| Join Our List |
 |
|
|
|
Where I Stand on Occupy Oakland | | |
Though I agree with many of the larger goals of the national Occupy Wall Street movement, I think that the Occupy Oakland encampments have been damaging to the City as a whole. The encampments have necessitated that the City respond in a variety of ways, all of which have eaten up precious public funds and staff time that are needed in our neighborhoods.
As you probably have read in the newspapers, four other Councilmembers and I publicly called for the removal of the second encampment in Frank Ogawa Plaza. Camping is not a protected form of free speech and the tent city was a public health and safety hazard. The City Administrator and Police Chief did a good job of planning the action to clear the camp in a way that would avoid violence. Fortunately, the effort was relatively peaceful and the tents were removed.
The plaza is once again open to general public use, though it will be some months before the grass is restored. The OO group continues to use the plaza for its General Assembly meetings in the evenings.
I received a lot of mail from constituents about Occupy Oakland. By a ratio of ten to one, the writers thought the encampment was hurting Oakland and were in favor of the City removing it. People from all walks of life stated that our city is not the place that the Occupy message needs to be heard. Oakland is already a progressive community that is actively working to solve the problems faced by the 99%. Most people expressed great frustration that all this energy, supposedly for positive goals, was misdirected in a way that is actually harming ordinary people. The disruptions from this protest have discouraged the small and medium-sized businesses that provide jobs from wanting to stay in Oakland. Neighborhoods that suffer from serious crime on a regular basis are waiting longer for police response because so many police are having to be available in downtown.
I call upon people in the Occupy Oakland movement to change the focus of their tactics and work in a more productive way toward identified goals. There are many social justice non-profits in Oakland that are engaged in meaningful work. Please engage with them to make positive change.
We have had a quiet few days, but another Occupy action is planned for tomorrow, Saturday, November 19. The group plans to march to the vacant, City-owned lot next to the Fox Theater and Oakland School for the Arts and take it over. The City' policy is that lodging will not be tolerated. The Oakland Police Department will be there to prevent a new encampment from being established, and will do so in as peaceful a way as possible.
|
| Help in Finding Missing Person | | |
The Oakland Police Department is requesting the assistance from the media and the public in locating Ying Ying Li who speaks limited English. Li's family is concerned for her mental state.
On November 14, 2011 at about 8:00AM, Li was last seen at home by her family members. Li is a student at Laney Collage and did not return home from school.
Li is Chinese female, 32 years of age, 5'4", 102 lbs, brown hair, brown eyes and carrying a black and gray back pack.
If you have any information regarding Li, contact Carl Chan at the Oakland Chinatown Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council at 510.604.9091 or email ChanCarl@sbcglobal.net.
|
|
Events | | |
Saturday, November 19: Mayor's Community Toy Drive: Sign-Up for Eligible Low-Income Families - Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 3 - 11 am to 4 am.
It's that time of year again when we share the holiday spirit to put faces of Oakland's children in need. The Oaklanders Assistance Center will organize one of the city's largest toy distribution sites, with the help from our friends at the Oakland Fire Department.
You will need to bring:
- Picture ID
- Proof of Oakland residence (rent agreement, PG&E or phone bill)
- Proof of Children's ages (birth certificate, medical card or social security number) Ages 0-12
- Proof of income (IRS statement or paycheck stub)
If you wish to donate some toys, just drop a new, unwrapped toy in one of the many collection bins that will be in place by December 1 or drop it off at the Oaklanders Assistance Center, Room 123 in City Hall. We graciously ask that you not donate toys of a violent nature.
For more information, contact Alujan@oaklandnet.com or call 510.777.TOYS.
Tuesday, November 22: The City of Oakland's 20th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner - Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway, Oakland, California, 11 am - 2 pm
~FREE~
Holiday Turkey Feast
Live Entertainment
Free Transportation
"Oakland Communities United to Serve"
FREE BUS TRANSPORTATION
TO OAKLAND MARRIOTT CITY CENTER
FOR LOW INCOME FAMILIES AND SENIORS
FREE BUS TRANSPORTATION (ROUND TRIP) IS AVAILABLE.
CALL THE PHONE NUMBER LISTED BELOW THE
LOCATION TO SIGN UP 72 HOURS IN ADVANCE.
BUS #1
Trip 1
Fruitvale Senior Center
3301 E. 12th Street
(510) 535-6123
Departs: Fruitvale @ 10:30 am for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 1:00 pm for Fruitvale
Trip 2
Oak Center Towers
1515 Market Street
(510) 465-1166
Departs: Oak Center @ 12 pm for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 2:00 pm for Oak Center
BUS #2
Trip 1
Lincoln Court
2400 MacArthur Blvd.
(510) 336-0170
Departs: Lincoln Court @ 10:30 am for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 1:15 pm for Lincoln Court
Trip 2
Westlake Christian Terrace
275-28th Street
(510) 893-2998
Departs: Westlake @ 12:30 pm for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 2:30 pm for Westlake
BUS #3
Trip 1
Miley Gardens
2520 Church Street
(510) 568-3820
Departs: Miley Gardens @ 10:15 am for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 1:00 pm for Miley Gardens
Trip 2
St. Mary's Center
925 Brockhurst St.
(510) 923-9600
Departs: St. Mary's @ 12:30 pm for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 2:30 pm for St. Mary's
BUS #4
Trip 1
Crossroads Center
7515 International Blvd.
(510) 532-3211
Departs: Crossroad Center @ 10:15 am for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott at 1:00 pm for Crossroads Center
Trip 2
North Oakland Senior Center
5714 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
(510) 597-5085
Departs: NOSC @ 12:30 pm for the Marriott
Departs: Marriott @ 2:30 pm for North Oakland
Donations can be made by check payable to the City of Oakland
Hunger Program and mailed or delivered to Andrea McCorvey,
Department of Human Services, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza Suite 4340, Oakland, CA 94612, phone (510) 986-2721 or J. H. Lee, CPA, 369-13th Street, Oakland, CA 94612, phone 510.836.7400.
|
| ... Coming in December | | |
Saturday, December 3: 12th Annual America's Children's Parade 11 am-2 pm - Downtown Oakland (Broadway from 12th Street to 20th Street)
- 23 Marching Bands
- Giant Helium Balloons
- Clifford, Garfield
- Berenstein Bears and More
- Miss CA 2011
The event is FREE by standing room only along the Parade route so come early. Contact Amanda Medina at 510-874-4800 x319 or amendina@oaklandchamber.com
Sunday, December 4: Grand Avenue Merchants Invite Volunteers to Help With Grand Avenue Clean-Up - Meet in front of Grand Lake Theater or join when you can - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Contact Robert Townsend of Grand Avenue Business Association at 510.708.9363 for more information. Or email rft@oaklandchiropractor.net.
Thursday, December 8: Public Workshop: Draft Plan Concept for the Broadway-Valdez District Specific Plan for a Retail District - First Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 2619 Broadway @ 27th St
Based on feedback received from two community meetings held by the City in April and May, and from meetings with the BVDSP Community Stakeholder Group, among other interested parties, City staff along with the consultant team for the project have been working on producing a Draft Plan Concept for the district.
At the December 8th meeting, City Planning staff will present the Public Review Draft Plan Concept followed by time for comment and discussion. The Public Review Draft Plan Concept will include land use, urban design and transportation proposals for the area.
The Public Review Draft Plan Concept document, as well as more information about the meeting agenda and format will be posted on the project website prior to the meeting, probably on or after December 1 at www.oaklandnet.com/bvdsp.
You are encouraged to attend and provide your feedback during this important stage in the Broadway Valdez District Specific Plan process.
- Meet in front of Grand Lake Theater or join when you can - 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Reports | | |
What's Under the Bridges?
A 12th Street Project Update by Jennie Gerard, D2 Chief of Staff
A recent tour of the 12th Street project gave me an opportunity to see what awaits all of us a year from now when it's completed. Up to now I've been tracking the impressive progress from the temporary pedestrian route on the southern new bridge. That's the bridge that will eventually carry east bound traffic only when the second bridge comes on line early in 2012. The tour gave me the first look at what's under the bridges.
My first surprise was the view of the north end of the lake. In the photo below, taken from under the two new 12th Street bridges, you'll get an idea of the first glimpse of the lake for pedestrians, bicyclists and boaters venturing from the channel toward the lake. That first view made me say, "Wow!"
Photo: View of lake from under the two new 12th Street bridges.
My second surprise was seeing how spacious the area is under the bridges. The paths along each side of what will be the open channel will be 15 feet wide and the roof above will be about 15 feet above the paths.
For more on why opening up the channel's entrance into Lake Merritt is so important for aquatic life, and where the idea for the 12th Street project started, go here for an excellent article in Oakland Magazine.
Go here for numerous aerial photos of the site taken October 21 by Eric Niemann who is chronicling the project from the rooftop of 1200 Lakeshore Ave. At that link you'll find links to older posts of his photos and links to articles about the Measure DD-funded projects at Lake Merritt. |
| Preparing for Wet Weather: Sandbags Available to Residents & Businesses | | |
In preparation for the start of the rainy season, the Public Works Agency is taking proactive measures to prepare for wet weather. During the last few months crews have been removing debris from storm drains and have deployed maintenance crews to address other storm-related issues. In addition, there are opportunities available for volunteers to assist during the rainy season (see below). Oakland Public Works is proud to be of service to the community.
Beginning November 7, 2011 a maximum of 20 sandbags and 50 feet of plastic sheeting (per household/business) will be available for pickup at the City's Municipal Service Center and the Public Works Drainage Maintenance Satellite Office. Proof of Oakland residency is required to obtain the sandbags and sheeting. Oakland Fire Stations will join in storm preparations for our community by distributing sandbags to residents. A limit of five sandbags (per household) will be available for pickup at the Fire Stations. Please see below for addresses and distribution hours.
During the winter months, just before an expected storm, Public Works may extend service hours to make sandbags and plastic sheeting available to residents and businesses to help them protect their properties from storm-related damage.
How Residents Can Help
- Check & clean your private drainage systems, including roof gutters & downspouts.
- Keep your curb & gutters free of leaves & debris.
- Do not place leaves, debris or lawn clippings near storm drains.
- Place leaves & green trimmings in your green cart for weekly pickup.
- Keep natural waterways such as creeks & ditches free from obstructions.
- Do not obstruct access to storm drain inlets with your vehicle(s).
- Report flooding problems to the Public Works Call Center at 510.615.5566.
- Adopt A Spot with a 'Maintain A Drain' project in your neighborhood by calling 510.238.7630.
Volunteer Opportunities
Public Works is also renewing its call for volunteers to join the Adopt A Spot campaign with Maintain A Drain. Residents and merchants in Oakland can help prevent flooding by keeping a storm drain in their neighborhood free of debris. In exchange, the City will give volunteers a free set of rain gear, a rake and debris bags. By keeping storm drains clean, volunteers can help the City focus storm-response activities on the most critical storm-related problems. Remember, "If it is plugged, it will flood." To join the Adopt A Spot campaign, volunteers should call 510.238.7630.
Sandbags (up to 20) & plastic sheeting (up to 50 feet) can be picked up at the following locations & times when inclement weather is forecasted:
Municipal Service Center - 7101 Edgewater Drive
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
After Hours (in front of entry gate) 4:30 pm to 8:00 am
Maintenance Satellite Office - 5921 Shepherd Canyon Road
Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
After Hours (in front of entry gate) 4:30 pm to 8:00 am (before inclement weather)
Sandbags (up to 5) can be picked up at the following locations & times when inclement weather is forecasted:
Fire Station Hours:
Monday - Friday8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday8:00 am to 4:30 pm
- Fire Station # 3 1445 -14th St.
- Fire Station # 6 7080 Colton Blvd.
- Fire Station # 7 1006 Amito Ave.
- Fire Station # 8 463 - 51st St.
- Fire Station # 10 172 Santa Clara Ave.
- Fire Station # 16 3608 -13th Ave.
- Fire Station # 17 3344 High St.
- Fire Station # 20 1408 - 98th Ave.
- Fire Station # 21 13150 Skyline Blvd.
- Fire Station # - 98th Ave.
- Fire Station # 28 4615 Grass Valley Rd.
In an emergency or to report storm damage, Oakland residents should call the Public Works Agency Call Center at 510.615.5566. |
|
Underground Electrical and Gas Lines on E. 31st and 14th Avenue to Begin Late November 2011 | | |
Alameda County's Acute Tower Replacement Project at Highland Hospital will begin installing underground electrical and gas lines on E. 31st and 14th Avenue at the end of November. A Neighborhood Update explains the work on a high level. The work is estimated to take approximately 10 days and will occur Monday through Saturday to reduce the number of days impacting the neighborhood.
For detailed information, click on Neighborhood Updates here. |
| Help Put the "Merry" into Christmas this Holiday Season! | | |
Located in Oakland's San Antonio neighborhood, Harbor House provides numerous services for its community. The services include a vibrant after school program, an intern program providing job training for high school and junior college students, ESL classes for recent immigrants, emergency food distribution and a community store.
Starting in early June Harbor House began to get inquiries about signing up for our Adopt-A-Family Program. The program allows families who are more fortunate to fulfill the Christmas wishes of a family who has much less. As of October we already have over 100 families who are hoping to be adopted, but only half have been adopted to date.
Please consider adopting a family to provide gifts this holiday season. You can download an Adopt-A-Family form at www.hhministries.org or contact Tiffany Shieh at tiffanys@hhministries.org or 510.534.0165 x 206. |
| YEP's Job Training and Paid Work Experience Program | | |
Would you like to earn up to $3800? We can assist you! YEP can help you learn the skills you need to make it in the WORKFORCE and earn money at the same time.
We currently have 68 slots for the following Eligibility:
- 18-21 year olds (Low income) Oakland Residents
- 18-24 year olds Probation and Parole Oakland Residents
What you need: CA ID or Driver's License, Social Security Card, Proof of Residency Income Verification and Referral from Probation or Parole Officer
Take Steps on Your Goals:
- GED Preparation
- Participate Actively
- Enroll in College
- Activate Your Potential
- Trade Certification
- Invest in Yourself
- Demand the Best
Orientation:
Mondays & Wednesdays 2pm-3:30pm & 4pm-5:30pm
The Youth Employment Partnership ~ 2300 International Blvd. ~ Oakland, CA 510.533.3447.
YEP is an equal opportunity employer/program operator. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For TDD services please call: 800.735.2922 (voice). |
|
Broadway Shuttle Information Card in English and Chinese | | |
The new Information Card for the Broadway Shuttle in Chinese is ready with new Friday and Saturday nightime route information available. If you are interested in helping distribute to Chinatown residents and businesses, you can contact Zach Seal at 510.238.2937 or email zseal@oaklandnet.com.
Below is the original Broadway Shuttle Information in English:
Offering fast, free connections from BART, the Oakland/Alameda/San Francisco Ferry and Amtrak Capitol Corridor to downtown Oakland offices!
Hop on the "FREE B" to explore Oakland's restaurant and nightlife scenes!
Now Running Friday & Saturday Nights until 1am!
Board the Shuttle wherever you see a sign with the green "B on Broadway" logo shown in the upper left corner of this page.
Weekday Service (Orange route)
Mondays-Fridays 7am-7pm between Embarcadero West (Jack London Square) and Grand Avenue. Shuttles run every 10 minutes during commute hours and lunchtime; every 15 minutes other times.
Weekend Night Service (Blue route)
Fridays 7pm-1am & Saturdays 6pm-1am between Embarcadero West (Jack London Square) and 27th Street. Shuttles run every 15 minutes.
Routes and Stops
*Click here to view a detailed route and street map
*Click here to view list of stops along the shuttle's route
Schedule
Monday-Friday 7am-7pm to Jack London Square or to Grand Avenue
Friday 7pm-1am to Jack London Square or to 27th Street
Saturday 6pm-1am to Jack London Square or to 27th Street
The Broadway Shuttle does not operate on the following holidays:
- New Year's Day
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents' Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
For more information, visit http://www.meetdowntownoak.com/shuttle.php |
|
|
