The HarriOak News

Frankie the Cat has come home!

2011-10-17T17:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks for everyone who kept an eye out.

Lost Cat

2011-10-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

"Frankie" has disappeared from an home at Harrison and Orange, He is timid but affectionate and probably hasn't wandered far. He is an orange tabby with distinctive black spotting on his nose and gums. He's neutered, fairly skinny, and has licked the fur off his lower belly and the insides of his back legs.

If you have seen him, can you please call Barbara at 415-742-2723. There is a reward for his safe return.

Local HarriOak Project Darreis needs your help

2011-10-03T21:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Community,

Project Darreis at TGN Foundation is a 501c3 non profit organization assisting in the struggle against violence.

Project Darreis is currently preparing for their 4th annual Christmas celebration commemorating the Life of Darreis S. Toyfoya and others who have lost theirs live to crime and violence. The Christmas celebration will take place on December 10th, 2011.

We all know that during these trying times, crime and violence is on the rise in our communities. What many don't realize is that during the holiday season, crime and violence often spike. On December 10th, 2011, Project Darreis seeks to bring the community together and thereby stave off the expected increase in violence, by providing resources, gospel singing, spoken word performances, gifts for adults, toys for children, and a turkey/ham dinner with all the trimmings for families in need.

Project Darreis would like to invite you to contribute to this holiday mission and is requesting gift cards, monetary donations and toys in hopes of fostering a peaceful, safe and happy holiday season.

Please consider what you could give to this local HarriOak based non profit and know that any gift or offer is appreciated and honored.

To give or for further information, please contact Belinda Gilchrist-Day, founder of Project Darreis at 510-467-5053 or email projectdarreis@yahoo.com.

Thank you and blessings.

HarriOak Block Yard Sale Sat Sept 24 9am-4pm!

2011-09-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

Please spread the word and please JOIN US at the

HarriOak Block Yard Sale, Sat. Sept. 24 9am - 4pm!

This is the 3rd year we've done this and it's a great way to get to know neighbors and get rid of the old, perhaps to make room for the new. If you'd like to participate, all you need to do is get your stuff ready this week and set up in front of your own house/apt on Sat. Sept 24 to SELL YOUR STUFF!

Make some $$, and enjoy the late summer sun with your neighbors.

If you’ve got questions, call Stefanie 510-978-2554

Even if you don't participate, please help us spread the word by forwarding this post and don’t forget to come by 360 Oakland Ave, say hi, and see what treasures you might find for CHEAP

including: nice furniture, clothes, lamps, rugs, collectible 1960’s WHITE sewing machine + fabric, books, CDs, piercing jewelry, bikes, computer supplies, framed art and so much MORE!!!

Hope to see you Saturday!

Important Conversation about Public Education

2011-05-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

The First Christian Church at 111 Fairmount and Prepare the Future have been hosting a series of conversations around the public education crisis in Oakland. As they continue to meet, they've begun to prioritize creating a Youth Council along with internet advocacy and mobilizing faith communities to support public schools as their three key priorities. Tomorrow, May 17, will be an important conversation with key leaders in the room both talking and listening.

Basic details:
Special Guest Speakers:
Lewis Cohen, Senior Policy Advisor, Education Office or the Mayor
Jumoke Hinton‐Hodge, Oakland Unified School Board Member
& representatives of The San Francisco Foundation FAITHS Initiative

Tuesday May 17, 2011 @ 6:30 pm
FCC Oakland/Oakland Peace Center
Shelton Hall
111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland Ca , 94611
510.451.8822

Feel free to RSVP to Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152726344792898

Internet Advocacy, Community Engagement, Commitment to Bay Area Youth

All are invited. This event is free to the public.
Main Contact:
Rev. Ken Chambers
Prepare for the Future California (Bay Area Organizer)
510.239.6969 / kenchambers1@yahoo.com

City Council Seeks Input on Budget from Citizens

2010-06-05T18:46:00.001-07:00

Oakland City Council to Host Town Hall Meetings
Community Input Sought on Fiscal Year 2010-11 Budget
as City Faces Significant Deficit

The Oakland City Council is hosting a series (3) of town hall-style meetings this month to solicit input from Oakland residents and businesses about how to close a $31.5 million budget deficit.

Wednesday, June 9, 7:00 - 9 p.m.
Glenview Elementary School
4215 La Cresta Avenue

Monday, June 14, 7:00 - 9 p.m. – East Oakland
Eastmont Substation
2651 73rd Avenue

Thursday, June 17, 7:00 - 9 p.m. – North Oakland
Peralta Elementary School
460 63rd Street

Open Studios This Weekend!

2010-06-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hey all you art lovers out there, this is your weekend! There are almost 500 artists exhibiting their work throughout the East Bay for Open Studios. Wow!

With so much to choose from? Where to start?

Start at 204 Frisbie St. / corner of Fairmount. to pick up your Free Artist Directory to help you plan your East Bay Art adventure.

Plus we're featuring 3 artists in our space: Lanell Dike, Becky Jaffe and Scott D.S. Young. See what we've been up to!

And there are more HarriOak neighbors showing their work - check out:

Debra Jan Bibel (Map number 372)
Jane Barker (Map number 371)

Hope to see you this weekend for art + conversation from 11am to 6pm.

Neighborhood Art Show * May 21, 22 and 23

2010-05-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

We're having another Art Show + Community event at 204 Frisbie St. (corner of Fairmount.) All are welcome to attend this free gathering (no drugs or alcohol.) Hope to see you there! All the details are below. We'll have live music too and art activities.

- Lanell

-----------------------------------------------------------

Mirror Image: An Art Show about Body (Mis) Perceptions
May 21, 22 & 23, 2010
Curated by Becky Jaffe, Carrie-Andrea Kaye and Lanell Dike

Featuring 24 Artists! And live music, spoken word, art activities for kids & adults and of course, community + fun. The show is one weekend only: May 21, 22 and 23.

Show Schedule:

Friday, May 21
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Show Opening, Performance piece by About Face & Live Music by Vanessa and Her Many Moons

Saturday, May 22
2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Art Activities for kids/adults, Reading by Leroy Moore of Sins Invalid & Live Music by Waste Band and Ryan James

Sunday, May 23
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
Show Closing, Art Activities for kids/adults
Body Image Workshop from 1:30 to 3pm

Exhibiting artists:

Myles Boisen * Bruce Temuchin Brown * Mercy Calman * Carrel Crawford * G.M.M. Coghlan * Lauren Davis * Deanne Emmons * JJ Fryzel * Evert Grobbelaar * CJ Grossman * Maia Huang * Becky Jaffe * Molly Kate Taylor * Frank King * Abby Kojola * Matthew Kowalski * Linda Shanti McCabe * Courtney McCutcheon * Diane Rosenblum Althoff * Elisa Salasin * Michael Slack * Mollee Weaver * Gary Wilson * Scott D.S. Young

About Frisbie St.

Frisbie St. is an alternative art space in Oakland, CA for artists to exhibit their work and for the community to gather to enjoy and create art together. We host one-weekend shows to highlight emerging and innovative artists in solo and group Art Shows and monthly Art Days with fun, hands-on art activities for adults and kids.

Oakland Indie Awards this Friday!

2010-05-11T07:42:00.001-07:00

This is a great event that happens every year in Oakland celebrating the Indie spirit of Artists and local businesses. Don't miss it. There will be tons of great food, music and art + everyone in Oakland. See you there!

Party - Friday May 14, 2010
5:30 - 9pm
Jack London Pavilion
98 Broadway, Oakland
(formerly Barnes & Noble)

Tickets On Sale Now: http://indieawards.eventbrite.com
$20 each
*Sponsorships for starving artists, entrepreneurs and others for whom ticket price is a barrier. Contact us for details.

Festivities
Tastings of Oakland Food, Wine, Beer, Tea, and more! Lots of veggie-friendly food options.
-Award Presentations
-DJ spinning all-Oakland tunes
-Displays from Unwrapped! vendor artists and businesses

More Details & Photos from Last Year
http://www.oaklandindieawards.com

Oakland Underground Film Series @ Jack London Square

2010-04-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Cool! Check out this new free film series at Jack London Square in Oakland. Located in the old Barnes & Noble store - now the Pavilion Theater.

Upcoming Film Schedule:

FRIDAY APRIL 23rd - Leading Local Talent, Filmmakers in attendance!
7:30PM: EVERYDAY BLACK MAN, dir. Carmen Madden, 2009
9:30 PM: A DAY LATE IN OAKLAND, dir. Zachary Stauffer, 2009, followed by
A LIFE TAKEN, dir. by Josh Banville, 2010

FRIDAY APRIL 30TH - Major Music: Sonic Youth & Kurt Cobain
7:00 PM: Special music guest JESSE MORRIS and THE MAN COUGARS
8:00 PM: SONIC YOUTH: SLEEPING NIGHTS AWAKE, dir. Michael Albright + Project Moonshine
9:30 PM: ABOUT A SON, dir. AJ Schnack

Location:
Jack London Square
Pavilion Theater (formerly Barnes & Noble)
98 Broadway, Oakland, CA

Keep Oakland Beautiful: Small Grant Program - Deadline, April 30

2010-04-23T07:40:00.000-07:00

Keep Oakland Beautiful announces its Small Grant Program spring application period.

Now in its third year, the Small Grant Program happens every spring and fall. The program awards grants ranging from $200 to $500 for individuals, neighborhood groups, and organizations to use in undertaking highly-visible neighborhood improvement projects such as pocket park makeovers and cleanup and beautification of median and easement strips.

Deadline for the spring round of applications is April 30, 2010. For more details go to: Keep Oakland Beautiful.

String of burglaries in the neighborhood

2010-04-22T10:08:00.000-07:00

Houses on Orange and Fairmount/Frisbie were burglarized on Wednesday evening. It appears someone is casing houses in our neighborhood.

Here is the report from a neighbor: "Someone parking her car heard my house alarm going off, and then saw three young
Af. Am. men run out of the side yard. She went to tell my neighbor what was up. Neighbor called the cops. It seems that someone is casing the houses as there are 3 of us in my house, and we left only for 1.5 hours that day. Someone had to be watching to see when we had all left. Another place around the corner on Fairmount was hit pretty quickly thereafter, same night. Not sure if anyone saw
who had done it. Cops told me. Let's watch out for one another."

Art Murmur Tonight!

2010-04-02T09:02:00.000-07:00

Well, it's the night of indecision as you try to decide where to start your Art Murmur wanderings. There's a lot to see and fun to be had around Oakland tonight.

Ashley Jones has a new series of work showing at Mama Buzz (that's her painting above), Githinji Wa Mbire has some of his mixed media pieces on display as the Artist of the Month at Farley's East and you can see 25 artists at the Crucible's Cathedral Gallery (such a cool space on Broadway @ Telegraph) in a show called ‘Cast’ which highlights art utilizing the casting process.

And of course there are tons more! Walking or bike is the best way to get around so that you don't have to worry about parking. Have fun!

Help Save Oakland Arts

2010-03-23T20:45:00.000-07:00

A Message from the Oakland Cultural Trust:

SAVE OAKLAND ARTS NOW! Stop the 50% Arts Cut!

The Council needs to hear from us again! The community prevailed when we raised our voices against similar cuts in October 2008. WE CAN DO IT AGAIN!

The Oakland City Council considers a 50% Cut to Oakland Arts at a special budget session on Thursday, April 1, 2010, 7pm. This is one move closer towards the elimination of the Cultural Funding Program, the long-established, competitive City program to provide arts and cultural services with attendance over 1.4 million.

3 STEP CALL TO ACTION:

1. Get the Word Out! FORWARD this alert to constituents, colleagues, students, friends, families, neighbors, friends-of-friends-- Cut & Paste this alert or Send Facebook Alert

2. CALL, EMAIL or WRITE your Council Member NOW! You can make the difference- Cut & Paste sample text or write your own message (See Sample below); Remain Positive and Respectful in your communications. We need the Council's support!

3. Be There April 1 at 7 pm! TAKE ACTION & MAKE A DIFFERENCE during the special City Council BUDGET MEETING at

City Hall, Sign-up for speaker cards at the meeting or in advance online -Agenda Item tba.

***Strategy & Info Meeting at Pro Arts, Tuesday, March 30, 6:30 pm 150 Frank H Ogawa Plaza at Oakland Art Gallery

Learn about public comment at Council, sign-up for a speaker card, review talking points, and get your message to Council!

What's at Stake: The City Council faces an unprecedented budget challenge. The additional proposed 50% cut to the Arts 1) is disproportionate to other City program cuts, 2) stands to cripple the arts sector, and 3) significantly reduces City tax revenues. Oakland is currently 13th in the nation for Arts Businesses per capita.

For every $1 the City invests in arts and culture, the City gets back $4 in fees, licenses and taxes. Nonprofit Arts in Oakland generate over $103 million in total gross annual economic activity and provide more than 5,000 jobs. The proposed cut means less revenue, more arts organizations closing their doors, loss of jobs and irreversible damage to the sector's infrastructure. The Arts are a means of economic investment and renewal for Oakland! STOP THE 50% ARTS CUT!

---

Supporting Documentation & Resources:

A. SAMPLE Letter/Email:
Dear Council Member ________________,
Oakland Arts are the means to Oakland's economic renewal and are fundamental to our quality of life. It has come to my attention that the City Council is considering a disastrous and disproportionate 50% cut to the Cultural Funding Program.
As a concerned citizen, I understand that difficult choices need to be made to ensure that essential services and infrastructure remain in place. I also understand that there are no easy solutions to our budget crisis. However, I believe a disproportionate cut to the arts exacerbates the crisis, cripples Oakland's nationally ranked arts sector, and undermines our economic competitiveness, the compassion within our communities, and our investment in our future. I call upon you to mitigate the Arts cuts through a lens of equity and proportionality. Thank you for your leadership in investing in a better Oakland.
Sincerely,

B. Council Contacts:
District 1, Jane Brunner, jbrunner@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7001;
District 2, Pat Kernighan,pkernighan@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7002;
District 3, Nancy Nadel, nnadel@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7003;
District 4, Jean Quan, jquan@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7004;
District 5, Ignacio de la Fuente. idelafuente@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7005;
District 6, Desley Brooks, dbrooks@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7006;
District 7, Larry Reid, lreid@oaklandnet.com, (510) 238-7007
At-Large, Rebecca Kaplan, rkaplan@oaklandnet.com (510) 238-7008

Not sure who your council member is? Click here to find out: http://gismaps.oaklandnet.com/councils/

C. Key Talking Points - Nonprofit Arts in Oakland:

13th in the nation for Arts Businesses per capita.
Generates over $103 million in economic activity
Provides more than 5,000 jobs.
Produces more than $ 4 million in revenue to local government

Arts funding is a Low Cost Investment with High Economic and Cultural Return

Arts are a means of community and cultural development

Art serves public safety, violence prevention and saves lives

Arts education contributes to academic success and increased skill development for youth

Art generates revenue; If the arts decline then other businesses decline in a ripple effect.

Oakland benefits from one of the largest artist populations in the country

Art Cuts = Bad press for the City and undermine national and regional marketing campaigns

Additional Resources and References available online: http://www.proartsgallery.org/oaklandCulturalTrust/artsAction20100401.php

Community Organizing is our best option for ensuring the survival and sustainability of Oakland Arts. Please forward this email to friends, colleagues and mailing lists; the arts have strength in numbers.

Thank you for your support,
Margo

Chair, Oakland Cultural Trust

Mission: The Oakland Cultural Trust advocates for a vibrant, safe and sustainable Oakland by policies and action that support and nurture the vitality of Oakland artists and cultural organizations. More Info: http://proartsgallery.org/oaklandCulturalTrust

Oakland Indie Awards! Nominate & Save the Date

2010-03-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

OneCalifornia Foundation, in conjunction with East Bay Express are happy to invite you to the 4th Annual Oakland Indie Awards held Friday, May 14th at The Pavilion in Oakland's Jack London Square.

We hope you will save the date and that you will help us honor and celebrate Oakland businesses and artists by nominating them for an award.

Nominate by March 24
Nominate the Oakland businesses and artists that make a difference in our neighborhoods for categories like Oakland Soul, Ripple, Greenie, Innovator, and more!

Winners will be announced at the party - come help us celebrate! You'll get to taste Oakland wine, beer, chocolates, teas, baked goods, dips, sauces, tapas and so much more! Talk to hundreds of other Oakland lovers, and chill to Oakland tunes.

Party - Friday May 14, 2009
5:30 - 9pm
Jack London Pavillion
98 Broadway, Oakland
(formerly Barnes & Noble)

Citywide Earthquake Response Practice April 24

2010-03-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

CORE, or Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies, is holding its annual exercise on April 24, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to give neighbors an opportunity to come together and practice responding to a disaster. The scenario for 2010 is based on a 7.0 magnitude quake on the Hayward Fault, centered in North Oakland.

If you are part of a HarriOak CORE group, or you'd like to take part in this exercise, please email harrioak@yahoo.com, or please respond in the comments. We'd like everyone who is interested to have a chance to participate.

You can find more information about the exercise on CORE's Web site.

Meet Mayoral Canidate Jean Quan

2010-03-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

Naomi Schiff, James E. Vann and Iris Winogrond have been canvassing this morning in support of Jean Quan's bid for mayor. I tried to scan their flyer, but the results are not so great.

Here is the text:
Neighbors!
Join Us & Learn about Jean Quan's Run for Oakland Mayor in 2010

Wednesday, March 24, 7-8:30 p.m.
The Old Crow Tattoo
362 Grand Avenue

Jean knows Oakland from 20 years of public service and successful organizing as a parent, school board member and now council member. As Mayor, she will be accessible and organize our city block by block, school by school, neighborhood by neighborhood and kid by kid

Jean will work with you to:
* Be a true EDUCATION MAYOR -- the city's long-term success depends on better schools
* Prioritize PUBLIC SAFETY, community policing, schools and resident involvement to make our neighborhood thrive
* Promote JOBS and training for Oaklanders, incentives for SMALL BUSINESSES and AFFORDABLE HOUSING to invigorate our economy
* Encourage BALANCED DEVELOPMENT while maintaining the character of our neighborhoods and involve NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATIONS in local planning decisions!
* Expand WILDFIRE PREVENTION and DISASTER PREPAREDNESS efforts; create a greener sustainable city

Join our neighborhood discussion with Jean Quan!
Volunteer and donate up to $700 to help elect Jean in 2010!
Can't make it? Learn about other upcoming events by contacting us below.
RSVP: Iris Winogrond at iwinogrond@yahoo.com 510-836-7547

jeanquanforoakland.org

Dear Neighbors

I am supporting Jean Quan for Oakland Mayor in 2010 because she's smart, tough, passionate about Oakland and gets real results through hard work.

Building community block by block, Jean Quan has served Oakland with integrity, a tenacious spirit to dig deep into the issues that are important to us, and unwavering dedication to our communities. Oakland needs a Mayor who trule understands our city, and Jean has been an active Oakland resident for over 30 years. She knows this city, and, most importantly, knows how to get things done ad make real change working together with our communities.

Please join us to hear how Jean Quan will make a difference in Oakland as our very first woman Mayor! She is not for sale, and wants to end backroom pay-to-play politcs in City Hall. Jean has always stood for equity and will develop policies that will benefit families, seniors, and young people in our city.

Come to this informal coffee with Jean to talk about the future of our neighborhood and city on Wednesday, March 24, 7-8:30 p.m. at The Old Crow Tattoo, 362 Grand Avenue. If you will join us, please RSVP to iwinogrond@yahoo.com. To learn more about Jean and her work, check out and subscribe to her acclaimed newsletter www.jeanquan.org.

Sincerely,

Naomi Schiff, James E. Vann, and Iris Winogrong

Chief Batts shares his vision for Oakland

2010-03-13T13:41:00.001-08:00

OPD Strategic Plan

New Play at FCC

2010-03-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

New Play

Message from OPD's Capt Toribio (head of our area)

2010-02-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

"Our dispatch center is experiencing problems with the non-emergency line
(777-3333). The answering message citizens hear when the call is not
immediately answered is not working. The line will either keep ringing,
or there will be dead air.
"The call is still going through and it will be answered as soon as
possible. Please do not call 9-1-1 or the seven-digit emergency number
(777-3211) for non-emergency calls.
"The problem is expected to continue until tomorrow morning when the
system will be repaired."

Great Art + Fabulous Music too! Can you think of a better way to spend a Friday or Saturday night?

2010-01-28T21:16:00.000-08:00

Hey HarriOak there is an Art Show this weekend in our neighborhood. Walking distance from your house - come on by.

We ordered clear skies, a full moon, compelling and thought-provoking art and amazing musicians to add sound to our art + community experience for the latest Frisbie St. Art Show: Illuminating Shadows.

We can’t promise the clear skies or that you will be able to see the full moon – but the art and music will be here for your enjoyment on Friday and Saturday nights. The show opens at 6pm on Friday and closes at 5pm on Sunday. Here’s the schedule:

Friday, Jan 29
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Show Opening
Music by Zoe Boekbinder and Dakota Belle Witt

Saturday, Jan. 30
4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Music by Cara Wick and Kim Lembo

Sunday, Jan. 31
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
Show Closing

Address: 204 Frisbie St./corner of Fairmount. For more information: www.frisbiest.com. Hope to see you there.

Free Events for the HarriOak Community

2010-01-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

This is post for everyone in the HarriOak neighborhood - or anyone who wants to attend one of the free community events listed below.

All events will be held and hosted by the First Christian Church - 111 Fairmount Avenue (up the hill from the Grocery Outlet, at the corner of Fairmount and 29th.)

And if you're not religious, don't worry about proselytizing - the pastor, Sandhya Jha, is not focused on conversion but on creating inclusive community and peaceful, safe neighborhoods.

Plus, the church building is just cool. Built in 1928, it's 82 years old and full of Oakland history. Sandhya gave me a tour and there are fascinating stories and mysterious nooks and crannies.

Thursday, January 21, 7 PM: The Congregation: A Reader's Theater
Come to a dramatic reading of scenes from The Congregation, a new screenplay by Writer/Director Robert T. Fields. Enjoy the story of a typical (or not-so-typical) church wrestling with issues of judgment, compassion, family tension, and figuring out how to make love matter more than "keeping up appearances." Excerpts from the new screenplay will be "test run."

January 28, 7 PM: Community Movie Night!
Bring the family for popcorn, soda and a viewing of "The Garden," a documentary about a community garden in South Central Los Angeles. Afterwards, learn about People's Grocery and other efforts to "Green" our city!

February 4, 8 PM: PEACE TALKS: A spoken word event
Come for spoken word poetry on the theme of violence, peace, and the pursuit of a just and peace-filled city.

February 11, 7 PM: SAVING PARADISE: *How Christianity Traded Love of This World for Crucifixion and Empire* Hear internationally acclaimed author Rita Brock speak on her most recent book. "For a thousand years, Christians did not depict Jesus dead. Why not? And what happened that crucifixion eventually took center stage and became the core of Christian faith?"

Looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible!

Peace,
Sandhya Jha
Pastor

Click It and Fix It!

2010-01-04T19:52:00.000-08:00

The New York Times has a story today about a local advocacy Web site called SeeClickFix.com that encourages folks to post complaints about issues that occur in their neighborhoods like graffiti or pot holes. The idea is the site will communicate with the appropriate agency on your behalf. I am not sure it is wise to depend on this site, which was started as a volunteer project (it has since raised investment money). But if you log your complaint and call one of the numbers for listed on the Harrioak.com sidebar, you are likely to get some action. (You can invite the city worker to respond to the complaint on the site, as soon as the problem is fixed!)

To start us off, I made a note about the styrofoam peanuts that were blanketing Oakland Avenue this morning. They apparently got dumped during routine garbage pickup. Unfortunately they are not only dirtying the street, they are rapidly being swept toward the storm drains that empty directly into Lake Merritt. I stuffed my pockets full of the foam peanuts this morning on the way to work, but I didn't have time to pick up them all. If other folks chip in, we can all help keep Lake Merritt clean and healthy.

Many mailing/packing facilities will accept and reuse styrofoam peanuts. You can also call Plastic Loose Fill Council at 1-800-828-2214 or visit StopWaste.org.

I

Great post on HarriOak Ave. Plan

2009-12-17T21:59:00.000-08:00

V Smoothe has a comprehensive and informative overview on "A Better Oakland" about the Harrison Street/Oakland Avenue Corridor Community Based Transportation Plan - including pictures and a description of our neighborhood as "adorable." Read the post here: Traffic calming in HarriOak

Assembly member Sandre Swanson's holiday party

2009-12-05T18:42:00.000-08:00

Assemblymember Sandré Swanson Invites You to join us for our

Annual Joint Holiday Party...

Where we will discuss current state and legislative issues.

December 9th, 2009
5 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Uptown Body & Fender
401 - 26th Street
Oakland, CA 94612

New Coffee Shop in the Neighborhood

2009-12-02T22:31:00.000-08:00

Thursday, 12/3, 5-8pm
FARLEY'S NON-PROFIT HAPPY HOUR
Farley's East, 33 Grand Ave, Oakland.

This new coffee shop and community center will be featuring the Oakland Innovators award program during their "Non-Profit Happy Hour" from 5-8pm.

Enjoy free appetizers while raising funds to support the 2010 Oakland Innovators award winners. Twenty percent of the evening's sales will be donated to the Oakland Innovators, so come and spend freely!

http://www.farleyscoffee.com/

HarriOak Turkey Giveaway

2009-11-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

Project Darreis at the TGN Foundation is holding its third annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 21, 2009. They are seeking donations of canned foods and nonperishable foods as well as monetary donations to buy turkeys. For additional information or if you know of someone who is in need of a Thanksgiving food basket or other assistance please call 510-467-5053 or e-mail projectdarreis@yahoo.com

Free Art Day at Frisbie St. this Sunday from 1-5 pm

2009-11-14T08:23:00.000-08:00

Inspired by the book You are Here: Personal Geographies and Other Maps of the Imagination by Katharine Harmon on Sunday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 5 pm we'll be making maps at Frisbie St.

Come explore some aspect of your inner or outer world. Create a visual map of the territory and discover new dimensions. We'll be creating our maps using collage materials and other art supplies. Let your imagination be your guide.

This is a free event and basic supplies will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own materials as well.

"Mapmaking fulfills one of our most ancient and deep-seated desires: understanding the world around us and our place in it. But maps need not just show continents and oceans: there are maps to heaven and hell; to happiness and despair; maps of moods, matrimony, and mythological places....Artists' maps show another kind of uncharted realm: the imagination.

What all these maps have in common is their creators' willingness to venture beyond the boundaries of geography or convention."

- Katharine Harmon

Please R.S.V.P to lanell (at) frisbiest (dot) com.
Frisibe St. Art Days take place at 204 Frisbie St. in Oakland, CA.

Neighborhood Watch Signs on Oakland Avenue

2009-10-24T12:10:00.001-07:00

Where would you like to see Neighborhood Watch Signs on the 300 block of Oakland Avenue?
Please take this poll:

Please note that individual responses will only be seen the block captain and co-captain of the 300 block.

FTC Soliciting Comments from Owners of Local Sites

2009-10-17T22:41:00.000-07:00

From Town Crier to Bloggers:
How Will Journalism Survive the Internet Age?

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice Announcing Public Workshops and Opportunity for Comment.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (``FTC'' or ``Commission'')
announces that it will hold two days of public workshops on December 1
and 2, 2009, to examine the Internet's impact on journalism in
newspapers, magazines, broadcast television and radio, and cable
television. The Internet has changed how many consumers receive news
and altered the advertising landscape. Low entry barriers on the
Internet have allowed new voices of journalism to emerge; the Internet-
enabled links from one web site to another have given consumers easy
access to all types of news; efficiencies available through the
Internet have substantially reduced advertising costs. These and other
changes related to the Internet have benefited consumers greatly.
At the same time, however, lower online advertising costs have
reduced advertising revenues to news organizations that rely on those
revenues for the majority of their funding. The explosion in the number
and types of web sites has increased the supply of advertising
locations. As that supply has increased, advertisers now pay less for
online advertising, and some advertising has moved from print,
television, or radio to online sites. In addition, most online news is
offered free, so online readers of news frequently do not contribute
subscription revenues to news media.
These developments are challenging the ability of news
organizations to fund journalism. The workshops will consider a wide
range of issues, including: (1) the economics of journalism on the
Internet and in more traditional media; (2) how the business models of
different types of news organizations may evolve in response to the
challenges associated with the Internet; (3) innovative forms of
journalism that have emerged on the Internet; (4) how competition may
evolve in markets for journalism and advertising; and (5) changes in
governmental policies that have been proposed as ways to support
journalism.
The Commission seeks the views of the news media and the legal,
academic, consumer, and business communities on the issues to be
explored at the hearings. This notice poses a series of questions on
which the Commission seeks comment.

DATES: The dates for the workshops are December 1 and 2, 2009. Comments
must be received by November 6, 2009, to be considered in preparing for
the workshops.

ADDRESSES: The workshops will be held at the FTC's Conference Center
located at 601 New Jersey Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001. Those who
plan to attend are encouraged to pre-register by sending an email to
(newsmediaworkshop@ftc.gov). This information will be used for planning
purposes only. Interested parties are invited to submit written
comments electronically or in paper form, by following the instructions
in the Instructions For Filing Comments part of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section below. Comments filed in electronic form should be
submitted by using the following weblink: (http://
public.commentworks.com/ftc/newsmediaworkshop) and following the
instructions on the web-based form. Comments in paper form should be
mailed or delivered to the following address: Federal Trade Commission,
Office of the Secretary, Room H-135 (Annex F), 600 Pennsylvania Avenue,
NW, Washington, DC 20580, in the manner detailed in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jessica Hoke, Office of Policy
Planning, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.,

[[Page 51606]]

Washington, D.C. 20580; telephone (202) 326-3291; e-mail:
(newsmediaworkshop@ftc.gov). Detailed agendas for the workshops will be
made available at the workshop webpage, which will be accessible from
the FTC Home Page (http://www.ftc.gov).

PSA: Commemorative Art Project

2009-10-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland is soliciting donations for a commemorative art work that will express feelings of loss for the deaths of four Oakland police officers earlier this year and serve as a symbolic hope for the future of Oakland.

About the Fallen Four

On March 21, 2009, Motorcycle Officer Sgt. Mark Dunakin, SWAT Sgt, Ervin Romans, SWAT Sgt. Daniel Sakai, and Motorcycle Officer John Hege, were shot to death in the line of duty in East Oakland. This incredibly tragic and traumatic event galvanized the Oakland community, and resulted in a show of grief and support for the OPD family that had never been seen before.

About UNCO

The United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland was formed in 2008 in response to the dearth of public information on the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) system and the lack of formal communication among all Neighborhood Councils in the City of Oakland, California.

Description

UNCO seeks a final work that demonstrates artistic excellence in quality of workmanship and materials, originality of concept, durability of design and materials, minimum maintenance requirements and resistance to vandalism.

Target Budget

UNCO has set $3,000.00 as a goal to be raised for this project. This amount will cover all costs associated with every phase of the project, including the artist’s design, all production and management fees, travel expenses associated with the project, insurance, materials, cost of fabrication and installation and any other applicable costs.

Contact: José A. Dorado, UNCO Vice-Chair, (510) 326-4810, jdorado@sbcglobal.net

Photo courtesy of Thomas Hawk

Indy Arts & Media Event in Berkeley on Sept. 25

2009-09-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

Usually the HarriOak News tries to focus on events in our neighborhood, but we are making an exception for this Indy Arts & Media Event. Indy Arts is a big supporter of local artists and media makers and this event is just a short bike ride (or BART ride) away. Here is a message from Clarissa Morales Roberts, the executive director:

Dear Artists and Culture Makers and Innovators,

Greetings! I would like to take this opportunity to extend a very special invitation to an event this Friday, September 25th from 12:00N to 7:00PM at the David Brower Center in Berkeley, California, just steps from BART!

As part of our 10th Annual Expo for Independent Arts, Independent Arts & Media is very excited to present our first Symposium for Artists, a day of Workshops, Panel Discussions, Networking & Collaboration. This event has a sliding scale and was created specifically with the independent artist and culture makers in mind! No one will be turned away for inability to pay!

Our Panel Discussions will cover the State of the Arts, Arts Funding, Issues for the Working Artist, and Community 2.0 - How Artists can capitalize on Social Media. In addition we will have numerous workshops that cover Marketing, Events, Fund Development and even Elevator Pitches in a real Elevator!

Please join us in Berkeley this Friday. Detailed information is available on the Indy Arts website; all links are listed below. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or require additional information. We truly hope to see you there.

Also, as mentioned before, the Symposium is part of our larger Expo for Independent Arts in Golden Gate Park on Saturday September 26th from 11:00AM to 6:00PM. The Expo is like a giant Show and Tell where we get to showcase the amazing melange of Bay Area arts and culture. This year's event is sure to be amazing with the addition of the Four Corners Mural Project, our annual Performance Showcase and 5000 friends you never knew you had! This event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted!

To Register visit: http://exposymposium-09.eventbrite.com/
For Info about the Symposium visit: http://artsandmedia.net/2009/08/expo_symposium_for_independent.html
For Info about the Expo for Independent Arts visit: http://artsandmedia.net/2009/08/the_10th_annual_expo_for_indep.html

Very best regards,

Clarisa

Clarisa Morales Roberts
Executive Director
Independent Arts & Media
www.artsandmedia.net
707.342.3815 (m)
415.738.4975 (o)

A video from the 2007 Expo:

HarriOak Community Dinner

2009-09-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

Hi! Marla, one of our newest neighbors, had the great idea of starting monthly community dinners for our neighborhood.

We're hosting the first one next Sunday, Sept. 27th at 6:00 pm at Frisbie St. in conjunction with the latest Frisbie St. Art show. Marla's band will be playing (starting at 3:30 pm) and we have a great backyard space so come hang out.

1st Community Dinner
Sunday, Sept. 27th at 6:00 pm
at 204 Frisbie St. /Fairmount

Bring food to share + non-alcoholic drinks. Kid friendly event.

(Frisbie St. is an alcohol free event space - we’re not opposed to drinking - just want to create a friendly space where the whole community can comfortably hang out. If you’re trying to beat alcohol addiction it’s hard to find social gatherings without it. Thanks for understanding.)

Look forward to seeing you - email (lanell at frisbiest dot com) or stop by if you have any questions.

:) Lanell

3 Day Art Event @ Frisbie St.

2009-09-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

The latest Art Exhibition at Frisbie St. features photography by 18 women artists exploring stillness and motion through the camera lens. Come check it out!

Here's the schedule:

SHOW OPENING: Friday, Sept 25 * 6 to 9 pm with live music by Aire Redtree

Show continues: Saturday, Sept 26 * 1 to 8 pm with mobile making for kids & adults from 1 to 5 pm led by artist Orna Pascal

SHOW CLOSING: Sunday, Sept 27 * 1 to 5 pm with mobile making for kids & adults led by artist Scott D.S. Young and live music by Oyster Stew Band and Bossafide

Exhibiting Artists: Alyson Belcher * Kirsten Berg * Michelle Bloomberg * Mercy Calman * Perrin Elkind * Susan Freundlich * Leanne Grossman * Rachel Humphrey * Tina Hosseinzadeh * Becky Jaffe * Courtney McCutcheon * Ayesha Mattu * Jessica Neasbitt * Alli Novak * Aphra Pia *Diane Rosenblum * Orkid Sassouni * Mollee Weaver

Curated by Lanell Dike and Becky Jaffe

Location: 204 Frisbie St. (corner of Frisbie & Fairmont)

Public Media Collaborative Event, Oct. 23 & 24

2009-09-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

REPORT FROM NCPC MEETING: Burglary alert

2009-09-11T08:59:00.001-07:00

During the past month at least three homes were burglarized on Harrison, Frisbie and Kempton. Burglars have been entering through windows and in at least one instance have kicked down a door. Three juveniles who live in the neighborhood near Harrison have been associated with the burglaries. They are usually seen riding bikes. Two are African American and one is a skinny Latino who wears a ponytail. At least one of their mothers is concerned about their activities. Please keep an eye out and call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you see anything suspicious. If you have the opportunity, please take a picture with your phone or camera. Previous burglars who targeted HarriOak residents were caught because quick-thinking residents called the police. Unfortunately, during a recent burglary on Frisbie, a neighbor watched entire incident transpire and the criminals depart before contacting the police. That is an example of what NOT to do. Please help keep the neighborhood safe by calling the police immediately. In the case of the Frisbie burglary, the burglars brought a bat and apparently planned a home invasion. Luckily, no one was home. Nothing of value was taken.

2nd Annual HarriOak Block Sale THIS Sunday, Sept 13

2009-09-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

2nd Annual HarriOak Block Sale, Sunday, September 13!!

WHEN: Sunday, September 13, 9am-4pm
WHERE: In front of YOUR house/apt!
WHAT: Sell your stuff (buy some new cool stuff) make some $$, (spend some $$), and enjoy the late summer sun with your neighbors!

Got questions? Call Stefani 510-978-2554
She’ll be settin’ up her shabby chic shop at 360 Oakland Ave.
Come by, say hi, and see what treasures you might find for CHEAP!

You can help us out by BLOGGING, TWEETING & FACEBOOK-ING this event on your account!

Furniture, clothes, plants, kitchenware, collectibles, a complete stereo system, an awesome keyboard, office furniture & supplies, printers, a1960’s WHITE sewing machine that works perfectly, dining room chairs, lg bookshelves, bikes, computer equipment, books, videos, art & art supplies, tools, toys, sewing & knitting supplies, fabric and MUCH MORE!

New Sidewalk, New Bike Lane and Parking Ticket Forgiveness, Oh My!

2009-09-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

The past few months have brought a bunch of improvements to Oakland Avenue.
In an effort to calm traffic and slow down lead-foot drivers, the city has narrowed the traffic lanes and used the extra space for a bike lane. This week, the city also began fixing sidewalks that had been chewed up by the roots of city-owned trees. This means older and disabled residents can once again navigate the street without fear of tripping.

Thanks to the efforts of Stefani Charren and Barton Mayhew, the City has directed parking ticket writers to stop citing folks for parking in front of driveways unless there is a complaint or the red tips of the driveway, if any, are encroached.
While it remains illegal to block someone else's driveway, HarriOak residents can now park in front of their own driveways, increasing the available amount of parking spaces on our street. Let's count this as another victory for common sense and responsive government and give a hat tip to Wladimir Wlassowsky of Public Works.

Neighborhood Crime Meeting September 10

2009-09-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

REMINDER: The regular NCPC meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 at Providence House at 540 23rd Street. This is the bimonthly opportunity to meet with representatives from the Oakland Police Department to talk about trouble spots and set priorities for addressing problem areas in Beat 8x.

Upcoming Art Days @ Frisbie St.

2009-08-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

(Frisbie St. is our local neighborhood art gallery & community art space - located at 204 Frisbie St.)

LEARN TO MAKE A HANDBOUND JOURNAL

There are still a few spots left in Leah Virsik’s book making class. A bargin at $35, this class for beginners will teach you how to make your own stitch bound journal.

Join us next Sunday, August 30 from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
For more information and to register: Bookbinding with Leah Virsik

———————————————————-

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Come talk with photographers Myles Boisen and Becky Jaffe to ask your questions and learn new skills. Myles will share tips on how to tell stories with your photos and Becky will talk about how to interview and connect with a model in a responsible and conscious way. This is a free event and all questions and levels of expertise are welcome.

Sunday, Sept. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m.
For more info: Photography Q & A

Parking Changes

2009-08-13T08:16:00.001-07:00

Another press release from the city: Evening hours on the meters are extended and tickets will be transferable from one location to another until they expire.

Oakland, CA - Mayor Ron Dellums announced today that effective Monday, August 10, parking time limits on all multi-space parking kiosks in Oakland will be extended to allow three (3) hours of parking after 5 pm. Under the current system, some commercial districts are zoned for a maximum of one or two hours of parking. This new change will rezone all commercial districts with the multi-space electronic kiosks to allow for a maximum of three hours of parking after 5 pm.

The City of Oakland is making this immediate change to make it easier for patrons to park in the evening hours without risking a parking ticket. The change will be implemented under the City Administrator's authority during the City Council's August recess, and presented to the City Council for final approval in September.

"We recognize that the dynamics of a commercial district change in the evening hours and that merchants who may want to see more frequent turnover in parking spaces during the day need longer hours for their patrons to park in the evening," said City Administrator Dan Lindheim. "Oakland's dining and nightlife scene is hot; we have dozens of new restaurants that have opened up, as well as movie theaters and shopping. We want people to be able to enjoy all that Oakland has to offer in the evening hours without running the risk of getting a parking ticket."

The change is coupled with another change announced earlier this week which allows drivers to purchase a parking receipt at any of the City's multi-space meters, also known as "kiosks," and use the same receipt at any meter anywhere in Oakland as long as it has a valid time and date on it. The multi-space kiosks accept coins and credit/debit cards for payment. Under the old system, each time a driver parked in a space they were required to purchase a new receipt, regardless of how long they parked there. The receipts were previously not transferrable from parking space to parking spaces.

New Police Chief Announced

2009-08-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Here is the press release from the City Administrator's Office:

MAYOR DELLUMS ANNOUNCES ANTHONY BATTS AS OAKLAND ’S NEW CHIEF OF POLICE

OAKLAND – Marking an important milestone in the implementation of Oakland ’s comprehensive public safety strategy, Mayor Ron Dellums today announced Anthony Batts as Oakland ’s new Chief of Police. Batts brings nearly 30 years of experience as a member of the City of Long Beach Police Department, where he has served as Chief for the past seven years. Under his leadership, the crime rate in Long Beach fell to its lowest level since 1975, and officer-involved shootings have decreased by 70 percent.

“Chief Batts is an extraordinarily capable police chief whose professional expertise, outstanding leadership skills and brilliant operational savvy make him the right choice for Oakland . Coming from a similar-sized port city with one of the most diverse populations in the country, Chief Batts understands the complexity of running an urban police department and implementing change to improve the quality of life in Oakland and engage the community to enhance public safety. I am confident that our residents, police department staff and city officials alike will find Chief Batts to be an accomplished leader and a great police chief for Oakland ,” said Mayor Dellums.

At the outset of the selection process, Mayor Dellums established rigorous criteria for evaluating candidates for the new chief. He wanted a reform-minded chief who understands that public safety requires a multi-pronged approach (prevention, intervention, enforcement and sustainability) , who would fully implement community policing and whose commitment to achieving full compliance with the Negotiated Settlement Agreement overseen by Judge Thelton Henderson would serve to complete the reforms now underway in the Oakland Police Department.

The decision was made in consultation with well recognized policing experts, including a panel of leading police chiefs (such as Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton and San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón). In conjunction with members of the city council, criminologists and other community members, requirements for Oakland ’s next police chief were identified: (1) Oakland needs a police chief with extensive experience as a police chief; (2) Oakland needs a chief who is committed to reform; and (3) the chief must be unwaveringly committed to community policing. Mayor Dellums said: “Chief Batts personifies these characteristics. I want to applaud and thank members of the City Council, members of the community and the expert panel for their valuable assistance.”

“Chief Batts is not only respected by the residents of Long Beach , but he is considered one of the real stars in the country,” Mayor Dellums continued. “With his leadership, we will continue to build upon the successful efforts now underway in the city of Oakland such as reorganized public safety districts, geographic accountability, innovative public-private partnerships, public safety coordination and our commitment to community policing, all of which have contributed to double-digit decrease in crime during the last year.”

Chief Batts said: “Safety, service and hope are the building blocks we provide to a community rich in diversity, opportunity and promise. Our job is to turn citizen concerns into our service imperatives.”

Mayor Dellums thanked Chief Howard Jordan for an exemplary job as Acting Police Chief. “He is a stalwart public servant and a champion for his staff and this city. I know that he will work diligently with Chief Batts as we move forward with the necessary reforms to implement change and improve the quality of life for all of our residents.”

Chief Jordan will remain Acting Police Chief until Chief Batts officially starts his new role in September.

Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts will sit down with media on Monday, August 17 at 1 pm at City Hall

BIOGRAPHICAL BACKGROUND ON CHIEF BATTS

In 1982, Chief Batts started out on street patrol and worked his way up to Long Beach ’s Chief of Police in 2002. Chief Batts has been responsible for a department consisting of 1,500 employees and a $200 million budget. Chief Batts served as a recognized agent of change throughout his nearly 30 year career with the Department. His innovative style has been utilized numerous times during his career to transform low-performing units into high performers. For more information regarding Chief Batts’ thoughts on protecting a city, please read “Community Oriented Public Safety: The Long Beach Experience”: http://findarticles .com/p/articles/ mi_m2194/ is_1_75/ai_ n16114607/

Chief Batts received a B.S. degree in Law Enforcement Administration from California State University, Long Beach; a Masters in Business Management from the University of Redlands; and a Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of La Verne. He is a graduate of the following executive programs: Harvard University Executive Development Course, FBI National Executive Institute, Police Executive Training Course, University of Southern California Delinquency Control Institute, FBI National Academy , Leadership Long Beach, Law Enforcement Command College , and International Association of Chiefs of Police S.W.A.T. Commander School. He is an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, California Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Major Cities Association, and the Police Executive Research Forum.

Chief Batts has received numerous awards and commendations for heroism, crime reduction, community activism, and innovative programs at the local, state, and national level, including: California State University Alumni of the Year, Boy Scouts Distinguished Citizen Award, Leadership Long Beach Alumnus of the Year and recently honored by the Anti-Defamation League for his community outreach in an effort to erase anti-Semitism, bigotry and intolerance.

Adams Point Action Council Meeting on Tuesday August 11

2009-08-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

Jonathan Klein of Great Oakland Public Schools is the featured speaker at APAC's regular monthly meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11 at 7 p.m. For those who are new to the neighborhood, APAC is the community group that represents people living on our side of Lake Merritt and they welcome participation by Harrioakers.

Adams Point Action Council (APAC)
Tuesday, August 11, 7 - 8:15 pm
Bellevue Club, 525 Bellevue Ave. (Free parking in building)
7:00 - Welcome
7:05 - Community Policing Report
Problem Solving Officer Tim Bergquist
7:20 - Special Guest
Jonathan Klein
GO (Great Oakland) Public Schools
Mission: Provide leadership, advocacy, and information to continue the successful education reforms in Oakland, further empower Oaklanders to influence education policy, and ensure that all students have access to quality school options in their neighborhood and throughout the city.
7:50 - Community Announcements

Coffee, tea, and water will be served, courtesy of The Bellevue Club

Art Murmur and "Best of" Party at Oakland Museum

2009-08-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Lots of options for Free Friday night fun in Oakland. Don't miss the BEST party of the year with the Best of the East Bay, sponsored by East Bay Express and hosted by the Oakland Museum from 5:00 pm till midnight. Here's a list of some of the attractions (did I mention that the event is free?)

Eight stages featuring a wide range of live music (including Goapele)
Film screenings, dance, theatre, and live art making
Tattoo art exhibition
Classic car and Harley show
Contact sports and professional wrestling ring
Outdoor village of food, drinks, artists, retailers, and nonprofits
Subterranean all-star DJ party
Spectacles galore

Read the Event Blog for tons more exciting details.

Of course all the Art Galleries, Collectives and other Art spaces in Oakland will be open too for First Friday Art Murmur - most of them with new shows.

It's always hard to choose where to go with so many great options. I like the sound of the latest exhibit opening at Oakopolis:

"Sounding Art presents a new orchestra of instruments that change how we hear, see and make music. Curated by Anne Hege, this is an exhibition of modern instruments by Perry Cook, Lisa Coons, Anne Hege, Jay Kreimer, Peter Musselman, and Dan Truman.

We can experience how the sound changes when it isn't a keyboard being played, but a metal tendril being stroked, a long ribbon being pulled or a suitcase being tapped. (Photo: Three Hands, Three Flowers by Jay Kreimer)" 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. @ 447 25th Street.

SFGate on Oakland's Parking Brouhaha

2009-07-30T07:14:00.000-07:00

Reporter Matthai Kurvila weighs in with a story about about protests being organized in Montclair, Temescal and Old Oakland.

Neighbor's Report on Budget Meeting: "Cuts Not Too Bad"

2009-07-29T11:37:00.000-07:00

Naomi Schiff, an awesome graphic designer and owner of Seventeenth Street Studios, attended the budget meeting last night and brought back this report:

"City Council members proposed an alternate menu of budget cuts. They preserved library, parks & rec, and neighborhood services, which is great. No major cuts to these things. City is getting 41 police officers courtesy of the federal govt. And the police union has made some concessions.

On the bad side, but not yet needing action before the council, the state plans to grab $41 million dollars of our redevelopment money. There's a little more time for them to fight that one, in cooperation with other cities and counties being plundered.

Some cuts are worrisome, but we don't know quite what effects will be: There were cuts to the zoning budget, in the midst of a citywide zoning update, a cut to the auditor's office, and some freezing of library positions which are vacant.

The other bad news is that we may see more of this kind of discussion in September after the break, and after the city and state revenue numbers are known better.

But, for the moment, dodged a bullet. Enjoy your libraries and parks, and volunteer to help them out if you have any time and energy available!"

Neighborhood Strike Called to Protest Parking Crackdown

2009-07-28T19:06:00.000-07:00

Alan Michaan of the Grand Lake Theater is calling for a neighborhood strike to protest a parking crisis that has been precipitated by the City Council and, he says, is threatening the viability of local businesses. On Thursday, July 30 at 3:30 p.m., Michaan will host an open house at the Grand Lake Theater to brainstorm additional solutions.
In a recent letter to fellow merchants, Michaan wrote that "the city council has declared war on our businesses, our customers and Oakland residents." Along with "an avalanche of parking tickets," people are no longer able to park for free after 6 p.m. because the hours of parking meters have been extended, he noted. As many HarriOak residents have discovered there has also been a steep increase in the cost of fines for parking violations. "In an effort to raise funds, the Oakland City Council has placed a higher priority on generating short-term funds via an aggressive, unreasonable and punitive parking policy over the long term viability of our shopping districts," Michaan wrote.
Michaan said all business should close on Thursday August 6 in order to bring national media attention to Oakland's disasterous local government. In addition he is suggesting gathering signatures to petition the City Council to change the policy or face a citywide recall campaign.

EDITOR'S NOTE: As Dto510 points out in the comments: "The Grand Lake Theater has for years enjoyed city-subsidized free parking, and Lakeshore has a city lot that's not metered, while Montclair and Piedmont's city lots are metered. Seems like somebody's gotten spoiled..."
If you want informative Oakland Tweets, follow Dto510 on Twitter.

grand lake parking meeting -

Budget Meeting Today

2009-07-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

A Better Oakland has a very good summary of the budgets cuts being considered by the City Council today. All council members, except for Nancy Nadel who represents HarriOak, are expected to be there. Accoring to A Better Oakland, Nadel is dialing in from Jamaica. Must be nice to get paid to deal with the public's business while sipping rum drinks on a beach, especially when you barely squeaked by your re-election. (Nadel was relected June 3, 2008 by 51.3 percent of the voters or 4,503 votes.)

Here is the budget proposal.

Call for Police Transparency

2009-07-28T08:39:00.001-07:00

Thomas Peele, the lone investigative reporter left in the East Bay for the Media News newspaper conglomerate, wrote a column this week calling for more police transparency in the tragic killing of four Oakland police officers in March.
Peele requested -- and was denied -- the 911 tapes and dispatcher broadcasts about the shootings. These are public records and in police shootings in other areas of the country they have revealed horrible errors and needless mistakes -- made by the police themselves.
As Peele points out, the public deserves to know how it was possible for two highly trained SWAT sergeants to be killed while arresting a gunman known to be extremely dangerous. It's a good question, and one that was lost in outpouring of grief surrounding the deaths.
Acting Police Chief Howard Jordan, wants his officers to view the "media" -- the handful of reporters and bloggers who care about accountable government in Oakland -- as the enemy.
In a written message, Jordan said officers should "seek the confidence of those who are willing to help and guide us as opposed to those — the media — who seek to hurt us and discredit us to the public we are sworn to serve."
The problem with that approach is that it puts the officers, who already risk getting killed on the streets, in even greater danger due to the possible incompetence of their own department.
If everyone acted appropriately, Jordan should release the tapes. And if, as it is more likely, an error, a miscalculation, a miscommunication or negligence contributed to the killings, OPD owes it to its officers to disclose that fact publicly.

Photo courtesy of Thomas Hawk

LAKEFEST Street Festival - August 1 & 2

2009-07-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

It’s About that TIME…LAKEFEST ‘09 August 1-2

Lakefest ‘09, the second annual Lakeshore Avenue street festival, will take place on August 1-2 (Sat. & Sun) from 10am to 6pm. Lakeshore Ave will be turned into a pedestrian zone from Lake Park to Mandana to host this free community event featuring live music, artisans, merchant sidewalk sale, art installations, “green” businesses and non-profits, street performers, children’s fun zone.

Date: August 1st & 2nd (Sat. & Sun)
Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Lakeshore Avenue Business District, Lakeshore Ave exit off of 580 Freeway
(near Grand Ave and Lake Merritt)
Information: www.oaklandlakefest.com

Lakefest ‘09 is a free community event brought to you by Oakland Events, LLC and sponsored in part by the Lakeshore/Lake Park BID.

Save the Date: Neighborhood Event on Aug 4

2009-07-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

We're hosting a Neighborhood Night Out at 338 Fairmount Ave (green house on the corner of Frisbie St. and Fairmount - home of Marla and her roommate Liz) from 6:00 to 10:00 pm on Tuesday, August 4th. Hope you can join us!

Come meet your neighbors. Bring something to share if you'd like or just stop by to say hello. We look forward to seeing you.

:) Lanell

Art, Music & Dance - Sunday, July 26

2009-07-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Art, Music & Dance - the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

There's no need to figure out what you are going to do next Sunday. Come make some art at Frisbie St. and then head over to Splash Pad Park (across from Grand Lake Theatre) for the Oaklandish Salsa Party. See you there!

Frisbie St. Art Day! Next Sunday, July 26 from 1 to 5 p.m.
at 204 Frisbie St. (cross streets are Harrison Ave. & Fairmount)

Create your own Mandala or bring a pre-made design to life by adding your own colors and unique flair. Supplies will be provided. This is a free event led by Elka Vera and Lanell Dike.

For more information on the event click here. Fun for kids and adults. We’ll be outside in the backyard, join us!

Oaklandish Salsa by the Lake!

Sunday, July 26th from 2:00-7:00 pm
Splash Pad Park, across from the Grand Lake Theater (the location of the Grand Lake Farmers' Market).

A FREE annual event put on by Oaklandish. They had one in May that was so popular they're hosting another, their 'second' third annual Salsa by the Lake. Featuring LIVE Salsa by local group Pasion Habanera and FREE Salsa dance lessons!

Neighborhood Design Workshop Next Thursday

2009-07-16T17:35:00.000-07:00

The third workshop for the Harrison Street/Oakland Avenue Community Transportation Plan is a week from today, Thursday July 23, 2009, at the Westlake Middle School, Cafeteria; located at 2629 Harrison Street @ 27th Street.

The third workshop is an opportunity for the design team to receive feedback on the developed draft preferred alternative and prioritize elements of the designs. The team said it has lot of information to share with us are and they are hoping this will be a productive meeting. Please come early, if possible, to review the alternatives prior to a presentation that starts at 6:30 p.m.

Crucible Fire Arts Festival - July 15 - 18

2009-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

The schedule is jam packed with exciting activities and the hottest art and artists! For all the details and to buy tickets: The Crucible’s Fire Arts Festival.

About The Fire Arts Festival

“The Crucible’s Fire Arts Festival celebrates creativity through fire and light with a spectacular open-air exhibition of interactive fire art, performance and the largest collection of outdoor fire sculpture on the West Coast.

You’ll be dwarfed by gigantic sculptures, get hands-on with interactive installations, and experience an eye-popping array of cutting edge fire sculpture and art from the all over the country. Each evening, fire performers will awe and amaze the most discerning pyrophile and you’ll be dazzled by incredible music and dance performances.

It’s the must-see event of the summer.”

How to Choose?

2009-07-02T22:02:00.000-07:00

Wow. If you're not headed out of town for the 4th - there is a fantastic new line up of Art show openings (and a few closing) for Art Murmur Friday night. I've listed a few options below - but there are a ton more. Just get out and walk around, see what you find. Here's the map. Enjoy!

Our World, Through Our Eyes
by Digital Storytelling Photography Students, College Track Oakland
AWAKEN CAFE
414 14th St. at Broadway
(with music & hors d'oeurves)
5 to 8 pm

Help Me Remember How Beautiful the World Is
YaChin Bonny You
a series of drawings that serve as a visual aid to hep us notice the small and the beautiful in everyday life
THE COMPOUND GALLERY
6602 San Pablo Ave.
7 to 9 pm

"just because there are questions,
does not mean there are answers"
Joy Fritz, Sam Lopes, Matthew Momchilov, Matthew Pawlowski, Erik Scollon
The drawings and mixed media artifacts in the exhibition are a result of the artists' use of games to stay inspired and connected to their queer histories and futures.
BLANKSPACE
6608 San Pablo Ave.
CLOSING RECEPTION 7-10PM

Bay Area Currents 2009
Selections by Kevin B. Chen, Intersection for the Arts
Pro Arts at Oakland Art Gallery
150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
(Entrance on Kahn's Alley, Off Broadway at 15th St.)
Open till 9pm

Fascination: Revealing Women
Photographs by Myles Boisen
A solo gallery show at Cricket Engine Project Space
499 Embarcadero Bldg #3 in Oakland, CA
(5th Avenue and Embarcadero by the 880 freeway)
Closing reception: 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

Oakland Indie Award Winners 2009

2009-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the fun party at the Crucible this year for the Oakland Indie Awards, here is the list of winners - and you can browse through photos from the event too.

Organized and produced by OneCalifornia Foundation.

Oakland New Business Expo (Free)

2009-06-19T07:51:00.000-07:00

The 4th Annual New Business Expo is taking place next Thursday (June 25, 2009) from 11 am to 3 pm at Frank Ogawa Plaza in Downtown Oakland. Free Admission, billed as "the premier event for new entrepreneurs and those who are fired up about launching their own business in the new Era of Obama Economics!"

For more details: Ignite!

Also check out Urban Voice, hosts of the event - they offer an entrepreneurship training called Urban FIRE: "The class offers the achievement of entrepreneurship especially as it relates to social justice and forging greater economic potential for our low-income, inner-city neighborhoods."

Some Friday Night events

2009-06-18T13:28:00.000-07:00

If you're not sure what to do tomorrow night. Here are a couple of options:

Art Show Opening at Cricket Engine Project Space from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Fascination: Revealing Women - solo photography show
by Myles Boisen
Click here to see images from this upcoming show.
499 Embarcadero Bldg #3 in Oakland, CA
(5th Avenue and Embarcadero by the 880 freeway)
www.cricketengine.org

And, also happening tomorrow night....Her Music presents: BEATS FOR PEACE
a benefit for the BAY AREA RESCUE MISSION, a local homeless shelter.

9 pm to 6 am at the Bordello - 1247 E. 12th St. Oakland, 94606 (at 13th Street)

"In addition to donating directly to the charity from this event, we are raising funds to produce a BENEFIT ALBUM for this charity that will feature a variety of local bay area artists.

We've got a sweet line-up of Dubstep, Hip-Hop, Downtempo, Electro and more...Rawson will be painting live and sAne will be doing a live AV set that you won't want to miss. If you haven't been to the bordello, this location is magical, to say the least.

And if you would like to learn more about the BEATS FOR PEACE PROJECT and our upcoming record releases, please visit www.HERmusic.org. The BEATS FOR PEACE PROJECT produces BENEFIT ALBUMS and BENEFIT GATHERINGS focusing on HUNGER, HOMELESSNESS and POVERTY. Our motto is "Music with a Message".

An Event not to be missed: Thurs, June 18th Oakland Street Fair

2009-06-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

15 bands on three stages * light art show * food booths * free Fox and Paramount tours * and lots more fun activities. The event is centered in and around Telegraph Ave. from 16th Street to West Grand/Broadway.

And on Franklin Street (between 21st and 22nd streets) from 5 to 7pm there will be "A Taste of Uptown" with food and drinks from the local restaurants and bars.

For more information: www.meetdowntownoak.com

Art Murmur Line-up

2009-06-05T09:56:00.000-07:00

If you can't get enough Art then Oakland is the place to be! In addition to ProArts East Bay Open Studios this weekend with over 400 artists, the Oakland galleries are packed with tons of new art for tonight's Art Murmur.

Here is just a sampling:

Terminal 22 - an online gallery which is also opening a *new physical gallery* located at 2288 San Pablo Ave., (close to West Grand.) Opening party tonight from 6-9 p.m.

Oakopolis - on 25th street between Broadway and Telegraph - "Painting from a Deep Place" in honor of Leigh Hyams, 7-10 p.m.

"... Why do I draw and paint?... It holds me to the earth. It makes me feel closer to both the world around me and the one inside myself.... I can draw the wind and the sound of chickens, paint with dust and ashes and vegetables as well as oil and acrylics, make paintings that may be a valid addition to the planet, or at least, valid additions to some viewers' lives. I have no idea if it makes any difference in the scheme of things but it temporarily makes me whole."
--from How Painting Holds Me on the Earth by Leigh Hyams

21 Grand - (also on 25th street between Broadway and Telegraph) - "The Country Between Us" - Installation by Debra Stuckgold 7-10 p.m.

Debra Stuckgold combines screenprinting and pouring pools of transparent color to create her images. These are done on large sheets of mylar. Each sheet on its own appears like a topographical map, perhaps a geography of an imaginary territory. The sheets are transparent and installed in layers with empty space directly behind - allowing light to pass from behind as well as in front. The result is extravagant and near-ethereal, nudging the topograhic image toward a transcendence. This process was developed out of fascinations in the geological process she discovered while working on a geological dig. This installation reflects on the interrelation of Israel and Palestine and combines Jewish symbolism and elements of Islamic repetitive patterning.

Awaken Cafe - on 14th Street (close to Broadway) - Paintings by Eileen Hout and Live Music by Brass Menazeri with wine & hors d'oeuvers created by Chef Anderson Hardy.

For more places to go and art to see check the Art Murmur map.

Library Meeting Wednesday Night, June 3

2009-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

reposted from the Downtown Lake Merritt Neighborhood Group

Downtown Lake Merritt Neighbors:

Join library lovers in a meeting with Councilmember Jean Quan at the Dimond Library 7:00PM this Wednesday evening, June 3rd. We'll discuss creative and pragmatic ideas for how to keep our branches open (Lakeview and Temescal are in danger, along with four others) and our library thriving. Branch service reductions and other library programs such as adult literacy are threatened. PLEASE COME!

When: 7:00PM this Wednesday, June 3rd
Where: 3565 Fruitvale Avenue (above MacArthur, near Farmer Joe's market).

Great opportunity to see Art (and buy too)

2009-06-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

East Bay Open Studios, sponsored by Pro Arts will be launching this weekend. There are over 400 artists participating.

In our neighborhood there are three of us - Jane Barker Photography, Debra Jan Bibel at Studio Lone Mountain, and Breathe One Love artist, Lanell Dike (that's me.) We'd all love to see you - click on the links above for exact location and times.

Also, there is a preview exhibit at the Pro Arts Gallery. This is a great place to go for an overview of all the artists. I went last week and came home with over 50 postcards. There are fantastic artists living all around us. Check it out and join in.

p.s. I have extra Artist Directories if you need one to plan your art route - feel free to stop by and pick one up.

Walk to End Poverty this Saturday, 9am

2009-05-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

May 30, 2009, 9am-2pm at Oakland's Lake Merritt

Register 8.00 a.m. at the Lake Merritt Bandstand, across from the Garden Center at 666 Bellevue. The Walk begins at 9am. For more information: www.OaklandCAP.org

OPEN CALL BY CITY FOR PUBLIC ART

2009-05-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

The Oakland Open Proposals 2009-2010 program will commission multiple public art works for Oakland’s neighborhoods.

Eligibility: Oakland-based artists, in collaboration with local communities
Total funding available: $100,000
Application deadline: June 29, 2009

If you are interested in applying there is a workshop tonight: May 28th from 6:00 - 7:00 pm and Tuesday, June 2nd, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m in Oakland City Hall.

RSVP: Please call or email Steven Huss at 510-238-4949 or shuss@oaklandnet.com if you’d like to attend.

Full details on the Open Proposals program, including workshops and application procedures, can be found here. Or for a quick breakdown of important points V Smoothe summarizes here.

Oakland Open Proposals is a program of the City of Oakland Public Art Program, Cultural Arts & Marketing Division, Office of the City Administrator.

Help Save Lakeside Library

2009-05-27T16:50:00.000-07:00

This is a guest post from neighbors who are trying to keep the Lakeview Library open. Please read:

Lakeview Library is desperately scrambling to stay alive. The city
wants to cut its services in half, open only 3 days a week, even though
Lakeview's patronage exceeds that of four libraries which are used far
less. Our neighborhood uses Lakeview: More than a third of the April
petition's signatures were collected at Lakeview.

We're collecting and consolidating our community's voices, and have
launched:

Lakeview Library's Blog http://lakeviewlibrary.wordpress.com/

This blog will collect library stories and e-mails to city officials
and use them to demonstrate that our neighborhood wants and needs our
library.

1. Tell Us Your Your Library Story
ories/> .
http://lakeviewlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/tell-us-your-library-sto\
ries/

Why is the library is important to you? Use your own story and add a
personal flavor to our community'sentreaties. Did you meet the love of
your life there? Get coached for your citizenship exams? Learn to knit
or play chess? Discover a new genre of book or music? Send you and
your kids home every week with a new batch of bedtime stories? Tell
your story!

1. ELECTRONICALLY : Tell Us Your Library Stories as a comment to the
blog.
2. ON PAPER: For those who prefer crayon, ink, photographs, there's
a printable PDF. Just drop the completed form in Lakeview's drop slot.
3. Save Lakeview Library Blog

http://lakeviewlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/save-lakeview-library/
There's no dedicated e-mail address for Lakeview Library's Friends
group...yet. Until we get one, please take a moment to paste your
e-mails, letters or faxes to our mayor and council into the comments
section. ( You can print your letter or e-mail and drop in at Lakeview
if you prefer)

Please take a few minutes to visit the blog:
---cut-and-paste your letters to the city
---take a few more minutes to add your library story

Thanks!

Photo courtesy of Sean Sullivan

Garden Jubilee Celebration June 7 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

2009-05-27T16:44:00.001-07:00

You are invited to "Rediscover the Green Heart of Oakland," seven acres of themed gardens in Lakeside Park, on Sunday June 7, starting at 11 a.m. and lasting until 4 p.m. There will be gardening demonstrations, children's activities, art and food. For more information please contact gardensatlakemerritt at gmail dot com.

Photo courtesy of Gwen.

Budget Town Hall -- Tonight

2009-05-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

City of Oakland Hosts Televised Budget “ Town Hall ” Meeting

The public is invited to participate in a live televised " Budget Town Hall " meeting tonight night during which KTOP viewers can call in to have their budget questions answered on-air.

(a message from the City Administrator's office)

What: Televised Budget Town Hall Meeting

Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Where: Live on KTOP Channel 10 (Comcast cable subscribers) ; U-verse

How: Tune in to KTOP Channel 10

Viewers can call in during the show to ask a question: 238-7544 or send a question ahead of time to: budgetsuggestions@oaklandnet.com

Who: City Council President Jane Brunner

City Councilmember Jean Quan, Chair of the Council Finance Committee

City Administrator Dan Lindheim

Cheryl Taylor, Budget Director

The show will be taped live in the KTOP studio without a studio audience. The public is invited to participate by calling in live to the show: 238-7544.

San Francisco Estuary Project Art Contest

2009-05-05T13:06:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Estuary Project is sponsoring an art contest, with a $1,000 top prize, for best View of the Estuary - original art, in any medium, depicting scenes in/around San Francisco Bay/Estuary. Entries are due August 1. If you have questions please contact Lisa Owens-Viani at 510-622-2337 or lowensviani at waterboards dot ca dot gov

Meeting to discuss Broadway Auto Row Development

2009-05-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

There is a public workshop scheduled for this Thursday, May 7 to discuss the Upper Broadway Retail Corridor Specific Plan.

The Meeting will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway (at 26th Street) in Oakland from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

You can read some community comments about the meeting on V. Smoothe's, A Better Oakland blog and bring your thoughts and ideas on Thursday night.

No Need for An Uptown Parking Lot

2009-05-04T13:16:00.000-07:00

This commentary was originally published by the Oakland Tribune. It is reprinted with permission from its author.

My Word: No need for 'interim' parking lot in Uptown Oakland
By Shannon Bowman

AMID A staggering budget deficit, stalled development projects, and a mayoral administration perceived as inept, the Uptown area serves as a beacon of pride for Oakland. Three upscale bars have opened in the past month just on the stretch of Telegraph Avenue between 17th-20th Streets. Flora restaurant and Luca's are packed nightly and shine as symbols of the burgeoning restaurant and night life scenes in Uptown.

The Uptown renaissance is occurring despite a huge blemish in the heart of the district — a one-acre mud pit surrounded by an eight-foot chain link fence on the prominent corner of Telegraph and 19th. The future use of this site — flanked by the dazzling Fox Theatre and the handsome Uptown apartments, and located across the street from the art-deco landmark building housing Flora — is pivotal to the continued transformation of Uptown into a vibrant walkable district.

A residential tower has been approved for this lot; but the developer, Forest City, does not anticipate commencing construction for at least three years due to current market conditions.

Some City Council members are advocating for a 120-space interim surface parking lot on the site for Fox concertgoers, despite the thousands of street and parking lot spaces located within blocks of the venue. The 482-space Franklin Plaza Garage, which closes at 7 p.m., could stay open later during Fox events if necessary.

Council members are hearkening back to the 1970s automobile-oriented city planning model, rooted in the belief that drivers should never suffer the indignity of walking more than a few feet from their car door to the front entrance of the final destination.

The parking lot proposal ignores the larger picture. While maximizing parking for the Fox might sell a few more tickets, a surface parking lot consuming an entire city block on Telegraph will jeopardize the revival of the entire district. A one-acre mass of asphalt and sea of cars will deter pedestrians contemplating a stroll up Telegraph to explore the new restaurants, bars and shops.

Shoppers prefer an uninterrupted flow of attractive storefronts and inviting open spaces.

For these reasons, these same City Council members gave Forest City a $60 million subsidy four years ago to eliminate the old surface parking lot at this very site. The previous parking lot was discouraging economic development and investment in Uptown.

Why should we care so much about a temporary parking lot? Because "interim" parking lots often remain for years or decades, depending upon market conditions and developers' whims. The new Cathedral Christ of Light, for example, was built on the site of an "interim" parking lot that remained for more than 40 years.

An alternate proposal for this site is a recreational use, such as a miniature golf course. The city should put out a request for proposals to find recreational operators who could make a profit within three years if the site is leased to them rent-free.

Given that parking revenue over three years is unlikely to exceed the $450,000 cost to build the parking lot, the city will not forego potential revenue by leasing this land to a recreational operator for free. If no reputable operators respond, then the city can reconsider the parking lot.

Another alternate proposal is to lay sod, add lighting, and convert the vacant lot into a no-frills open space and community garden for the public. In an admission that this option is feasible, City Council members Pat Kernighan and Jane Brunner have each stated their opposition to a public open space on the site because the public will grow to like it and "never let it be taken away" to accommodate the condo project slated to be built in three years. This would hardly be a nightmare scenario.

If a piece of urban open space becomes popular and well-used, our downtown would be enhanced. And because this parcel is 1.2 acres, a decent urban designer could easily lay out a site plan that includes Forest City's residential tower while preserving a significant portion of the open space.

Over the next three years or longer, a fun recreational use at this site will promote the pedestrian-friendly arts and entertainment corridor that is shaping up on this stretch of Telegraph. A surface parking lot will stymie this progress. City Council members: let's incorporate elements of modern urban design that will promote business activity in Uptown.

To voice your opinion, attend the City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. You can also e-mail Friends4VibrantUptown at gmail dot com.

Shannon Bowman is a member of Downtown Lake Merritt Neighborhood Group.

photo courtesy of Flickr/Evan Hamilton

Job Opportunity for Journalists

2009-05-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

One thing that was clear from the crowded gathering of Oakland Bloggers last night at the Ave/2022 on Telegraph is that Oaktown is overflowing with talented writers. Here is an opportunity for some of you wonderful scribes.

"After-School Days, LLC, founded by a former Los Angeles Times staff writer, is looking to hire unemployed print journalists in California to teach after-school programs. Pay varies according to location. Your commitment is to teach a one-hour class for six or eight weeks. We are starting school newspapers, having preschool and elementary school children make their own hardcover books, and lots more. For more info, please send resume to afterschooldays at gmail dot com."

Art Murmur Time!

2009-05-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

I know it’s raining outside and you might be tempted to stay inside – but that would mean missing out on some fantastic Art Openings tonight. We’re lucky to live right in the heart of the Art Murmur happenings, which means we don’t have to travel far.

Here are some shows to check out:

The Red Door Gallery and Collective, 6 to 10pm
Death is Easy; Comedy is Hard – Funny art & performances
416 26th St. (between Broadway and Telegraph)

Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 6 to 9pm
4th Annual Youth Exhibition, Inward to Outward, A Young Artists Exhibition
2278 Telegraph Ave. & 23rd (by Mama Buzz Café and a host of other cool galleries)

21 Grand, 7 to 11pm
9th Annual Benefit Art Sale

"Over 100 works by more than eighty artists in a wide range of types - from dvd's to oil paintings - mostly in an appropriate scale for the apartment-dwelling Bay Area population - with that "affordable price range" to match. Proceeds from the sale provide desperately needed funds to help keep our doors open." The sale continues Saturday, May 2nd and Sunday May 3rd from 2-6pm.

And some new work at Oakopolis as well, in addition to the group exhibition Earth Days that opened last Art Murmur. Check it out if you haven’t had a chance, the show closes May 16th.
447 25th Street – between Broadway & Telegraph by 21 Grand.

Update on HarriOak Street Project

2009-05-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

From Christina Ferracane, Strategic Planner on the project. If you were not able to make the meeting on 4/23, here is your chance to weigh in with feedback on the plans, see below.
--------------------------
Hello,

Thanks to all who were able to attend Community Workshop #2 to discuss improvement concepts for Harrison Street and Oakland Avenue .

If you were not able to attend the workshop, you may view the improvement concepts and other workshop materials here:

www.oaklandnet.com/strategicplanning (Scroll down to “Planning Efforts Underway”.)

During the workshop, three different improvement alternatives were presented for Harrison Street and Oakland Avenue (see “Presentation” and “Alternative Maps” on the above website). Participants were asked to select their preferred alternative along different geographic areas. Participants were able to mix and match, for example, select Alternative 1 in one geographic area and Alternative 2 in another geographic area. Additionally, participants made note of why some alternatives were preferred and how some of the alternatives could be modified.

If you have any additional comments or were not able to attend the community workshop, we would like to hear from you regarding your preferred alternatives.

Please respond to me via email cferracane@oaklandnet.com by next Monday, May 4, 2009.

Thanks.
Christina Ferracane
Strategic Planner

Update on Lakeshore Project

2009-04-30T15:17:00.001-07:00

This is a message from Councilwoman Nadel's office:

UPDATE ON LAKESHORE PROJECT

This is to give you an update on the construction project on Lakeshore Avenue . In particular, we feel you should be aware of the upcoming parking restrictions on the west side ( Lake Merritt ) of Lakeshore Avenue which will start this Friday, May 1 and will be in effect for about 7 to 8 weeks.

Tomorrow, 4/30, pedestrians will be allowed access to the newly renovated Lakeshore Avenue shoreline trail. To access and egress the trail, there will be access points at the Pergola and the E. 18th Street Pier as well as crossings through the park at Brooklyn and Hanover .

On Friday 5/1, the contractor will start saw-cutting the seam between the curb and the sidewalk in preparation for demolishing and removing the sidewalk. No parking will be allowed on the west side of Lakeshore while the work is being done. Parking restrictions on Lakeshore will be lifted for this weekend (5/2 & 5/3) once the saw-cutting is done.

On Monday morning May 4th, the contractor will start demolishing the sidewalk on Lakeshore beginning at E. 18th. As the contractor demolishes the sidewalk, he will install a 6-foot chain link fence at the back of the existing curb in order to build the multi-use path and install landscaping in the planter strip. The contractor will remove about 1,000 feet of sidewalk per day or about 1/3 of the distance between E. 18th and El Embarcadero and there will be no parking allowed where the sidewalk has been removed and no parking where the sidewalk will be removed during that day of work. By Wednesday, May 6th there will be no parking allowed on the west side of Lakeshore from E. 18th to south of El Embarcadero. We plan to have restricted parking on the west side of Lakeshore for a total of 7 to 8 weeks until mid to late June.

We also plan that after about a 5-week period, the multi-use trail will begin opening in thirds over the next several weeks. The section starting at E. 18th Street will open first. As sections of the multi-use trail open, parking on the street adjacent to the trail will be allowed. The full length of the multi-use trail on Lakeshore, with the landscaped planter strip, is scheduled to be open by mid to late June.

As you may be aware, we cannot allow parking on the west side of Lakeshore with a construction fence installed at the back of the curb because if people did park there they would have to illegally walk in live traffic to reach a sidewalk or they would have to illegally jay-walk to the east side of Lakeshore to reach a sidewalk.

To help mitigate the parking restrictions, we have suspended street-sweeping parking restrictions on the east (residential) side of Lakeshore. Currently, there is no over-night parking for 3 nights per week on alternating sides Lakeshore. Normal scheduled street sweeping will continue on both side of Lakeshore for the duration of construction. If too much trash accumulates on the east side of Lakeshore because street sweeping won't be as thorough with parked cars remaining on the street, we will have the contractor pick up the trash.

A public notice about the above mentioned plan will be distributed to the neighborhood residents tomorrow, 4/30.

In addition, the PG&E duct bank construction project on will start on Monday May, 4th. The project will start at Lakeshore and El Embarcadero, continue north on Lakeshore and wrap around MacArthur Boulevard for a distance of about 100 feet. The total segment will be under construction for about 8 weeks. The part of the work which over-laps the Gallagher and Burke work area will last about 5 weeks. The PG&E contractor and Gallagher and Burke have coordinated their operations and will not be working in the same area at the same time. Lakeshore will be restricted to 1 lane in each direction between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm each day while PG&E's contractor is working. Lakeshore will have 2 lanes open in each direction when PG&E's contractor is not working.

Please contact me if you have any further questions.

Regards,

Lyle Oehler, PMP, ASLA

Capital Improvement Project Coordinator

Project Delivery Division

Community and Economic Development Agency

City of Oakland

Tel: (510) 238-3389

Community Meeting to discuss HarriOak Street corridor this Thursday, April 23

2009-04-21T09:55:00.000-07:00

Community Workshop #2 where we will have a larger, community-wide meeting to review and prioritize alternatives for improved safety, access and livability along Harrison Street – Oakland Avenue.

Location: Westlake Middle School , Gym
2629 Harrison Street @ 27th Street

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: Open House 6 to 6:30 p.m.
Meeting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

You can view the Agenda and Powerpoint presentation from the last meeting on the CEDA website.

Friday Night Fun

2009-04-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

First Friday’s in Oakland = Art Murmur and there is a fantastic line-up for April. Everything is in walking or biking distance from the HarriOak neighborhood. Here are a few highlights of what you can choose from and they are all FREE. Enjoy yourself. The weather’s perfect.

Awaken Café
414 14th Street at Broadway
Domestic Relocation, paintings by Erin Hamilton
& live music with blues & soul singer Amber Gougis
5 to 8 p.m.

Oakopolis
447 25th Street – between Broadway & Telegraph
Earth Days
Artists: Tyrell Collins, Ralph Singer, John Wood, Michelle Bertho and Andrew Kaluzynski.
“Each artist in this Earth Days exhibition has a unique voice for expressing the wonders of nature... and an accomplished method of channeling light into visual language.”
Show opens: 7 p.m.

21 Grand (same street as Oakopolis)
416 25th Street
[Print] Run: works by Jason Byers and Patricia Wakida

Creative Growth Art Center
355 24th Street
CHANGING CHANNELS EVENT:
April Art Murmur Video Screening (with popcorn!)
7:30 p.m.

Studio One Reading Series
365 45th St (off of Broadway)
Readings by Stephanie Young and K. Silem Mohammad. Music from Meklit Hadero
Doors open at 7 p.m., Readings start at 7:30 p.m.

For a full map of all Art Murmur events, click here.

Steve Buel, editor of East Bay Express, Sings to Save His Paper

2009-04-02T13:28:00.001-07:00

What To Do About Blighted Properties

2009-03-31T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Neighborhood Law Corps is compiling a list of blighted properties. We request your help as neighbors to be our eyes and ears to identify these properties so we can get them cleaned up.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

1. Vacant properties; that are
2. Blighted (This means bad conditions on the property that affect the people near it.)

EXAMPLES OF BLIGHT
Failure to care for exterior of property:
Garbage on ground
Abandoned vehicles
Rotted or collapsing roof or walls
Graffiti on the building
Rats/Vermin
Fire hazards

Excessive plant growth:
Overgrown grass/weeds
Substantial Dead organic matter on ground (trees, leaves, yard trimmings)

Failure to secure property from trespassers/ squatters:
Broken windows
Doors with no/broken locks
Missing doors
Broken gates

Failure to take action to prevent mosquito larvae:
Large amounts of standing water

Other conditions causing public nuisance:
Continual loitering
Drug activity on property
Prostitution
Squatters living there

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU IDENTIFY A BLIGHTED PROPERTY
When you find a property that meets these conditions, please send us the following information:

1. The specific property address
2. A description of the problems

You can contact us by email at info@neighorhoodlaw corps.org.
Or call us at 1-800-BE ALERT (1-800-232-5378)

DEADLINE
We need this information by May 30th (the earlier, the better) so we can prosecute the owners and get the problems cleaned up.

Gabriella Network's Political Fashion Show

2009-03-28T14:25:00.000-07:00

Jacqueline Orpilla, one of our neigbhors, helped produce this awesome event at Berkeley earlier this year.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt April 11

2009-03-26T18:40:00.000-07:00

Belinda Gilchrist-Day and Project Darreis are holding their annual Easter Egg hunt. Belinda is looking for donations of candy, pre-filled Easter Baskets, stuffed bunnies or monetary donations. If you can help out please call 510-467-5053 by April 3.

Open House for Women Artists March 29

2009-03-26T18:10:00.001-07:00

Our neighbor Breathe One Love artist Lanell Dike is hosting an Open House on Sunday, March 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 204 Frisbie Street. This is part of a project of the Fund for Women Artists with the purpose of celebrating the creative spirit in all of us.

For kids: there will be an opportunity to learn about women artists from around the world and to create their own books

For adults: Sometimes one word can lead you to the heart of something. What’s your one word? Come make your own One Word Collage and see where it leads you.

Lanell is also organizing an art and writing exhibition for May 8,9 & 10
theme: What is Self? Would love to have your participation if you're interested.
More info here: http://whatisself.com/

Volunteers Needed at the Arena Vigil Tomorrow

2009-03-26T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is a message from the United Neighborhood Councils of Oakland:

Many Officers have been "down" or outright depressed in the past week. It is
therefore VERY important to show them support, as broad as possible, from
Oakland Communities and Citizens. As a result Don Link & I are asking for the
support of neighborhood volunteers active with UNCO and their Communities:

At the ORACLE Arena tomorrow we will be handing out Blue Ribbons to wear (on person, on cars, or wherever you choose) in support of OPD. This will be a visible sign of our support to other citizens, and most importantly to Police Officers.

Please advise if you are interested in volunteering, and who else in your Neighborhood Council can volunteer? Please include your Cel.# and Neighborhood Beat info.

We will meet between 9am-9:30am at the ARENA
(we will update volunteers in a follow-up email later today, along with other needs).

LET'S SHOW OUR SUPPORT FOR OPD AND HELP LET THE OFFICERS KNOW THEY ARE APPRECIATED!!!

I look forward to receiving an email reply from interested volunteers.
We need as many committed volunteers as possible!

Sincerely,
Hugh Morrison
Beat 16Y
Cel.(510)915-1999

Memorial Services for Slain Officers on Friday

2009-03-25T04:02:00.000-07:00

The memorial service for the four Oakland police officers who were killed over the weekend while trying to protect people in one Oakland's poorest and most violent neighborhoods will be held Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Oracle Arena.
Thousands of people are expected to attend.

For people wishing to help the officers' families:

Wire transfers may be made directly to the following Merrill Lynch accounts: The Dunakin Children's Family Trust, Acct. No. 204-04065; The Romans Children's Family Trust, Acct. No. 204-04066; and The Sakai Family Trust, Acct. No. 204-04064. No fund had been set up as of Monday afternoon on behalf of Hege, who had no children.

Individual checks can also be made out to the families and mailed to the Oakland Police Officer's Association, Attn: Rennee Hassna, 555 5th Street, Oakland, CA, 94607. Make checks payable to the Dunakin Children's Family Trust; the Romans Children's Family Trust; Sakai Family Trust.

Mourning Oakland's Police Officers

2009-03-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

Thousands of people have joined Facebook groups to mourn three Oakland police officers who were killed over the weekend. The group include Pray For the Oakland Police Officers, Support the Oakland Police Department, and Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty.

The San Jose Mercury News has complete coverage of the killings.

Oakland and the Stimulus Spending Bill

2009-03-14T15:53:00.000-07:00

Want to weigh in on how the City of Oakland plans to spend its stimulus money?

Nancy Nadel, our city council woman, is holding a Town Hall meeting on March 25 that she is calling, "PRIORITIZING IN HARD TIMES: The Stimulus Package and other dollars: How can we prioritize spending?" The meeting will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in chambers of City Hall at 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612.

According to the invitation: "You’re invited to join us to talk about whether money is coming, what staff and WOPAC are proposing for it and how that matches with your priorities for your neighborhood. The City is expecting some stimulus money, and some redevelopment dollars are also available for parts of District 3. Let’s talk about the needs of each respective neighborhood, how we get priorities on a list, and what we can realistically expect."

Participants wll include:
Deputy Director Mike Neary, CEDA,
Director Raul Godinez, Public Works Agency,
Planner Margot Prado, Planning/Zoning
Co-Chair Larry Rice, WOPAC,
Board President Sheri Kramer, Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth

Courtney Ruby Gets Documents

2009-03-14T15:52:00.001-07:00

Apologies, this news is already more than one week old.

More Than $50 billion in Stimulus Money for California

2009-03-09T14:49:00.000-07:00

The California Budget Project just published an analysis of the stimulus bill. The analysis is relevant for our community, so I'm reproducing the press release below. The full report can be found here. You can also visit the official state site: the California Economic Recovery Portal.

SACRAMENTO -- A new analysis by the California Budget Project, a nonpartisan public policy research group, examines the impact of the federal economic recovery package on the state. The report, What Does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Mean for California?, outlines the more than $50 billion in federal funds that California and Californians could receive from the package of spending and tax measures.

"This is great news for California, particularly since many of the provisions in this package will directly benefit low- and middle-income Californians struggling during these difficult economic times," said CBP Executive Director Jean Ross.

The report estimates that California could receive:

Nearly $18 billion in temporary increases in federal funding designed to help states balance their budgets. This includes a temporary $11.2 billion increase in funds for Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California); $4.9 billion in education block grant funds for K-12 and higher education; and $1.1 billion in flexible block grant funds for education;
$2.6 billion for highway and bridge construction projects;
$1.8 billion in child tax credits, providing assistance to an estimated 2.3 million California children;
$1.5 billion to increase SNAP benefits (formerly known as the Food Stamp Program), which would help nearly 2.5 million low-income Californians;
$1.5 billion in Title I grants for schools with a high concentration of students from low-income families;
$1.3 billion for special education, which will help an estimated 677,000 students in California; and
$1.0 billion to purchase buses and public transit equipment.
Ross noted that the report identifies multiple sources of funds that can be used to meet the $10 billion "trigger" included as part of the recent state budget agreement. The recent budget agreement includes provisions that would cut spending for IHSS, Medi-Cal, courts, higher education, and other programs and trigger an additional personal income tax increase unless the Director of Finance and State Treasurer certify that that California can expect to receive at least $10 billion in federal funds that can offset state costs by June 30, 2010.

"Where there's a will there's a way," said Ross. "The ARRA offers multiple opportunities that are entirely consistent with federal law to offset costs that would otherwise fall on the state budget."

While the ARRA aims to "jump start" spending and consumer confidence, Ross noted that the recent state budget agreement will dampen the impact of the federal measure. The federal economic recovery package provides a one-time payment of $250 in 2009 to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. This payment will help more than 1 million SSI/SSP recipients in California meet basic living expenses. However, this one-time benefit is more than offset by a $57 per month cut to SSI/SSP payments that was included in the 2009-10 state budget agreement. Seniors and people with disabilities in California who receive SSI/SSP payments will lose $684 over 12 months due to this reduction.

"This is an example in which our recent state budget agreement will weaken the impact of the federal recovery package," Ross said.

In many cases, the federal economic recovery package requires the Legislature and/or Governor Schwarzenegger to act in order to receive funding. For example, in order to claim the full amount of additional federal funding for Medicaid policymakers must reinstate annual eligibility renewals for children in Medi-Cal before July 1. Currently, eligibility renewals are done twice a year. The state will lose an estimated $3.7 billion in federal funding for Medicaid in 2008-09 if it misses this deadline and will lose even more federal funds for every quarter that it delays making this change.

Appeals Court Upholds Oakland's Just Cause Ordinance

2009-03-03T13:03:00.000-08:00

FROM THE OFFICE OF JOHN RUSSO, CITY ATTORNEY

OAKLAND, CA – On Tuesday, March 3, City Attorney John Russo announced that the city has prevailed in a 6-year lawsuit filed by landlords seeking to overturn Oakland’s strong tenant protection law – the Just Cause for Eviction Ordinance.

A decision last week by the California Court of Appeal upholds the Just Cause ordinance and affirms the right of tenants to receive significant damages and attorney fees from landlords who break the law.

“Oakland has been hit with waves of illegal evictions as a result of the foreclosure crisis,” City Attorney Russo said. “Some banks and their agents have routinely violated the law by evicting good tenants from foreclosed apartments and homes without cause.”

“In these economic times, illegal evictions create serious hardships for families across Oakland,” Russo said. “This victory is especially important because it upholds the right of tenants – and the City – to go after the bad actors who are breaking the law and putting Oakland families on the street.”

Oakland’s Just Cause ordinance, approved by voters and enacted in 2002, protects renters by requiring landlords to have a specific “just cause” for evicting a tenant. Causes include non-payment of rent, violation of the rental agreement, illegal or nuisance activity or a move-in by the property owner. The law also requires landlords to notify tenants of violations before they start the eviction process.

In 2003, the Rental Housing Association of Northern Alameda County and a group of individual landlords sued to invalidate the ordinance. Just Cause Oakland, a major backer of the law, intervened as a party in the case to defend the ordinance. In May 2006, the Alameda County Superior Court upheld all major provisions of Oakland’s law. Both sides appealed. The city settled with the Rental Housing Association in 2007, but some individual landlords continued their appeal of the court’s decision.

On February 26 of this year, the Court of Appeal affirmed the lower court’s decision upholding the ordinance and its protections against arbitrary and capricious evictions.

City Auditor's Plea for Help

2009-02-27T16:41:00.001-08:00

City Auditor Courtney Ruby set out an unprecedented plea for help from Oakland citizens today after the administration of Mayor Ron Dellums illegally withheld documents from her. Ruby is requesting that citizens contact the Mayor's office (510) 238-3141.

Dear Concerned Oaklanders,

You have likely seen the article in today's Chronicle. It is accurate - the Administration is trying to withhold key documents essential to my audit of the City's hiring practices.

There is no question that these documents should be released to my office. As City Attorney Russo states, "I issued an (legal) opinion in 2007...under the charter, the auditor has unlimited review power."

I am your eyes and ears inside City Hall. These anti-nepotism documents, as part of my Hiring Practices Audit, are critical to restoring transparency and accountability in Oakland's government.

My office will be pursuing legal avenues, but nothing is as effective as the power of a concerned electorate. I encourage you to contact the Mayor's office today and let them know that you expect the Administration to fulfill the City Auditor's request.

Committed to serving you and Oakland with the utmost integrity,

Courtney A. Ruby, CPA
City Auditor

Office of the City Auditor
City of Oakland
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (510) 238-3378
Email: cityauditor@oaklandnet.com
Website: www.oaklandauditor.com

According to Oakland Residents for Peaceful Neighborhoods:
"Oakland auditor Courtney Ruby is attempting to check compliance with a City ordinance requiring that 'All current City officials and supervisors must disclose all known family relationships, consensual romantic relationships and cohabitant relationships with existing City employees, managers and officials.' Ruby developed a simple one-page form for the City's 800 or so supervisors to complete. All responses to the auditor are confidential.
"Dan Lindheim, the City Administrator, refuses to cooperate. He's not providing the questionnaires to Ruby. Apparently, he is not even insisting that supervisors complete them. Lindheim says he fears for the privacy of supervisors. The city attorney has confirmed that the city auditor has a right to the documents. It is Lindheim's legal duty to get the forms filled out and on to Ruby."

Oakland Blog Spotlight: Fake Plastic Fish

2009-02-23T21:36:00.000-08:00

Beth Terry is an Oakland accountant who writes about living a plastic-free life over at Fake Plastic Fish.

Terry is not alone in her concern about how our passion for plastic -- plastic toys, plastic wrap, plastic bags, plastic clothing, plastic containers, plastic blankets, plastic diapers, plastic hair clips, plastic notebooks, plastic dishware -- is choking the oceans and killing the planet.

On April 29, 2009 David de Rothschild is planning to set set from San Francisco in the Plastiki, a 60-foot vessel made from plastic bottles and recycled waste products. Rothschild is headed for Sydney, Australia by way of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The "patch" is a Texas-sized sea of garbage drifting below the surface of the ocean between Hawaii and California. Learn more at the GreatGarbagePatch.org.

Photo courtesy of kqedquest.

Meeting on Feb 19 to Improve Downtown Lake Merritt BART Station

2009-02-18T16:55:00.001-08:00

The City of Oakland, BART and Peralta Community College District teamed up with the Asian Health Services, the Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce and the City of Oakland to invite you to attend a series of community meetings focused on improving the area near the Lake Merritt Station. At this meeting, we will explain the Lake Merritt BART Station Area Plan process and present the survey we will use to gather input from members of the community.

RSVPs are encouraged, but not required. To RSVP please contact:

Kerry Jo Ricketts-Ferris at kjferris@oaklandnet.com, 510 238-3944
Jennie Ong at oaklandctchamber@aol.com, 510-893-8979 or
Julia Liou at jliou@ahschc.org, 510-986-6830 ext. 267

WHAT: Lake Merritt BART Station Area
Community Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, February 19, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Asian Cultural Center's Main Auditorium
388 Ninth Street, Suite 290
Oakland

City Attorney John Russo on the Riders' Settlement

2009-02-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Last year an arbitrator upheld the City of Oakland's right to fire to former police officers, Clarence Mabanag and Jue Siapno, for insubordination and multiple acts of police misconduct connected with the notorious "Riders Case." The former officers signed a settlement agreement with the city that was finalized earlier this month.

Here is a video of City Attorney John Russo discussing the settlement, which he called an "unconditional and complete victory" for Oakland. Russo said the case is important because of the principle at stake. "Officers must be accountable to their commanders within the department and ultimately officers are accountable to us, the residents of Oakland," he said. "If officers are able to refuse to answer to police brass and to internal affairs investigations, it would be impossible to have oversight of police behavior."

Russo goes over the history of the case in the video, and explains why the city settled with more than 100 plaintiffs who alleged that they had been mistreated and abused by the Riders gang. Russo said that the reforms the city agreed to make as a result of the suit can be met by next January if there is political will in city hall. The finalization of the monitoring agreement would make a big difference for Oakland, freeing up police resources and lifting the morale of the department.

Wells Fargo Scam

2009-02-09T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here is a warning from Wells Fargo:

"Wells Fargo customers are being sent FAKE emails right now. These emails request information about customer accounts and services, including passwords. If you responded to an email like this, you MUST IMMEDIATELY call your Relationship Manager or 1-800-AT-WELLS (1-800-289-3557) to protect your account and information.
DO NOT PROVIDE any information in response to any e-mail or phone call unless you are ABSOLUTELY SURE it is from Wells Fargo. These emails are known as 'phishing' which are fake email schemes that attempt to collect secure information from you and from your computer."

"On rare occasions, legitimate inquiries may be made from a Wells Fargo representative who requests your User ID and Company ID. You should only provide this information when you are sure you are speaking with someone from Wells Fargo. Report any phishing or fraudulent attempts to ReportPhish@wellsfargo.com."

APAC Meeting, February 10 at 7 p.m.

2009-02-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

(posted at request of APAC)
The Adams Point Action Council (APAC) serves everyone who lives, works, studies, worships, or conducts business in the Adams Point neighborhood. We are committed to addressing quality of life issues, building community, and reducing crime in our neighborhood.

APAC meets at the same location and time every second TUESDAY of the month.

This is your council. We need you to make it work! You deserve safe, quiet, and clean streets. This is the time to get involved or re-involved.

AGENDA

1. Welcome, Agenda Review (Matt Isles 7:00-7:05 pm)
2. Report from 14X Problem Solving Officer, Q & A(Officer Menandro Madlansacay 7:05-7:20 pm)
3. Special Guest Speaker: Alicia Vasquez, EBMUD – Will give updates about the drought which California is experiencing, and talk about water conservation and adjustments being made by the East Bay Municipal Utility District (7:20-7:50 pm)
4. Frank Davis, will be speaking about America Works, a non-profit that’s working with the of City of Oakland to find jobs for re-entry citizens (7:50-8:05 pm)
5. Community announcements (8:05 - 8:10 pm)

Coffee, tea and water will be served, courtesy of The Bellevue Club

Property Tax Reassessment Scam

2009-02-06T21:07:00.000-08:00

Official letters from a Los Angeles company called "Property Tax Reassessment," have been mailed to homeowners throughout Oakland. The letters urge homeowners to file a pay $179 by February 26,2009 to file a property tax reassessment application. BEWARE. This is a scam. Property reassessments are free and done by the Alameda County Assessor's office. The letter is designed to look official and is marked with an "Assessor's ID" which is actually your parcel number. In the small print it says it is not a government agency. Indeed, this is a private business that has no connection with the Alameda County Assessor's office whatsoever.
The San Jose Mercury News has as story in the paper today about the "property-tax meltdown" in Santa Clara County. According to the award-winning newspaper, the Santa Clara County Tax Assessor is reviewing about half of the homes in the county to determine if their value has dropped during the economic meltdown.
"Never before has the assessor reviewed such a wide swath of properties — approximately 200,000 of the county's 416,000 houses, condos and townhouses — and never before has the annual ritual of determining home values to set property-tax rates reached back so many years," the newspaper writes. "Historically, the assessor's office has only reviewed homes purchased in the previous year to determine whether their values have dropped since they changed hands."
The San Jose Mercury News has also published information about how homes in the HarriOak zipcode are doing. While the 94611 zip code is doing far better than many other zip codes in Northern California, it hasn't escaped unscathed.

The City of Oakland "facilitates" more protests

2009-02-05T17:46:00.000-08:00

Here is an -email from Zach Seal, president of the Downtown Lake Merritt Neighborhood Group.

Message to the Downtown Oakland Community
RE: Protest Planned for Tomorrow Night

In keeping with our commitment to enhanced communication about public safety issues downtown, the City of Oakland is writing to inform you about a demonstration planned for tomorrow afternoon. Here is a summary of the information we know to date:

* An organization called the Bay Area Revolution Club has applied for a sound permit for a rally on Friday, February 6 at Frank Ogawa Plaza .

* The City of Oakland granted a sound permit between 2 and 5 pm. The organization’s request to march to the Oakland Police Department Administration Building and continue the sound permit until 7 pm was denied.

* The City of Oakland (Mayor Dellums’ Office, Oakland Police Department and Public Works Agency) is working to manage the scope and impact of this event, and we are in communication with the event organizers, who have promised a peaceful rally.

* We believe that a bicycle protest organization called Critical Mass intends to arrive at 14th and Broadway that same evening at 6 pm; they have not requested a permit, nor have the organizers been in touch with the City.

* There will be no street closures associated with the rally, and OPD intends to keep downtown traffic and transportation routes open.

* The City has established an information hotline where callers can receive safety updates from OPD. During business hours, the hotline will provide a live message to callers. After hours, the message will be available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The hotline number is: 444-CITY.

* In addition, OPD has received information that some people are planning to print 1500 pro-riot stickers and plaster them downtown. Please notify your groups that if they see people affixing such stickers, they should call OPD at 9-1-1 or 777-3211.

* According to OPD, on Friday, February 6 and Monday, February 9, at 8:30 am, protesters plan to be at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse at 661 Washington to protest the charging of rioters.

* OPD will have plenty of officers to handle all of these events.

* For information about BART service delays or disruptions, check the BART web site at www.BART.gov, where you can also sign up to receive text message or email alerts.

We recognize that the violence following several well-organized and peaceful demonstrations last month has had a very negative impact on our community’s public safety as well as a significant financial impact.

The City of Oakland is committed to facilitating peaceful protests and ensuring the right to free speech, but as an organization and community we will not allow violence and vandalism in our city.

A considerate carjacker?

2009-01-31T16:11:00.000-08:00

Michael Anthony Lozito, 22, was walking back to his black 1998 Nissan Altima at 7:35 p.m. on November 3, 2008 after shopping at the Vernon market at 3210 Harrison Street. As Lozito walked along the eastern side of the street he was approach a black man with cornrows in his late 20s. The man, who was about 5'11", unshaven and wearing an orange sweatshirt and blue jeans said, "Give it up," and he patted the right/front area of his sweatshirt. Fearing for his life, Lozito started going through his pockets. The man said, "Don't say anything." Lozito gave the man everything he had in his pockets, including his keys. The man calmly walked over to Lozito's car and drove away. The next day, around 6:45 p.m., he arrived home and found the car parked in front of 439 Oakland Avenue, where he lives.

Does anyone have any idea who the carjacker is? It sounds like he might be from the area, and possibly a Vernon Market regular.

New Exhibit at the Creative Growth Art Center

2009-01-30T23:39:00.000-08:00

Creative Growth, an internationally reknowned art center for artists with disabilities, unveiled a new exhibit on Thursday featuring the work of Kerri Damianakes, John Martin, Ron Veasey, George Wilson. Work by Creative Growth artists is included in prominent collections and museums around the world. Last year, the work of one of the center's artists, Dan Miller, was featured as part of a group show at the MoMA in Manhattan. The name of the show was "Glossolalia: Languages of Drawing." Creative Growth is located at 355 24th Street, just off Broadway between Harrison Street and Valdez Street.

Highlights from Mayor Dellums' State of the City Address

2009-01-30T23:06:00.000-08:00

Adams Point blogger Zennie Abraham has put together some highlights from Mayor Dellums' address on Monday, where he was repeatedly interrupted by hecklers.

Outrage over appointment of City Administrator

2009-01-30T22:04:00.000-08:00

There appears to be a lot of disappointment over Mayor Ron Dellums' appointment of his long-time aide Dan Lindheim as City Administrator. Future Oakland writes: "Never mind that the interim appointment of Mr. Lindheim was illegal, or that Mr. Lindheim has no experience as a city manager, or that his seven months as interim administration have been among the city’s worst. His appointment must be confirmed by five members of the City Council, and it is up to them whether Oakland continues its deeply frightening downward spiral or demands professional, competent, and qualified management instead of cronyism." The nomination is expected to be approved next week by the City Council.

Below is a letter written by the Oakland Builders Alliance (reprinted from A Better Oakland.)

Dear Neighbor:

Last night, the board of the Oakland Builders Alliance took an emergency vote and unanimously decided to send an open letter to Oakland residents condemning the appointment of Dan Lindheim as the new permanent City Administrator of Oakland. It also voted to file a formal complaint against the mayor for Cronyism, which will be submitted Monday per the Enforcement Section of the Anti-Cronyism Ordinance.

Dan Lindheim’s appointment as City Administrator stands in stark contrast to the appointment of two highly qualified individuals, Marianna Marysheva-Martinez and Walter Cohen, both of whom come with substantial experience and proven leadership in their field. Unfortunately, they’ll be managed by someone with almost no experience. And Oakland deserves better.

Lindheim may be a “smart guy” - certainly he’s someone that Mr. Dellums has learned to rely on over the last 30 years. But this is not the time for a band-aid, learn-on-the-job solution. Oakland is hemorrhaging and we need someone with skills and experience who can stop the bleeding and inject new life into the city.

Mayor wastes $150,000 in taxpayer funds on “nation-wide” search, and then appoints friend.

Mayor Dellums stated that he spent $150,000 in tax payer funds to conduct a nationwide search for a City Administrator, only to appoint his long time friend and ally, Lindheim. Meanwhile, no one knows who else was interviewed. No list of applicants was produced. No disclosure was made of how the funds were used. When asked by city hall gat-fly Sanjiv Handa at yesterday’s press conference why he did not make the names of the finalists public, the Mayor stated that he did not have to. Why is our city council silent on this issue? Was the search just a sham? Did the mayor know all along that Lindheim would be his appointment? If so, why did we spend tax money to retain the Hawkins Company, a head-hunting fim?

Appointment flaunts Anti-Cronyism ordinance passed just weeks ago.

On December 8th, 2008, the Oakland City Council passed an ordinance prohibiting Cronyism in hiring practices. The language reads: “‘Cronyism’ means participating in any employment decision that may be viewed as a conflict of interest, such as one involving a close friend, a business partner, and/or professional, political, or commercial relationship, that would lead to preferential treatment or compromise appearance of fairness.” About the Ordinance, Councilmember Nadel, the author, stated “I see (cronyism) as being more of a problem than nepotism.” (Oakland Tribune, December 4th, 2008.)/

The Oakland Charter reads: “(The City Administrator) shall be a person of demonstrated administrative ability with experience in a responsible, important executive capacity and shall be chosen by the Mayor solely on the basis of his executive and administrative qualifications.“

The mayor’s own job announcement detailed the following mandatory qualification for the City Administrator position: “Twelve (12) to fifteen (15) years of senior level executive management experience preferably in a large sophisticated diverse urban governmental organization.“

While Mayor Dellums is mandating that all applicants meet this requirement he is allowing his political friend and ally to qualify with almost no experience, simply because he is “smart”. The is the very definition of cronyism. (Merriam-Webster defines Crony as “a close friend especially of long standing“, and Cronyism as “partiality to cronie especially as evidenced in the appointment of political hangers-on to office without regard to their qualifications“.)

The choice of Dan Lindheim as City Administrator flies in the face of the recent ordinance and the city charter. The question now is: will the Oakland City Council ignore its own Anti-Cronyism ordinance, and render it purely a grandstanding move, or will it stand behind its own commitment to outlaw cronyism from employment decisions?

Our Leadership’s acceptable of mediocrity a reflection of low self-esteem.

Oakland is battle-scarred. We’ve been through tough times. And as a result, our leadership no longer is demanding excellence, or even mediocrity for the most important position in the city. Instead, they are using standards such as “he works well with us” or “he’s smart” as the baromete of good management. The Oakland Builders Alliance believes that for Oakland to become a great city, we must demand great management. And residents should settle for nothing less. Marysheva-Martinez and Cohen are excellent choices for their respective positions, but they will be managed by someone who does not have the experience to steer Oakland out of the current crime and budget crisis, and position it for greatness when the economic recovery comes.

Oakland residents must demand excellent management and accept nothing less from our leaders. The voters are the ones who set the bar of expectations, unless we abdicate this to those we elect.

The Oakland Builders Alliance will continue to demand excellent management. We invite you to join us by writing or calling your councilmember and demanding excellent, proven leadership, especially at the top. Urge them to deny the appointment of Dan Lindheim as permanent City Administrator and to instruct the mayor to use the $150,000 in tax payer funds allocated for the search to look for proven leadership. Oakland deserves nothing less.

Oakland bloggers are asking citizens to contact city council members and request records of Dellums' search and the appointment of an experienced administrator.

At Large: Rebecca Kaplan, rkaplan at oaklandnet dot com

District One (Rockridge - Piedmont - North Hills - Golden Gate): Jane Brunner, jbrunner at oaklandnet dot com

District Two (Grand Lake – Chinatown – San Antonio): Pat Kernighan, pkernighan at oaklandnet dot com

District Three (West Oakland – Downtown – Adams Point): Nancy Nadel, nnadel at oaklandnet dot com

District Four (Montclair – Dimond – Laurel): Jean Quan, jquan at oaklandnet dot com

District Five (Fruitvale – Glenview – Jingletown): Ignacio de la Fuente, idelafuente at oaklandnet dot com

District Six (Millsmont – Seminary – East Oakland): Desley Brooks, dbrooks at oaklandnet dot com

District Seven (Outer East Oakland – Airport – Coliseum): Larry Reid, lreid at oaklandnet dot com