new basketball courts and repaved play surface
Golden State Warriors and Good Tidings Foundation Help Kickoff Lincoln Square Park RenovationEastlake Safety Meeting for Merchants and Residents - June 6th
National Night Out is August 1 - Plan Your Block Party Now
City Council Takes Action on Oak to Ninth Project - June 20th
LLAD Public Hearing and Voting Deadline - June 20th
Lake Merritt Park Improvement Projects - Council Meeting on June 27
Advocating for Seniors in Chinatown and Eastlake
Goodbye to Chief of Staff Chris Tom
Report from Chinatown Red Cross Safety Training
*Life Academy Triathlon – June 3rd*
Golden State Warriors and Good Tidings Foundation Help Kickoff Lincoln Square Park Renovation-
If you’ve been in Lincoln Square during the last week, you may have noticed that the usual crowd of hundreds of students playing kickball, basketball, and hanging out was dispersed because a playground renovation was underway. The project was a partnership between my office and the Golden State Warriors "Makin' Hoops" initiative. The Warriors chose Lincoln Square recreation area as the beneficiary of their gift of a new basketball court, with new surface, backboards and rims.
The new court is named in honor of Warriors basketball great Alvin Attles. On May 31, Mr. Attles, his family, and Warriors dignitaries were present with Parks Director Audree Jones-Taylor, Lincoln Recreation Director Gilbert Gong and me to dedicate the new basketball court. In addition to the new basketball court, my office chipped in to resurface and restripe the rest of Lincoln Square blacktop. The new play area is a great improvement and the kids were more than ready to start playing on it. . I am pleased that we were able to implement some of the improvements laid out in the Lincoln Square Master Plan that I commissioned and helped produce last winter. Many thanks to the Warriors and the Good Tidings Foundation for "jump-starting" the renovation!
While we're on the subject of Lincoln Square, I'd like to note that the historic
junk boat, which I have written about previously, was dismantled this week in preparation for its renovation.
Construction will begin shortly!
June 6th – Eastlake Public Safety Workshop
On June 6th, the Oakland Police Department is hosting a public safety workshop for Eastlake merchants, visitors and residents. From 7:15 to 8:45 pm at the Clinton Park Adult School building, participants will learn how to keep themselves safe during their daily routine and how to identify gang paraphernalia and signs. Language interpretation will be available for people who speak Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese. For more information, please contact Neighborhood Services Coordinator Edith Guillen at eguillen@oaklandnet.com or (510) 238-7159.
July 1st – Deadline to organize a Block
Party for America’s National Night Out
Scene from a National Night Out block party in District 2 last summerI am inviting you to host a party on your block on Tuesday, August 1, 2006, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. This may seem like a long time away, but I would like you to start now in getting your neighbors together to plan this fun event.
Research shows that neighborhoods are safer when residents know each other. This is your invitation to strengthen your neighborhood by organizing a block party, barbeque, ice cream social, or other event that will bring your neighbors together. Each registered block party will receive a visit from District 2 staff, police officers, fire fighters or other city staff to talk with neighbors, and pass out give-away items.
Last year Oakland had 154 National Night Out parties and the goal is to have even more this year. Can I count you in?
To register your block party, contact National Night Out Coordinator Brenda Ivey at (510) 238-3091. The deadline to register your block party is 5 pm on Friday, July 1, 2006. Only registered groups will be eligible for a visit. Please provide the following information:
• Name of host and the address, home and work telephone numbers and e-mail address
• Address of specific location of your outdoor event
• Approximate number of people attendingAlso, please note that if you plan to block off your street, you will need a block party permit by calling Special Events at (510) 238-3154.
See you on National Night Out 2006!
June 20th – City Council to consider
the Oak to Ninth Avenue Mixed Use Development Proposal
Rarely does a development proposal come along that holds the prospect for making a major change in part of a city. The Oak to Ninth Avenue proposal does just that. Situated on the Oakland Estuary, roughly between Oak Street and 9th Avenue, the area is primarily old industrial land owned by the Port. On June 20, the City Council will consider approving a 20 year planned development that eventually will include 3100 units of new housing, neighborhood-serving and recreationally oriented retail, and more than 29 acres of parks where there is virtually no public access to the waterfront today. The project would save a portion of the historic Ninth Avenue Terminal and perhaps more.
The proposal has been the subject of many public meetings and hearings over the last two years. In March I arranged for the City Council to hold an informational meeting so that my fellow Councilmembers could become better acquainted with this huge proposal for a mixed use development in District 2 and the concerns of those advocating for more open space, affordable housing, preservation of the Ninth Avenue Terminal, and compatibility with the Fifth Avenue Community, among other matters.Also, for the past three months I have been facilitating negotiations between the Oak to Ninth Community Coalition, the developer, and staff of the Redevelopment Agency on the subject of affordable housing. The Coalition has been advocating for two years for the inclusion of a substantial amount of units in the project that are affordable to low income families. My goal was to reach a workable agreement that would maximize the number of units and depth of affordability.
In the last week of May, I am happy to say that an agreement was reached between the Coalition and the developer that would provide 465 units of housing on site, 75% of which would be affordable to families earning 30% to 60% of Area Median Income, and up to 25% affordable to low income seniors. City Redevelopment staff and I also worked hard with the parties to make sure that we arrived at a plan that is financially feasible and something the staff and I can recommend to Council. We did. The developer will contribute via a discounted price on the land as well as a cash contribution. A major part of the funding for the housing will come from the Redevelopment "tax increment" generated by the market-rate housing in the project. I believe the agreement is a good one and I will advocate that the full Council approve it on June 20.
Recent discussions on other aspects of the project propose eliminating all housing development originally planned for "Parcel N" next to Estuary Park, and instead, doubling the size of Estuary Park. This new park could be built with the $18 million of Measure DD funds that were designated for parks at the Oak to Ninth area. I am in favor of this increase in parkland, and it is compatible with the agreement to build 465 units of affordable housing.
At its June 20th meeting, the City Council will debate the various issues concerning the project, perhaps making amendments, and put the development proposal to a vote. I do believe that the mixed use project could offer great benefits to the citizens of Oakland, including beautiful waterfront parks, completion of the Bay Trail, much-needed housing, both market-rate and affordable, and recreational opportunities for all Oaklanders.
A staff report will be available on line after the close of business on June 9th. For background information, click here.
June 20th – City Council Public Hearing
and Deadline for voting on the proposed enhanced Landscape and Lighting
Assessment District
Early in May the City sent ballots to all property owners asking them to vote on whether or not to increase the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (LLAD) tax in order to increase funding for parks maintenance, and to add more street trees and maintenance of street lighting. The City Council will hold a Public Hearing on June 20th on the subject. Property owners have until that date to cast their vote in one of two ways. They can return their ballots in the return envelope by 5 pm that day. Alternatively, ballots can be hand-delivered to the City Clerk before the end of the public input portion of the Public Hearing.
June 27th – City Council to consider
two aspects of Lake Merritt Park Improvement projects
Two remaining aspects of the proposed Lake Merritt Park Improvement projects projects will come before the City Council for a final vote on June 27th. First is an appeal of the decision to remove 224 trees in order to make way for the three park projects: removing the 12th Street dam and creating a boulevard where there is a two-block long, 12-lane freeway today (180 trees), expanding and landscaping Lakeshore Avenue (24 trees), and renovating the Municipal Boat House and its surroundings (20 trees). The second issue is the location of a parking lot near the renovated Boat House. Following the Council vote on these issues, the projects (either amended or not) will go out to bid for construction.
A staff report will be available on line after the close of business on June 16th.
Advocating for Seniors in Eastlake and Chinatown
Since assuming office one year ago, I have been working with non-profit service providers and community organizations to ensure that our vibrant senior community continues to flourish. During the mid-cycle FY ’06-’07 budget review process, I have been advocating for funding from the City of Oakland to support Seton Senior Center, the only center devoted to serving Oakland’s monolingual Vietnamese seniors. Currently located on 2nd Avenue and Foothill, the Seton Center is about to lose support from its principal funder, the Daughters of Charity.
On the other side of the lake, I have been working to make crosswalks and streets safer for Chinatown seniors. Home to approximately 400 senior residents, the Hotel Oakland senior residence in Chinatown provides easy access to shopping, cultural events, and social services that are culturally relevant. After developing a strong relationship with the Hotel Oakland Tenants Association, I have advocated for the repaving of crosswalks leading to and from the building. The crosswalks are being repaved this week.
Chief of Staff Chris Tom Departs for Graduate
Studies
After nearly four years of dedicated service to District 2 residents, my Chief of Staff Chris Tom will be heading back to school. A graduate of Brown University, Chris will head back to the East Coast this fall to begin a joint program in law and public policy (JD/MPA). We are very proud of him as he undertakes these new challenges, but very sad to lose him. Chris has been an enormous asset to the Council office and has served the community exceptionally well. Chris has managed projects in the Chinatown, Eastlake, and San Antonio neighborhoods. He has also been responsible for staffing me on public safety, redevelopment, economic development, and pedestrian safety issues. Legislative Aide Jennie Gerard will replace Chris as my Chief of Staff.
I know that many of you who have worked with Chris are as fond of him as we are, so I invite you to attend our going away party for Chris on Wednesday, June 14th, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm, please contact Kathy Dwyer for details at kdwyer@oaklandnet.com or (510) 238-7246.
Good luck Chris!
Report on Chinese Community Preparedness & First
Aid Day
I’m happy to report on another step taken by District 2 residents in preparing themselves for emergencies. The better prepared each of us is to respond to a disaster such as a big earthquake, the better Oakland will bounce back afterwards.
On Saturday, May 20, 2006 the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter hosted the first Chinese First Aid and Preparedness course for the residents of Oakland at Lincoln Square Recreation Center. Over 150 Chinese residents participated in the first certification course taught in Cantonese.
By the end of the training, students had been trained to:
- Identify disasters that can happen where they live and work, and get themselves prepared for them;
- Recognize and care for victims of injury or sudden illness; and
- Treat cuts, bruises, bone and muscle injuries, shock, bleeding and other first aid emergencies.
- Upon successful completion, students received a Certificate for Basic First Aid, which is valid for three years.
This pilot program was sponsored by the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter Asian Community Preparedness and co-sponsored by the City of Oakland’s Lincoln Square Recreation Center, the Fire Department’s Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE) program, and the Oakland Police Department’s Neighborhood Services Division. The program’s success may bring additional free services to Chinese residents in Oakland in the future.
Do you want more information on how you, your family and your neighbors can prepare for emergencies? Please click here : http://www.oaklandcore.org to learn about the City of Oakland’s CORE training program and schedule.
June
3rd – Life Academy Team Triathlon
On Saturday, June 3, 2006 one of our small public high schools, Life Academy of Health and Bioscience, will hold a fundraiser for the school. They could use your support …all you have to do is participate in a fun event.
Twenty or more teams will be bicycling 8 – 9 miles, then kayaking along the Oakland/Alameda Estuary for 2-3 miles, and finally running from the Jack London Aquatic Center to Jack London Square and back for another 2 miles.
Triathlon organizers are still looking for teams to participate. If you are interested, please contact Erik Rice, Assistant Principal, at ricerice@sbcglobal.net. Donations are always welcome, too. You can make checks payable to “OSSF/Life Academy Fund” or donate online at www.smallschoolsfoundation.org (specify “Life Academy Triathlon”).
Planning is also ongoing for next year’s triathlon, so don’t worry if you feel you are going to miss out. If you want to help in the planning, have prizes to donate to the winning teams, have in-kind donations, or are willing to consider setting up a matching grant for donations, please contact Erik Rice.
My office is supporting these kids in this great event. Won’t you consider doing the same?
June 3rd – Adult Learning Festival
at Lakeside Park
An estimated 60 percent of Oakland’s adults 16 and over have trouble reading and writing. In response, the Oakland Adult and Career Education Network, in collaboration with the Oakland Public Library’s Second Start Adult Literacy Program, is launching a community-wide campaign to promote adult literacy. To kick off the campaign – to raise public awareness and mobilize community resources – a first-ever Adult Learning Festival is take place on Saturday, June 3rd from 11 am to 4 pm at Lakeside Park. Many adult learning providers as well as well-known authors, live music and clowns will be on hand.
The public will be able to visit booths for information on classes and programs, including computer classes; GED programs; basic reading and math skills; programs specifically targeting older youth programs, seniors and adults with abilities; and job skills and training. For interviews with service providers, adult educators and graduates of adult literacy programs, call (510) 879-8133.
June 14th – Tour of Oakland Police
Department Communications Facility
Have you ever wondered how the Oakland Police Department prioritizes calls for service? If you’re interested in finding out more about the operations of the OPD Communications Facility, consider participating in a tour on Wednesday, June 14th at 5:45 pm. Tour participants will meet at the Fruitvale Police Substation at 3002 E. 9th Street (between Albertsons and the Laundromat) at 5:30 pm. Space is limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. For details and to reserve your space on the tour, please contact Edith Guillen, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, at eguillen@oaklandnet.com or (510) 238-7159.