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We are canceling Saturday office hours tomorrow at the Laurel District Office because ALL of us will be supporting the Creek to Bay and other activities ALL day. Please contact us Monday for an alternative time, if you were planning to drop by. About 300 relatively new subscribers did not receive last week's newsletter. Please remember we usually send out our newsletter late Friday or early Saturday. If you do not receive the newsletter you can go directly to www.jeanquan.org This week is particularly busy for us. Next to Earth Day, Creek to Bay Day is our second largest volunteer effort of the year. We also hope to stop by several neighborhood events including the Maxwell Park Picnic. Later Saturday night I will be co-hosting a fundraiser for the Library Bond featuring some of Oakland's best known poets and writers downtown at the Rotunda. On Sunday we launch our free performances with the Sunday's in the Redwoods series at Woodminster Theater with Michael Morgan conducting the Oakland Symphony joined by The Great Wall Youth Orchestra, Oakland's Chinese Youth Orchestra...Think Stern Grove without the fog....Bring a hat, picnic, and enjoy! It will also be a week of transition for us. It is with both sadness and pride that we see Claudia Jimenez move literally next door to a senior position in District 5. I and my district are fortunate to have professional and caring staff. Claudia helped neighborhood councils and groups organize throughout the district, played a key role in helping to develop my community policing legislation and initiatives, helped us launch projects to combat school truancy, domestic violence, and sexual exploitation of minors. We are somewhat consoled to know that we will continue to work with her both as a Laurel resident and city staff person. On the brighter side, we had many good candidates for her position. We hope you will join us in welcoming Carmen Perez, another UC Berkeley "Bear" with a BA in Social Welfare from Cal and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Carmen has worked as a teacher, family advocate, program manager and researcher. She chose to move back to Oakland because "I love the city and want to serve the community." Carmen will cover the same areas -- the Melrose, Maxwell Park, Allendale, Dimond, Bret Harte and Laurel communities, Public Safety and Life Enrichment Committees. Contact Carmen at 238-4742 or by email cmperez@oaklandnet.com For more District 4 Staff Information.  Jean Quan Vice Mayor, District 4 Council Member
Creek to Bay Day is part of International Coastal Clean-up Day. This year we expect several hundred volunteers to help us clean and restore the watershed and creeks at seven sites in District 4. Last year over 900 volunteers citywide took nearly 4000 lbs of trash out of our creeks and lakes, removed 187 cubic yards of non-native vegetation, and stenciled 124 storm drains with "No Dumping, Drains to Bay/Creek." Each year we deliver snacks to projects in our district. We give A's tickets to those volunteers who find the most unusual items in the watershed. Last year the Brookdale Science Center Youth won tickets for finding a giant lock ! They and their parents went to a game! Pictures of last year's
Creek to Bay Day. Projects In and Near District 4:
Opal Palmer Adisa, Daniel Alarcon, Wajahat Ali, Avotcja, Yolande Barial, Sara Biel, Boadiba, Michal Chabon, Lucha Corpi, Lucille Day, Anna DeLeon, Dave Eggers, Philip Kan Gotanda, Andrew Hayes, Jessica Hoffman, Doug Howerton, Reginald Lockett, Zigi Lowenberg, Kirk Lumpkin, Mary Mackey, Adam David Miller, Duc Nguyen, Gerald Nicosia, Kaya Okes, Claire Ortalda, Paradise, Shailja Patel, Patriece, Ishmael Reed (pictured), Tennesse Reed, Javier Reyes, Pablo Rosales, Floyd Salas, Nina Serrano, Kim Shuck, Rebecca Solnit, Jennifer Stone, Raymond Nat Turner, Ayelet Waldman, Bill Wong, Yehmanja... These are just a few of Poets and Writers Who Care and who will real a few "Choice Words for Libraries" tonight, Saturday, September 16th, 5:30-10 pm, at the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza sponsored by the Oakland Neighborhood Library Coalition. I have several tickets as a sponsor. If you you would like to attend but cannot afford the suggested amount, I would happily trade some of mine for any donation that you can afford. Just ask for me at the door. Download Leaflet The Neighborhood Library Coalition is distributing signs
this week and forming outreach committees for each branch
library. If you can help distribute signs, volunteer or
donate...go to:
http://www.oaklandlibraries.com/volunteer.html contact
Sue Piper in her private role (she only works for us
part-time):
sgpiper@sbcglobal.net or call 499-8933.
Four Sunday's in the Redwoods--Music and Drama at Woodminster Amphitheater launches this Sunday, September 17, 3-7 pm with the gifted Michael Morgan conducting Oakland's wonderful Symphony. Also performing is the Great Wall Chinese Orchestra, graduates of Oakland public school's wonderful Purple Bamboo Orchestra at Lincoln School. playing traditional Chinese instruments. Gates open at 3pm, performances begin at 4 pm sharp. Oakland Parks & Recreation, the Montclair Village Association, Friends of Oakland Parks & Recreation, and my office are sponsoring four FREE events at Woodminster. This series has evolved out of our discussions to broaden the use of the Joaquin Miller Park; our dream to bring quality, free live performances to Oakland; and our hope of bringing the community together across generations and cultures. We hope to build this into an annual event. SUNDAY'S OAKLAND SYMPHONY PROGRAM
THE NEXT THREE SUNDAY'S
I am sponsoring a community meeting on the proposed AMG Senior Residence for the Southwest Corner of High and MacArthur on Monday, September 18, 7 pm at our District Office, 4173 MacArthur, at Maybelle. At this time representatives of AMG, the City Planning Department and the District Office will be on hand to present the project and hear interests and concerns. Sun-Cal developers are inviting the public for tours of the Oak Knoll site. Guests should gather at the Oak Knoll entrance, 8750 Mountain Blvd, Thursday, September 28, 12:00 pm. Bring your sunglasses and comfortable shoes. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. RSVP to by September 22nd, Sarah Chavez 251-0711
A Day in the Park at Maxwell Park. Come join neighbors and friends at the First Annual Maxwell Park Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council Picnic today Saturday, September 16, 10am-4 pm at Maxwell Park. Both Carmen Perez, Claudia's replacement, and I will come by...we hope to see you. Celebrate Laurel Book's 5th Anniversary Tomorrow Independent book stores are critical to our democracy and culture. Congratulations to Luan Strauss who opened her book store on MacArthur five years ago on September 15th. Today, Saturday, she invites: "Come by and celebrate with us with a piece of cake, some bubbles, and some fun from noon until we close. We'll be raffling off signed copies of books and other goodies." Outdoor Screening of "The Bourne Identity" in Old Oakland, Saturday, September 16, 8 pm. Bring chairs, blankets (to sit on and keep warm). For details, go to Film Oakland website Maybelle Avenue Adopt-A-Block Clean Up, Sunday, September 16, 10-11am - Every third Sunday the Maybelle Associations meets at Maybelle and Masterson to pick up trash and chat. Gloves and trash bags are provided. Walking Tours of the Redwoods are hosted by the Oakland Heritage Alliance this Sunday, September 17 or Saturday, September 23, 10 am-12:30 pm. If you need another reason to come up to the Redwoods for our concert, come early and join Dennis Evanosky and Richard Schwartz on a tour through Leona Heights. This tour is limited to 30 experienced hikers by reservation only. For details, go to the Oakland Heritage Alliance website
Governor Agrees to Legislature's Proposal to Cap California Greenhouse Emissions: Thanks to everyone who sent an email to the Governor on this crucial issue. More information. Urge the Governor to Sign AB 1953 for Lead Free Drinking Water: This bill by Assemblywoman Wilma Chan would eliminate lead contamination from pipes in drinking water. Exposure to lead in drinking water can cause severe physical and mental illness and especially dangerous for children. Reducing the level of lead in children by just 10 percent would save California over $800M/yr according to recent studies. EBMUD has been purchasing and installing lead-free brass fittings for many years. This bill would require a phase out of lead fittings statewide. This Sacramento Bee editorial is a good summary of the issue.
With a thousand bills on his desk, and heavy
lobbying/contributions by contractors...there is a real
possibility AB1953 will not be signed. Contact the Governor
today.
LA Times Article
The City of Oakland Fire Department and BART host the Oakland/Berkeley Firestorm 15th Anniversary on Saturday, October 21 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Rockridge BART Station in Oakland. The Remembrance Ceremony will begin at Noon. There will be family and neighborhood fire prevention activities and a commemoration BBQ in the Street sponsored by the Rockridge Market Hall Pasta Shop at 1 pm. Partners for this event include the Oakland Wildfire Prevention Assessment District, the City of Berkeley Fire Department, Hills Emergency Forum, Diablo Fire Safe Council, the Alameda County Fire Chief's Association, East Bay Regional Park District, California Department of Forestry, Neighborhood and Homeowner Associations, Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE), the Red Cross and many more. For more information, call 238-7388 or go to the Wildfire Prevention District website
Our office is working with the Office of Parks & Recreation
to enhance the programs and equipment at Brookdale Park. As
part of that process, we have designed a quick survey for
park users. Please complete and return this
survey to
Carmen Perez by September 15.
Capoeira dancers perform at Brookdale park.
Joaquin Miller Dog Park Update. Work will begin soon on installing a water line to the new dog play areas in Joaquin Miller Parks parking lots 4 and 5. We anticipate completion by late October. Watch for details about when the park's opening. Rehabilitation of 35th Avenue and Redwood Road. The work replacing sections of paving on Redwood Road and 35th Avenue will continue through the end of September. You may recall that this area was resurfaced with new rubberized asphalt about 4 years ago. The new mix has not held up well and we have asked the contractors to replace the asphalt. While construction work is in progress, parking in these areas will be temporarily restricted. "No Parking" signs will be posted 3 days prior to the start of work. The contractor is required to maintain continuous local access to residences and businesses affected by the work. For questions or additional information, please call Wai Wong at 238-7261. If an emergency arises after normal business hours, please call the City's Public Works hotline at 615-5566. Warren Freeway Landscaping. We had hoped the work on the Warren Freeway median landscaping project would start this fall. CalTrans informed our office this month that the state has only moved appropriated funds to the CalTrans account and they are now going through the contractor bidding process in hopes of the work starting in the Spring, after the rainy season ends. For additional information, please contact Cristina Ferraz or call her at 286-5559. Cinderella/Sunset Trail Slide Repair: Measure DD funds to repair the slide which closed parts of the trails and threatened the creek were approved by the Council and a contractor is now being selected. Work may close the trail in the fall. Warren Freeway Sign Replacements Scheduled for November/December. CalTrans has informed our office that existing signs within the gore areas at various exit ramps will be replaced with overhead signs at three locations on Route 13: northbound off to Carson Street; southbound off to Moraga Avenue, and southbound off to Mountain Blvd.
2nd Annual Bookies by the Bay in Memory of Debi Echlin. Those who knew Debi Echlin, A Great Good Place for Books' founder, knew one of her great passions was adult literacy. It was her vision to create an event where literacy and reading was celebrated and money was raised for Alameda County's adult literacy programs. Last year a committee of library and bookstore employees created Bookies by the Bay, a fundraising dinner. It will be held Thursday, September 21, 6 pm in Debi's memory at the Waterfront Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $50 and proceeds benefit Alameda County's adult literacy programs. Contact A Great Good Place for Books Seniors, Protect Yourself! Assemblywoman Wilma Chan and Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley invite you to attend a Seniors Against Investment Fraud Workshop on Monday, September 18 from 10 to 11:30 am at the Elihu Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, in the auditorium on the first floor. RSVP strongly recommended. Please call 286-1670, ext 23. Oakland Youth Chorus Auditions! Concert Chorus has space for youth ages 14 to 21. Auditions for the 33rd Season of the award-winning Oakland Youth Chorus are going on through September at Arts First Oakland/First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. Tuesday and Wednesday 4-6 pm. Contact Rachelle Rogers-Ard at 287-9700 x101 to set up an audition. For more information, visit www.oakland youth chorus.org Friends of Sausal Creek Environmental Speaker Series-Wednesday, September 20, Michael Thilgen, long time FOSCer and Landscape Architect/Contractor, will present an overview of Alameda County Waste Management Authority's Bay Friendly Landscape program, an educational package of sustainable landscaping techniques. Michael will introduce principles and techniques for water conservation, waste reduction, habitat enhancement, water quality, soil health, and stormwater management. He will discuss their application to projects ranging in scale from the home garden to larger public projects. Please join us from 7pm-9pm at the Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue, in Oakland. For more information, contact Sara Marcellino at 510-501- 3672 or FOSC coordinator Astronaut Rusty Schweickart Lecture: "Are We Still Dinosaurs? The Asteroid Test Protecting the Earth from the Next Big Collision" Sunday, September 24; 4 pm; Seating is limited. Tickets: $8 Nonmember / $6 Member; Available at the Chabot Box Office, 510-336-7373 Rusty Schweickart, Apollo 9 Astronaut and Chairman of the Association of Space Explorers Committee on Near Earth Objects, will talk about the risk to Earth from rocks in space that are hurtling by our planet and the things we can do about it. Followed by Q & A. Metropolitan Horsemen's Association Hunter Show, Sunday, September 24, 8:30 am, Sequoia Arena in Joaquin Miller Park. This is the final show of the season, and a great opportunity for the family to see local equestrians at their best. For details, call 531-5449. Family Camp Fire at Joaquin Miller Park, Saturday, October 14, Sunset at the meadow. Bring the entire family for a fun-filled evening of stories and songs around the campfire at Joaquin Miller Park. For details call Stephanie Benavidez at 238-3739.
Over the last few months, there has been an ongoing collaborative effort between residents of the Melrose High Hopes NCPC, the Oakland Police Department, the Nuisance Enforcement Unit, the Neighborhood Law Corps and my office to eliminate the nuisance activity occurring at and around the Pennysaver Market at 4800 Foothill Blvd. After several meetings with the owner and his attorney, the owners entered into a compliance agreement to make improvements to their store to deter loitering and drug dealing on their property. Some of the conditions they agreed to are:
Thank you to all the vigilant residents who reported problems at the location, and thank you to OPD for their continued enforcement at the location. My office will continue to work with the property owner to ensure compliance.
A recent posting on one of our local websites speculated
that a sick squirrel might have contracted West Nile Virus.
We don't know for sure, although we do know that there have
been human cases of the virus in Contra Costa County where
the weather is warmer. Experts say that dead birds usually
contract the virus from mosquitoes and die quickly from the
disease.
80 percent of people who are actually infected with West Nile Virus will show absolutely no symptoms whatsoever. Only a little over 20 percent of people will have mild symptoms and in only in a few cases (1 in 150 cases) will the symptoms be severe. On the other hand, it is always wise to be proactive. Please do not leave water standing especially where it is warm. Empty out your pets' water dishes and any other places where there might be standing water. Avoid mosquito bites and install or repair screens on your home.
Car Wash at Edna Brewer Middle School today, Saturday, Sept. 15, 9:30 am-12:30 pm. Enter the lower playing field on Excelsior Avenue (between Beaumont Avenue and 13th Avenue). Treat yourself to a sparkling clean car AND help support a local neighborhood middle school at the same time! Check out Glenview Schools' new Solar Monitoring System from your home! You can access online viewing of energy being produced by the new solar equipment donated by PG & E at Glenview School. Go to the Glenview Solar Monitoring Website. Click it and you will find yourself at the PGE Solar Schools site, of which Glenview is one of the first 13 schools. Once on the site, find Glenview, one of the BLUE solar panels. Check the generating power of the school's photovoltaic array. Join Assemblywoman Wilma Chan at Spruce Up for Kids 2006. Spend a day this fall with hundreds of volunteers to spruce up pre-schools in Oakland and Alameda. Volunteers will garden, paint, improve playgrounds and clean up. No experience is necessary, just energy and elbow grease. In District 4, Assemblywoman Chan and crew will be at Fruitvale Pre-School and Elementary School, 3200 Boston Avenue, at Harold on Saturday, September 30 from 9 am to 3 pm. Continental breakfast and lunch provided to all volunteers. For more information or to RSVP, please call 286-1670, ext. 23 or email Garrett.Dempsey@asm.ca.gov Eagle Scout Seeks Elementary Level Books for Dimond Recreation Center After School Program. Luke Roy plans to build a homework library for the after school programs at Dimond Recreation Center as his Eagle Scout project. Students from both Glenview and Sequoia schools participate in this program. A graduate of the program himself, Luke seeks books at the grade 1 - 5 level:
Sequoia School Needs a New Play Structure: (on Lincoln Blvd). I will be giving them a matching grant. You can help by sending donations to The Sequoia Dad's Club, a United Way member with tax-deductible status. They'll send a receipt for taxes. Mail checks to: Sequoia Dad's Club/Playground Improvement, c/o Sequoia Elementary School, 3730 Lincoln Ave, Oakland, CA 94602.
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