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As your representative, I try to be a strong voice for families and neighborhoods within our vision of a great city.  However, real progress requires citizens that are informed and involved, and city officials that listen.  I designed this website to improve  communication and collaboration. Together with our e-newsletter, sent to over 5000 neighbors weekly, we hope it guides you to ways you can join us in moving Oakland forward. 

 

 

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City Hall:

One Frank Ogawa Plaza

2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 238-7004

Fax: (510) 238-6129

 

 District Office Hours:  

Laurel Office: 

World Grounds Cafe
3726 MacArthur Blvd

Saturdays 10 am-12 pm

Wednesdays 4-6 pm

 

Dimond Safeway Police Substation

Thursdays 4-6 pm

 

Montclair                      

First Sundays : Spring-Fall at    the Farmers Market look for our booth; Winter Hours, Nov-March, 10am-Noon, 6116 LaSalle Ave

 

Home Phone:  530-8361
 

E- NEWSLETTERS

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Read My Current
City Council Newsletter

1. This Week: V-O-Cal in Dimond Canyon, Art Festival in...Montclair, Events in Joaquin Miller Park
2. Celebrating the 4th of July
3. State Runs Out of Cash July 1, Bipartisan Assembly Plan Stopped by Governor, $26 M Grab From Oakland?
4. Police Negotiations Continue, What is Pay Go?
5. Modified Proposal for Council Alternative to Mayor's Budget Available Online
6. City Ballot Measures for All Mail Vote Due July 21st
7. More City Issues: Soft Story Safety Inspections Proposed, General Plan Zoning Update
8. District 4: Montclair Library Reopens July 6
9. Oakland Goes Green
10. Community Policing News: Marlon Mayorga, Rangers
11.School, Youth & Library News...Skyline Seniors Earn Nearly $1 Million in College Scholarship
12. Upcoming Community Events: Walking Tours
13.Summer Festivals
14. Volunteer Opportunities
 

OUR 2008 SPECIAL LOCAL HEROES EDITION

 MORE NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

PHOTO ALBUM
Photos of City and District 4 Neighborhood projects and events

IN THE NEWS MEDIA


u
  Joaquin Miller Park

u  Opposing Casinos

u  Herbicide Policy

u  Child Exploitation
     Exploitation

u  Measure Y

u  Highway 13

u  Hello Farmer Joe's

u  Scooter Bill Signed

 

For More Media Coverage of District 4

 

 

Learning to use extinguishers at District 4 CORE training.

 

Free Earthquake Preparation & Disaster Preparedness Classes

21 Ways to Prepare
 for Emergencies

 Are You Ready for Wildfires?

Fire Season Checklist 
 

Learn About Oakland's Oldest Sister City and the Fukuoka-Oakland Friendship Association

  

 

Bike to Work Day and more Bicycling Information

David Barron, Howard Neal & Jean finish at City Hall after riding from Redwood Heights

Support Our Local Treasure: 

 Chabot Space Science Center

Challenger Memorial Activities

 

Visit Our Martian Neighbors

 

 

Help Local Bookstores AND Local Libraries,
Donate Books From Branch Wish Lists

 


Oakland garment workers spark industry reforms.


Sequoia School Parade
June 4, 2004

"The Creation of    a Thousand Forests is in One Acorn."

Emerson

Meet Our Team...

Thank You District 4!  In 2003 Jean became only the 12th woman to serve on the Oakland Council in over 150 years and the first Asian American woman. Unopposed for re-election in June 2006, we hope you will join our work to organize and improve our neighborhoods and city.

Jean & family, (l-r) Dr. Will Huen, UCSF (Skyline '95), Dr. Floyd Huen, Lailan Huen, Columbia University (Skyline '99).

 

Meet District Four Staff:  I'm  proud to work with talented & caring professionals (l-r) Wendy Wu (student intern), Michael Johnson,Richard Cowan, Jean, Sue Piper and Ellen Dillard.
 

For complete contact info, biographies, and areas of service.

 
Meetings & Issues  

 

District Office Drop-In Hours
Questions or concerns about City government? Council member Quan and staff hold office hours throughout the district weekly, including weekends.
 

Community Drop-In Hours, see box left.  For maps & directions.

 

Help Us Grow Our
E-News Community,
Tell A Friend to Subscribe
Today

Inauguration Commemorative Posters for New Subscribers: We have a limited number left, watch for us at meetings, office hours, & community events

 

Read Our Special Blast on the All Mail Oakland Special Election with the Oakland League of Women Voters Recommendations

Ballots Must Be Received by the Registrar of Voters
by July 21st

 

These 4 Measures Will Help Close $7-9 Million of the $84 Million Budget Gap without raising property taxes.

I authored 3 of these measures and co-sponsored the fourth, please Vote Yes on ALL 4!

Oakland Tribune Endorses All

   

 

2009 City Budget Hearings
As Finance Chair I am committed to a transparent budget process and increasing opportunities for public comment. I will post important documents here over the first six months of 2009.  Across the nation cities and local governments are hard hit by state & federal cuts combined with the economic crisis and increased costs. California state government, living off a credit card, is expected to literally take City funds to balance its budget and deeply cut schools and programs for the poor.  This spring the City will cut another $40-$50 million to balance our next 2 year budget beginning July 2009. Our only bright light is the Obama stimulus package.  

 

 

Try Our Oakland Budget Challenge: Balance the Oakland City Budget

For Budget Suggestions or Questions budgetsuggestions@oaklandnet.com

 

 

 

Join Us On Earth Day, 30 Sites In District 4!

 

25 Ways to Keep Oakland Green

 
Events & Activities for Our Fallen
Police Officers
On March 21st, four Oakland Police Officers gave their lives in service of the City and its citizens.

For  Events and Activities to Honor Our Fallen Officers
 

 


Jean Elected District Democratic Delegate to Presidential Convention

Going to Denver to represent our City at the Democratic Convention was one of the great honors of my life.  I promised to share my experience.   This was my first attempt at a blog.  I hope you enjoy the insights I learned about the process and the amazing people I met.

 

Jean's Blog on the Journey to Denver:  A day by day account from the convention caucuses and on the floor

 

Annual Fundraiser Helps Organize   Good Food, Music, Planetarium ShowsTelescopes...and Great Neighbors
Our annual  fundraiser for our District 4 Organizing Fund funds projects not paid for by the city: Office Hours expenses in the Laurel,  Dimond & Montclair; weekly email newsletters & this website; translations, surveys; beautification projects such as Earth Day, litter clean-ups, and school playgrounds; hosting community planning meetings, Emergency Preparedness or organizing Home Alert groups.
  For Full Information.
 
 



Donate Year Round

Domestic Violence in Oakland
Family violence and child prostitution affect many in our city but historically received too little focus. Prevention and services for victims has been a major focus of my work. Our office works with other agencies to develop new resources for this hidden problem.

Community Resources for Domestic Violence, Legal and Counseling Services, Special Programs for Teens, Seniors and Gay & Lesbian Couples
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

 

Fifth Annual Report on Domestic Violence in Oakland

 Resolution

Live in a Redevelopment Zone?
If you are a low income family and live in a Redevelopment District, you could receive a $5,000 Grant and a low cost loan to retrofit your home.

The average retrofit is under $10,000.  Some homes also need foundation work, low interest loans are available to help.  This is an very small investment to protect your most valuable assets, your life and your home.  When a major earthquake hits the Hayward Fault we could lose one third of the City's housing and 15,000 lives.  Help us stop the next Katrina.             >>West Oakland home after Loma Prieta.

 

Earthquakes: Are You Ready?
15,000 homes could be lost in a major Hayward Fault Earthquake, has your home been retrofitted yet?  This article for the anniversary of the 1906 Earthquake is full of useful information. More 1906 Centennial information next down.

US Geological Report on Bay Area Earthquake Faults  predicts powerful quake within 30 years.
For maps on quakes, flooding & natural disasters
Free classes for individuals, groups, businesses:  Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE)
New On-Line Training
20 Ways to Prepare for Emergencies
Red Cross Emergency Supply List
Create a 3-7 Day Disaster Kit
Create a Family Emergency Plan

 

Retrofit Your Home: 
In July 2007 we introduced new legislation that reduces retrofit permit fees to a flat cost of $250.  To learn more.


New homeowners who file an application within 60 days of sale may get up to $5,000 to retrofit their homes.

Learning From the 1906 Quake & Kobe
After the 1906 Earthquake SF Chinatown was destroyed by fire (right).  My great grandfather and two of his sons joined 200,000 others who took the ferry across to Oakland. My family's story is a small part of the Oakland Museum's Exhibit, Aftershock!—Voices from the 1906 Earthquake and Fire  showed how the earthquake affected common people.
Other Centennial Events Calendar & Exhibits.

In 2005 I had the opportunity of visiting the Earthquake Institute in Kobe, Japan.  Their devastating 1995 earthquake mirrors what we might expect in the East Bay.
Learning from the 1995 Kobe Quake (
Power Point)

 

Celebrate Lunar New Years in the Laurel, Meet 2009 Local Heroes !

Join us for Chinese Cultural performances, Lion dancing and honoring Local Heroes.  Last year over 120 neighbors came together to honor the wonderful people who were District 4 Local Hero nominees .These are the people who define what a Good Neighbor is. Each receives free tickets to A's or Warrior's games.  The top 5 winners were able to designate $500-$1000 towards a school, park or city capital public project.

 

Meet the 2009 Nominees

2004

 2005

2006

2007

2008

Storm Damage Emergency Numbers
Public Works Call Desk- 615-5566(downed trees, storm drain/sewer back-ups, flooding, non-operating traffic signals
PG&E  Info on Electrical Outages (800) 743-5002
Report a hazardous situation involving power lines- call 911 or (800) 743-5000 or go to PG&E's website  
Police Non-emergency Line-  777-3333
Cellphone Police Emergency Line –  777-3211
Direct Fire Emergency  444-1616
 

      
Need Sand Bags/Plastic Sheeting? 
Volunteer to Maintain A Drain?

 Joaquin Miller Park Celebration & Plan Four years ago over 200 neighbors & users of this 500 plus acre park came together for develop a strategic plan of improvements.  This month the Joaquin Miller Task Force made up of staff and volunteers want to report back to the community & discuss next steps in these hard economic times.  

Saturday, February 14, 10am-Noon, Joaquin Miller Community Center

Third Sundays in the Redwoods Concert Series Attracts Over 5,000
We thank the artists, sponsors, and concert goers who have helped us continue this tradition of free quality concerts representing the diverse musical traditions of the city. Given the economy and city budget cuts we will be working hard to raise funds for next year.
 

 Day of Dead & Halloween Events
  • Oakland Museum, Saturday, Oct 25
  • Fruitvale Festival, Sunday, Oct 26

     Our special Day of Dead Edition

     Halloween Special Edition

 

Creeks-To-Bay Day in District 4 
           
 400 VOLUNTEERS WORKED AT DISTRICT 4 CREEK TO BAY PROJECTS.  District 4 is home to the headwaters of Lions, Peralta, Sausal, Temescal Creeks and their tributaries. We were proud to host 10 of the 21 projects this year and to support 3 others.

   Oakland Creek  Ordinance            Creeks 101  
   Photos from September 2005 Creek to Bay Day

 

Saturday,
September 20

2008 District 4 Sites

 

Contact Your Beat Officers & Community Policing Staff

 

When Neighbors Know Each Other, Neighborhoods Are Safer!

This Year's 93 District 4 Locations
Locate Your Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council

PHOTOS from 2006

Happy 125th Birthday Chabot
 Starting in June we are launching a year long celebration of Chabot Space & Science Center's 125th Anniversary-- 125 years of inspiring young minds to change the future. This world class facility is one our city's and region's gems.  Of the many projects I have worked on in my years of public service, I am especially proud to be a founding member of the Chabot Board and to be Chair in this historical year.  The history of the Chabot began in the belief that Oakland public school students deserved to have cutting edge technology and science education; that remains our core mission today. Last year over 50,000 students and 150,000 general public visitors came to the center; we trained over 2,000 teachers in science curriculum. 
 

 

 

 

Wildfire Prevention District Progress
In a high turnout for a special election, the Wildfire Prevention District passed 3:1 in January 2004. We worked with a coalition of Hills neighborhood reps & Council members to provide this secure source of funding for vegetation control and wildfire prevention.  For  information on the Wildfire Prevention Program. 

 


Presentation on Wildfire Prevention District includes maps, safety tips & fire history

Historic and Big Tree Registry
I authored legislation establishing an Oakland Big Tree Registry in July. When the diseased Champagne Oak in Dimond Park (right) was removed last year, it was clear that the City had limited knowledge of our heritage trees and no plan for their preservation. We hope this will be a first step. We will be establishing a website for the registry. You can help us by nominating potential trees; send us information on: species, height, circumference at 4.5 ft from ground, crown spread, location, owner's name & address, photograph.
 

Free Oakland Trees & Sidewalks

Some of our neighborhoods need more trees.  If you have an empty tree well or strip in front of your homes or would be willing to have the sidewalk cut, the City can work with you to plant a City Tree. Submit an application.  Organized streets and neighborhoods receive priority.

Public Works estimates city trees cause $100 million of  current sidewalk damage and has a process to remove and replant trees which damage sidewalks or are dangerous.

Questions or Problems regarding Existing City Trees?


City Staff Recommended Trees for less sidewalk damage

 

APPLICATION FOR FREE CITY TREE

New Tree Ordinance

Tips for Caring for Your Trees

Local Control of Schools Moves Forward

 

Despite broad support in the Assembly and Senate Assemblyman Sandre Swanson's bill AB 45, establishing a process for  return local control of the Oakland Public was vetoed. However, thanks to public pressure powers are being restored according to many of its guidelines. In April 2008 the Board of Education regained partial control and is expected to regain most powers and hire a superintendent in 2009.
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Jean, parents, teachers & students testify in Sacramento

Free Oakland Trees & Sidewalks

Some of our neighborhoods need more trees.  If you have an empty tree well or strip in front of your homes or would be willing to have the sidewalk cut, the City can work with you to plant a City Tree. Submit an application.  Organized streets and neighborhoods receive priority.

Public Works estimates city trees cause $100 million of  current sidewalk damage and has a process to remove and replant trees which damage sidewalks or are dangerous.

Questions or Problems regarding Existing City Trees?


City Staff Recommended Trees for less sidewalk damage

 

APPLICATION FOR FREE CITY TREE

New Tree Ordinance

Tips for Caring for Your Trees

Don't Feed Pigeons in Dimond-Laurel Commercial Areas
Our research indicated that banning pigeon feeding in commercial zones was the easiest and most humane method to reduce pigeon impact on stores and customers. The Council passed our ordinance as a pilot project for the Dimond and Laurel Districts.  The ordinance will not affect feeding pigeons on private property or parks.

 


$25 Fine Effective 9/1/07

Joaquin Miller Dog Park
After two years of work with the Joaquin Miller Park Dog Owners group and our Joaquin Mill Park task force,  with funding from my office and Council Member Henry Chang, we opened the city's second dog park in February 2007.  This one year pilot project in parking lots 4 & 5 at Joaquin Miller Park has been successful so far. To volunteer contact Jump Dog or Joaquin Miller Park Dog Owners Group. We continue to work on improvements, to comment or make suggestions contact Sue Piper.
 

Cal Trans Update After months of discussions about Hwy 13 medians with Cal Trans. representatives of Senator Perata, Assemblywoman Chan  and neighborhood organizations, we have a compromise plan.  Cal Trans built double medians leaving soil open between as before instead of paving everything!  Our state reps obtained funds for planting vegetation and we have convened meetings to finalize a landscaping plan. 

 

Construction on the Highway 13 Median is now underway.  The irrigation system is now being installed.

 More

Brookdale Park Survey & Plan    

 

On February 3, 2007 we held a community planning workshop to consider priorities for improvements at the Park.  A summary will be posted soon

Help us by returning this survey .

Ascot-Mountain Blvd Trail
Working with the Montera Neighborhood Association, Joaquin Miller & Montera Middle School PTA's, and the School District, we are trying to improve the dangerous situation on this busy section of Ascot and Mountain (narrow space for pedestrians and no sidewalk).  Through community work days, grants, and donations we hope to develop a public path that is above the street, safe and passable for wheelchairs/strollers/walkers. For more information.  Leaflet
 

Joaquin Miller Park Planning

In January 2005 we held two community input and planning workshops (106 & 75 participants) to provide input on the future of this 460 acre park. Over 180 surveys were submitted. Based on this input and over 4 years of discussion and volunteer work, the Task Force of staff and representative users have made significant park improvements.  New trail markers, new maps, planting vegetation, free concerts, and a dog park are just some of the projects in the works.  2009 Update meeting,
Overview of J.Miller ParkJM Task Force Members

 

2009 Survey

Planning Survey Results 

 Workshop#1 Issues

Matrix of Planning Priorities

Task Force Minutes

Survey W/ Photos

New Traffic Rounds for Melrose
Speeding and side shows in the Melrose area have led to a series of barriers on Ygnacio. All are different, none of them are attractive. Working with the Traffic Division and neighbors and with funding from my office, we have come up with  designs for landscaped traffic barriers featuring native plants and boulders. We will also add an additional barrier near Horace Mann School. Neighbors at each intersection have agreed to help water the plants. The project is part of a larger citywide bid and we hope to begin construction this fall. For more information.

 


Park Blvd Pedestrian-Bike Trail
We have receiving funding to developp proposals for improving the trail for pedestrians and bikers on upper Park Blvd between the Leimert Bridge and Mountain Blvd. This trail has beautiful views of Dimond Canyon that few people who speed by in cars realize is there. Landscape Designer Gillian Garro (Larman & Garro) has developed a conceptual plan for a multi-use pathway. We hope this project will encourage more people to walk to the village, make the walkway safer and more inviting for students, strollers, and seniors. We will use the plan to seek funding, grants, and plan work days. More info: Sue Piper at 238-7042
 


Meeting Summary

Proposed Work Plan  

Leaflet & Survey

Proposed Designs:
 Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4
 

Shepherd  Canyon  Planning
We established a task force of City and neighborhood representatives to develop a Master Plan for the Shepherd Canyon area.  It is a model for similar planning in other parks. We thank the Shepherd Canyon Homeowners Association for co-hosting community workshops to identify needs and priorities.  You can still help our Task Force.  View the presentation & return the survey.  Compare your priorities with those at the workshops. u
 

Workshop Notes & Summary

Return the Survey

Identified Priorities

Plastic Bag Ban
Each year 12 million barrels of oil go to produce over a trillion single use plastic bags. Californians use over 19 billion bags and throw 600 away every second, resulting in over 147,000 tons of litter. Council Member Nadel and I authored this ordinance to ban plastic bags and encourage reusable shopping bags.  Unfortunately, while SF and even China passed and implemented a nearly identical ordinance the plastics and grocery industries are attempting legal delays by requiring an expensive Environment Impact.  We are working with state legislators to plan our strategy.  Ordinance to Ban Petroleum Based, Non-Biodegradable Carry Out Bags at Large Retail Stores,
 


Thousands of marine animals die from ingesting bags or entanglement.

Polystyrene Foam Containers Banned for Prepared Take Out Foods
Styrofoam litter at Lake Merritt
Green Ware Ordinance Information   Leaflet

Report Violations    238-SAVE

 

Anyone veteran of neighborhood or watershed clean-ups knows that polystyrene foam food containers (“Styrofoam") made up a large part of the litter. It is not biodegradable, nor recyclable. It is a danger to wildlife and styrene, a major component is a possible carcinogen.
I authored legislation to ban foam polystyrene food containers and to require biodegradable or compostable containers as they become affordable.

 Fourth Anniversary of the War in Iraq

The cost of the war and military spending has a massive impact on our nation at $100,000 per minute.  Meanwhile, federal cuts for police, security, housing, education, and health care hit our city hard – over $512 million.                

 

Cost of the War Panel Video

March & Rally,
March 24th

Rally Program

Our Resolution on the 4th Anniversary of the War

The Cost of the Iraq War for the City of Oakland

Library Bond Falls Short by 2%
The last Library Bond was passed in Oakland right after World War II.  Then after Proposition 13 passed the city closed a third of its branches.  Today libraries are community centers, too often the only safe place for students after school, and the most consistent source of the internet for up to 40 percent of our citizens.  Some branches have no public restrooms and many have ancient electrical systems  that are unsafe for the new computers and technology we need to install.  In many like Dimond, it is hard to find a seat after school. Measure N would have doubled the  space. The Laurel lost its library after Prop 13, Measure N would have rebuilt a new branch. Neighborhood leaders will study the election results for a new effort.
 

My Library Story

Library Master Plan


Volunteer, Donate, Put Up A Sign Today!

Senior Housing Replaces Hillcrest Motel After 25 Year Struggle


In Fall 2006 Lincoln Courts opened on the site of the former Hillcrest Motel, the city's 4th worst crime spot the year I took office. About 100 seniors now live in this beautiful building.

 

 

 

 

Envisioning MacArthur
"
Planning Community Growth
for the Next 30 Years"

              Live Work Townhouses at  35th Ave & MacArthur

 

In November 2005 we organized a planning workshop attended by over 200 residents, city and regional experts, developers and property/ retail owners to discuss the future of the Dimond, Bret Harte, Laurel and Maxwell Park corridor along Mac Arthur Boulevard:

Workshop Resources & Summaries

Friends of Sausal Creek Needs Help
For more than a decade, the Friends of Sausal Creek pioneered grassroots organizing to preserve and restore Oakland creeks.
Recently, they faced a $20,000 deficit last year and could not pay their Volunteer and Nursery Coordinator a reduced weekly hands-on restoration work to once a month!  Thanks to your help they are back on a weekly schedule. Our creeks need their constant care, while the crisis is over they need more stable funding.  Won't you become an annual contributor?
 

 

FOSC's Website

Earth Day 2005

Creek to Bay Day

2005-2007 Budget & Office Goals
We started planning for the second half of my first term by summing up my first two years in office in this midterm report. We are mailed this to District 4 residents but this internet version is more interactive & informative. It lists our Council Office Goals for 2005-2007. Over 300 District 4 neighbors gave us input on our District Goals and City Wide Budget Priorities by filling our District Four Survey .
 


Online 2005- 2007
D4 BUDGET SURVEY

OUR MIDTERM REPORT

Oakland Stops Koi Casino !

Well connected moves by a Florida developer put a California tribe in position to open a casino near the Oakland Airport despite Oakland's opposition.   I introduced a resolution to oppose the casino in January 2005. After 6 month's of opposition, the owner of the land near the airport & Arrowhead Marsh announced the Koi option to develop expired and was not extended. The best background on the Koi Nation and their proposal has been in a series by Ron Russell in the SF Weekly:

Slot Machine Cartoon

 

City Council Opposes Casino
Council Resolution

Measure Y Passes: Oakland's Violence Prevention & Community Safety Vote
After months of hearings, community meetings, and negotiations, I was honored to introduce the City Council  initiative for Violence Prevention & Community Safety Measure. 
In November 2005 it passed with  70% support.
  •  Y adds 63 additional officers (one per beat plus specialized officers for school & truancy officers), drug hot spots, domestic violence and child abuse programs;
  • Funding for violence prevention programs targeted at youth in trouble;
  • Additional fire/paramedic staff to end the rotating closure of stations throughout Oakland.
  • Measure Y Text/Fact Sheets
  • Neighbors United for a Safer Oakland
  • SAFE PASSAGES REPORT on Effective Violence Prevention Programs  Front  Back
 


Jose Dorado, Maxwell Park NCPC Chair, is my appointee to the Measure Y Oversight Committee

Measure Y Website

Frequently Asked Questions

My Letter on Y

A Parent's Letter

Resolution for Herbicide Use in Wild Fire Areas Passes Unanimously
 As part of a long-term strategy to reduce the fire danger in Oakland’s hills, the Wildfire Prevention Assessment District (WFPD), environment groups, and my office are sponsoring a proposal to expand the limited use of herbicides as part of the city’s wildfire vegetation management program. The City’s Integrated Pest Management Policy currently prohibits the use of herbicides on most city property.  This will allow a small amount to be hand applied on freshly cut non-native invasive & highly flammable plants like eucalyptus. Implementation has been delayed as a citywide environmental impact report is being prepared.

 

 

 Staff Report 

Summary & Photo Presentation

Final Resolution

Laurel Streetscape Fair & BID
Over 1200 attended the July 10, 2005 street fair with music, performances, food booths to launch the "new" Laurel District with its arches and laurel leaf designs. The annual Laurel Music Festival continues and the
Laurel Merchants finalized the process to become a Business Improvement District with the City Council ratifying their vote July 2006. Look for more improvements.

4For a summary of our Street Fair Survey on what improvements residents would like

4For a close-up of the beautiful Laurel Tree Grates installed around  50 new trees. New litter cans at the right.

4Kick-off Celebration Coverage Photos

 

Adult Education Safe for Now

In 2005 State Administrator Ward wanted Oakland Unified to turn Oakland Education over to the Peralta Colleges. Peralta has rejected the idea and the Adult Ed remains financially stable. Thousands of  Oaklanders rely on Adult Ed to earn high school equivalency degrees, to learn English, to earn citizenship, to learn healthy living activities in senior centers, and much more.  Proposals to cut or shift this program concerns the economic health of our city.  I introduced this is the resolution at Council. A Task Force to Look at the Future of Adult Education in Oakland is working on strengthening the program.               

 


Photo by David Bacon

Scooter Safety Bill 

The Governor has signed Assemblywoman Wilma Chan's bill sponsored by the City of Oakland. It went into effect January 1, 2005.  Riders must be 16 or older, wear helmets, obey traffic laws, and have a Drivers Permit.  Cited riders risk fines up to $200 and impoundment of scooters.

Pocket Bikes are covered by the state vehicle code and will be "towed"  if ridden on public streets.  

 

Pocket Bikes Illegal on Public Streets AL GOLUB/THE BEE
CHP Bulletin

Oakland Police Brochure

View Ordinance Preserved & Expanded
When earlier this year court rulings narrowed the application of the view ordinance to a small part of the city, we sponsored a new ordinance to clarify and expand the View Ordinance to the entire city. We are working with neighborhood leaders who would seek new protections.
 

View Ordinance Text http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.
com/attachments/7911.pdf

District 4 Meeting on
AC Transit Cuts
AC Transit Staff and Board members address community concerns about the 47, 58, 59, and school transportation to Chabot Science Center. Thanks to community organizing, the 47 is saved for now, a limited number of 58 runs may be restored, and an extension of the 14 is being considered. We continue to advocate for direct routes to downtown and restoration of services to major hill streets and parks.
 


AC Transit Director Peeples, Laurel resident Kitty Lau, Jean & AC Deputy Mgr Skobow address riders

Violence Prevention & Community Policing Summit

In 2004 we were proud to work with the Community Policing Advisory Board & Neighborhood Alert to bring neighbors, police, district attorneys, and other experts to discuss what we are doing in Oakland & how we can make our city safer.  That year's summit was attended by over 400 residents; we hope to support continued revitalization of these efforts.

 


Violence Prevention & Community Safety Initiative

Thank You Oakland !
In 2003 I helped form the Oakland Neighborhood Library Coalition to stop the closing of neighborhood libraries.  After a year of work I was pleased to co-sponsor the Council Resolution to put Measure Q on the ballot.  In March 2004 Measure Q led all local measures with a resounding 77.2% victory.  Measure E for the schools passed by 74%. How to keep helping:
 

Donate A Book

Saving & Honoring John Swett School


Alumni, former staff & parents celebrate Swett's 78th anniversary

 

The New Tilden-Swett School is Recruiting
The State Administrator proposed to close John Swett. After meetings with parents, staff & neighbors a compromise was reached. Outreach Letter

The Lord of the Rings
Saturn is the star of sky when you visit the Chabot Space Science Center in our District 4 hills.  This photo was taken through Rachel, the Chabot 20" telescope in 2000. These telescopes are the largest in the nation open to the public and are free every Friday & Saturday night.
 

 

Stop Mail Theft
Protect yourself against the fastest growing crime, Read these Montclair Safety & Improvement Council handouts .
 
Preventing Burglaries & Robberies:  

Public Nuisance Ordinance
Based on our experience with the Hillcrest and other properties linked to neighborhood crime, Council President DeLaFuente and I introduced an ordinance focusing on streamlined and coordinated city efforts against problem property.  Each year dozens of problem properties are closed by the coordinator and system created by this program.

 

 

 

Fireworks are Dangerous & Illegal
Fireworks are against the law in Oakland and could cost you a fine up to $1000. The City is particularly concerned about fireworks use before and after the 4th of July and will have special dedicated patrols. Call the City “hotline” 238-2373 to report firework activity. Please note, however, that it is a message line and is not staffed 24 hours a day. Maps of last year’s hotspots are available at http://northoaklandpolice.com/  Please check the maps to verify that your neighborhood hot spots are listed. If not, call the hotline and provide updated information.

 

Multilingual Leaflets for Distribution

   

 

In-law Units & Narrow Streets
          

 

 View presentation to Council on the safety & parking issues on Oakland's narrow streets & my legislation to require review and permits before  in-law units are built on narrow streets (less than 24 ft wide) click here.

(Left) Charing Cross, Oakland Firestorm, 1991

Dimond  Retail Survey
In cooperation with the Dimond Improvement Association and Auditor's Office, we have conducted  a phone survey of residents living in the immediate Dimond area about their retail needs.  We hope to use the results to improve the Dimond District. View the report here.
 

We also tabulated surveys turned into our Dimond  merchants, library, and our office at Safeway.  Contact us for more information.

Helping Our Oakland Economy The impact of the recession on local business is part of the City's deficit.  Support local merchants when possible. Ask local dealers to match any offer you get on line or elsewhere. 

 

 

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District 4 Maps          
In  2003, redistricting put Glenview into District 5 leaving most of the Dimond in District 4. Ignacio Delafuente & I pledge to work closely together. District 4 welcomes back neighborhoods lost to District 6 in 1992, including both sides of High Street, parts of Maxwell Park and Melrose.

 

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