|
|
| July 30, 2013 | Vol 3, Issue 31 |
|
|
|
|
Take A Fresh Look
at Oakland
News from Mayor Jean Quan & Friends |
|
|
|
|
Greetings!
13th Annual Art + Soul Festival -- this weekend
The Bay Area's Best Downtown Festival Just Keeps Getting Better 
Star-Studded LineUp Includes
Lisa Loeb, Leela James, Confunkshun, Tristan Prettyman, Vintage Trouble, Los Rakas, and more
SATURDAY & SUNDAY SCHEDULE
After 12 consecutive years of dazzling talent, food from all over the globe, hundreds of artisans and the largest family fun zone of any festival in the Bay Area, the City of Oakland has once again introduced a star-studded lineup for its annual flagship festival. Named "Best Festival" by East Bay Express and Oakland Magazine, and consistently regarded among the top summer festivals in Northern California, the 13th Annual Art + Soul Oakland promises to rock the town at bargain ticket prices with its stellar two-day show.
The Mayor's Office will have a booth and I will be there much of the weekend. Come by to say hello and stop by the many city booths to learn more about city programs and services.
OAKLAND PARTNERS WITH FBI ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING SWEEP
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and multiple local and state law enforcement units participated in a joint sweep involving
several Bay Area cities and counties, running a total of 17 operations.
This was part of a national sweep, "Operation Cross Country." Two minors and a long-sought-after pimp were arrested.
Oakland has been a pioneer in taking on this often hidden or ignored issue. We led the campaign to decriminalize sexual exploitation of minors but increase the fines for johns and sentences for pimps. Oakland developed and funded some of the first support groups and safe places for sexually exploited minors under Measure Y. Deputy Mayor Sandre Swanson, a former state assemblyman, wrote some of the state's strongest legislation to increase punishments for people who exploit and enslave minors. Our communities have worked to close down motels, and several groups send Dear John letters to motorists who frequent areas of child prostitution. Still, it is an on-going problem with a large number of children living in poverty or foster care. Young women in foster care can suddenly find themselves homeless at 18 and are particularly vulnerable to being exploited. So one of the main groups I try to recruit mentors for are the hundreds of Oakland youth in foster care. Right now there are 90 young people in Alameda County who have requested "advocates" who have been waiting nearly a year. If you could help one of these youth, please contact Alameda County CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates).If you have information on minors who might be exploited please contact the Police Department at the tip line below.
OPD TIP LINE for the Child Exploitation Unit is
637-0298
 |
Gorilla Rilla and other Raider fans dropped by Carter Gilmore and Willie Wilkins Parks last week.
|
Our Summer Peace in the Parks program continues. Thanks to the many groups who have volunteered with activities or food. Despite some unusually chilly Fridays, several hundred youth and their families have attended each event and we are ordering more hot dogs for this week!
 For the next 3 Fridays, we will be at these locations from 6-9pm:
- Willie Wilkins Park, 98th and Ave C.
- Carter Gilmore Park, 1930 66th @ Lucille
- West Oakland Teen Center, 3233 Market
 | |
Preparing for a sack race at Willie Wilkens Park.
|
IT IS ALSO FIRST FRIDAY -- INVITE YOUR FRIENDS FOR THE WEEKEND!
With First Friday back-to-back with Art & Soul, there has never been a better time to invite friends who haven't been to Downtown Oakland for a while for the weekend. In addition to these main events, take the time to show them the Lake or try one of our national-recognized or locally-loved restaurants. 61 new restaurants opened this year. To top it off, the newly redesigned Oakland Museum of California is FREE on first Sundays. All you need is at this Visit Oakland site: hotels & restaurant guides and their list of 100 things to do in the city.
While you are strolling on First Friday or any other time, check out the latest additions to our outside art. This mural at the Bee Hive development on the walls of the HUB was put together last week as local residents had their photos taken and then pasted them up. Then check out the street painting of the 6 month pilot program at Latham Square (see Section 2).
-
Oakland First Fridays Arts Street Festival is open from 5 to 9 pm and is centered around Telegraph Avenue from West Grand to 27th Street.
- The Oakland Art Murmur is sponsored by mostly indoor galleries. There are a great variety of new artists showing this week. Check out the schedule here. Galleries are often open til 10pm or later.
- Jack London Square Night Market: Dozens of crafts, booths, food trucks, and free dance lessons (see Section 1).
- Don't forget the Clubs and Restaurants.
 | | Save Our Sports always has a table at First Friday and they are carrying a nice line of T-Shirts to help support our efforts to keep our teams in Oakland. |
Have a great weekend!
...and don't forget to check out the items in the sidebar at right!
|
| National Night Out -- Last chance to register | |
600 Plus Neighborhood Groups Have Registered,
Is Your Block, Building or Church One of Them?
We have extended the Deadline for Registration Until the End of Today.
Tuesday
August 6, 2013
Organize your block now for National Night Out.
National Night Out is America's block party night, an opportunity for residents to organize a barbecue, ice cream social, or other event that is designed to both strengthen neighborhood spirit and unity, and raise crime prevention awareness, by helping neighbors get to know each other.
National Night Out sends a simple, yet profound message: "when neighbors know each other neighborhoods are safer." Stronger relationships within neighborhoods result in improved communication and better resource and information sharing. And that sends a message to criminals, letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and working together. Neighbor-to-neighbor cooperation increases crime prevention awareness and improves public safety.
Although the deadline to register has passed, that doesn't mean you can't still organize a block party.
If you have questions, go to the Neighborhood Services Division National Night Out page to learn more about this annual event or contact Felicia Verdin, Community Programs Supervisor, fverdin@oaklandnet.com or 238-3128
BACK TO TOP
|
| "Faces of Oakland" Photo Competition | |
"Faces of Oakland" Photo Competition on Now
On Thursday, July 25, Visit Oakland, the official destination marketing organization for Oakland, began accepting submissions for its annual photo competition. This year's contest will focus on "Faces of  Oakland," emphasizing Oakland's diverse community and neighborhoods. For this contest, Visit Oakland is looking for images that best portray Oakland as an attractive visitor destination.
Given this year's focus on photos of people, Visit Oakland is not accepting submissions of scenic shots, attractions or other related content. Images will be judged on originality, technical excellence, composition, overall impact and artistic merit.
To enter, photographers should complete the following steps:
Winners of the "Faces of Oakland" photo contest will be rewarded with topnotch Oakland experiences. Prizes include a $500 cash prize, an overnight stay and breakfast for two at the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa, a round of golf at Lake Chabot Golf Club, a complimentary tasting for four at Cerruti Cellars and additional prizes.
For more info, guidelines and entry forms: www.visitoakland.org/photocontest or contact Visit Oakland at intern@visitoakland.org
BACK TO TOP
|
|
 |
This publication is not produced at public expense.
Want to follow events as they happen?
During the week, I also post to my Facebook page: Facebook.com/mayorjeanquan.
|
|
Send This To A Friend
 |
Follow the Mayor
| 
 
Subscribe to daily tweets
 View our press briefings, meetings & community events |
|
SPOTLIGHT
|
The New Parkway Theater Launches "Karma Cinema Month" in August
The New Parkway
474 24th St, Oakland, 94612
For the entire month of August, The New Parkway Theater is encouraging patrons to pay-what-they-wish for their movie ticket. In turn, 30% of ticket sales will be donated to four local nonprofit "Karma Partners," each in a different sector doing vital work in our community. Karma Cinema Month Partners include:
- Alameda County Community Food Bank
- College Track
- Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
- Hopalong Animal Rescue
"Not only is the New Parkway a unique theater-going experience but it's also a community-centered space that's committed to the betterment of the East Bay. Since we opened our doors in December, we have been consistently working with local nonprofits, and we look forward to broadening and deepening our work through Karma Cinema in August. We love that we can both help raise awareness and help raise funds for these nonprofits that are doing such critical work," said J Moses Ceaser, General Manager at the New Parkway Theater.
Experience the Power of Generosity
The New Parkway is inviting people to experience the power of generosity with Karma Cinema. Not only will patrons be encouraged to be as generous as possible, but they will also be showered with unexpected gifts throughout the month. It's all part of a cycle of generosity that will envelop patrons, staff, and the greater community as donations and spontaneous giving ripple inward and outward from the New Parkway Theater.
Research Shows Attraction for Businesses that Help Nonprofits
In a recent survey by the New Parkway, 82% of respondents said it was extremely or somewhat appealing to have 30% of their ticket purchase benefit nonprofits. "I like the idea of paying it forward a lot, and am very interested in supporting businesses that work to help the community," commented one survey respondent.
How Karma Cinema Month Works
In August, patrons can choose exactly how much they want to pay for their movie ticket. Of those proceeds, 30% of gross ticket sales for the month will go into the Karma Fund. New Parkway moviegoers can then chose where they want their karma to flow-they select their favored nonprofit at the theater, and proceeds will be distributed among the four Karma Partners accordingly. (i.e. If a Karma Partner is selected by 28% of patrons, then it will receive 28% of the proceeds.)
For more info: 658-7900 or thenewparkway.com
BACK TO TOP
|
|
SPOTLIGHT
|
See a Musical in the Redwoods this Summer
 | |
Larry, the assistant choreographer (played by Todd Schlader), catches Richie, an auditioning dancer (played by Dave Abrams), in A Chorus Line, playing August 9-18 at Woodminster Amphitheater.
|
SPECIAL FOR OUR READERS
Oakland Insider Half-Price Opening Nights
Use the code MYCITY
when you purchase tickets for
Aug 9 (A Chorus Line) and
Sep 6 (Legally Blonde) at Woodminster Amphitheater
Hello, Oakland neighbors!
Since 1967, Woodminster Summer Musicals has been a tradition in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park. The beautiful, woodsy, outdoor setting is a magical place for live musical theater, and we draw large crowds from all over the bay area and beyond.
We'd like to extend a special welcome to our Oakland neighbors, and we invite you to come to opening night for half-price. Just use the code (MyCity) when you order tickets online at woodminster.com, by phone at 510-531-9597, or in person at the box office.
The next show is A Chorus Line, the Broadway musical about Broadway dancers, full of thrilling dance numbers and well-known songs including "What I Did For Love" and "One." Join us for opening night August 9, and make sure you use the code MyCity when you order tickets.
On September 6, use the same code for opening night of Legally Blonde: The Musical.
For details about ticket prices, our Kids Come Free program, and more, click here.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
1. DISCOVER OAKLAND -- Activities this week
|
Editor's Note: Remember to check both the UPCOMING and the RECURRING sections, way down at the bottom, for additional events.
The Grand Avenue Business District hosts a monthly art event with special discounts from merchants and galleries.
For more info, click here.
Saturday Stroll, Every Saturday, 1-5pm: Uptown Art Galleries:
www.oaklandartmurmur.org/calendar/saturday-stroll
Jack's Night Market, First Fridays through September, 6-10pm, Jack London Square, foot of
 Broadway.A captivating evening filled with merriment and verve can be enjoyed every first Friday through September. Sample the eclectic mix of artisans, music, food and fun.
For more info: www.jacklondonsquare.com
 Obon Festival, Buddhist Church of Oakland, 825 Jackson Street near the Lake Merritt BART station, SaturdayAugust 3, 3-9pm.
This Japanese festival will feature Obon Dancing, Taiko Drums, Koto Performances, Tea Ceremonies, Temple Tours, Japanese Food, and Ikebana Floral Exhibits.
Free First Sunday, Sunday, August 4, 11am-5pm, Oakland Museum of California,
1000 Oak St. Experience the museum's three galleries, including the newly opened Gallery of California Natural Sciences, for free.
For more info: www.museumca.org
Art + Soul Oakland Festival, Saturday, & Sunday, August 3 & 4, 12-8pm (Sat), 12-6pm (Sun), Downtown Oakland, Frank H. Ogawa Plaza and surrounding streets. The festival that launched downtown Oakland's transformation into the Bay Area's hottest dining and arts scene, Art + Soul Oakland will sizzle this year with two art-and-music-packed days featuring live jazz, rock, indie, punk, honky-tonk, gospel, metal, world, Latin, folk, R&B and blues music performed by national recording artists and top local talent. The musical line-up for Saturday includes Lisa Loeb, Tristan Prettyman, The Rescues and Vintage Trouble. Oakland-based Amikaeyla and ConFunkShun join Soul/R&B powerhouse Leela James on Sunday. There will be hundreds of artisan booths; gourmet global cuisine and mobile food trucks; and for kids, carnival rides, music, art activities and costumed characters. For more info: www.artandsouloakland.com or 444-CITY
 Oakland Municipal Band 102nd Concert Season, Sundays, 1-3pm, Lakeside Park, 666 Bellevue Ave. Free concerts offer an array of jazz, contemporary, pop, big band, international, classical, marches, and show tunes. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. Picnics welcomed. This Sunday's concert includes: Galop by Dmitri Shostakovich
Grand March from "Aida" by Giuseppi Verdi
Fairy Tale and March by Sergei Prokofieff
Music from "Brigadoon"
The world premiere of Jeux d'Enfants (Children's Games) by Georges Bizet, arranged by one of our very own band members, Nick Di Scala
Sabre and Spurs by John Philip Sousa
Masquerade Overture Carl Nielsen
Music from "Annie Get Your Gun"
Harry's Wondrous World John Williams
The Stars and Stripes Forever John Philip Sousa
For more info: 339-2818 or www.oaklandmunicipalband.org
Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum with Off the Grid Food Trucks, every Friday, 5-9pm, Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak St. 
Join OMCA and Off the Grid Food trucks on 10th Street every Friday for a family-friendly take on a festive night market. Savor California beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages around the Koi Pond at the Blue Oak café pop-up. Bring the whole family to OMCA for a sampling of the best in Bay Area curbside cuisine!
DJ Aware spinning hits from 5 to 6:30 pm
Family-friendly drop-in workshop doing animal printing on bandannas from 5 to 8 pm
Makers & Tasters Series ranging from beer brewing and coffee roasting to recipe sharing and gardening how-tos from 6 to 8 pm
Hooping class with Nicole Wong in the amphitheater from 6:30 to 7 pm
OMCA Pub Trivia with Senior Curator of Natural Sciences, Douglas Long, from 7 to 8:30 pm
Rock and roll band Hot Einsten performing live from 7 to 9 pm
COST: Half-price gallery admission for adults; ages 18 and under are free. Admission for Members is always free. Cash bar. Prices vary for Off the Grid food trucks. Event parking is available at the Museum for a $5 flat fee after 5 pm. For more info, click here.
Bites Off Broadway -- Mobile Food and Family Fun,
Fridays, now thru October 11, 5:30-8:30pm,
in front of Studio One Art Center, 365 45th Street.
Featuring affordable and delicious food from rotating trucks, such as Fist of Flour, Tina Tamale, Taco Evangelist, Roderick's BBQ, Annakoot, Suzie Q's Lunch Box, Sanguchon, Go Streatery, Doc's of the Bay, Two Mammas Vegan Kitchen, Blue Saigon, Sunrise Deli and more. Lawn seating: bring a chair or a blanket plus your friends, family and neighbors. Hula-hooping, ping pong, live music and movies at dusk.
For more info: www.bitesoffbroadway.com
FOR ELDERS
Free Movie, Wednesday, July 31, 1pm, Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Ave. Enjoy a free indoor screening of "Argo."
For more info: Jennifer King, Senior Center Director, jking@oaklandnet.com or 238-3284
Senior Day at the A's, Wednesday, July 31.
On Wednesday, the Oakland Athletics organization honors Oakland seniors with great accessible seats in the plaza infield section during the North Oakland Senior Center's annual "Senior Day at the A's." Join in the fun as the Oakland A's take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
Seniors can ride to the game on the shuttle bus from the senior center at 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way for only $7. Seats are limited so call 597-5085 to check availability.
For more info: Mary Norton, Senior Center Director, mnorton@oaklandnet.com
FOR ADULTS
 Yoga for Stress Reduction, Mondays, 5:30-7pm. Tassafaronga Recreation Center, 975 85th Ave.Weekly Yoga classes will be taught by UC Berkeley graduate student and Yoga instructor Maya Weir. Yoga is a practice that connects the mind and body through physical movements, breathing work and meditation. The classes will assist participants with decreasing stress and anxiety, increase flexibility, protect and prevent arthritis and back pain, improve posture and relieve back and neck problems.
For more info: Cynthia Armstrong, Recreation Center Director,carmstrong@oaklandnet.com or 615-5764
FOR KIDS 
Basketball Clinic, Tuesdays & Thursdays thru August 15, 4-5pm, Ira Jinkins Recreation Center,9175 Edes Ave.
The basketball clinic is for youth, ages 7 to 16.
For more info: Donte Watson, Recreation Center Director, dwatson@oaklandnet.com or 615-5959
DANCING
Summer Lindy Hop Dance Party, Wednesday, July 31, 9pm, Eastside Cultural Center,
2277 International Blvd. Enjoy great Lindy Hop dancing with a DJ.
Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/385034
For more info: 473-2928
Chicago Steppin' classes, Thursdays, 8-10pm, Ira Jinkins Rec Center, 9175 Edes Ave.
The classes will be held every Thursday through August. Participants will enjoy great music, dancing and conversation while learning the art of the "Chicago Step."
For more info and to register: Donte Watson, Recreation Center Director, dwatson@oaklandnet.com or 615-5959
 Dancing Under the Stars, Friday evenings, 8:30-10pm, Jack London Square, foot of Broadway. This week learn the Bachata, a dance from the Dominican Republic.
The incredibly popular dancing event returns to Oakland's waterfront. Kick up your heels and enjoy a free dance lesson provided by the Linden Street Dance Studio. Each week will feature a different type of dance followed by a dance party to practice what was learned.
For more info: 645-9292.
MUSIC
 Oakland Symphony Chorus Summer Sing-Ins, now thru August 31, 10am-12noon, 2201 Broadway, Suite 300. On July 9, OSC launched its 21st Anniversary Season of Summer Sing-Ins. All singers are invited to join OSC and sing along to some of the most beloved choral masterpieces. This summer you can expect some Bach, Brahms and Berlioz. OSC welcomes back conductors Vance George, Michael Morgan, Lynne Morrow and more. For more info: oebs.org
The Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra Free Concert, Sunday, August 4, 4pm, Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, Barnett Hall, 3534 Lakeshore Ave.
Musicians are still welcome to join the orchestra, and the public is invited to the free concert. The OPC Symphony Orchestra offers Bay Area musicians the unique opportunity to perform the rarely heard works of African-American, and other ethnically under-represented composers, and standard repertoire.
Rehearsals:
Tuesdays, 7-9:30pm, Ed Kelly Hall at OPC,1616 Franklin St. All musicians are welcome to join the orchestra. $50 registration fee for participation.
For more info: 836-4649, info@opcmusic.org , or www.opcmusic.org
MOVIES
Free Movie for Seniors, Wednesday, July 31, 1pm, Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Avenue.
Enjoy a free indoor screening of "Argo."
For more info: Jennifer King, Senior Center Director, at jking@oaklandnet.com or 238-3284
Movie Night at Redwood Heights Rec Center, Friday, August 2, at dusk, Redwood Hts Rec
Center, 3883 Aliso Ave. Features a free screening of "The Lorax."
A great way to spend a Friday night is to come over to Redwood Heights Rec Center, bring a small lawn chair and/or blanket, some warm clothes, and watch a fun movie under the evening sky. Movies start at dusk, which changes as the days get longer. There will be popcorn, hot chocolate, drinks & hotdogs this year. No alcohol, drugs or dogs allowed. All of the money goes towards scholarship fund for summer day camp and after school Rockets program.
For more info: Breht Clark, Recreation Center Director, bclark@oaklandnet.com or 482-7827
For the summer schedule, click here.
Movies at Studio One, Friday, August 2, 8:15 pm, Studio One Art Center, 365 45th Street. Enjoy a free screening of "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
For more info: 597-5027
$5 Movie Day Every Sunday & Tuesday, Regal Cinema Jack London 100 Washington St.
Tired of shelling out $10 - $12 for movies in a theater? Then take advantage of the Regal, Jack London's all day $5 movie deal!
For more info: www.regmovies.com
The New Parkway, 474 24th Street
658-7900 or www.thenewparkway.com
If you haven't yet been to this movie theater, you really must go. Comfy (clean) couches, good food, and all sorts of themes. Check the website for all the specifics.
"Trials of Muhammad Ali," Friday, August 2, 7pm.
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival is showing films at the New Parkway, Grand Lake, and Piedmont Theaters during the first two weeks of August. The film selections are really strong, provocative, and many are being screened for the first time.
This weekend: "The Trials of Muhammad Ali" -- a fascinating documentary focused on Ali's conversion to Islam, his refusal to be drafted during the Vietnam War, and the volatile period in our nation's history. It is not a boxing film. There is incredible archival footage of Ali's journey and amazing interviews with -- among others -- Louis Farrakhan.
"Trials of Muhammad Ali" plays at the New Parkway during Art Murmur this Friday night at 7pm and at Grand Lake on Sunday, August 11 at 4:30pm.
AT FAIRYLAND
fairyland.org
Regular Events -- Saturday & Sunday 
11am, 2pm, & 4pm: Puppet Show: The Magic Blossom. William Shakespeare's timeless tale of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" comes to life for children. Join King Oberon and Puck and the other fairies as they try to trick Queen Fairy Titania. One drop of dew in the eye from the magic flower will cause the infected to fall in love with the first person they see. But what happens when that person is a poor soul who has had his head turned into a donkey's!
12pm-2pm: The Marilynn O'Hare Arts & Crafts Center is open with activities geared toward children and their families.
12:30 & 3pm: Children's Theatre Presents: Cowgirls! The (partly) true story about the girls who won the West. Follow Ruby on her quest to find her beloved cowgirl hat and ride Blue Meany, the orneriest bull that ever bucked a buckaroo. On her way, Ruby meets a host of cowgirls from American legend and history, from Sluefoot Sue to Calamity Jane to Stagecoach Mary. Join us for a rip-roaring celebration of cowgirl culture featuring traditional western songs and stories.
1pm-1:20pm: Animal of the Day! Come up close and learn about one of our animal friends. Which one of Fairyland's feathered, furry or wooly creatures will it be today? Find out at the Humpty Dumpty wall.
1:30pm & 2:30pm: Jacquelyn Lynaugh as The Blue Fairy appears with her guitar, Prince Charming. She will be performing well known folk songs and helping children make wishes come true with her crystal wand and fairy dust.
Special Events
Spirit Horse Therapeutic Riding Center
Saturday, August 3, 12-3pm
Spirit Horse will be demonstrating riding techniques, therapy horsemanship and equine/horse communication. Click here for more info.
Summer Sleep Over
Saturday & Sunday, August 3 & 4, 5:45pm
Experience the magic of Fairyland in the moonlight. Pitch your tent in the Teddy Bear Picnic area and enjoy dinner, rides & entertainment under the stars. In the morning, wake up to the smell of fresh coffee, bagels and cereal, with our continental breakfast. Savor some quality time with your kids! Pre-registration required.
AT THE ZOO
9777 Golf Links Rd
Animal Encounters,
Sundays, 11:30am and 12:15pm (for about 20 minutes)
Docent led live animal presentation: Wild animals need your help, come find out what you can do.
Learn about and meet some of our amazing animals close up. Our Program Animals are presented with fun facts and important messages; spend 20 minutes with us in the WildLife Theater! This program is free with regular Zoo Admission.
Family Sundown Safari, Aug 3, Aug 10, 5:00pm to 10:00am (the following 
morning).
Go on Safari in Oakland! Family Sundown Safari is a hands-on educational summer program for families with children ages 4 and up. Bring your tent and sleep out underneath the stars. Your family will never forget their incredibly fun and unique campout at the Oakland Zoo! New this year Gerald the Magician!
Pre-Registration is required. All forms and deposit must be received 1 month before the event date. Click here for more info and to register.
AT CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
10000 Skyline Blvd.
For more info, click here.
Also see UPCOMING EVENTS section below for a couple of nifty events next week.
 Special Planetarium Show, Wednesday, July 31, 6-7:30pm.One year ago, Chabot's teen Galaxy Explorers embarked on an international exchange with their teen partners at the Hong Kong Space Museum to develop and produce joint planetarium shows. The project, funded by the American Alliance of Museums and the U.S. State Department, culminates in a celebratory reception and presentation of the Galaxy Explorers' productions in Chabot's full-dome planetarium.
There is no charge to attend, and hors d'oeuvres will be served.
For more info and to RSVP: Melissa Russo, mrusso@chabotspace.org or 336-7379, and leave your name and the number guests in your party.
We Are Aliens -- An all new full dome show - narrated by Rupert Grint 
Limited Run: now thru December 15
Ever since the two men in black showed up, summer means ALIENS and Chabot is right on board with a new planetarium show! We Are Aliens, narrated by Rupert Grint, journeys through the galaxy searching for evidence of life. This animated piece is great for all ages as scientists explore the vast universe asking the question that has sparked curiosity and inspired exploration for generations: are we alone? Colorful and fun, intriguing and exciting, this full dome experience appeals to the kid in all of us.
Tickets are included with general admission (Chabot members always enjoy free admission). Check www.chabotspace.org for Showtimes or call the Box Office at 336-7373.
Dinner, a Movie, and the Universe, Friday & Saturday evenings.
 The perfect date night experience is back! By popular demand, our unique after-dark offering has returned. Join us for a full-course dinner in our Skyline Bistro, enjoy our live-narrated Planetarium show Cosmos 360, and view the night sky through our telescopes (weather permitting). Reservations are not required, but strongly encouraged.
Costs (includes Admission, Dinner, and Planetarium Show)
Guests: $23 Adults / $16 Children
Members: $15 Adults / $11 Children
*Dinner only walk-ins welcome: $17 Adults / $13 Children
*Price does not include admission to the Center
For more info, click here.
OAKLAND MUSEUM
At the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak Street
For more info: museumca.org
Peter Stackpole: Bridging the Bay, now thru Jan. 26, 2014 
Featuring stunning black-and-white photographs chronicling the original San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge construction in the 1930s by American photographer Peter Stackpole, the exhibition continues OMCA's ongoing series exploring contemporary topics in California through photography.
On view in the Gallery of California Art during the opening of the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in fall 2013, the exhibition of 22 of Stackpole's works from OMCA's collection connects visitors back in time to the bridge's first iteration and serves as a complement to the Museum's major exhibition on the San Francisco Bay, opening in concert with the new bridge and America's Cup.
Click here for more info.
Hard Times in the OC
Now thru April 27, 2014
This installation in the Gallery of California History co-curated with faculty and students at California State University Fullerton focuses on the effects of the 2008 recession in Orange County. It's the second in the series titled What's Happening, California?
The exhibition explores the theme of resilience in the face of economic setbacks through a presentation of artifacts, including protest puppets, tools of laid-off workers, and oral history interviews. The resulting exhibition portrays a range of experiences and challenges facing the people of Orange County during the recession, reflecting the Oakland Museum of California's mission to connect communities to the cultural and environmental heritage of California.
ART
ART Exhibits at Oakland Public Libraries
Is This Justice? Student Design Exhibit, Main Library, TeenZone, July 8 - September 30
Artistic T-shirts conveying messages about violence prevention, incarceration, community, and freedom, created by students in the Restorative Justice Leaders program.
Going on Down the Road, Rockridge Branch, July 2 to July 31
Paintings by Benny Alba.
Adornment, Rockridge Branch, July 2 to July 31
A Jewelry Exhibit by Kim Anderson, in the Lobby Display Case.
AT OUR PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Many library events are recurring. Some are highlighted here temporarily, but be sure to check the last section (RECURRING EVENTS) for items no longer listed in this section and click here for a link to all library events.
Library events page: www.oaklandlibrary.org/events
Library Offers Free Music Downloads and Streaming
On Wednesday, July 24, the Oakland Public Library (OPL) began to offer patrons the ability to download and stream popular music for free, through a service called Freegal Music. Freegal gives you access to millions of songs from over 10,000 labels in MP3 format. To access the free service, you need a valid OPL library card. To check out the free service, please visit the OPL website at www.oaklandlibrary.org or go directly to Freegal's site here.
For more info: Jamie Turbak, Acting Associate Library Director, jturbak@oaklandlibrary.org or 238-6610
Some libraries to change hours in the fall In order to increase the public's access to neighborhood branches, the Oakland Public Library (OPL) will change its schedule this fall at 4 of the library's 16 branches. Effective September 16, the Brookfield, Eastmont, Golden Gate, and Piedmont Avenue Branch libraries will be open Monday through Friday. All other branches will keep their current Tuesday through Saturday schedules, and the Main Library will continue to be open seven days a week. With the upcoming schedule change, the library will be able to bring Monday hours to more areas of Oakland. This change also adds an additional day of the week with open evening hours for further access, and allows more time for services to children during the school week. Total service hours and costs to operate branches will not change. OPL will assess the public response to the new schedules based on six to nine months of data collection and survey review to determine if further modifications are needed. For more info: www.oaklandlibrary.org Summer Reading Join us for a summer of fun as the Oakland Public Library launches its annual Summer Reading Program, with separate reading programs for kids, teens, and adults. This year's theme is "Reading is Soooo Delicious!" and the library calendar will feature many food- and reading-related programs all summer long. Summer Reading concludes August 10. Summer Reading for Kids The kids' program rewards young readers (ages 0-14) with raffle prizes, entertainment, and fun activities. Click here for program details, Teen Passport Program  Teens (ages 12-18) can participate in the Teen Summer Passport Program, which encourages young people to read, participate in Library activities, and explore Bay Area cultural sites. Click here for program details. Adult Summer Reading Adults (18 and up) can qualify to win raffle prizes by reading, sharing book reviews, and by utilizing library services. Ask any librarian for info. SPECIAL ONE-TIME EVENTS
Fix Your Resume, Tuesday, July 30, 6pm & Tuesday, August 20, 6:20pm, Piedmont Avenue Branch, 80 Echo Ave.
Get your resume into shape! Bring your resume for review and tips:
- How to tailor content and format to your desired audience
- How to highlight your achievements to specific positions while maintaining broad marketability
- How to translate your skills to new career fields
- How to send a message that is professional, concise and clear
Appointments are strongly recommended. Click here for more info.
Make Your Own Cookbook, Tuesday, July 30, 7pm, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave.
Come to the library and make you own cookbook. Bring your favorite recipes or find some in the library. For the youngest chefs we'll have preprinted ones to collect and decorate.
For more info, click here.
XTreme Science Magic, Wednesday, July 31, 10:30am, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch,
6833 International Blvd. Take two parts science, add one part magic, throw in a large dose of audience participation and you've got an educational and entertaining show. Don't miss it! For more info, click here.
Oakland ZooMobile, Wednesday, July 31, 10:30am, Golden Gate Branch, 5606 San Pablo Ave.
Bringing animal ambassadors to you! An educator will bring small animals, and help you learn what you can do to be an animal steward in your own neighborhood. For more info, click here.
Mr. Shap, Wednesday, July 31, 11am, Elmhurst Branch, 1427 88th Ave.
"Super Happenings Always Possible," Mr, Shap is a balloon artist extraordinaire and does magic too!
For more info, click here.
Resumes and Cover Letters, Saturday, August 3, 2-3pm, Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, 6833 International Blvd.
Learn what to include in and how to organize your resume and cover letters. You will also learn about the art of writing thank-you letters and documenting your information.
For more info, click here.
REGULAR, RECURRING EVENTS (see others in RECURRING section at the end)
Lawyers in the Library, Wednesdays, 6-8pm, Main Library, 125 14th St.
Free legal information and referral presented by the Alameda County Bar Association. Sessions are popular and sometimes subject to change. Call in advance to confirm on the day of the program. Sign-up for lottery starting 5pm until 5:45pm.
For more info, click here.
Paws to Read, Wednesdays, 3:30-5pm, Lakeview Branch.
Kids: come read to our canine friends! It's a great way to practice reading, spend time with a gentle dog, and have some fun. Sign up soon for a 20-minute time slot - we fill up quickly! This program is best for independent readers in grades 1-7.
Observatory: Oakland, Thursdays, 1:30-3:30pm, César E. Chávez Branch, 3301 East 12th St.
Join Oakland Library this summer for an art and community observation workshop series for teens. How many objects can you find at the BART station, that begin with the letter "T"? How many cracks are there in the sidewalk outside the Chavez library? How many different tastes and smells can you find at the Fruitvale Village Farmers Market? Join artist Marcela Florez Rodriguez and poet Kristin Palm and explore our surroundings through simple drawings and notations. There will be lots of opportunity for feedback and exploring places and ideas that matter to you! No art experience necessary. The only thing required is a sense of curiosity and adventure!
For more info: krispalm313@gmail.com
In Between Time, Thursdays, 2-4pm, 81st Ave Branch, 1021 81st Ave (at Rudsdale)
Teens and tweens are welcome to come to our pop-up rec center every Thursday this summer. Join us for ping-pong, videogames, arts and crafts, cooking, and snacks! For ages 10 and up only, please.
Brookfield Teen Time, 2nd Fridays of the month, 3-5pm, Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave.
Play videogames and make crafts. For tweens and teens ages 12-18.
Brookfield Saturdays Arts & Crafts, Saturdays, 2-3:30pm,
Brookfield Branch, 9255 Edes Ave.
Come and join in the fun at Brookfield Saturdays Arts & Crafts! Learn the basics of paper-crafting, clay modeling, beading and more. Expand your creativity, develop your small-motor skills and enjoy an afternoon of arts exploration every Saturday. All ages are welcome to participate.
For more info: 615-5725
Library Offers Free Online Language Learning
On April 1, the Oakland Public Library celebrated a year of offering library card holders free access to Transparent Language Online, a language learning program via the library's website. Transparent Language Online provides instruction in over 80 languages plus English. It's designed to help users learn basic language skills or dive into more extensive language instruction - all at a self-determined pace. The program can be used from any computer with Internet access, and free companion mobile applications for Apple and Android devices are available. To access the system, click here. (New users can sign up on this page.)
For more info: Andrew Demcak, Acting Collection Management Librarian, 238-4704
|
|
2. CITY NEWS
|
City Launches Registry of Investor Owned Foreclosed Properties 
In order to address the decline of neighborhood livability and health and safety problems that have arisen from high levels of foreclosure activity in Oakland, the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance designed to address issues of deferred maintenance or property neglect associated with properties in the foreclosure process. The resulting change to Oakland Municipal Code now requires non-owner occupant buyers of properties that have a default or foreclosure history to register and arrange for an inspection by Building Services.
For more info: http://solar.oaklandnet.com/iop
 New Youth Poet Laureate to Be Announced in Award Ceremony on August 2
Friday, 6:30pm
I-SEEED, 1625 Clay Street, Suite 600
This Friday, August 2, the City will announce the winner of its 2nd Youth Poet Laureate competition in a public ceremony at I-SEEED, 1625 Clay Street, Suite 600. The program begins at 6:30 p.m., with Oakland Indie Award Winner Jazz Monique Hudson as master of ceremonies.
The ceremony is the culmination of a year-long program organized by the Oakland Public Library in partnership with Youth Speaks, and more than a dozen community partners including event host I-SEEED, an Oakland-based nonprofit nationally recognized for creating sustainable cities and schools.
All ei
ght finalists in the contest will perform before this year's winner is announced in front of City officials and Oakland's preeminent artists, educators, scholars, and culture shapers.
The eight finalists represent the best of Oakland's young talent and reflect the city's lauded diversity. They attend five different schools and hail from seven different zip codes:
- Olivia Hoffman, 16, Oakland School for the Arts
- Maya Bello, 16, Holy Names High School
 - Obasi Davis, 17, Berkeley High School
- Robert Paige, 18, Oakland Technical High School
- Mina Jameson, 15, Oakland School for the Arts
- Francesca Paris, 16, Head-Royce School
- Cindy Huey, 17, Oakland Technical High School
- Kai Smith, 15, Oakland School for the Arts
These talented young poets made it through a highly competitive process juried by accomplished authors, educators and community leaders. The eventual winner will be determined by a panel of celebrity judges, including California's Poet Laureate, Juan Felipe Herrera, Oakland-born poet and playwright Chinaka Hodge, performer Raphael Cohen, and current Youth Poet Laureate Stephanie Yun, who won the competition in 2012.
The winner will be honored with a $5,000 scholarship and the opportunity to officially represent his/her community through poetry, media, and public appearances.
For more info: Amy Sonnie, Teen Outreach Librarian, 238-7233 or asonnie@oaklandlibrary.org or click here.
Library, Museum, and Parks & Rec Celebrate Oakland's Young Summer Readers
Sunday, August 4
12-4pm
Museum Gardens, 1000 Oak St.
FREE
It's fun for the entire family as the Oakland Public Library's 2013 Summer Reading Program finishes up with its 9th annual Summer Reading celebration at the Oakland Museum of California on Sunday, August 4, just two blocks from the Main Library.
The celebration links two fantastic summer events - the library's Summer Reading Program and the Oakland Museum of California's Free First Sundays - for a wonder-filled day of culture, entertainment, learning, and fun.
Entertainment and activities will include performances from Busy Bee Dogs, games and treats with Oakland Parks and Recreation, story times with Oakland librarians, hands-on arts and craft activities, face painting, a live art demonstration by children's illustrator Hanae Rivera, and much more.
There will be a brief ceremony to honor all Summer Reading Program participants who succeed in reading 8 hours or more this summer.
The Oakland Public Library Summer Reading Program is supported by grants from Friends of the Oakland Public Library, Fentons Creamery, The Bernard Osher Foundation, William G. Gilmore Foundation, and The Union Pacific Foundation. The Oakland Museum of California's Free First Sundays are made possible by Wells Fargo, and OMCA Family is generously supported by Chevron and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
For more info: 238-3848 or www.oaklandlibrary.org
Brighter Lights on Our City Streets -- 
LED Streetlight Conversion Continues in West Oakland
The City of Oakland is currently converting 30,000 existing High Pressure Sodium (HPS) cobra head streetlights with Light Emitting Diode (LED) streetlights citywide. Replacement of the existing streetlight fixtures with the new LED fixtures provides a better quality of light that will enhance public safety and help reduce crime. In addition, the new LED technology is more energy efficient and the bulbs have a longer lifespan. Oakland is one of first municipalities to implement wide-scale LED conversion - only 5% of municipalities have converted, or are in the process of converting, to LED lights. The citywide project will be done by year's end.
The project began installation in June and to date has converted more than 3,110 streetlights in East Oakland. "The program again proves that Oakland is a national leader in green innovation, saving money and the environment while boosting public safety," said Mayor Jean Quan. "These lights are brighter but burn less energy, which means we're reducing our energy bills and our energy use at the same time, and their much longer lifespan also means we're reducing our e-waste footprint. Everyone who has contributed to this project is helping Oaklanders and making our City proud."
"LED lighting is a win-win situation for the residents of Oakland. The brighter lighting will make our streets safer, which has been desperately needed in our most vulnerable neighborhoods, such as West Oakland. Because these lights are so energy efficient, the City will be saving a great deal of money that we can dedicate to other ways to enhance the quality of life for all Oaklanders," stated Councilmember McElhaney.
With less glare and fewer 'dark spots' between poles. Significant energy savings results in lower power consumption and a healthier environment. LED streetlights require less maintenance and have a longer lifespan (15 years minimum). The light cast by the LED fixtures is truer than HPS lights, not just shades of grey. Project costs are estimated at $14.8 million but energy cost savings including an estimated $2.9 million in incentive rebates from PG&E will fund the project. For more info: www.oaklandpw.com
Construction to Begin on Latham Square Pilot Pedestrian Plaza
Construction on the Latham Square Pilot Pedestrian Plaza is expected to begin this Monday, the 22nd. The pilot
project will transform Telegraph Avenue from 16th Street to Broadway into a pedestrian-only plaza. While the pedestrian plaza is in place, vehicular traffic on Telegraph Avenue will be diverted onto 16th Street and drivers traveling north on Broadway will no longer be able to make a left turn onto Telegraph Avenue.
The City worked closely with local stakeholders on the plaza design and traffic circulation through more than 25 individual meetings with local businesses, property owners, residents and other stakeholders; public presentations to the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Oakland Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee; and a 4-hour community design workshop in February that attracted more than 100 participants.
 The pilot project will build on Latham Square's significance as a gateway to the vibrant Uptown neighborhood by creating an enhanced pedestrian space through a low-cost trial that enhances the pedestrian environment, increases economic development potential, saves existing trees and improves private automobile and transit operations. The pilot pedestrian plaza will remain in place until at least October 2013 at which time staff will bring a report to City Council on the plaza's success and a recommendation on whether a permanent pedestrian plaza should be created.
The lead designer of this street design, Matthew Passmore, on the right says the design was inspired by the Oakland tree logo.
Throughout the pilot period, City staff will collect citizen input, analyze the plaza and traffic flow and make adjustments as needed to respond to concerns.
A noontime event to mark the "soft opening" of the Pilot Plaza is being planned for Friday, August 16, with a larger grand opening expected in September.
For design documents, project materials and other info: www.oaklandnet.com/LathamSquare
For more info generally: Iris Starr, Division Manager of Transportation Planning and Funding, istarr@oaklandnet.com or 238-6229
UPCOMING MEETINGS
City Seeks Citizen Input on Council Redistricting
 The City is hosting a series of Redistricting Town Hall Meetings to gather input from the community on boundary adjustments to Council Districts to equalize each district's population according to US Census data. The Oakland City Charter mandates the review of City Council District boundaries every 10 years. The Council provided specific direction to City staff and established the criteria to be used in reviewing the Council District boundaries. (To view the reports, resolution and video of the meeting, please visit http://bit.ly/103avDM.) The Oakland City Council Districts also serve as the districts for the Governing Board for the Oakland Unified School District, commonly called the Board of Education. However, boundary changes will not impact school enrollment choices. Issues raised at the first meetings include: - Some want minimum change others suggest more radical change
- Should the districts be more economically diverse or more homogeneous?
- What growth should we account for given the large new housing developments at Brookly Basin and Oak Knoll as well as planned zoning for more density along corridors like Broadway or International?
In the links below there are tools to design your own maps. As requested by City Council, Redistricting Town Hall Meetings will be held in each of the seven Council Districts beginning in July and continuing through September. Oakland residents are encouraged to attend any meeting to learn more about the process and provide comment and input on District boundaries. Simultaneous interpretation in select languages will be provided as noted. The dates and locations for future Redistricting Town Hall Meetings are: - Thursday, September 5, 6:30-8:30pm, Caesar Chavez Education Center, 2825 International Boulevard (Interpretation in Spanish will be provided.)
- Saturday, September 7, 10am-12noon, Frick Middle School, 2845 64th Avenue
- Saturday, September 7, 2-4pm, Oakland Public Library, Main Library Auditorium, 125 14th Street (Interpretation in Cantonese and Vietnamese will be provided.)
- Sunday, September 8, 3-5pm, Claremont Middle School, 5750 College Avenue
Do you know what Council District you live in? Click here for a map of Council Districts and locator tool. For those unable to attend any of the above meetings, the City is offering a variety of other engagement and feedback opportunities including: In October, the City Council will begin holding public hearings to deliberate on the proposed redistricting maps that result from the summer's Town Hall Meetings. The Council will make a final selection of the Council District boundaries in November. For more information on Oakland's redistricting process including a map of current Council Districts, redistricting-related legislation, upcoming Council meeting dates and more: Devan Reiff, AICP, Planner II, dreiff@oaklandnet.com or 238-3550 and www.oaklandnet.com/redistricting
FOR KIDS
Free Summer Lunches for Kids Served at 11 Library Locations Through August 9th
This summer, a record number of free and nutritious meals are being served to thousands of youth at select branch libraries, Tuesdays to Fridays, and at the Main Library Mondays to Fridays. Eleven Oakland Public Library sites will offer free lunches to children 18 years and younger. Participating branch libraries are:
 81st Avenue- César Chávez
- Dimond
- Eastmont
- Elmhurst
- Golden Gate
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Melrose
- Temescal
- West Oakland
At the Main Library, lunch will be served in the Bradley C. Walters Community Room (down the hall from the Children's Room) and in the TeenZone (on the 2nd floor).
The free lunch program is operated by the City of Oakland's Department of Human Services in partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank. For more info: Sharon McKellar, Community Relations Librarian, smckellar@Oaklandlibrary.org or 238-3513
CITY BOARDS and COMMISSIONS
Boards and Commissions are a wonderful way for residents to participate in city government, and currently we are recruiting for several openings.
- If your interest is in arts and culture - there are vacancies on both the Cultural Affairs Commission and on the Public Art Advisory Committee.
- The Commission on Aging has two positions that will become vacant in September.
- The Commission on Persons with Disabilities has some vacancies as well.
- Calling out to youth! Citizen's Police Review Board has a couple of openings and would like at least one youth candidate.
- And the Violence Prevention and Public Safety Oversight Committees are looking for one or two excellent candidates.
Due to the term limits that pertain to most Boards and Commissions, vacancies in nearly all of them are continuously occurring. If you are interested in being considered for any of these Boards and Commissions, please send a letter of interest and your resume to Hatzune Aguilar Sanchez at haguilar@oaklandnet.com .
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
Melrose-High Hopes NCPC
The Mayor with Chairman Preston Turner at the annual street fair on Fairfax last Saturday.
Measure Y (Oakland Unite) 2013 Survey
The City of Oakland wants to know what residents think about community policing in Oakland and other services that Measure Y (Oakland Unite), a voter approved parcel tax, funds. The survey should take about 5-10 minutes of your time.
COMMUNITY MEETINGS & EVENTS
Longfellow Community Association Meeting, Thursday, August 1, 7pm, NOOCS (North Oakland Charter School), 1000 42nd St.
This public meeting consists of residents of the Longfellow community working together to enhance its beautiful, dynamic, and diverse community, and nurture a friendly, safe and attractive neighborhood that everyone can be proud of. Committees include Transportation and Land Use, which deals with such issues as traffic calming and speed bumps, and the Neighborhood Safety Committee, which addresses the creation of Neighborhood Watch groups.
For more info: longfellowcommunityassociation@gmail.com or
longfellowcommunityassociation.org
North Oakland Senior Center Celebrates National Night Out, Tuesday, August 6, 6-8pm, North Oakland Senior Center, 5714 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
The North Oakland Senior Center will celebrate National Night Out and North Oakland neighbors are invited to enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social on the patio.
For more info and to volunteer: 597-5085 or Mary Norton, Senior Center Director, at mnorton@oaklandnet.com
CeaseFire Oakland/LifeLines to Healing -- Walk our neighborhoods
 | Last Friday's CeaseFire Friday Night Walker
(© Howard Dyckoff) |
The City of Oakland and local faith-based organizations are continuing their neighborhood Night Walks on Fridays from 6:30 to 9pm -- just one of the ways that community members can get involved in Operation Ceasefire. These walks are organized by residents and faith leaders in areas
where Ceasefire is focused. I join the walks at least once a month. Volunteers are trained in advance of the Night Walk and are accompanied by other volunteers for the duration of the walk. The purpose of the Night Walk is to reach out to communities affected by violence. The message the program tries to convey is: "We love you and we want you to be alive and free."
August 2 - First Mt. Sinai, 1970 86th Avenue
August 9 - Cosmopolitan, 988 85th Avenue
August 16 - Allen Temple, 8501 International Blvd
August 23 - At Thy Word, 8915 International Blvd
August 30 - First Mt. Sinai, 1970 86th Avenue
For more info: 639-1440 or fridaycommunitynightwalks@gmail.com
|
National Night Out:
Plan Your Block Party for August 6
|
National Night Out is the nation's night out against crime. Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have a neighborhood block party, ice cream social or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - which is the first defense against crime. Research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other crime goes down.
Go to the Neighborhood Services Division National Night Out page to learn more about this annual event and how to register your block party.
OPD NEWS
Area-Specific Crime Stats Posted to OPD Website 
Last week, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) updated the web pages for the five Bureau of Field Operations Areas by adding area-specific crime stats. A citywide weekly crime report, available on the Crime Statistics page, has been available since the website was created. The new crime stat pages are tailored to each Area, making information on local crime conditions easily available to neighborhood residents. The five Area webpages are accessible through the Bureau of Field Operations page here.
For more info: Sgt. Holly Joshi, OPD Chief of Staff, hjoshi@oaklandnet.com or 238-3131.
Neighborhood Policing Plan Still Rolling Out
The Oakland Police Department has implemented its Neighborhood Policing Plan, putting into place leadership and teams for each of 5 Police Areas. Area commanders will deploy crime reduction and prevention strategies tailored for their to provide more focused, problem-oriented, and community-driven police service delivery as possible. There will be no change to the number of patrol or problem solving officers assigned to beats or to Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils.
The 5 commanders below have the authority needed to impact local community crime trends, issues, and patterns and will be held accountable for effective police service and the quality of police/community relationships in their Areas. We are currently adding more lieutenants and sergeants, special crime reduction teams, and eventually investigators to each district. We will be holding meetings in each Police Area to introduce the Captains and their command staff over the next weeks.
 Area 1 - Capt. Eric Lewis - 238-6911 - elewis@oaklandnet.com
A PDF version of the map showing the 5 areas is available here.
HOW YOU CAN HELP OPD
Many Arrests Are Made Each Week Because Citizens Report Suspicious Activity
Please remember to be alert and report suspicious activity to the police:
777-3333 OPD non-emergency number
This number should be used to report any suspicious behavior and suspicious vehicles parked or driving in your neighborhood or area of business. Callers can opt not to provide their name and number and remain anonymous. Please include any descriptive details that could be helpful. Jot down the date, time and location you saw the vehicle or suspicious person. Each time this information is reported, it is used in the investigative process.
911 for life threatening emergencies
777-3211 emergency when calling from your cell phone
Use Nixle Tip Watch to send an anonymous tip in 1 of 3 ways:
- Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone
- Call the toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)
- Respond to OPD's Nixle messages
To view the Nixle message, click here.
Nixle -- stay informed of events, news, and announcements
If you have not already done so, please sign up for NIXLE to receive OPD alerts, advisories, and community messages. You can sign up for your beat to receive updates from OPD.
BACK TO TOP
|
| Cops & Kids on Wednesdays | |
BACK TO TOP
|
|
4. Safe & Healthy Oakland
|
Fire Station Open Houses 
Sponsored By: City of Oakland/Fire Department, WPAD, and Public Agencies
- Resources for Residents of Oakland Hills
- Roving Fire Patrols, Free Chipping Services
- WPAD Citizens Advisory Committee
- Roadside Treatment, Inspections
- Goat Grazing, New Engines
- Public Education/Fire Safety Information
Here are the dates and locations:
- Tuesday, August 6 (NNO) Fire Station 7, 1996 Amito Ave.
- Saturday, August 17 Fire Station 24 5900 Shepherd Canyon
- Saturday, August 31 Fire Station 28 4615 Grass Valley
- Saturday, September 7 Fire Station 6, 7080 Colton Blvd.
- Saturday, September 28 Fire Station 21 13150 Skyline Blvd.
CORE CLASSES THIS FALL CORE stands for Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies. The program is free to anyone  who lives or works in the City of Oakland. If you have not taken any CORE training, or if it has been a while since your last CORE class, please consider attending. For more info and to register for classes:core@oaklandnet.com , 238-6351, and www.oaklandcore.org FALL CORE TRAINING SERIES Fall evening classes will begin with - CORE I on August 13th followed by
- CORE II on August 20th and they will conclude with a
- CORE III Series at the Fire Training Center on Saturday August 24th and Sunday August 25th.
Other venues include Rockridge Library , Dimond Library, and the Oakland Fire Department's Training Division. CORE REFRESHER CLASSES If you are a CORE III graduate and your CORE ID has expired (2 year run), refresh your skills and update your ID card status. Two options are offered: Standard Refresher - 1-day, hands-on training class Advanced Refresher - 2-day class incorporating the CORE III series in addition to the hands-on training. NOTE: content of our training does change over time and this will insure that you are up to date with the latest information. Either version you choose will allow you to renew your CORE volunteer certification and ID card for 2 years. Register online. THIRD THURSDAY MONTHLY TRAINING SERIES Third Thursday training for the fall will be held at the ESMD Media room, 1605 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Oakland. These two hour classes will begin at 6:30 PM and will include both classroom training and simulated hands on training. . The general topics will be Light Search & Rescue, Conducting a Neighborhood Drill, Cribbing Method/ Technique, Heavy Rain/Flooding Prep and Response, and Neighborhood Radio Communications. CORE TRAINING IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CORE will conduct a CORE I Home and Family Preparedness class and a CORE II Neighborhood Preparedness and Response class in your neighborhood if you can gather 15 people to attend (friends , co-workers, etc.). BACK TO TOP
|
|
5. The TECH Side of Oakland
|
 Hack the Hood offers Oakland small businesses free resources to become more visible in online search
Having your own website isn't enough to market your services online if you want to make sure you show up in mobile and web search and directory listings. Whether you have a great website or not, our program trains local youth how to work with you to make sure your business and/or service shows up when customers search in Google Maps, Directories & listings. The youth in our Hack the Hood program -- who are being trained and mentored by web professionals, including folks from Facebook, Ask.com, and Pandora -- will also build you a free 1-page mobile web site that won't crash on a smart phone and will get you morecalls and customers.
The Hack the Hood program, funded by The Oakland Fund for Children and Youth and the Thomas J Long Foundation, teaches web and mobile development skills to Oakland teens and then sends them out to work in the community to get local businesses online. Youth get important job readiness skills and tech career development insights; local businesses get greater visibility online.
To get your business into our program, fill out the formhere or email hth@oaklandlocal.com
An HTH staffer will contact you and schedule youth to work with you and get your small business eligible online.
Who is eligible?
This program is great for local stores, but will also work well for home-based businesses and individual service providers. All businesses must have a publishable location in Oakland -- not a post office box -- to participate.
For more info: hackthehood.org
|
|
6. GET YOUR WALK ON!
|
With summer comes lots of opportunities to get to know this wonderful city better, and get some good old-fashioned exercise at the same time! Most events are ongoing throughout the summer, but some, like the first two listings this week, are special events. Take your pick.
Summer Walking Tours
now thru December 7
Providing an intriguing combination of outdoor exercise and education about our city's unique architectural, historic and cultural heritage. The tours are 2-hour walks lead by knowledgeable guides, and range from very easy to moderately challenging.
For more info: www.oaklandheritage.org
Dockside Tours of the Presidential Yacht Potomac
now thru January 26, 2014, 11am & 3pm
Take a walk through history with a docent-led tour of FDR's Floating White House.
For more info and to purchase tickets: 627-1215 or www.jacklondonsquare.com/events
First Thursday Art Walk
Every First Thursday of the Month, 6-9pm
Grand Avenue from LakePark to Piedmont border. The Grand Avenue Business District hosts a monthly art event with special discounts from merchants and galleries.
For more info, click here.
 Guided Walking Tours
3rd Saturdays, 2pm & 4pm
Oakland Art Murmur offers a series of guided walking tours, on third Saturdays of each month, as a way of introducing visitors to Oakland's rich array of visual art venues.
For more info: oaklandartmurmur.org
Savor Oakland Food Tours 
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
A chance to explore the local cuisine, history, art, and architecture while you walk and snack. Fun for all ages! This narrated and guided 3.5 hour food tour visits several food and drink tasting locations including Oakland-style soul food, Pan-American cuisine, award-winning wine, just to name a few. All food tastings are included in the ticket price of $45.
For more info: savoroaklandfoodtours.com
Saturday Stroll
every week, 1pm & 5pm
Vessel Gallery hosts their Artist Talk Series every second Saturday and a jewelry trunk shows on the First Saturdays. Saturdays are an opportunity to get closer view of the art and learn more about our exhibits and artists.
For more info: www.vessel-gallery.com
Free Walking Tours of Oakland 
every Wednesday & Saturday, 10am, May thru October
Free 90-minute walking tours of downtown Oakland will be offered every Wednesday and Saturday starting May 1 and continuing through October. The twice-weekly guided tours showcase the city's changing skyline, landmarks, churches, and high-rises. Sponsored by the Marketing Division, Department of Economic & Workforce Development, the tours are led by a volunteer guide, and start at 10am from various starting locations depending on the itinerary.
Reservations are recommended. Leave a message on the Tours' 24-hour hotline at 238-3234 or email aallen@oaklandnet.com .
For more info, click here.
There are 8 different tours, all listed at the weblink above.
BACK TO TOP
|
|
7. VOLUNTEER Opportunities
|
 Donate Children's Books
Now thru Friday, August 16
Until August 16, the Department of Human Services is holding a Book Drive for low-income children in the Oakland area. The book drive is part of the summer United We Serve: Let's Read. Let's Move initiative implemented by the Corporation for National and Community Service and reflects President Obama's call to service. Please no encyclopedias, text books or library discards. The decorated collections bins may be found at:
- Federal Building, 1301 Clay Street
- State Building, 1515 Clay Street
- City of Oakland buildings at 1, 150 and 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
- Oakland City Center buildings at 555 12th Street, 1111 Broadway and 500 12th Street
- Citibank, 1333 Broadway Street
- University of California Office of the President, 1111 Franklin Street
For more info: Liz Hillen, Senior Services Program Assistant, lhillen@oaklandnet.com or 238-3620
Have time on your hands? Interested in helping Oakland teens succeed?
WriterCoach Connection takes teams of trained community volunteers into public school English classes to work with students on their classroom writing assignments. We believe one-on-one feedback from caring adults helps students develop their ideas and become confident and competent writers. Our two-part volunteer trainings provide strategies and practice to work effectively with students at all levels of achievement and all stages of the writing process. 
In Oakland we coach at Fremont High School in the Fruitvale and have recently expanded to Oakland School for the Arts. We have a great need for coaches, especially at Fremont High. The commitment is just 1-2 hours per week, 2-4 weeks each month during the school year.
For more info: www.writercoachconnection.com or Camille Graves, Oakland Volunteer Coordinator,oakwcc@gmail.com or 306-1792
|
|
8. BUY Oakland, Grow Our Local Economy
|
A FEW GOOD RESOURCES
Oakland Grown Gift Card 
Buy cards for yourself or as a gift to be used with participating Oakland independent businesses and artists. You have lots of great local businesses to choose from and can feel good about keeping your money in Oakland. And now the card includes rewards points, called OakShares. Earn 5 points every time you spend $5 or more at a participating location; good towards specials offered by that business. www.oaklandgrown.org/giftcard 516-0653
Marqeta Explore Oakland card 
Get or gift 25% more money to spend at Oakland`s top restaurants, keep dollars in the community and support nonprofit Great Oakland Public Schools.
www.marqeta.com/exploreoakland 888-462-7738
Discover and Go from the Oakland Library 
Taking a family out can be expensive. The Library's "Discover and Go" Program let's Oaklanders "check out tickets" to many Bay Area museums. Or consider a quiet walk around the Lake or in one of our beautiful shoreline or Redwood parks.
Discover and Go
BACK TO TOP
|
| 9. JOBS, BUSINESS, & TRAINING Opportunities | |
WEST OAKLAND JOB RESOURCE CENTER
The West Oakland Job Resource Center will be opening soon in the West Oakland Library at 1801 Adeline Street. The Center will serve as the nexus for linking job seekers, employers, and contractors and can be reached via the AC Transit NL and 26 lines. As the project ramps up over the next few years we are trying to make sure that there are Oakland residents who can fill our 50% local hire requirements. We particularly hope to make sure residents are prepared for construction and eventually logistics jobs.  With the Council approval of funding and hiring of new staff, the center has begun a series of orientations. - Jobs in the construction Industry and how to access those jobs
- Information on the trades, unions and their requirements
- Pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship training opportunities
- Job placement assistance on construction projects in the local area
EMPLOYERS REQUIRE JOB SEEKERS THAT MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA: - Can pass a drug test
- Have at least an 8th grade reading and math level (and preferably a GED or High School diploma)
- Have documents proving legal eligibility to work in the United States
- Proof of Oakland residency for 6 months prior to registering with us, and
- Have a valid California Driver License or California ID, and access to reliable transportation
Job seekers can pre-register to attend orientations by calling: 419-0509The Job Resource Center will connect job seekers with job training, education and other support services, refer qualified workers to the Oakland Army Base (OAB) Project and other employers. The Center will also track and support the progress of apprentices becoming journey-level workers, match local residents with operations jobs on the OAB, and recruit existing workers in Oakland on an ongoing priority basis. At the West Oakland Job Resource Center employers will be able to post job notifications and receive resumes from qualified workers. The Center will be a valuable resource for technical support and assistance in complying with the OAB Cooperation Agreement, which requires quality employment and training for community residents. Contractors will use the Job Resource Center to help them meet local hiring goals, track job assignments, worker hiring and retention.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Visit Oakland's Chat n' Chew
Wednesday, August 14, 12-1:30pm
Temescal Beach House, Broadway near Highways 24 and 13.
Meet with the Visit Oakland PR team, share Oakland news, and network with other PR professionals who care about our destination. We're thrilled to have Todd Sotkiewicz, President of California Home + Design and 7x7, as a guest speaker this month. Please join us to learn how your business or client could be included in these top-tier publications.
Directions: Enter through the driveway 100 yards east from the North Lot Parking Lot. The driveway leads to the upper lot. From there, walk down the stairs to the Beach House.
Register here by July 31.
For more info: 839-9000, info@visitoakland.org , or www.visitoakland.org
TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Build your Fundraising Skills
Do you work for or support a non-profit organization? Are you interested in knowing more about the art of fundraising? The Development Executives Roundtable (DER), an all-volunteer organization, helps Bay Area fundraisers build skills through education, practical tools, networking, and peer support. DER now offers free subscriptions to their newsletter. Just go here and hit the Subscribe button.
|
|
10. GREENING Oakland
|
KONO MONTHLY CLEAN UP
The Mayor stopped by to thank members of the Koreatown Northgate community at their monthly clean-up Saturday. Their business district has become the fiscal agent for First Fridays and is recruiting volunteers.
http://www.koreatownnorthgate.org/
EVENTS THIS WEEK
Montclair Community Work Day, Saturday, August 3, 9am-1pm, 6300 Moraga Ave.
Meet near the Basketball Court in the Park. Montclair Village Association, Montclair Safety and Improvement Council, and Montclair Park & Rec are proud to host The Montclair Community Work Day. The event will improve infrastructure, clean and clear overgrowth of plants and trees, remove trash and debris in Montclair Park, and build community through a collective effort to beautify our Park!
Refreshments will be provided by Crogan's Montclair, Crown Wines and Spirits, Rustica Pizzeria, and others. Bring gloves and any sheers or pruning tools -- rakes and bagging supplies will be provided.
For more information: info@montclairvillage.com or www.montclairvillage.com
Seed Collecting Class, Saturday, August 3, 11am, Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave.
Learn how to prepare your plants for seed collecting, the processes of collecting, and how to store dry seeds. Led by permaculturist Maria del Carmen Cortez.
For more info: Rebekah Eppley, 482-7844
UPCOMING EVENTS  Oakland Greenways 5k, 10k adventure courses, Sunday, August 18, Leaning Tower of Pizza, 498 Wesley Ave. Discover the hidden green gems of the Oakland hills and Piedmont! Snake your way through charming creek-side greenways and hidden neighborhood paths, starting and finishing by Lake Merritt. Find your own way in teams of 1 to 5. See if you can cover the course in the optimal distance of 5k or 10k! Your custom-made map will reveal the robust network of connecting staircases and footpaths. Upon finishing, enjoy refreshments and some socializing. Preregister for a discounted entry fee! 11am Check-in and Registration, course maps available 11:40 Course briefing 12pm Mass start  Course Details: - Length: 5 km, 10 km by the shortest possible route
- Gender Divisions: Women, Men, Mixed
- Age Divisions: Family, Junior (17 and under), Open, Masters (any team member is 40+)
- Team Size: 1 to 5
Completing the course: The course checkpoints will be shown with circles on the map. Find your way to the place at the center of each circle, and you will see an orange and white flag with an attached e-card reader. You will swipe your e-card at the top of the reader and hear a beep. When finishing, your timing results will be read by a computer off your e-card. E-card rentals are included in the event entry fee. The custom map will have a 1:15000 scale with 20 foot contours showing where the course is hilly. Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids by Aug 16; $25 and $15 after Pre-register here for a (further) discounted entry fee! For more info, click here.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt Community Work Parties
For more info: gardensatlakemerritt.org/
The Gardens at Lake Merritt have lots of options for you to get your hands dirty -- on a weekly or a monthly basis. Choose one of more of these regular workdays and come lend a hand.
-
 Every Tuesday Evening, Sensory Garden, 5:30-7:30pm - Every Thursday Morning, Succulent Garden, 9am-12noon
- 1st Saturday of each month, (July 6) 9am-12noon, Mediterranean Garden
- 1st Saturday of each month, (July 6) 9am-1:30pm, Succulent Garden
- First and third Saturday of each month, (July 6 & July 20), Edible Gardens. (If you're interested in gardening at an Edible Garden; the Victory Garden Foundation's People's Victory Garden will have mentored gardening days on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays. Click here for more info. )
- 3rd Saturday of each month, (July 20) 9am-12noon, Sensory Gardens, Palmetum, and the Rhododendron Garden.
Friends of Sausal Creek Events
Click here for a full calendar of events and directions to each event.
Become a Dedicated Dead-Header at Morcom Rose Garden
For more info on becoming a Morcom Rose Garden certified Master Gardener, click here.
Arroyo Viejo Creek Clean-Up Day,
3rd Saturday of every month, 10am-12pm. Meet at Oakland  Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd.
Park in the Lower Parking Lot near Maddie's Center for Science and Education. Walk back down towards the Zoo's Parking Ticket Booth (where you entered the Zoo) and meet at the big creek restoration sign. Bring your gloves, play clothes and your friends and come help us keep our creek clean. Earn some volunteer hours, learn about nature and meet new friends while working at the Arroyo Viejo Creek as an Oakland Zoo Creek Keeper. There is no fee associated with this program.
For more info: 632-9525 or www.oaklandzoo.org
NEWS
 | |
© Damon Tighe
|
Association (DIA), and Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation (FOPR) are raising the funds needed to fix the trail.
The work required -- rerouting a substantial section of trail about 10 feet into the hillside -- must be performed by professionals, and will cost $5,000. The completion of this project would help ensure public access for years to come.
All donations are tax deductible and any size contribution is greatly appreciated. Please make checks payable to: Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation (memo: "FOJMP PCT") and drop off at La Farine Bakery, 3411 Fruitvale Ave, "Attn: Stan", or mail to: Friends of Joaquin Miller Park, PO Box 20383, Oakland, CA 94620.
Main Library Children's Room is "Growing Readers"
Thursdays, now thru August 8, 3-4pm
On Monday, June 10, the Main Library Children's Room began a program that introduces urban farming and container gardening to young library patrons. At the Main Library, patrons will notice the gardens are already sprouting in metal containers outside the Children's Room, on the Library's Oak Street side. The "Growing Readers" program will run all summer, thanks to a generous grant from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA). To implement the program, Oakland Public Library (OPL) is partnering with Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project, a non-profit that introduces Oakland youth to urban farming and container gardening.
Beginning Thursday, June 20 and for the next eight Thursdays, children will be able to work with Acta Non Verba staff in the garden, do a fun activity and learn about topics such as "Good Bug or Bad Bug?" and "Where Does Food Come From?" (The July 4 workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 2 due to the Library's closure for Independence Day.) The workshops run from 3 to 4pm. These yummy topics tie in with the Library's Summer Reading theme this year -- "Reading is So Delicious!" -- as well as
 the Alameda County Community Food Bank's free summer lunch program for kids in which OPL will be participating. This project was supported in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian. For more info: Helen Bloch, Librarian II, hbloch@oaklandlibrary.org or 238-3615
BACK TO TOP
|
|
11. Kids' Programs & School News
|
EDITOR's NOTE: News about the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and the local education community appears in a lot of different places: print, radio, television and online media. OUSD has started collecting the highlights in one easy place: https://www.rebelmouse.com/OUSD/ Check the link regularly.
 Oakland Youth Orchestra New Member Auditions
August 5, 6, 8 & 10, 4-8pm, 1428 Alice Street
Membership in OYO is open to highly qualified players of orchestral instruments from Bay Area schools. Generally, students are between the ages of 12 and 22  years, but exceptional younger students may also be admitted. Members are selected on the basis of an audition. Students are required to participate in school music programs when available and must also be receiving private instrument instruction.
Learning professional responsibility is an important part of OYO's program for musical excellence. Members are required to prepare, to arrive promptly, and to attend all rehearsals. Seating is generally rotational.
To apply: www.oyo.org/page/audition1.html
Free Gang Awareness Trainings
1-3 hour trainings available to Oakland schools and community-based organizations serving Oakland youth
- Signs of gang involvement
 - Strategies for working with affiliated youth
- Community resources available
98-100% of participants said they had a better understanding of gang activity at their school or in the community.
83%-96% of participants report having a better understanding of how to work with youth who are gang affiliated.
One participant said: "Excellent training. I now have some tools on how to be more proactive with my students who are gang affiliated. It has given me the knowledge of how I can become more aware of what is going on with my students and what to look out for in my classroom!"
Trainings are made possible by The City of Oakland - Oakland Unite and OUSD Office of Alternative Education in partnership with California Youth Outreach and Hatchuel, Tabernik and Associates with Juan Carlos Carmona.
For more info & to schedule a training: Shirley Yee, OUSD Office of Alternative Education, 597-4294 or shirley.yee@ousd.k12.ca.us
 Oakland Board of Education Accepting Applications for Measure G Committee Committee members oversee expenditure of Oakland Education Parcel Tax monies To apply: Follow link from the OUSD homepage at www.ousd.k12.ca.us or go directly to: http://tinyurl.com/psx3nt4 Oakland Board of Education is accepting membership applications for the Oakland Education Parcel Tax Committee, better known as the "Measure G Committee." This 7-member Committee informs the public on the use of monies derived from the parcel tax. Measure G is designed to help the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD): - attract and retain highly qualified teachers
- subsidize courses which allow students to qualify for college
- supply up-to-date textbooks and instructional materials
- lower class sizes
- fund after-school academic programs
- maintain school libraries
- provide programs, including arts and music, which enhance student achievement
Measure G is a permanent tax, applied annually, of $195.00 per parcel for Oakland property owners, with exemptions offered to low-income taxpayers. The money is used to supplement state and federal funding so that OUSD can better serve the college and career preparatory needs of the city's public school students. Money from Measure G cannot be spent on administrative salaries and must be approved by the Measure G oversight committee. Collectively, the Measure G Committee members should meet the following criteria: - One member shall be the parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District
- One member shall be both a parent or guardian of a child enrolled in the District and active in a parent-teacher organization, such as the School Site Council (SSC) or Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- One member shall be a community member who does not have a child enrolled in the District
- One member shall be a representative of the business community
- At least two members shall have demonstrated financial expertise
- At least four members of the committee shall be property owners in the City of Oakland
A single individual may be appointed as a representative of more than one of the above categories, if applicable. OUSD will seek to ensure the Committee is representative of the diversity of the District. For more info: Edgar Rakestraw, Executive Assistant, Board of Education, edgar.rakestraw@ousd.k12.ca.us Make Your Summer Plans with the Help of OUSD OUSD offers a variety of programs for students this summer. Take a look at the OUSD programs offered by the schools to focus on academic support, algebra preparation, transition programs to prepare students for middle school and high school, and arts enrichment, as well as high school credit recovery. In addition, their Summer Resources Guide contains resources and information on summer programs in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area. Click here for more program info and to download the Resource Guide.
|
|
12. UPCOMING EVENTS
|
 Tyke Explorers Workshop at Chabot Space & Science Center,Tuesdays, 10am, 12:30pm, or 3pm. Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. For ages 2.5-5 years. Expand your preschooler's universe by enrolling in our Tyke Explorers Program. Kids get to bring a special grown-up to share in the excitement of science and space. Classes are a combination of instructor-led lessons and self-guided, hands-on experimentation and exploration. For more info and monthly workshop listings, click here.
AUGUST: Extreme Travel!
Learn about airplanes, submarines, and space crafts as we take a journey high in the sky, deep in the ocean, and in to space!
Tuesday, August 6: Ze Plane! Ze Plane!
Experiment with Bernoulli's principal and air to learn how airplanes fly. Then build and test your own paper airplanes and helicopters.
Tuesday, August 13: Under the Sea
Explore the depths of the ocean as we travel 10,000 leagues under the sea in a submarine! Find out why we need to use a submarine, and observe strange marine creatures and ocean landscapes on our journey.
Tuesday, August 20: Blast Off!
Learn all about the biggest, most powerful rocket ever built - the Saturn V, the same rocket that took 12 astronauts to the moon! Then go on a simulated space flight aboard the Discovery Shuttle as we travel to the International Space Station and figure out what astronauts are doing up there.
 A Chorus Line, Friday, August 9 thru Sunday, August 18, 8pm, Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road. Enjoy this classic musical among the towering redwoods. For more info: www.woodminster.com
 Dog Days of Summer, Saturday, August 10, 11am-4:30pm, Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd.
Dogs are performing feats of amazing science every day. Join us in celebrating dogs and their people at our Dog Days of Summer event. Explore the science behind the things that dogs do and love, from training and exercise to play and nutrition. World-renown animal behaviorist, Dr. Ian Dunbar as keynote speaker, demos from Sirius Dog Training, United States Coast Guard, and Canine Circus, plus a Doggie Spa, paw-traits, raffles and much more! Get ready for a day of doggone fun.
Included with General Admission - DOGS ARE WELCOME!!
Please note: all waiver forms must be signed before your dog can join the fun! Also, our planetarium and main exhibit spaces will be "dog-free" areas on the event day. If you plan to see shows, we advise to not bring your dog to the Center. Dogs will not be permitted to be left in cars.
For more info,click here.
Star Stories, Saturday, August 10 & 24, 8:30pm - 10pm
Lay on the grass and look up at the stars this summer! Bring your sleeping bags and blankets and come listen to an expert stargazer explain the mythology behind the constellations, stories from the night sky as seen throughout history and look for planets and other clues to help orient you to the night's sky.
For more info, click here.
Laurel Street Fair - Call for Vendors, Saturday, August 10, 11am-6pm between 35th and 38th Avenues.
It's that time again! The Fair will take place Saturday, August 10, 11am-6pm between 35th and 38th Avenues. The Laurel would love vendors from the Laurel, Dimond, Maxwell Park and Allendale to shine! Click here for vendor application.
Oakland Dragon Boat Festival, Saturday & Sunday, August 10 & 11, Lake Merritt. 
This two-day event is presented by the Oakland Renegades in conjunction with Bay Area Dragons (BAD), Oakland Department of Parks and Recreation (OPR), and the Pacific Dragonboat Association (PDBA). This year's Festival is the PDBA Regional Championship/CCWC Qualifier to determine who will be representing the US from this region at the 2014 IDBF Club Crew World Championships in Ravena, Italy.
For more info: oaklanddragonboatfestival.org
BACK TO TOP
|
| 13. RECURRING Events |
Oakland Public Libraries sponsor a multitude of events all over the city. Go to this link -- now and often -- for upcoming events of all kinds: www.oaklandlibrary.org/events
Oakland Museum has weekday and weekend events and hands-on activities. First Sundays of the month are free. museumca.org
ART ANTICS
Saturday Stroll, Every Saturday, 1-5pm: Uptown Art Galleries:
www.oaklandartmurmur.org/calendar/saturday-stroll
First Thursday Art Walk, Every First Thursday of the Month, 6-9pm, Grand Avenue from LakePark to Piedmont border.
The Grand Avenue Business District hosts a monthly art event with special discounts from merchants and galleries.
For more info, click here.
Jack's Night Market, First Fridays through September, 6-10pm, Jack London Square, foot of Broadway.
A captivating evening filled with merriment and verve can be enjoyed every first Friday through September. Sample the eclectic mix of artisans, music, food and fun.
For more info: www.jacklondonsquare.com
Piedmont Art Walk, Piedmont Avenue, every 3rd Thursday, 6-9pm.
Enjoy Piedmont Avenue's rich and diverse collection of art of all stripes: culinary, music, design, photography, fashion, recycled design and upcycled style, among others.
For more info: www.piedmontavenue.org/avenue-art-walk
MOVIES
Waterfront Flicks some Thursdays, at sundown, Market Lawn at Jack London Square.
Enjoy a free screening of "Hitchcock" on the beautiful waterfront. Moviegoers should arrive early with blankets in-hand for pre-film festivities including small eats, beer, trivia and giveaways.
For more info: www.jacklondonsquare.com
Movies at Studio One,Fridays, 8:15 pm, Studio One Art Center, 365 45th Street.
Enjoy a free screening of recent movies.
For more info: 597-5027
 Movie Night at Redwood Heights Rec Center,
some Fridays at dusk, Redwood Hts Rec Center, 3883 Aliso Ave.
A great way to spend a Friday night is to come over to Redwood Heights Rec Center, bring a small lawn chair and/or blanket, some warm clothes, and watch a fun movie under the evening sky. Movies start at dusk, which changes as the days get longer. There will be popcorn, hot chocolate, drinks & hotdogs this year. No alcohol, drugs or dogs allowed. All of the money goes towards scholarship fund for summer day camp and after school Rockets program.
For more info: Breht Clark, Recreation Center Director, bclark@oaklandnet.com or 482-7827
For the summer schedule, click here.
Laurel Outdoor Movie Series 
Last Saturday of the month, June thru October, 8pm
Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and warm clothes, held in the Ace Hardware Parking Lot (4024 MacArthur Blvd). Sponsored by Movement Ink, Ace Hardware, the LDA and various Laurel merchants each month.
July 27 -- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (PG-13)
August 31 -- Good Hair w/ Chris Rock (PG-13)
September 28 -- Wall-E (PG)
October 26 -- Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) and Shaun of the Dead (R for adults only)
Red Oak Realty Outdoor Movie Night in Montclair.
Third Saturday's of the month: July 20th, August 17th, September 21st, 6450 Moraga Ave. Doors open at 6:30, movies start at 7pm. 4 nights this summer, a movie will be projected onto a 26' screen on the side of Red Oak's Moraga Avenue office. All are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the parking lot for a free outdoor movie complete with popcorn and previews.
JUST FOR KIDS
Tyke Explorers Workshop at Chabot Space & Science Center,Tuesdays, 10am, 12:30pm, or 3pm. Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. For ages 2.5-5 years. Expand your preschooler's universe by enrolling in our Tyke Explorers Program. Kids get to bring a special grown-up to share in the excitement of science and space. Classes are a combination of instructor-led lessons and self-guided, hands-on experimentation and exploration. For more info and monthly workshop listings, click here.
Girls' Sports Days at Oakland Parks & Rec
 League of Women Voters Monthly Hot Topics Roundtable Discussion
LWV of Oakland sponsors monthly HOT TOPICS roundtable discussions to inform members and the public and to seek ways everyone can come together to address important issues facing our community.
For more info: www.lwvoakland.org/calendar.html
 Tuesday Toastmasters with Warehouse416 artists and friends, Tuesdays, 7-8am, and NEW TIME: 6:30pm, 416-26th St. Plenty of parking is available. Anyone who needs a parking place can get one here, enjoy an hour of fun, then walk to work. All you need is a job in the area. You are welcome to visit, just to see what it is like.
For more info: Ron Scrivani, scrivanir@aol.com or warehouse416.com
 Saturday morning bike ride with Warehouse416 artists and friends, every (dry) Saturday, 8:45am (doors open at 8am), 416 26th St.
This is a flat, short ride designed to provide new or returning riders with a way of getting started. We will guide you back to the start early, based on your needs. Our full ride is 30 miles and returns to 416 26th by 12:30pm. For more info: Ron Scrivani, scrivanir@aol.com or warehouse416.com
Vintage Porcelain Show, Wednesdays, 10:30am & every 2nd Saturday, 10:30am, & every 2nd Sunday, 2pm, Pardee Home and Museum, 672 11th St.
If you love vintage china, you won't want to miss Mrs. Helen Pardee's collection of exquisite demitasse cups, teacups, and tea pots. Included with cost of tour ($5) or tour with high tea ($25). Reservations required for tea or private tour (min 4).
For more info: 444-2187, www.pardeehome.org
 | |
The Listening Horse designed by our nationally known architect Walter Hood has a magical impact as visitors listen to stories
|
FOR EVERYONE
What I Hear, I Keep: Stories From Oakland's Griots, Wednesday-Saturday until February 2014, 2:30-5:30pm, Peralta House Museum, 2465 34th Ave.
A visual and audio art installation based on African American stories of modern-day Oakland, with local residents telling about their lives and exploring their identities. Hear voices speak about the pluses and minuses of segregation, rituals commemorating the Black Holocaust, combating racism in major league baseball, The De Fermery Recreation Center community, the Black Panthers, the heyday of KJAZ, the Black Native community, and many other iconic contemporary Oakland themes. Cost: $5; free for Fruitvale Community members and children 10 & underFor more info: Peraltahacienda.org
Mexica Dance, every Monday evening, 6-8pm, sponsored by Peralta Hacienda, Center for History and Community, 2488 Coolidge Ave.
All are welcome to discover Mexica culture during ceremony and dance classes open to the public.
For more info: www.peraltahacienda.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
