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1. This Week in Oakland! |
 Two
Workdays in Joaquin Miller Park 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: 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.
 East
Bay Children's Book Project Yard Sale Fundraiser, Saturday,
November 7, 9 am-1 pm, 650 Trestle Glen:
Come for the donated household items for sale and support
this project that has give away 350,000 children's books for
youngsters who otherwise don't have much access to books.
You'll find furniture, appliances, kitchen items,
electronics, video games, movies, knick-knacks, books,
clothing, children's toys, athletic equipment, costume
jewelry and much more. To learn about the East Bay
Children's Book Project, please visit their website at http://www.ebcbp.org/
-
 Mosaic
Clean up and Maxwell Park Clean Up, Saturday, November
7, 9-10 am: Join friends and neighbors as remove
mud from the new mosaic and other post-rain clean up at
Maxwell Park. Contact
Nancy Karigaca at 436-6680.
- Informational Tour
for Prospective Parents and Garden/Schoolwide Clean up
at Melrose Leadership Academy, Saturday, November
7, 9 am, 5328 Brann Street.
- Plant Daffodil Bulbs
and Clean Up At William Wood Park, Saturday, November 7,
9 am-Noon: Volunteers will also be re-painting
benches and trash containers.
- Plant Daffodil Bulbs
in the Dimond, Saturday, November 7: 9:30 am- Noon:
Help Tim Little, of the Keep Oakland Beautiful Board,
plant daffodil bulbs. Meet at the corner of Fruitvale
and Harold. The planting is on the south berm of the 580
Freeway exit onto Fruitvale. For details, call Tim at
827-7513.
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 Two
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.
-
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.
- Native American
Culture Day at the
Main Library, Saturday, November 7, Noon-5 pm:
Local Native activists speak about the United
Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and
international indigenous struggles for rights and
preservation of the earth. Special guests include
Tony Gonzales of
the American Indian Movement (AIM-West), and
Alberto Saldamando
of the International Indian Treaty Council
(IITC). Both AIM-West and the IITC are organizations of
Indigenous Peoples working for human rights,
environmental
 justice,
and self-determination. In 1977, IITC was the first
Indigenous organization to receive Consultative Status
to the UN Economic and Social Council. Oakland's own
Medicine Warriors Dance
Troupe (left) will be on hand to perform
Native American dances, as they have in years past.
Flautist Wally Johnson
and drummer Jane DeCuir will perform. Films will
be screened from noon to 1 pm. Native American Culture
Day is sponsored by the library's Native American
Services Committee. It is a free public event for all
ages. For more information, call 238-3134.
- 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.
-
 Last
Day to Submit Art for Oakland's Re-Create 2009 Art
Contest, Sunday, November 8: 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.oaklandrecycles.com. For additional information,
contact
Ferial Mosley, Recycling Specialist, at 238-7433.
 Oakland
Youth Orchestra's Annual Fall Concert & Fund Raiser,
Sunday, November 8, 3 pm at Allen Temple Baptist Church:
This concert is free, with donations accepted. The
orchestra will be performing Francesco Geminiani's
Concerto Grosso,
William Boyce's
Symphony No. 2, Pyotr Tchaikovsky's
The Sleeping Beauty
Suite, and Igor Stravinsky's
The Firebird Suite.
If you would like to be 'instrumental' in keeping the
Oakland Youth Orchestra vital, please consider
making a
donation. Donations are tax-deductible, so you may
want to get your donation in by December 31! OYC will be
going on tour this coming summer, and they have a
challenge grant to our tour fund from an anonymous donor
for $1,000, so please let them know if you would like to
specifically support the tour. For details, call
832-7710.
- Second Sunday
Series, Play Readings & Poetry Open MIC, Sunday,
November 8, 4-6 pm: Hear plays written by Teens
from Oakland Tech and Fremont High Schools; bring a poem
for open mic. Piccola Arts Center, 2946 MacArthur Blvd.
For details, contact
Opera Piccola at 482-0967
- Citywide Zoning
Update Meeting for Historic Preservation Issues at the
Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board Meeting, Monday,
November 9, Hearing Room 1, Oakland City Hall, 6 pm:
As part of the Citywide Zoning Update, staff will give a
presentation on how the Citywide Zoning Update will work
towards implementing the Historic Preservation Element
of the General Plan.
For agenda...
- Public Invited to
Oakland Session of Select Committee on Government
Reform, Thursday, November 12, 2 pm, Elihu Harris State
Building, 1515 Clay Street: 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. Our Senator Loni Hancock is one of the members.
The Committee, comprised of 10 Senators and 10
Assemblymembers, is hosting a series of hearings 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.
- 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.
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2. City Issues: More Budget Cuts, Contract Competition,
World Soccer Cup Petition, Downtown Night Parking |
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 Help
Bring World Cup Soccer to Oakland: Oakland is
increasingly hosting international soccer games with
many Latin American teams packing the coliseum. Oakland
is now in the running to be a one of the 17 bidding host
city finalists chosen by the US Soccer Federation for
the 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. The
Council approved an application this week which requires
staff to return to the Council before any city financial
commitments are made. A recent study indicated that the
economic impact from hosting a World Cup may be as much
as $300-500 million per city. The U.S. bid committee
will make its final decision on the 17 cities to include
in its bid this December. Oakland is one of 27 cities
being considered in this final round, narrowed down from
an initial round of 72 applicants. After the bid is
finalized, FIFA will select the host country in December
of 2010. One important measure by which the U.S. bid
committee is determining a city's enthusiasm for the bid
is show of public support.
Please sign the petition today to show your support,
and then pass it on to your circle of friends.
- Mid-Year Budget Cuts Expected:
This week the Finance Committee will review the
City Administrator's report on an expected budget
shortfall. The council is expected to hold a special
meeting on the budget later this month to address mid
year adjustments to the budget caused primarily by: 1)
State withholding of a sale taxes to adjust for what
they say is an "over payment" last year; 2) Refusal by
athletic teams at the Coliseum to pay the parking taxes
or ticket taxes; 3) Police overtime.
- Council Seeks More Contracting Diversity:
In recent years many bids for city contracts for sewer,
street, or other infrastructure projects have had few
bidders. To get more diversity in the bidding pool and
competition, the Council has
approved recommendations that would sub-divide some
projects into smaller contracts in hopes of getting new
local companies to apply.
- Wrong Way Parking Ticket? Last
week the Council approved a resolution making parking
the wrong way on narrow streets, less than 30 ft wide
where two vehicles cannot pass each other unless one has
to stop to let the other pass, a low priority
enforcement. If you received such a ticket in recent
weeks, you may be eligible to appeal it. Send appeals
to Director of Parking
Noel Pinto.
- 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.
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 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.
- 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.
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3. More Info on Instant Run-Off Elections |
 Last week
a controversy was raised over what most Oakland voters
thought was a settled issue. In 2006 the voters of
Oakland passed
Measure O by 69%.
Alameda County is using the same system as successfully used
in San Francisco for four years and is waiting for approval
expected by the end of the year. The League of Women Voters
and cities of Oakland, Berkeley, and San Leandro have been
working on an educational program for the new system for
about two years. However, The East Bay Express
exposed political maneuverings that appear to be an
attempt to stop the Instant Run-off Voting (IRV) from taking
place next year.
So last week the League of Women
with support from the Alameda Central Labor Council,
Chinese American Citizens Alliance, Hispanic Chamber,
Wellstone Democratic Club, and other speakers held a
press conference on City Hall steps (above) to announce
that they have sent a letter to Secretary of State Debra
Bowen asking her to grant a waiver to Alameda County as
soon as possible so it can proceed with IRV elections in
November 2010. Her office promises an answer soon. For
more information of the IRV process we were sent
this link from the Fair Vote Foundation.
Why Do We Care? I support and have
an interest in the voting process taking place as
approved by the voters, but the issue is more than
any one race or candidate.
- The voters approved Measure O overwhelmingly,
69%.
- The extra June Primary would cost the city about
$800,000 more.
- Twice as many people vote in the fall elections,
making an IRV election more representative and
democratic. This could change the outcome of the
election.
- The system seems to have made elections less
acrimonious because voters have more than one
choice.
- Congresswoman Barbara Lee statement on Measure
O: "Instant runoff voting makes good sense in
Oakland: it's fair, it saves money for critical
public services and it promotes candidate
diversity. It will bring Oakland to the forefront
of election reform and focus voter attention on
these critical local races."
What Can You Do?
Let the Secretary of State and the City Council know
what you think:
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4. Updates from the State
Legislature: State Hearing on Initiative Reform Here in
Oakland; Cities File Ballot Measure to Stop State Grabs; LAO
Warns About Bond Debt |
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The California Legislative Analyst Says California
reaching bond limit. Partly due to the
state putting the budget on a "credit card" over the
last 4 years -- bonding debt rather than balancing the
budget -- nearly 9 percent of state revenues will go to
paying off debt. We are also reaching our limit, the
state only has bout $130 billion in bonding capacity
left. This is one reason why several Bay Ara
legislators voted against the new Water Deal passed last
week. Not only do they have concerns over the impact on
the Bay, but the project would require over $100 billion
or most of the remaining bonds.
- League of Women Voters Holds Forum on the
Many State Reform Efforts, Tuesday, November 17, 6-7:30
pm, Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 3: There
are talks of constitution conventions and several new
state ballot initiatives. Confused about who is behind
these efforts and will they bring real reform, there are
no better non-partisan guides than our League of Women
Voters. Come to hear presentations on the many
different efforts planned for 2010.
-
 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 this
useful chart.
- 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.
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5. District 4 News--New Laptops at Dimond Library,
Butters Creek Purchase
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Halloween in the Hood: 4H Marches in
the Montclair parade, Collecting Treats from Laurel
Merchants, great host at the Bella Vista Park Halloween
& salsa dancing party.
 New
Laptops at Dimond Library: Dimond Library patrons are
now able to check out one of seven new laptops that I
purchased with Paygo funds earlier this year. Studies have
shown that one-third of Oakland residents rely on our
libraries as their primary source of access to the Internet
but many libraries have limited electrical outlets and
computers. The Dimond branch has 14 computers for public
use that usually have waiting lines. Now you can register to
use the new laptops (above Jean and Library Director Carmen
Martinez check out a Dimond laptop) that thanks to the wifi
here lets you use it anywhere in the building.
- Hillside Garden
Maintenance at Horace Mann, Saturday, November 14, 9-11
am: Join members of the Melrose High Hopes NCPC
with gloves, hats, water and hand tools to help maintain
the long hillside at Horace Mann Elementary School, 5222
Ygnacio Avenue. Details, contact
Jeanne Nixon at 533-3120.
- 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!
- 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.
- Laurel Farmers'
Market Now Offers A Season of Soups: Open
Saturdays from 10 am-2 pm in the parking lot at 4171
MacArthur Blvd., the Laurel Farmers' Market offers
freshlocal produce form J&P Organics, fresh baked treats
and coffee from local baker Wingwalker's Baking Co.,
Mediterranean delights from local vendor Mediterranean
Food Co., and local honey from Bee Healthy Honey. Now
Purple Lawn Cafe is serving hearty root vegetables, rich
stocks and broths and interesting spices to warm you up
during the colder weather.
-
 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 at the Montclair Rec Center at which time
there will be further discussion on the Bylaws. For
details, please contact
Sue Piper in our office at 238-7042.
- 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..
- 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
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6. Fall Emergency Preparedness--Fire,
Flood, Seismic & H1N1 Vaccination Locations |
- 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.
The Emergency Hills Forum is a collaboration of
East Bay Fire Districts that plan vegetation management
and wildfire prevention. This month retiring
Fire Marshall Jim Williams, Jean, and Acting Fire
Marshall Leroy Griffin handed over the gavel to UC
Berkeley.
- Fire Season Comes to Close, But Now is the
Time to Take Out Trees & Other Brush and Plant Fire
Resistant Native Plants: With this last rain
we can relax a bit about fire danger, but this is the
best time to trim trees. Fall is also planting season
for the Bay Area, especially for native plants. Take a
look at your landscape. Can you remove plants close to
your home that are a fire danger?
-
 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.
 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.
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7. Community Policing |
- Updates from our NCPCs
(See Joint Mtg in #1):
- Allendale NCPC
members of Feet on
the Street pointed out the increased number of
homeowners using their property as autobody
facilities. Therefore, causing increase of cars
parked on the roads making it difficults for
neighbors to park in front of their own homes or see
around huge vehicles parked too close to their
property. If you live in the Allendale area and
suspect this type of activity happening, please
contact your Neighborhood Services Coordinator Debra
Ramirez at
dramirez@oaklandnet.com and Public Safety
Officer Richard McNeely at
rmcneely@oaklandnet.com. Furthermore, it is
important to keep Oakland as beautiful as possible,
so if you notice any blight on someone's property
contact CEDA at 238-3381or if you notice blight on
public property contact the Public Works Agency at
615-5566.
- Bret Harte/Joaquin
Miller NCPC:
Cancelled was this week's NCPC meeting due to the
continuous meetings with new Police Chief Anthony
Batts and Mayor Ron Dellums that was sceduled on the
same date and time.
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 <<The
Laurel NCPC
recently had a Feet on the Street with the Laurel
Village Association. Together, they enjoyed a night
out getting to know one another in the spirit of
being neighborly.
- Maxwell Park NCPC
will be meeting next
Wednesday, November 11th unless told otherwise.
-
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.
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:
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8. School, Youth and Library News |
- If You're New to
OUSD or Will Be Next Fall, OUSD Options Period Is the
Time to Register for Next Year: Since 2005-06,
OUSD has used an enrollment system called "Options" for
enrollment in its elementary, middle and high school
levels. The Options System lets families participate in
and influence the process of selecting a school for
their children. The school tours, open houses, and
options fairs set the stage for Open Enrollment, which
lasts from December to January. This year, the OUSD
Options period takes place from December 7, 2009-January
15, 2010. This is the time that entering Kindergartners
or students entering OUSD from outside of the district
need to complete their registration for the 2010-2011
School Year.
For details, contact
434-7780.
- Family Diversity
Night at Sequoia Elementary School, Thursday, November
12, 5:30-8 pm: See the film "That's a Family" and
celebrate Sequoia Schools diversity-- Adoptive,
Multi-racial, Single-parent, Two-parent,
Grandparent-led, LGBT. Discussion to follow the film.
Childcare provided. RSVP to Reka Lal at
reka@ebac.org or 482-7213.
- World AIDS Day
Scholarship Program for High School Sophomores, Juniors
& Seniors--Deadline November 15: Three $1,000
scholarships awarded by the National AIDS Memorial
Grove, who operate the Grove in Golden Gate Park.
Students are asked to write an essay or submit an
"expressive" art form-- rap, dance, poetry etc. on the
subject of "How HIV/AIDS impacts my live and/or
community. For details go to
http://www.aidsmemorial.org/youth-college-scholarship-program.
- 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
- Tuesday, November 17, 7 pm: Meet authors Janelle
Orsi and Emily Doskow(pictured together at right),
who will talk about their topical new book,
The Sharing
Solution: How to Save Money, Simplify Your Life and
Build Community. Both authors are local
attorneys who specialize in guiding people to
creating and maintaining successful sharing
arrangements. Dimond Branch is located at 3565
Fruitvale Ave. Contact
Mary Schrader, Branch Manager, at 482-7844 for
details.
- 2nd Annual
Exhibit of Oakland Library Artists at Rockridge
Branch, throughout November: 26 visual
artists will exhibit their paintings, photographs,
prints, and drawings in the Rockridge Branch
Gallery, on the 2nd floor.
A performing
artist's showcase will take place on Friday,
November 13, from 5:45 to 8:30 pm, at the
Rockridge Branch. It will feature live music,
poetry, slide shows, food, and jewelry, ceramics,
knitwear, recordings, cutting boards, apparel, and
books will be available for sale. The Rockridge
Branch is located at 5366 College Avenue. For
details, call 601-8663.
- 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 Su
 perintendent
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.
- Open House for
Prospective Joaquin Miller Parents for Fall 2010:
The Joaquin Miller PTA provides prospective parents
several opportunities to view the school and learn
more about its programs:
- Thursday, December 10, 7-8 pm-informational
presentation about the school featuring the
principal, PTA president and other parents
- Wednesday, January 6, 11 am- Noon-tour
Kindergarten classrooms and school facilities
- Monday, January 11, 11 am-Noon- tour
Kindergarten classrooms and school facilities.
No need to RSVP for the evening event on December 10
but please RSVP to Joaquin Miller School Principal
Paulette Smith at
paulette.smith@ousd.k12.ca.us to reserve your
place for one of the day-time tours.
- Fall Art
Camp: Primary Colors at MOCHA, Monday, November
23-Wednesday, November 25: The Museum of
Children's Art sponsores day-long camp studios
for kids grades K-6. Register by the day. Pre-
and after care available at additional costs.
8:30am-3:30 pm. $65 per day (10 percent discount
for members.
MOCHA is located at 538 Ninth Street. Call
465-8770.
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9. Upcoming Community Events |
- Josh Allen Large
Ensemble at
Flux 53 Starting Sunday, November 8, 8 pm:
Twentyish-piece ensemble led by sax demon Josh Allen,
featuring such local luminaries as William Winant,
Darren Johnston, Henry Kaiser, Rob Ewing, Aaron Bennett,
and Roberto de Haven of the Church of Coltrane. Three
consecutive Sundays with a different opening act each
week. 5300-5312 Foothill Blvd. Call 842-8841 for
details.
- Learn Italian!
Beginning Italian for adults will be offered through
Montclair Elementary School's Language League. The cost
of this class is $130 and will begin as soon as a
minimum number of 10 students have enrolled so be sure
to spread the word. If you, or any of your friends and
family, are interested please contact Maria Grazia De
Angelis at
mariagra@hotmail.com as soon as possible.
Oakland East Bay Symphony Opening Concert: Night at the
Opera, Friday, November 13, 8 pm, Paramount Theatre:
Michael Morgan, cond uctor.
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.
- Oakland's Energy and
Climate Action Plan Meeting, Wednesday, November 18, 6-8
pm, Laney College: A coalition of Oakland groups
is calling on residents to turn out on November 18 for a
key public meeting about Oakland's forthcoming Energy
and Climate Action Plan to show broad support for a plan
meets the City Council's aggressive emissions-reduction
goals in ways that also strengthen communities, support
vulnerable populations, and make Oakland a national
model for local, community-based efforts to confront
climate change. On July 7, 2009, Oakland adopted one of
the strongest goals in the country for reducing
greenhouse gases, with targeted reductions of 36% below
2005 levels by 2020, about 5% per year. These goals were
largely the result of efforts by the
Oakland Climate Action Coalition, which was formed
to make sure that Oakland Climate Action Plan, now being
developed by the city, contains strong policies to
promote sustainability.
For details on the meeting...
- Gang Awareness
Workshop for Residents, Thursday, December 3, 6:30
pm, St. Anthony School Gymnasium, 1500 E. 15 Street:
This workshop is for parents, residents and for those
who think their child may be attracted to gangs, may be
involved with gangs or to prevent your child from being
involved in a gang.Presented by the Oakland Police
Department and sponsored by OPD and the San Antonio Beat
19 Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council. There will be
Resource Booths providing information on Children and
Youth Programs/Activities. Bilingual translation will be
available in Spanish, Cantonese and Vietnamese. On-site
babysitting will be available.
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10. Volunteer Opportunities |
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.
- Keep Oakland
Beautiful (KOB): KOB is looking for enthusiastic
leaders to join in its efforts to make Oakland cleaner,
greener, more beautiful and litter-free. The Board meets
on the fourth Wednesday of every month at City Hall and
they are also active on subcommittees. Board members
serve a two year term and may reapply for successive
two-year terms. Interested applicants can obtain more
info and an application from
Cookie Robles-Wong, 434-5126.
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: 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 Sons of
Norway Hall, 2258 MacArthur for Dimond clean-up
(free parking)
- 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.
- Or, schedule your own time for weekly clean-up
walks by contacting Kathleen Russell, Keep Dimond
Clean, 842-3200,
krussell@russell-gordon.com
- 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.
- Moraga Avenue Median
Strip, Saturday, November 7, 14 and 21, 10 am:
Join neighbors and friends as they plant plant freesia
bulbs, daffodils, a few sporaxus bulbs and California
poppies.This first workday will focus on cleaning up the
median. If enough people come out, they can do the whole
median in one morning. Once the median is cleared and
the soil worked, volunteers will be needed for Saturday,
November 14 to plant 175 bulbs. Bring gloves, tools,
water and wear bright colors. For details, contact
- 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
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11.
Sharing the Bounty--Thanksgiving Events |
 NCPC
27x Melrose/High Hopes sponsors full Thanksgiving dinners
for families with children that attend Horace Mann School.
Last year they helped ten families and they expect to do
more this year. They are collecting non perishables now but
will collect other items (turkeys etc.) closer to the
holiday. For questions you can contact Preston Turner at
DRJAZ55@aol.com.
Sequoia School's Holiday
Food Drive: Donate canned and packaged goods at
Sequoia School, located at 3730 Lincoln Avenue.
Donations accepted through November 18.
 18th
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner, Tuesday, November 24 at the
downtown Marriott Hotel, 11 am-3pm: Each year,
the City of Oakland's Department of Human Services joins
with Communities United Committee and the Emergency Food
Providers Advisory Committee the City of Oakland Annual
Thanksgiving Dinner. This volunteer-run event brings out
the best in our community. The event is supported by
donations, large and small, and by hundreds of
neighborhood volunteers in the spirit of giving and
fellowship. Last year, more than 2,000 low income
families, individuals, homeless and senior citizens
participated in the free holiday turkey feast with all
the trimmings-- and live entertainment. Given the
current economic downturn, we anticipate even more
people! If you are interested in volunteering or
donating, please contact
Susan Shelton at 238-6186.
Above: Each year I help serve meals to seniors and
other local residents who come to the City's annual
Thanksgiving Dinner.
 Sixth
Annual Thanksgiving Dinner at Two Star Market in the
Dimond, Thursday, November 26:
Each year for the past five years, Abdo Alawdi's Two
Star Market in the Dimond has held an annual
community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day at
2020 MacArthur Blvd. The Sixth Annual
Thanksgiving Dinner provides an opportunity for
seniors, the homeless, families without resources
for a traditional dinner or people in need of
community to come together to enjoy the holiday.
Volunteers are needed to help cook and serve the
meal of turkey, dressing, side dishes and pie.
Cooks are needed from 7 am-10 am. Servers are needed
from 11:30 am-4 pm. If you are interested in helping
out please call Abdo at 415-710-3281.
Above: Last year's annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the
Dimond's Two Star Market.
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12. Holiday Festivities |
- Mayor's Toy Drive,
Donate Today: The annual Mayor's Toy Drive seeks
tax deductible financial donations to support its
program of providing toys for Oakland children who might
not be receiving much in the way of presents this
holiday season. Last year almost six thousand children
were provided with toys through this program. If you'd
like to donate, make a check payable to "The Mayor's Toy
Drive," and sent it to Office of the Mayor, City Hall, 1
Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 3rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612.
The tax identification numbers are 94-6000-384 (federal)
and 800-3838-4 (state).
- Oakland Tree
Lighting Ceremony, Friday, November 27 Noon-8 pm,
Jack London Square: Oakland launches the
holiday season with the annual free music and art
festival and lighting of a 70-foot tree.
- 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.
 24th
Annual Kwanzaa and Christmas Gift Show, Oakland Marriott
Convention Center, 10th & Broadway, Saturday, December 12
and Sunday, December 13: The Kwanzaa and Christmas
Gift Show is an ideal opportunity for small Black business
owners to display their wares to a massive audience at once.
The show has also evolved into a social networking scene for
the holiday season, often becoming the place to see and be
seen. This year they are featuring a section dedicated to
quality fine visual art.
Click here for the booth registration form.
-
 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).
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