Last Saturday for Free City Holiday Parking

This Saturday is the last free City of Oakland parking holiday. We offer FREE parking at meters, in metered parking lots, and 4 City-owned garages on Saturday, December 29.  Remember Sundays are always free. 

Local merchants make much of their annual profits during the next few weeks. This annual program benefiting our neighborhood shopping districts  and shoppers was sponsored in association with the the Mayor's Office, Oakland Merchants Leadership Forum, and Oakland Grown.

The free parking "holidays" apply to both standard meters and the multi-space parking kiosks located in many commercial districts. To keep the flow of shoppers moving, standard parking rules and time limits will be enforced. If shoppers need more time than a particular meter allows, they will need to move their cars to another available parking space.

These are the City-owned lots equipped with meters:

• Grand Avenue Lot in the 3200 block of Grand Avenue 
• LakePark Lot under I-580 between Grand Avenue and Lakeshore Avenue 
• Piedmont Avenue Lot on Howe & 40th Street 
• Parkway Lot on Wayne Avenue near Park Boulevard and E. 18th Street 

And these are the City-owned garages:

• Frank Mar Garage - 12th Street & Harrison 
• Franklin Street Garage - 19th Street & Franklin 
• Montclair Garage - 6235 La Salle Avenue 
• Clay Street Garage - 14th Street & Clay

Year In Review: Oakland Tops 20+ Positive Lists Nationwide

(from Visit Oakland)

Oakland is making national headlines, garnering positive attention for attracting top restaurants and chefs, emerging technology companies and new residents. By the end of the year, Oakland will have received more than 20 positive accolades in 2013, including "Most Exciting City in America" by Movoto, "6th Best Rising Star Destination" by The Huffington Post, and "5th Hippest City in the U.S." by The Thrillist.

"Oakland has always had a rich and diverse culture, great food and amazing music, and now the world is finally starting to take notice," said Alison Best, president & CEO of Visit Oakland. "We have three professional sports teams, 19 miles of waterfront, over 100,000 acres of parks and trails, a booming restaurant scene - the offerings in Oakland are endless, and there are still so many opportunities to look forward to. The Oakland International Airport will welcome new direct international flights in 2014, as well as the Airport Connector. Oakland is hot and we're thrilled to see the city receive the attention it deserves."

In 2012, the world recognized Oakland's travel appeal when the destination was named the "#5 Place to Go in America" by The New York Times. Multiple outlets followed suit, listing Oakland as one of "America's Best Cities on the Rise," "America's 50 Best Cities," and "America's Coolest Cities." 

According to The Huffington Post, Oakland deserves acclaim as a rising destination due to its "hip" factor, stating that "Brooklyn and Portland had better shuffle over and give Oakland some hipster room." 

Walkscore.com recognized Oakland as the 9th most walkable large city in the U.S., proclaiming "Oakland isn't the Bay Area's second city anymore. With its stunning location on the shores of Lake Merritt and proximity to Silicon Valley employers, it's come into its own." The California Travel Association awarded Oakland chef Tanya Holland "California Chef of the Year" in 2013, based on her success in creating not one, but two, dining establishments that exemplify the best in culinary arts.

Additional accolades for Oakland in 2013 included:

• 11th Gayest City in America" - The Advocate
• Greenest City in the U.S. -  SheKnows.com
• 3rd Most Likeable City in the U.S. -  Money Journal
• One of America's Top 12 ArtPlaces -  ArtPlace America
• 3rd Highest Hotel Room Demand in the U.S. - Travel Weekly
• 4th Most Diverse City in America - NerdWallet
• 4th Best Destination For Nature-Lovers - NerdWallet
• 2nd Best California City for Singles - Movoto
• Top 10 Best Cities to Own a Dog -  NerdWallet

For up-to-date information on Oakland accolades, see visitoakland.org .

CITY NEWS 

Another City By the Bay Comes Into Its Own

Jose Gose, NYTimes

Dec 24, 2013

Massive Housing Development Put on Fast Track in Oakland 

Robert Gammon, East Bay Express Blog

Dec 13, 2013 

More that 200 firearms surrendered at gun buybacks in Oakland, San Francisco

Bay City News Service via Oakland Tribune

Dec 17, 2013

Will Kane, SF Chronicle

Dec 16, 2013

Oakland Tribune

Dec18, 2013

Howard Dyckoff, Oakland Local

Dec 16, 2013

Safeway donates 2,000 laptops to Oakland high schools

Barbara Grady, Oakland Local

Dec. 18, 2013

Juvenile Hall in Oakland plans to create a girl's camp for sexually exploited youth

Yolanda Martinez, Oakland North

Dec 6, 2013

Judge Orders Paint Companies to Pay California Cities $1.1 Billion 

Bob Elko, SF Chronicle

Dec 16, 2013

Oakland plugs in to being green

Green Port

Dec.13, 2013

The new Bay Bridge Bike Path: Here's where to get on in Oaktown and Emeryville

Kelly Baker, Oakland Local

Dec. 12, 2013

Farley's East is buzzing for the holidays-and in the center of things  

Oakland retailers move from popup to permanent

Renée Frojo, SF Business Times

Dec 16, 2013

Mosaic offers incentive to solar investors

Morgan Lee, UT-San Diego

Dec 9, 2013

Top 10 Turnaround Towns (Oakland leading the nation)

Dominique Fong, Calif. Association of Realtors

Dec 13, 2013

 Massive Housing Development Put on Fast Track in Oakland 

Robert Gammon, East Bay Express Blog

Dec13, 2013

Oakland's makers get organized

James Reddick, Oakland North

Dec. 9, 2013

Taggers by Night, Muralists by Day

Sam Levin, East Bay Express

Dec. 18, 2013

Chill Out at Kingston11

Alana Levinson, Daily Candy

Dec. 9, 2013

Triple Threat Beer Garden: Waterfront boathouse stars beer, sausage, and ambience.

Derek Richardson, Oakland Magazine

Dec. 2013

Inside Pican's Creole Holiday Party

Tamara Palmer, Zagat

Dec. 17, 2013

Farley's East is buzzing for the holidays-and in the center of things 

Sophia Hussain, Oakland Local

Dec. 18, 2013

Winter Day Camps for kids

From Monday, December 23 through Friday, January 3

At various recreation centers throughout Oakland

The camps will have games, arts & crafts, movie screenings, hot chocolate & cookies, and lots of fun. While a snack will be provided each day, participants must bring their own lunch daily. Please note there will be no camps on Wednesday, December 25 or Wednesday, January 1. Please contact your local recreation center for registration and fee details. 

• Carmen Flores Recreation Center, 1637 Fruitvale Avenue. 8am-6pm. Ages 5 to 13. Contact Angelica Lopez, Center Director, 535-5637. 
• Dimond Recreation Center, 3860 Hanly Road. 7:30am-6:30pm. Ages 5 to 13. Contact Michelle Doppelt, Center Director, 482-7831. 
• Franklin Recreation Center, 1010 E. 15th Street. 8am-6pm. Ages 5 to 13. Hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will be 8am-4pm. Contact Rebecca Chhom, Center Director, 238-7741. 
• Golden Gate Recreation Center, 1075 62nd Street. 7:30am-6pm. Ages 5 to 13. Extended camp will be offered January 6 to 10. Contact Alaina Fugelsted, Center Director, 597-5032. 
• Inclusion Center at Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center, 7701 Krause Avenue. 8:30am-6pm. Ages 11 to 18. Hours on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve will be 8:30am-2pm. Contact Erin Burton or Joy Sledge at 615-5980 or email oaklandinclusioncenter@gmail.com .
• Ira Jinkins Recreation Center, 9175 Edes Avenue. 7:30am-6pm. Ages 5 to 13. Contact Donte Watson, Center Director, 615-5959. 
• Manzanita Recreation Center, 2701 22nd Avenue. 8am-6pm. Ages 5 to 12. Contact Marcy Sanchez, Center Director, 535-5625. 
• Sheffield Village Recreation Center, 247 Marlow Drive. 8am-6pm. Ages 3 to 11. Contact Christina Bagwell, Center Director, 638-7190. 

90-Second Newbery Film Festival 3rd Annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival

This Winter Break, it will be lights, camera, action for many talented local kids. The third annual 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is fast approaching, and that means it is time to get busy for any young bookworm who has the inkling to make a short film about a Newbery Award-winning title. 

The deadline for 2014 festival entries is January 20. (See link to rules and details, below.) 

Films will screen locally at the Rockridge Branch Library, 5366 College Avenue, on Saturday, February 8, from 12 to 1:15 p.m.

The 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is a video contest in which filmmakers of any age make movies that tell the entire story of a Newbery award-winning book in 90 seconds or less. The results are compelling efforts by young directors, actors, screenwriters, and even animators. All ages welcome; best for ages 7 and up.

Nina Lindsay, Children's Services Supervisor at the Oakland Public Library, is thrilled the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival is making a stop at the Rockridge Branch as it makes its West Coast tour. "All the more reason for Oakland kids and teens (who we know can make some great videos) to submit an entry for consideration for the screening. We'd all love to see some local talent up there on the screen! And this winter, wonderfully, our libraries are not closed for furloughs; with the exception of the holidays we are OPEN through winter break... so if you need some Newbery books for ideas, you know where to find them."

For more info and instructions for entering your film: www.90secondnewbery.com 

For more info about the Rockridge Branch screening:  www.oaklandlibrary.org or contact Nina Lindsay, Children's Librarian, at 238-6706 or NLindsay@OaklandLibrary.org.

• Night Hike, Tonight, Friday, December 27, 6 pm
• Zodiac Tours, New planetarium show starts tonight
• NIght Time Comet Stories, 9-11 pm tonight 

2nd Annual Holiday Art Salon Exhibit,

now thru Friday, January 31, Various Hours, Joyce Gordon

Gallery, 406 14th Street.

For more info:www.joycegordongallery.com 

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

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, jking@oaklandnet.com or 238-3284 

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

The UC Cooperative Extension will provide information about nutrition, exercise and health at the monthly event. There will be healthy cooking demonstrations, low cost recipes and gifts including measuring spoons and reusable grocery bags. 

For more info: Mary Norton, Center Director, at mnorton@oaklandnet.com or 597-5085

FOR ADULTS

For more info: Renee Tucker, Recreation Specialist, at rtucker@oaklandnet.com or 238-2952.

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

AT FAIRYLAND  

fairyland.org  

 

Animal Encounters, 

Sundays, 11:30am and 12:15pm (for about 20 minutes)

Docent led live animal presentation: Wild animals need your help, come find out what you can do. 

Learn about and meet some of our amazing animals close up. Our Program Animals are presented with fun facts and important messages; spend 20 minutes with us in the WildLife Theater!  This program is free with regular Zoo Admission. 

 

 

Zoo Lights, Friday, Now thru Sunday, January 5, 5:30-9pm 

Hundreds of thousands of LED lights brighten Oakland's night sky. Highlights include a candy cane lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express train, rocking around the Christmas trees in the Children's Zoo, and a light show that's sure to blow out any bah-hum-bugs. 

Click here for more info. 

 

 

AT CHABOT SPACE & SCIENCE CENTER 

10000 Skyline Blvd.  

For more info, click here.

 

  

Nighttime Comet Stories, Friday, December 27, 9-11pm

Thought to be the "Comet of the Century," Comet ISON has sadly fizzled away. But we're still talking comets as we snuggle up and hear tales of comets past. Listen to our resident comet expert explain ISON's path and what made this comet so special. Bring binoculars, blankets and warm clothes. Hot beverages will be for sale.

Click here for more info. 

 

Laserium - The Cosmic Laser Concert 40th Anniversary 

Select days thru Sunday, December 15, various show times. 

Experience this classic laser light show set to the beats of such rock icons as Pink Floyd and The Beatles. Immersed in the darkness of the planetarium, this stunning light show is music for your eyes. Whether you are a fan from the past or new to the show, LASERIUM draws you into the 

light.  Click here for more info. 

  

  

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Nancy Duranteau's documentary photographs from Cuba. The images displayed showcase societal issues, and through them Ms. Duranteau invites us to join in her efforts for self-improvement and strengthened communities. 

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California Library Association Conference Coming to Oakland

This month, the Oakland Convention Center will be the site of the California Library Association's (CLA) annual conference. The annual CLA Conference is California's premier event for library professionals. Attendees have the opportunity to network and learn via workshops, presentations and special events; meet vendors and check out their latest products and services; and world-renowned speakers inform, motivate and entertain. The theme for the 2014 conference will be "Be the Change." 

For more info: Sharon McKellar, Community Relations Librarian, smckellar@oaklandlibrary.org or 238-3513

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 in this section. The Libraries offer so many events -- best that you just check out their website for all the details:  www.oaklandlibrary.org/events.

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 Fallen Tree Removed After Ceremony

Last week the Parks and Rec Dept hosted a brief ceremony before removing the 137 year old eucalyptus tree that fell during the early December windstorm.

A section of the tree will be preserved for display.

The tree luckily fell away from the recently renovated Lake Chalet Restaurant.  It is good reminder to take a look at trees around your home.  Winter is a good time to trim them and inspect their health.  Many aging Monterey Pines in the City are nearing the end of their life span and are prone to disease.  Consider taking out unhealthy trees and replanting native trees.  Tribune Photo

City Council Adopts Redistricting Map

On December 10, the Oakland City Council adopted new 2013-2023 electoral district boundaries with the second reading and final unanimous passage of Ordinance No. 13206 C.M.S. To view the adopted map, please visit www.oaklandnet.com/redistricting. 

To inform those residents affected by changes to district boundaries, the City of Oakland will undertake an outreach campaign beginning in January. In addition to the use of Web and Social Media outlets, the campaign will include a direct mail piece to affected households, presentations to Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils in areas where the boundaries shifted, and informational slides on the City's television station, KTOP TV-10. Printed information will be available in English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese. 

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. The Oakland City Council Districts also serve as the electoral districts for the Governing Board of the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), commonly called the Board of Education. 

Many Oakland residents participated in the Redistricting process by attending one of the meetings, submitting a map online, sending a letter or email, joining the online conversation at EngageOakland.com, or leaving a voice message on the Redistricting hotline. The public submitted more than 50 maps with suggested boundary changes. 

To view the reports, relevant legislation, submitted maps and more, please visit www.oaklandnet.com/redistricting . 

For more info: Devan Reiff, AICP, Planner II, at dreiff@oaklandnet.com or 238-3550. 

Curt Flood Sports Complex Renovation Fundraiser

On December 5, the Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR) kicked off fundraising efforts for the renovation of the Curt Flood Multipurpose Field. OPR, along with Friends of Oakland Parks and Recreation (FOPR), would like to convert the Curt Flood Multipurpose Field, located on School Street and Coolidge Avenue, into a true complex that boasts areas for baseball, softball, football, soccer and basketball. 

OPR is looking to breathing life back into the field. Unfortunately, over the years, this sports field has fallen into disrepair. Organizations, schools and families are no longer using the field at full capacity due to its current condition. 

The Curt Flood Sports Complex Committee, which includes former San Francisco Giants player and OPR Employee, Nate Oliver, is organizing an endeavor to renovate the Curt Flood Multipurpose Field. OPR's hope is to have as many supporters as possible to join in this effort. The new complex will include new bleachers, lights, a concession stand and other updated amenities. 

For more info on the renovation project: www.oprcurtflood.org 

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 Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board has a a couple of vacancies for someone with a background in real estate, landscape architecture, planning, and/or community local history. Meetings are every 2nd Monday of the month at 6pm.
• 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 Civil Service Board has a vacancy for someone who has interest in participating in the enforcement of the City's personnel system.
• The Measure Z - Cannabis Regulatory Committee has an opening.
• The Violence Prevention and Public Safety Oversight Committees are looking for one or two excellent candidates. 

Ready, Set, Connect - Free computer help at 6 library branches

Now through May 2014

The Oakland Public Library has 190 public access computers available at its locations for one hour sessions for anyone with a library card. Computers can be reserved at www.oaklandlibrary.org. Patrons needing assistance from a tutor will need to sign up for a computer at one of the five branches listed, during the scheduled period. (Computers are also available for use at other times and library locations, but without a tutor.) 

Ready, Set, Connect! is made available thanks to a partnership between the Oakland Public Library and Community Technology Network. It's a workforce development program designed to provide local youth with technology-based job skills through a balanced combination of classroom training and hands-on work experience.

MAIN LIBRARY, 125 14th Street -- Wednesdays 6-8pm; Saturdays 10am-12pm; Sundays 1-4:30pm 

ASIAN BRANCH, 388 9th Street, Suite 190 -- Saturdays 10:30am-12:30pm; 

CÉSAR E. CHÁVEZ BRANCH, 3301 East 12th Street, Ste. 271 -- Tuesdays 5-8pm; 

Saturdays 10am-12pm; Wednesdays 1:30-5:30pm

DIMOND BRANCH, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue -- Tuesdays 12:30-2:30pm 

EASTMONT BRANCH 7200 Bancroft Avenue (Eastmont Town Center, Suite 211) -- 

Mondays 11:30am-2:30pm 

ROCKRIDGE BRANCH, 5366 College Avenue -- Tuesdays 4-6pm; Saturdays 1-3pm

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Alameda County Food Bank -- Holiday Food & Fund Drive

Now through January 31, 2014

The Food Bank is serving 1 in 6 residents of Alameda County - nearly half of them children. The 2013 holiday season may mark the highest demand for emergency food ever!

Help us meet increased demand this holiday season! Start a traditional barrel drive at your work, school or organization and keep our shelves stocked with much-needed non-perishable staples like cereal, canned meat and fish, and pasta. Or start a Virtual Food Drive - for every $1 you donate we can distribute $4 worth of food to children, seniors and families in need.

In 2012, the Holiday Food & Fund Drive raised over 725,000 pounds of food and over $284,000 from companies and individuals hosting barrels and virtual food drives.

You can start a Virtual Food Drive -- for every $1 you donate ACFB can distribute $5 worth of food to children, seniors and families in need.

For more info: www.accfb.org/food_drive 

Oakland Literacy Coalition's Volunteer Training Series starts in January

The Oakland Literacy Coalition's Volunteer Training Series is a free training opportunity for current or prospective Oakland elementary school literacy volunteers. Attendees are eligible for free Live Scan fingerprinting and free TB testing (if available.) Volunteers must attend at least one workshop to receive the free services, and if offered, TB testing requires attending both days of the event from 3-4pm. Photo ID is required for the Live Scan service. 

Tuesday, January 14 and Thursday, January 16, 3-6pm

East Bay Community Foundation Conference Center 

353 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor

Free Live Scan fingerprinting and TB testing (if available) from 3-4pm and Training Workshops from 4-6pm

Workshops will be provided in English and Spanish on the following topics:

• Tuesday, Jan 14- Engaging Students: Come brainstorm and practice strategies for keeping your students engaged by building strong relationships, setting clear expectations and making learning fun.  
• Thursday, Jan 16- Fun Literacy Activities: Learn and practice various literacy activities to do with your students during your tutoring sessions. Each activity will be aligned with a strategy or skill that students need in order to be effective readers.  

For more info, click here.

Keep money in Oakland!  

Help Oaklanders receive over a million dollars this tax season! 

Low-income individuals and families spend, on average, $250 to have their taxes prepared every year. 

Community Trust, a division of Self-Help Federal Credit Union, is a Community Development Financial Institution in West Oakland and has had a Free Tax Site for 11 years.  We partner with United Way of the Bay Area's Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Program.

Last tax season, Community Trust volunteers helped to:

• secure over $1 million in refunds
• prepare over 900 tax returns
• save filers $226,000 in fees
• set up direct deposit for 71% of our filers

Find out more about volunteering here from Sayla: 267-0450 x7505 or seisner-mix@self-helpcu.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 a little time to share? 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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FOR YOUR HEALTH...

Get more info about Covered California

The Affordable Care Act for the East Bay has been holding outreach events to inform and educate residents about Covered California.  Here's some information they would like to pass on:

Toll Free Helpline for Covered California: 

• In English: 800-300-1506
• En espanol: 800-300-0213

Information EVERY person applying needs: 

• SS or Taxpayer ID Number. 
• Employer and income information. 
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance plans covering members of your household. 

CoveredCA.com has information in multiple languages for download and customer service reps can discuss insurance plans in your preferred language.

ACA for East Bay's Facebook page with information and outreach events list:www.facebook.com/aca4eastbay 

Upcoming tabling events where you can speak with ACA for East Bay volunteers and pick-up some literature:

Lakeshore Farmers' Market

Every Saturday in December, 9am-1pm

Splash Pad Park Corner of Grand and Lake Park Ave's.

... AND YOUR SAFETY...

Holiday Safety Tips

From the Oakland Police Department

The holiday season is a wonderfully magical time of year. With all the colorful holiday lights, joyful music, sounds of laughter and feelings of good will, it's easy to forget that we may become a victim of a crime. While there are no guarantees, there are things you can do to avoid being an easy target. The following suggestions are offered by OPD to assist you and your family:

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave home, even for a few minutes. Make sure all doors close easily and lock securely.
• When leaving home for an extended time, ask a family member or trusted neighbor to watch your house, pick up your newspaper and mail, and accept any deliveries.
• Indoor and outdoor lights and a radio should be left operated by an automatic timer so your home looks and sounds occupied when you are away.
• Home displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows or doors.
• Engrave all personal property with your California Drivers License or California ID number. Photograph or videotape the items you cannot engrave. An engraver is available from OPD by calling 986-2715.

Driving

• Do not leave packages or any other items in plain view on the seat of your car. Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
• Assess the surroundings when arriving at any location, and be aware of the surroundings when leaving or approaching your car.
• Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
• As much as possible and practical, avoid driving alone at night.
• Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked while in or out of your car.
• If you must stop while driving at night, park in a well-lighted area.
• Make sure your car is in good operating condition and the gas tank is full.
• Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells or cars with tinted windows that prevent you from seeing inside.
• At night, when walking between cars in parking lots, be cautious when passing a vehicle with someone sitting inside or with open sliding side doors of a van
• Scams
• Criminals try to take advantage of your good will during the holiday season. Your trust in others can make you vulnerable to scams.
• Be wary of aggressive solicitors or panhandlers at your front door and NEVER invite them into your home.
• Consider posting a "NO SOLICITING" sign that is visible to anyone approaching your door. Legitimately licensed solicitors should not bother you. All others should be considered unscrupulous and in violation of the law.

Home Party 

• Inform your neighbors of your plans for a holiday party and apologize in advance for any inconvenience the party may cause. Invite them to the party.
• If your neighbor cannot attend, be considerate; don't let the music get too loud and plan to end the party at a reasonable time.
• Consider providing only non-alcoholic beverages for your guests. 
• Before guests arrive, remove items of value from the rooms where the party will be held. Secure your valuables in a locked room. (It may be necessary for you to replace some existing locks or install deadbolt locks on some interior doors.)
• If alcohol is to be served, arrange for a designated drive that will not drink any alcohol and will be available to transport those who may need a ride home.
• If you host a party where alcohol is being served and children or persons under 21 years old are present, DO NOT PERMIT THEM TO CONSUME ANY ALCOHOL. 
• Be wary of "party crashers." Calmly ask them to leave. If they refuse, do not become aggressive. Remain calm. Call the police non-emergency # immediately at 777-3333.

Click here for a PDF version. 

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.

 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

OUSD hosts free speaker series

Starting in November, Oakland Unified is hosting a free speaker series called Race Matters: Putting Race on
the Table.  The purpose of the series is to engage in thoughtful dialogue about race and equity in service of improving teaching and learning.  All lectures will be held at the Tilden Auditorium, 3752 Enos Street, Oakland, 94619.  The last scheduled date and topic is:

• Tuesday, January 14, 4-6 p.m. - lecture on Identify Safe Classrooms: Places to Belong and Learn, with Dorothy Steele and Becki Cohn-Vargas.

For more info: Talibah-Awele.Makeba@ousd.k12.ca.us