Moving Oakland Forward Together

If you missed the Circus Bella trapeze artist at the Dimond Picnic last week, they're performing today at Defremery Park to celebrate Oakland Parks' 100th anniversary.

We only had hours to celebrate the overwhelming victory in the passage of our 4 Oakland measures in the July 21st Special Election, when the State hit us with a $42 million grab of Property Taxes and Redevelopment funds this week. (See #2) A last minute surprise rejection in the Assembly saved $6 million in gas taxes and over 30 jobs of road and sidewalk repair workers. Many thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who helped us pass Measures C,D,G, and H!

Oakland's finest patrolling Arroyo Viego Park.

The Oakland Police Officers Association is voting this week on an agreement with the City to give back a 4 percent raise and other contributions critical to preventing police layoffs. Meanwhile, expecting far less officers to be funded by federal funds than budgeted, the Council will look a new round of cuts to save police positions Tuesday. (See #3)

Other highlights in this week's news:

Free and low cost events--see #1
Finally a State Budget, but at what cost to Oakland?--see #2
Get Ready for National Night Out--76 events in District 4 and counting!--see #4
Parking Division changes some of their rules and procedures--#5
More photos from the Dimond Picnic--see #7
Enjoy Oakland diversity, plan to attend the many upcoming Summer Events & Festivals--see #11
Volunteer Opportunities--see #13

We want to thank the whole Dimond community for making this year's picnic the best yet! Special thanks to Abdo of Two Star Market for his continued generosity by feeding over 1200, to Michelle Doppelt and Parks & Rec for arranging Circus Bella and free swimming, and the Dimond Improvement Association.

Summer is a time to celebrate the beauty and diversity of our unique city. We'll be out almost every weekend through the fall with our tables. Take a look at upcoming events at the bottom of our newsletter and plan a "staycation" at home.

Sue Piper staffs our table at the Dimond Picnic.

Please join me and the District 4 staff at the Melrose High Hopes NCPC and Allendale Block Parties, and at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of our Parks & Recreation Department at Defremery Park this Saturday, July 25 (see #1 below).

Jean Quan, Oakland City Council Member

1. This Week- OPR 100th Anniversary at deFremery Park, Clean ups, Block Parties, Fairs, Peace Ride

Friends of Sausal Creek Clean up at Beaconsfield Canyon, Saturday, July 25, 9 am-Noon: Contact Richard Kauffman.

Melrose Block Party, Saturday, July 25, 1-3 pm in front of Horace Mann Elementary School, 5200 Ygnacio Ave.: Join friends and neighbors at the Melrose/High Hopes NCPC Annual Block Party, which features music, food and other fun. We have donated about 50 blue reusable shopping bags and 50 CFL bulbs for their "green booth" where people brainstorm ways to go green to receive them as prizes. Our office also be there with other useful information. (Above) Talking energy savings last year at the Melrose block party.

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!

Heartbeat of Oakland Parade, Saturday, July 25, 11 am, Market & 40th Streets, North Oakland: The Heartbeat of Oakland is a 1-mile community walking Parade and Picnic to promote North Oakland health and togetherness. At the park all will gather to cool down from the walk, enjoy picnics, share stories about living in North Oakland and speak to each other about what is possible for the neighborhood. Contributions of individuals who wish to be videotaped will be shared online. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch, friends and whatever you wish to share with your neighbors, poetry, song, story or otherwise. For details go to their website.

2nd Annual Peace Ride Around Lake Merritt, Saturday, July 25, 2 pm, 628 Perkins Street: For the last two years, Bike 4 Life has convened our annual Peace Ride around Lake Merritt. This event unites youth from all corners of Oakland to take a stand against violence and engage in physical activity by promoting bike riding. I rode with them last year and enjoyed looking at the creative ways that our youth decorated their bikes and then the bike stunt performances at the park.

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.

40th Anniversary of the Moon Walk, U.S.S. Hornet, Saturday July 25: Meet Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon, Saturday, July 25 at the U.S.S. Hornet Museum in Alameda. He will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of his historic moonwalk and discussing his new book, Magnificent Desolation: The Long Journey Home from the Moon. Reservations are required. The U.S.S. Hornet museum is located at 707 W Hornet in Alameda. To make a reservation please contact the U.S.S. Hornet at 521-8448 or contact them online at www.uss-hornet.org.

Final Night of Chinatown Night Market in the Pacific Renaissance Plaza on 388-9th Street, Saturday, July 25: After four successful Saturday events, the last day of the first ever Chinatown Night Market will come to a close on Saturday, July 25. To make the lasting impression, they have prepared spectacular performances for your enjoyment. Join in for one more day and evening of fun and dining experience in Oakland Chinatown. Please tell your friends and hope to see you this Saturday! <<Noodle making demonstration

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. No pets. Rain cancels. More information: recreation@ebparks.org, or 530-8241.

MHA Jumper Horse Show, Sunday, July 26 9 am, Sequoia Arena, Joaquin Miller Park: This is a great FREE family event.

Taming of the Shrew by Women's Will at Dimond Park, Sunday, July 26, 1 pm: Women's Will All Women's Theatre group will present the full version of "Taming of the Shrew" at the Dimond Park Stage (AKA the back of the bathroom building off the Wellington/Canon entrance).
Oakland Municipal Band Concert, Sunday, July 26, 1-3 pm: Bring a lunch, blanket or folding chairs and stretch out under the oaks at Lake Merritt.

Fremont Pool Reopens, Sunday, July 26, 2-4 pm: Using funds from the Redevelopment Agency and with strong community support, the Fremont Pool will reopen with a grand ribbon cutting ceremony. There will be a new facade and new public art on the pillars.
Zion Lutheran Art Exhibit, Sunday, July 26, 2-4 pm: They will feature performing, music and visual arts. For details, go to their website or call 530-7909.

Oaklandish Salsa by the Lake Festival this Sunday, July 26th, 2-7pm, with live music provided by Pasion Habanera. This is an encore of the successful May event (right).

Summit Cardiovascular Health Fair, Thursday, July 30, 9am-4pm, corner of Summit and Hawthorne near Summit Hospital: Free health screenings, give-aways, exercise demonstrations fitness assessments, an "Ask the Doctor Booth", entertainment Ride on the state-of-the-art Artery Explorer. This 'Disneyland-like' ride simulates the experience of blood moving through the body's arteries. Participants are seated in a car that gives the feeling of being propelled through the arteries while learning the affects of cardiovascular disease.
22X NCPC (Neighborhood Coalition for Positive Change), Beautification Working Group Meeting (including Montera, Woodminster, Lincoln Heights, Oakmore and Dimond), Thursday, July 30, 7-8:30 pm, Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue: All residents welcome to discuss Youth involvement; "CLEAN STREETS": new program for resident volunteers. Their primary 2009 goal for 22X NCPC Beautification is to assist city, merchants and residents in keeping Dimond merchant area clean and litter-free. Email krussell@russell-gordon.com for more information. (This meeting cancels the evening clean-up walk.)
Dinner & the Universe, A Romantic Night at Chabot Science Center, Any Friday: I just heard that this Friday is booked up, but I've always said that looking at the stars through our telescopes at Chabot is a romantic date. Now we've made it more so with dinner, movies and the universe. The Tribune captured all in this article.

2. Finally, a State Budget for Now; $11 Million in Property Taxes "Borrowed" Plus $31 Grab of Redevelopment $

The California Budget is almost set. With the passage of about $24 billion in cuts, the Legislature left town about $1 billion short of a balanced budget; the Governor using his line item veto power is expected to more the additional cuts. However, their revenue assumptions are universally assumed to be over optimistic and we will probably be seeing more cuts in a few months. Dan Walter's column today covers this. This is a summary of the cuts and their impact on Oakland:

The State will "borrow" 8% of our share of local property taxes, almost $12 million for Oakland, under Prop 1A. The are supposed to pay this back in 3 years and are telling us to "borrow" the money until then. I sit on the League of Cities State Board and we attempting to create a statewide pool to do this but are negotiating to "secure" our loan; requiring the state to make repayment priority over other debtors and to pay interest. It is not clear what interest rates we could get given the state's bad credit rating and whether the State will cover costs; in previous loans they did not fully reimburse local governments.
The Assembly rejected the Governor's proposal to take 75 percent of the local government share of gas taxes. As a board member I voted to have the League of Cities file suit against the Governor's Proposal and sponsored the resolution approved Tuesday to have Oakland join in the suit. As another raid on local revenues, it would have seized the local share of gas taxes, $750 million statewide or about $6 million from Oakland. These are the funds we use to maintain our streets -- cross walks, signs, and paving. The Tribune did a good job of explaining the effect of these raids on local gas funds in recent years. This saves the jobs of over 30 public works employees, mostly road and sidewalk repair crew members, who were scheduled for layoff next week.
The Legislature did pass legislation to circumvent an earlier court ruling that the seizure of Redevelopment funds earlier this year was illegal. The League of Cities attorneys are prepared to fight the new attempt. This is worth $31 million in Oakland revenues that we are counting on the improve retail, parking, housing and pay back redevelopment bonds.
One other surprise was the rejection of offshore drilling off the Coast. This was particularly galling because the Governor and Republicans refuse an oil depletion tax (which every other oil producing state has) worth billions or about the amount they just cut from education. The Santa Barbara scheme was only worth $100 million and would have endangered the entire coast.
The bulk of the other cuts affect Education and Programs for the Seniors and the poor:
- $9.5 billion in cuts to education
- $2 billion in cuts to health care for children; about 300,000 will lose coverage.
- $1.2 billion cuts to prison, while the Governor says there will be no early releases, the cuts were "unallocated" so we all will be watching the details
- Requires 3 days per month furlough for state workers, about a 14% pay cut
- $1.2 billion in cuts to CALWORKS support for families moving from welfare to work and to In Home Services for the elderly.

3. To Save Police Council To Consider New Cuts & Police Union Votes on Give Backs, 4 Measures Pass By Wide Margin

OPOA Voting on A Tentative Agreement: 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 asked the police to give back their abitrator awarded 4 percent raise this year and other benefits equivalent to the 10 percent given back by other employees. Approval is necessary if we are to have any hope of avoiding police layoffs. Even if the agreement passes, the City will still need to make additional cut in the Police and other departments to prevent police layoffs.

The City had applied for about $23 million in annual funding for 140 officers over three years from the federal COPS grant, which is only available to forestall the firing of police officers or to hire new officers. It became known this week that the COPS grant was switched from a competitive grant (looking at needs of merits of the proposal) to a formula based grant (looking at city size). The maximum any city will be given is 50 officers or 5% of its force. For us that is about 40 officers. While the adopted Council budget assumed less (about half) would be funded, we did not expect so few.

On Tuesday the Council will be considering additional cuts proposed by the administration and my staff in conjunction with other Council members will be offering alternatives. Some of the more controversial cuts offered by the Police Department include the elimination of the Neighborhood Services Coordinators and of the Rangers.

ALL FOUR MEASURES PASS WITH WIDE MARGINS: We want to thank the many volunteers that helped us pass these four measures by such a wide margin. All campaign committees and volunteers are welcome to join us Thursday, July 30, 5:30 - 7:30pm, Oakland Marriott City Center, at A.J. Toppers. The celebration is hosted by the Measure C Committee which I help co-chair as Chair of the Chabot Science Center. RSVP by July 28, Manette@oaklandcvb.com or 208-0526.

The Early Results were:

Measure C: A 3% Hotel Tax to provide   increased  funding to 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.    77% Yes

Measure D: Kids First Compromise 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.   72% Yes

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. 80 % Yes

Measure H: The Real Estate Transfer Tax proposal for a technical fix to make sure corporations pay the same real estate transfer tax as individual homeowners.    75% Yes

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.

So far about 1700 Oaklanders have taken the Oakland Budget Challenge, we have updated the Challenge to reflect the larger deficit numbers and lower property taxes now predicted by our Third Quarter Revenue figures .

These are some opportunities to be heard on budget priorities:

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)
Send in your suggestions at budgetsuggestions@oaklandnet.com

4. Get Ready for National Night Out, Tuesday, August 4--76 Groups and Counting!

There's still time to sign up your neighborhood or block with the City as a National Night Out host. So far, 76 groups in District 4 have signed up. Each year, our district accounts for at least 25% of the National Night Out parties city-wide, thanks to neighbors organizing neighbors for public safety, emergency preparedness and/ beautification projects. This is a great way to meet your neighbors. Check the list below, and if there isn't one in your neighborhood, be sure to sign up online with the City of Oakland. Please send an email to Michael Johnson in our office as well.

Our list of District 4 National Night Out Parties:

BEAT 13 Y

Fernwood Community Club, 1470 Mountain Blvd, 7-9 pm
Glenwood Glade, 220 Glenwood Glade, 7-9 pm
Lower Merriewood Drive, 5591 Merriewood Drive, 7-9 pm

BEAT 13 Z

Balboa at Colton, 5526 Balboa Dr, 7-9 pm
Carisbrook Cooperative, 2557 Carisbrook near Chelton, 5-9 pm
Castle Park Way MON, 48 Castle Park Way at Castle Drive, 7-9 pm
Chelsea Court, 20 Chelsea Ct, 7-9 pm
Chelton Drive, 6620 Chelton Drive, 7-9 pm
Estates Fountain & McAndrew Drive Group, MacAndrew Drive/Estates 6:30-9 pm
Holyrood Neighborhood Group, 10 Holyrood 6-8 pm
LaMasNA, 2101 Mastlands Drive, 6-8 pm
Liggett Neighbors, 6708 Liggett Drive, 7-9 pm
Montclair West Neighborhood Association, Pershing Dr & Marsh Place, 7-9 pm
Moongate/Skyline Neighborhood near Totterdell, 9393 Skyline Blvd, 7-9 pm
Pelham Place, 2340 Pelham near Girvin, 7:30-9 pm
Piedmont Pines NA, 6425 Melville at Ascot, 6-8 pm
7 Streets A, 6281 Girvin Drive at Thackeray, 7-8:30 pm
7 Streets B, 6161 Westover Drive at Thackeray, 7-9 pm
Thornhill Creekside Neighbors & Friends, Alhambra Court off Alhambra Lane, 6:30-8:30 pm

BEAT 16Y

Canon Avenue near Mac Arthur Blvd, 4000 Canon Ave, 7-9 pm

BEAT 22X

Boston Avenue Tea Party, 3500 Block Boston Ave near MacArthur Blvd, 7-9 pm
Boston Ave & Palmetto, at the corner, 7-9 pm
Burlington Street, Near Lincoln Ave., 7-9 pm
Champion Neighbors, 3106 Champion Street at School St
Damuth Street Neighborhood Watch, 2308 Damuth, 6-8 pm
Damuth at Laguna, 2461 Damuth, 7-9 pm
Upper Fruitvale, 3876 Fruitvale, 5-9 pm
Hearst Street at Laguna & Madeline, 5:30-8 pm
Laguna Highlands, Laguna at Charleston, 7-9 pm
Lyman Avenue, 3869 Lyman between Waterhouse & Fruitvale, 6-9 pm
Melvin Court, 19 Melvin Ct, 7-9 pm
Montera Neighbors, 2645 Camino Lenada at Ascot Drive, 7-9 pm
Oakmore Highlands Leimert Hillside Neighbors, 2076 Leimert Blvd., 7-9 pm
Potomac St. Neighborhood Watch, 2451 Potomac at Lincoln,7-9 pm
Rampart Street Neighbors, 2500 Rampart Street at Lincoln Avenue, 6-9 pm
Rhoda Avenue Home Alert, 3615/ Rhoda near Madeline, 6-9 pm
Rosecrest/Oakmore Watch Group, 2001 Rosecrest at Carter, 7-9 pm
Tiffin Hollow Neighborhood, 1800 Block of Tifflin between Waterhouse & Lyman, 7-9 pm
Wilbur Street, 2545 Wilbur Street at Laguna, 7-9pm

BEAT 22Y

Crane Way, 3367 Crane Way,7-9 pm
Crestmont Neighborhood Association, 62 Crestmont, 6:30-9 pm
Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avnue, 7-9 p
Georgia Street, 2933 Georgia St between Maple & Coolidge, 7-9 pm
Maple Avenue, 4198 Maple Ave at Frye, 7-9 pm
Midvale Neighbors, 3654 Midvale Avenue, 7-9 pm
Project Reconnect (Youth Project), 3350 MacArthur Blvd at Midvale Ave, 7-9 pm
Sylvan Laurel Neighborhood Watch, 3166 Sylvan Ave near Laurel, 7-8:30 pm
Wilshire Heights Neighborhood, 4200 Block of Wilshire at Frye, 7-9 pm
3200-3300 Wisconsin St Neighborhood Watch, 3237 Wisconsin Street, 7-8:30 pm

BEAT 24X

Lorenzo Avenue, 3208 Lorenzo Avenue, 7-9 pm

BEAT 24Y

Allendale Park, 3934 Nevil Street at 38th Avenue, 7-9 pm
Eastman Neighbors, 2806 Eastman, between Allendale & Penniman, 6-9 pm
Mangels Avenue, 3637 Mangels Avenue, 7-9 pm
Minna Avenue Neighborhood Watch, 2926 Minna Ave between Allendale & Penniman, 6-9 pm
Penniman Neighbors, 4117 D Penniman Court & Penniman Ave., 7 pm

BEAT 25 X

39th Avenue, 4106 39th Avenue, 7-9 pm
Davenport Neighborhood Watch, Davenport Avenue between Cunningham and Kaphan,
MASH Neighborhood Association, Albert between Madrone and Huntington, 6-9 pm
Monterey Boulevard near Atlas, 3826 Monterey Blvd, 7-9 pm
Redding/Loma Vista Neighborhood Watch Group, 3538 Redding Street, 6-8 pm
Redwood Hts Neighborhood Association, Avenue Terrace Park, Bennett Pl near Jordan Rd, 7 pm
Rhoda Avenue Home Alert, 3621 Rhoda Ave between MacArthur Blvd & Madeline, 7 pm
Quigly Street, 3727 Quigly Street, 7-9 pm
Tompkins Avenue, 4730 Tompkins Ave, between Buell & Wilkie, 7-9 pm
Vale Avenue, 3943 Vale Ave, 7-11 pm
Wisconsin Street, 3729 Wisconsin Street, 6-8 pm

BEAT 27 X

Brookdale Avenue, 4809 Brookdale Avenue, 6-8 pm
Cole Street, 2606 Cole St near Brookdale, 7-9 pm
Melrose High Hopes NCPC, 2535 High Street/Brookdale Park, 6:30-9 pm

BEAT 28 X

Allendale Avenue Neighbor's Network, 4332 Allendale, 6-9 pm
Brookdale Avenue, 4430 Brookdale Avenue at Frances, 7-9 pm
Fleming Avenue Neighborhood Watch, 4544 Fleming Ave, 5:30-9 pm
Kingsland Avenue, Kingsland Ave at Virginia, 6-9 pm
Monticello Neighborhood Watch, 3036 Monticello, 6-9 pm
Walnut Street, 4824 Walnut St, 7-9 pm
Walnut Street Neighbors, 4500 Walnut Street at High, 7-9 pm

5. More City Issues: More Free Wifi, Parking Rules Change, Army Base Use & Seismic Screening Goes to Council

Free WiFi at Recreation Centers: Mayor Dellums announced this week partnership between Oakland Technology Exchange West (OTX West) and the City of Oakland ensuring free access to computers and the Internet at every Recreation center in Oakland.Computer access begins immediately at recreation centers in every area of the city. Internet access is available at most centers and will soon be available at all the recreation centers. Despite such economic uncertainty, this collaboration was able to provide this service to Oakland residents by utilizing remaining funds from a previous state literacy technology fund and receiving assistance from Google and other key partners organizations.Note that there is also free WiFi at the City's Libraries.

Parking Rules to Change: Last month we ran warnings about Parking Rules and Administration that raised questions for us as well as many of our readers. As part of the budget process we asked that parking facilities and management be centralized and reorganized. We met with the new Parking Director, Noel Pinto and asked him to review rules and procedures that we thought questionable. As a result the following changes will be effective August 1st:
- The parking receipts issued by the new kiosks are good for the full time no matter where they are bought. This means if you buy a two hour receipt in Montclair and then go to the Dimond within the time period your receipt will be accepted.
- If you are parked at a meter but have a timed receipt from a kiosk that is still good, the receipt will be accepted. This came up when some of our constituents bought kiosk receipts but were ticketed because they did not plug the meters.
- Not effective immediately but in process, the kiosks will be reprogrammed so that at the end of the day tickets may be purchased for up to 3 hours, 5-8 pm. This is to allow more time for shoppers who want to catch dinner or go to a dinner and movie without worrying about parking meters.
Long Awaited Army Base Proposal Goes to Council: After many years of changes and delays, including a two year wait for the Wayans Brothers to bring a viable proposal, the staff brings a proposal to Council Tuesday, July 28th, recommending AMB/California Credit Group as Master Developer. Starting with 14 proposals vetted down to four, two of which withdrew when their financing disappeared in the real estate/financial meltdown; there were two finalists. This recommendation is in line with an earlier citizens commission appointed by the Mayor. It focuses on an ambitious plan to modernize port-railway-trucking and affiliated business facilities and infrastructure. It is not clear whether the proposal will go to Council before recess or wait until September.

CEDA Committee Unanimously Approves Mandatory Seismic Screening for Multifamily Soft Story Buildings; On Council Consent Calendar for July 21: The proposed ordinance will require all property owners of multi-family buildings with 5 or more units and a first floor with parking or commercial open space to complete a low cost Level 1 screening. The screening will help the city identify which structures are indeed soft story (buildings with large open spaces), which are at high risk of failure during a major earthquake.This is critical because soft story buildings with 5 or more units represent 20,000 dwelling units, or 2/3 of the units that are forecast to become uninhabitable following a major earthquake in Oakland. Once the screening is complete, the city's building department will come back to Council with recommendations on next steps. There is no requirement to seismically retrofit these buildings at this time, although some property owners may elect to do so. The Rental Housing Association of Northern California is working with our office and the City to help promote the program.

Tax Penalty Penalty Amnesty Program through October 31: Businesses with unpaid taxes or under-reported gross receipts to file with the City without penalty between August 1st and October 31st of this year. Businesses who have not registered with the Revenue Division are also eligible to apply. After October 31, full penalties and interest assessments will apply. The Revenue Division will pursue a range of enforcement actions, including but not limited to:
- 25 percent penalty;
- Additional 1 percent per month interest;
- Notice of Violation and Fine
- Referral to Collections and possible legal action
To learn more, please contact the Tax Penalty Amnesty Program hotline at 238-7254 weekdays from 8:30 am- 3:30 pm, or visit www.oaklandnet.com.

6. Budget Cuts / Union Negotiations Impact Local Transportation Options, 58L Bus May Be Restored

Two AC Transit Cuts in District 4 - and one old Route welcomed back: AC Transit has announced that it will be discontinuing the 47 Bus running between Maxwell Park and the Fruitvale BART Station and that portion of the 53 Bus running up Tiffin to the Woodminster area. In meetings with AC Transit staff, we were told that both routes were characterized by extremely low ridership as objectively demonstrated by an "automatic passenger counter" that AC has installed in all of its buses, and which accounts for every rider on a bus, paid or unpaid.

It is a sad fact that even if a bus route's ridership is low, this route may still be crucial to those people who do use it. Canceling the 47, for example, will eliminate a crucial means for residents of Central East Oakland to use public transit to link with BART, Amtrak and the Airports.

We have encouraged the AC staff to hold a number of meetings on these and other changes, and we will announce these meetings as we learn about them. If you feel that the 47 or the 53 Bus remains important for your well-being, please do make your feelings known. You can fax a letter to the AC Transit Board of Directors at 891-4705 or email Oakland's representatives, Chris Peeples, Vice Chair and Director at Large, Greg Harper, Director Ward 2 (North & Central Oakland), or Elsa Ortiz, Director, Ward 3 (East Oakland).

In fact, we are extremely pleased to note that in response to continued pressure from residents, our office and others, the 58L Route linking East Oakland to downtown via MacArthur Boulevard may be reinstated on a limited basis (only every 30 minutes and not on weekends). The proposal goes to the AC Transit Board soon with a possible fall start up. Residents along MacArthur would be able to get to Downtown Oakland without transferring. Please make a point of using the 58 if it reinstated.

Possible BART Work Stoppage Next Week: As we go to press, BART union employees will be voting on a settlement with BART. If BART and its workers are unable to reach an agreement, there is a possibility that BART service could be stopped. Consider carpooling, using AC Transit, telecommuting or your bicycle! Visit 511.org (http://www.511.org/) for travel options. Or, call 511 and say "Rideshare."

7. District 4 News: Campaign to Keep Dimond Post Office; More

Save Our Dimond Post Office Meeting, Thursday, August 6 at Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave., 7 pm: Tim Chapman posted minutes of the first meeting on the Dimond message board. The second meeting will be held on Thursday, August 6. For a list of current projects and planning meeting minutes email krussell@russell-gordon.com.

Welcome Sara Stone, new principal at Redwood Heights Elementary School:

Montclair Library Reopening a Hit! Many residents stopped by the Montclair Library last Saturday for bargains on used books and a piece of cake as Carmen Martinez and Sue Piper from our office welcomed library patrons back to the Montclair Library, which had been closed for several months for mold abatement.

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.

8. Oakland Goes Green

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.

Sign up for Creek to Bay Day 2009, September 19, 9 am-Noon: 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.

9. Community Policing News: Burglary Audit Your Home, Sign Up for National Night Out

While City Crime is down, Burglaries are up 3%. Murders remain -20%, robberies are -19% down, and auto thefts -23% 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

District Problem Solving Officers: Have a chronic issue that involves criminal activity? Let your beat's PSO know. Check here for a map to determine which Beat covers your neighborhood:

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.

10. School, Youth & Library News

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.

Soda Free Summer YouTube Video Contest, Due by August 3, 9 am: All you need is to be creative and have fund. Submit a video that tells (and shows) how you plan to be Soda Free this summer and inspire others to do the same with your great ideas and video. There are great prizes. The "Oscar winner" will receive a $500 gift card and five runner ups each will receive $100 gift cards. For official contest rules and entry guidelines, go to: www.sodafreesummer.wordpress.com.

Library Moves to 5-day Schedule Starting August 1: As a result of the June 2009 Budget adoption by City Council, the Oakland Public Library (OPL) received funding to keep a 5-day schedule of library services at all branches. The Main Library will remain open 7-days per week. The the new branch schedule will be Tuesdays - Saturdays, effective Saturday, August 1. While branch libraries won't be open on Mondays for kids to drop in after school, we will be open for them the rest of the week and for families on Saturdays.

Library Summer Reading Program Finale at the Oakland Museum, Sunday, July 26, 12:30-4:30 pm: The celebration links two fantastic summer events--the library's Summer Reading Program and the Oakland Museum of California's Family Explorations--for a double dose of culture, entertainment, fun, and learning. The celebration will take place on the grounds of the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street, on Sunday, August 9, 2009, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Admission is free!

Joaquin Miller Elementary's TLC Day/ Meet New Principal, Sunday, August 16, 10-2 pm: Spend the day with new and returning JM families sprucing up the school. Help install new, parent-funded playground equipment, weed the gardens, and other small tasks. Most important, come meet Principal Paulette Smith. Parents, students and the community welcomed! Enjoy lunch at Noon.

Pre-School Play Groups: A good way to build support for public schools and prepare your child for school is to organize or join a play group for your school. Here are two groups organized for local schools:
- Glenview 2009 Kindergarten: Every Saturday morning, 10 a.m.- noon, from July 11 through August 22, Glenview Elementary School, lower back yard play structure. Contact Megan (415)309.7367 or m@meganleighsimmons.com

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 28: Magic by Andrew
- August 4: National Night Out (outside stories and sidewalk art fun)
- August 11: Fratello Marionettes

Studio One Summer Classes-Children Summer Arts Camp is still open at very affordable rates (early and late care also available). All Classes take place at 365 - 45th Street, Oakland. Features: Art Activities, Fun Times, & Field Trips. Call 597-5027 for space availability.
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.

Two-Day FREE Gang Awareness Training, Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14, 9 am-5 pm, Oakland International High School Auditorium, 4521 Webster (at 45th Street): An open invitation for FREE professional development through the OUSD Office of Alternative Education. Ever wonder why youth join gangs? What are the warning signs of gang involvement, what are effective prevention & intervention strategies in working with gang-affiliated youth? To register, contact Shirley Yee or call 879-2140. Space is limited. Funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.

Dramatic Reading of New Play in Progress on Pullman Porters, Saturday, August 15, 2-4 pm, Oakland Main Library's West Auditorium, 125 14th Street (at Madison): To be a member of the Brotherhood of the Sleeping Car Porters was once considered a radical, if not terrorist, activity, in the early part of the twentieth century. East Bay writer Judith Offer's play-in-progress, Compared to What?, sets up the dilemma of two Pullman Porters during 1926 in West Oakland, who are in conflict about the decision to join the organization-and perhaps risk being fired. Members of the audience are invited to join in a discussion after the reading. This event is being co-sponsored by the Oakland Public Library and LaborFest 2009. LaborFest 2009 will also provide a San Francisco venue for another reading of Offer's play in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the 1934 General Strike.

11. Upcoming Community Events

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 25 Chinatown
- Wednesday, July 29 Old Oakland
Keep Cool in the Summer at the Oakland Ice Rink, 519 10th Street in Downtown Oakland:
- Friday Theme Nights, 7:15-9:15: Come dressed in theme and receive a 10% discount off of admission: 7/25-70's Saturday Night Fever; 8/1-80's Skate Party; 8/8--Hop Hop Saturday; 8:15-Jersey Night; 8/22-Tribute to the Stars; 8/29: Show Your True Teal.
- Sizzling Hot Summer Nights on Wednesdays, 6:45-8:45 pm: Aged 18 or older public skating sessions, July 8-August 26.$7 admission; $2.50 skate rental; $16 for two (includes skate rental).

Senior Scam Stopper Meeting For Seniors, Family and Friends, Friday, July 31, 10-Noon, Fruitvale San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 East 12th Street, 2nd Floor: Seniors are one of the most targeted groups by scam artists and abuse is on the rise. What can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming the next victims? Come learn from the experts on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from fraud. Sponsored by Sen. Loni Hancock in collaboration with the California Contractors State License Board.

The Maxwell Park Neighborhood Association and the Obama Organizing for America will sponsor a Health Care Forum on Sunday August 2, 3-5 pm at The Space, 4148 MacArthur in the Laurel District one block from High Street. Speakers will include Judy Pope,Health Committee, Wellstone Democratic Club speaking for Single Payor Health Care; and Dr Sue Jacobson, Kaiser Physician, for Public Option, Obama health plan. Respondents will include community residents. Please attend to gain clarity around the current battle in Washington DC as well as plans for health reform here in California. Donation will be requested at the door to help pay the rental but nobody will be turned away. Dr. Floyd Huen and Jose Dorado, Forum organizers

Annual Silence the Violence Day with the Oakland As, Wednesday, August 5: Join Silence the Violence for a full day of events at McAfee Coliseum--8 am-9 am, Morning Visibility Actions: to host an action call 444-5400; to attend an action check the website at www.urbanpeacemovement.org . The 4th Annual Oakland A's Silence the Violence Day Game of Texas Rangers vs. Oakland A's. Tailgate and resource fair, 5:3 -6:30 pm, first pitch, 7:05 pm. To order tickets, call 563-2336.

East Bay Express Throws 2009's Best of the East Bay Party, Friday, August 7, 5 pm- Midnight, Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street:On August 7, the East Bay Express celebrates its winners of the 2009 Best of the East Bay Issue at the Oakland Museum of California. The party is poised to surpass last year's fete.12,000+ guests are expected this year at the Oakland Museum of California. Six stages will feature over 20 bands including Goapele, Social Unrest, Dizzy Balloon, and The Souls of Mischief on the Amoeba Main Stage hosted by Bukue One. The Electronica Underground will be bumping to the beats of an all star line-up courtesy of Syd Gris (Opel Productions), including Dyloot, Dresden & Johnston, Mephisto Odyssey, and more. From R&B to Metal, this party covers a wide range of great East Bay sounds. All alcohol proceeds benefit OneCalifornia Foundation. Best of all, it's FREE.

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, August 28, A Little Princess
- Friday, September 25, Finding Neverland

12. Summer Festivals Celebrate the Richness of Oakland

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.

Jazz on the Green, Lake Chabot Golf Course, Saturday, August 22: . Relax with family, friends, food and good entertainment at this affordable event. 11450 Golf Links Road.

10th Annual Laurel Street Festival, Saturday, August 8, 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 15-16-- The Bay Area's coolest festival moves to a new weekend (August 15 & 16, due to the Labor Day closure of the Bay Bridge) and returns with a stellar lineup. This year's lineup continues the diverse and wonderful variety that has made Art & Soul the region's most popular music festival.

Shawn Colvin Will Downing

Saturday, August 15 Sunday, August 16

also featuring also featuring

BoDeans Bobby Caldwell

Mo'Fone Frankie Lee
Kevin Moore Chino Espinoza y Los Dueños Del Son

Bishop Walter L. Hawkins Zakiya Hooker
Dayna Stevens Ba-Tu-Ke

Ramana Vieira Fito Reinoso & Su Ritmo & Armonia

Dear Indugu Freddie Hughes

Sepia Sandy Perez y Su Lade

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Derick Hughes

Rosa los Santos The Caravan of Allstars

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir World Dance Stage

For a complete lineup, visit the Art & Soul website.

Chinatown Streetfest 2008 Chinatown Street Fest, Saturday & Sunday, August 22 & 23, 10 am-6-pm: Celebrate the year of the Ox, Chinese lion dances, Japanese taiko drumming and Tahitian dance as Oakland's Chinatown (the oldest Chinatown in the state) celebrates! This 22nd annual event covers nearly 10 blocks and includes three stages and hundreds of food booths. For details, check out their website.

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.

4th Annual Day in the Park, Maxwell Park, Saturday, September 12, Noon- 5 pm: Featuring local musicians, kids' games, bike repair, BBQ and a lot more. If you would like to help sponsor the event, please send checks in any denomination to the Maxwell Park NCPC, 3145 Courtland Avenue, Oakland 94619. Volunteers are also needed. Please contact Helen da Silva at 207-2958 or Krista Gulbransen at 304-3575.

Oaktoberfest 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.

13. Volunteer Opportunities

In the spirit of President Obama's call to service, and our own office's long held belief that when neighbors work together, they build a stronger community, we are initiating a new listing of local volunteer opportunities. Whether you are a teen looking for work experience, or a new retiree with time on your hands, here are a number of ways you can meet neighbors and make a difference in the city we love.

Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation Seeks Volunteer Administrative Assistant: if you've recently retired or have time on your hands, consider volunteering with the Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation. This 501(c)3 raises funds for capital projects in Oakland's parks, and also serves as the fiscal agent for a number of individual park support groups--including Shepherd Canyon Park, Joaquin Miller Park and Maxwell Park in District 4. Paula Ramsey, the new Executive Director, is looking for someone with experienced computer skills who can keep up with correspondence and maintain data bases. For details, please contact Paula at 465-1850.

Tender Loving Care--with close to a 50% cutback in park maintenance service, the city's parks, medians and street scapes really need help with spotting broken sprinklers or illegal dumping, trash pick up or more:

Allendale Park NCPC- cleans up streets, tree wells and storm drains on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays 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:

Tuesday and Fridays, 8-9 am--meet in front of McDonald's at 8 am
Thursdays, 7-7:45 pm--meeting place will be posted on the Dimond listserv every week.

If you have a street and want volunteers to "clean" it, round up 2 neighbors and email Kathleen Russell. These walks are sponsored by La Farine Barkery/Dimond. Volunteers receive a complimentary card for 2 pastries or rolls/drinks from La Farine.

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 at the Native Plant Nursery and Beaconsfield Canyon. Check out their monthly calendar of events at the FOSC website

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. We are especially looking for a volunteer to work at Bret Harte Middle School, a District 4 school that is in real need of additional adult presence during the crossing times. For details, contact Carmella Chase at 238-7992.

School Volunteer Faire, September 12, Main Library's West Auditorium: Last year the OUSD Volunteer program closed due to program problems. Currently there is no easy way for the community to volunteer to work in the public schools. The Montclair Community Action Group, a neighborhood group that grew out of the Obama campaign, is planning a Volunteer Fair, Saturday September 12th at the Main Library's West Auditorium. School based non-profits, who have a variety of great programs currently in the schools, will be on hand. They train volunteers and make it easy to tutor a child, be a mentor, classroom aide, help in school libraries and more. All interested volunteers are invited to come the Fair talk with the school based groups and sign-up for the program that meets their time availability and interests