Student Tickets Available for Just $10,   "Heroes and Giants,"  Oakland Symphony, Friday, February 24, 8 pm, Paramount Theater:  Attending the symphony in Oakland is am experience like no other.  Maestro Michael Morgan provides diversity of music and the lessons we learn about the pieces make us a wiser and more educated music audience.  There is always discussion with conductors and musicians before the concert at 7 pm. This concert features works by two of the brightest figures in a generation of European musicians whose careers were prematurely terminated by the Nazi regime. Czech composer and pianist Erwin Schulhoff, who died in the Wülzburg concentration camp, was one of the first classical composers in Europe to be inspired by jazz. They'll present his rarely performed Suite for Chamber Orchestra.

Mieczyslaw Weinberg had a remarkable life. He lost most of his family in the Holocaust but survived the torments of two brutal dictatorships himself. He fled the German occupation of Poland in 1939, only to fall victim to Stalin's post-war campaign against the Jews. He was released after years of imprisonment, and later created one of the finest trumpet concertos ever written. OEBS Principal Trumpet William Harvey is the featured soloist in this inspiring work.

Beethoven's third Symphony, now known as the "Eroica," was originally written in honor of Napoleon and titled "Bonaparte." However, when Napoleon declared himself Emperor in 1804, Beethoven was enraged and changed the name of his symphony. Besides the famous story of its rededication, the "Eroica" is known as one of Beethoven's most challenging masterpieces - long, technically demanding and sublime.  (Suitable for children 10 and over.)

TOY TOWN: THE LAND OF LOST IDENTITIES, by Destiny Arts, Laney College Theater,

OUSD Latino Parent Conference, Saturday, February 25, 9 am - 2 pm: Information, Knowledge and Action to Plan for College & Careers Now.  For more information and to register click here or visit www.ousd.k12.ca.us/LatinoParentConference.

Meet City Administrator Deanna Santana at Councilmember Jane Brunner's February Community Meeting, Saturday, February 25, 10 am-Noon, Peralta Elementary School, 460 63rd Street: Join Councilmember Jane Brunner and District 1 residents to meet City Administrator Deanna Santana and get updates on City issues. 

Volunteers Needed to Support 3rd Annual Carter G. Woodson Black History Bowl, Saturday, February 25: This event involves primarily OUSD K-12 students competing and having fun on the topic of Black History and academic achievement. The program, in partnership with OUSD's African American Male Achievement Initiative, involves students from almost 30 schools and utilizes Jeopardy Home Game units and controllers. Funds are needed for 6 game units and controllers (@$700 each), medals, ribbons and trophies ($4,440) and 16 walkie/talkies (@ $15 each). Goodies for participants and day of event food donations are also desired. You can help by going to rally.org/BlackHistoryBowl to donate now. Volunteers are also needed: for the day of the event set up and break down, room monitors, and volunteers with education, youth experience and an interest in Black History. Contact Yafeu Tyhima at kulturefreedom1@gmail.com or call (510) 750-9443. 

 

City Office Closed Monday:  City Offices will be closed Monday,February 20 due to the holiday.  All branch libraries will also be closed February 21.   

Summer Employment Opportunities at Oakland Parks & Recreation:The City of Oakland will be accepting applications for the following positions:

• Recreation Centers and Programs: Recreation Leader
• Sports: Recreation Leader, Sport Official
• Cultural Arts: Recreation Specialist & Recreation Leader
• Camps: Recreation Leader
• Radical Roving Recreation: Recreation Leader

Deadline is March 5, 2010. Late applications will not be accepted. Click here for details. 

VOLUNTEER FOR OAKLAND, SATURDAY, MARCH 10, CITY HALL:  In the current economic times, we need citizen involvement of volunteers more than ever.  Join us to learn about the many exciting volunteer opportunities in Oakland. 

Current Openings on Boards and Commissions: Both the Citizens' Police Review Board and Public Ethics Commission are seeking volunteers to serve as members on these boards.  There are existing vacancies that the Mayor's Office is looking to fill in the coming weeks.  For persons interested, please contact Richard Cowan at rcowan@oaklandnet.com for more information.  

Three proposed state initiatives take up the issue of fairer taxes, specifically a more equal share of taxes for the wealthy.

1. Gov.  Brown's initiative  would increase the sales tax by one-half percentage point and boost taxes on upper-income Californians starting at $250K.  The new taxes are expected to raise about $6.8 billion the first year and $6.2 billion the year after; they expire at the end of 2016. The Governor has raised the most money and has the support of the California Teachers Association. 
2. "Our Children, Our Future" by activist Molly Munger and the California PTA, is a graduated increase in income taxes for all but the lowest-income Californians.  It would raise an estimated $10 billion, 8 percent of which would go for local public schools, including charters, and 15 percent of which would go toward public preschool and early childhood development. It sunsets in 12 years.
3. The "Millionaires' Tax", sponsored by the California Nurses Association and California Federation of Teachers, targets only those earning more than $1 million a year. It levies a 3 percent tax on income over $1 million and 5 percent on income over $2 million. The new taxes are expected to garner $9.8 billion a year permanently and have no sunset date. Sixty percent of the money would go for education, 25 percent for children and senior services, 10 percent for public safety and about 5 percent for roads and bridge maintenance. This initiative taxes wealthiest group and spreads its revenues over a targeted group of services.   This group says their poll has a 70% approval rate, but that is before campaigning for any of the initiatives has begun.  

City Launches Gun Tip Hotline (510) 517-8739:  In collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Oakland Police Department has established a gun tip line.  Citizens are asked to place calls to address the illegal possession and use of firearms within our community.  Calls made to the tip line will be considered confidential if the caller wishes to remain anonymous. ATF will make available up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for firearm related homicides or violence. The Oakland Police Department continues to ask for the community's help and support. Contact information and public information fliers are included below. Over 1,500 fliers have been distributed throughout the community. Public information fliers are now available in English, Spanish, and Cantonese.

Robbery Suspects in Custody: On February 16, 2012 at approximately 10:45 pm, two victims were approached by two suspects in the 3300 block of Grand avenue, and robbed at gunpoint. When officers responded, one of the victims advised the officers that tracking software was installed on his iPad. Officers used the technology to locate the stolen cell phone that had been taken from the victim, and were directed to the location of the suspects, who were found in possession of the cell phone. As a result both suspects were detained and positively identified by both victims. Further investigation led officers to discover that one of the suspects was in a vehicle that had been used in several additional robberies earlier in the evening. Officers recovered items from inside the suspect vehicle that were connected to previous robberies. Investigators believe these suspects are responsible for additional robberies throughout the City and are currently conducting additional investigations. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crimes Section at (510) 238-3475.
 

Help be our eyes and ears!  Download the SeeClickFix app for your cell phone to report pot holes, failed street lights and more: Using a mobile app or computer, Oakland residents can submit a report with a photo. These reports go straight into our Public Works system.  Upon receipt of the service request, a confirmation message is sent to the resident.  SeeClickFix offers increased transparency and accountability. Anyone can track submitted reports and set up location-based watch areas to see local activity. It is flexible, with apps for iPhone, Android and BlackBerry, and a Web interface that is simple and intuitive. It is multi-jurisdictional, and can be used to report problems in other communities too.

 

100 Block Initiative Executive Summary:  92% of all murders in Oakland take place in about 100 blocks or about 5% of the city.  How  can we break the cycle of violence in these neighborhoods?  We believe new, more focused collaborations of law enforcement, schools and other agencies, interventions, and new opportunities for youth can make a difference.  Learn what you can do to help wherever you live in Oakland.

Download the description from the City's website here. 

 Educating Oakland -- The history of the Oakland Public Schools, 1852-1982, Oakland Main Library History Room through March 31st:  An exhibit depicting the origins of the school system, school architecture, the changing of curriculum and demographics, and student life throughout the years, administrative records, student certificates, yearbooks, photographs, and other ephemera.

New School Boundaries, Mutual Matching Process:  With the decreasing number of school age children and increased number of charters, the Oakland School District will be merging elementary school districts dramatically over the next year.  The boundaries for the next school year are on their website. 


Big O--The Big Band of Oakland Public School Music Teachers--at Yoshi's, Monday, February 27, 7 pm and 9 pm, to Support OUSD Music Program: If you want to have a good time and invest in the music future of Oakland, come to these concerts. The band has been playing together for about six years. If you are not going to be attending with school-aged children, plan on attending the 9 pm show. Tickets will be tight for the 7 pm show.


The Second Annual Clarence E. Johnson Parent Conference. Saturday, March 3, 2012, 8 am - 2 pm: Learn about the District Advisory Committee.  This conference gives parents the edge for their students' success. Learn ways to encourage student success in elementary and middle school and explore successful career and college options for high school students For more information and to register, click here.   Free, childcare available.

Consider Volunteering at the Library, Two Information Sessions in March: The Oakland Public Library has many opportunities for volunteers. Find out more on Thursday, March 15, 6:30-7:45, Main Library, 125 14th Street or Saturday, March 17, 10:15-11:30 am at the Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue. For details, contact Winifred Walters at (510) 238-6932.

Student contest winners to design portal adornments for Caldecott Tunnel: Dennis Cuff of The Contra Costa Times reports that CalTrans will be holding a contest for local K-12 students in Alameda and Contra Costa counties to submit the design for six medallions to be cast in concrete above the $391 million fourth bore under construction on Highway 24 between Oakland and Orinda.  The six new hexagon-shaped medallions--each about 36 inches high--will be public art for the ages. CalTrans is conducting an online survey asking the public to rank six potential themes for the medallions. To take part in the survey go to www.caldecott-tunnel.org/ and click on "stay informed" and then "public art theme survey." Options for the themes include images of transportation, technology, current East Bay places, plants or images, the future or the art-deco style used when the tunnel opened in 1937. Read more here.

Free Tax Preparation to Qualified Residents:  If your household income is less than $50,000, you are eligible for FREE tax preparation at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site near you in Oakland. People's Credit Union has been doing taxes for 10 years, and invites families and individuals to make an appointment TODAY for daytime, evening, or weekend hours. Please call (510) 267-0450, ext. 305. People's will electronically file (e-file) your return and direct deposit your refund so that you get ALL of your refund within 7-10 days.  Last year they helped 600 people get about $775,000 in refunds. Se habla espanol.  

 

White Elephant Sale, Saturday, March 3 & Sunday, March 4, 333 Lancaster Street: The legendary annual White Elephant Sale - now in its 53rd year - is Northern California's biggest and best rummage sale.  Organized and presented by the Oakland Museum Women's Board, all sale proceeds benefit the Oakland Museum of California. For directions and a map of the huge, packed warehouse, click here. 

 

Help Skyline Jazz Band Compete in Reno, Attend March 5 Yoshi Performance: Directed by Vincent Tolliver, the Jazz Band is raising money to enable their trip to the Reno Jazz Festival April 26-28, 2012 where they will compete with other schools from all over California, Nevada and the west coast.  In years past the Jazz Band has earned first, third and sixth place in various divisions.  This year the Jazz Band hopes to enter the full group and a Jazz Combo.  They are the only Oakland public school going to represent Oakland at the festival and competition. Tickets are $15.00 for the 7 pm performance and $10 for the 9 pm performance. Tickets are available from the Director, band members or from Yoshi's at Jack London Square, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland, CA  94607, (510) 238-9200 or online at http://www.yoshis.com/oakland . If you cannot make the performance but want to support Skyline's Jazz Band, donations may be made online through Paypal through the Skyline PTSA.  Just click on the link, make your donation and note it is for the Jazz Band Reno trip. Click here for details.      

 

Laney Fusion Theater, March 8-31, 8 pm,  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, All tickets: $10.

 

Recently relocated to Oakland, Alice follows a white rabbit art car, which sends her on a journey careening down the tunnels by Lake Merritt and deep into her own mind.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE TOWN SPECTACLE: A Multi-Interactive Extrrravaganza, Friday, March 9, 6-9 pm, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street: Seven interactive music and art exhibits. Multiple Music & Arts Interactive Stations to make stuff, play stuff, and learn something new!  

 

 

Oakland Running Festival, March 24-25, Snow Park: Now in it's third year, the Oakland Running Festival is experiencing a 43% increase in registrations over the same time last year. While the course is basically the same as last year for the Marathon, half marathon & 5K course, the start and finish will be at Snow Park and Lake Merritt. "By moving our Start and Finish lines to Snow Park we will be able to continue to grow the event. Lake Merritt and Snow Park will serve as a spectacular backdrop and will leave a lasting memory for runners and fans. We anticipate huge crowds to gather around Lake Merritt, Oakland's crown jewel, and fans will help propel runners to our finish line," explained Lee Corrigan, President and CEO of Corrigan Sports Enterprises, which runs the annual race.To register and for details, go to www.oaklandmarathon.com.  (Above, last year's women's winner--Oakland Tribune photo) 

 

Free Neighborhood Plant Exchange, Saturday, March 31, Noon - 4 pm, 3811 Lakeshore Avenue, Oakland: All types of plants are welcome, from cuttings up to full size. Want to donate plants before the event? No problem. Garden accessories and accents welcome: Umbrellas, clippers, pots, books on gardening, stepping stones, tools and supplies-even goldfish. This is a great way to meet new neighbors and foster community spirit. Volunteers help make the experience smooth and easy. Call (510) 866-8482 or email plantexchange510@gmail.com.

 

Save the Date for the 7th Annual Walk to End Poverty, Saturday, May 19, 9 am-1 pm, Lake Merritt Bandstand, 666 Bellevue Avenue: Now's the time to start training for the Alameda County-Oakland Community Action Partnership's 7thn Annual Walk to End Poverty. The first 500 people will receive free lunch and a free t-shirt. Come enjoy a free community fair, children's activities and live entertainment. For more information, call (510) 238-232 or visit OaklandCAP.org.