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September 19, 2013
| Vol 3, Issue 38 |
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Take A Fresh Look
at Oakland
News from Mayor Jean Quan & Friends |
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Greetings!  | |
Josh Donaldson gets team appreciation for his two out walk off winning hit earlier this week.
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THE NUMBER IS 5!
ATHLETICS TAKE OFF THE TARPS FOR THE PLAYOFFS. After selling out the playoff tickets in hours, the A's will take off the tarps to add 12,000 more seats. Any combination of five Oakland wins or Rangers' losses clinches the Western Division for the Athletics! There are only four more games at home before the playoffs, let's fill those seats and see if we can clinch while they are at home. Let's Go Oakland! Click here to purchase tickets.
Monte Poole's article today gives a look at our Unsinkable A's. Read his column -- the link is to the right in our In the News Section. We also linked an article where Lew Wolf for the first time acknowledges that a downtown stadium in Oakland might be a good thing!?
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Assistant Attorney General Tony West congratulates the Mayor for getting the largest COPS grant in the nation in this round.
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Oakland Awarded $4.5 Million for More Police
I want to thank Team Oakland (Chief Whent & his command staff, our grant writing team, my intergovernmental staff that worked with our Washington counterparts) for their work to get (for the third time) the largest grant in the nation in the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Grant competition. The grant will pay us $4.5 million to hire and equip ten more police officers for three years. Our COPS grant applications have secured 75 more police officers in total for the City.
Additionally, Alameda County received roughly $2.5 million to fund eight Sheriff's Officers who will work mostly in Oakland.
I personally thanked Congresswoman Barbara Lee and the Assistant Attorney General, Tony West (also an Oakland resident) for their advocacy for Oakland. In my visits to Washington they set up key meetings with the White House and the Attorney General to get critical assistance from federal agencies to help us reduce guns and organized gangs in the City. Following the press conference Congresswoman Lee conducted a regional roundtable with Assistant Attorney General West and the Director of the COPS Program, similar to the meeting we had in the White House with Attorney General Holder. Chiefs and political leaders from around the Bay joined local federal agency representatives to talk about how we can improve coordination and what we thought was working.
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Police join San Antonio residents in march against prostitution and crime last night.
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This adds to our growing financial support for Police Academies. When I became Mayor our police funding was at a low point: we had laid off officers because of the recession and pension-driven budget cuts. We recalled all laid-off officers after negotiating pension contributions for the first time and have since invested much of our improved city revenues into new academies.
The first academy in over 4 years completed field training just weeks ago. Many residents have told me that they have noticed more police in hot spots. Tomorrow our second academy will graduate and then begin field training next week. The third academy starts September 30. The Mayor's new budget also funds three more additional academies and this grant will help ensure continued growth. Meanwhile, we have funded payment to the California Highway Patrol for additional coverage on weekends when crime and incidents are higher.
Join Us at 36 Sites This Saturday to Clean Up Our Creeks, Lakes and Bay
PLEASE SHARE: Join thousands of Oakland residents this Saturday for our annual Creek to Bay Day Cleanup at 36 sites throughout the City. Last September, more than 1,400 volunteers came out and removed 17,000 pounds of trash from Oakland's c reeks, the estuary and Lake Merritt; 221 pounds of recyclables were picked up; and 216 cubic yards of green waste were removed to make way for native plants to flourish. This event is in conjunction with International Coastal Cleanup Day, which evolved to fight the increase of trash in our watershed-which ultimately ends up in the Oceans.
We are definitely hoping to surpass that this year and continue to make Oakland a cleaner and greener city while protecting our creeks, the estuary, and Lake Merritt.
For more information about the event and to pick a site, click here.
To learn more about Oakland's watershed, click here.
Hiroshima Opens Sundays in the Redwoods Concert Series
What started as my partnership with Parks and Rec to bring more people up to our city's redwood forest and 500-plus acre Joaquin Miller Park and to give local artists and music lovers an inexpensive alternative to high priced concerts....is now a new Oakland tradition in its 8th year. We expect all 4 concerts to sell out. So go immediately to the website and see if you can get tickets, pack a picnic to share with friends, and join me this Sunday.
I am very pleased that Hiroshima is joining us. I have known some of the members since I was a Berkeley student involved in the anti-war movement of our times against the war in Vietnam and against nuclear weapons. Hiroshima was young and supported many of our events and appeared at many of our fledgling Asian American study events. In recent times they have picked up many more international sounds. Last year they performed at the 50th Anniversary of our Sister City celebration with Fukuoka, a close neighbor of the city of Hiroshima.
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Mayor Jean Quan
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| SUNDAY FUN |
Sundays in the Redwoods Concerts Begin This Sunday
September 22 thru October 13
Woodminster Amphitheater
3300 Joaquin Miller Rd.
Doors open at 1pm; concerts begin at 2pm
This week we announced our "secret" special guests for the first concert - Hiroshima. This jazz favorite includes international sounds in their music and are a West Coast favorite.
I've been proud to partner with the Office of Parks & Recreation to bring you this annual celebration of Oakland and the Bay Area's rich musical heritage in one of our most beautiful open spaces. Over the years, Sundays in the Redwoods has grown to be one of the most highly acclaimed Fall musical events in the East Bay, drawing thousands of first-time visitors to Joaquin Miller Park's shaded trails through the Redwoods. We have been amazed at the response to our website; the last two concerts are SOLD OUT. Limited tickets for the first two concerts are still available.
4 SUNDAYS, 4 CONCERTS:
Sunday, Sept 22 -- Magic In The Music, Featuring: Vivian Green, and Hiroshima
Sunday, Sept 29 -- Soul Is The Key, Featuring: Bobby Caldwell
Sunday, Oct 6 -- The Rhythm Section, Featuring: Eric Benet SOLD OUT
Sunday, Oct 13 -- Talking All That Jazz, Featuring:
Lalah Hathaway and Kindred & the Family Soul SOLD OUT
Order by phone, Monday thru Friday, 10am-4pm -- 238-3052
Order online here.
Tickets: $14 (+ $2 mailing fee) or $20 at the door (if tickets are still available); VIP Table (includes 8 Concert Tickets): $288
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| SPOTLIGHT on Oakland |
Oakland-based Hawaiian Dance Company Celebrates 10 years of "Perfection"
A Perfect 10
Saturday, September 21, 7pm
Reed L. Buffington Visual and Performing Arts Center, Chabot College in Hayward
www.academyofhawaiianarts.org
This Saturday, Kumu Hula (master teacher of hula) Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu and the Oakland-based Academy of Hawaiian Arts will present "A Perfect 10: A Decade with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts," at Chabot College in Hayward.
When Kumu Ho'omalu first set himself on the path to open his own hula school in the early 2000s, he could look back on a history of over 25 years of having successfully taught hula in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was his dream at that time to create a new resource for time-honored and contemporary Hawaiian arts: a school for the arts of music, language, poetry, and dance, as well as also a venue for the enhancement of knowledge. In 2003, the Academy of Hawaiian Arts was born, and its vision was articulated in the opening words of its Mission Statement: We are stewards of Hawaiian heritage.
In Ho'omalu's own words at that time: "I have dedicated my life to hula...I often state that my mission is to find the 'first steps in hula'...Hula is my only love and I desire to share it with anyone that wishes to know her better."
At the onset, AHA had no permanent physical location, but it eventually became apparent that the bulk of the interested students lived primarily in the vicinity of southern Alameda County. The decision was then made to base the Academy in a facility in southeast Oakland -- and in February 2003, the Academy of Hawaiian Arts was opened.
Within a few months of opening, the Academy had enrolled nearly 100 students in the hula classes for adults and for keiki (children). The Academy and Kumu Ho'omalu have filled the succeeding years with high-energy, crowd-pleasing dance concert performances across the US, in Hawai'i and Japan, as well as at hula competitions here on the mainland and in Hawai'i.
"A Perfect 10: A Decade with the Academy of Hawaiian Arts"
retells the bold adventures of AHA during its first 10 years, including parading hula dancers, performances, international tours, competitions, workshops, food-booth fundraisers, babies, marriages, ROMANCE -- and all the human follies in between.
Tickets: $40 here or call Puanani at 214-5400. All seating is reserved.
For more info: www.academyofhawaiianarts.org
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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 THE NEWS
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CITY
GENERAL INTEREST
Lew Wolff Makes A Pitch for a Downtown A's Stadium
By John Hickey, Tribune
Sept 19, 2013
Unsinkable A's
Monte Poole, Tribune
September 18, 2013
Marcus Garvey Building - Liberty Hall: National Historic West Oakland Landmark saved by community organizations
Shake Anderson, SF Bay View
Sept. 7, 2013
Education Voices: Teacher retention: Critical to Oakland school success
Jon Leckie, Oakland Local
Sept. 11, 2013
Families flee S.F. for East Bay with cheaper homes
Carolyn Said, SF Chronicle
Sept. 7, 2013
TECH & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sprouts to spur development on Broadway in Oakland
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PET SPOTLIGHT
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Meet Chester,
a Mastiff Mix, Ready for the Good Life
Chester, a beautiful 3-year-old mastiff mix, had a rough start in life. In his previous home he didn't get the good things a dog needs: good food, guidance, dog and human friends, and lots of love and attention. But that's all in the past. He is currently being fostered in a home with two cats and two dogs and has blossomed into a pooch that loves to cuddle on the bed and is making great strides with his leash manners. He's also begun riding confidently in the car. Chester's foster home has been an amazing way for him to grow and improve, but the next step is to find a forever home. If you are looking to add a sweet medium-sized dog to your home check out Chester's video and more -- seeing is believing!
Like OAS on Facebook.
Oakland Animal Services
1101 29th Ave.
535-5602
oaklandanimalservices.org
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SPOTLIGHT
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5th Annual
Cox Conserves Heroes
Last Chance to Vote for Oakland Resident, Karen Paulsell
KTVU and The Trust for Public Land recently announced the finalists for the Bay Area's 5th annual Cox Conserves Heroes program, and Oakland resident, Karen Pausell, is one of them. Voting is open to the general public here through 5pm on Thursday, September 26.
The program recognizes volunteers who are creating, preserving or enhancing outdoor spaces. The winner will receive $10,000 to donate to his or her selected nonprofit beneficiary, and the finalists each will receive $2,500 for their nonprofits of choice.
The winner will be announced on Oct. 10.
Click here to view the videos of the three finalists...and vote for native plant enthusiast and Oakland volunteer extraordinaire Karen Paulsell.
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VOLUNTEER Opportunity
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OPC Needs Your Help to Survey Parks
Saturday, October 5
8:30am-12noon
Start at the Garden Center in Lakeside Park
(666 Bellevue Ave.)
www.oaklandparkscoalition.org
Oakland Parks Coalition is conducting its 8th annual Love Your Parks Day survey Saturday, October 5, 8:30am-12noon and we need the help of citizens concerned about the viability of their parks. This survey of park conditions is used in the OPC annual report to City Council to assess budgeting for park needs.
We need team drivers but will be glad to team you up if you don't have a car so please join us at the Garden Center in Lakeside Park (666 Bellevue) where we will train you before assigning your team 3-6 Oakland Parks to survey. If you have a smart phone or a camera, please bring them with you. High school students are especially welcome and will receive community service credit.
Visit our website to see last year's report. Send us your questions and RSVP to let us know you are coming.
For more info and to RSVP, click here.
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1. DISCOVER OAKLAND -- Activities this week
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Editor's Note: Remember to check both the UPCOMING and the RECURRINGsections, way down at the bottom, for additional events.
The New Bike-Pedestrian Path is an amazing hit with a constant stream of visitors during the last week. While it is a short to medium walk depending upon where you start, with this hot weather, make sure you take sunscreen, water, and maybe a hat.
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The best free thing to do in the Bay Area for a while will be walking or biking on the Oakland span of the Bay Bridge, day time hours only during construction.
Click here for more info about the path.
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SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
 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.
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
 Creek To Bay Day,
Saturday, September 21, 9am-12noon, various Oakland locations.
Participate in Oakland's annual volunteer creek cleanup and beautification event at more than two dozen sites. In 2012, more than 1,400 volunteers came out to City of Oakland, East Bay Regional Parks District and Port of Oakland sites to improve the condition of Oakland's waterways and their surroundings. Over 17,000 pounds of trash were collected from Oakland's creeks, the estuary and Lake Merritt; 221 pounds of recyclables picked up; and 216 cubic yards of green waste removed to make way for native plants to flourish.
For more info: www.oaklandcreektobay.org
Oakland Music Festival,
Saturday, September 21, 12-8pm, Uptown District, 18th St and San
Pablo Ave.
The monumental kick-off of the Oakland Music Festival will showcase the future flavors of the city through musicians, chefs and artisans. This will be a family friendly block party with plenty of Oakland love and sunshine.
For more info: www.oaklandmusicfestival.com
Oakland Grand Prix,
September 22, 8am-5pm, 19th & Harrison at Snow Park Museum. Racing begins at 8am with a free kid's race at 12noon. The Professionals race at 3pm.
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The 2013 NCNCA Bikereg.com Premier Series will conclude on September 22, with the Ninth Annual Oakland Grand Prix, the only Oakland bicycle race on the NCNCA calendar. The Oakland Grand Prix offers a technical, downtown course, with an uphill finish on Harrison Street, near 19th, at Snow Park, where spectators will find plenty of room to see the final sprint to the finish. The course is just a block from Lake Merritt and the 19th Street BART.
As in years past, The Oakland Grand Prix continues to bring high caliber bicycle racing talent to the streets of Oakland, including the likes of: Alison Tetrick (Exergy Twenty-12), Mary Maroon (Stevens Bikes), Rand Miller (Cal Giant/Specialized), Patrick Briggs (Yahoo Cycling), Kevin Kline (Yahoo Cycling), Dean LeBerge (Mike's Bikes), Andy Jacques-Mayne (Jamis Sutter Home), Sterling Magnell (Wonderful Pistachios), Rahsaan Bahati (Bahati Foundation), Ivan Dominguez, Ben Jacques-Mayne (Team Bissell), Phillip Mooney (Raleigh Bicycles), as well Charon Smith (Surf City Cyclery) and Roman Kilun (Kenda).
The 0.9 mile course is challenging and fast with great pavement, thanks to the Oakland City Government, which is committed to the success of the event. Come out, see the action and stay for the chills and thrills, as racers reach speeds of 35MPH on a closed course.
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 pm
Family-friendly drop-in workshop doing animal printing on bandannas from 5 to 8 pm
Makers & Tasters Series ranging from beer brewing and coffee roasting to recipe sharing and gardening how-tos from 6 to 8 pm
Hooping class with Nicole Wong in the amphitheater from 6:30 to 7 pm
OMCA Pub Trivia with Senior Curator of Natural Sciences, Douglas Long, from 7 to 8:30 pm
Rock and roll band Hot Einsten performing live from 7 to 9 pm
COST: Half-price gallery admission for adults; ages 18 and under are free. Admission for Members is always free. Cash bar. Prices vary for Off the Grid food trucks. Event parking is available at the Museum for a $5 flat fee after 5 pm. For more info, click here.
Bites Off Broadway -- Mobile Food and Family Fun,
Fridays, now thru October 11, 5:30-8:30pm,
in front of Studio One Art Center, 365 45th Street.
Featuring affordable and delicious food from rotating trucks, such as Fist of Flour, Tina Tamale, Taco Evangelist, Roderick's BBQ, Annakoot, Suzie Q's Lunch Box, Sanguchon, Go Streatery, Doc's of the Bay, Two Mammas Vegan Kitchen, Blue Saigon, Sunrise Deli and more. Lawn seating: bring a chair or a blanket plus your friends, family and neighbors. Hula-hooping, ping pong, live music and movies at dusk.
For more info: www.bitesoffbroadway.com
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FOR SENIORS
Friday Nite Live at the East Oakland Senior Center, Friday, September 20, 5-8pm, East Oakland Senior Center, 9255 Edes Ave.
A quarterly event, the theme for this night's event is "All Fall Brown." Entertainment will include guest vocalist Cal Louis.
For more info: Antonia Rivera, [email protected] or 615-5731
 Board Game Days,
Every Wednesday, 11am-4:30pm, Hall 2, Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Ave.
Join others in rousing board games including Monopoly, Scrabble, Boggle and many more.
For more info: Jennifer King, Senior Center Director, [email protected] or 238-3284
FOR ADULTS
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
 Tuesday Toastmasters with Warehouse416 artists and friends, Tuesdays, 7-8am, and NEW TIME: 6:30pm, 416-26th St. Plenty of parking is available. Anyone who needs a parking place can get one here, enjoy an hour of fun, then walk to work. All you need is a job in the area. You are welcome to visit, just to see what it is like.
For more info: Ron Scrivani, [email protected] or warehouse416.com
 Saturday morning bike ride with Warehouse416 artists and friends, every (dry) Saturday, 8:45am (doors open at 8am), 416 26th St.
This is a flat, short ride designed to provide new or returning riders with a way of getting started. We will guide you back to the start early, based on your needs. Our full ride is 30 miles and returns to 416 26th by 12:30pm. For more info: Ron Scrivani, [email protected] or warehouse416.com
This ride now includes a trek over the Bay Bridge.
FOR KIDS
Basketball Skills Training for kids, Saturdays & Sundays, September 14 thru October 20, East Oakland Sports & Fitness Training Academy, 9161 Edes Ave.
Kids will learn the basics of basketball including fundamentals, conditioning, and sports-specific training. Players: be sure to bring athletic wear, including shoes, shorts/sweats to exercise in, as well as a towel and drinking water. They have classes for kids ages 5 to 17.
For more info: Bryant Bacon, Fitness Program Director, 615-5838 or [email protected]
Soccer Skills Training for kids,
Saturdays & Sundays, September 14 thru October 20, East Oakland Sports & Fitness Training Academy, 9161 Edes Ave.
Kids will learn the basics of soccer including fundamentals, conditioning, and sports-specific training. Players: be sure to bring athletic wear, including shoes, shorts/sweats to exercise in, as well as a towel and drinking water. They have classes for kids ages 5 to 17.
For more info: Bryant Bacon, Fitness Program Director, 615-5838 or [email protected]
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DANCING
Free Saturday Afternoon Dance,
September 21, 28, Doors open at 12:30pm, Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Ave.
American Tango Variation lesson from 12:45 to 1:30. Social dancing 1:30 to 4 pm
For more info: www.lakemerrittdancecenter.org
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,
Friday evenings, 8:30-10pm, Jack London Square, foot of Broadway.
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
Piedmont Piano Company Concert Series, 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:
Friday, 9/20 - Alex Conde
Saturday, 9/21 - Adam Blankman
Sunday, 9/22 - Orrin Evans, solo piano
Saturday, 9/28 - Diane Witherspoon in Concert with The Billy Higgins Legacy Band
Sunday, 9/29 - John Lester "Jazz?" Quartet featuring Michael Wolff
Costs vary, but typically range from $15 to $25
For more info: www.piedmontpiano.com
THEATER
 12 Angry Jurors,
September 19-22, 7pm, and September 21 and 22, 2pm, OSA BlackBox Theatre, OSA, 530 18th St.
Start the 2013-2014 Performance Season by seeing the OSA Theatre's first production: 12 Angry Jurors. Eleven jurors are convinced the defendant is guilty of murder. The twelfth has no doubt of his innocence. How can this one person steer the others to the same conclusion? It's a case of seemingly overwhelming evidence against a teenager accused of killing his own father. Set in a 1956 and 2013 courtroom, the play examines themes of justice, prejudice, doubt, class, and anonymity. Just how far have we come, if at all?
Cost: $12 Adults/$7 Students
Tickets on sale at www.oakarts.org
MOVIES
Red Oak Realty Outdoor Movie Night in Montclair -- BRAVE
Third Saturday's of the month: 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. This month's movie is Brave.
$5 Movie Day Every Sunday & Tuesday, Regal Cinema Jack London 100 Washington St.
Tired of shelling out $10 - $12 for movies in a theater? Then take advantage of the Regal, Jack London's all day $5 movie deal!
For more info: www.regmovies.com
The New Parkway, 474 24th Street
658-7900 or www.thenewparkway.com
If you haven't yet been to this movie theater, you really must go. Comfy (clean) couches, good food, and all sorts of themes. Check the website for all the specifics.
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AT FAIRYLAND
fairyland.org 
Regular Events -- Saturday & Sunday
11am, 2pm, & 4pm: Puppet Show: Tashi, A Boy From Tibet. This is a tale about helping each other and caring for animals. Tashi doesn't want to be a hunter, because it hurts his animal friends. In order to learn the lessons of life, his father sends him out into the world. On the way he meets a magical monk, and saves a village from a wicked demon, all through the help of friends.
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.
September 21st only
Morrie Turner Day at Fairyland.
Come celebrate the beloved creator of "Wee Pals," the first syndicated comic strip to feature a cast of diverse ethnicity! Mr. Turner will be drawing his delightful characters while you watch.
1:30pm & 2:30pm: Storyteller Kirk Waller will present a series of classic tales with an original flair.
September 22 only
1:30pm & 2:30pm: Jacquelyn Lynaugh as Mother Goose, will entertain both adults and children with her music and stories.
9777 Golf Links Rd
Animal Encounters,
Sundays, 11:30am and 12:15pm (for about 20 minutes)
Docent led live animal presentation: Wild animals need your help, come find out what you can do.
Learn about and meet some of our amazing animals close up. Our Program Animals are presented with fun facts and important messages; spend 20 minutes with us in the WildLife Theater! This program is free with regular Zoo Admission.
Primate Wise! A Benefit for the Chimpanzees of the Budongo Forest, Thursday, September  26, 7:30-10pm.
Virginia Morell, author of the book Animal Wise, guides us on a dazzling journey into the inner world of animals--with a special focus on the thoughts and emotions of primates. Be prepared to appreciate the dynamic dimensions of the primate mind on a whole new level. Please come for an evening of inspiration, hope and fun. Click here for more info.
AT CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER
10000 Skyline Blvd.
For more info, click here.
 Mini Martians Day, Sunday, September 22, 11amLet your little ones discover the fun in being a space "alien"! Play games, listen to stories about friendly aliens, eat "alien" food, make fun masks and enjoy special time in the Discovery Lab. See the new planetarium show, We Are Aliens, narrated by Harry Potter's Rupert Grint. This animated piece is great for all ages as scientists explore the vast universe asking the question that has sparked curiosity and inspired exploration for generations: are we alone?
Click here for more info.
Tyke Explorers Workshop,Tuesdays, 10am, 12:30pm, or 3pm. 
For ages 2.5-5 years. Expand your preschooler's universe by enrolling in our Tyke Explorers Program. For more info, click here.
SEPTEMBER: Hey, What's in that Tree?
Join us this September as we look up at the trees and wonder about things that live in trees, things that grow on trees, and what the trees do during the fall.
Tuesday, September 17: Can I Eat That?
Can you eat a tree? What about the parts of tree? This week, we'll find out what parts of the tree we can eat, and we'll pay special attention to a very popular September fruit... apples!
Tuesday, September 24: Where Are Your Leaves?
To celebrate the autumnal equinox, we'll observe the trees around us for signs of fall and go on a leaf hunt! Along the way we'll find out if all trees have the same leaves, what leaves are actually for, and what happens to the leaves during the winter.
Dinner, a Movie, and the Universe, Friday & Saturday evenings.
 The perfect date night experience is back! By popular demand, our unique after-dark offering has returned. Join us for a full-course dinner in our Skyline Bistro, enjoy our live-narrated Planetarium show Cosmos 360, and view the night sky through our telescopes (weather permitting). Reservations are not required, but strongly encouraged.
Costs (includes Admission, Dinner, and Planetarium Show)
Guests: $23 Adults / $16 Children
Members: $15 Adults / $11 Children
*Dinner only walk-ins welcome: $17 Adults / $13 Children
*Price does not include admission to the Center
For more info, click here.
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OAKLAND MUSEUM
At the Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak Street
For more info: museumca.org
PLAN AHEAD:
Art Guild Travel: Ashland: Stages and Studios, Tuesday, September 24-Saturday, September 28, 11 am-1 pm 
All the world's a stage, and the stages of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival include the iconic outdoor Elizabethan Theater, the indoor Angus Bowmer, and the intimate Thomas Theater. On these stages you'll see productions of Shakespeare's King Lear and Cymbeline, the beloved musical My Fair Lady, and a contemporary play premiering on the OSF stage this season. You'll also enjoy a private discussion with an OSF actor.
The play's the thing, but not the only artful thing about Ashland. This special visits include a winery and a private art collection in Medford, plus several artist studios and galleries, and a picnic in Lithia Park.
En route you'll visit sculptor William Wareham's studio, the Abbey of New Clairvaux, and the Living Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Click here for more info.
Peter Stackpole: Bridging the Bay, now thru Jan. 26, 2014 
Featuring stunning black-and-white photographs chronicling the original San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge construction in the 1930s by American photographer Peter Stackpole, the exhibition continues OMCA's ongoing series exploring contemporary topics in California through photography.
On view in the Gallery of California Art during the opening of the new San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in fall 2013, the exhibition of 22 of Stackpole's works from OMCA's collection connects visitors back in time to the bridge's first iteration and serves as a complement to the Museum's major exhibition on the San Francisco Bay, opening in concert with the new bridge and America's Cup.
Click here for more info.
ART
Warehouse 416 & Refined Arts present Town Business State of the Art Hustle.
A group exhibition exploring the current state of the Oakland Art Market, as represented by creative entrepreneurship of emerging artists. Learn more about this exhibition at oaktown.biz.
The Opening reception was last Saturday, but there is also a First Friday reception: Friday, October 4th 6-10pm, featuring Scrivani Productions Handcrafted Cocktail Bar.
Gallery Hours: Saturday, 1-5pm
Artists: Ralph Carlile Browne, Nancy Cato, Erin Crawford, Lauren Crew, Gregorio de Masi, Unity Lewis, Andy Littlefield, Adam Mitchell, Dough Rhodes, Danielle Schnur, Dominic Treatunice Villeda
ART Exhibits at Oakland City Hall
 
Oakland City Hall is hosting award winning fashion photographer Liz Caruana's solo portrait show The Bay: Creators Of Style through September 30. The Bay: Creators of Style is a photographic study of independent clothing, jewelry, handbag, and hat designer community. This cross-section of 48 companies represent the best and and most well known names in haute couture and ready to wear.
Regarding this series, Caruana states "The Bay Area has such talented designers, I wanted to share who these created forces were and reveal the faces behind the brands."
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SFMOMA Acoustic Sound Art Installation Hosted in Frank Ogawa Plaza through Sunday, November 17, Frank H. Ogawa Plaza will host "Occasional Music," a sound installation by Oakland-based Zarouhie Abdalian.
Beginning in early September, brass bells are programmed to ring simultaneously at a specified time each day from rooftops in and around Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. For several minutes, each bell will play a randomized rhythmic structure of accelerandi and ritardandos that will sound different each time. The installation is part of SFMOMA On The Go program that has the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art hosting exhibitions at various locations throughout the Bay Area while the museum is closed for construction. The project will commence with a press preview of the sound installation on Tuesday, September 10. The time of the once-a-day pealing of the bells will vary. The complete schedule will be posted here and available in Oakland City Hall shortly. The installation was developed in coordination with the Oakland Public Art Program.
For more info: Steven Huss, Cultural Arts Manager, [email protected] or 238-4949 or Kristen Zaremba, Senior Public Art Project Manager, [email protected] or 238-2155 or
www.sfmoma.org/secaaward
Oakland City Hall is also hosting the R/EVOLVE: FAITH exhibit honoring the brilliance of Bayard Rustin and the Fortitude of a People United through September 20. Curated by Infin8 Sync and sponsored by Kin Folkz.
ART Exhibits at Oakland Public Libraries
Out of the Garden, Into the Wild, now thru September 28, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero.
Sonia Tamez's watercolor landscapes.
Lorraine Bruce, now thru September 28, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Ave. Landscapes, abstracts, and figures in various media.
Is This Justice? Student Design Exhibit, Main Library, TeenZone, now thru September 30
Artistic T-shirts conveying messages about violence prevention, incarceration, community, and freedom, created by students in the Restorative Justice Leaders program.
Oakland! 100 Years of Boosterism and Image-making, through October 31, Main Library, Oakland History Room, 125 14th St. Learn the amazing story of how Oakland has gone from boom to bust to boom again.
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 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
New Monday Hours at 4 Branches Starting This Week
To increase the public's access to neighborhood library branches, Oakland Public Library is implementing a schedule change at four of the library's 16 branch locations. On Monday, September 16, the Brookfield, Eastmont, Golden Gate, and Piedmont Avenue branch libraries will switch to a Monday through Friday schedule. 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: 11:30am-7pm
- Golden Gate and Piedmont Avenue branches: 12:30-8pm
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.
Additionally, the Temescal Tool Lending Library is adding new Thursday hours. Starting on September 19, the Tool Library will be open every Thursday from 10 am to 5:30 pm. With this additional day, the Tool Library will now be open Tuesday through Saturday.
For more info, click here.
Library Introduces Free Online Magazines
The Oakland Public Library recently began providing Zinio, a digital magazine service, to patrons through its website. With this service, Library patrons can browse from a long list of popular and specialized magazines - Newsweek, Dwell, the Utne Reader, Esquire, Juxtapoz, Lowrider, Mother Jones, O, Yoga Journal and dozens more.
To use the service, go to their web page here and click on "Zinio for Libraries" under "Magazine & Journal Articles."
For more info: Tamar Kirschner, Collection Development Librarian, [email protected] or 238-4704
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.
Reducing Stress Through Meditation, Monday, September 16, 6pm, Piedmont Ave Branch, 80 Echo Ave.
Workshop led by Marshall Zaslove, MD, psychiatrist, and best-selling medical author.
Affordable Health Care Act: Your Questions Answered, every Wednesday through 2013, 1-4pm, Main Library, 125 14th Street.
Come and learn about the Affordable Health Care Act. A certified enrollment counselor will be available to answer your questions and assist with the application process in the Main Library computer lab. For more info: Mana Tominaga, Supervising Librarian, [email protected] or 238-6611
Family Dance Classes, Saturdays, September 21 & 28, 1-2pm, 81st Avenue Branch, 1021 81st Avenue (at Rudsdale).
Fun family dance classes offered by MPACT (Moving Parents and Children Together) and Luna Dance
Institute. Dance, Play, and have fun with your child!
Children's Clothing and Toy Swap, Saturday, September 21, 10am-12pm, Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave.
Bring in your gently worn clothing and toys to swap. Please bring items on the day of the exchange only.
Decorate Masks, Saturday, September 21, 2-3pm, C�sar Ch�vez Branch, 3301 East 12th St.
Create your own mask for D�a de los Muertos.
Introduction to Mindfulness / El Momento Presente,
3rd Saturdays / Cada Tercer Sabado del Mes, 12-1pm, C�sar E. Ch�vez Branch, 3301 East 12th St.
Learn the basic technique of paying attention to the breath, a simple practice that reduces anxiety and stress. Taught by Elizabeth Anderson of Mindful Schools. In English and Spanish.
Mindfullness es atenci�n y conciencia plena, concentrando en el momento presente. Aprenderemos t�cnicas b�sicas con �nfasis en la respiraci�n, una pr�ctica sencilla que reduce ansiedad y el estr�s. En Espa�ol e Ingles. Presentado por Elizabeth Anderson.
Click here for more info/haz click aqui.
Power Up: Free Hands-On Computer Training, Saturdays thru September, 10-11am, Dimond Branch, 3565 Fruitvale Ave.
Come join us for a series of classes offering free computer training for beginning and continuing learners. Each class will cover an issue common to new users including PC basics, using email and navigating the Internet. Drop-ins welcome. Click here for more info.
Reduce your child's (and teen's) test stress, Tuesday, September 24, 6:30pm, Temescal Branch, 5205 Telegraph Ave.
Is your child or teen struggling with stress that is hampering performance or creating misery in the household? Dr. Ben Bernstein, after decades of research and private practice, can help with a presentation that could turn it all around for both parents and teens. Bernstein, a neighbor, is a nationally recognized expert on coaching young people for superior performance. His new book, A Teen's Guide to Success: how to be calm, confident and focused has recently arrived in local book stores.
Click here for more info.
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2. CITY NEWS
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CITY NEWS
 Visit Oakland Announces First Official Oakland Visitor Center and New Office Location in Jack London Square
481 Water Street, Jack London Square
This week, Visit Oakland and the Mayor hosted the opening of the first official Oakland Visitor Center. The office is located at 481 Water Street, in front of the Waterfront Hotel (cross street is Washington Street).
 Mayor Quan welcomed the crowd and the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce officially opened the location with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Following the ribbon cutting, Alison Best, president & CEO of Visit Oakland, invited guests to tour the Visit Oakland offices and learn about the different opportunities to partner with the organization.
City Seeks Citizen Input on Council Redistricting
 On Thursday, October 3, the Rules and Legislation Committee of the Oakland City Council will review the staff report on the Council Redistricting process which began in June. The Oakland City Charter mandates the review of City Council District boundaries every 10 years to equalize each district's population according to U.S. Census data. To view the reports, resolution and video of the Oakland City Council meeting on June 4 where the Council established the criteria to be used, click here. In July and September, a series of seven Redistricting Town Hall Meetings were held throughout Oakland. The three meetings in July educated the public about Redistricting while the four meetings in September presented 13 proposed maps, including 10 submitted by the public. Public input is encouraged and can be provided by: Later in October, the City Council will begin holding public hearings to deliberate on the proposed redistricting maps. The Council is expected to make a final selection of the Council District boundaries in November. Do you know what Council District you live in? Click here for a map of Council Districts and locator tool. 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
 OPD Marine Unit Leads Oakland Estuary Enhancement Project Kick Off
On August 29, the Oakland Police Department (OPD) Marine Unit, led by Officer Jim Gordon, teamed with multiple local law enforcement marine units to begin the Oakland Estuary Enhancement Project. Joining OPD on the project are the Alameda Police Department Harbor Patrol, the San Francisco Police Department Marine Unit, the Alameda County Sheriff's Marine Unit, the California Highway Patrol Marine Unit, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office Investigator, the California State Lands Commission and the California Department of Resources Recycling & Recovery (CalRecycle).
The Oakland Estuary Enhancement Project will identify and clear the Oakland Estuary of illegal and hazardous items, including abandoned private and commercial vessels, some of which are leaking oils and fuel into our waterways. Some abandoned vessels have been used as meth labs to manufacture illegal substances. Rotting piers and other hazardous debris dangerous to our waterways will also be removed. This project will focus on the inlet waterways and harbors in Oakland and south to the San Leandro Bay, ending at the Bay Farm Island Bridge. Signs will be posted and individuals will have 30 days to move their vessels before they can be legally impounded. The enhancement project is scheduled for completion before Thanksgiving 2013.
For more info: Sgt. Holly Joshi, OPD Chief of Staff, [email protected] or 238-3131
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TRANSPORTATION NEWS
Parking Lot and Plaza Changes at MacArthur BART Station
This Thursday, September 19, construction begins on Phase 2 of the MacArthur Transit Village at the MacArthur BART Station. Phase 2 is a new 90-unit affordable housing community developed by BRIDGE Housing. The project is located in the southeastern section of the existing parking lot.
Completion is planned for spring 2015. Construction of the new housing structure and new streets will close a large section of the existing parking lot. BART riders should use other means to reach the MacArthur BART Station rather than driving, such as free shuttles or AC Transit
A brochure with information on alternatives is available at the MacArthur BART Station or get it here. In late October, a portion of the BART Plaza will close for reconstruction. The reconstruction will include a new bike storage facility and additional security features. The closed area will not block access to or from the BART Station.
For more info, click here.
Oakland Transportation Grants Win Big
On August 22, the Public Works Agency announced that the City of Oakland was recently awarded over $20 million in federal transportation funds to improve streets throughout the City. Oakland received funds for projects located in three priority development areas: Downtown, West Oakland and the Lake Merritt BART Station area. These areas are expected to support additional housing and job growth in the coming years, and will require infrastructure upgrades and transportation project development in order to accommodate that growth. The projects will improve bicycle and pedestrian access to transit, encourage infill development and maintain roadway and transit-supportive infrastructure, such as pavement. The overall goals of the grant program are to maintain existing infrastructure while investing in projects that decrease air pollution in the region. Oakland is receiving funding for five projects:
- Lakeside Green Street Project
- Peralta Street/Martin Luther King Jr. Streetscape Project
- 7th Street West Oakland Transit Village Phase 2
- Lake Merritt BART Bikeways
- Oakland Pavement Rehabilitation
Federal funds will be available to spend starting in late 2013, and the City expects to be ready to bid projects for construction starting in early 2014. All work will be completed by 2017. To read the media release, click here.
For more info: Bruce Williams, Senior Transportation Planner, [email protected] or 238-7229
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  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
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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.
- The Emeryville-Berkeley-Oakland Transit Study Advisory Committee has a vacancy for a West Oakland resident to join its newly forming committee. The purpose of the study is to examine the establishment of a multi-city transit corridor to supplement and enhance existing public transportation for the support of residents and new job-producing commercial enterprise in Wes t Oakland, West Berkeley and Emeryville. For more info: www.ci.emeryville.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=944
- If your interest is in arts and culture, there are vacancies on the Public Art Advisory Committee.
- The Commission on Persons with Disabilities has some vacancies, looking for someone who wants to make a difference in Oakland. This hardy group of volunteers advises the city on its compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It works hard to advocate on behalf of the community to the mayor, council members, city staff, and affiliated agencies and organizations. If you are a resident of Oakland and are interested, visit www.OaklandMCPD.org to apply.
- The Citizen's Police Review Board has two vacancies for alternate positions and one is specifically for a youth candidate. The Citizens' Police Review Board is committed to ensuring that Oakland has a professional police department whose members behave with integrity and justice.
- 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] .
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3. Community Policing
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The Oakland Police Department is dedicated to enhancing public safety through community policing strategies. We believe that an active and invested community is essential to the success of our mission, which is to provide the people of Oakland an environment where they can live, work, play and thrive free from crime and the fear of crime. We believe that our dedication to community policing should be evident both in our everyday interactions with the public and in the crime strategies and police policies we create, develop and use. Creating policies and strategies that are citizen-informed and building relationships of trust between officers and community members are priorities for us. The heart of community policing is collaboration. To know whether our efforts are successful, we need to hear from you.
Please take a moment to take a brief surveyregarding your personal satisfaction with the Oakland Police Department.
Fraudulent Utility Scam Merchant Alert 
On Wednesday, September 11, the Oakland Police Department alerted the Oakland business community about a new scam that has been experienced by two businesses in Police Area 2. Here are the particulars:
- A merchant gets a call from someone claiming to be a representative from PG&E.
- The caller advises that the merchant's utility bill is past due and, if not paid immediately, service will be cut off.
- The caller has the merchant's PG&E account number.
- The merchant is directed to go to MoneyPak (service used to make same-day payments, add money to PayPal, reload prepaid cards, etc.) and then send the payment to the caller.
- The merchant later contacts PG&E and is advised the account is current and was not delinquent.
PG&E is aware of this scam and reminds customers that its representatives never ask for immediate payment with a prepaid cash card over the phone or in person. For other helpful tips and reminders from PG&E, click here. If contacted by individuals attempting this scam, merchants are asked to call 777-3333, OPD's non-emergency number, to report the activity.
 OPD Interim Chief Sean Whent Identifies Current Strategic Priorities and Organizational Changes
On September 10, Interim Chief Sean Whent released a statement identifying the OPD's current strategic priorities as:
- reducing crime and the fear of crime,
- increasing community responsiveness and partnerships and
- institutionalizing accountability and organizational excellence.
Recent organizational changes include assigning additional staff to East Oakland to address the high level of violence in this area of the city, accelerating the hiring process for key civilian positions to free up police officers for additional violence reduction efforts and extending the contract with the California Highway Patrol for supplemental enforcement in areas most affected by violence. Upcoming changes will include field training for the new police recruits and the start of the second recruit class of 2013 before the end of September. Other changes within the next two months will include aligning Crime Reduction Teams with areas of violence, increasing staffing in the Criminal Investigation Division in key areas and inviting community involvement in CompStat crime strategy meetings.
To read the Chief's complete message: www.oaklandpolice.com
For more info: Sgt. Holly Joshi, OPD Chief of Staff, [email protected] or 238-3131
$35,000 Reward for the Suspect in the Alaysha Carradine Murder
Oakland Police Investigators have released this sketch of the person they believe to be responsiblefor the homicide of Alaysha Carradine, 8 years old, of Oakland, that occurred on July 17, 2013, at 11:18 PM.
The SUSPECT is described as an African American male, 17-24 years old, 5'7,160, with a thin, dark mustache. He was wearing a black hooded jacket and blue jeans.This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department Major Crimes Section-Homicide at 510-238-3821 or call the TIP LINE at 777-2805. Crime Stoppers of Oakland at 510-777-8672 or the TIP LINE at 777-2805. Nixle Tip Watch allows tipsters to send OPD a tip three ways: - Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone
- Call our toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)
- Respond to OPD's Nixle message
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COMMUNITY MEETINGS & EVENTS
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. I joined last Friday's walk, this was our orientation meeting. The next walks start from these locations:
- September 20 - Cosmopolitan, 988 85th Avenue
- September 27 - At Thy Word, 8915 International Blvd
For more info: 639-1440 or [email protected]
 Chili Cook-off -- Longfellow Community Association Annual Picnic,Saturday, October 12, 1-4pm, Community lot: 3881 MLK Jr. Way @ 39th St.Every year the LCA holds a community picnic as a way to thank volunteers, welcome new residents and LCA members and strengthen connections with neighbors. This year they are spicing things up with thier first ever chili cook-off. The event is free for anyone who wants to enter any or all of the three categories: hot, mild or vegetarian. There is a $5 cost to eat and judge all you want. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners in each category. The LCA will provide grills, dogs, veggie dogs, buns, condiments, drinks, picnic ware and grilling accouterments. Attendees are encouraged to being an item for the grill or a dish to share - and to come hungry. Sponsored by the LCA and the MLK Cafe. For more info about LCA: www.longfellowcommunityassociation.org
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OPD NEWS
Second Police Academy Hits the Streets this Month
On September 20th the second graduating police academy will hit the streets for field training. The third police academy starts at the beginning of next month and the OPD is seeking "lateral" applicants from other law enforcement agencies.
Do you know which Community Policing Area you live in?
 Area 1 - Capt. Eric Lewis - 238-6911 - [email protected]
A PDF version of the map showing the 5 areas is available here.
Area-Specific Crime Stats Posted to OPD Website
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.
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GOOD TO KNOW
The Alameda County District Attorney's Office publishes "Did You Know" -- a recurring email newsletter that keeps you updated on the recent verdicts and news from the their office.
HOW YOU CAN HELP OPD
Many Arrests Are Made Each Week Because Citizens Report Suspicious Activity
Please remember to be alert and report suspicious activity to the police:
777-3333 OPD non-emergency number
This number should be used to report any suspicious behavior and suspicious vehicles parked or driving in your neighborhood or area of business. Callers can opt not to provide their name and number and remain anonymous. Please include any descriptive details that could be helpful. Jot down the date, time and location you saw the vehicle or suspicious person. Each time this information is reported, it is used in the investigative process.
911 for life threatening emergencies
777-3211 emergency when calling from your cell phone
Use Nixle Tip Watch to send an anonymous tip in 1 of 3 ways:
- Text TIP OAKLANDPD to 888777 from your cell phone
- Call the toll-free tip hotline at 855-TIPS-247 (855-847-7247)
- Respond to OPD's Nixle messages
To view the Nixle message, click here.
Nixle -- stay informed of events, news, and announcements
If you have not already done so, please sign up for NIXLE to receive OPD alerts, advisories, and community messages. You can sign up for your beat to receive updates from OPD.
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4. The TECH Side of Oakland
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"Hella Hack" Oakland
Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29
Doors open on September 28 at 9am
Pandora's Oakland headquarters, 2101 Webster Street
Participating in the hackathon is free.
To register: http://oakland.hellahack.com
Gracenote and Pandora are teaming up to host the first ever music hackathon in Oakland. "Hella Hack Oakland" will bring together up to 150 coders, developers and designers at Pandora's Oakland HQ. Finalists will present to a panel of all-star judges during SF Music Tech on October 1.
Musc tech and API partners include rdio, Dolby, The Echo Nest, Mashape, Oaklandish and KALX Radio Berkeley, with more being added. Oakland Local is one of the media sponsors for this event, along with Hypebot.com and Oaklandish.
Beginning September 28, hackers will have 24 hours to design and build the next generation of music applications. On September 29, teams will present their hacks to a panel of judges and event partners will award prizes for best hacks using their APIs.
Three finalist teams will be chosen to present in a special session at the SF Music Tech Summit on October 1. The winning Hella Hack Oakland team will be crowned by the judges and given the grand prize of $1000.
Oakland Digital Kicks Up Efforts to Bridge The Digital Literacy Divide. Takes Leadership Role in Nationwide Campaign, "ItsEasierThanYouThink". Urges Digital Citizens to Sign Obama Administration Petition.
The United States faces a Digital Literacy education and skills gap that leaves over 60 Million Americans from utilizing the Internet in their daily lives. Oakland Digital, along with co-organizers launch Awareness and Petition Campaign Designed to Improve Digital Literacy Skills in the U.S. - from Students to Small Businesses.
Oakland Digital Arts & Literacy Center (Oakland Digital), non-profit organization delivering volunteer-based classes and on-site labs for young adults and local businesses, recently announced, in concert with TRAIL and other campaign partners, the launch of a national campaign and White House targeted petition designed to raise awareness, and reduce the plight of millions of Americans disconnected from the digital economy.
Oakland Digital, formed in 2009, serves as a successful community supported model working with local governments and technology leaders to bridge the digital literacy divide. "Nearly 25,000 new Oakland businesses were launched in 2012. In every case digital technologies offered significant value", says Oakland Mayor Jean Quan. "Unfortunately, not all are proficient or have the know-how to harness its application. On-the-ground Digital Literacy programs led by Oakland Digital, and their work within the small business community plays a vital role in providing the boost individuals need to bridge the gap."
The United States faces a digital divide, a skills gap that prevents over 60 million Americans from utilizing the Internet in their daily lives. 1 in 5 Americans say they do not know enough about technology to start using the Internet on their own. Online skills are not only necessary for seeking, applying for and getting today's jobs, but also to take advantage of the growing educational, civic and health-care advances spurred by broadband.
"ItsEasierThanYouThink," a new national digital literacy awareness campaign, officially kicked off Monday, September 2, with a White House petition and several public service announcement (PSA) videos addressing the education factors that contribute to the online education and skills gap in America.
The Goals of the "ItsEasierThanYouThink" Digital Literacy Campaign:
- Raise awareness with the public about the issue of digital literacy;
- Urge the Obama Administration to adopt a national digital literacy policy;
- Empower non-Internet users with the tools they need to get online; and
- Providing the online community with resources to take action on this important issue
"Most of us in the tech world take the ability to open a browser, conduct a search, or make a post on a social network, for granted", says Shaun Tai, Executive Director of Oakland Digital. "But to some, it's a fear right up there with public speaking. The digitally underserved require the tools and assistance needed to become active participants in the information economy."
Your Voice Matters - Get Involved: Sign and circulate the White House Petition to adopt a national #DigitalLiteracy policy with your friends and constituents at http://www.itseasierthanyouthink.org/
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5. Safe & Healthy Oakland: Fire House Open House Events
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Fire Station Open House -- last one
Saturday, September 28 Fire Station 21 13150 Skyline Blvd.
Sponsored By: City of Oakland/Fire Department, WPAD, and Public Agencies
- Resources for Residents of Oakland Hills
- Roving Fire Patrols, Free Chipping Services
- WPAD Citizens Advisory Committee
- Roadside Treatment, Inspections
- Goat Grazing, New Engines
- Public Education/Fire Safety Information
 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.
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...FOR YOUR HEALTH...
Take Charge of Your Health - featuring Supervisor Keith Carson 
Free Healthcare Forum for Individuals and Business Owners
Saturday, September 21, 9am-2pm
Oakland Technical High School, 4351 Broadway
FREE
Join Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson to learn about health care options for business owners and individuals
With Obamacare, as a small business owner you will now have expanded options and support in offering health insurance to your employees. The Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is a new way to buy high-quality health insurance for your employees and opens for business October 1, 2013 for employers with 50 or fewer employees. You can compare health plans online and you may qualify for a small business health care tax credit worth up to 50% of your premium costs. For employers with 50 or more employees, you will be required to cover your employees starting on January 1, 2015. To learn more about what these changes mean for you and your employees and where to get high quality health care in the East Bay, come to the informative FREE event.
The clock is ticking -- you must be enrolled or face being fined by the IRS if you don't have or purchase health insurance by January 1, 2014. Get all the details and take charge of your health today!
Experts will be present to inform attendees about:
- Panel Discussion: How Health Care is Delivered Today in the East Bay and What it Will Look Like in Five Years
- Workshop 1: Small Businesses: When and How to Enroll your Employees in Obamacare
- Workshop 2: Medi-Cal Enrollment: Will I be Eligible in 2014?
- Workshop 3: How to Purchase Health Insurance through Covered California Workshop 4: Health Care Reform & Medicare: What It Means for You
- Workshop 5: The Impact of Health Care Reform on Women
For more info and to RSVP: 272-6695 or click here
Click here for event flyer.
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...AND YOUR SAFETY
The Great California ShakeOut -- Annual statewide earthquake drill
Thursday, October 17
ShakeOut is now eight weeks away and more than 10.8 million people worldwide are already registered. More than 40 U.S. states and territories, along with several other countries, are participating in 2013!
Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are a chance to practice how to protect ourselves during big earthquakes, and also how to get prepared.
Check out the following links:
2nd in the Series of SAFETY TIPS 
Step 2: Plan to be safe
Plan to be safe by creating a disaster plan and deciding how you will communicate in an emergency. FEMA and the American Red Cross offer great suggestions for planning for disasters. Here are aspects to consider when planning for earthquakes:
- Identify safe spots in every room, such as under sturdy desks or tables, or on the ground next to an interior wall away from windows and things that may fall.
- Earthquakes can start fires, so store a fire extinguisher where it can be easily accessed, and learn how to use it (PASS - Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep).
- People often cut their feet during or after earthquakes when they get out of bed and walk barefoot on broken glass or other fallen objects. To keep shoes and a flashlight within reach, put them in a bag and tie it to your bedframe or headboard.
- Access to making long distance phone calls is usually restored first. Choose someone who lives out of the area for everyone in your family to report their status, then learn how to Text First, Talk Second from ShakeOut partner Safe America Foundation.
- If you are a person with a disability or need extra help, include your personal support network in your plan and visit EarthquakeCountry.org/disability for a variety of resources.
- Find out if you live, work or play in a tsunami zone and make sure everyone knows how to get to higher ground if necessary. To see if you are at risk for tsunami, earthquake, fire and flood hazards, visit http://MyHazards.CalEMa.ca.gov/
For more about how to plan to be safe, go to EarthquakeCountry.org/step2.
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6. VOLUNTEER Opportunities
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 Call for volunteers - Help make Oaktoberfest in the Dimond a Success
They need folks who are energetic, who love to work with people, and best of all want to have a good time supporting an event which helps our community - 2 hrs or all day. Earn a commemorative event stein, beverage, more.
Sign up & info: www.oaktoberfest.org
Creek to Bay Day
Saturday, September 21, 9am-12noon
Volunteers are welcome at the following locations:
- Courtland Creek / Courtland Creek Park
- Peralta Creek / Peralta Creek Park, Wisconsin Street at Rettig Avenue
- Butters Canyon / near 3514 Butters Drive
- Sausal Creek / Barry Place, E 27th Street and Barry Place
- Beaconsfield Canyon / Near 2639 Beaconsfield Place
- Sausal Creek / Bridgeview Trailhead, at Bridgeview Drive
- Sausal Creek / Dimond Park, 3860 Hanly Road
- Fern Ravine / 10060 Skyline Boulevard, Sequoia Arena in Joaquin Miller Park
- Sausal Creek / Joaquin Miller Plant Nursery, ? mi. past 3594 Sanborn Road
- Sausal Creek / Marj Saunders Park, Chelton Drive and Ascot Drive
- Palo Seco Creek / Joaquin Miller Court parking lot at PalosColorados Trail
- Shepherd Canyon Park, Escher Dr., ? mi. past Shepherd Canyon Rd.
See more sites and info at www.oaklandcreektobay.org or call 238-7611 or email [email protected]
Volunteer for Oakland Animal Services
Volunteers are essential to Oakland Animal Services (OAS). Not only do OAS volunteers benefit from a fun and rewarding experience, but they also significantly improve the lives of the shelter animals. Spending time with the animals, increasing adoptions by helping citizens find the right animal to join their family, and making new friends along the way, volunteers are a driving force behind OAS.
Volunteers can train to work with:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Rabbits
- The staff to assist with administrative tasks
Volunteers learn skills for handling each type of animal and techniques for talking with the public about adoptions of them.
Learn more about volunteering here.
Also, if you're interested in the animals themselves, click here to jump to our spotlight on this week's pet.
 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 atwww.coveredca.com .
Become a Volunteer Health Navigator
Allen Temple Health and Social Services and the Robert C. Scott Wellness Center are seeking persons to join the Volunteer Health Navigation Team. The navigators will provide education on the Affordable Care Act (also known as 'Obamacare'), healthcare coverage options, as well as assist in healthcare enrollment. Volunteers will receive training and a certificate of completion. A six-month commitment is requested.
For more info: Raquel Cummings 544-975 or [email protected]
Have time on your hands? Interested in helping Oakland teens succeed?
WriterCoach Connection takes teams of trained community volunteers into public school English classes to work with students on their classroom writing assignments. We believe one-on-one feedback from caring adults helps students develop their ideas and become confident and competent writers. Our two-part volunteer trainings provide strategies and practice to work effectively with students at all levels of achievement and all stages of the writing process. 
In Oakland we coach at Fremont High School in the Fruitvale and have recently expanded to Oakland School for the Arts. We have a great need for coaches, especially at Fremont High. The commitment is just 1-2 hours per week, 2-4 weeks each month during the school year.
For more info: www.writercoachconnection.com or Camille Graves, Oakland Volunteer Coordinator,[email protected] or 306-1792
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7. JOBS, BUSINESS & TRAINING Opportunities
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Free Classes to Help You Get the Job You Want, now thru the end of September, Various Times, Main Library, 125 14th St and Lakeview Branch Library, 550 El Embarcadero. The Oakland Public Library is offering Job On!, its popular series of job search courses at two locations in September. Four courses are offered at each location, covering topics such as clarifying your goals, researching companies, creating effective resumes and preparing for job interviews. For more info: Main Library Information Desk, 238-3134 or click here. Oakland Merchant Leadership Forum for September Small Business Month  Thursday, September 26, 5:30-7:30pm, Montclair Bistro, Garden Room, 6118 Medau Place FREE September Small Business Month, in its third year, was created to jump start the Holiday shopping in Oakland, and to celebrate the 10,000+ small businesses in Oakland. If you love your neighborhood, shop in it, and lets grow Oakland's economy by supporting the small, Oakland Grown businesses. Weekly business mixers are held during the month of September in several business districts, and business owners, along with consumers are strongly encouraged to participate. See www.shopoakland.com for more info on the Shop Oakland Holiday campaign and the expansion of that program beyond the holiday season.  ELEV8 Youth Program AmeriCorps positions available
Make a difference in your community, earn a stipend, and learn valuable skills. Safe Passages is still looking for 14 individuals committed to community service. We have 14 AmeriCorps positions available for talented individuals interested in working with students k-12 grade in Oakland schools. These positions are great for people interested in education, social work or social justice. These positions are also ideal for people who are completing or have completed a BA degree and are considering graduate school.  To date, the Safe Passages Elev8 AmeriCorps program has provided over 90 Members with the opportunity of a lifetime, and many of them have gone off to graduate programs in education, social work, medicine and science. For more info: www.safepassages.org  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 our Internship Options Fairs (dates and times above). 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 TOP
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8. GREENING Oakland
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EVENTS THIS WEEK
Friends of Sausal Creek Events
Click here for a full calendar of events and directions to each event.
 Pruning Your Native Plants, a talk and demonstration by Jocelyn Cohen, Wednesday, September 18, 7pm, Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. During this presentation, you'll learn about the different forms of many native plants and how to bring out their best characteristics-and health-through proper pruning. For more info: 501-3672, [email protected], or click here. Seed Exchange at Dimond Library, Saturday, September 28, 12-1pm, Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. As you harvest your fall garden, gather seeds and share with other gardeners. Please package seeds in an envelope and include the seed name, date it was harvested and location where it was harvested. For more info: 482-7844 or [email protected] Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour events Native Plant Sale Extravaganza, Sunday, October 20, 10am-4pm. Shop at 5 different locations for those hard-to-find natives at the right time of year to plant them. (Natives will be sold in Alameda, Berkeley, Concord, Oakland, and Richmond.)
 Select Tours $30 per person throughout September and October. Select Tours are limited to groups of 30. They fill fast. Register now to reserve your space. (But make good choices; there will be no refunds or exchanges.) Tour 1 & 2: Interested in seeing beautiful native gardens that will provide color throughout the year? Accompany Pete Veilleux to learn how he selects plants and designs gardens that do just that, then take this opportunity to shop for native plants at East Bay Wilds (not normally open to the public). (Because this tour was so popular last year, it is being offered twice this year.) Tour 3: Want to learn how to sheet-mulch your lawn away and install native gardens in their place? Don't miss the "Mow no Mo!" workshop in Livermore. By the end of this workshop you'll be completely comfortable with the thought of tackling your own turf the low-cost way. Tour 4: Renowned environmental educator Judy Adler will be leading an in-depth tour of her half-acre Walnut Creek garden, complete with happy chickens, a rainwater harvesting system (11,000 gallons are stored on-site), a pond, and many California native and/or pollinator friendly plants.  Plan Ahead -- Showcase YOUR Garden in the May 2014 Garden Tour
Do you have a garden to offer for the Sunday, May 4, 2014 Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour? (Gardens must be located in Alameda or Contra Costa counties, contain 60% or more native plants, be free of synthetic pesticides, and conserve water. A list of the native plants in your garden is required when the application is submitted.) If this describes your garden, please fill out the application, and mail it and your native plant list; garden visits will end next month.
SHOW KIDS THE VALUE OF GARDENING
 Need Somewhere to Grow Your Own Garden?
Oakland Parks and Rec offers 23 sites with youth gardening facilities, including at most of their recreation centers -- please visit your local center today to see how you can help show kids the value of organic gardening!
To apply for space in one of OPR's 10 rental plot community gardens, contact the program director Peter Collier to see if space is available. If you would like to join a garden's waiting list (or also pay for a plot if space is available), review the rules and regulations and complete, sign, and mail the registration form to Oakland Parks and Recreation, 568 Belleview Ave, Oakland CA 94610. Tey'll contact you when space is available.
For more info: Peter Collier at 238-2197 or [email protected]
Rules and Regulations here.
Click here for a registration form.
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9. Kids' Programs & School News
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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.
Accepting Head Start Applications 
On Tuesday, September 3, Oakland Head Start and Early Head Start Programs opened their doors for the new school year. Even though the school year has begun, there is still time to apply for Head Start services. The remaining slots are available to qualifying low-income families with children ages 3 to 5 years old.
Please call 238-3165 for an application.
For more info: Germaine Davis, Enrollment Coordinator, 238-6120 or [email protected]
UPCOMING EVENTS
2013-2014 Girl's Rite of Passage Program Open House & Orientation, Saturday September 28, 10am, Room C215, Allen Temple Family Life Center Building
For teen girls aged 11-16 & their parents 
GROPP is a primary prevention educational program designed to mitigate the risks of teen girls falling victim to human trafficking. Our mission is to provide a program that enables transformed thinking and behavior, and to empower youth with the tools to develop a strong sense of self and an understanding or their intrinsic value as human beings.
The goal of the program is to teach participants to:
- Always carefully weigh their choices
- Always be analytical in the decisions they make & with whom they associate
- Always strongly consider the many possible outcomes and long-term effects that decisions and choices can have on their lives, and
- Always accept responsibility for their own behavior
Classes begin Saturday, October 26.
For more info: [email protected] , 469-3843, or www.grop2.org
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| 10. UPCOMING EVENTS |
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
Celebrating Senior Center Month, Friday, September 27, 9am-3pm, Downtown Oakland Senior Center, 200 Grand Ave.
The Downtown Oakland Senior Center will host a day full of free classes and activities for seniors. Classes range from Tai Chi Chuan, Yoga and Feldenkreis to writing, bridge and current event discussions.
For more info: Jennifer King, Senior Center Director, [email protected] or 238-3284
 Ghost Investigation, Saturday September 28, 7pm-12am, Pardee Home Museum, 672 11th St.
Karen Zimmerman, a professional ghost investigator and author, and her fellow investigators will lead a series of searches for evidence of spirits within the Pardee Home Museum. This time there will be a spirit circle conducted by Linda Grindel, a fifth-generation psychic medium. Oakland's Pardee Home Museum is one of California's greatest architectural and historical treasures. From the outside, the beauty of the house and gardens is striking enough -- but once you get inside, you'll be astonished by the unique interiors and artifacts from around the world. And you'll discover its outstanding historical importance as the home of two California Governors.
Click here for more info.
DavieFest: an Oakland Tennis Benefit, Saturday,September 28, 
Davie Tennis Stadium, 198 Oak Road. Brad Gilbert returns to his home ground of Davie Tennis Stadium in Oakland to headline DavieFest. Net proceeds from the day will be used to upgrade Oakland's tennis facilities in preparation for 2014 National Public Parks Tennis Championship, as well as fund free tennis programs for underserved Oakland youth in honor and memory of Mark Manning, long-time East Oakland tennis coach. The highlight of Daviefest will be a 12:30 exhibition featuring Brad Gilbert and former World #6 and Olympic silver medalist Wayne Ferreira. Tennis players will also have a chance to bid on-line (Daviefest.org) for a fifteen minute hitting session with Brad or take part in a Brad Gilbert coached doubles clinic.
Cost: $25 general admission
For more info: www.daviefest.org or Marc Weinstein, City of Oakland, Director of Tennis, 415-271-8009
 Friends of the Montclair Library Fall Book Sale, Saturday, September 28, 10:30am-3pm, Montclair Branch Library, 1687 Mountain Blvd. Choose from an excellent selection of gently-used books. Find great deals all day and fill-a-bag discounts after 2pm. All proceeds directly benefit the Montclair branch of the Oakland Public Library.
For more info click here.
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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:
- 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
39th Annual Black Cowboy Parade and Heritage Festival, Saturday, October 5, 10am-5pm, deFremery Park, 1651 Adeline Street.
Highlighting the contributions made by African American cowboys in the West, the parade and festival provides a day of fun and a taste of the Old West with cowboys, trick riders, food, entertainment, line dancing, pony rides and fun activities for the entire family.
For more info: www.blackcowboyassociation.org
 19th Annual Sidewalk Fine Art & Crafts Fall Fest, Saturday, October 5, 10am-6pm & Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm, Montclair Village, Mountain Boulevard at LaSalle.
This fine art festival will feature paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, graphics, and jewelry.
For more info: www.montclairvillage.com
Rockridge Out & About Street Festival, Sunday, Oct 6, 12-6pm, on College Avenue between Alcatraz and Kales.
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Zydeco Flames at Rockridge BART Plaza 2:30-5:30
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Sponsored by the Rockridge District Association, the event will feature gourmet food and drink from local restaurants and food trucks, live music, wellness activities, kids' activities, and a chef stage.
Beer and wine will also be sold and folks can eat comfortably at tables and chairs at four food courts.
The event will feature 3 mostly jazz stages, including 57th St Gallery jazz stage, Toast Jazz stage and Musically Minded Academy stage. Other highlights include Kinetic Arts Center (circus arts) Zydeco Flames performing from 2:30-5:30 at the Rockridge BART Plaza and Soja Martial Arts and Drumming Crew. Find comfort and beauty in the Wellness Area, or shop local craft artists and retail booths by local merchants.
Fun and festive for the entire family. Children will have a blast with a Claremont Middle School kid's stage, Climbing Wall, face-painting, pumpkin carving, bicycle stunts, Berkeley chess club and hula hooping.
Valet bike parking by the East Bay Bicycle Coalition.
For more info: www.rockridgeoutandabout.com or 604-3125.
Rockridge Market Hall Annual Picnic in the Street, Sunday, October 6, 12-6pm, College Avenue at Rockridge BART.
Market Hall merchants take to the street, offering succulent foods, comparative tastings, demos, a pop-up pantry, and a cookbook exchange. Bring a used cookbook and take another. Children's activities include a prize wheel and pumpkin painting. The fair coincides with the Rockridge Out & About street festival, where the chef state alternates live music with demos and tastings. Enjoy dancing and live music throughout the day. No charge, except for purchases.
 Friends of the Oakland Public Library Fall Book Sale, Friday thru Sunday, October 11-13, 10:30am-5:30pm, 721 Washington St. (in Old Oakland, near 12th Street BART Station).
The Friends of the Oakland Public Library's Bookmark Bookstore is having its semi-annual sale event. Most of the store's 17,000 quality used books, donated by individuals and estates, are regularly priced at $3-$6. With these great discounts customers will save even more while supporting the Oakland Public Library.
- 30% off - Friday, October 11
- 40% off - Saturday, October 12
- 50% off - Sunday, October 13
FOPL members receive 50% off on "Members' First Choice" Sale Day, Thursday, October 10. Anyone may join FOPL on the day of the sale and receive the discount. Annual membership starts at $25 ($15 for full-time student/senior 65+).
For more info: www.fopl.org and www.thebookmarkbookstore.org
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.
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| 11. RECURRING Events |
Oakland Public Libraries sponsor a multitude of events all over the city. Go to this link -- now and often -- for upcoming events of all kinds: www.oaklandlibrary.org/events
Oakland Museum has weekday and weekend events and hands-on activities. First Sundays of the month are free. museumca.org
ART ANTICS
Saturday Stroll, Every Saturday, 1-5pm: Uptown Art Galleries:
www.oaklandartmurmur.org/calendar/saturday-stroll
First Thursday Art Walk, Every First Thursday of the Month, 6-9pm, Grand Avenue from LakePark to Piedmont border.
The Grand Avenue Business District hosts a monthly art event with special discounts from merchants and galleries.
For more info, click here.
Jack's Night Market, First Fridays through September, 6-10pm, Jack London Square, foot of  Broadway.
A captivating evening filled with merriment and verve can be enjoyed every first Friday through September. Sample the eclectic mix of artisans, music, food and fun.
For more info: www.jacklondonsquare.com
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
 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 
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)
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JUST FOR KIDS
Tyke Explorers Workshop at Chabot Space & Science Center,Tuesdays, 10am, 12:30pm, or 3pm. Chabot Space & Science Center, 10000 Skyline Blvd. For ages 2.5-5 years. Expand your preschooler's universe by enrolling in our Tyke Explorers Program. Kids get to bring a special grown-up to share in the excitement of science and space. Classes are a combination of instructor-led lessons and self-guided, hands-on experimentation and exploration. For more info and monthly workshop listings, click here.
Girls' Sports Days at Oakland Parks & Rec
 League of Women Voters Monthly Hot Topics Roundtable Discussion
LWV of Oakland sponsors monthly HOT TOPICS roundtable discussions to inform members and the public and to seek ways everyone can come together to address important issues facing our community.
For more info: www.lwvoakland.org/calendar.html
Tuesday Toastmasters with Warehouse416 artists and friends, Tuesdays, 7-8am, and NEW TIME: 6:30pm, 416-26th St.
Plenty of parking is available. Anyone who needs a parking place can get one here, enjoy an hour of fun, then walk to work. All you need is a job in the area. You are welcome to visit, just to see what it is like.
For more info: Ron Scrivani, [email protected] or warehouse416.com
Saturday morning bike ride with Warehouse416 artists and friends, every (dry) Saturday, 8:45am (doors open at 8am), 416 26th St.
This is a flat, short ride designed to provide new or returning riders with a way of getting started. We will guide you back to the start early, based on your needs. Our full ride is 30 miles and returns to 416 26th by 12:30pm. For more info: Ron Scrivani, [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
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The Listening Horse designed by our nationally known architect Walter Hood has a magical impact as visitors listen to stories
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FOR EVERYONE
What I Hear, I Keep: Stories From Oakland's Griots, Wednesday-Saturday until February 2014, 2:30-5:30pm, Peralta House Museum, 2465 34th Ave.
A visual and audio art installation based on African American stories of modern-day Oakland, with local residents telling about their lives and exploring their identities. Hear voices speak about the pluses and minuses of segregation, rituals commemorating the Black Holocaust, combating racism in major league baseball, The De Fermery Recreation Center community, the Black Panthers, the heyday of KJAZ, the Black Native community, and many other iconic contemporary Oakland themes. Cost: $5; free for Fruitvale Community members and children 10 & underFor more info: Peraltahacienda.org
Mexica Dance, every Monday evening, 6-8pm, sponsored by Peralta Hacienda, Center for History and Community, 2488 Coolidge Ave.
All are welcome to discover Mexica culture during ceremony and dance classes open to the public.
For more info: www.peraltahacienda.org
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