Come to a July 26th meeting to discuss options for managing the 1500 Canada Geese that fly in to Lake Merritt every summer to molt
FEATURED REPORTS AND EVENTS
August 4: You're invited to Councilmember Kernighan’s District 2 Picnic, 11 am to 3 pm, at San Antonio Park
July 26: Geese Management at Lake Merritt - A Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmembers Pat Kernighan & Nancy NadelAugust 8: National Night Out – 7 pm to 9 pm--Block Parties Organized by Residents and Merchants Throughout the City
Update on Garbage Service and Waste Management Labor Dispute
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 9: Citywide Retail Strategy: A Community MeetingJuly 11: The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows "Knight Bus" Tour comes to Main Library.
July 11: Citywide Retail Strategy: A Community Meeting (last of four)
July 12 (and every Thurs through August 23): Paws to Read for children at the Lakeview Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero
July 12: Open House for NCPC 18Y and 21X – Summer, Sun & Safety!
July 15 (and every Sun afternoon through Aug 5): Free Annual Oakland Municipal Band Concert – Lakeside Park Bandstand
July 18: Immigration Reform - A Panel Discussion moderated by City Attorney John Russo
July 18 and July 19: Free Performances of Prescott Circus Theater Step Up
July 20: The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Midnight Release Party - Main Library
July 21: Monthly Outdoor Movie Series Returns to Historic Old Oakland starting with “Ray,” preceded by comments by screenwriter James White
July 26: Geese Management at Lake Merritt - A Community Meeting Hosted by Councilmembers Pat Kernighan & Nancy Nadel
July 27: 27th Citizen Police AcademyJuly 28: Fireworks, Oakland World Music and Jazz Festival at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park
July 28: Radical Wheels II - McAfee Colisuem, Parking Lot B
...And Coming in August
August 4: District 2 Summer Celebration Picnic, hosted by Councilmember Kernighan, 11 am to 3 pm, San Antonio ParkAugust 7: Sponsor a Block Party on National Night Out and Get to Know Your Neighbors
REPORTS
City Budget Approved for Fiscal Years 2007-08 and 2008-09
Waste Management Lock-out and Labor Dispute with Teamster Drivers
City Council Passes Ban on Plastic Bags at Point of SaleOakland Technology Exchange West – How to Get a Free Computer!
Gallery ZiZi Grand Opening
Oakland Public Library Summer Reading Fun
Oakland Youth Chorus Seeks Music Education DirectorPrescott Circus Theatre Presents Its 23rd Annual Circus Show
Oakland Asian Cultural Center Seeking Executive Director
Oakland’s Summer Lunch Program
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 9: Citywide Retail Strategy: A Community Meeting
Location: Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Boulevard – 6 pm to 8 pm.
This is the third of four community meetings to gather comments and suggestions regarding desired retail in Oakland. (see Wed Jul 11 listing below for another location). These meetings are part of the work being done by the Conley consulting team who have been hired by the City to develop data and analysis for a retail strategy for Oakland.. Come offer your answers to the questions: What do you like best about shopping in Oakland? What would make shopping in Oakland better? What do you want to make sure doesn’t change? Does the type of store matter (for example, locally-owned vs. chain)? Click here for more details.
July 11: The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows "Knight Bus"
Tour comes to Main Library
To celebrate the much-anticipated release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling’s seventh and final Harry Potter book, Scholastic is touring the Knight Bus across the country. Based on the purple, triple-decker bus described in the Harry Potter books, the Knight Bus will be rolling into the Oakland Main Library, located at 125 14th Street (between Oak & Madison) on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. It is one of 37 lucky libraries to host an event on the national seven-week-long Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Knight Bus tour, which culminates at Scholastic headquarters in New York City for the release of the seventh and final book in the series at 12:01 a.m. on July 21, 2007.
At each library, some lucky fans will have a chance to board the Knight Bus and share on video their thoughts and feelings about the Harry Potter books. Select video clips from each location will be uploaded for viewing and sharing here. Additionally, each fan who records a message will receive a unique username and password so that they can view their own video online.
For more information, contact Kathleen Hirooka at the Oakland Public Library, at (510) 238-6713, khirooka@oaklandlibrary.org, or Esther Chen at Scholastic Inc., (212) 343-6657, echen@scholastic.com.
July 11: Citywide Retail Strategy: A Community Meeting (last of four)
To be held on July 11 at the Fruitvale/San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 E. 12th Street near the Fruitvale BART station, 6 pm – 8 pm. (click here for more detail).This is the final community meeting to gather comments and suggestions regarding desired retail in Oakland. These meetings are part of the work being done by the Conley consulting team who have been hired by the City to develop data and analysis for a retail development strategy for Oakland.. Come offer your answers to the questions: What do you like best about shopping in Oakland? What would make shopping in Oakland better? What do you want to make sure doesn’t change? Does the type of store matter (for example, locally-owned vs. chain)? Click here for more details.
July 12 (and every Thurs through August 23): Paws to Read at the Lakeview
Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero
Sign up for a 20-minute time slot to read to Franklin, Cookiescraps or another friendly dog between 3:30 pm and 5 pm. Children entering grades one through seven can sign up to improve their reading skills with the help of a furry friend. This seven-week pilot program brings gentle therapy dogs to the library. It’s good practice, and children can count the minutes to earn Summer Reading Game prizes, too! To sign up for a time slot or for further information, call (510) 238-7344.
July 12: Open House for NCPC 18Y and 21X – Summer, Sun & Safety!
Come meet your neighbors! NCPCs 18Y and 21X will be hosting an open house with the theme "Summer, Sun & Safety" on July 12, from 7 to 8:30 pm, at the Salvation Army located at 2794 Garden Street. This will be an opportunity to meet your Councilmember as well as find out information on dumping, nuisance abatement, and crime. In addition, the open house will also provide information on summer issues such as water safety, city of Oakland pools, and staying safe in the sun.
July 15 (and every Sun afternoon through Aug 5): Free Annual Oakland Municipal
Band Concert – Lakeside Park Bandstand
Come out and enjoy the Annual Oakland Municipal Band Concert at the Lakeside Park Bandstand, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Bring beach chair and picnic, and hear jazz, contemporary, pop, big band, international, classical, marches and show tunes.
July 18: Immigration Reform - A Panel Discussion moderated by City Attorney
John Russo
The panel discussion will be held at the Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 1, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza (14th & Broadway), from 9 – 11 am. What does current legislation mean for local governments, community leaders and service providers? Click here to learn who the panelists and co-sponsors are.
July 18 and Thurs July 19: Free Performances of Prescott Circus Theater
Step Up
Check out the free performances of Prescott Circus Theater Step Up at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1418 Alice Street, from 11 am and 1:30 pm. Click here for the story below.
July 20: The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Midnight Release Party
- Main Library
All you die-hard Harry Potter fans, come hang out at the Main Library, 125 14th St (enter through the Children’s Room on Oak street), from 8 pm until just-after midnight. Come in costume for an evening of incredible entertainment, including live bands. Come make wizard hats and wands with MOCHA (Museum of Oakland Children’s Art) artists. Free raffle for 100 winners who will be able to check out the new book starting at midnight. Patrons who are among the first 100 to place a hold reserve on the book will be able to check it out that night.
July 21: Monthly Outdoor Movie Series Returns to Historic Old Oakland
starting with “Ray,” preceded by comments by screenwriter
James White
The City of Oakland, in association with the Old Oakland Historic District Business Association, will transform Ninth St between Broadway and Washington St into an outdoor cinema with movies beginning at dusk. Limited seating is available. Filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets … and enjoy dinner before the movie at one of Old Oakland’s restaurants. For more information on the cinema series, click here.
July 26: Geese Management at Lake Merritt - A Community Meeting Hosted
by Councilmembers Pat Kernighan & Nancy Nadel
Community meeting at Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave, from 7 pm to 9 pm., July 26I hear a lot of complaints about the number of Canada geese and the amount of goose droppings at Lake Merritt in the summer months. The City has done research on our goose population (both resident and migratory) and some possible techniques to manage their activities at the Lake. Come to the meeting to learn more and to weigh in on the various geese management techniques that are being considered. To read the report that will be discussed at the July 26 meeting, you can go on-line after Monday, July 16 to access the report by going to the City’s Measure DD website here and clicking on ‘Lake Merritt Canada Goose Management Study’. Click here for flyer.
July 27: 27th Citizen Police Academy
Friday, July 27 is the deadline for applying to participate in the 27th Citizens Police Academy. CPA takes place every Saturday morning from 9 am to noon, for 14 weeks - August 4 through November 10. This is your opportunity to learn much more about the various departments of the Oakland Police Department. For more information, contact pwhite@oaklandnet.com. Click here to apply.
July 28: Fireworks, Oakland World Music and Jazz Festival at Middle Harbor
Shoreline Park
The Oakland World Music and Jazz Festival will be presented by the Port of Oakland at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on July 28th starting at 11am. The event is free to the public and will feature headliners Pharoah Sanders, Ledisi, Mo'Rockin Project and Anthony Blea y tu Charanga. In the evening there will be a fireworks show. The event will also feature a Global Eco Village environmental exhibit area, International food vendors, local artisans and a children's craft area. Several other companies and organizations, including the City of Oakland, are also sponsors of this family event.
For those of you who’ve never been to the Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, this is a must see. This 38-acre shoreline park was built by the Port of Oakland and is operated by the East Bay Regional Park District for the community, with more than two miles of pathways encircling Middle Harbor Basin. The park provides access to the shoreline, with stunning views of the bay, natural habitats and maritime activity. The headliners will perform live in an amphitheater that overlooks San Francisco Bay. There are also picnic/BBQ areas, strolling/biking pathways, and places for bird watching and fishing. This park is truly one of the hidden gems in the City of Oakland. Click here for more information about the park.To get to the park from Oakland, take I-880 north towards Oakland. Take the 7th Street exit towards West Grand Ave. Turn left onto 7th Street. Follow 7th Street, heading west, past Maritime Street. Continue straight on 7th Street to the stoplight at Middle Harbor Road. Proceed through the intersection and take the first right turn into the park’s parking lot.
July 28: Radical Wheels II – McAfee Coliseum, Parking Lot B
This fun-filled event will be from 10 am to 9 pm and features two go-kart race tracks (one for youth ages 5 – 12 and the other for adults), several skateboard ramps, a remote control car arena, and a Family Fun Zone with jumpers and a dunk tank. Tickets are $7 per person (children five years and under are free) and can be purchased online at www.oaklandnet.com/parks/registration (activity #94339.101) or at the OPR Administrative Office located at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Suite 3330 in downtown Oakland. For more information, call (510) 238-7275 or visit here.
...And Coming in August
August 4: District 2 Summer Celebration Picnic, hosted by Councilmember
Kernighan
Please come join the fun! Our community picnic will be from 11 am to 3 pm, on Saturday, August 4 at the San Antonio Park, located on Foothill Blvd and 16th Ave.
I invite all District 2 residents to join me and my staff as we gather to celebrate the great people and neighborhoods of District 2. What could be better than a sunny day in the park with live music and a hot dog in hand?
The picnic will be held at the beautiful and historic San Antonio Park, located next to Foothill Blvd between 16th & 18th Avenues) from 11am until 3pm. Ronnie Stewart and the Bay Area Blues Society will be providing live music and there will be activities for children and others young at heart. The park has a soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, a play structure and lots of space to lie out on a picnic blanket. Please bring folding chairs or sports equipment, whatever your level of energy may be on that day. There is a lot of free street parking nearby.
My staff is planning on food for 500 people, so please pass the word. You are also welcome to bring your own picnic. If anyone is interested in helping by grilling some hot dogs, staffing the jumpy house, or volunteering special skills such as organizing children’s games or face painting, please contact Kathy Dwyer here or 510-238-7246. Click here for brochures in Chinese, English or Spanish.
August 7: Sponsor a Block Party
on National Night Out and Get to Know Your Neighbors
For the past 30 years, Oaklanders have celebrated National Night Out, a time when residents organize block parities in order to get to know their neighbors better. This year National Night Out will take place on Tuesday, August 7 from 7 pm to 9 pm.
National Night Out is America's night out against crime, an annual event held in communities across the country to strengthen spirit and unity, and raise crime prevention awareness by setting the stage for neighbors to get to know one another. Research has shown when neighbors know each other, stronger and safer communities result because trust increases, information travels faster and resources can be mobilized to solve problems more effectively. That’s why National Night Out is considered so important to community policing efforts.
Last year Oakland residents hosted 227 block parties, up from 156 the year before. This year's goal is 300 block parties. Officials encourage block parties, barbecues, ice cream socials or other outdoor events as ways to celebrate National Night Out. Events can happen anywhere, including single-family neighborhoods, apartment buildings or condominium and townhouse complexes. They can be big like Ivy Drive’s last year with its multiple grills and a band that attracted hundreds of people, or a small handful of neighbors relaxing in lawn chairs, visiting with one another and eating ice cream, or anything in between.
My staff and I will visit every registered block party in District 2. Police officers, firefighters and other city staff will come by, too, with give-away items for children and special gifts for party hosts. I hope you will consider sponsoring an event; my staff and I will look forward to joining you for awhile.
To register your National Night Out event or to review the block party guide, go here or contact Brenda Ivey at 238-3091. The deadline to register is 5 p.m. on Friday, July 27. Potential hosts and hostesses should include their names and addresses, home and work, phones, e-mail addresses, specific address of the event and approximate number of people attending. If you’d like to close the street for the event, that’s possible, too.
To see the brochures in various languages, see the flyer in the following languages: English, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Spanish.
REPORTS
City Budget Approved for Fiscal Years 2007-08 and 2008-09
A few weeks ago, the City Council passed the two-year budget for the City of Oakland. There were no major cuts in service levels in any programs. Given the very high property taxes that many people pay, I am often asked why Oakland seems strapped for funds. One reason is that only 27 cents of every property tax dollar goes to the City. The rest goes to the State and County for education, health care and other services. As to the money the City does receive, I am continually working toward more efficient use of your tax dollars.
Since there is increased concern about crime and public safety, I want to address funding for the Police Department in the budget. Funding is in place for 803 sworn officers, as it has been for the past two years. We have not yet been able to fill all those positions, (we're at about 721) though OPD has been actively recruiting, hiring, and training. In light of the demand for police services and the difficulty in filling our funded positions for sworn officers, I proposed, and got Council support for, funding 15 new positions for Police Service Technicians, which are civilian positions. These positions are easier to fill and cost less money than sworn. Police Techs can do a variety of tasks that otherwise are done by our patrol officers, thus freeing up more time for our sworn officers to do the most critical public safety work. My colleagues and I also gave policy direction to shift more sworn officers from office jobs to investigative and on-the-street work. As I have been advocating for some time, the Mayor recently ordered that the police officers working at the airport be transferred back to regular duty. (The Sheriff’s Department will cover the airport.) These actions should help cover the demand for service and also relieve the amount of overtime worked by sworn officers. By the way, the savings from the vacant positions over the past two years has been used to cover overtime costs as well as the salaries of new recruits while they are in the Police Academy.
The City is also providing prevention and intervention programs to reduce crime. These programs are funded by Measure Y and are serving youth who are considered high risk for getting involved in criminal activity as well as parolees returning to the community. These programs, which provide counseling, training and job opportunities, are also an important part of the solution to reduce crime in our community.
Waste Management Lock-out and Labor Dispute with Teamster
Drivers
News regarding the Waste Management lock-out of employees and the interruption of garbage service is changing quickly, but here is the information I have as of today, July 9.
On July 2, 2007 at 5 p.m. Waste Management of Alameda County (WMAC) locked out its employees who are represented by International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Local 70. WMAC has hired non-union replacement workers to substitute for the employees who are locked out. Most WMAC employees who are represented by other unions are not crossing the picket lines set by the Teamsters in response to the lock-out. The Davis Street transfer facility has a picket line, so the City is taking trash to the Berkeley garbage facility.
A federal mediator arrived in Oakland today, July 9, to meet with both sides in the labor dispute. I hope this mediation effort is successful, and urge both WMAC and the Teamsters to negotiate in good faith toward a fair contract so that normal service can be restored as quickly as possible.
Current garbage service:
WMAC did not pick up garbage in most parts of District 2 (including where I live) last week. Their most recent public statements indicate they will catch up this week and maintain weekly pick-up thereafter. WMAC is not picking up green barrels at all.
You will still get your recycling pick-ups, since it is provided by another company, California Waste Solutions, in our half of Oakland.
The City of Oakland has officially notifed WMAC that WMAC is in violation of its franchise contract to provide garbage service to the residents of Oakland. The City is pursuing its contractual remedies. The City is documenting breaches of the contract by collecting data on missed service. If your usual garbage or recycling service has been missed, please email a message with address and dates of missed service to
recycling@oaklandnet.com
or call the Public Works Recycling Hotline 238-SAVE (7283),
Messages about missed service will be tracked for the purposes of franchise management and cost recovery. The hotline has increased staff to handle the anticipated calls, but they are still having a hard time keeping up with the volume. If you have email, that is probably more efficient.
My understanding is that garbage bills will be adjusted for any weeks of missed garbage pickup. That may take awhile to implement, so do keep track of missed service, so you can make sure you can get your bill adjusted as appropriate.
If you are interested in the respective positions of WMAC and the union employees, you can read the press releases issued last week by each party. Click here for the Central Labor Council of Alameda County press release, and here for the Waste Management press release.
The City is actively monitoring the situation to prevent a public health hazard from occurring as a result of the WMAC lockout.
City Council Passes Ban on Plastic Bags at Point of Sale
Last week I voted with a majority of the City Council to ban the use of plastic carry-out bags at grocery stores and other retail stores which gross more than $1million a year. The ban takes effect in January 2008 and specifically exempts restaurants. Plastic bags will still be OK for take-out food, since it there isn’t another ready alternative to keep liquids from leaking out of food containers. The new ordinance does not affect the plastic bags used to hold vegetables and fruit in the produce sections.
I think the plastic bag ban is a good first step to changing consumer behavior away from one-use disposable plastic, which is causing major environmental problems. Re-usable canvas bags will be sold in grocery stores, and the City will be promoting their use for carrying home groceries. That is already the norm in many countries, but it will definitely require a change of mind and habit for us in America where convenience is king. I am now keeping three canvas bags in my car so they’re handy if I decide to stop at the store. It takes awhile to change our habits, but remembering to bring the canvas or string bags is not that hard once you’ve done it a few times. Paper bags will also still be available in stores, but reusable bags are the real goal. The manufacture of paper bags also has negative environmental consequences, but at least they are compostable, unlike plastic.
One of the key reasons for banning the plastic bags is that they are not recyclable as a practical matter, despite what it might say on the bag. Several recycling companies testified that even if you take your plastic bag back to the store, it is highly unlikely that it will actually be recycled. Though the bags look alike, there are many different “recipes” for making the plastic so they cannot be combined to recycle in the same way. They just get put in the landfill or end up blowing around and ending up in waterways where they choke wildlife. One biologist testified that there is now a higher volume of plastic bags in the ocean than of zoo-plankton.
The plastic bag ban ordinance will take us one step closer to achieving the City’s zero waste goal. To date the City has taken major strides in expanding and improving recycling and composting services. We can easily recycle garden clippings, kitchen scraps, glass, aluminum, newspapers, magazines, cardboard and other paper products, and certain plastic containers. Now that so much can be recycled, my household garbage consists mainly of plastic packaging. That’s a big step forward in the last few years. So, I hope you’ll join me in trying to reduce plastic waste by taking your own bags with you when you shop for food.
Oakland Technology Exchange West – How to Get a Free Computer!
If you’re reading this, chances are you own a computer. But there are some in Oakland who aren’t so fortunate. If you know parents of OUSD-attending children without a computer at home, please pass the word of this great opportunity. The Oakland Technology Exchange has a free computer for them! All they have to do is sign up for the take-home computer program and attend a 3 hour basic computer class with their OUSD-attending children. The computer will then be ready for pick-up on a designated distribution date. The computers provided are refurbished units that have been generously donated by local corporations.
In addition to surfing the net or listening to music, it is especially important to get connected on-line with Oakland Police Department’s PSA3 or local Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council newsgroup, where information regarding public safety and local crime are provided on a daily basis (click here to see more information about signing up for PSA3 or NCPC newsgroups). The more involved and aware you are, the better off our neighborhood will be. AT&T DSL service is as low as $14.99 per month - no contract required, and 56K dial-up modem is even cheaper.
For more information about this program or to register, call (510) 893-4822. Click here for OTX’s website.
Come check out the new Gallery ZiZi near the Parkway Theater at 2014 Park Blvd, Oakland 94606. Gallery ZiZi had a grand opening celebration July 6, from 5 to 9 pm, and will continue to welcome visitors. For more information please call Lola or Sonia at (510) 251-8277 or email here.
Gallery ZiZi is the brainchild of Lola Adams and Sonia Lankford, a mother and daughter team that moved from Oakland to Maui in 1985. There they fell in love with the wonderful world of art. After working for several years in the art business in Maui, Sausalito, and Carmel they decided to bring their experience back to Oakland. Representing local as well as international artists, Gallery Zizi is also creating opportunities for community based organizations to benefit from our success by holding silent auctions.
Oakland Public Library Summer Reading Fun
Get a Clue @ Your Library is the theme of the 2007 Summer Reading Program. Kids ages 13 and under, are invited to enjoy a summer’s worth of mysteries, magic tricks, music, wildlife, theater, and more! Drop by any of the branches or the Children’s Room of the Main Library to sign-up and start reading your way to valuable prizes, including books and tickets to some of Oakland’s hottest attractions.
The Oakland libraries also offer a variety of events, speakers, workshops and clubs all year long. These are for kids, teens, families of all ages and adults. Please visit their web site for the latest library news here. For information in Spanish, please call: (510) 535-5620 or in Chinese, please call (510) 238-3400.
Oakland Youth Chorus Seeks Music Education Director
Oakland Youth Chorus provides a multi-cultural music education and performance program for children and youth, fostering talent, confidence, and community. OYC provides classes in Chorus, African and Latin Percussion, and African Dance in 17 elementary schools in Oakland. In addition, OYC provides an all-school Middle School Magic Chorus and an all-school Concert Chorus for high school aged youth.
The Music Education Director oversees all of OYC’s school-based music education programs. (Currently in 17 elementary school after-school programs with the possibility of expansion to middle schools). For more information please go to OYC’s website here.
If you or someone you know is interested in this position, please email resume with cover letter to Sharon Dolan, Executive Director. No phone calls please.
OYC is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people of color and LGBTQIQ people to apply.
Prescott Circus Theatre Presents Its 23rd Annual Circus Show
If you have yet to treat yourself to a show by the Prescott Circus, you have a great opportunity in July. The Prescott Circus Theatre is an exciting and innovative after school program for Oakland youth. Students receive free training and performing opportunities. The program was founded in 1984 by Prescott teacher Aileen Moffitt.
Each year, over 170 children work with professional artists to develop physical circus skills such as juggling, acrobatics, improvisation, balancing, unicycling, stilting, hip hop dance, hambone body percussion and clowning. An emphasis on cultural connections within the program's curriculum and structure is valued and included. Students also learn about performance art, including creative expression, stage presence, production, and theatre vocabulary.
The heart of the program is the performing company of approximately 20 students from Prescott Elementary School in West Oakland. These 4th and 5th graders commit themselves to a minimum of 9 hours per week of training. They also receive homework tutoring and an academic summer school session.
This group is well known and loved throughout the community as the "Prescott Clowns." Through hard work, practice, and careful coaching, they develop the necessary skills to appear at over 50 community events for over 25,000 fans annually. The group develops an hour-long show that is known for its educational and motivational themes.
Adjunct programs reach 150 additional youngsters each year. These include after school circus arts classes at satellite sites at Lockwood, Piedmont Avenue, Garfield, and Laurel Schools as well as the "Junior Clown" program for Prescott's third graders. A visual arts class is offered at Prescott for students who wish to create sets, props, or costumes for productions.
Training programs are offered free of charge and almost exclusively to low income children. This program is supported by grants, donations, and performance fees. The Oakland Unified School District provides in-kind support.
Their latest show titled "Step Up" and they are presenting FREE SHOWS
Wednesday, July 18 at 11:00 am
Wednesday, July 18 at 1:30 pm
Thursday, July 19 at 11:00 am
Thursday, July 19 at 1:30 pmat the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts
1418 Alice Street, OaklandFor reservations:
(510) 482-1674
or email info@prescottcircus.orgFor more info:
www.prescottcircus.org
(510) 482-1674Shows are one hour and fifteen minutes in length.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center Seeking Executive Director
The Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) is a community cultural center established to promote Asian Pacific American (APA) arts, culture and heritage. OACC believes that the arts and cultural heritage are essential to building and sustaining vibrant, healthy communities.
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the agency’s resources to accomplish OACC’s vision and goals. Primary responsibilities include overall direction of the agency, fundraising, fiscal management, public relations, and program operations. To see a full job description, go here.
If interested, please submit a cover letter summarizing interest, qualifications and experience along with a current resume via email to corinnej@fambridges.org or mail to:
Corinne Jan
President, Board of Directors
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
388 Ninth Street, Suite 290
Oakland, CA 94607More information about the Oakland Asian Cultural Center can be found here.
Oakland’s Summer Lunch Program
Oakland’s summer lunch program delivers free nutritious meals to children during the summer months. Last summer the City provided 80,000 free lunches throughout the summer to children under the age of 18.
The Summer Lunch Program strives to help Oakland children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer - making them better prepared to start another school year. The summer lunch program encourages healthy eating habits leading to normal weight ranges and a positive self-image.
This summer there are over 45 participating Oakland sites. To find the location nearest you, contact the Alameda County Food Bank’s referral hotline at 1-800-870-FOOD or go here.
Oakland School Board
Regains Some Authority
On Monday, July 9 the OUSD Board of Education regained authority over one area of district operations, Community Relations & Governance. Board President David Kakishiba said the board is ready for the transition. “The Board completed a rigorous professional development process to prepare ourselves to serve as a responsible governing body. The return of Community Relations & Governance is the first step to what I hope will be an orderly and complete leadership transition by the end of the school year.” State Administrator Kimberly Statham said “This agreement between the Board and the Department of Education is a direct result of the very real progress being made in Oakland public schools.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell spoke proudly of the achievements within OUSD and Franklin School in particular. Franklin School, located in District 2, was the location of the signing ceremony.
New District 2 Intern
Nhung Lai
My name is Nhung Lai and I am a summer intern working for Councilmember Patricia Kernighan. I am part of the Summer Legal Fellowship program in Berkeley which placed me as an intern here at City Hall. I recently graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland and am attending San Jose State University in the fall. After graduation I plan on attending law School. Being a part of the Summer Legal Fellowship program and an intern has really broadened my perspective and exposed me to different areas of work and the types of careers that are out there. I am grateful to have this opportunity to work with the people that implement policy and help improve my community. I hope to one day give back by working with youth and teenagers because I believe they are the ones that have the power to change the world.