5. Fall Emergency Preparedness

    Happy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos! It looks like we're going to have perfect weather for a weekend long celebration of these Celtic and Mexican traditions. Drivers please slow down and keep an eye out for revelers, remember masks and costumes sometimes block their full sight or make it harder for them to walk.  

   Skyline Marching Band leads the Halloween parade.

    This week there are many open house school events for prospective parents.  While public schools are facing the worst funding in my life time, parents and staff are pulling together to overcome the challenge.  Too often I hear people who have no contact with public schools say they are horrible. As a former School Board member I know many are excellent, some are struggling. Now that we regained local control, we as a community can make a difference by volunteering at schools and supporting them. Many solutions to crime and economic development start with our schools.

 

    A good local example of excellence is Bret Harte 7th Grade English and Social Studies teacher Peter Mates, who was honored as Oakland's  and Alameda County Teacher of the Year.  His classroom is always a treat to visit. He integrates art, creative writing, and enthusiasm into teaching 7th grade medieval history.

  

Astronaut Hernandez receives Chabot shirt from Chabot Chair Jean and Boardmember Dahlia Moodie.

 

     October has also been Hispanic Heritage Month, a visit to the Fruitvale's Day of the Dead celebration Sunday is a good way to celebrate it.  Last week I had the honor of celebrating it at the Raiders game with the first Mexican American astronaut Jose Hernandez.  Born in California, he worked in the fields with his migrant farmworker parents and claims Stockton as his home town.  An engineer who helped develop the first digital mammography technology, he entered the Space program at 41 !  We hope to get him back to the Chabot Space Science Center this summer as part of our community outreach for our new planetarium show premiering November 21st, Mayan Skies.

 

REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR EARLY SUNDAY MORNING. As the days grow shorter, and the morning and evening commutes occur when it's dark, please take extra time and be extra aware of driving safely. The hit and run death of a Frick Middle School student is a tragic reminder to be aware when you drive.  More accidents happen during this transition; please plan on a few more minutes of travel time and to slow down. Fire chiefs across the country also ask us make a habit of checking the batteries in your smoke detector and the water in your emergency supplies when you change your clocks.

• Joaquin Miller Park Workday, Saturday, October 31, 9 am-- Join volunteers from the  Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay at the trailhead to Sequoia Bayview Trail on Skyline Blvd. They'll head out at 9:30 am to mend wooden fences along the trail. Bring sunscreen, hat, work clothes and proper shoes. Contact Danieldrp.cafe@gmail.com for more information.
   
• Open House at Fire Stations During Fire Safety Month: Your last chance to see how our firefighters live and work.  Tour the station, meet your fire fighters.
  
  Saturday October 31, 10 am-1pm
  Station 20: 1401 98th Avenue
  Station 17: 3344 High Street
  
  Saturday, October 31, 1 pm-4 pm
  Station 27: 8501 Pardee Avenue
  Station 12: 822 Alice Street 
   
• The Domestic Violence Forum will be rebroadcast on KTOP, Channel 10,  Saturday, October 31, 1-3 pm. Workers on the frontline of fighting Domestic Violence urged the public to reach out and help friends and relatives who may be victims of abuse at this year's Sixth Annual Report on Domestic Violence in Oakland 
   
• Days of the Dead Fiesta 2009, La Borinqueña Restaurant & Specialty Shop, 582 7th Street at Jefferson,in Old Oakland makes my family's favorite tamales.  Today from 11 am to 4 pm, they are hosting cooking demonstrations, folk arts and crafts, and to celebrate both the Day of the Dead holiday as well as the 10,000 Steps project.
   
• 2009 Dia de Los Muertos Festival, Sunday, November 1, on 12th St between Fruitvale & 35th at the Transit Village: This year's event is a collaborative effort between the Unity Council, the City of Oakland, and the Fruitvale Merchants Association, ACPO. The festival will not be as large as previous Dia De Los Muertos festivals, spanning a four block radius, but as always this year's festival will be  fun and family-oriented with a focus on tradition. Look for our booth with an engaging children's art project, thanks to Robin Goodfellow. (Above) Mural by Maxwell Park artist Daniel Camacho at last year's festival.
   
• Mayor Dellums and New OPD Chief Anthony Batts at First of Three Town Hall Meetings, Monday, November 2, 6:30-8 pm, Prescott Elementary School, 920 Campbell Street in West Oakland: Come hear Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts share their vision of public safety. Topics include:
  • Mayor Dellums -- public safety strategy: PIES
    (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement, Sustainability)
  • Chief Batts -- vision for the Oakland Police Department
  • Crime statistics: crime is down double digits citywide,
    but more must be done
  •  Community policing: how can OPD work with the
    community to enhance public safety?

• Principal for a Day, Tuesday, November 3: This annual event provides an opportunity for volunteers from the public sector and business community to partner with the Marcus Foster Educational Fund and Oakland Unified School District to experience a "day in the life" of a school principal. Contact Meiko McDonald at the Marcus Foster Education Fund at 835-0391 or at mmcdonald@marcusfoster.org.

• Information Night & Dinner for Prospective Kindergarten Parents at Glenview Elementary School, Tuesday, November 3, 6-7:30 pm:  Come tour the school and meet the Kindergarten teachers and principal. Current Glenview parents will be available to answer your questions. Childcare will be provided. The school is located at 4215 La Cresta Avenue.The PTA will also be hosting informational house meetings on November 17 and December 5.To attend the info night, reserve childcare, or to attend a house meeting, please RSVP to chooseglenview@yahoo.com or to Joslin Herberich at 336-0363.

• Skyline Information Night, Tuesday, November 3, 6:15 pm: Prospective parents and students are invited to learn more about Skyline High School.  Doors will open at 6:15 pm. for a viewing of a special Performing Arts slide show, to be followed at 6:30 pm by a welcome, introductions, and a presentation about Atlas, Skyline's innovative new program for freshmen. After the general meeting, visitors will divide into smaller groups to experience a series of presentations by teachers. For more information about Skyline, school tours and "shadow visits," go to www.skylinehs.org.

• Information Night at Bret Harte Middle School, Wednesday, November 4, 5-6:30 pm: Tours of the school in November and December. On the same night, the annual Castle Walk will take place. These are castles made by 7th grade students. See real and imaginary European and Japanese Castles and celebrate the extraordinary work of this year's 7th grade students. Vote for your favorites. Light refreshments. Bret Harte Middle School, 3700 Coolidge Ave, just above MacArthur. 531-6400.

• North Hills Neighborhood Council (Beat 13y) Town Hall Meeting, Wednesday, November 4, 7-9pm,110 Hiller Drive, Highlands Clubhouse--I'll be joining Councilmembers Jane Brunner (Oakland District 1) and Gordon Wozniak (Berkeley) to discuss "Crime and Safety in the Hills". What is being done and how can you help yourself and your Neighborhood? Claudia Albano, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, will give a short presentation on Neighborhood Watch, the building block for a strong community. A lively Q & A will follow. Bring a neighbor.  Various members of OPD and Berkeley PD will be on hand as well. A joint meeting co-sponsored by North Hills Neighborhood Council and the North Hills Phoenix Association.

• Youth Ambassador Scholarships and Civic Pride Gala Awards, Thursday, November 5, 5:30 pm: The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Civic Pride host this year's event at the Waterfront Plaza Hotel in Jack London Square. All proceeds benefit Civic Pride's scholarship and youth programs. Ticket donations are just $40 and can be purchased at www.civicpride.net. For more info call 655-5437. 
   

• Meet New Police Chief Anthony Batts, Thursday, November 5,
  Oakland Police Officer's Association (OPOA), 555 5th Street (near Jefferson), light dinner at 6:30pm, meeting starts at 7 pm:  This meeting is sponsored by the OPOA, Oakland Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee, and United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland and is open to all Neighborhood Watch Block Captains and participants, and NCPC Leaders and participants.  Please RSVP to Felicia Verdin. (See Item #8 for additional opportunities to meet Police Chief Batts.)
   

• 
  
  Boo at the Zoo,  Saturday, October 31, 10 am-3 pm: Stroll the Zoo in costume and collect yummy treats. Ride the spooky boo train, then be part of the costume parade! Plus, you'll get to see how the animals at the Oakland Zoo celebrate Halloween!
• 
   
• Sinister Science at Chabot Space & Science Center, 11am-5 pm:   Trick or treat at Chabot. Dress up as your favorite extraterrestrial or character and receive a treat!  Drink some spooky punch and participate in hands-on activities. Enjoy guest appearances by costumed friends. Discovery lab activities for tots with costumes , spooky read-alongs and much more.
   
• Defremery Park Skateboarding Fest, October 31, Noon-2 pm: Skateboard prizes and candy, come in costume.
   
• Spooky Halloween Crafts at Our Libraries:  Make Spider decorations at these branches --Cesar Chavez Branch, 3301 East 12th St., Ste. 271 at 1 pm; or Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. 2-4 pm.  At the Main LibraryChildren's Room, 125 14th St, touch a table of Disgusting Delights, 2-4 pm.
   
• Laurel Halloween Trick or Treating, Saturday, October 31, 1-5pm: .Merchants welcome families with kids all along MacArthur Blvd between 35th Avenue and High Street. Stop by any store with an orange "Trick or Treaters Welcome!" sign in the window and get healthy snacks and candy! 

• Halloween Fun Can Save You Money at Montclair's A Great Good Place for Books, Saturday, October 31: Come in costume on Saturday when you visit a Great Good Place for Books and you can save 10% off your entire purchase-- all day! 6121 La Salle Avenue.
   
• Studio One Haunted House Party, 6-9 pm, 365 45th Street, $2 for children accompanies by adults, $2 for adults with children, $3 for everyone else. Face painting, treats, and spooky times. For info, 597-5027.
   

• New Street Sweeping Schedule Downtown: In response to Downtown Oakland's growing popularity as a nighttime entertainment destination, the City  is adjusting the street cleaning schedule for downtown Oakland. Many areas where street sweeping is currently slated for Midnight-3 am will be switched to 3-6 am to make it easier for patrons to enjoy downtown's vibrant entertainment scene including late night clubs and venues. Street sweeping signage will be changed to reflect the new street cleaning times along more than 50 miles of street curb. The phased in sign installation began this week. The anticipated schedule is as follows:
  • October 26 - November 8:     Embarcadero to 8th Street (Castro to Oak)
  • November 9 - 15:                   8th to 14th streets (Castro to Oak)
  • November 16:                         14th to 20th streets (Castro to Oak)
  • November 23:                         20th to 27th streets (Castro to Harrison)
     
    To avoid frustration during the signage transition period, the City's parking enforcement staff will provide a grace period from October 26 to November 30. Rather than leaving citations on cars, parking enforcement staff will leave a courtesy flier explaining the changes and encouraging parkers to review the new signage. Following the grace period, street sweeping parking restrictions will be strictly enforced. The changes will not impact the level of service or the nights of the week that sweeping will occur.  Business owners in the area will receive a letter and a flier so they can help alert their patrons to the changes.
     
• Changes for Cabaret Licenses?  This week the Public Safety Committee considered changes to the city's cabaret licensing procedures. These are the issues under consideration:
  • Allowing bars and restaurants that have not had public safety issues, to open later than 2 am.  10 pilot exemptions would be tried over 2 years.
  • Developing a less expensive cabaret license ($200-$400) for smaller locations such as art galleries, restaurants, or other facilities that do not open late so that they may have live entertainment without the current $2000-$4000 fees.
     
• Business Incentives Approved for New Businesses:  The Council approved  incentives for attracting new businesses to Oakland which included reducing business taxes or sales taxes for a two year period up to $500,000 for businesses employing more than 20.  As a compromise with Council Members like myself, who want a more flexible program with possibly longer periods or reduced business taxes for companies requiring more capital costs or bring significantly more jobs to the city, the City Administrator is encouraged to bring individual proposals to the Council.  In addition, the staff was asked to bring back programs to help with business retention.  I have proposed that the New Business Program be expanded on a prorated basis to include current Oakland programs that are hiring 20 or more new employees.
  
   
• Save the Dates for Citywide Zoning Update Community Meetings-- Saturday, November 7, 10-Noon, Peralta Elementary School (460 63rd Street) or Thursday, November 12, 6-8 pm, Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center (3301 E. 12th Street, Suite 201): The third round of Community Workshops for the Citywide Zoning Update will be held on two separate dates and at two different locations. At these meetings Staff will present draft zoning proposals, including permitted land uses and development standards.  We encourage you to get involved with this important process! Zoning regulations affect many people living and working in Oakland.
  
   
• 6th Meeting on Central Estuary Plan, Saturday, November 14, Beacon Day School, 2101 Livingston Street, 9 am-Noon: This workshop will focus on identifying a preferred alternative to provide a framework for support and development and enhancement of the Central Estuary. The plan will build upon previous visioning efforts, including the 1999 Estuary Policy Plan, which was shaped around the community's desire to see the Estuary become a diverse, multifaceted destination connecting Oakland and the bay. For details and coverage of community input to date, check out their website or leave a message at 238-7737.

• Precautions for H1N1(Swine Flue) Flu Virus: Apparently the H1N1 Flu which appeared last winter gained strength in the southern hemisphere and is expected to have greater debilitating impact on residents in the northern hemisphere this fall and winter. Novel H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) cases have been reported in 168 countries, all 50 states in the U.S. and the District of Columbia. Although H1N1 cases continue to be mild in Alameda County, the County Public Health Department advises residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to reduce the risk of getting H1N1 or other influenza. H1N1 Vaccination Clinics will be held at the following locations from 9 am- 1 pm or until the supply depletes:
  • Saturday, November 7
    • Lincoln Square Recreation Center, 250 10th Street
    • Ira Jenkins Recreation Center, 9175 Edes Avenue
  • Saturday, November 14
    • DeFremery Park, 1651 Adeline Street
    • Manzanita Recreation Center, 2701 22nd Avenue
  • Saturday, December 5
    • Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Avenue
    • Franklin Recreation Center, 1010 East 15th Street
  • Saturday, December 12
    • Bushrod Recreation Center, 560 59th Street
    • Allendale Recreation Center, 3177 Suter Street
       
•  Kaiser now has the vaccine for its members. For tips on how to prevent the spread of this virulent flu virus, check out Alameda County Public Health Department's website.
   
• Winter Storm Prep Tips: Here are things you can do to prevent storm damage to your home and in your neighborhoods:
  • Check and clean private drainage systems 
  • Do not place leaves, debris or lawn clippings near storm drains
  • Place leaves and green trimmings in your green cart for weekly recycling pickup
  • Check the trees on and near your property.  Winter is a good time to have trees trimmed and inspected.  The tree above fell on the play structure at Redwood Heights Rec Center, luckily no one was in the area when it happened. Photo by Kim Cole.
  • Don't place trash, toxics, or other materials that might wash into our creeks.
  • Keep natural waterways such as creeks and ditches free from obstructions.
  • Report flooding problems and public tree issues to the Public Works Call Center at (510) 615-5566.
  • Adopt-A-Spot with a 'Maintain-A-Drain' project in your neighborhood; call 238-7630.
  • To report PGE Downed Electrical Wires: 1-800-743-5000 
  • Flooding on Highways or Highway Conditions - CalTrans at 511
    
     
• Special Exhibit at Main Library, Out of the Rubble, through February 20, 2010, Oakland History Room, 2nd Floor, Oakland Main Library:  The exhibit contains photographs, ephemeral materials and publications in the collections of the Oakland History Room and is part of an on-going effort by the Oakland Public Library to expand those collections through contributions from those who experienced the historic Loma Prieta earthquake of  the October 17, 1989. (Above) The memorial on Mandela Way at the site of the Cypress Freeway collapse.
   
• An Ounce of Prevention--Retrofitting Saves Lives: This Tribune article is a good update on the urgency for Oaklanders to retrofit their homes and apartments.  Two years ago, our office co-sponsored an ordinance that offered incentives to new homeowners and low income homeowners to retrofit their one to two-family wood frame homes. In addition, the City lowered the seismic retrofit permit fee to a flat $250. The New Homeowner Program was extremely successful--369 new homeowners took advantage of the program. However, funds to cover the reimbursement portion of the incentive program for new home owners have since run out. Our office and the City is working with the Association of Bay Area Governments and the California Earthquake Authority (CEA) to find other revenue sources that can be used to help defray the cost of retrofitting. We are hopeful that Oakland will participate in a pilot program through the CEA that will provide some financial support to property owners who retrofit their homes.
  • (Above) Our office helped the Temescal Tool Lending Library put together 5 Seismic Retrofit Kits for do-it-yourselfers. This week we got this very nice note:  "I wanted to personally thank you for the Seismic Retrofit Bolting Kit at the Oakland Tool Lending Library. I am using it to prepare my home for a potential earthquake, as part of the Oakland Homeowner Voluntary Seismic Safety Incentive Ordinance. What a difference having the Tool Lending Library and the bolting kit have had! I have probably saved over a thousand dollars, and I would not have been able to do it without the bolting kit. This earthquake retrofit was very important to my wife and I, since we just purchased our home, and are looking forward to starting our family and living in it for many years. We love Oakland and the opportunities it has provided for new families just getting started."
     
• Low income families who own homes  in a Redevelopment Area,  may qualify for a city grant.

In addition, the City is working closely with the Rental Housing Association of Northern Alameda County to implement a  multi-family soft story screening program that will help us identify properties that are at risk of collapse in a major earthquake. Over 1400 suspect buildings will be required to complete a basic retrofit study by next fall.  It will be the first part of a phased program where we hope to provide incentives to property owners to retrofit their soft-story apartment buildings and condominiums. These buildings, with large open spaces on the first floor (usually for parking), are probably the most vulnerable in a major earthquake. They represent about 26,000 dwelling units or two-thirds of the dwelling units forecast to fail in a major earthquake.

• The Earthquake Retrofit Institute is trying to map retrofit projects completed since the Loma Pieta earthquake.  Go to this site to register your project. 

Organize Your Neighborhood:  If you and your neighbors have not attended one of the CORE training classes-- or need a refresher-- there are openings  for CORE I's on  November 3, and CORE II's on November 10.  The other CORE III series will occur on November 14, 21 and 24.


 

• Public Invited to Oakland Session of Select Committee on Government Reform, Thursday, November 12, 2 pm, Elihu Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street: Because we can no longer afford delay in implementing real change, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg recently established a new special legislative committee - the Joint Select Committee on Government Reform. Senator Loni Hancock, who represents our area, is one of the members.  This fall, the Committee, comprised of 10 Senators and 10 Assemblymembers, is hosting a series of hearings throughout the state and is expected to deliver a legislative reform package by January 15, 2010. The Oakland session will focus on ballot box budgeting and initiative reform. Speaking will be experts about the problems created by our current initiative process and finding real solutions to these obstacles to create better governance in California, as well as a more educated and informed electorate. This will be the only Bay Area hearing. Two others are scheduled for Thursday, December 3, in Los Angeles and Tuesday, December 15, in the Central Valley. For details, contact Sen. Loni Hancock's office at 286-1333.
   
• Swanson's AB 17 Increases Fines of those who Sexually Exploit Minors:  Oakland government officials continue the focus on the problem of the sexual exploitation of minors. Working with District Attorney Nancy O'Malley, local officials like myself, and the services working with young people on the streets, Swanson has authored a series of bills on this issue.  Local police will tell you that drug dealers are moving to human trafficking because the profits are higher and the consequences can be less.  Swanson's AB 17 is a move to change this. The law quadruples fines on those convicted of pimping or pandering to $20,000 per count and, for the first time, allows prosecutors to seize the assets of convicted pimps to pay those fines.   (Above) Parents of an exploited child speak out for more penalties.
   
• Governor Finally Announces State Park Budget Cuts:  Most of the state's 278 parks will be closed weekdays and better check to see if restrooms will be open.  The $24 million in cuts will affect many Bay Area favorites. For more information the Parks Department released regional notices with more detail.  The Parks Foundation put together a good chart

• Senate Restores Funding for Domestic Violence Programs, Governor Signs It:  In August the Governor used his line item veto to cut all Domestic Violence funding from the state budget. Last week the Senate restored the $16.7 million for 94 shelters statewide, but it needs the Governor's signature.  Advocates at our Domestic Violence forum urged citizens to contact the Governor.  If you helped us contact him, many thanks...the Governor signed it Thursday.

• Coalition Files Ballot Measure for Fall 2010 to Prohibit the State from taking, borrowing or redirecting local taxpayer funds dedicated to public safety, emergency response and other vital local government services.  As a member of the League of Cities Board, we voted to join the coalition because it may be the only way to keep the state from constantly taking local property taxes, redevelopment money, gasoline taxes, highway funds and other revenue to balance its budget.  For more information. 
   
• The State Redevelopment Association files a lawsuit against the State for its second attempt to take Redevelopment funds from the cities, for Oakland this is $41 million. Earlier this month the state dropped its appeal against a decision that last year's grab ($8 million for Oakland) was illegal.

• New Field Poll Finds Public Approval of the Legislature Drops to 13%, 27% for the Governor.
   
• State Markets Bond to Citizens: Ads for California's bonds have flooded local radio markets.  Are they a good investment and are they safe?  This column by Jane Bryant Quinn covers the issues.

  

• New Laptops at Dimond Library: Starting Wednesday, October 28, Dimond Library patrons are now able to check out one of seven new laptops that I purchased with Paygo funds earlier this year. Ever since I was a School Board member,  I've tried to increase access to the internet in our city. Studies have shown that one-third of Oakland residents rely on our libraries as their primary source of access to the Internet. The Dimond branch already has 14 computers for public use but wiring for more computers is limited. In these hard economic times when people of all economic levels use the internet for job searches and other information needs, having additional computers in our libraries can have a real impact.

• New Adult Classes Saturdays at Dimond Recreation Center:

• FREE Basic Electrical course, Saturdays, November 14 and November 21, 10 am-Noon: Learn how to change a plug end, how to change a light switch or receptacle and when to consider calling a professional. This 2-session class meets in the Social Hall at the Recreation Center. Come with your list of questions!
• Ongoing Grow Your Own Dinner Gardening Class, every other Saturday, 10 am-Noon: Taught by Dimond Park Neighbor and Master Gardener; Kelly Harvey. Class fee is $5.00 per week drop-in fee
  Meet in  Recreation Center Club Room. There is a set curriculum for you to plan out your garden from now until June! No yard? No Problem! This class is all about self-sustaining gardening in many creative ways!
   

• New Lot for Butters Creek Preservation Trust:  This week the Public Works Committee approved the purchase of the key lot in the Butters Creek Trust area with Measure DD funds set aside to preserve creeks.  The purchase goes to full Council for final approval on Tuesday.

• Volunteer Opportunities On City Boards & Commissions:  Oakland's Boards and Commissions serve an important role in city government.  Recently, District 4 vacancies have occurred in the Children's Fund Planning and Oversight Committee, the Community Policing Advisory Board, the Measure Y Violence Prevention and Public Safety Oversight Committee, and the Wildfire Prevention Assessment District Advisory Board.  This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about city government while serving your community.  If you are interesting in any of these Boards and Commissions, please email your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest to Ellen Dillard of my office at edillard@oaklandnet.com

• News from Redwood Height's Recreation Center for November:
  • Parent's Night Out, Friday, November 20, 6-10:30 pm: Enjoy a night out while your kids are having fun playing games, doing crafts, watching movies and eating dinner at the Rec Center. $20 if you sign up before November 6; $30 if you sign up after November 6. Send your child with a blanket/pillow so your child can get comfy for the evening movie.
  • Thanksgiving Week Camp, Monday, November 23-Wednesday, November 25, 8 am-6 pm: Wondering where your kids (K-6) can be safe during the Thanksgiving break? Redwood Heights Rec Center offers 3 days of fun--
    • Monday, November 23 #32208.202-- Ferry to Pier 39+ Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum $47
    • Tuesday, November 24 #32208.20--Bowling in Alameda  $45
    • Wednesday, November 25 #32208.20--Movie (tba)  $40 
       
    • Call 482-7827 for details.
       
• Montclair RR Trail Update:  About a dozen neighbors gathered at the Montclair Rec Center last Saturday to begin efforts to form a Friends of the Montclair RR Trail. Top on their list of immediate projects are developing a signage plan and a plan for organized clean ups. They've asked the city to address two major issues: drainage issues, especially the sink hole near Bishop's Court, and the railing along Shepherd Canyon Road. The next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 at 1 pm (location to be confirmed) at which time there will be further discussion on the Bylaws. For details, please contact Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042.

• Upcoming NCPC Meetings
   
  • Meet New Police Chief Anthony Batts, Thursday, November 12, 6:30-8:30 pm at Montera Middle School: Chief Batts will discuss his vision for change at the Oakland Police Department, and the roles the community will play in that change, including crime prevention.  A question and answer session will follow Chief Batts' presentation.  Refreshments will be served before the meeting.  This meeting is being sponsored by the Montclair Safety and Improvement Council (MSIC), Montclair's Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), in collaboration with North Hills, Joaquin Miller, Glenview, and Dimond NCPCs.  To attend this meeting, please send an RSVP to MSIC Chairperson Nick Vigilante at NVigilante@msn.com or call Nick at 339-6855.   
    
     

• Laurel Book Store Now Open on Sundays, 4100 MacArthur Blvd., in the Laurel:
  • Kid's Story Time, Wednesdays at 3:30 pm: Bring the little ones for a nice afternoon treat.
  • Sunday, November 1, 4 pm: Local author Canyon Sam has a wonderful new book out entitled Sky Train; Tibetan Women on the Edge of History.
  • Saturday November 7, 6:30 pm: Malinda Lo will read and sign Ash, a wonderful new retelling of Cinderella.  November 7 is National Book Store Day. Watch for press.
  • Wednesday, November 11, 7pm: Fred Hertz and Emily Doskow will present their new book Making It Legal; A Guide to Same-Sex Marriage, Domestic Partnerships and Civil Unions.
  • Sunday, November 22, 4 pm: Teacher Tea

• Updates from our NCPCs (more to come next week):
  • Allendale NCPC: members met with parents and administrators at the Allendale Elementary School to introduce their NCPC organization and how they could form a partnership to improve their neighborhoods. Also, thanks to Roberto Costa and other residents, beautiful mosaics have been installed around the Allendale to welcome visitors. The Allendale NCPC is also working on obtaining a mural for their area as well. 
  • Bret Harte/Joaquin Miller NCPC: Goodbye to Molly Stoufer, president of the NCPC, as she and her family move out of Oakland.  We thank her for her hard work and dedication. 
  • Dimond 22X NCPC, our newest and highly active NCPC, had their last quarterly meeting for the year with guest speaker Marina Jimenez from the Alameda County District Attorney's Office. She discussed how  people, including those in their 50s and older, can protect themselves against scams and abuse.  The Economic Development Committee was busy building relations with businesses in the area and ensuring that businesses were providing quality service and products to the customers.  The Public Safety Committee had been tirelessly working on the loitering and unsecured area at Dimond Park as well as finding the property owner of the old gas station accountable for the blight issue.  The Beautification Committee is partnering with local schools to keep their neighborhoods clean, see #11. 
  • Laurel NCPC: more people are reporting prostitution taking place at the hotel and motels in the area.  Please remember to call the prostitution number 238-2373. McGee Avenue residents and the Laurel Methodist Church came together to discuss issues of concern in and around their area.  They are both making efforts to reach out to each other and build community.  Alert neighbors had enabled police officers to arrest an individual for taking mail, small tools and food from people's homes. Maybelle residents in the Laurel District have formed a walking group to reclaim their street and fight back the increase of criminal activity in their neighborhood. The NCPC is looking for 10-15 volunteers to run an emergency shelter at St. Lawrence O'Toole in case of a natural disaster. Red Cross training will be provided.  For more information please contact bearwong@aol.com. 
  • Maxwell Park NCPC had an informative session on how to establish a Neighborhood Watch.
  • Melrose NCPC: on November 19, the Melrose NCPC will be having their potluck thanksgiving feast.  Most importantly, they will be soliciting their members and the community to bring non perishable food items and donations to help their NCPC give food baskets to Families in Need.  Last year, they served 10 families. 
     
     
• More Unpermitted Door-to-door Vendors--Beware of Urban Development Solutions:  At NCPC meetings and regularly in this newsletter, we consistently urge residents to call their beat officers or call the police when you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Sometimes solicitations seem like thinly veiled attempts to case a neighborhood.  This past week, alert neighbors helped police capture and arrest suspicious "solicitors" on Thornhill. They activated their Listserv AND called the police.  Other vendors sometimes have shady records which is why we require them to register with the city.  Urban Development Solutions is currently in many neighborhoods, it uses young minorities to sell magazines that often do not arrive, this website describes them.

• Watch Out for Phone Scams: A resident in the North Oakland Neighborhood Council (Beat 13y) reported a telephone scam in which he received 6 progressively assertive phone calls urging him to "claim" his $2.5 million lottery win by sending $500. AT&T, Sprint and the FCC all warn about responding to calls from the following "area codes": 809, 284 and 876. The 809 area code is in the Dominican Republic. If you call back, the scammers put you on hold or extend the call, which apparently costs $2425 per minute! The charges afterward can become a real nightmare. That's because you actually did make the call.  If you complain, both your local phone company and your long distance carrier will not want to get involved and will most likely tell you that they are simply providing the billing for the foreign company. You'll end up dealing with a foreign company that argues they have done nothing wrong.
  
  Robbery Safety Tips: Captain Rick Orozco reminds us that as we approach the holiday season, shoppers should take extra precautions.  
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Always conceal what you have to steal, such as money or a cell phone
  • Try not to walk along at night near BART stations--thieves tend to look for victims there.
  • Avoid making phone calls while on BART or on the bus. If you must make a call, sit near the driver and stay there.
  • If you must make a call while you are walking. go to a safe, public place like a store. Make your call, then conceal your phone before going back out to the street.
  • When leaving your car, lock it and close the windows. Take your keys. Don't leave items inside the car.
  • When you get into your car, close and lock the doors immediately. Keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up.
  • Use ATMs in well-lighted, populated areas--during the day is best. If you see anyone loitering near the ATM, go somewhere else-- use the ATMs inside local grocery stores at night. Before you leave, put your cash away, scan the area and leave immediately.  If you suspect danger, promptly enter the nearest store or building.
  • To report suspicious activity, call the OPD Non-Emergency Number, 777-3333 or call 777-3211 on your cell.

• Please call 777-3333 if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood, or contact your problem solving officer directly,  While crime in Oakland has been down by 14%, home  burglaries and domestic violence are up. Learn more by attending your neighborhood's monthly Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meeting.

 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

• ipod-Compatible Audiobooks Now Downloadable from the Library: The Oakland Public Library now offers over 1000 MP3-format audiobooks from NetLibrary that can be played on iPods and Macintosh computers as well as other MP3 players and PC's. Titles include recent books by popular authors, including fiction and non-fiction for adults, teens and children, classics, and award winners. Before you can download these audiobooks readers need to establish a free account with NetLibrary. The Oakland Public Library Web site has a link. For more details, and to download audiobooks, see http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/databaselist.htm#ebooks.

• Free Dimond Library Fall Events:  Your neighborhood library at 3565 Fruitvale Avenue is full of community activities for the entire family:
  • Every Tuesday at 7 - Family Story Time  for ages 0-6
  • Wednesday mornings at 10:15 am- Toddler Time for ages 0-2; 11 am Preschool Storytime for ages 3-5
  • Every Thursday, 3:30-4:30- Teen Time-music, food, video and board games for teens 12 and older

• Lawyers in the Library: The Lawyers in the Library program makes legal information and referral available to the public for free. (If further legal help is required, clients are referred to the Bar Association Referral Service.) The program is co-sponsored by the Alameda County Bar Association. Sessions are popular, and getting an appointment often requires showing up early for advance sign-ups. Call your local branch for the schedule.

Oakland's Re-Create 2009 Art Contest Open to All Students (K-12: This annual art contest and exhibition is open to all Oakland youth who use discarded materials in a creative application of the 4Rs-- reduce, recycle and rot. November 8, 2009 is the deadline for submitting artwork to the contest. For locations and dates of the workshops, please visit www.oaklandrecylces.com. For additional information, contact Ferial Mosley,Recycling Specialist, at 238-7433.

 

• Redwood Heights Elementary School Harvest for Learning Auction, Saturday, November 7, Mills College Student Union: A fun night of shopping, entertainment, appetizers and no host bar.  Plus, you'll be supporting the biggest fundraiser for your local school. Invitations (with directions) and RSVP cards are available on the school website at: http://rhs.ousd.ca.campusgrid.net/home. Donations are also welcome. For details, contact Amy Gurowitz at 482-9502.

• Oakland's Promise Alliance Summit to Help All Students Graduate, Saturday, November 14, 9 am-4 pm, Castlemont Community of Small Schools, 8601 MacArthur Blvd.: This free event is open to students and parents to learn about what support systems are in place to help all Oakland public school students succeed in school:
  • Review exciting Oakland educational innovations
  • Discuss policy and practice with Superintendent Tony Smith and international experts
  • Talk with students about victories and challenges they experience
  • Plan with others how to help every young person enjoy school and earn a diploma. Pre-registration required. On-line registration or  call 238-790
     

Oakland East Bay Symphony Opening Concert: Night at the Opera, Friday, November 13, 8 pm, Paramount Theatre: Michael Morgan, conductor.  Seven talented young singers perform some of the most famous music form the world's grandest operas, including Aida and other Verdi favorites, Donizetti's Lucia de Lammermoore, and Leonard Bernstein's Candide, with Oakland Symphony Chorus (Lynne Morrow, Music Director. Tickets start at $20. Save 20% when ordering online-- use promotion code SAVE20.  Tickets at Ticketmaster (800-745-3000) or at the Paramount Box Office (no service charge) 444-0801.
 

• Walking Tours of Oakland: A great way to introduce our fair city to yourvisitors, 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, October 31: City Center
    
    
     

• Making Your Home Affordable Clinic, Saturday, November 7, 10 am-2 pm: Oakland City Hall:  Join the Office of Mayor Ron Dellums at this FREE one-day event to assist families vulnerable to foreclosure. Learn how you can save your home. The event features on-site HUD-approved housing counseling and home mortgage lenders to assist families impacted by  he current mortgage crisis. Participating lenders: Chase, WaMu, EMC, Wells Fargo, Wachovia, ASC and more. Fill out an application to get a head start. Please RSVP at 268-9792, ext. 26.

We've learned over the years that when neighbors work together, they build a stronger community. 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.

Volunteers needed: The Annual Comcast America's Children's Holiday Parade is set for Saturday, December 5 at 2 pm along Broadway.  More than 100,000 people watch this parade each year and the City seeks volunteers to help with balloon handling (18years or older), banner and sign carriers (great for family teams), logistics. If you and your friends, families or co-workers are interested in participating with this fun-filled event, sign up online at http://www.oaklandholidayparade.com/volunteers.php


 

• Keep a Kid Warm: The Support Oakland Teachers Facebook group has received a request for warm coats. If you have any coats to donate, want to buy some or pick up some at garage sales, please contact Holly Kernan at hkernan@mills.edu.

• Vacancy on Public Ethics Commission: The City of Oakland Public Ethics Commission is seeking applicants for the one open of four  Commission-selected seats. The term begins on January 22, 2010 and expires on January 21, 2013. Applicants must reside in Oakland and be registered to vote in Oakland. The Commission was created by a voter-approved City Charter amendment in 1996 to "assure fairness, openness, honesty and integrity in City government." For details or to obtain an application, contact Dan Purnell at 238-3593. Applications and resumes must be received no later than Friday, October 30 at 5 pm.
   
• Library Seeks Volunteer Storyreaders: Books for Wider Horizons is seeking adult volunteers to read to children once a week at a local preschool or childcare center. Participants must complete a 7-session training at Rockridge branch before they are placed. Please call 238-7453 for more information or to sign up! The fall schedule for classes is:
  • November 3, 4, 6, 6 - 8:15 pm
  • November 7, 9 am - 3 pm

• 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.Volunteers participating in Dimond/Dimond Park clean-up walks receive a complimentary card from La Farine Bakery/Dimond for 2 pastries or rolls/2 drinks. >>Samples of what our intrepid volunteers have picked up off the streets in the Dimond; their favorite is an atm receipt for $49,000.
   

• Dimond Park Clean-ups: Suspended until end of rainy season.
• Tuesday Mornings, 8-9 am: Meet in front of McDonald's for Dimond clean-up
• Thursday Evenings: for time and place email krussell@russell-gordon.com
• Friday Mornings, 8-9 am: meet in front of McDonald's for Dimond clean-up
• Next Community Clean-up: Saturday, November 14, pick up a "litter map" between 9-10 am at Dimond Gateway Garden, corner of MacArthur and Lincoln. Litter walks are 30 to 45 minutes.  Dimond contact: Kathleen Russell, 842-3200, krussell@russell-gordon.com

• Joaquin Miller Park: Major events coming up:
   
  • Saturday, November 7, 9 am-- Help complete new pathways as part of the renovation of Joaquin Miller's Abbey. Bring sunscreen, hat, workclothes, gloves and proper shoes. Contact Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042.
  • Renovation at the Sequoia Arena, Saturday, November 7, 9 am-Noon: Help the Friends of Sausal Creek kickoff the beginning of a new restoration project in the wetland next to the redwoods at the Sequoia Arena. Take Joaquin Miller Rd. to Skyline Blvd.  Drive for about one mile and look for the signs on your left marking the Sequoia Arena parking lot.  Please bring work gloves if you have them.  Goals of the day will include removing invasive species from the wetland area.  Wear clothing appropriate for any weather, and please bring water.  For more information, contact Megan at field@sausalcreek.org, or call 985-1669.
    
    
     

• Maxwell Park--Daily clean up by Friends of Maxwell Park. Contact Nancy Karigaca at 436-6680.

• Maxwell Park NCPC Monthly Clean Up, Third Sunday of the Month, 9 am. Next session is scheduled for Sunday, November 15. Be prepared to plant  Freesias, as well as do the usual trash pick-up and weeding.  

• Peralta Creek Park (Corner of Rettig and Wisconsin): Meet the third Tuesday of the month from 6:30-7:30 pm.
   

• 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
   

• Horace Mann Garden Workday,  Saturday, November 14, 9-11 am:  Help weed the hillside gardens the NCPC/School Community planted in April. They'll also replace several plants that died when the irrigation wasn't working properly. Two hours of your time will make a difference in the appearance of our neighborhood school, so please plan to come! Horace Mann School is located at 5222 Ygnacio Avenue.

Experience Corps Seeks Volunteers 55+: Experience Corps seeks Baby Boomer volunteers to tutor and mentor students at our underserved elementary schools. They currently support students in seven elementary schools throughout North and East Oakland (Civicorps, Cleveland, Emerson, Monarch Academy, Piedmont Ave, Santa Fe, Think College Now) and they could use your time, talent and life experience.  As little as 2 hours a week can make a huge difference and scheduling is flexible.  No prior experience tutoring or working with kids necessary - full training and on-site support is provided, as are paid stipends for volunteers who serve 10+ hours a week!For more information, contact David Moren at  495-4966
 

• Comcast's Annual Children's Holiday Parade, Saturday, December 5, 2 pm on Broadway and 11th Street to 20th and Harrison:  More than 100,000 on-street viewers visit this parade, which is broadcast on PBS affiliates cross the country, KTVU-FOX 2, KICU-36, Comcast Cable and Peralta Television. If you've never seen it before, there are giant helium balloons, children's favorite cartoon and storybook characters, top marching bands, creative floats, great performance groups and Santa Claus. Bring the kids-- and even more fun, volunteer (see Item #11 above)

• Winter Holiday Craft Fair at The Space, 4148 MacArthur (at Laurel JuJitsu), Saturday, December 12, 11 am-6 pm: Craftspeople and makers of original works in textiles, clay, glass, metal, wood, and mixed media.  Do you live in the Laurel, Maxwell Park, Allendale, Diamond-Fruitvale or other districts close to the Laurel? Sell your work at a Winter Holiday Craft Fair!  Submit your contact information, verbal description of your craft work including medium materials or unique process that you use. Include slides, digital images sent by email or on disks or photographic prints and any promotional materials to Winter Holiday Craft Fair at The Space, 4148 MacArthur Blvd. Materials due by November 1. Accepted artists notified by  November 7th. For details, contact thespace_craft@yahoo.com.
   
• Holidays at Dunsmuir, Weekends starting December 5 through December 20: When you cross the threshold into the majestically decorated 37-room mansion,  you will see the two-story live holiday tree that reaches into the Tiffany-style dome. Each room is uniquely decorated in jewel tones, with delicate, whimsical ornaments, bows and garland to create an exquisite atmosphere of the bygone Edwardian era. Dedicated volunteers put in more than 5,000 hours to transform the 16,000 square foot mansion into a breathtaking holiday masterpiece for your enjoyment. Dunsmuir-Hellman House & Garden located at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court.
   
• The Christmas Revels, December 11-13 and December 18-20, Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive: This year's annual festival celebrates the traditions of 19th century Bavaria in folk tales, dance, ritual and song. Tickets ($12-$15) on sale starting October 15. Professionally staged and featuring renowned musicians and performers, Revels presents an onstage community blending adults, children, teens and audience in a unique festival that marks the turning of the year. This is the 24th year of the Christmas Revels.

• Oakland East Bay Symphony's Annual Let Us Break Bread Holiday Concert, Sunday, December 13, 4 pm, Paramount Theatre: What a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and Oakland's diverse musical heritage. This is a great family event (no babes in arms, please). Buy tickets early as it is always standing room only!

• The Oakland Ballet's Nutcracker at the Paramount Theatre, Thursday, December 24, 11 am, Saturday, December 26, 2 pm  and 7:30 pm, and Sunday, December 27, 2 pm: The Oakland Ballet Company and Peninsula Battlet Theatre present Carlos Carvajal's choreographed version of the holiday favorite, The Nutcracker. Matinees will be followed by a Sweet Dreams party (separate ticket required. Purchase tickets on line or through Ticketmaster (625-8497).