August 19, 2013Vol 3, Issue 34 
BETTER NEW MJQ logo

Take A Fresh Look  

at Oakland

News from Mayor Jean Quan

& Friends



Greetings! 

For much of the last several months, the media has focused the nation's attention on the situation of young black and brown men in America: Trayvon Martin, Oscar Grant, and recently the young shooters of children who appear to have no remorse.

So we were delighted to see an article written this week about our wonderful intern, Andrew.  As part of the Mayor's Summer Jobs Program, we recruited him from Beyond Emancipation (Alameda County's primary provider of services to former foster youth) to work on our Friday Summer Nights in the Parks program.  Through his efforts we have been able to bring a host of resources to parks in East and West Oakland, including: free haircuts, coupons for free haircuts, Trader Joe's and Safeway donations, free smoothies for kids in a blender powered by pedaling a bicycle, Walgreens gift cards, a portable planetarium from Chabot Space and Science Center, healthy/vegetarian cooking demonstrations from Chef Dorsey, and much more.  Not only does Andrew work in our office, but he lives in Rising Oaks Village at Fred Finch Youth Center; a housing development for emancipated foster youth that my office (when I was on the City Council) worked hard to help create.  He is considering becoming an Oakland Police Officer.  Click here to learn more about him. 

EVENT this week

This Friday is our Last Peace in the Parks Program in West Oakland at 3233 Market Street.  


When people ask me what we can do to bring down the cycle of violence in the city, I tell them that when I began politics as a School Board Member 22 years ago, the murder rate was nearly twice as high as it is today.  The difference was that even in the crack epidemic, gangs were willing to honor safe zones so that their younger brothers and sisters could have a chance to go to school and "get out of the life."

Today, relatives are now a target -- brothers, girlfriends, cousins, even children -- for reasons that don't make any sense to most of us.  Every corner of our community is now speaking up and saying that this cannot be accepted with numbness and indifference. Community cooperation with the police is increasing.

Working with young men one-by-one is part of the solution.  By kindergarten, 1 out of 4 African American boys in California is convinced he will fail in school, a self-fulfilling prophecy driven in part by poverty and trauma according to a report authored by Deputy Mayor Sandre Swanson.  He was honored in Sacramento for his work on the  Assembly Select Committee on Status of Boys and Men of Color (above) this month.  He has been working with state legislators and Policy Link on changes needed to stop the current outlook for too many of our children.  Swanson will also lead our work with the National League of Cities City Leadership to Promote Black Male Achievement.

The other part of the solution is a focus on the most violent criminals in programs like Ceasefire.  Ceasefire is a process, not a miracle.  But in the neighborhoods where we have been able to start the process aimed at specific groups of people who are responsible for most of the city's most violent crimes, we have seen a reduction of violence.  Starting next month, we will have for the first time a full complement of resources to take the program to full scale.  This year's budget allows us to hire a permanent coordinator and will add 8 dedicated officers to the program when the first group of academy officers graduate next week.  Over the year we will call in over a hundred individuals involved in the most violent crimes. With our community partners, we will try to get these individuals into alternative opportunities.  For those who do not respond there will be an on-going series of monitoring and, when necessary, arrests aimed at the most violent gangs and criminals.  

Both of these strategies require community support and involvement.  It will take a change in attitude to admit that one is linked to the other.  We need to stop ignoring the inequities in opportunity, we need to say no to anyone who thinks it is ok to hide those who will shoot children for any reason.  This will be hard work requiring a steady, ongoing commitment to change the deeply embedded cycles of violence.  We might not always be able to see results within a news cycle, but this is a necessary commitment to end deeply entrenched cycles and provide the support many of our youth need.

Cesar Chavez Park: A Quiet Victory for the Fruitvale

Cesar Chavez Park on Foothill near 37th.  More photos on Facebook.
 

A decade ago, the City bought an empty, garbage-strewn lot on Foothill.  We hoped to make it a park, clearing the garbage and putting some benches in.  This weekend, we formally dedicated a beautifully renovated park built with funds from a highly competitive State grant: new play structures, a basketball court, room for a community garden, a mini soccer practice court, a bridge across Peralta Creek and more. Beautiful tiled serpents decorate the benches and entry. 

 

This part of the city has needed a park for a long time, and it is fitting that it is named after a humble but strong man who used non-violence to raise the issues of the unseen and forgotten farmworkers of many nationalities -- not unlike this neighborhood at 37th and Foothill.  Thanks also to the community activists from the neighborhood and Unity Council for their vision.

 

Demonstration by Shaolin USA at Chinatown Streetfest
    

Chinatown StreetFest This Weekend:
Amazing...and Free

For two days, East meets West at this free regional festival for the Asian Community where everyone is welcome.  From Shaolin monks performing martial arts to rock and roll by young Asian Americans.  If you haven't visited Chinatown to shop or eat lately, this is a great time to explore.  The StreetFest runs Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 10am to 6pm.

  

 

 

Each year the StreetFest consistently draws large crowds for the two day event which spans nine blocks of Chinatown with over 200 booths featuring a myriad of international culinary delights, arts and crafts, educational and community resources, live entertainment on three stages, and activities at the Cultural Village, coordinated by the Oakland Museum of California. 

The Mayor's Office will be there, too!  Look for our booth.

 

Guess Who Is Installing Solar Panels on the White House?  Check Out #3 Buying Oakland!

 

 

  

Sincerely,    

Mayor Jean Quan

 

 

 

 

 


  

Labor Day Weekend:  Oakland Pride

The growing Oakland Pride weekend is expecting over 30,000 participants on Labor Day Weekend despite the Bay Bridge Closure.  All events are reachable by BART and other public transportation.  The Mayor's Office is a sponsor again and we will have our booth there!  Please come by.


revolve 0913

 

R/EVOLVE SPECTRUM 2013 Oakland Pride Film Festival
Wednesday, August 28 thru Sunday, September 1
1 Lakeside Drive, Suite 1904 
 

 

For more info: 239-7197, [email protected] , SPECTRUMQueerMedia.com 

 

The sQm 2013 Oakland Pride FIlm Fest is a five day celebration of new & traditional LGBTQ films with food, fun, fashion shows, and more! This much-anticipated event is being held at beloved Oakland venues:

  • The City Council Chambers - Oakland City Hall
  • The New Parkway Theater
  • The Grand Lake Coffee House
  • The Den at The Fox Theater
  • RandeVu Caf�
  • Miss Ollies Restaurant
  • Luka's Taproom and Lounge 
  • The Uptown Studios

FILMS:

  • Wednesday, August 28: The New Black, Opening Night Gay-la, City Hall
  • Thursday, August 29: Big Words, The New Parkway
  • Friday, August 30: ShortBus, Grand Lake Coffee House
  • Friday, August 30: Paris Is Burning, Uptown Studios
  • Saturday, August 31: Mosquita y Mari, Grand Lake Coffee House
  • Saturday, August 31: Hella Brown, R/Evolve Party Luka's w/Black

 

Become a Festival Partner

We invite you to become a SPECTRUM 2013 Oakland Pride Film Festival Partner and connect with one of the largest and most diverse queer communities in the nation!

 

As a SPECTRUM 2013 Oakland Pride Film Festival Partner, your business logo will be branded via hyperlink on our Oakland Pride (www.OaklandPride.org) & SPECTRUM (www.SPECTRUMQueerMedia.com) websites, and highlighted in our commemorative film fest program booklet, which will become a keepsake to be treasured, featuring your name. You will also receive valuable exposure through media interest and our on-screen previews during the festival. 

 

LGBTQ film festival heritage:  Created in 2011 and co-presented with the Mayor's Office of the City of Oakland, the SPECTRUM Film Festival honors 2013 Oakland Pride with R/EVOLVE - a 5-day cinematic celebration of our lives, our loves, our spirit, our families, our community, our LGBTQIA Pride & our identity. R/EVOLVE is a rejoice-filled 5 days to re-connect, to re-evolve, to experience our stories as a community and to create positive collective memories as the film fest unfolds.

 

Oakland PRIDE:  An analysis by the Urban Institute of U.S. Census 2000 data showed that Oakland has the third-highest concentration of gays and lesbians among the 50 largest U.S. cities, behind San Francisco and Seattle, with more lesbian couple households per capita than San Francisco. Oakland is the largest city in Alameda county and is the ONLY Pride celebration in the East Bay in 2013. Your sponsorship therefore serves not just Oakland, but the greater metropolitan area, including, but not limited to, Emeryville, Alameda, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Livermore, Piedmont and Walnut Creek.

 

Since Oakland Pride's rejuvenation in 2010, Oakland Pride event attendance has risen sharply each year. The SPECTRUM 2013 Oakland Pride Film Festival offers a visible opportunity for business promotion by generating more than 30,000 impressions through on-location publicity, print, radio & online press. We are delighted and honored to provide this event for the entire Bay Area to partake in and hope that you will partner with us to present it. 

 

For more info on how to become a partner, click here. 

 

 
 
en vogue
 
 
Oakland PRIDE Festival, Sunday, September 1, 11am-7pm, downtown Oakland.  Enter at 20th & Broadway.
Celebrate Pride with Oakland. There will be 3 stages, with En Vogue on the main stage. Lots of fun for kids, families, teens, adults, everyone!

 

Cost: $10 general; $5 kids under 18

For more info: www.oaklandpride.org 

  

   

 

BACK TO TOP 

Back to School August 26th  

"I'm an Oakland School Kid" video encourages good attendance.

 

Direct from OUSD Public Relations Director Troy Flint

 ousdgotoschool 

I'm an Oakland School Kid (ft. Marshawn
I'm an Oakland School Kid (ft. Marshawn "Beast Mode" Lynch)

"The start of [public] school in Oakland (August 26) is less than three weeks away! Our Back-to-School push is in full swing and attendance-as always-is a big concern.

 

"This year, instead of writing another boring parent letter about the importance of having your child in school every day, we figured we'd do something different. The result is this music video "I'm an Oakland school kid" featuring OUSD students and Oakland Tech alumnus Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch, star running back for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks."

 

Share this with your kids, no matter what school they go to.

 

If the youtube link doesn't work, you can also view the video on the OUSD site:www.ousd.k12.ca.us 

 

 


ECUTS for Education --  hair cut
Free Haircuts & School Supplies

 

Sunday, August 25

12-4pm,

4679 Telegraph Ave.

 

Just in time for the start of school. FREE haircuts will be given to ALL students going back to school age 5-13, and kids 14 and older for just $5. FREE school supplies will be given to all students (while supplies last). The first 50 students will receive backpacks filled with school supplies. 

 

There will be music, games, and all sorts of fun. Even a chance to win an IPad Mini. 

 

For more info: 205-6261 or 891-1781

 

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.


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In This Issue
1. DISCOVER Oakland
2. CITY NEWS
3. BUY Oakland
4. Community Policing
5. Safe & Healthy Oakland
6. The TECH Side of Oakland
7. GET YOUR WALK ON
8. VOLUNTEER Opportunities
9. GREENING Oakland
10. KIds' Programs & School News
11. UPCOMING Events
12. RECURRING Events
Quick Links
  • Submit items for the newsletter 
  • Official Mayor's Website  
  • Official Oakland Website 
  • Mayor's YouTube Library 
  • Constituent Problem Solving 
  • Follow the Mayor

    Like us on Facebook

        

      
    Subscribe to daily tweets

    You tube

     

    View our press briefings,  meetings & community events   

     

     

    Listen to the Mayor Tuesday mornings at 8:05 am on KGO 810 AM radio 

    IN THE NEWS

     

    CITY

      

    Petition asks Oakland City Council to send message to Russia without love

    Steven Tavares, Oakland Local

    August 14, 2013


    Study says only three cities achieve "sustainable recycling"

    Resource Recycling

    August 2013


    Citywise: Oakland asks for residents' help to curb illegal dumping

    Matthew Artz, Ashly McGlone, Rebecca Parr, Oakland Tribune

    August 9, 2013

     

     

    SAFETY 

      

    Oakland Was Right on Stop-and-Frisk

    Robert Gammon, East Bay Express

    August 14, 2013

     

    Oakland police's new push on Ceasefire program

    Will Kane, SF Chronicle

    August 10, 2013

     

    Oakland Holds Gun Buyback

    NBC Bay Area

    August 10, 2013

       
     

    GENERAL INTEREST

     

    'I'm An Oakland School Kid,' Rihanna Parody Fighting Truancy, Is Absolutely Awesome

    Robin Wilkey, Huffington Post

    August 9, 2013



    Draggin' boats around Lake Merritt not so easy 

    Carolyne Zinko, SF Chronicle

    August 11, 2013


    The Most Important Thing I've Ever Done Had Nothing to Do With Me

    Ise Lyfe, Huffington Post

    August 9, 2013

       

     

    TECH & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

     

    Oakland's makers and manufacturers seek to grow qualified workers through new programs

    Hannah Li, Oakland Local

    August 5, 2013


    Thousands of Latino entrepreneurs gather in Oakland for business conference

    Matt O'Brien, Oakland Tribune

    August 13, 2013


    Update: What is Code for America doing in Oakland?

    Susan Mernit, Oakland Local 

    August 12, 2013

       

     

    FOOD
      

    First Look: Homestead Restaurant in Oakland's Piedmont Neighborhood

    TruongChinh Duong, Oakland Local

    August 11, 2013

     

    Oakland greets, Oakland eats

    Solana, Oakland Local

    August 13, 2013

     

    The Bay Area's beer garden trend

    Jessica Yadagaran, Oakland Tribune

    July 23, 2013

     

     

              

    BACK TO TOP 

    SPOTLIGHT
    OUSD green logo 

    MetWest Students Excel

     

    MetWest Students win Emmy! Through an internship, our kids made a film on Global Warming that won a Student Emmy from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Student Television, and the Best Science Video from the PBS Student Reporting Lab. You can check out the film and some student profiles here.

     

    This article in New America Media highlights the story of 2013 Senior Da'Vahn as well as MetWest's role in helping lead the way in Oakland's Linked Learning high school reform efforts.

     

    This article in Richmond Confidential tells the story of 2012 alumnus Jamaree's college basketball success and how his uniquely supportive experiences at MetWest helped him overcome the challenges that might have stopped him.

     

    Click here for a recent Washington Post article highlighting schools like MetWest that honor real world work. 

     

    Click here for a recent Oakland Magazine article featuring our 2012 graduate, Andrew Ronquillo.

     

    Click here to watch Tony Smith, Oakland's former Superintendent of Schools talk about the importance of the school in Oakland and the country.

     

    Click here to hear my vision for how internships change lives, and my support for MetWest.

      

    BACK TO TOP 

    SPOTLIGHT

    parkwaykarma 

    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

     

    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.

     

    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 

    YOUR VOICE

     

    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.  
      

    BACK TO TOP 

    Lend a Hand 

    Fund  for families of Alaysha Carradine and her friends 

     

    Alaysha
    Alaysha Carradine

    Donations may now be made to the families of four shooting victims shot July 17, including fatally wounded 8-year-old Alaysha "Ladybug" Carradine. 

     

    The four victims also included her friend, Amara York (age 7), and Amara's brother Antoine York (4) and  grandmother, Clara Fields. The families hurt in this tragedy have expressed a need for assistance.

     

    Anyone who would like to help the families can drop off or mail checks to the Oakland City Center Wells Fargo located at 1221 Broadway, Oakland CA 94612. You can also go into any Wells Fargo to drop off donations.

     

    Checks can be made out to the Antoine and Amara and Clara Fields Memorial fund to support the York family. Checks to support the Carradine family can be made out to the Alaysha Carradine Memorial Fund. Both families are in need of financial assistance.

     

    My office facilitated and set up the trusts, and we'd like to thank Wells Fargo for volunteering to partner with the City to make this resource available. It is our hope that people who have felt touched by this tragedy will help these families heal during this very difficult time.   

     

    BACK TO TOP 

    GOOD FOR YOU
     
    Adopt a Spot
    2013 Oakland Adopt a Spot
    2013 Oakland Adopt a Spot

    The City's Environmental Services department posted a video encouraging residents to join the Oakland Adopt a Spot program as part of National Volunteer Week last week. It features everyday residents who have adopted a spot in their neighborhoods as individuals or groups. 

     

    Through Adopt a Spot, the Public Works Agency provides a unique opportunity for individuals, neighborhood groups, civic organizations, and businesses to play an active and ongoing role in cleaning, greening, and beautifying parks, creeks, streets, and other public spaces. Public Works assists adopters by providing tool lending, post-cleanup debris collection, and technical assistance. 

     

    For more info:  Christine Ralls, Adopt A Spot Coordinator, 238-6260 or [email protected] 
    or go to the City webpage at 

    www.oaklandadoptaspot.org .

        

    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.



    MTNV cemetry

    Gold Rush and Transcontinental Railroad Tour, Saturday, August 24, 10am-12noon, Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave. 
    Free docent-led tour by Ron Bachman, in this beautiful, historic cemetery designed by Frederick Law Olmstead.

    Click here for more info. 

     

      
     
     
    Chinatown StreetFest, Saturday & Sunday, August 24 & 25, 10am-6pm, Chinatown. For two days, East meets West at this free regional festival for the Asian Community where everyone is welcome. From Shaolin monks performing martial arts to rock and roll by young Asian Americans.  If you haven't visited Chinatown to shop or eat lately, this is a great time to explore.  Each year the StreetFest consistently draws large crowds for the two day event which spans nine blocks of Chinatown with over 200 booths featuring a myriad of international culinary delights, arts and crafts, educational and community resources, live entertainment on three stages, and activities at the Cultural Village, coordinated by the Oakland Museum of California. 
     

     


    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 caf� 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 pmmuseum Fri nite
  • 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 logo

    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 ADULTS  

     

    America's Cup Races on the U.S.S. Potomac, Wednesday, August 21, 12noon departure from Jack London Square berth, 540 Water St. 
    Join the U.S.S. Potomac for an unforgettable cruise on the bay. View the fastest sailboats in the world! U.S.S. Potomac will be as close as America's Cup race organizers permit. Enjoy a sumptuous luncheon buffet and a hosted wine bar. Front line viewing on two big screen TVs is available to enhance your viewing and learning pleasure. 

    Tickets: $220 USS Potomac

    For more info and tickets: www.usspotomac.org 

     

     

    America's Cup Louis Vuitton Finals Cruise, Saturday, August 24, 12-4pm, Aboard Presidential Yacht Potomac. 
    Experience the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime event on San Francisco Bay. Enjoy the fabulous yachts, big screen TVs for up close and personal viewing.  Cruise includes a catered lunch and a hosted wine bar.

    For more info and tickets: 627.1215

      

     

    o rising Oakland Rising Open House, Wednesday, August 28, 4:30-6:30pm, 570 14th St. 

    We're excited to open our doors to you and share a more intimate look into the work and the people behind Oakland Rising. Join us to learn more about our vision for Oakland. Meet some of our home-grown phoners and canvassers and find out why they think Oakland Rising is making a difference in the lives of Oaklanders. See our state-of-the-art phone banking center and hear about our priority policy fights for 2013. Do all of this with a nice glass of wine and some cheese in hand.  This is a free event and we won't ask you for any money! We will also be giving away a few of our t-shirts, hoodies, water bottles, and buttons. It's a celebration of you.

    For more info: 261-2600x101, [email protected] 

    Click here to RSVP. 

     

     

    DANCING

      

    steppin dance  
    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, [email protected] or 615-5959

     

     

     

    dancing under the stars 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

     

    Yoshi's Jazzfest, Sunday, August 25, 12-5pm, Broadway and Water St.  yoshis logo
    Yoshi's Jazzfest will celebrate all things music and fill Jack London Square with an afternoon of free live music, tasty eats, jazz festivities and more. A special stage will host performances from several jazz performers, including Salvador Santana, the Julian Coryell Trio, Dos Four and the Oakland Jazz Workshop Performance Ensemble. Don't miss this afternoon of free jazz on the waterfront!  Visitors can bike, ferry or drive to Jack London Square. No tickets or reservations are required for this amazing free event.

    For more info: www.yoshis.com 



    OEBS logo 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 

     

     

    Piedmont Piano Company Concert Series

    Piedmont Piano exterior

    1728 San Pablo Ave.

    Located in the Uptown, half a block from the Fox Theater, Piedmont Piano Company doesn't just sell beautiful, high-end pianos. Every month, they present music from local and international musicians. Here's a list of some upcoming concerts:

    August 20 - Etienne Charles Creole Soul CD Release Show

    August 23 - Melissa Morgan, presented in association with the SF Filipino American Jazz Festival

    August 24 - The Artistry of the Jazz Trio, with William Susman, Frank Tusa, & Vince Lateano

    August 25 - Linda Kosut with the Mike Greensill Trio

    Costs vary, but typically range from $15 to $25

    Click here for more info: www.piedmontpiano.com 

    To get on their mailing list:  [email protected] 

     

     

     

    MOVIES
     
    goonies  
    Waterfront Flicks -- Goonies, Thursday, August 22, at sundown, Market Lawn at Jack London Square. 

    Enjoy a free screening 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

      

      

     


    $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 

     

     

    Parkway Theater logo

    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.

     

    See the Spotlight, above, for a special August program that The New Parkway is doing.

     

     


    OAKLAND ASIAN CULTURAL CENTER 

    388 9th Street, Suite 290 

    www.oacc.org 

    oacc logo regular
    CounterPULSE's Performing Diaspora, now thru August 25.  

    There are many shades of innovation, diaspora, and performance. From first generation culture bearers to third generation hyphenated Americans, the six artists featured in CounterPULSE's Performing Diaspora push the boundaries of their performance practice, each rooted in diverse cultural forms. Join OACC in August for a vibrant kick-off party, a thought provoking symposium, and two weekends of new work by Byb Chanel Bibene, Joti Singh, Jia Wu, Jewlia Eisenberg, Muisi-kongo Malonga, and Nadhi Thekkek.  Click here for more info. 



     

    AT FAIRYLAND

    fairyland.org 

     

    Regular Events -- Saturday & Sunday 

    All Day: Puppet Petting Zoo! Now's your chance to get up close and make these wonderful puppets come alive.

    Fairyland general
    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.

    12:30pm & 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:  Jacqueline Lynaugh as Queen Ozma the ruler of Oz. Join her as she read tales and sings songs from the magical land of Oz.


    Special Events -- Saturday, the 24th only 

    12pm: Puppet Show: Puppets & Poppets. Presented by Motion Makers Puppeteers.

    1:30pm: Puppet Show: Jack & the Bean Stalk. Presented by The Puppet Company.

    3:30pm: Puppet Show: Perez & Mondinga Mexican Fiesta. A tale of a cockroach who marries a mouse. Presented by Rhonda Kay.

     

    Special Events -- Sunday, the 25th only

    12pm: Puppet Show: Jack & the Bean Stalk. Presented by The Puppet Company.

    1:30pm: Puppet Show: Rumpelstiltskin. Presented by The Vagabond Puppets.

    3:30pm: Puppet Show: Aladdin. Presented by The Fratello Marionettes.

     

     

    AT THE ZOO
    9777 Golf Links Rd
    For more info: www.oaklandzoo.org

     
    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. 

     

     

     

    AT CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER 

    10000 Skyline Blvd.  

    For more info, click here.

      

     

    star stories

    Star Stories, Saturday, August 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. 

     

     

    Dinner, a Movie, and the Universe, Friday & Saturday evenings.

    CSSC dinner movie universe 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


    O MUseum logo hi res
    At the Oakland Museum,
     1000 Oak Street 

    For more info: museumca.org 

      

    Peter Stackpole: Bridging the Bay, now thru Jan. 26, 2014 bridges

    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

    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.

     

     

     

    O public library logo 

    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 free music

    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, [email protected] or 238-6610

     


    4 libraries to change hours beginning September 16

    In order to increase the public's access to neighborhood library branches, Oakland Public Library will be implementing a schedule change at four of the library's 16 branch locations.  Effective Monday, September 16, 2013, 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. 

     

    The four branches that are shifting to a Monday through Friday schedule will be open on Monday evenings, instead of their current Tuesday evenings, with the following Monday hours:

     

    *  Brookfield and Eastmont branches: 11:30 am - 7 pm

    *  Golden Gate and Piedmont Avenue branches: 12:30 pm - 8 pm

     

    All Tuesday-Saturday branches will continue to be open on Tuesday evenings, and the Main Library will continue to be open on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

     

    To view current branch schedules, visit the library's website here.

    For more info:www.oaklandlibrary.org 

     

     

    A SAMPLE OF THIS WEEK's EVENTS 

    Editor's Note: In the interest of space, we're removing the regular, recurring items we usually have below this section. There are so many events the libraries offer -- best that you just go check out their website for all the details:  www.oaklandlibrary.org/events.

     

      

    African American Quilters, 4th Saturdays, 12-3pm, West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline St. 
    All are welcome to join the quilters for help and inspiration completing your quilting projects.  Click here for more info.

     

    Community Language Meet-Up, Saturday, August 24, 10-11am, C�sar Ch�vez Branch, 3301 East 12th St. 
    We're setting up time bank exchanges for those who want to receive or offer tutoring in English, Spanish, or other languages.  For more info: 725-5484

     

    Free Sunday Jazz, Sunday, August 25, 3-6pm, Golden Gate Branch Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave.
    The Friends of Golden Gate Branch Library present their annual summer jazz series, with performances every Sunday through the end of August. The last show features Rhonda Benin.  The main act performs at 3pm, followed by Randy's Moore's "History of Jazz" discussion at 4pm and an open jam session at 5pm. 

     

    Virgin Soul: Author Talk with Judy Juanita, Wednesday, August 28, 6pm, Main Library, Bradley Walters Community Room, 125 14th St.  
    Author Judy Juanita reads from and discusses her novel, Virgin Soul.  Click here for more info.

     

    2.  CITY NEWS 
     
     
     

    Closed for Prostitution, National Lodge Sold to Retail/Office Developer

    Parents in East Lake protest with their children in a march around the National Lodge neighborhood

     

    After years of protests and organizing by the Oakland Community Organizations and nearby East Bay Asian Youth Center, a former hotel on International Boulevard that was a longstanding center of prostitution activity in Oakland has been sold to a new owner who intends to develop office and retail space on the property.

     

    Working with the police and city staff, the Oakland City Attorney's Office showed that the National Lodge at 1711 International Boulevard operated for years as a hub of prostitution, including the sexual exploitation of minors. The Alameda County Superior Court ordered the hotel to close last year, and in May 2013 the court granted the City Attorney's petition to force a sale of the property.

     

    "Our neighborhood is so pleased with this outcome," said Andy Nelsen, Deputy Director of the East Bay Asian Youth Center. "We now have a chance to convert this place of shame and suffering into an asset and place of opportunity for neighborhood entrepreneurs. It is an example of what can be done when City officials and the community act as true partners."

     

    A second motel, the Economy Inn was also closed and has reopened under the control of a receiver and continuing jurisdiction of the court. The court's order authorizing the reopening imposes new security measures to prevent prostitution and prohibits the owners from operating the hotel. 

     

    Neighbors are encouraged to report any prostitution activity to the Oakland Police Department at 777-3333. However, if you think that the prostitution activity involves a minor, call 911.

     

     

     


    Latham Square Temporary Makeover Ready For Comments
    Last week the temporary makeover of the Latham Square pilot was completed as benches and trees were added. Come and see if this small plaza helps calm traffic and adds enjoyment to downtown. It is located at the corner of Broadway and Telegraph.  The no car zone invites peeks at the 100 year old fountain dedicated to James & Henrietta Latham for their work for animal welfare and at the beautiful gothic Cathedral Building, which are often unseen at this busy intersection. 

    The project was funded with a $200,000 state grant.  Responsibility for maintenance and programming the plaza rests with the Downtown Oakland Association, who will assign its community ambassadors to watch over the plaza and is working with the adjacent Awaken Caf� to host weekly Friday evening concerts. To read more about the project.
     
     
      New Rockridge Safeway Finally On Its Way
    Oops! Last week we ran this artist rendering of the new store and photo of the Mayor at the groundbreaking, or should we say demolition, of the old store, but the article disappeared.  Here it is:

    After six years of negotiations with the neighborhood and several designs, Safeway officials and local neighbors gathered for the rapid demolition of the old store and the adjacent gas station.  The new store will include smaller retailers on the College Ave. frontage and rooftop parking. At 45,000 sf ft it is smaller than what Safeway had planned but larger than what neighbors wanted. Construction will begin in October.

     



    TRANSPORTATION NEWS

     

    BART Coliseum Station Transition Building -- Ongoing Construction

    The Oakland Airport Connector (OAC) project is under construction in various locations throughout the Hegenberger Road business corridor to construct the Coliseum Station Transition Building, a structure at the south end of the existing Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART Station that will allow passengers to bart construction transfer from existing BART to the new service. The Transition Building includes a stairway, escalators and elevators, and will support an elevated pedestrian walkway over San Leandro Street from the BART station to the new Coliseum Station structure, where construction is also underway.

     

    The public should be aware of the following construction impacts: 

    • Lane reconfigurations, lane closures and shifting of traffic on San Leandro Street, adjacent to the BART station
    • Large equipment and materials being transported and installed overhead at the south end of the BART station's platform
    • Construction-related noise, dust and vibration

    Construction of the Transition Building will be performed from 7am to 7pm, Monday through Saturday, and at night from 9pm to 5am, Monday through Sunday.

     

    Noise, dust and vibration levels will be monitored and all efforts will be taken to minimize these and other disruptions to the community. Stormwater pollution prevention plans are also in place to mitigate the project's environmental impacts. Please watch for notices regarding future construction activities and signs with safety information. Also note that there is a separate construction project underway at the overpass adjacent to this site, which may necessitate separate closures. 

     

    For more info: Phillip Fung, City of Oakland Public Works Agency/Project Delivery Division, 238-2938

     

     

    UPCOMING MEETINGS

     

    City Seeks Citizen Input on Council Redistricting 

    City Council map

    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 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 Brooklyn 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. 

     

    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: 

    • Use the interactive mapping software here and design you own districts. 
    • Email suggestions and comments to [email protected]
    • Leave a voice message on the redistricting hotline at 238-3079 
    • Visit the City's newly launched open data platform, http://data.oaklandnet.com , to explore and visualize population data  
    • Check out survey and community engagement opportunities at http://www.EngageOakland.com   

    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, [email protected] or 238-3550 and www.oaklandnet.com/redistricting 

     
        

     

    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 [email protected] .   

     

    BACK TO TOP 

    3.  Buy Oakland, Grow Our Local Economy

    THINKING ABOUT SOLAR?  CHECK OUT OAKLAND'S SUNGEVITY

    This week the White House is getting solar panels and the Oakland company, Sungevity is installing them!  Personally, I am not surprised.  The President can lease the panels and put no money down, and the energy savings is often about the same amount as your current bill.  Best of all you can get a quick estimate on line; the Sungevity experts use Google maps to look a your roof.
     
    Sungevity was just named by Forbes as one of the companies "Best for the World" for their good for the world policies and good business model.
     
    Right now if you sign up with Sungevity, they will give the Sierra Club $750.  They will also give you a gift card for the same amount.  Founder Danny Kennedy is a big Oakland booster.  He started with 50 employees here and now has over 300 in Oakland alone as they have become one of the fastest growing solar companies in the nation.  
     
    He has turned their headquarters at Jack London Square into a big incubator for solar start ups.  One of the most successful is Mosaic, a company that helps investors put money into solar projects for non-profits and get a decent yield.  51 investors just put $40K into solar on the Youth Employment Partnership (YEP) roof and are making a 6.38% yield.  YEP is the group that administers many of our Mayor's Summer Jobs Program internships.  Talk about a good investment in Oakland!



    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 ExploreOakland logo

    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  

    4.  Community Policing
     
     
     
    Root Beer Float Introductions
    Hundreds of Oakland youth met their beat officers over root beer floats this summer thanks to the Oakland Police Foundation.  The treats were funded by local businessmen and gave officers a chance to "serve" the community in a new way and meet their youngest constituents in a friendly informal setting.
     
      
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Cell Phones Remain Main Targets in Robberies
    More officers on bikes and focus on robbery hot sports have seen a small decline in robberies, but cell phones are still the main target.  Until "kill switch" agreements take affect next year, they remain expensive and easy targets.  Don't use them on the street if possible.
     
     
     
     
     
     
       

    COMMUNITY MEETINGS & EVENTS  

    ceasefire 

    CeaseFire Oakland/LifeLines to Healing -- Walk our neighborhoods

     

    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 and to take back the streets.  This group stopped at our Peace in the Parks program last Friday and included many volunteers from Montclair Presbyterian Church.  The next walks start from these locations: 

        • August 23 - At Thy Word, 8915 International Blvd
        • August 30 - First Mt. Sinai, 1970 86th Avenue 

    For more info: 639-1440 or [email protected]  

     
     
    OPD NEWS 
     
    New Graduates Will Strengthen Neighborhood Policing Plan 
    New graduates of the first academy finish their year-long training as they complete field training.  They will strengthen the current reorganization by filling out Crime Reduction Teams for each area and providing, for the first time, a dedicated group of officers working with Ceasefire, the program focusing on Oakland's most violent criminals.  
     
    The Oakland Police Department is completing the Neighborhood Policing Plan developed by the Bratton-Wasserman team, 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 areas.

    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.  We are currently moving investigators to each district.  We will be holding events in each Police Area to introduce the Captains and their command staff next month.
     
    Area 1 - Capt. Eric Lewis - 238-6911  -  [email protected]
    Area 2 - Capt. Anthony Toribio - 238-3958  -  [email protected]
    Area 3 - Capt. Ricardo Orozco - 238-3330  -  [email protected]
    Area 4 - Capt. Steven Tull - 777-8561  -  [email protected]
    Area 5 - Capt. Kirk Coleman - 777-8543  -  [email protected]

    A PDF version of the map showing the 5 areas is available here.    
     
     
     

    Area-Specific Crime Stats Posted to OPD Website

    OPD logo

    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, [email protected] or 238-3131

     

     

    HOW YOU CAN HELP OPD

     helpOPD 

    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:  

    1. Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone  
    2. Call the toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)  
    3. 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  

    5. Safe & Healthy Oakland:  Fire House Open House Events

     

    Wildfire Prevention District Faces Renewal This Fall

    Ten years ago I was a new Council Member and the federal funding that had helped Oakland with vegetation control after the Firestorm of 1991  had ended.  I had gotten used to the goats grazing the hills, but it was clear that if we were going to continue these and other services we would have to find funding.  Eventually we calculated that if every home/property within the tree line of the Oakland hills would pay $65 per year we could cover the basics with about $1.7 million -- including the goats!

    In 2003, I helped the residents of the Oakland hills establish and pass the Wildfire Prevention Assessment District (WPAD) to provide annual funding to assist home and property owners in preventing urban wildfires through vegetation management and education. Since then other areas of the state have considered setting up their own districts.  For the past 10 years, the WPAD has successfully reduced the risk of wildfires in our fire-prone Oakland Hills through:

    • Goat grazing to clear excess brush and weeds
    • Maintaining firebreaks so fire cannot spread
    • Fire patrols on high fire danger days
    • Roadside mowing
    • Dead tree removal
    • Brush cutting to clear emergency escape routes
    • Free chipping/removal of branches and brush debris for residents in the Wildfire Prevention District

    Keep Oakland Firesafe 2013 is a grassroots campaign to renew Oakland's Wildfire Prevention Assessment District (WPAD) before it sunsets in 2014. If anyone questions the value of this district, please consider the videos on this website.  Or ask the neighbors on Castle Road about the July 4th fire in Joaquin Miller Park.  When the sparks from the Girl Scout Cabin ignited a nearby hill, only a meadow separated the fire from nearby eucalyptus trees and homes.  Luckily the goats had just been in that meadow and the fire was contained.  In 1991 the fire moved from the top of the North Hills across Hwy 13 in less than 25 minutes; vegetation management helps us slow down fires and contain them. It can be a matter of life or death.

    We anticipate the actual mail-in ballot for the Wildfire Prevention District will occur in November 2013. Meanwhile, there is a lot we have to do between now and then and we could use your support.

    For more info about how to help: www.keepoaklandfiresafe.org 

     

    fireOH

    Fire Station Open Houses O Fire Dept ax logo

    Sponsored By: City of Oakland/Fire Department, WPAD, and Public Agencies

    For more info:  238-7255

    • 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: 
    • 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

    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:[email protected] , 238-6351, and www.oaklandcore.org 

      

      

      

    ALL 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 

    6. The TECH Side of Oakland

     

    hack the hood logo

     

    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 workHack the hood kids 0713in 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 form here or email [email protected]

    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 

     

      

    7. GET YOUR WALK ON!

    walking

      

    Even with school starting again, there is still lots of warm weather left and lots of opportunities to get to know this wonderful city better -- and get some good old-fashioned exercise at the same time!  Take your pick. 

     
     

    cemeterytours

    Tours at Mountain View Cemetery

    Every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 10am start MtnV cemetery

    Every visit to Mountain View Cemetery is like a trip back in time. It is like shaking hands with railroad builder Charles Crocker, admiring the brushwork of Yosemite landscape painter Thomas Hill, and hearing architect Julia Morgan rhapsodize about her designs for Hearst Castle.

     

    Designed by noted landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (whose other credits include New York City's Central Park), Mountain View's acreage offers spectacular vistas of the San Francisco Bay's surrounding areas. The cemetery is an impressive repository of local and state history.

     

    Docent-led tours begin at 10am the second and fourth Saturdays of each month and last approximately 2 hours. There are several tour options. Check their calendar for specific tours and dates. No RSVP is necessary; simply meet in front of the administrative office and wear comfortable walking shoes.

     

    To arrange for a private group tour at another time tailored to your specific needs: 658-2588

    Click here for more info. 

     

     

     
    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 

     


     USS Potomac

    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.

     


    art murmur square logo 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 savor oakland logo

    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 

     

     

    Art Murmur SAT Stroll logo 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 Tour 6 JLS
    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 [email protected]

      

    For more info, click here.

     

    There are 8 different tours, all listed at the weblink above.

      

    BACK TO TOP 

    8. VOLUNTEER Opportunities

     volunteer 

     

    org for health care California Health Insurance Exchange needs your help

    California's new health care program will start enrolling residents on October 1st. Volunteers are needed to inform residents about enrollment dates, where to go for information and sign-up.  

     

    Invited presenters will include: Health Services, NAACP, La Clinica and Organizing for Action, Volunteering for Oakland.  

     

    For more info:  [email protected]

     

    Success depends on a proactive, prepared volunteer outreach. Learn more about the California Health Insurance Exchange at www.coveredca.com

     

     

      

      

    Register Now icon

    Oakland Literacy Coalition - Fall Volunteer Training Series

    Tuesday, September 10 and Thursday, September 12, 4-7pm

    East Bay Community Foundation - James Irvine Conference Center 

    353 Frank Ogawa Plaza O Literacy Coalition

     

    The Oakland Literacy Coalition (OLC) is hosting a Volunteer Training Series for those interested in or currently working with pre-k through elementary age students. If you are a new volunteer looking for the right opportunity we are happy to share information about various tutoring programs and help match you to one that meets your interests and schedule!

     

    FREE Live Scan fingerprinting and TB testing will be available from 4-5pm both days.  Both are generally required before volunteers can be cleared to work with students. Please contact your volunteer organization for details or click here to learn more about OUSD's volunteer requirements. 

     

    NOTE: to receive a TB test you must be present on BOTH Tuesday and Thursday between 4:15 and 5pm.

     

    A light dinner will be offered before the training workshops from 5-7pm. 

     

    Workshops are led by experienced trainers and will cover topics including: working with English Language Learners, Literacy Tutoring 101, Conducting an Effective Read Aloud, and Building Comprehension & Vocabulary Skills!

     

    Space is limited and pre-registration is required.  

     

    For more info and to register, click here or contact Cassie Perham, OLC Program Manager, [email protected] or 899-7914

     

     

     

      

    Have time on your hands? Interested in helping Oakland teens succeed?
    writer coach connection logo

    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. Writer Coach Cx foto2

     

    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,[email protected] or 306-1792

      

     

     

      

    BACK TO TOP 

    9.  GREENING Oakland

    greenEVENTS THIS WEEK

      

    friends of sausal creek  

     

     

     

     

    Friends of Sausal Creek Events

    Click here for a full calendar of events and directions to each event.

     

     

      FOSC nursery image

    Native Plant Nursery Workday, Wednesday, August 21, 1:30-4:30pm, Joaquin Miller Native Plant
    Nursery.  
    Join us for an afternoon of native plant propagation and nursery maintenance. Activities include sowing, transplanting, cuttings, and weeding. Bring layers and water; we provide tools, gloves, instruction and snack. Drop-ins welcome. Minors need a guardian to sign a waiverYou are welcome to attend all or part of this event.

    RSVP for groups over five people: Michelle at [email protected] 

      

      

      

    UPCOMING EVENTS

     

    O Parks Coalition logoRaimondi Park Needs You!

    Saturday, August 31, 9am-1pm, Raimondi Park, 1800 Wood St. in West Oakland, entrance on 18th Street between Campbell & Wood.  

    raimondi park
    Raimondi Park needs your help

    Raimondi is one of Oakland's most popular sports and recreation venues but it needs a serious sprucing up. If you like to get your hands dirty for a very good cause please join the Oakland Parks Coalition Workday at Raimondi to restore health and beauty to Raimondi's trees and landscaping on Saturday, August 31st.

     

    Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a sunhat, work gloves, and any of your favorite weeding and pruning tools.  OPC will supply other tools and refreshments.

     

    For more info: [email protected] 

     

     


    odette plant xchg logoLakeshore Neighborhood Plant Exchange

    Saturday, October 19, 12- 4pm

    3811 Lakeshore Ave

    FREE!

     

    Do you have plants you must prune or divide? How about trading your excess with others in your neighborhood! Take home new plants for your yard and have an instant new garden!  All kinds of plants are welcome, of any size: seedlings, cuttings, or fully grown. Packets of seeds are welcome too. Want to donate plants before the event? No problem. Contact us to arrange to drop off your plants ahead of time.

    STD starburst

     

    Garden accessories and accents are also welcome: Umbrellas, clippers, pots, books and magazines on gardening, stepping stones, tools and supplies - even goldfish.

     

    They are creating a documentary about the Plant Exchange. Learn more here

    For more info: 866-8482 or [email protected] or www.ThePlantExchange.com  and here's their Facebook page

     

     

     

    RECURRING EVENTS

     

    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.

     

     

     roses

     

    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 arroyo creek keepers logo 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

    BACK TO TOP  

    10. 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.

     

     


    teach tomorrow

    TTO 

    Teach Tomorrow in Oakland (TTO) Recruitment Event, Thursday, August 22, 5:30-7pm,Spanish Speaking Citizens Foundation, 1470 Fruitvale Ave, #7. 
    In its continued effort to diversify the teaching workforce in Oakland, TTO hosts throughout-the-year teacher recruitment fairs for individuals who are looking to change careers, and those who have recently earned their Bachelor's degree, or will soon, to consider teaching as a career.

    For more info: ttoraza.eventbrite.com 

     

     

     metwestintern

    metwest intern Can You Give an Internship to an Oakland High School Student? 

    Internship Options Fairs: 

    Tuesday, September 17 & Thursday, September 19 

    9am-12noon 

     
    Students at MetWest High School participate in Linked Leaning, which requires them to get practical work experience through internships. MetWest students are beginning to search for their internships for this academic year. To support students' search process, MetWest is inviting representatives from all businesses and nonprofit groups interested in hosting a MetWest intern to attend one of ou
    Internship Options Fairs: Tuesday, September 17 & Thursday, September 19, from 9am to 12noon.

     

    If you are interested in coming to a fair, please Click here to RSVP.

     

    Read a one page description of our Learning Through Internship program. 

    If you would like to host an intern but can't make it to a fair, please sign up on our "interested sites" list by clicking here or emailing our Learning Through Internship Coordinator at [email protected] with any questions you have.  

     

     

     

     

    Back to school time go to school

    Direct from OUSD --

    Click here to jump to the top of the newsletter to see the video.

     

    "The start of [public] school in Oakland (August 26) is less than three weeks away! Our Back-to-School push is in full swing and attendance-as always-is a big concern.

     

    "This year, instead of writing another boring parent letter about the importance of having your child in school every day, we figured we'd do something different. The result is this music video "I'm an Oakland school kid" featuring OUSD students and Oakland Tech alumnus Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch, star running back for the NFL's Seattle Seahawks."

     

     

     

    Parents: Apply for the Free Lunch Program Online!

    The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is a federally assisted meal program that provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. Parents and guardians of all OUSD students are encouraged to apply. Not only could your child qualify for reduced-price or free meals, but his or her school could receive much needed Title I funding as a result. 

    Click here for more info and to access the online application.  There is no deadline for applying, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. If you need help with this form, call Nutrition Services at 879-8345. 

    If you'd like more information about programs that provide free food in Alameda County, click here.

     

     

     

    eoydc winners
    EOYDC scholarship winners (� The Post News Group)

    56 Scholarships Awarded at EOYDC's 9th Annual Something for Everyone Fundraiser 

    This year, EOYDC's annual fundraiser, Something for Everyone, awarded 56 scholarships to deserving Pathway to College students. In addition, they honored their 2013 Champions for Youth: Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Don Knauss (The Clorox Company), Gregory Adams (Kaiser Permanente), Kim Delevett (Southwest Airlines), Lionel Bea (Bay Area Productions), and Horizon Bever

    age Company. 

     

     

     

    EYODC logo  

     

    EOYDC Youth Report on the State of Violence in Oakland Local's Education Voices  Program

    Made possible through funding from The California Endowment, Oakland Local launched its Education Voices program. This program strives to "shed more light on the challenges kids face to maintain themselves in the midst of ever-present violence in their lives," while providing students intensive journalism workshops. Participants received training in reporting, blogging, social media engagement, public speaking, and data visualization. Read our youth reporters' stories here. 

     

     

     

     

    Oakland Unified Wins Federal Approval to Replace NCLB Rules with Locally-Driven School Quality Improvement System

    OUSD one of eight California school districts specially recognized by the US Department of Education

      OUSD green logo

    The US Department of Education has approved Oakland and seven other California school districts for one-year waivers from No Child Left Behind (NCLB) regulations in exchange for a higher system of accountability based on locally developed plans.

     

    The eight Districts, all members of the California Office to Reform Education (CORE), submitted a joint request for waivers that would allow them to replace NCLB with a collectively designed School Quality Improvement System. Under this system, the CORE districts commit to preparing all students for college, career, and life, focusing aid on the neediest students, and supporting effective teaching and leadership. The Districts also assume unprecedented responsibility for eliminating disparities and disproportionality in areas related to academics, social and emotional growth, and school climate and culture.

     

    "The CORE districts have been engaged in collaboration and innovation designed to promote deep student learning and effective implementation of new standards that will prepare students for college and a career," explained U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan. "The Districts' approved plan includes key accountability components that when implemented will surpass the rigor of the current NCLB system and provide an opportunity to expand innovative interventions and practices that can improve student achievement, rather than spending time and resources implementing NCLB's one-size-fits-all mandates. The significance of their willingness to step up, and for the first time, hold themselves accountable for literally tens of thousands of children who were invisible under NCLB cannot be overstated."

     

    OUSD and the other CORE districts will utilize an index that weighs academic components such as test scores and graduation rates along with other measures of student and school success such as absentee rates and approval rates determined by surveys of parents and students. Indicators will include student progress on Common Core-aligned assessments and factors such as the elimination of disproportionality in school discipline, chronic absenteeism, and non-cognitive factors such as grit or resilience. School environments will also be evaluated.

     

    Districts participating in the School Quality Improvement System (Fresno, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento City, San Francisco, Santa Ana and Sanger Unified School Districts) have agreed to fully implement the Common Core State Standards in the 2013-14 school year and transition to Common Core-aligned assessments by the 2014-15 school year.

     

       

    Free Gang Awareness Trainings

    1-3 hour trainings available to Oakland schools and community-based organizations serving Oakland youth 

    • Signs of gang involvement OaklandUn1te logo
    • 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 [email protected] 

     

    11. UPCOMING EVENTS

     

    AUGUST

     

    Semi-annual Book Sale at the Montclair Branch Library, Wednesday, September 28, 10:30am-3pm, 1687 Mountain Blvd.
    Choose from an excellent selection of gently-used books. Find great deals all day and fill-a-bag with discounts from 2pm on. All proceeds directly benefit the Montclair branch of the Oakland Public Library.

    For more info: http://montclairlibrary.wordpress.com 

     

     

    friends of art murmur logo Late Summer Soiree - a benefit for Oakland Art Murmur, Wednesday, August 28, 6:30-9:30pm.  
    Friends of OAM invites you to an exclusive tour of a superlative private modern art collection, housed in the collector's personal residence, an exquisite Bernard Maybeck estate in the Oakland Hills. Come usher in the Fall with Friends of OAM, enjoy delicious bites and lovely drinks while strolling the magnificent grounds of this landmark estate, and all the while take in some seriously stellar works of art by major twentieth century masters.

    Cost $25 for the general public; $20 for members of Friends of OAM; Complimentary for Supporter and Donor Level Members

    Tickets are strictly limited, get yours today.

    SPECIAL OFFER: Become a member of Friends of OAM in the month of August and receive a discount on your tickets to this event (plus invitations to future free events for Friends of OAM members!)

    For more info:  Oaklandartmurmur.com

     

     

      O fund for the arts guitar

    Oakland Fund For The Arts annual dinner party at Bocanova Restaurant, Thursday, August 29, 6pm.
    With the support of donors like you, Oakland Fund for the Arts (OFFTA) has awarded over $425,000 in grants, funding 100+ performance and visual art programs in 110 public schools located in some of Oakland's most distressed areas.  Since being founded in 1996, OFFTA has reached more than 14,000 children.  Bocanova, one of Oakland's trendiest restaurants O fund for the arts art and long-time supporter of Oakland Fund for the Arts, is once again hosting the annual fundraiser. Cocktails, a silent auction and music will kick-off the event.

    For more info and to buy tickets: offta.org

     

     

    SEPTEMBER

     

    OPRIDE  
     
    Oakland PRIDE Festival, Sunday, September 1, 11am-7pm, downtown Oakland., enter at 20th & Broadway.
    Celebrate Pride with Oakland. There will be 3 stages, with En Vogue on the main stage. Lots of fun for kids, families, teens, adults, everyone!

    Cost: $10 general; $5 kids under 18

    For more info: www.oaklandpride.org 

     

     

     

    Gatsby Summer Afternoon, Sunday, September 8, 1-6pm, Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, Dunsmuir house 2960 Peralta Oaks Court. 
    The Gatsby Summer Afternoon lets several hundred aficionados of the 1920s and 30s step back to a time when elegance was a way of life and the Charleston and Fox Trot were all the rage. This is not a spectator event; every guest is part of the scene wearing their vintage best. From 1 pm the panoramic Dunsmuir front lawn becomes the stage on which all participants play, picnic, dance, and sip champagne; reminiscent of a scene from The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald's famous novel of 1925.

    Tickets (if bought before Friday, September 6): $40 for members, $50 for guests/non-members

    At the Door: $70 for all

    Click here for more info. 

     

     

    mamma mia Sing-along Cinemas - Mamma Mia!, Thursday, September 12, Sundown, Jack London Square, Ferry Lawn. 
    Come out and join in the fun with an outdoor sing-along movie. Enjoy the movie Mama Mia with the theatrical antics of Barely Legal, as they sing and dance along with the movie. Come dressed as the theme of the movie and be prepared to sing with your favorite songs. Movies begin at sundown, so be sure to make reservations at your favorite Jack London Square restaurant, or visit our quick-casual eateries and make a picnic.

     

     

    2nd Annual Delilah Beasley Tea, Saturday, September 14, 2-4pm, Pardee Home Museum, 672 11th St.  Pardee Home Museum
    Progressive Oakland Women for Empowerment and Reform (P.O.W.E.R.) invite you to the 2nd Annual Ms. Delilah Beasley Tea (tea and an assortment of pastries & sweets & goodies) at the Pardee Home Museum.  

    Cost: $15 per person (under 18 - free)

    For reservations: 444-2159 or [email protected] 

    For more info: www.pardeehome.org 

     

     

    CA canoe kayak  
     
    Moonlight Kayaking, Saturday, September 21, 6pm, California Canoe & Kayak, 409 Water St, Jack London Square.
    It is a full moon and moonlight paddling is enchanting!  

    For more info: www.calkayak.com  or 893.7833

     

     

     

    Eat Real Festival, September 27-29, Friday 1-9pm, Saturday 10:30am-9pm, Sunday 10:30-5pm, throughout Jack London Square.
    Eat Real combines a state fair, a street food festival and a block party to celebrate good times and fresh, local food. Free entry and no food item costs more than $5.00 - all food includes local, organic and sustainable ingredients.

    For more info: www.eatrealfest.com or 250-7811

     

     

     

    OCTOBER

     

    6th Annual Oaktoberfest in the Dimond, Saturday, October 5, 11am-6pm.

    4 blocks of fun branching out from the intersection of

    Fruitvale Ave. and MacArthur Blvd.

    Oaktoberfest in the Dimond returns for its 6th year of fun, community-building, and festivities. This event is FREE to the public. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan taps the first keg at 10:45 am in a traditional Munich style Oktoberfest kick off. Highlights include:

    • oaktoberfest 1013 the Bill Brand Biergarten (at Fruitvale Ave. and MacArthur Blvd.) with 20 local craft breweries;
    • the Mad Zymurgist Homebrew Competition hosted in the HopTech Homebrewers' Alley; 
    • the Family-Friendly Rootbier Garten;
    • the Wells Fargo Bank Family Stage filled with fun for the entire family; 
    • the Main Stage with traditional German and modern Oakland entertainment; and 
    • plenty of food and vendor booths in-between, including beer-food pairings, German inspired artisan entrees, cooking demos, alongside traditional favorites to satisfy everyone.

    Plan your weekend around this great Community Festival - with all proceeds benefiting neighborhood improvement.  

    Tickets on sale at www.Oaktoberfest.org 

    Volunteers always welcome! 

    For more info, to volunteer, sponsor, vend, or advertise: www.Oaktoberfest.org or 452-7392

     

     

     

    mini maker fair 0713

    Oakland Makers' East Bay Mini Maker Fair, Sunday, October 20, 10am-5pm, Park Day School, 360 42nd St. and Studio One Art Center, 365 45th St. 

     

    Featuring both established and emerging local "makers," the East Bay Mini Maker Faire is a family-friendly celebration coming to Oakland for its third year on Sunday, October 20, 2012.  It will feature rockets and robots, digital fabrication, DIY science and technology, urban farming and sustainability, alternative energy, bicycles, unique hand-made crafts, music and local food, and educational workshops and installations.

    Click here for more info. 

      

     

    BACK TO TOP 

    RECURRING12.  RECURRING Events

     
    QUICK REFERENCE

     

    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 

     

    Fairyland has events every weekend for children:fairyland.org 

     
    Oakland Museum
     has weekday and weekend events and hands-on activities. First Sundays of the month are free.   museumca.org 
    Oakland Zoo -- Need we say more? www.oaklandzoo.org


    ART ANTICS
    art murmur square logo
     
    The Art Murmur
    , Every First Friday year-round, 5-10pm:
    Various art galleries in Uptown.  www.oaklandartmurmur.org 
     

    Art Murmur SAT Stroll logo

        

    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  

     

     

      

    EMBRACE the Dimond District, every 3rd Thursday, 5pm, corner of Dimond & MacArthur Blvd.
    Join your friends, family and neighbors to EMBRACE the Dimond District every 3rd Thursday of the month. Starting at 5pm, come out to the Dimond to have a bite to eat, a cup of coffee, or to just stroll around!  This monthly event is organized by the Dimond Business and Professional Association (DB&PA), and has a different theme each month.  The "PREMIRE" August 15th will be all about art:

    Sidewalk Art Contest for ALL!

    • Many featured local artist and craftsmen
    • A fantastically fun kids' zone
    • Get the super secret "WORD" for 3rd Thursday merchant specials!
    • Community organizers will also be present to answer all your questions
     
     

    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 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

     

     

    movies 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, [email protected] or 482-7827

    For the summer schedule, click here.



    Laurel Outdoor Movie Series laurel movies

    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.

    red oak movies summer 2013

    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
    CSSC tykes programTyke 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.

     

    JUST FOR GIRLS 

      

    Girls' Sports Days at Oakland Parks & Rec

    For more info: Coach Love, 535-5608 or [email protected] 

     

     

    FOR ADULTS

     

    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 

     

     

     

    toastmasters logoTuesday 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, [email protected] or warehouse416.com 

     

     

    bike grp standing 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, [email protected] 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 & under

    For 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