1. This Week in Oakland
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- Oakland Running Festival, March 27 and 28 This Weekend! Experience
all
the sights and sounds that Oakland has to offer at the new Oakland Running Festival Saturday night Kick Off Party at Lake Merritt, 6-8 pm. Sunday: 7:15 am Opening Remarks. 7:30 am Marathon starts--
ends by Noon. Kid's race, live music and more.
Full Schedule.
Several main
thoroughfares throughout the city will be closed on Sunday during the race, this is the schedule for my district: - Duncan Way (E/B) from Broadway Terrace to Fernwood - 7 am - 9:15 am
- Fernwood Dr. (E/B) from Duncan Way to Mountain Blvd. - 7 am - 9:30 am
- Mountain Blvd. (E/B) from Fernwood Dr to Lincoln Ave - 7 am - 10:30 am
- Lincoln Ave. (S/B) from Mountain Blvd. to Champion - 7:20 am. - 10:30 am
- Champion (S/B) from Lincoln Ave. to Nicol - 7:20 am - 10:45 am
- Nicol (W/B) from Champion to Fruitvale - 7:20 am - 10:45 am
- Fruitvale (S/B) from School to Foothill - 7:20 am - 11 am
- Foothill (E/B) from Fruitvale to High St. - 7:30 am - 11:15 am
- High Street (S/B) from Foothill to International - 7:30 am- 11:15 am
Click here for maps featuring Oakland's first
marathon in 25 years!
Runners will begin on Broadway, race along Piedmont and College
Avenues, pass by beautiful Lake Temescal and then tackle the hills of
Montclair. After a breathtaking view of the Cities by the Bay, runners
will journey through the vibrant neighborhoods of Dimond, Fruitvale,
Chinatown and historic Jack London Square. Then it's a final lap around
sparkling Lake Merritt and a sprint to the finish at City Hall. There are still some slots left but you must register 9-6 pm on Saturday, no Sunday registrations. On Saturday night the Kick
off Party starts at 6-8 pm; 6:30 pm Twilight 5K Race. - OPR Hiring Fair for Summer Aquatic Jobs for Teens, Saturday, March 27, 9 am at Temescal Swimming Pool:
Students 16 years or older can apply for summer jobs with the Parks
& Recreation Department. Applications accepted during the Summer
Hiring Fair on Saturday, March 27 at the Temescal Swimming Pool,
371-45th Street. Applications available at www.Oaklandnet.com.
- Beaconsfield Canyon Workday, Saturday, March 27, 9 am -Noon: Join other neighborhood volunteers and help restore one
of Montclair 's hidden gems--
Beaconsfield Canyon
(between Ascot and Chelton drives). The canyon
has been undergoing restoration for three years to reduce the invasion
of
non-native plants. They'll be pulling and cutting a variety of non-native plants under the
guidance of local plant experts. Wear long sleeves and pants and good
treads on
shoes. No experience necessary, all tools are provided. Meet on the
dirt
road next to 2639 Beaconsfield
Place , second street on the right as you go up
Chelton from Ascot . For more information,
contact Richard Kauffman at 531-1237.
- Gardening at Wood Park, Saturday, March 27, 9 am-Noon: Volunteers will be weeding, clearing around trees, planting California poppies and Bay Friendly plants. Wood Park is at 2920 McKillop Road. Contact Lisa Lemus and Phil Wong.
 Tulip Extravaganza at Mountain View Cemetery, March 27-28, 10 am-4 pm: Enjoy the annual colorful display of tulips at Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Avenue and stop by the Fifth Annual Tulip Exhibition at the Tower Chapel. Admission is free.
- Sneak Preview of Altenheim Buildings Phase II, Saturday, Marcy 27, 10:30 am: Eden Housing will offer neighbors a free tour of three new buildings at Altenheim Senior Housing at 1720 MacArthur Blvd. The new construction adds 81 units. Contact Dave Kiddoo at 247-8138.
- Special Workshop for Girls, Grades 5-8
at Chabot Space & Science Center, Saturday, March 27, 11 am-2 pm: Boats
and what floats 'em ,a Saturday Science workshop for
girls grades 5 - 8. Third
and final work shop on Saturday, April 24, Blast Off.. At each worksho
 p
girls will work in teams
to solve engineering problems
based on the workshop theme. From conception to completion girls will
sketch ideas, propose designs to a committee, budget supplies, then
build and test the models. Each session gives you the chance to be an
engineer. At each session girls will also be introduced to possible
careers in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and
mathematics. Guests $20, members $15. Register by calling 336-7373.
- CPR for your Pet, Saturday, March 25, 11:30-2:30 pm: Identify when your pet needs emergency care. Clean wounds on your pet and bandage hurt limbs...and much more! Cost: $50. Contact Trisha Taylor at 267-1915, ext 105. 5749 Doyle St, Emeryville
- Spring Free Plant Exchange, Saturday,
March 27,
Noon-4 pm, 3811 Lakeshore Avenue: Local hero
 Odette Pollar has started a Lakeshore tradition that has "grown the neighborhood" with her amazing plant exchange held at her home. Have
plants
you must prune or divide? How about trading your excess with
others in your neighborhood? Take home healthy new plants for your yard
and have an instant new garden! All types of plants are welcome, from
cuttings up to full size. Garden accessories and accents welcome:
Umbrellas, clippers, books on gardening, pots, stepping stones, tools
and supplies - even goldfish. Last year, 300 people attended and more
than 1,500 plants, large and small, found new homes. For more
information www.plantexchange.wordpress.com. (Above) Odette on the right, photo by Ken Katz.
 Hopalong Animal Rescue Pet Adoption Saturday, March 27, Noon-3 at Fenton's Ice Cream, 4226 Piedmont Avenue: In the last 17 years, Hopalong, a non-profit located in the Glenview, has found homes for over 17,000 homeless
and ill animals. Each story is different and many are heart-breaking,
but in every case there is a common thread: an animal that deserves a
second chance at life and a permanent, loving home. They'll be showcasing several dogs for adoption. Check their site for future adoption dates.
- Crossover--Jazz Artists in the Concert Hall,
Saturday, March 27, 3 pm, Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand
Avenue: The Oakland East Bay Symphony sponsors a free public forum featuring composers Rebeca
Mauleón, Benedikt Brydern, Narada
Michael Walden and Scott Amendola discussing the history of jazz
composers
making the transition to the concert hall, including Duke Ellington,
George
Gershwin and Darius Milhaud. Panelists will also discuss their
approaches to
writing their first orchestra pieces and composer/performers who do
both.
 The Oakland Peace Walk, Saturday, March 27, 6:30-8 pm, Lake Merritt: The Peace Walk honors all of the homicide victims in our area and is a show of solidarity and commitment to work together towards solutions that end senseless community violence. Photo right is exhibit at the Main Library, featuring essays by students on the murders in Oakland.
- Free Oakland
Civic Orchestra Concert, Sunday, March 28, 4 pm, Lake Merritt United
Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Avenue: The Oakland Civic Orchestra conducted by Artistic
Director Martha Stoddard, presents a free concert of the music of
Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky. The program includes Tchaikovsky's Symphony
No. 5 and selections from Stravinksy's Firebird Suite. Call 238-7275 for
more information.
- Earth Hour, Saturday, March 27, 8:30 pm: Earth Hour is an international event that
calls for action on climate
change by having people all over their world turn off their
lights for one hour on March 27 at 8:30 pm. Last year, hundreds of
millions of people in more than 4,000 cities in
87 countries on seven continents participated. In the U.S., 80 million
Americans, 318 cities and eight states officially turned off their
lights for Earth Hour. https://www. myearthhour. org/home
Watch the blackout: Chabot Space & Science Center invites you to join
neighbors for the "lights out" together. Come up to Chabot's observatory deck to
watch the Bay Area go dark and then enjoy the telescopes. - Skyline's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, Saturday, March 27, 7:30 pm: See our actors and actresses of the future at Farnsworth Theater at Skyline School. Remember Skyline student Tom Hanks? You never know who in the cast might become a famous star, but you'll only be able to say that "I knew him/her when" if you come to this final performance of Andrew Lloyd Weber's award-winning musical! Tickets: $10 general, $8 for children under 12 and seniors over 65.
Free
Cesar Chavez Community Health Day, Monday, March 29, 10 am-2:30 pm: In
the spirit of Cesar Chavez, come share food, live music/DJ, mural
painting and gardening at the Melrose Leadership Academy. Music includes
Danza Azteca, MLA Bateria, Bridges Academy Taiko Drummers, and more.
5328 Brann.
 Special Training for Oakland's Mandatory Soft Story Screening Program, Monday, March 29, 5-6:30 pm, Hearing Room 4, Oakland City Hall: Our office, along with that of Council Member Nancy Nadel, have been working with the City of Oakland, the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Rental Housing Association of Northern Alameda County on implementing the Mandatory Soft Story Screening Ordinance passed by Council last summer. The first 43 of 1500 letters have been mailed to property owners of potential soft story apartments and condominiums informing them of the mandatory Level 1 Screening program. As part of that program, ABAG will lead a training program for contractors, building inspectors, architects and engineers on completing the screening form accurately. Property owners of potential soft-story apartments and condos are required to hire a licensed contractor, building inspector, architect or engineer who has completed this training in order to complete the Level 1 survey form. If you are interested in attending, please email Sue Piper in our office-- space is limited to the first 30 people. Additional trainings will be held in the near future.
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Free
Concert by Salvation Army International Staff Band from London, England,
Wednesday, March 31, 7 pm; Scottish Rite Center, 547 Lakeside Drive:
This
group of excellent musicians is widely regarded
as one of the best brass bands in the world.
 Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation, Annual Meeting, March 31, 6-8 pm, Lakeside Boat House, 568 Bellevue
Avenue: Each year this Friends group raises thousands to help our parks. Join them as they give their annual reports, showcase the Field of Dreams aka Rickey Henderson
Field and honor Valorie Winn, Director of DeFremery Recreation Center.
- Friday, April 2 Deadline for Mother of the Year Nominations: Since 1954, the Oakland Parks & Recreation Department has
 publicly honored an Oakland citizen whose contributions to the community symbolize the finest traditions of motherhood. Past honorees have included hard-working, dedicated community servants whose volunteerism has been exemplary. The individual must be a mother, a resident of Oakland and have contributed in some way to improving the quality of life in Oakland. Nominations must be made by an organization, and there should be two letters of support. For details, contact Dana Riley at 238-6495. The 2010 winner will be honored on Saturday, May 8 -- the day before Mother's Day--at a special ceremony. The winner receives roses each month from the garden.
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2. A Greener Oakland: Special Council Workshop on Energy and Climate Change, Vegetation Ban in Landfills, Chabot Climate Lab
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The Oakland Climate Action Coalition is holding a rally immediately before the Council meeting at 4:30 pm. They are also conducting community workshops and presenting its recommended targets:
March 29, 6-8 pm, West Oakland Workshop at the West
Oakland Environmental Indicators Project office, 1747 14th St, Oakland, CA
Contact Margaret Gordon at margaretgordon@sbcglobal.net -
March 29, 4-6 pm, Youth Teach-In at Asian Communities for
Reproductive Justice,1440 Broadway, Suite 301. Contact Amanda
Wake at amanda@reproductivejustice.org
or call 510-663-8300 x302
- Alameda County Bans Vegetation Waste in Land Fills, Put All Your Green
 Waste in the Green Can:
In an effort to meet its voter mandate to divert 75 percent of all waste
from landfill by the end of 2010, the Alameda
County Waste Management Authority (StopWaste.org) has recently
enacted a new law that prohibits the disposal of plant debris in landfills. These materials, like those in your green can, will be turned into compost.
 The ban applies to
landscapers and other large producers of yard trimmings (such as property
managers, municipalities and institutions) in Alameda County. Effective
immediately, plant debris (such as grass, leaves, shrubbery, vines and tree
branches) must be separated from other contaminants, such as bottles, plastic film, fast food containers
or construction materials, and must be diverted to
the designated "clean green" areas of Alameda County
disposal facilities. For more information: Landfill Ban Hotline at (888) 893-9929.
- Chabot Space & Science Center Launches Climate Lab Website: As chair of the center I am proud of our new collaboration with PBS's Bill Nye, the Science Guy. Chabot has lauched this online site which will
 be part of a new exhibit at the center. Visit BillsClimateLab.org,
where you can join Bill Nye on an urgent
mission to thwart climate change by creating
clean energy opportunities and
solutions. Become a Climate Scout. Design an energy
efficient house or vehicle. Hunt down
and vanquish energy vampires in your own home.
Get your community involved, and change
the world! Please pass this onto your friends.
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3. More City News: AC Transit Bus Changes Sunday, Next Budget Workshop April 1, Pension Liabilities
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 Major Changes to AC Transit Service Effective March 28: Due to budget
cuts, AC Transit has reduced service throughout the East Bay by 8.4%. The new routes and schedules are at www.actransit.org . The most popular change for my district is the New Line 58L, the return of the much missed Line 58, providing direct
service from MacArthur Blvd. to Chinatown and Jack London Square. The route goes around the east side of Lake Merritt into downtown. This means we can get to Chinatown and downtown without transfer. << This Dimond sign announces the cancellation of the Tiffin-Lyman-Whittle loop.
 Re-registration of Residential Disabled Parking Zones: To reduce abuse of Residential Disabled Parking Zones (RDPZ), the City has sent out renewal forms to 500 residences where a RDPZ, or blue zone, was installed more than two years ago. If you have received a renewal form, you must submit a completed form and required documentation to the City's Transportation Services Division by May 29 or your blue zone may be removed. The renewal process will result in the removal of blue zones only if the original applicant fails to show that he/she continues to meet basic eligibility criteria. Questions? Contact Joe Watson in Transportation Services at 238-6268.
- 4th Bore of Caldecott Tunnel Construction: Caltrans met with local residents on Thursday to review details about the impact of construction of the new 4th Bore in the Oakland Hills. Construction of the staging area and temporary soundwall is underway and actual construction of the tunnel will begin soon. The tunnel itself should be completed by the spring of 2014. The project also includes realigning the off ramp to TunnelRoad/Ashby Avenue so that there is better merging capability at the I 24-West on ramp on Caldecott Lane. A right-hand pocket turn lane at Caldecott and the Kay Street overpass will be installed, as will a stop light in front of the North Oakland Sports Field. Construction traffic will primarily use the Caldecott Lane West off ramp for trucks coming from Contra Costa, and the Old Tunnel Road off-ramp for trucks coming from I-24 heading to Contra Costa. A hotline will soon be set up for questions and complaints.
- April 1, Special Budget Workshop Considers 2010-2011 Budget Cuts: The Mayor submitted proposals to close a projected gap of $43 million. Earlier this month the
Council began the budget process for the next fiscal year early with a vote to cut offices of elected officials by another
15 percent or $1.5 million. His proposal would soften cuts to the city's museums and cultural institutions with a 25% cut versus a 50-100% cut; likewise affiliated senior, arts, and other programs would be cut 50% versus 100%. The proposal also recommends real estate sales and possible tax measures.
The vote on the budget is expected to be on April 29th.
- Controversy over this year's election continued as a proposal by Council members Delafuente and Kaplan to
eliminate public financing for Council elections and spend the money
for voter education about the new ranked choice voting system was put
aside. The League of Women Voters and other advocates of election reform
objected that ranked choice voting was being pitted against finance
reform. Council President Jane Brunner and I recommended a
compromise to split the funds that ended in a 4-4 vote. We will see if the Mayor will break the tie on Tuesday.
 Finance Committee Consider Pension Liability: The Council begins the first of what will be many reviews of the City's pension liabilities. Like many cities, the stock market decline, aging workforce, and past agreements may lead to a financial crisis in the near future. The report showed that the police pension funds are the most problematic; one fund needs major changes or will hit the city with a $50 million plus bill in a few years. The other police pension fund is the only employee pension where the employees do not pay a share. Discussion of options will continue in April and the Council may hold a special session on the issue.
- Public Works Committee to Recommend Changes in Criteria for Undergrounding of Electrical/Utility Lines: The Public Works Committee agreed to change criteria consideration of funding for undergrounding projects. The Committee (Brooks, Nadel, Kaplan) recommended adding commercial areas to current state criteria such as heavily traffic and scenic considerations. Pat Kernighan fought for some weight for existing applications. Safety, considering fire danger and egress after an earthquake, was not discussed. A report for action will come back to the Committee in May, we will keep you posted. This would immediately affect the next two neighborhoods on the list, Oakmore and Lakeshore.
 Oakland Joins the Competition to Become a Google Ultra High-Speed Internet Test Site: Oakland joined about 600 other communities nationwide today in a fierce
competition for the honor of becoming a test-site for Google's experimental
ultra high-speed broadband networks with speeds more than 100 times faster than
anything the average American has experienced. In the fierce
competition for the coveted honor, Oakland branded its effort "Oakland digs the
gig!" and created a Facebook page and YouTube channel dedicated to demonstrating the community's
commitment and enthusiasm.
- Sign the Petition to Major League Baseball for A New Oakland Site AND send an email to the Commissioner A waterfront ballpark would augment the billions of dollars in direct investment into the Jack London Square area, and the planned new neighborhood near Oak and 9th streets with 3,000 residences, parks, retail space and a new marina. This Tribune article includes maps of the locations.
 The MLB committee has asked for more information. Doug Boxer, a leader in the Save the A's Campaign is urging fans to email Commissioner Bud Selig. The A's owner favors San Jose in the Giants franchise area. The Mayor and Council agree that a new Oakland stadium would have to be funded from combined private and non-general fund sources unlike the Raider deal which costs the City and County $24 million each year. Redevelopment funds (which come from bonds based on future taxes from structural improvements) and possible federal infrastructure funds could be tapped. To sign a petition to Major League Baseball, go to Let's Go Oakland!  Meanwhile, Oakland is preparing to submit information about the Coliseum area to the National Football League which is considering a JOINT football stadium for both the Raiders and the 49ers. Unlike the current Raiders Deal which costs and the City and the County $24 million each year through 2025, the league indicates it will invest in the stadium itself and will finance it through adjacent development and other revenues. |
4. Ethics Commission Opinion That Oakland Should Not Change Campaign Finance Rules Goes to Rules Committee April 15
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 In the shadow of the national fight against the influence of big money interest, we have a local dispute.
Councilman Delafuente has put forward a proposal to increase campaign spending and limits despite a unanimous recommendation from the Public Ethics Commission to
maintain the current limits. Nearly all of the 30 residents attending, a record crowd for the Commission, spoke against the changes recommended by City Attorney John Russo. The Commission also received about 60 emails, overwhelmingly opposed. For more information, click here for the Tribune and Express articles. Councilmember Delafuente proposes raising the contribution limit to $1000, and total campaign costs by 40%. That would increase spending by $152,000 for Mayor and about $45,000 for most Council seats. The proposal goes to Rules on April 15, 10:45 am, and then possibly onto City Council on April 22nd. If you want to make your opinion known, contact the Rules Committee: Council Members Brunner, Delafuente, Reid, and Quan.
- Limits for the Mayor's Race could go up from $380,000 to
$532,000. Council races would go up from an average of $100,000 to
over $140,000. After the new census numbers and with cost of living increases, they will be more.
- Donation
limits would go up from $700 (just raised from $600) per individual
donor per election to $1000--among the highest per voter in the state. The limit
in San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, and Fremont is $500. Berkeley,
San Mateo, and Santa Monica is $250. Long Beach is $350. The average is
around $500. Some larger cities have higher limits such as Fresno which is more than twice the size of Oakland, but the per voter limit is less.
- The limits for the District 1 and 4 Council seats would go up to almost $180,000.
- The PEC found that very few candidates raise enough funds for reach the current maximums.
- It would defeat the purpose of
Instant Run-off voting which was suppose to level the playing field
because running one election rather than a possible two elections
requires less money. Since there is only one election, it doesn't make sense to double the limits. San Francisco has more than twice our population and also has Ranked Choice Voting, their limit is less than ours at $500.
- Special interests have much more control when
campaign limits are higher as pointed out by President Obama in his
State of the Union speech.
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| 5. District 4 News & Events |  
Dr. Feng (Laurel's Taoist Center) and family at the Redwood Hts multicultural fair last week; Map of the proposed improved bike and walking paths from Mills College to the Laurel District.
- Low Cost Computer Class for Seniors at
Lincoln Court Senior Housing: A foundation course for those new
to computers. The 10-week class has already started but there is room
for more. Runs through April 23, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 9:30
am-Noon. Call 452-2074.
- OUSD Students to Help at Montclair and Joaquin Miller Parks, Tuesday, March 30: Students from Oakland International High School
will embark on their third Service Learning Day to engage with and
help out their community. This Service Learning Day will focus on the
environment and restoring Oakland's beautiful parks. One team will help install pathways at the restoration of The Abbey in Joaquin Miller Park, the other will remove invasive vegetation at Montclair Park. Oakland International High School provides quality alternative education for recently arrived
immigrant students in English language acquisition and in preparation
for college. Our diverse students become active participants in our
community while learning in small groups through hands-on,
interdisciplinary projects and collaboration.
- Citywide Zoning Update for Local Neighborhoods: Our office is working with the City to organize area meetings so that neighborhood groups can review the draft zoning mapping
proposals for their area. Upcoming meetings are:
- Glenview Neighborhood Association, Thursday, April 1, 6:30 pm, Park Blvd. Presbyterian Church
- Dimond Improvement Association, Wednesday, April 7, 7 pm, Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue.
- *Redwood Heights Neighborhood Association, Wednesday, April 21, 6:30 pm, the Taoist Center, 3824 MacArthur Blvd.
- *Laurel Village Association, Wednesday, April 21 7 pm, the Taoist Center, 3824 MacArthur Blvd.
- Oakmore Homes Association and Montclair Monitors, tba
* Yes, same night, different meetings for the different neighborhoods.
For a report of the March 23 meeting at Montera Middle School, go to "What Changes Matters in Hills Zoning in Today in Montclair, 94611
- Tennis Balls Needed at Redwood Heights Rec Center: Redwood Heights Recreation Center Director Breht Clark asks that if you have any tennis balls (or connections to a tennis club) that you no longer need/use. The children in their
after-school program and summer camps use them for games (baseball,
rundown, etc). Call him at 482-7827.
- Laurel Book Store Events: Check out what's happening at Laurel Book Store,
4100 MacArthur Blvd. Call 531-2073 for details.
- Kid's Story Time,
Wednesdays at 3:30 pm: Bring the little
ones for a nice afternoon treat.
- Friday, March 19, 7 pm:Jacqueline Granchamps, owner of French Escapade, a tour company, for an evening designed to
make you want to travel if you don't already. As a travel expert and
European native, Jacqueline will introduce you to authentic French
living and food, including sample tasting!
- First Annual Meeting of the Friends of Montclair RR Trail, Saturday, April 10, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm, Montclair Recreation Center: If you enjoy walking the pathway from Montclair Village up to Shepherd Canyon, consider joining Friends of Montclair RR Trail at their first annual meeting to hear about how neighbors have organized to maintain and improve the pathway.Annual Dues: $25 per household; $50 per Business/Organization. Checks payable to FOMRRT, and mail to FOMRRT, 5837 Snake Road, Oakland, CA 94611. Questions, contact MontclairRRTrail@gmail.com.
- Tuesday, April 20, 6-8:30 pm, Montclair Lions Club's Restaurant Walk: Local restaurants in Montclair will provide the food and service with a smile. All of the funds collected will go to local charities: Lions Blind Center of Oakland, Oakland Fund for the Arts, Montera, Skyline and Oakland Tech Schools, Fred Finch Youth Center, Lincoln Child Center, Local Boy Scout Troops and other Lions Foundations. Books are on sale for $25 at The Book Tree, 6121 LaSalle Ave.; Raimondi's Paints, 2042 Mountain Blvd.; Pacific National Bank/US Bank, 1998 Mountain Blvd; Viewpoint-Optometric, 2060 Mountain Blvd.; and Safeway. 2096 Mountain Bld.
 - Save the Date--Sunday, April 25 for Walkin' in the Footsteps of Joaquin. The first annual meeting of the Friends of Joaquin Miller Park and docent led tours of the park. After almost 6 years of hard work and team building, the Joaquin Miller Working Group has transformed into the Friends of Joaquin Miller Park to continue their stewardship of this 500-acre natural haven in our hills. Plans are underway for a brief first annual meeting to ratify bylaws and catch up on planned projects, and then the public is invited to picnic in the meadow, and choose one or more of three-docent led tours through the park. It's a great way to learn about Oakland and California history as well as experience the rustic beauty of Joaquin Miller Park. For details, check out the Joaquin Miller Park website as well as this newsletter.
- The Oakland Community Farmers Market In the Laurel: Every Saturday, from 10 am-2 pm at 4173 MacArthur Blvd. This weekend, Johanne's Farm Stand will feature the freshest Spring blueberries, cherries, cider and dried fruit fro the Siera Nevada foothills. Each week youth from the neighborhood help out at this booth. The market continues to grow with J&P Organics, Wingwalkers Bakery, Mediterranean Food, Oakland Food Connection and Purple Lawn Cafe along with Lokham Farms featuring Asian vegetables.
- UP Launches 2010 Outdoor Movie Series at Redwood Heights Recreation Center, Friday, April 30: All movies begin at dusk. Dress warm and bring a lawn chair or blanket. A great family night out. Food available for a suggested donation of $4. For details, contact Breht Clark at the Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 482-7827.
- Celebrate Montclair Library's 80th Birthday! The month of May will be filled with events celebrating the Montclair Branch Library's 80 years of service:
- Saturday, May 1, 1 pm - 80 Years in Oakland: A Visual Survey, Librarian
and historian Steve Lavoie shows historic photos of Oakland
- Tuesday,
May 4, 7-8 pm - Children's Mystery Event with McSweeney's
Explore
the mysterious world of The Clock Without a Face at this
mystery/treasure hunt event for kids
- Saturday, May 8, 1 pm - Montclair Village: Oakland's Early Hill Town
Kathleen DiGiovanni
speaks about Montclair's history
- Saturday, May 15, 11 am-4 pm -
Friends of Montclair Library Book Sale
- Saturday, May 22, 1 pm - 80 Years of Mystery, Mystery author Mark Coggins speaks about The
Maltese Falcon (published in 1930, the year the Montclair branch
opened) and his own mystery set in Oakland, The Big Wake-Up.
- A Sequoia Reunion Weekend Friday, May 14- Saturday, May 15: A Sequoia Reunion Weekend for former Sequoia students, teachers and their families starts off on Friday, May 14, 6:30-9:30 pm with a catered dinner and school tour. It is also a fund raiser for the school. On Saturday, come to Dimond Park from 11 am-3 pm for a picnic-- bring your own lunch. Contact Zarka Popovic at (530)517-2312.
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6. State Updates: $10K Credit for New Homes, Gas Tax Changes, Measure to Protect Local $
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- Governor Signs Gas & Transportation Tax Swap After Getting More $ for Public Transportation: I reported last week that the Governor was going to veto the Gas Tax bill; however, the Governor signed it after concessions giving many public transportation agencies unexpected funds. For cities though we are unhappy that the bill provides a loophole to take gas tax revenues from the cities.
- The State Legislative Analyst says Governor's Proposal for Education could ultimately undermine the state budget. The report specifically questions the suspension of "mandated student programs."
- Local State Officials Support Fair Elections Act: Just as we are debating campaign finance reform in Oakland, our local state representatives including Senator Loni Hancock, Assemblymembers Swanson & Skinner, the League of Women Voters and others came out in support of the a state proposition that will introduce campaign financing for the Secretary of State position. Taxes on
lobbyists would help fund campaigns for candidates that reach minimum
levels of fundraising up to $1 million. The Secretary of State is
responsible for overseeing and regulating the state's lobbying activity
and the
integrity of our elections, and this would relieve pressure from
fundraising.
- Coalition for Fall 2010 Measure to Prohibit the State from Taking, Borrowing or Redirecting Local Taxpayer Funds dedicated to public safety, emergency response and other vital local government services is near the total needed to qualify. The Oakland City Council endorsed the measure; 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. The Measure will specifically stop this year's state grab of more than $41 million in Oakland Redevelopment funds. For more information.
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7. Community Policing: Staffing Shifts
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The Annual Reunion of the Chinese Citizens Academy Alumni, many who are involved in the City Wide Chinese language Crime Prevention Council, celebrates the Lunar New Year.
Captains Figueroa and Joyner Switched: Captain Eric Figueroa will now be the Captain over central Oakland, Area Two, and Captain Ersie Joyner will now command Area 3, East Oakland.
Dimond-Laurel Walking Officer: Until the new police academies are completed, the department has reassigned the the Laurel Commercial District Walking Officer Kris McClain to patrol. Sean Hall, who serves the same role in the Dimond, will now cover both districts.
 Oakland Community Organizations Asks for Changes in Youth Outreach: Last week I attended the meeting on Youth Violence organized by OCO. The asked for: 1) $1 million for more youth outreach workers (left), 2) More Call-In's (literally calling in all youth on probation within a defined area to meet with police and service providers), and 3) a violence prevention coordinator in the Mayor's office.
The New Police Website is better organized and has links to historical crime data and how citizens can help solve crimes. Check out Captain Anthony Toribio's message for Area 1.
Crime Stats Continue Decline: Last year our serious crime stats declined 10%; combined with 14% for 2008 that was about a 25% decline over two years. Crime was significantly down in every major category, except Domestic Violence (+4%) and Residential Burglaries (+7%). Significant decreases for the year were Shootings (-25%) and Vehicle Thefts (-20%).
Last week continued a 31% overall decline with residential burglaries flattening out for the first time in months with a 3% decrease . Auto theft was down 37%, robberies down 32%, but homicides which were down so far this year increased by one over last year with a sad series of domestic and gang homicides last week.  Home Burglaries and Car Break-ins Continue to be an Increasing Problem in my Area: Many home burglaries are executed through OPEN doors or windows. We have copies of the Police brochure on protecting your home, send us your address and we will send one to you. As for cars, a surprising number of thefts happen when cars are left open and keys are left in the ignition. Neighborhod Council Updates:
Montclair NCPC for Beat 13Z received an update from Montclair Rec Director Mark Zinns on the successful teen program--60 to 70 teens hang out at the Rec Center instead of Montclair Village on Wednesdays and Fridays. They are looking for a designated teen spot in the park. MSIC is also working on a drive safely education campaign to remind residents to slow down as they travel down the hill.
North Hills Neighborhood Council for Beat 13Y is considering merging with the North Hills Phoenix Association, an umbrella group formed following the 1991 Firestorm that has served as a liaison between neighborhoods in the North Hills and the City.
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 10%, home burglaries and domestic violence are up. Learn more by attending your neighborhood's monthly Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meeting.
District Problem Solving Officers (PSO):*
Have a chronic issue that involves criminal activity? Let your Beat Problem Solving Officer know. Citywide List of PSO's.
Check here for a map of the city's beats.
* Occasionally PSO's are pulled off the beat for training or special assignment. They often maintain oversight over their area even if some day-to-day duties are covered by other officers. So even if your officer is on special assignment, the Captains tell us to continue to contact the PSO's as the point person for on-going neighborhood issues.
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8. Emergency Preparedness-- City-wide CORE Exercise, Saturday, April 24 and new programs for recertification
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Most residents don't realize that Oakland is considered a national leader in emergency preparation. Our CORE Program, developed in 1989, is a national model for training neighborhood volunteers.And as one of the Bay Area's largest cities, Oakland is known nationally for its collaborative disaster planning and post-disaster recovery planning with local agencies and institutions. The level of detail and coordination between the City, the School District, utilities, the County, hospitals and local nonprofits and volunteer organizations far exceeds what is found in other cities. One example is the Draft City of Oakland Functional Needs Annex-- model Mass Care and Shelter Programs for Older Adults and People with Disabilities. This program, developed in cooperation with the Mayor's Commission on Persons with Disabilities and Older Adults focuses on helping residents remain as independent as possible in shelters following a major disaster.The full report is available from the Office of Emergency Services at 238-3938.
CORE City-wide Emergency Exercise, Saturday, April 24, 9-Noon: The purpose of the event is to provide an opportunity
for individuals and organized neighborhood groups to come together and
practice responding to a disaster in our community. In 2010, the sce nario will be based on a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on the Hayward
Fault, centered in North Oakland. This year, the focus will be on deactivating Neighborhood Incident Command Centers and safely evacuating residents. A range of simulated incidents will
occur in neighborhoods throughout the city to which CORE Groups will
need to respond. So far 53 CORE groups have signed up--the largest number yet! If you are not part of a CORE group or have not yet gone through CORE, call 238-6351 to see if you can serve as an observer at a nearby event.- Earthquakes Continue to be Reported Around the World...This is the perfect time to check on your emergency supplies. We recommend having enough food and water for 72 hours. Power outages, flooding, slides, and closed roads are common during storms. Do you have flashlights, batteries, water, food, medications and other supplies in case your power or telephone lines are down? Do you live on street where access might be blocked by fallen trees, flooding, or slides? This is a good site for suggested emergency supplies.
- New Ways to renew your CORE Certificate: The CORE Advisory Task Force created a new policy on CORE graduate recertification. In the past the only way CORE graduates could renew their CORE ID cards (which expire 2 years from the date issued) was through participation in a Saturday CORE Refresher workshop. But now, there are two more options: receive recertification credit by participating in the annual CORE Citywide Exercise (coming up on April 24) or complete the new online course, Independent Study 317: Introduction to Community Emergency Response Team and forward the certificate for documentation. Check it out at the CORE website.
- 9-1-1 Registry for Seniors and People with Disabilities: The City offers a free registry for seniors and people with disabilities
that is primarily used for day-to-day emergencies. A completed form is
kept on file with Emergency Dispatch so that when a 9-1-1 call comes in
for your address, the first responders will know what kind of medical or
mobility issues they will face at your front door. Participants need to
update the form every five years. For details contact 238-3796.
 Organize Your Neighborhood: Each year the city trains over 2000 citizens to prepare for disasters. More than 19,000 residents have been trained since CORE began. These are recent graduates from one of our Chinese language classes. Now's the time to sign up for CORE training classes.
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9. Small Business Support
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- AC HIRE Subsidies for Local Employers: This new
Subsidized Employment Program offered by the
Alameda County Social Services Agency
and its various partner agencies is designed to stimulate the
local economy by providing a significant subsidy to employers who hire
eligible low-income Alameda
County residents:
- Reimbursement of 80
percent of the employee's wage until September 30, 2010
- Reimbursement of 80
percent of the employers' costs for Social Security, Medicare,
State and Federal Unemployment Taxes until September 30, 2010.
 Oakland Grown is Growing! Join Oakland Grown
today and receive 50 reusable shopping bags, a cool window
decal
and
have your business featured on the OG website. To join now click here
- Buyer Expo for Local Artisans, Saturday, April 3, 3:30-4:30 pm, 98 Broadway, Jack London Square: Local store owners, this is your
chance to
meet over 50 Bay Area artisans who hand make exceptionally cool, quality
wares.
As independent retailers, you are aware of the importance of supporting
our
area's talented designers and artisans, and this event preview gives you
an opportunity to scope out unique, locally made products to potentially
carry in your shops.
Sponsored by the Oakland Merchants' Leadership Forum.
- Oakland's Business Assistance Center A One Stop Resource: Oakland's Business Assistance Center, located at 270 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, helps entrepreneurs and
existing business owners streamline the process of starting, relocating
and growing a business in Oakland. Check out their website and sign up for their informative newsletter.
 Chamber's Small Business Directory: The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce has an informative Small Business Directory on their website. Take a look.
 StopWaste Business Resources--Free Funding; Apply by April 30: StopWaste.org helps
Alameda County
organizations with financial assistance for waste reduction and
prevention projects. Their Mini-Grants program and the Waste Prevention
Fund have April 30 deadlines coming up fast. Funds will be awarded to
approved projects on a first-come first-served basis.
- Mini-Grants
range from $500-$5,000 for start-up waste reduction projects such as:
-
Desk-side recycling bins and kick-off party
supplies Shop floor bins, signs and employee
incentives Reusable mugs or restroom hand dryers
- Waste Prevention Fund grants range from $10,000-80,000
for projects that prevent waste before it's recycled or landfilled.
Examples include:
- Buying reusable plastic totes to replace
cardboard boxes
- Replacing physical construction or product
modeling with 3D software
- Implementing paperless software tools to
reduce printing
- Greening Oakland-- Ideas for Local Businessess for Earth Day 2010: Stopwaste.org offers an array of practice resources to help local businesses go green, just in time for Earth Day 2010:
- City's Online 2010 Business Retention and Expansion Survey: This survey helps the City improve
its support services to retain and grow your business. The first phase
of the survey is targeting businesses located within the industrial and
manufacturing areas of Oakland. If you have not received a hard copy of the survey but would like to participate, click here.
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10. School, Youth & Library News
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 Friends of Oakland Public Library Books Sale--30% off--April 8-11: The 30% off sale is open to non-members and members alike, Thursday through Sunday, April 8-11. Most of the 17,000 books are $3-$6. Hours: 10:30 am-5:30 pm at The Bookmark Bookstore, 721 Washington Street. Call 444-0473 for details.
Go A's and Support Edna Brewer Middle School, Friday, April 16: Get
your tickets for the A's vs. Orioles NOW for this
great annual event and fundraiser for
Edna Brewer
Middle School. Ticket prices: $16 for Plaza Outfield and; $24 for Field Level. The deadline for ticket orders is Monday March 29. For each ticket sold, Edna Brewer receives $4 to $8 - which goes to
support Edna
Brewer Middle School
students, teachers, building programs and activities. Last year over
$500 was
raised. Unable to attend - how about purchasing a couple of tickets so that some
students can enjoy a Friday evening
game at the Coliseum. Questions? Contact Cynthia Gilchrist at 635-1342 or cyngchrist@yahoo.com
Oakland Teachers' One Day Strike Set for April 22: At their March 1 Oakland Education Association (OEA) Rep Council, 92% of those voting representing about 2/3 of site reps, voted to uphold the Executive Board's motion to recommend a one day strike on March 24 in support of the OEA contract demands. The one-day strike is now scheduled for Thursday, April 22, pending the release of a fact-finding report. For the latest updates, go to the Oakland Education Association website and that of OUSD.
Melrose Branch Library Closed for Repairs Until May 11: As part of ongoing efforts to maintain its historic branches while
also providing a suitable environment for the safeguarding of books,
computers, and significant interior architecture, the Oakland Public
Library has temporarily closed the Melrose Branch for
window refurbishment, restoration and replacement. The Melrose Branch, opened in June 1916, is one of several historic Carnegie-built libraries in the City. It is located at 4805 Foothill Blvd.
Use Your  Voice-- Take Part in the OUSD School Survey, March 10-31: OUSD stakeholders will be able to take the
survey online at http://www.ousd.k12.ca.us/useyourvoice.
Paper copies of the survey will also be made available at schools. The
2010 Use Your Voice Survey will be offered in both English and Spanish.
Mark your calendar now, and be sure to include your feedback in this
District-wide effort to measure and improve our ongoing performance.
- Edna Brewer's Panther Jazz Band at Yoshi's Oakland, Monday, April 12, 7 pm: Come hear the next generation's music greats when the Panther Jazz Band plays at Yoshi's Oakland with special guests errence Brewer and the Big "O" Big Band under the direction of EBMS music teacher Zack Pitt-Smith. Tickets are $15 and support Edna Brewer Oakland public school Music Program, the 2010 8th Grade DC Trip and the Edna Brewer Parent-Teacher-Student Association. Tickets may be purchased in advance ($3 service charge) at Yoshi's website or by emailing heardwhat@yahoo.com. Yoshi's Oakland is located at 510 Embarcadero West in Jack London Square.
- East Bay College Fund for High School Seniors:
Selected students receive a $16,000 scholarship, a mentor, life skills
workshops and a college counselor. Applicant must be an Oakland public
school students, have at least a 3.0 GPA, plan on attending a 4-year
college or university and have 2 teacher recommendations. Contact Peter Reinke or check it out online.
- Free Tax Assistance at the Library: During tax season, trained AARP volunteers offer tax assistance at the following libraries:
- Main Library Monday 10:00-3:00, Wednesday Noon-4 pm, Friday 12:30-4 pm, Saturday 10 am-3 pm / 238-3134
- Cesar Chavez Wednesday 10 am-3 pm, Thursday 10 am-5 pm/ 535-5620
- Dimond Tuesday 12:30-3:30 pm, Thursday 10:30-2:30 pm / 482-7844Eastmont Friday Noon-4pm / 615-5726
- Temescal Wednesday 10 am-2 pm / 597-5049
Please call the library in advance to confirm schedule and to make an
appointment. Some branches will offer walk-in appointments, but please
call for information. Be sure to bring copies of your previous year's
tax returns and all items pertaining to your 2009 tax forms. Bilingual
(Spanish/English) service is available at the Chavez Branch.
-
Free Dimond Library Events: Your neighborhood library at 3565 Fruitvale Avenue is full of community activities for the entire family:
- Summer Camp Explosion at Allendale Park: The Allendale Recreation Center offers a wide range of programs for youth aged 5 and up. Programs range from art, music and dance to cooking, science, Olympic sports, ecology,community service and much more. Space is limited to 20 students for each age group: 5-6, 7-8, 9-11. Cost is $60 a week (7:30 am-5:30 pm), $10 a week for extended hours (5:30-6:30 pm). Sign up at Allendale Recreation Center or online at www.oaklandnet.com/parks
.
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| 11. Easter Events for Families |
 Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt
at Lincoln Square Recreation
Center, 250 10th Street, Sunday, April 4, 8-11 am: Come join the Wa Sung Community Service
Club's 54th Annual Easter
Pancake Breakfast, "Stacks 'n Sausages". The event is on Easter Sunday Morning, April 4th, 2010 8:30 - 11:30 am
at the Lincoln Square
Playground located in Oakland's Chinatown at 11th and Harrison Street.
This years Grand Prize is a $500 savings bond, along with many other hourly door prizes! A
suggested donation of $4 covers on-going local entertainment all
morning.
4th
Annual City-w ide Spring Egg Hunt, Lake Chabot Golf Course, Saturday,
April 3, 8:30-Noon: Come to 11450 Golf Links Road (above the Oakland
Zoo) for a free and fun morning. Onsite registration 8:30-9:25 am. Egg
hunts begin promptly at 9:30 am for kids 7 and older; 9:45 am for kids
6 and younger. Bring your own basket. Bags provided. Golf clinics at 10
and 11 (registration and waiver required). Special exhibits by The Bug
People and Imagine that! - Easter Extravaganza at Arroyo Viejo Park, Saturday, April 3, 11 am-2pm, 7701 Krause Avenue: Councilmember Desley Brooks presents a Schools Out Resource Fair, Easter Egg Hunts and Carnival Rides at Arroyo Viejo Park, near Bancroft Avenue.
- Tap Dancing Easter Bunnies at Children's Fairy Land, Saturday, April 3, 11:30 am: Dance 10 Tap Dancing
Easter Bunnies dance
their way into your
holiday weekend
celebrations
All weekend long: Critters By The Bay
walk-around bunny
characters.
 Old Fashioned Egg Hunts and Games at Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, Saturday, April 3, Noon-3 pm: Easter Bunny photo opportunity; picnic on the lawn, bring a basket to fill with eggs, entertainment, games, SPCA adoption area. Adults $5, Ages 5-12 $2, Under 5 free.Located at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court. Call 562-0328 for details.
- Montclair Lions Club's Annual
 Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 4, 9 am promptly, Montclair Park: Get there early-- once the Fire Siren sounds, it's a 5 minute scramble!
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| 12. Upcoming Events |
- East Bay Express' Taste for Artisans, Saturday, April 3, 5-11 pm, 98 Broadway, Jack London Square: Free admission and free bike valet parking at this celebration of things handmade with quality and love. Live music, more than 100 Bay Area artisans, contests, raffle prizes and more. Taste for Artisans is a fundraiser for Drawbridge, an arts program for homeless children.
- Oakland For Peace, Sunday, April 11, 3-6 pm, First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison Street: A free community event celebrating the youth of Oakland. I'll be the guest speaker talking about how we can make a difference. Youth performers between 2 and 5 pm;30 exhibitors (5-6 pm) showcasing programs for children and youth, violence prevention programs, family services, Neighborhood Watch information, local restaurants and businesses. Register online for special raffle drawing. Or contact dyanaberwin@aol.com for details.
- Domestic Violence in our Communities, Thursday, April 15, 6-8 pm, St. Mary's Conference Center. 925 Brockhurst in West Oakland: Domestic violence is the hidden crime in our community. This event intends
to raise community awareness about domestic
violence, as well as provide assistance for victims of domestic
violence.
Counselors will be on hand to talk with those who have experienced
domestic
violence, information and resources will be provided, and youth who have
experienced domestic violence will share their experiences. Co-sponsored by
the City-County Neighborhood Initiative, Family Violence
Law Center,
A Safe Place, Highland Hospital's Caught in the Crossfire
Program, and Youth Radio.
- 2010 Earth Day Build -A -Thon, April 17-20: Join volunteers at Habitat for Humanity, East Bay when they build 10 homes for 10 families for a 4-day build-a-thon. Call 251-6304, ext 311 or sign up on line.
- Mosaik Voices and Jessice Rice at The Space in the Laurel, Saturday, April 17, 8 pm: This powerful vocal group uses close haunting harmonies, rich with
variety and high energy. Their repertoire includes songs from the
Balkans, Ukraine, Finland, Quebec, and Appalachia. Jessica is a singer-songwriter from Oakland with a uniquely East Bay flavor. Her songs are entertaining & deep, with flavors of gospel, soul, and blues. Located at 4148 MacArthur Blvd.
 I Believe I Can Fly, Cantare Children's Choirs of Oakland, Friday, April 23, 7:30 pm: Save the date for the 10th Anniversary Gala Concern of the Cantare Children's Choirs of Oakland with the Cantare Chorale at the First Baptist Church of Oakland, 22nd Street and Telegraph Avenue. The event celebrates 10 years of bringing quality music education to thousands of K-12th grade students. More than 200 children plus their 100-voice adult Chorale will premiere a very moving commissioned choral work, Measuring the Holy, by Lee Kesselman. For more information and tickets, call 836-0789. - Register now for 2010 Spring ProArts Open Studios tour, June 5-6 and June 12-13: After
nearly 30 years, Pro Arts' East Bay OPEN STUDIOS continues to bring over
50,000 visitors from all over the Bay Area to local artists' studios for the
opportunity to see the best art made in the East Bay.
- Coloring Outside the Lines-Black Cartoonists as Social Commentators,
San Francisco's Main Library African American Center, April 11-June 17. Comic strips offer a unique form of social
criticism and commentary. The best
cartoons expose some truths and, to quote the Bible, "the truth will set you
free." Cartoonists must often be
provocateurs. Cartoonist Keith Knight says, "Cartoonists are the court jesters
of modern times. We can get away with things that others can't because of our
'cute' drawings." Coloring
Outside the Lines features some of those "court jesters." They share
their experiences, inspiration and perspectives as social commentators/provocateurs. June 13, 2010, from 1 pm to 3 pm,
there will be a program at the Library in the Hispanic Room. The program will include some of the
cartoonists and short animation.
 Bike to Work Day, May 13, 2010: There's lots happening this year to encourage the entire family to use their bicycles instead of their cars. Check out the details at the East Bay Bicycle Coalition website or call
533-7433:
- Urban Assault Ride scavenger hunt May 2 in Berkeley
- Bike to School Days, May 5-13
- Bike to Work Day, Thursday, May 13, morning energizer stations, pancake breakfast in downtown Oakland
- Bike Away from Work Party, Thursday, May 13, 5:30-8:30 pm
- Bike to Market Day, Saturday, May 22
- Bicycle Safety Rodeo, Saturday, May 22 in El Cerrito
- Bike-in Movies, various dates
- Circle of Care First Annual Walk to Remember around Lake Merritt, May 15, 10 am-2 pm: A fund raising event for East Bay Agnecy for Children's Circle of Care Grief and Illness Program. This programoffers
support services to children and families coping with life threatening
illness, bereavement, and grief. They provide specialized Support Groups,
Individual and Family Counseling, Crisis Support, Community Workshops
and
Trainings, Outreach, and Information/ Referral. Come walk around the beautiful Lake Merritt on
this day dedicated to honor and remember the special people in
our lives who are living with illness or who have died. Register here. For details, contact Alinya Charron at 531-7551 ext 109.
- 3rd Annual Benefit for Children Gala, Hornblower's San Francisco Spirit, Sunday, May 23, 5 -8 pm: The Faith Network of the East Bay offers an enchanting evening of great food, live jazz, silent and live auctions and Faith Network presentations aboard the Hornblower yacht, San Francisco Spirit. Tickets $75 per person. Leaves from Clay Street Ferry Terminal at Jack London Square. Call 836-5100 for information.
 Make Oakland Feather River
Camp (OFRC) one of your Family Traditions! OFRC has a
Family Camp where kids get to be kids and parents relax more than they have in
a long time. OFRC has been around for 86 years and is a rustic facility within a
magnificent natural setting in the low Sierras. It is a place that
encourages community, connection, joy and a love of nature. Kids
get to run free within the safe and wholesome environment.
The family camp provides kid-friendly
activities every morning. And parents get two hours of free time to relax or to
join in on other activities.
Many say that it's the easiest and best family vacation
ever! Or check out Youth Camp, called Camp Kidd and Camp Sierra. For more information and registration, check out their website
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| 13. The Greening of Oakland--Garden Events and More |
- Get Ready for
Earth Day 2010, Saturday,
April 17, 9 am-Noon: We have
25 Earth Day sites this
year. Please email our office, as well.
- Allendale Park,
Allendale Park NCPC--meet
at 38th Avenue and Penniman Avenue
- Beaconsfield Canyon,
Friends of Beaconsfield Canyon--Meet at 2639
Beaconsfield Place
Bret Harte Middle School,
Bret Harte PTA--meet at 3700 Coolidge
Avenue Bridgeview Trail, Oakmore Homes Butters
Canyon, Butters Land Trust--Meet at 3514 Butters Courtland Creek Park,
Melrose HIgh Hopes NCPC, meet at Fairfax &
Courtland Crestmont, Crestmont Homeowners--Meet
at 25 Chadbourne Way Damuth Street, Upper Damuth
Neighbors--Meet at 2307 Damuth Street Delaware Neighbors--meet
at 3260 Delaware Delaware Pocket Park, Laurel Village Association--Meet at Delaware
and 35th Avenue Dimond Gateway, 22x NCPC-- meet at
Champion & MacArthur Dimond Park, Friends of Sausal
Creek-- meet at Scout Hut Horace Mann School, Melrose High
Hopes NCPC-- Meet at 5222 Ygnacio
Avenue. Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery,
Friends of Sausal Creek--Joaquin
Miller Park Joaquin Miller School, Montera
Association Jordan Park, Redwood Heights
Neighborhood Association--Meet at Avenue
Terrace Park Lower Merriewood Stairs--meet at 5591
Merriewood Marj Saunders Park, Piedmont Pines
Homeowners Association-- Ascot at Chelton McCrea Park, Friends
of McRea Park--Meet at Carson Street & Elinora
Avenue Montclair Park, MSIC Beat 13z--meet in
front of Montclair Rec Center Peralta Creek Park, NEUT
Neighborhood--Meet at Wisconsin and Rettig
Avenue RHRC/Elinora Avenue, Redwood Heights Neighborhood
Association--Meet at
3883 Aliso Avenue Sequoia Elementary School, Sequoia
School PTA & Dad's Club, Hearst &
Lincoln Avenue Sequoia Nursery School--meet at 2666
Mountain Blvd. Shepherd Canyon Park, Shepherd Canyon
Homeowners Association--Meet at Esher Gate on Escher Drive
- Bee Swarming is Sweet! It's swarm season again and swarming is the way bee colonies reproduce. You can help the swarm find a good place to start a colony.
The
Alameda County Beekeepers' Association members are available to
capture
swarms. Some members may charge; others do it because they want
the
bees. Note, If you see bees going in and out of a hole, such as in a wall or
tree,
this is no longer a swarm, it's a new colony. For these jobs, please
call Stan Umlauft at A&B Swarm Removal, 800-500-4747. He's a club member who will
do everything he can to save the bees.
- Pests and Pesticides, to Use or Not? Dimond Rec Center, 3860 Hanly Road, Saturday, March 27, 10-Noon:Alameda County Master Gardener & Dimond Resident, Kelly Harvey will lead this introduction to Integrated Pest Management covering microbial to vertebrate pests--everything for a healthy, balanced and productive garden.Time
will be given for questions and discussion at every meeting. $5 fee per
person per class. Please bring $5 bills. Registration required. Come 15 minutes
early to register at the door.
- E-waste Recycling at Glenview Elementary, Saturday, April 24, 9 am-4 pm: Bring your old televisions, DVD/CD players and disks, monitors, computers, copy machines, fax machines, printers, MP3 players, scanners, video game consoles, cell phones, household phones, stereo equipment, VCRs and VCR tapes, keyboards and mice, internet devices, power cable boxes, miscellaneous wiring and computer components. But please no fluorescent lights or microwaves. Glenview Dad's Club members will assist in unloading your items right from your car. For more information or to volunteer, contact Jerome Chappel.
- Help Keep Dimond Clean with a Donation Towards Zero Litter Week, May 3-8: Keep Dimond Clean has about 15 steady volunteers who spend
between 1 hour and 5 hours a week removing litter from Dimond. In the last year, sponsor La
Farine Bakery has generously donated 700 pastries/rolls and drinks to
thank our volunteers. Efforts of Keep Dimond Clean are in addition to
daily street sweeping and Civicorps litter crews who come through Dimond
2X a week thanks to Oakland's Excess Litter Fee (a city tax on fast
food companies). To raise awareness of litter, Keep Dimond Clean is sponsoring ZERO
LITTER WEEK in Dimond from May 3-8. Street activities will call
attention to litter and graffiti. The Dimond community--and those who like to shop in the Dimond--are asked
to help fund this week. Donations will go toward clowns,
newspaper ads and posters. They are "sending in the clowns" to get our
message out in a creative way to reach youth and passersby on our main
streets. Please send your donations made out to DIA (Dimond Improvement
Association), PO Box 27355, Oakland, CA 94602. Notate "Zero Litter
Week" on your check. DIA website: www.dimondnews.org.
- Farmers Market at Melrose Leadership Academy Every Wednesday, Noon-2:30 pm. Support your local farmers, your local public schools and healthy eating. Box orders available upon request. 5328 Brann Street. Click here for details.
- Dimond Garden Exchange: A new group of avid gardeners is forming a Yahoo Group for garden exchanges--they will garden on someone else's land, or have someone garden on their land. Their next meeting is Saturday, April 3, 2-3 pm at the Dimond Library. If interested, contact Joan Craig, Coordinator of You Can Eat Well Organic Garden Exchange at 434-9675.
- Help with Prepping your Garden: The Victory Garden Foundation, Inc. can help provide volunteers for a work party in your garden. The current work parties are taking place in Oakland, in 94609. Gardening projects like this helps create community. Contact Laurence of Berkeley at 540-1975.
 OPC Volunteer Appreciation Event, Thursday, April 1, 5 pm, Lakeside Garden Center: Hundreds of volunteers have adopted parks, storm drains, creeks, medians and other "spots" in Oakland. The Oakland Parks Coalition and Keep Oakland Clean and Beautiful honor our unsung heroes with a springtime celebration. RSVP by March 26 to oaklandvolunteers@gmail.com.
 Earth Expo, City Hall Plaza, Wednesday, April 14, 10 am-2 pm: Visit over 100 dynamic local green exhibitors: · green businesses
· environmental and social change organizations · artists · government
agencies · community groups.
 Spring Plant Sale, UC Botanical Garden: Members' preview and silent auction, Friday, April 23, 5-7:30 pm; Public sale, Saturday, April 24, 10 am-2 pm. Exquisite plants,
rarities, exotics and more. They will have a great
selection of Mediterranean
climate plants for your garden. Knowledgeable
staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer your
horticultural
questions. Check out the plant sale website. Register Today for 7th Annual Free Bay Friendly Garden Tour, Sunday, April 25: The Bay-Friendly Gardening Program organizes a free self-guided tour
that showcases natural gardening techniques in private residential
gardens throughout Alameda County. Host gardeners are native plant
enthusiasts, wildlife gardeners and urban food growers who are happy to
show you their gardens and talk about their accomplishments and
challenges. Gardens range from professionally designed postage
stamp-sized lots in Berkeley to exuberant one-acre market gardens in
Pleasanton. Registration is required to receive a guidebook with directions and
garden descriptions. Deadline to register on-line is April 16, 2010. Register today.
- Bring Your Own Bag Oakland: The City is working with the Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum to encourage shoppers to bring their own shopping bags to reduce use of plastic and paper bags. Merchants who enroll in the program will provide a customer appreciation incentive. Watch for the ads in the local newspapers.
 Bring Back the Natives Garden Tour, Sunday, May 2, 10 am-4 pm: A free tour of showcase native plant gardens in the East Bay. Download a Garden Tour Flyer
- Planning for Zero Litter
Week in the Dimond, May 3-8: The Beat
22X Beautification Team not only sponsors several clean ups in the Dimond every
week, but is now planning for a Zero-Litter Week in May to raise awareness of
shoppers and others in the Dimond business district. If you would like to help
organize this event, contact Kathleen Russell. It should be fun-- they're even looking for a few mimes to make
the event memorable!
- You Can Eat Well Organic Garden Exchange: This exchange consists of matching people who have land, but not the skills or abilities to garden there, and people who have the skills or abilities, but no land, or who want to garden on more land than they have. We also exchange information about gardening, and other garden-support subjects. Meets the first Saturday of the month at least through June at the Dimond Library. Contact Joan Craig, coordinator, at 434-9675.
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| 14. 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.
Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (ODALC) seeks
inspirational and influential speakers from the digital/business
community as part of educational workshop and computer-training
sessions for young adults in Oakland.
OreMi Seeks Mentors:
The OreMi Mentoring Program creates and supports one-on-one mentoring relationships between community members and children of incarcerated parents to develop the potential of each child and break the intergenerational cycle of incarceration. They work with children ages 4-18 in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Must be 18 years of age or older, able to make a 1 year commitment of 1 hour a week for 1 year, have a clean record. Training provided. Call 834-2443 ext. 3033 or send an email to oremi@fssba-oak.org.
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.
Mimes Wanted: The Keep Dimond Clean Committee is planning a week of
litter awareness in the Dimond, May 3-8. They are looking for mimes to
help spread the message. Contact Kathleen Russell for details.
Support Our Schools by Saving Box Tops: Many local schools use this method to earn cash for your programs, including Glenview Elementary. You can
drop off the coupons at Savemore Market on Park Blvd., Park Blvd. Presbytarian Church and Glenview School. Look for the small rectangular coupon on boxes produced by General Mills, Yoplait Yogurts, Pillsbury Products, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, Bisquick,Hamburger Helper, El Paso Taco Shells, Fruit Roll-ups, Huggies, Poise, Viva, Kleenex, Avery School and Office Supplies.
 Volunteer Training, Wednesday, March 24, 9 -11 am, Contra Costa Office of Education, 77 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill: If you manage volunteers, plan on attending the Volunteer Management Roundtable sponsored by the Volunteer Center of the East Bay. Fee $15. Bring cash or check to the meeting. Registration is required.
 Tender Loving Care--with close to a 50% cutback in park maintenance service, the city's parks, medians and streetscapes 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: Join neighborhood volunteers in helping to Keep Dimond Clean. Participating volunteers receive a complimentary card from La Farine Bakery/Dimond for 2 pastries or rolls/2 drinks. To join on-going litter walks on Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat, and for gardening schedule, email krussell@russell-gordon.com or call 842-3200.
- 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.
- Montclair GreenNClean-clean ups at Montclair Pocket Park, Montclair Park and elsewhere in Montclair. Contact Jill Broadhurst.
- Montclair RR Trail Clean Up, Third Saturday of the Month, 9 am.
- 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
- Shepherd Canyon Eco Pullers & Planters--meets the first Saturday of the month at Escher Meadow in Shepherd Canyon Park. Contact Adrienne Bryant.
- 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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Over 6,000 runners have signed up for the first Oakland marathon in 25 years. 
