broom off the the narrow trails below Park Blvd. and built drainage ladders and other erosion controls. Despite the hot weather and hard work, the volunteers worked mostly under the shaded canopy and truly had a great time. About half the volunteers were local, although we had one hardy volunteer who came all the way from Washington DC! This is the third year that V-O-Cal has organized a major trail project in Oakland: they rerouted two trails in Joaquin Miller Park in 2007 and last year they build trails in King Estates Park. <<Jean thanks volunteers and talks about the history of Dimond Canyon.

 

 

We look forward to working with V-O-Cal again in the coming years. Many thanks to the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay, Friends of Sausal Creek, a Thousand Panthers, URS, and of course, our Public Works Department. We especially thank Martin Matarrese of PWA who spent the weekend cutting down dead trees and those that were hanging over the trail with a chain saw!  >> Vo-Cal volunteer enjoys a solar shower after a long day of work.

 

 

 

Meters affected: All in Montclair Village including the two on Mountain Blvd. at Chase Bank that are stand-alone units; kiosk tickets are not valid for these two meters.

Also of note: Each kiosk in the Village is in its own zone.  You must purchase a ticket from the closest kiosk or it will be considered invalid (trust us on this one).  If a kiosk is broken the next nearest one will be honored. 
 

The Village Garage at the top of La Salle Ave. is a great alternative to parking on the street and risking an overtime parking ticket.  The current rate remains at $1.25 and some merchants provide up to two hours free validation.  It's worth the short walk up the hill (and there is an elevator to take you to the top floors).

Come Support the Newly Formed Friends of Montclair RR Trail, Sunday, July 12, 10:30-12:30: Regular users of the trail that goes from Shepherd Canyon to  Montclair Village are forming a support group called the Friends of the Montclair RR Trail. They will be setting up a table on the trail on Sunday, July 12 from 10:30-12:30 to sign up the many walkers, bicyclists, moms with tots in strollers and hikers with dogs. The new group will organize regular trash pick ups and will be raising funds for new signage.We just started a yahoo group: FriendsofMontclairRRTrail@yahoogroups.com. Please sign up and pass along the message to your friends and neighbors. If you would like to help, please contact Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042.
 

Community Support Still Needed for Joaquin Miller/Montera School  Pathway Project: We posted a banner at the Park Blvd. entrance/exit from Highway 13 on Mountain Blvd. to generate more donations to the Joaquin Miller/Montera School Pathway Project. The City has applied for a $1 million state Safe Routes to School Grant, which we should be hearing about soon. Even if we get the grant, there are still expenses that need to be covered, and so we are asking parents from all of Montclair schools, as well as local Montclair residents to chip in their share. Tax deductible donations can be made to the Joaquin Miller School Pathway Project Account #P330610 c/o Sue Piper, Council District 4 Office, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612. For details, contact Sue in our office at 238-7042.

Summer Reading with Laurel Book Store, 4100 MacArthur Blvd. in the Laurel:

• Kid's Story Time, Wednesdays at 3:30 pm: Bring the little ones for a nice afternoon treat.
• Enitan Bereola II, talks about Bereolaesque; The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate, Saturday, July 18, 5 pm: Enitan was is a young man with manners and a desire to help others understand and use them for themselves. Moms--encourage your sons to attend!
• Linda Morganstein talks about My Life With Stella Kane, Saturday, July 18 at 7:30 pm: It's a story of love and movies in the studio system of 1948. Gay stars, girls in love, lots of drama.

• Oakland Named 4th Greenest City in the Nation: Dow Jones Market Watch ranked Oakland # 4, between Berkeley (#6) and San Francisco (#2) in its recent review of the top greenest cities in the nation. "Residents of this port city have access to an abundance of fresh, organic food, much of which is locally sourced. It's also home to the nation's cleanest tap water, hydrogen-powered public transit and the country's oldest wildlife refuge. Oakland also plans to have zero waste and be oil-independent by 2020, and already gets 17 percent of its energy from renewable sources." Portland, Oregon, got first place.
   
• Got Fruit? Students from Pueblo will harvest your extra fruit and produce and donate it to low income seniors in Oakland.For details or to arrange a harvest. contact Annie Burdett at 708-7010  or email pueblo@peopleunited.org.

• 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.

• 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.

• Sign up for Creek to Bay Day 2009, September 19, 9 am-Noon: Sign up before July 17 to be listed on the 2009 poster. Site coordinators will meet on August 12, 7-9 pm  at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 5th floor Fox Conference Room for training. August 14 is the deadline for requesting loans of tools. One registered, tools may be picked up September 16, 17 and 18th. For details, contact Daniel Chau at 238-6222.

• When is Going Green Not A Plus? When the Big Green Bin is a Scam!  Clothing donation boxes have appeared on Piedmont Avenue at Blockbuster's and Piedmont Grocery parking lots. "Campus California TG" is an affiliate of Tvind, a Denmark-based charity scam. Please do not support this group, which also has bins under the name "GAIA." The sponsoring businesses probably did not know it was a scam, but tell them about it and ask them politely to have the scam bins removed. As of April 2009, the leader of the Tvind movement, Mogens Amdi Petersen and its spokesperson, Poul Jørgensen, are fugitives wanted by Interpol, both thought to be in countries-Mexico or in Africa-where there are no existing extradition treaties with Denmark. Jørgensen is evading a 20-year sentence for tax fraud and embezzlement. Amdi Petersen is awaiting indictment on similar crimes, but charges will not be filed until he can be located. He was last seen in Mexico in 2006. Some of the money they use fighting the various cases against them certainly comes from the green donation bins in the USA.

• Helicopter and Chase Near Carson:  We got inquiries about a helicopter and chase near the freeway and Carson last week.  According to Captain Orozco it was a stolen car chase.
• Neighbors/Police on the lookout for an older Camaro, orange with black stripes and a black top; suspected of involvement in two attempted burglaries in the Butters/Buckley Court area near Joaquin Miller Park. If you see this car, please provide the police with a license plate number by calling 777-3333 and letting the dispatch know that the police have asked you to report this information because the suspect is a person of interest.  Our district has been able to piece together license plates and information that has led to several arrests over the last year.

• 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, Burglaries are up.  Murders remain -25%, robberies are -19% down, and auto thefts -24% down. 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, in Oakland they are about 1 up.  We continue to have a rash of quick smash and run burglaries.  Do not leave laptops and expensive equipment visible from windows.  Check your doors, weaker doors are the main targets.   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.

Parents and neighbors, now is the time our kids need us the most.  We are getting back local control during the worst state school cuts in recent history. Please consider ways you can support our schools--by volunteering, donating funds, designating your local school as a recipient of your escrip, or by participating in the local PTA or site committee. I am working with the Police and District to focus on truancy this fall and encourage all Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils to connect with their local schools. Starting September, all Problem Solving Officers will visit their local schools so that our students will get to know "their" officer as a real person.

• Free Take Home Computer Event, Carmen Flores Recreation Center, Josie de la Cruz Park, Saturday, July 11, 9 am-Noon: Grades 6-12  Bring your kids to these classes. You will learn a lot, and you will empower yourself. Contact Marcellina Sanchez, Recreation Director, at 535-5631.
   

• 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 3883 Aliso Avenue. The movie, Wall-E, begins at dusk.
   
• Welcome New Redwood Height's Elementary School Principal Sara Stone, Saturday, July 18, 9-11 am, Redwood Heights Recreation Center: After a lengthy search, the Redwood Heights PTA is pleased to invite parents and neighbors to a light breakfast reception to meet the new principal for their school.
   
• Summer Family Nights at the Dimond Library, Tuesdays at 7 pm: Bring the entire family to 3565 Fruitvale Ave for an evening of fun
   
  • July 7: The Bubble Lady
  • July 14: Magician Timothy James
  • July 21: 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
  
   
• If You Give a Mouse a Cookie at Children's Fairyland, July 23-August 16: Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences launches its first summer season with a new production at Children's Fairyland. The highly-regarded theater company will perform If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, a play based on the book by Laura Numeroff. The popular book was adapted for the stage by Jody Davidson and the play is directed by Nina Meehan. As a special treat for families, every ticket to the show includes one hour free admission to Children's Fairyland prior to the show.  The park is open for picnicking from 5-6 pm on Fridays prior to the 6 pm show.  On other days, the park will be open through the 4 pm showtime.
   
•  Effective Parenting Series, 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:     
  • 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

• 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, July 4, Waterfront. The images of author Jack London will surround you as you tour the historic square and waterfront. Visit a turn-of-the-century wholesale produce district still in operation and see the USS Potomac, the restored yacht of President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Meet  in front of the northwest corner of Broadway and Embarcadero Street.
     
  • Wednesday, July 8, Preservation Park. A walking tour of a Victorian-era district, adjacent to nearby modern office towers. Sites include the historic First Unitarian Church, the Pardee Home Museum, and more than a dozen elegantly restored, 19th century houses -- now serving as nonprofit offices, meeting rooms, and conference spaces -- in a beautiful garden setting. Meet at park entrance, 13 Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way
  • Saturday, July 11, City Center. Turn-of-the-century landmarks alongside modern high-rises are the focus of this tour. Explore the upbeat style of the modern City Center Square and discover a "there" there. Examine symbols of Oakland's arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building. Meet  in front of Oakland City Hall, One Frank H. Ogawa Plaza.
  
   

• at Sequoia Arena in Joaquin Miller Park:
  • Sunday, July 12, 9 am-Rider Biochemistry Workshop with Judge Jay Ashton Moore
  • Sunday, July 26, 9 am- Hunter Jumper Schooling Show

• 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,  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.)
   

• 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, July 24, The Secret Garden
  • Friday, August 28, A Little Princess
  • Friday, September 25, Finding Neverland
     

• 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.

• 12th Annual Health Fair, Saturday, July 25, 10 am-4 pm, Cesar Chavez Community Center, 2825 International Blvd.:  La Clinica presents it's 12th Annual Health Fair with free health screenings for diabetes, blood pressure, podiatry, cholesterol, dental screening for kids, eye examinations, HIV testing, pharmacists consultations, vaccinations, asthma and much more. Music, fun and services for the whole family!

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.

• 2nd Annual Lakefest '09, Saturday, August 1 and Sunday, August 2, Lakeshore Avenue, 10 am-6 pm: Lakeshore Ave. will be turned into a pedestrian zone from Lake Park to Mandana to host this free community event featuring live music, artisans, merchant sidewalk sale, art installations, "green" businesses and non-profits, street performers, children's fun zone. 

• 10th Annual Laurel Street Festival,  Sunday, August 9, 1- 6 pm: The Laurel District along MacArthur Blvd. between 35th and High will transform into a pedestrian zone to host thousands of Laurel residents and visitors from the greater Bay Area. The festival will showcase live music and performances highlighting some of the greatest Bay area and local talents, a street fair with over a 100 vendors, street art, gourmet food booths, family fun at the Kid's Zone featuring games, activities for children of all ages and showcases more than 100 retail, service and restaurant establishments in Oakland's own Laurel District.The Laurel Street Festival attracts over 5000 attendees annually.
   

• 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. 

• East Bay Evolution Eat Real Bike Tour, Saturday, August 29 or Sunday, August 30, Noon to 4 pm: Join a tour for two-wheeled foodies! Begin and end at the Eat Real Festival at Jack London Square. Peddle along Oakland's waterfront and meet local culinary artisans, learn about their specialties and sample their creations. Members of East Bay Bicycle Coalition or Walk Oakland Bike Oakland receive $10 off cost. Bike rentals available from Bay Area Bikes.$40. Call Karen Hester for details. Or register here.

Oaktoberfest in the Dimond, Saturday, October 10, 11am-6pm, MacArthur Blvd. at Fruitvale Avenue

• Allendale Park NCPC- cleans up streets, tree wells and storm drains on the 1st and 3rd Saturdaysm 38th Street between Nevil and Suter Streets. Call Steve Reuss at 536-9551.
  
   

• Keep Dimond Clean Every Week: 22x NCPC Beautification Efforts: Residents are invited to join neighborhood volunteers on Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful volunteer clean up walks:

• Short Line Park Clean Up, MSIC Beat 13z, Saturday, July 11, 9-11:30 am: Bring hat, water, gloves, and small clippers if you have them. Light refreshments will be provided. Contact Jill Broadhurst, MSIC  Beautification Chair, 338-0110.

Safe Walk to School Monitors/Volunteers Needed: Pedestrian safety at our local schools is a constant concern. The City's Safe Walk to School Program experienced cutbacks in funding, but is interested in retirees willing to dedicate 1 to 1 1/2 hours twice a day to help serve as Safe Walk to School Monitors at intersections in front of our schools. Bret Harte Middle School is a District 4 school that will be affected. For details, contact Carmella Chase at 238-7992.