Despite the recession, I see all sorts of great signs of energy and vitality in Oakland, which is encouraging. As many businesses are doing, the City is working hard to build on our strengths and manage the challenges of substantially reduced revenues. But I must tell you that the financial realities of the City budget have become extreme and, if not managed correctly, threaten much of the wonderful progress our City has made in the past six or seven years. Because of falling revenues, the City's budget is dramatically out of balance and the City Council must make decisions in the next two months that will substantially reduce basic public services. 

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The City Administration has recently unveiled a beta website showcasing a new and improved Oaklandnet.com Many new features have been added and information reorganized so that users can find what they are llooking for fast. This is a beta site - the City is still working out the kinks. Usability and accessibility testing is now underway. In the coming months, they'll redesign the rest of the site to have one consistent look for all City departments. They'd like your feedback! Email the City here to offer your thoughts and suggestions. To go back to "classic view," click here.

Good news for those of you who don't have cable TV, but want to watch City Council meetings: The City's IT department has recently implemented a new server, whichallows many more viewers to watch City Council meetings on streaming video. The previous 130 user limit restriction had been causing headaches when many are trying to log on at the same time. The newer system will utilize the available bandwidth the City has for its Internet pipeline.

The Embarcadero-Lakeshore Avenue project, funded by Measure DD, is close to completion. Once the rains stop and the new lawns dry out a bit, the black plastic fencing will be removed, the landscaping contractor will mow the lawn. At present, the ground is too wet and the mowing equipment would be sure to leave ruts. Before all is said and done, however, PG&E has more work to do on its Transmission Project under El Embarcadero.

Family Bridges' new Hong Lok Senior Center is now open. It's located at the center of Oakland Chinatown, at 261 11th Street, inside the Lincoln Recreation grounds.

The center will be open from Monday to Friday, 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. It will provide the seniors with various activities, such as English class, Mahjong, bingo, chess, computer class, movie and music entertainment. For inquiries, please call (510) 419-0160.

 

 

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The East Bay Culture Corridor (EBCC) is a collaboration between the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Richmond. This partnership reinforces the role of the arts in our local communities. The mission of the collaboration is to increase the visibility, accessibility and sustainability of the arts communities. The EBCC will support the diverse arts communities of each city by leveraging new audiences and resources for the arts as well as new resources for each partner city. Local business will also benefit locally through partnerships with the arts. 

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