Kids hard at work at 6th Annual Bay Area Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr. 2009 day of service at Morcom Rose Garden
(Photo courtesy of Mitz Sato, Service for Peace)
Black History Month Events
Through March 20: Bond of Perpetuity: Lincoln Legacy in Oakland - An Exhibit
Saturday, February 7 and 14 :Downtown Oakland Walking Tours: Discovering Oakland's Political History
Saturday, February 7: 19th Annual African-American Celebration Through Poetry
Saturday, February 7: Panel Discussing The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas
Saturday, February 7: Gathering to Experience Drum Rhythm and Sound as Way of Raising Awareness and Consciousness for Joy and PeaceSunday, February 8: Feminist Leadership: From Africa to America
Thursday, February 12: 21st Annual African American Cultural Celebration
Sunday, February 15: Family Explorations! African-American Rhythms: Oakland by the Bayou
Saturday, February 21: The Big Read Kick-Off!Saturday, February 28: African-American Quilters of Oakland: Demonstration & Workshop
Saturday, February 28: Explore – Engage – Enlighten: Learn History of Black Composers Through Music, Vignettes and Live Musical Compositions
Other Events
Saturday, February 7: Oakland’s Promise Options Fair Celebrating the Promise of Oakland’s Young People and Giving Them the Tools to Succeed
Monday, February 9: Lakeview Library Book Club Meets to Discuss A
Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. GainesThursday, February 19: A Progressive Perspective on the Economic Crisis sponsored by Mayor Dellums, Council President Brunner and Assemblymember Swanson
Monday, February 23: 14th Avenue Streetscape Community Workshop
Wednesday, February 25: Dr. Frank Zimring Discusses Crime Trends Across the Country, sponsored by Piedmont League of Women Voters
...Coming in March
Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8: White Elephant Sale--New Merchandise Arrives Daily
REPORTS
Thanks to Good Samaritan Bruce Vuong
Happy Lunar New Year to AllWalls Come Down on Wallace Street
Morcom Rose Garden Designated an All-America Rose Garden
District 2 Streetscape Projects: An Update
Oakland Public Library and AARP Offer Free Tax Assistance through April 15, 2009
What’s The Big Read?
New Ambassadors along BroadwayCheck Out Oakland Convention & Visitors Bureau For New Things to See and Do in Oakland
Volunteer and Become a Mentor For an Oakland Public School Graduating High School Student
Pigeons Fly the Coop with Help from Caltrans
Save the Neighborhood Community Center
EVENTS
Black History Month Events
Through February 27: Sweet Dreams: An Exhibit of Acrylic Sculptures by
Internationally Recognized Artist Ben Hazard
Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, California State Building, [location], 10:00 am to 5:00 pm – Free Admission
“Sweet Dreams” exhibit will showcase the works of internationally known artist Ben Hazard. This exhibition will span four decades (1969 – 2008) and will display Mr. Hazard’s early works and feature his recent “candy like” creations of acrylic sculptures. Mr. Hazard’s acrylic plastic works will be in conjunction with his works in charcoal at the Joyce Gordon Gallery (406 14th Street). Artist reception on Thursday, January 15, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Presented by the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery. Call (510) 238-7386 or (510) 622-8190, or go here.
Through March 20: Bond of Perpetuity: Lincoln Legacy in Oakland - An Exhibit
Monday, Tuesday & Saturday, 10:00 am to 5:30 pm; Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 8:00 pm; Friday, Noon to 5:30 pm and Sunday,1:00 to 5:00 pm – Oakland History Room, Second Floor, Main Library, 125 14th Street – Free Admission
Commemorating the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth, the Oakland History Room presents an exhibit of materials from its collection that illustrates the enduring legacy of the Lincoln Administration on Oakland, which was transformed into a major transportation hub thanks to the policies and programs that were launched during his presidency. Presented by the Oakland Public Library. Call (510) 238-3222 or go here.
Friday, February 6: First Fridays After Five - Live Music and Panel with
Various Artists
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th Street –5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Admission Fee.
Live music in the café. Gallery talk by Loren Holland, a featured artist in the L.A. PAINT exhibition. Panel discussion “Inside/Out: The Voices of Black Immigrants,” a discussion with Afro-Mexican, Afro-Honduran and Belizean immigrants about their experiences and challenges in California. Presented with BAJI: Black Alliance for Just Immigration. Full cash bar. Museum store and café open. All ages welcome. (510) 238-2200 or go here.
Saturdays, February 7 and 14 :Downtown Oakland Walking Tours: Discovering
Oakland's Political History
10:00 a.m. to noon. Tours starts at AAMLO, 659 14th Street, Oakland. Free Admission
Stroll through downtown and discover the places where Oakland African-American leaders have made their mark, including C.L. Dellums, Ron Dellums and Lionel Wilson. Presented by Oakland Tours Program. Call (510) 238-3234 or go here.
Saturday, February 7: 19th Annual African-American Celebration through
Poetry
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
In celebration of Black History Month, the West Oakland library is hosting the 19th Annual African-American Celebration through Poetry. Poets of all ages, especially those sharing their works for the first time, are encouraged to participate. Presented by the Oakland Public Library. Call (510) 238-7352 or go here.
Saturday, February 7: Panel Discussing The Quest for Black Citizenship
in the Americas
2:00 to 4:00 p.m., African-American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street, Oakland. Free Admission
Rick Moss, AAMLO’s chief curator, and special guest tackle the 2009 Black History Month theme – “The Quest for Black Citizenship in the Americas.” “YOU” are the panelist – your views are welcome. R.S.V.P. required. Call (510) 637-0200 or go here.
Saturday, February 7: Gathering to Experience Drum Rhythm and Sound as
Way of Raising Awareness and Consciousness for Joy and Peace
3:00 to 5:30 p.m., Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc., 3278 West Street, Oakland. Admission Fee - some scholarships available.
Return to the way of the Drum as a tool to build community, increase creativity, harmonize relationships, heal broken hearts and experience joy. This annual gathering is designed to bring diverse groups together to do the heart work to heal the wounds of separation, fear and hatred. Participants will utilize the twin concepts of rhythm and sound as a way of raising awareness and consciousness for a rich experience of joy and peace. We will bring the drum back into the center of community. It will be a time of ancestral healing and personal healing. There will be drums available. Kokomon Clottey, author of Mindful Drumming: Ancient Wisdom for Unleashing the Human Spirit and Building Community, will facilitate this gathering. Presented by Attitudinal Healing Connection, Inc. Call (510) 652-5530 or go here.
Saturday, February 7: Annual Bay Area Induction Ceremony of Local Retired
Professional Athletes, and Honoring Community Leaders and Youth
7:00 p.m. Temple on the Hill, 4260 Lincoln Avenue, Oakland. Admission Fee.
Induction of Bay Area retired professional athletes, and honoring community leaders and youth. Presented by the African-American Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. Proceeds benefit underprivileged youth. Call (510) 452-2693 for more info.
Sunday, February 8: Feminist Leadership: From Africa to America
2:00 p.m. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
Dr. Amina Mama, Barbara Lee Distinguished Chair in Women’s Leadership at Mills College, discusses her life as a feminist scholar and political activist for women’s rights around the world. Sponsored by the Piedmont League of Women Voters and the Museum’s History Guild. Meet Dr. Mama at a reception after the talk. Free. Second Sundays are sponsored by Wells Fargo and the City of Oakland. Call (510) 238-2200 or go here.
Thursday, February 12: 21st Annual African-American Cultural Celebration
7:00 to 8:30 p.m. First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
Join us for an evening of hope. Our annual African-American Cultural Celebration is a tribute to the influence of African-Americans on the music scene around the world. The children’s choir of St. Paul's will perform "Lift Every Voice and Sing" and other spirituals, student musicians and guest artists play jazz greats, and the sound of drumming fills the hall. Not to be missed. Presented by St. Paul's Episcopal School. Call (510) 285-9628 or go here.
Saturday, February 14: Collaboration of the Year - Afternoon of Spiritual
Enlightenment Presented by Oakland Community Chorus and Friends of the
Negro Spiritual
4:00 to 5:30 p.m. African-American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
AAMLO, The Oakland Community Chorus, conducted by William Bell, and The Friends of the Negro Spiritual present an afternoon of spiritual enlightenment. R.S.V.P. required. Call (510) 637-0200 or go here.
Sunday, February 15: Family Explorations! African-American Rhythms: Oakland
by the Bayou
1:00 - 4:30 pm. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th Street, Oakland. Admission Fee.
Black History Month comes alive Louisiana-style with music, food and activities. Families can make Carnival masks, headdresses and beads as well as take part in a Mardi Gras-style parade. There is a long history of migration from Louisiana to California. Today’s program celebrates the rich history and cultural contributions of Louisianans. Call (510) 238-2200 or go here.
Saturday, February 21: The Big Read Kick-Off
1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak at 10th Street, Oakland. Admission Fee.
Oakland readers of all ages are invited to participate in a month of events inspired by Ernest Gaines’s award-winning novel A Lesson Before Dying. Celebrate the start of this exciting initiative with music, discussion, giveaways, refreshments and fun. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Arts Midwest and California State University East Bay, with the Museum and the Oakland Public Library. Call (510) 238-2200 or go here.
Saturday, February 28: African-American Quilters of Oakland: Demonstration
& Workshop
Noon to 4:00 p.m. West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
In celebration of Black History Month, the African-American Quilters of Oakland and the West Oakland library invite the public to an annual free demonstration and workshop in quilting. All supplies will be provided and all ages welcome. Presented by the Oakland Public Library. Call (510) 238-7352 or go here.
Saturday, February 28: Explore – Engage – Enlighten: Learn
History of Black Composers Through Music, Vignettes and Live Musical Compositions
2:00 to 7:30 p.m. African-American Museum & Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street, Oakland. Free Admission.
400 years Of History: Black Composers. Learn their history through music, vignettes and live musical compositions. R.S.V.P. required, limited seating. Call (510) 637-0200 or go here.
Other Events
Saturday, February 7:
Oakland’s Options Fair Celebrating the Promise of Oakland’s
Young People and Giving Them the Tools to Succeed
Sponsored by the Oakland Unified School District, Mayor Dellums, All-City Council, Peralta Colleges and United Way. 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, City Hall, Frank Ogawa Plaza. Barbecue lunch provided. RSVP to (510) 879-8200. For more details, go here for a flyer.
Monday, February 9: Lakeview Library Book Club Meets to Discuss
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
Lakeview Branch, Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero – 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Go here for more about the Lakeview Library Book Club
Thursday, February 19: A Progressive Perspective on the Economic Crisis
sponsored by Mayor Dellums, Council President Brunner and Assemblymember
Swanson
City Council Chambers, Oakland City Hall – 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
A roundtable discussion featuring:
• Mayor Ronald V. Dellums, City of Oakland
• City Council President Jane Brunner, City of Oakland
• Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, 16th District
• Dr. Steven Raphael, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley
• Angela Glover Blackwell, PolicyLink
• Speaker from ACORN/Alameda Labor Council
Addressing:
• What are the key economic issues facing the City of Oakland and the State?
• How will the proposed economic stimulus package affect urban communities like Oakland?
• How can we use the current crisis to work towards creating a more equitable and sustainable economy in the future?For reserved seating, please RSVP to 238-7001 or email here. Additional seating will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Monday, February 23: 14th Avenue Streetscape Community Workshop
The next community workshop to discuss the 14th Avenue Streetscape project will be held at 6 pm, Franklin Recreation Center, 1010 E. 15th St., Oakland.
The project area includes 14th Avenue from East 8th Street to East 19th Street. The firm of Bottomley Design & Planning has served as the consultant to work on the design. The consultant is currently working with City staff and the community to flesh out details for the design.
Wednesday, February 25: Dr.
Frank Zimring Discusses Increasing Crime Trends Across the Country, sponsored
by Piedmont League of Women Voters
Piedmont City Council Chambers, Piedmont City Hall, 120 Vista Avenue (off Highland), Piedmont – 5:30 pm
We are all concerned about recent increases in crime in our neighborhoods. The 1990's saw a major decrease in crime across America. Why are we seeing increases now and can we do anything to mitigate them?
Professor Frank Zimring, an expert in criminology and Boalt Law School professor
and author of The Great American Crime Decline discuss this hot topic. With his special interest in the use of empirical research to inform legal policy, Professor Zimring will talk about historical crime trends in America, the factors behind them and what seems to make a difference. Learn more about crime, crime control and the criminological enterprise at this important, informative meeting.[Comment from your Oakland City Councilmember: I can't help but note the irony that this presentation on crime trends is being sponsored by the City of Piedmont rather than the City of Oakland. In any case, good for the Piedmont LWV for arranging it and for graciously asking that I invite residents of Oakland to attend. I think it will be very interesting, and I plan to be there myself.- PK]
...Coming in March
Saturday and Sunday, March 7 and 8: New Merchandise Arrives Daily for
Huge White Elephant Sale
Sale is from 10 am to 4 pm both days, free admission. The sale will be held at the White Elephant Sale warehouse, 333 Lancaster St., in Oakland on the Estuary. Free shuttle to the warehouse available from the Fruitvale BART station
The 2009 White Elephant Preview Sale last month was a huge success, grossing more than $250,000 and attracting long lines of determined shoppers.Not to worry. There will be thousands more bargains at the legendary White Elephant Sale, Saturday and Sunday, March 7–8. Hours are 10–4 both days and admission is free.
Each of the Sale’s 17 departments is replenished five days a week by donations from the public. Sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board—which sorts and prices donations year-round—the Sale’s proceeds support programs and acquisitions for the Oakland Museum of California.
The Oakland Museum Women’s Board, about 100 intrepid volunteers, has raised more than $1 million a year for the museum since 2002.
For details please call 510/536-6800 or visit here. No strollers, backpacks, or shopping carts, please.
The public is invited to bring new and clean, lightly used items to the White Elephant Sale warehouse. Donations (tax deductible) can be dropped off Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10–2, through Saturday, February 28. For free van pick-up of large items, call 510/839-5919.
REPORTS
Thanks
to Good Samaritan Bruce Vuong
The wreckage that accompanied some of the recent protest marches was very discouraging, but the losses also brought forth the generosity of the human spirit to help others.
While the City, through its Redevelopment funds, provided financial aid for business owners who faced losses and property damage from vandalism caused by some of the rioters, there were a few individuals, cursed by the misfortune of parking their cars at the wrong place at the wrong time, who received no such assistance for damage to their cars. One such victim, who works at a restaurant in downtown, contacted our office for help; her car was torched beyond recognition the night of the first protest. Her family relied on that one car to get to work and drop her children off at school. Our office reached out to solicit aid for the victim. One of our constituents, Bruce Vuong, owner of Quality Tech Automotive located at 1235 16th Ave, Oakland, stepped forward and offered to donate a good, used car, as well as provide oil change and basic maintenance, free of charge.
I would like to publicly thank Bruce Vuong for his generosity and selflessness. He didn't ask for any compensation or recognition - he just wanted to help. This is one Oakland story that had a happy ending. From the District 2 office, thank you, Bruce.
This
colorful tree of blossoms celebrates Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year
The Year of the Ox arrived with much festivity in the Chinese, Vietnamese and other Asian communities in Oakland. I just want to say Happy New Year to all Oaklanders and wish you all health, happiness and prosperity in 2008.
Walls Come Down on Wallace Street
The "Wrecking Ball" arrives. (View from 14th Avenue)
Wallace Street neighbors and Councilmember Kernighan were finally successful in getting the City to demolish the three homes that slid off their foundations in the rainy winter of 2001. Initially, the houses were declared inhabitable and the City continued to levy fines against the property owners to compel them to take action to demolish their properties and secure the hill. The uphill owners eventually abandoned their properties since the land had more liability than value. So for seven years the surrounding neighbors were left with a terrible blight that had a very negative effect on their quality of life. The neglected houses invited crime, squatters and illegal dumping. The tipped and collapsing houses were also very visible from the main thoroughfare of 14th Avenue. Because the blight was on private property, the City had no legal responsibility to fix it. But it really was an intolerable situation for the rest of the neighborhood. In concert with the neighbors, Councilmember Kernighan successfully advocated for the Central City East Redevelopment Area to invest the money needed to demolish the houses and secure the unstable hill. Our efforts finally culminated in the demolition of the property in late January. More work will continue on the site in the coming months to secure the sliding hill. We look forward to continuing our work with the community so that the site can hopefully be put to productive use in the neighborhood at a future time.
Morcom Rose Garden Designated
an All-America Rose Garden
The Morcom Rose Garden at 700 Jean Street near Grand Avenue has been accepted into the All-American Rose Selection’s public gardens program, which includes becoming an AARS test garden. This is a very big deal for Oakland’s treasured site. Here’s why. The AARS organization’s sole function is to determine top-quality roses. There are 25 public test gardens around the U.S. where AARS tests new rose varieties that haven’t yet been introduced on the market. The results of the tests tell AARS what varieties flourish, and in what regions of the country they do well. For more about the All-America Rose Selection – what a test garden is, how winners are selected, etc, go here.
How can you benefit from the Rose Garden being an AARS test garden? If you’ve considered roses as too finicky to grow in your garden, think again. The rose varieties in test garden trials receive only as much care as they would in an average home garden. The Morcom Rose Garden is an excellent site for testing rose varieties due to environmental conditions that other Bay Area home gardeners might encounter. This includes heavy clay soils; poor drainage; partial and full sun exposure; shady trees; and limited labor input for maintenance. AARS winners aren’t high maintenance. If the test varieties do well in the Morcom Rose Garden, they will probably do well in a private garden. So take heart, go to the Rose Garden come Spring, choose from among the roses labeled as AARS winners, and then introduce them into your garden with confidence.
Once before, the Rose Garden held the coveted test garden designation, but lost it when care of the garden lapsed. In recent years the outpouring of volunteer effort – 250 on Martin Luther King, Jr holiday alone – led by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable gardening staff headed by Victoria Rocha has re-established a well-tended condition worthy of the designation. For more information about the Morcom Rose Garden, go here.
Would you like to join other Rose Garden volunteers and learn more about care of roses? Saturday, March 14 is the next date when volunteers will meet from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the garden to weed, spread mulch, and perform other essential tasks. After that date, you can find volunteers at work on the second Saturday of each month. For more information about volunteering or if you have questions, contact here or at 510.597.5039. (Article by Jennie Gerard)
District 2 Streetscape
Projects: An Update
The following streetscape projects are in various stages of development in District 2:23rd Ave Streetscape Project
Approved funding budget: $3.7 mil from Central City East Redevelopment Area
Project Description: This project is located on 23rd Avenue from East 12th Street to Foothill Boulevard, and continues on Foothill from 23rd Avenue to 22nd Avenue. PGA Design is the landscape architect firm that worked with the City and the 23rd Avenue Collaborative for the design phase. Community meetings were held on November 12, 2005, and January 12, 2006, to discuss preliminary designs. The final community meeting was held on June 29, 2006, to have the community review the final design.
Status: PGA completed design and initial 35% construction documents; CEDA’s Design and Construction staff are now working on 65% design and construction documents; bidding for construction is expected to be July 2009Completion target date: September 2010
14th Avenue Streetscape Project
Approved funding budget: $2.5 mil from CCE Redevelopment Area
Project Description: The project area includes 14th Avenue from East 8th Street to East 19th Street. The firm of Bottomley Design & Planning has served as the consultant to work on the design. The consultant is currently working with City staff and the community to make final design decisions.
Status: A series of community meeting were held over the past year to develop and refine the plan. Bottomley Design has completed 35% design documents, and is currently working on a design to extend improvements on 14th Avenue beyond the current scope of the project up to the Highland Hospital Area, which could be implemented if future funding materializes. There’s going to be one more community meeting in late February (February 23 - see here for the story). City staff will aim to complete 100% construction documents by the Fall of 2009.
Completion target date: TBA
E.18th Streetscape Project
Approved funding budget: $1.7 mil from CCE Redevelopment Area
Project Description: The streetscape improvements will be focused on E.18th St, between the lake and Park Blvd, and on Park Blvd, from E.18th St up to about E.21st St. Conceptual design plans have been completed. City staff will develop the design and construction documents with an expected completion by spring of 2009.
Status: Staff is working on completing 35% construction documents. The community, in the most recent workshop, voiced pedestrian safety issues on Park Blvd as a top priority, especially if implementation of the project will be phased.
Completion target date: TBA
For more information, and maps of the projects, go here.
Scheming and Dreaming on Grand Avenue.
A group of residents is forming to advocate for streetscape improvements on Grand Avenue (from the Grandlake Theater up to the Piedmont border). If you are interested in joining them to organize a visioning and planning process, please contact Jennie Gerard here at the D2 office. Unlike the streetscape projects mentioned above, Grand Avenue is not in a Redevelopment Area, and thus not eligible for Redevelopment funds. Consequently, it will be much more challenging to find funds for the project. But where there's a will, there's a way. If you're willing to be part of a long-term working group toward this goal, let us know.
Oakland
Public Library and AARP Offer Free Tax Assistance through April 15, 2009
Looking for some good news about tax time? How about some free help finishing and filing your income tax return? The Oakland Public Library, in partnership with the American Association for Retired Persons, is offering free tax assistance through April 15, 2009. Trained volunteers will help residents fill out their forms at several library locations (see below for locations and schedule).
Participants need to bring copies of last year’s federal and state tax returns and all materials pertaining to their 2008 tax forms (including details of stimulus checks, if they received any in 2008) for themselves and their spouse (if filing jointly).
For walk-in appointments (at specified sites), be sure to arrive in time for the beginning of the day’s session in order to receive a time slot. The Library’s Tax Assistance program is very popular, and not everyone is guaranteed a time slot. Seniors, ages 60 and up, will be given preference at walk-in sites.
The Tax Assistance Program will not take place on official City holidays and Mandatory Business Closure days. The Oakland Public Library will be closed on Thursday, February 12 for Lincoln’s Birthday; on Friday, February 13 due to budget cutbacks; on Monday, February 16 for Presidents’ Day; on Friday, March 13 due to budget cuts; and on Thursday, April 9 and Friday, April 10 due to budget cuts. Tax Assistance will not be available on those days. Hours may be subject to change; please call ahead to confirm times.
Oakland Main Library-West Auditorium
125 14th Street
Mondays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Fridays, 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(510) 238-3134
No advance appointments; arrive early to sign up for a time slot.
César E. Chávez Branch Library
3301 East 12th Street, Suite 271
Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Bilingual Spanish/English
(510) 535-5620
Call for an appointment. Some walk-ins may be accepted; call for information.
For more information, please call (510) 238-3134, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web here.
The Big Read comes to Oakland beginning February 21! Co-sponsored by the Oakland Public Library and the California State University, East Bay, this is a program to get people reading and talking about the same book. You can participate in this citywide initiative by reading Ernest Gaines’ award-winning novel, A Lesson Before Dying (copies are available at the Oakland Public Library), and then joining in events in the month-long celebration that includes book clubs, theater performances, film screenings, panel discussions, and more.
The free kick-off event at the Oakland Museum of California (1000 Oak Street) takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Besides a cook-off of Southern food, you’ll be entertained with music featuring selections from Sophisticated Ladies, a celebration of the music of Duke Ellington. To enter the cook-off competition, go here.
Other events at the Oakland Public Library include a reading by community actors of A Lesson Before Dying on Monday, February 23 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Golden Gate Branch (5606 San Pablo Avenue), as well as a screening of the film starring Don Cheadle on Saturday, February 28, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Martin L. King, Jr. Branch (6833 International Blvd.). The Lakeview Branch Book Club (550 El Embarcadero) will discuss Gaines’ book at its February 9th meeting starting at 6:30 pm. (Go here).
A Lesson Before Dying is a compelling novel that, according to The Reader’s Guide, “poses one of the most universal questions literature can ask: Knowing we’re going to die, how should we live?” It’s a story of social injustice in the pre-Civil Rights South, race relations, and personal redemption.
In March, there will be two events associated with The Big Read at the Main Library:
• Wednesday, March 4, 6:30 pm: Fresh Perspectives
Artistic director of Rough N’ Ready Theatre Players, Daunielle Rasmussen and the Theatre Department Chair at Laney College, Michael Torres, work with local actors to bring to life poignant scenes from A Lesson Before Dying. Oakland Main Library-West Auditorium, 125 14th Street• Thursday, March 12, 6:30 pm: East Bay Book Clubs Connect
Contact The Big Read team to find out more information about how your book club can participate in this wonderful night dedicated to community book groups. Enjoy refreshments and entertainment, mingle with community members, and stay for a special book discussion with special guests. Oakland Main Library, 125 14th Street. Contact here.For more information about this initiative and a complete list of scheduled events, go here. This program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Arts Midwest.
New Ambassadors along Broadway
Businesses in downtowns across the country have created special assessment districts, called community benefit districts (CBDs), to tax themselves in order to pay for safety and cleaning services that go beyond what their municipalities can provide. Two new CBDs, the Downtown Oakland Association and the Lake Merritt Association, formed at the end of 2008 with the aim of improving the climate for business. Already they have launched a program to improve actual safety and the perception of safety in downtown. On February 1, a team of Safety Ambassadors began patrolling the CBDs, serving as additional eyes and ears for local authorities. The safety program makes use of a combination of visible presence, deterrence and safety information.
You may have seen the Safety Ambassadors already in their identifying uniforms. The Ambassadors in orange shirts are patrolling generally between 17th Street and 9th Street. The Ambassadors in blue shirts are patrolling between 17th Street, and 24th St and Vernon St. You will see them patrolling on foot or bike. They are responsible for deterring unwanted behavior, reporting suspicious or illegal activity and public nuisance crimes (panhandling, loitering with intent, etc.). They are serving as goodwill ambassadors by providing city information, directions, assistance, or just a friendly greeting to those who live, work in, or visit downtown.
For more information about the CBDs, you can contact the Lake Merritt/Uptown Community Benefit District at (510) 452-4529 or email here or the Downtown Oakland Community Benefit District at (510) 238-1122 or email here. The two CBDs are sharing an office located at 388 19th Street (between Franklin and Webster). Marco LaMandri is serving as the Executive Director of both CBDs and Helen Wyman is the District Manager of each CBD.
Effective Parenting Classes - Do You Fear Your Child May Be Attracted
To Gangs Or Involved In A Gang?
Do you fear your child may be hanging out with the wrong crowd? Do you live in a neighborhood where crime is prevalent? Do you know your child’s friends?
Program begins February 10, 2008
Time: 6:00 pm to 8:15 pm
Place: Elmhurst Community Prep Alliance Academy, 1800 98th Avenue
For more information, call (510) 482-1738
Classes held on the following Tuesdays:
• February 10, 2009 Self Esteem: Communication
• February 17, 2009 Violence Prevention 911- 411
• February 24, 2009 Conflict Resolution
• March 03, 2009 Substance use and abuse
• March 10, 2009 When Stress Gets Your Best
• March 17, 2009 Putting it All Together
• March 24, 2009 Celebration
Check Out Oakland Convention
& Visitors Bureau For New Things to See and Do in Oakland
Want to know where the coolest bars, restaurants, and other attractions are in Oakland? Then go check out Oakland Convention and Visitors Bureau here, a website featuring the the great things that Oakland has to offer--places to eat, things to do, and places to stay.
Volunteer and Become
a Mentor For an Oakland Public School Graduating High School Student
From the Marcus Foster Education Fund:
Here are a few reasons why you should consider mentoring:
1. It is estimated that only half of African American and Latino ninth graders graduate from high school, compared to 79% of Asian Americans and 72% of Whites (Civil Rights Project, 2005).
2. Only 44% of students in Oakland public schools graduate from high school, whereas 74% of students graduate from high school nationally.
3. While there has been an increase in first-generation college students, students are still less likely to persist and graduate from college (Choy; Nunez & Cuccaro-Alamin, 1998).
4. It is estimated that first-generation students have a 71% higher rate of attrition that occurs within the first and second year compared to second-generation students (Ishitani, 2003).
5. According to the U.S. Department of Education report, first generation students have family and background characteristics that are associated with risk of attrition, where more are likely to be from low-income families, have lower achievement, and have lower overall degree aspirations.
So how can you help?
While we realize that we may not be able to address every reason that contributes to the high minority college attrition rate, we have decided to focus on two of the most damaging obstacles: financial need and college guidance.
This is precisely where YOU come in.
The mentor component is critical to help low-income, first generation students find their “footing” within these great institutions of higher learning.
We estimate that a new college student in today's world faces several challenges or would need help in the following areas:
Inexperience navigating new social and cultural experiences and expectations
- Study habits
- Survival skills in college
- Test taking strategies
- Financial aid and scholarships
- Money management
- Career Exploration and career world information
- Managing the expectations of college
- Bolstering self-confidence
- Seeking out and utilizing college resources
- Stress management
- Leading a balanced life considering work, school, and other demands
- Time management
- Conflict management
- Maximizing relationships with professors
- Resisting negative peer culture and peers involved in heavy alcohol consumption and other drugs
- Searching for a job
- Writing a resume and cover letter
- Handling the challenges of being a first generation college student
- Lack of knowledgeable support system
We need your human capital! We need your support. Please consider becoming a mentor today. If interested in learning more about becoming a mentor, please contact the Marcus Foster Education Fund (formerly Marcus A. Foster Educational Institute) at (510) 835-0391 or visit us here under Programs – UpHigh.UpHigh is a comprehensive, long-term program that awards multiple year scholarships and matches Marcus Foster scholars with mentors. By providing financial and human support, UpHigh aims to increase the college enrollment and graduate rate for Marcus Foster scholars, all of whom are low-income and first-generation college students in Oakland public schools.
Pigeons Fly the Coop with Help from Caltrans
Residents Ken Katz and David Bolanos helped find a solution to the long-standing problem of pigeon droppings in and around the parking lot at Splashpad Park. The pigeon droppings were accumulating on the buttresses, in the parking lot, and on nearby Lakeshore Avenue sidewalks from the pigeons roosting under the freeway overpass that covers the parking lot (on Lake Park Ave under I-580). District 2 staff combined forces with Ken and David to fix this once and for all. The City of Oakland and Caltrans had previously signed a maintenance agreement which formalized some of Caltrans maintenance responsibilities within the City. Jocelyn Combs, of the Public Works Agency, and other city staff meet monthly with Caltrans to discuss maintenance problems. When District 2 brought the issue to Jocelyn’s attention, she began a discussion with Caltrans on possible solutions. She brought Ken and David’s concerns and ideas into the discussion and conducted a site meeting. Ultimately, Caltrans started a project in December to install pigeon-proofing under the overpass. Working during evening hours, they recently completed the netting and other measures to keep the pigeons from roosting and they steam cleaned the parking lot and the sidewalks to remove the build up of unsightly, unhealthy droppings. Thanks to Ken, David and Jocelyn for making things happen. If you notice other maintenance issues on Caltrans property, feel free to email Jocelyn Combs directly here or call 615-5583.
Save the Neighborhood Community Center
Due to the City of Oakland's budget problems, the City will no longer be able to pay the rent for the Grandlake Neighborhood Center open past June 31. The Neighborhood Center, located at 530 Lake Park, has served the community as a meeting place for various activities including neighborhood crime watch, Green and Democratic party meetings, community beautification projects such as planting of Daffodils and succulents, yoga and art classes and more.
Grandlake resident Maggie Kostoff invites community members to meet on Thursday, February 12 at 7 pm for a brainstorming session to discuss how to retain the space as a community center. This meeting welcomes merchants, non-profits and individuals who may want to partner with us to share store front office space.
The meeting will be held at the Community Center at 530 Lake Park, across from where the Farmers Markets are held on Saturdays. Please park under the freeway or on the street to avoid getting a parking ticket.
If you cannot attend this meeting but want to share your ideas, please call Maggie Kostoff at (510) 444-4992.