Greetings!



 

On October 1st Covered California --the California Program for health insurance--starts taking enrollments; coverage starts January 1, 2014.  There is going to a lot of hype but here are a few basic things to know:

• The cost of the insurance programs are generally lower than expected.
• Even if you have health insurance you may still save money through tax credits.
• If you are low income you may qualify for financial assistance 
• You will be able to compare programs. 

 

Sundays in the Redwoods Concerts Continue This Sunday 

 

 

Sundays thru October 13

Woodminster Amphitheater

3300 Joaquin Miller Rd.

 

 This Sunday, we are hosting a great line-up at the Joaquin Miller Woodnminster Amphitheater:

 

BOBBY CALDWELL:  Known for live performances, drawing from his vast repertoire of rousing R&B, intimate smooth jazz stylings, and big band songs..he is know for his song "What You Won't Do for Love." 

 

RIC ALEXANDER:  A local favorite, Ric recently performed six sold out shows at Yoshi's - Oakland with Tony Toni Ton'e.

 

VALERIE TROUT:  A Laurel resident, Valerie can sing! 

 

SKYLINE JAZZ BAND:  Many professional artists have emerged from Skyline's music program over the decades, hear them here first!  

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  SUNDAYS IN THE REDWOODS

 

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 were SOLD OUT quickly.  Limited tickets for this Sunday are the only tickets left for the series. 

 

 

4 SUNDAYS, 4 CONCERTS: 

 

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:

 

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

 

 

  

  

  

 

The 2012 walkers and runners

  

 

Editor's Note: Remember to check both the UPCOMING and the RECURRINGsections, way down at the bottom, for additional events.

 

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Join others in rousing board games including Monopoly, Scrabble, Boggle and many more. 

For more info: Jennifer King, Senior Center Director, jking@oaklandnet.com or 238-3284 

 

 

 

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Free Saturday Afternoon Dance,  

American Tango Variation lesson from 12:45 to 1:30. Social dancing 1:30 to 4 pm

For more info:   www.lakemerrittdancecenter.org 

 

 

For more info and to register: Donte Watson, Recreation Center Director, dwatson@oaklandnet.com or 615-5959 

 

 

 

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.

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AT FAIRYLAND

fairyland.org 

 

12:30pm & 3pm: Children's Theatre Presents: The Dragon in the Cloth. When an orphan boy brings a fish home to keep for good luck, he gets way more than he bargained for. The fish is a dragon princess who leads him on a journey below the waves and up to the moon and back. Will he learn to be happy with his lot, or will an old toad's advice lead him astray? Come let our young performers stitch your family into the cloth of this Hmong fairytale!

 

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SIBILA SAVAGE/COURTESY

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, shuss@oaklandnet.com or 238-4949 or Kristen Zaremba, Senior Public Art Project Manager, kzaremba@oaklandnet.com or 238-2155 or

www.sfmoma.org/secaaward 

 

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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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, tkirschner@oaklandlibrary.org 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.

 

 

Join acclaimed muralist Lisa Nowlain in creating a mural for the branch's TeenZone. 

For more info: 615-5812

 

 

 

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TRANSPORTATION NEWS

 

Oakland Innovates with Green Bikeway 

Last Tuesday, the City of Oakland's Public Works Agency shared details on its experimental design on 40th Street: green color in the travel lane to help bicyclists and motorists share the road. The project seeks to improve access for bicyclists between the MacArthur BART Station, Piedmont Avenue commercial district, Emeryville and new bicycle/pedestrian path on the Oakland span of the Bay Bridge. The experiment features shared roadway bicycle markings (sharrows) highlighted by green color located in the travel lane. The goal of the experiment is to enhance safety by addressing common problems where bicyclists and motorists share lanes. Bicyclists often ride in the "door zone" - the area immediately adjacent to curbside parking into which car doors open. Motorists often squeeze by bicyclists, passing too closely. The California Vehicle Code allows bicyclists to use the full travel lane where the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side. The "green" treatment will assist bicyclists and motorists in sharing the road. 

Click here to read the media release. 

For more info: Kristine Shaff, Public Information Officer, 238-2966 or kshaff@oaklandnet.com 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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 haguilar@oaklandnet.com .   

 

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: 

For more info: 639-1440 or fridaycommunitynightwalks@gmail.com

 

 

  

 

 

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See and explore OFD fire truck, SWAT armored vehicle, OPD command post, OPD k-9 unit.

 

Schedule:

10am-2pm: Safety fair exhibits

10:30-11:30am: Basic safety presentations from the Oakland Asian Police Officers Asso.

12-1pm: Announcements  free lunch

 

For more info: Officer Ouseng Saeparn, 773-0986, osaeparn@oaklandnet.com 

  

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 

 

 

 

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:  aca4eastbay@gmail.com

 

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 rcummings@allen-temple.org 

 

 

 

  

Have time on your hands? Interested in helping Oakland teens succeed?

WriterCoach Connection takes teams of trained community volunteers into public school English classes to work with students on their classroom writing assignments. We believe one-on-one feedback from caring adults helps students develop their ideas and become confident and competent writers. Our two-part volunteer trainings provide strategies and practice to work effectively with students at all levels of achievement and all stages of the writing process. 

 

In Oakland we coach at Fremont High School in the Fruitvale and have recently expanded to Oakland School for the Arts. We have a great need for coaches, especially at Fremont High. The commitment is just 1-2 hours per week, 2-4 weeks each month during the school year.

 

For more info: www.writercoachconnection.com or Camille Graves, Oakland Volunteer Coordinator,oakwcc@gmail.com or 306-1792

  

 

 

  

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OCTOBER

Check here for updates.

 

 

 

 

Come to Oakland's first and only plant-powered health and fitness expo. Learn from leading experts in rapid weight loss, Cross-Fit, yoga and posture and enjoy delicious healthy food that doesn't taste healthy. This event is ideal for those who are curious about becoming healthier and those who already live active healthy lifestyles. 

For more info:vegfoodevents.com/health 

 

 

 

The Oakland Parks Coalition (OPC) is seeking volunteers for its annual survey. Results from the survey of park conditions are used in the OPC annual report to City Council to assess budgeting for park needs. Each team will survey between three and six parks. High school students are especially welcome and will receive community service credit. 

For more info:www.oaklandparkscoalition.org 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

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 

 

This fine art festival will feature paintings, drawings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, graphics, and jewelry. 

For more info: www.montclairvillage.com 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

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.

  

  

 

In our third 2013 Fireside Lounge, The Crucible examines curation, and how art is exhibited. We examine the function of public spaces, galleries, and museums, how art influences each of these spaces, and how do these spaces influence art. What is the value of museum collections to the artists, and what is the responsibility to the artists and community?  Also featuring fire performances and live demonstrations in our glass, neon, light & enameling studios.

Cost: $10 / free for members of The Crucible

For more info, click here.

 

 

 

 

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 

 

 

 

The Gardens at Lake Merritt will be transformed with several acres of garden illuminated with enchanting art installations created by local Bay Area artists. A fundraiser for Oakland's hidden jewel, recently named one of California's Top 5 Gardens by VIA Magazine. 

 

Proceeds will be used for garden improvements for the enjoyment of the entire community. 

 

Save $10 by purchasing your general admission tickets in advance here.

VIP Tickets for adults (21 and over) include free wine and beer tastings and illumination toys in the VIP lounge. 

For more info: Victoria Rocha, Park Supervisor I, vrocha@oaklandnet.com or 238-3208

 

 

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

Register online at http://5k.faith-network.com  or call 836-5100.  

To raise funds and awareness for programs that serve students at under-resourced schools in Oakland, Faith Network of the East Bay will host its third annual 5K Walk/Run. The kick off program will feature the Skyline High School Jazz Band plus calls to action from OUSD school officials, community leaders and volunteers. 

 

Prizes will be awarded for top fundraisers, and best runner times.

 

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Oakland Museum has weekday and weekend events and hands-on activities. First Sundays of the month are free.   museumca.org 

ART ANTICS