Moving Oakland Forward Together

Summer is in full swing with many outside activities this weekend: Montclair Fine Arts Festival, the Kick-Off of National Parks Month, or take a close-up look at the gorgeous full moon through the Chabot Science Center telescopes (free Fridays & Saturdays). Saturday night I'm joining my husband and his fellow doctors leafleting outside of Michael Moore's new film on the American health care system, "Sicko," at the Grand Lake Theater to support Kuehls's SB 840 Universal Health Care Act.

This Sunday, Sue Piper and I will be staffing our booth at our regular First Sunday office hours at the Montclair Farmer's Market, this Sunday, July 1, 9 am -1 pm after we run by and have our first cups of coffee at the new Peet's in the Dimond. In the afternoon we're stopping by the Oakmore Picnic (Rocky's parking lot) for a hot dog.

Over a hundred families camped in Joaquin Miller meadow last weekend including these District 4 residents.There were many requests for an encore next year.

Mid-week there will be plenty of July 4th activities. Many neighborhoods are reporting illegal fireworks, help us make the holiday safer by reporting them to the police to help them plan their patrols. Call the Fireworks Hotline at 238-2373. Take extra care this week and have a safe weekend!

Council President Pro Tem

1. Weekend Events

32nd Annual Montclair Village Fine Arts Festival: More than 90 professional artists from across the West display and sell their one-of-a-kind art in the Montclair business district ( Mountain Avenue at LaSalle). Sponsored by the Montclair Business Improvement District, this free festival continues to be among the most popular community events in Oakland. Friday and Saturday, June 29 and 30, 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday, July 1, 10 am to 5 pm. http://www.montclairvillage.com/

FOSC Workdays, Saturday, June 30, 9- Noon: Remove invasive species and plants to stabilize creek bank at Beaconsfield Open Space. Contact Richard Kaufmann at 531-1237 for details. Saturday June 30, 9 - Noon restoration workday at grassland site at Joaquin Miller Park Nursery. Call Kathren Stevenson at 388-5676. Saturday, June 30,1:30-4:30 pm. Nursery workday propagating native plants. Call 387-9744.

Montclair Office Hours Sunday, July 1 at Montclair Farmers' Market-- Sue Piper and I will be staffing our booth this Sunday from 9 am to 1 pm at the Montclair Farmer's Market. Please stop by to ask questions, share concerns or just to say hello. <<Jean, Sue Piper, and Richard Cowan at our booth.

We also hold officer hours during the week:

One Hour for Peace Sunday, July 1,7 pm: Since January 1, 2004, friends and neighbors in the Dimond have been meeting at the Dimond "Peace Park"-- a small park at the corner of MacArthur & Lincoln across from the 7-11, to light candles and hold signs that express their hopes for peace in Oakland and the world. Meet at 7 pm. For details, call 530-3099 or 504-2003.

2. Dimond News: Peet's Coffee Opens Sunday, July 1, 6 am

Richard Cowan, who works with merchants for my office, has been helping the new Peet's at 3401 Fruitvale Ave with their building permits. He reports they will be having a "soft" opening THIS SUNDAY, July 1 at 6 am. They'll be announcing a "Grand Opening" later. We'll be by on Sunday to pick up a pound of their Mocha Java; I've been addicted to it since my husband and I started buying Peets at the original store as Cal students. The Peets' website let's you check out their new products and send e-Cups to your friends.

MTC Funds Fruitvale Alive Streetscape: Last year we hosted several joint community meetings with Council Member De la Fuente to discuss "streetscape" designs that would make Fruitvale Ave safer and more beautiful. This week we heard that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission has funded our application for the next phase of the work, final designs and implementation. We'll be holding meetings in the fall for the next phase, contact Richard Cowan 238-7041 for more information.

3. July 4th Celebrations

Oakland A's Fireworks Game, Tuesday, July 3rd, 7 pm versus the Blue Jays: Fireworks follow the game. For Tickets.

<<Legal fireworks shows in Oakland are conducted by experts under special permits for cultural events. Take your kids to the Coliseum for the only legal, safe show this July 4th.

The Oakland Municipal Band presents a July 4th concert, "All Sparkling, Red White & Blue," at 1 pm. Thirty-five musicians under the direction of Robert Farrington offers a traditional afternoon of fine music. Bring family and friends along with a blanket or lawn chairs to the bandstand in Lakeside Park on the shores of Lake Merritt. Picnics and flag waving are encouraged. The concerts continue on the following Sundays: July 15, July 22, July 29 and August 5.

Montclair Safety Improvement Council's July 4th Music in Montclair Park, Wednesday, July 4, 3-6 pm: Bring your own picnic and enjoy free music.

No Fireworks at Jack London Square on July 4th: Due to the construction and safety hazards in the area where the fireworks are usually held, there will be no fireworks display at Jack London Square this year. Come on by for a good old fashioned BBQ Competition. Vendors and merchants on hand to cater to those who love BBQ. Tasting, sampling and judging. Live musical entertainment and dancing.

Fireworks at World Music and Jazz Festival planned for Middle Harbor Shoreline Park on Saturday, July 30th: When Jack London Square announced that there would not be a fireworks display on July 4th, the Port of Oakland tried to find another venue for the holiday. That wasn't possible on such short notice, but they are adding fireworks to the Portfest World Music and Jazz Festival at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park at 7th Street Saturday, July 28th, 11am-7 pm.

4. Help Us Make July 4th Safer, Fireworks Hotline 238-2373

The Oakland Police use your tips about illegal fireworks to plan their patrols on July 4th. If you know of individuals or locations involved in illegal fireworks sales or where fireworks parties are planned, you can leave your information on our anonymous Fireworks Hotline at 238-2373. We ask you to be very specific with the information: exact block or address, vehicle license plates, names, or photos. You can also contact our PSA 4 Lieutenant (Police Service Area for Dimond, Laurel, Allendale, Redwood Hts, Joaquin Miller) Lt. Chris Mufarreh, 777-8521, cmufarreh@oaklandnet.com with the information. He will head up the July 4th effort.

It is illegal to buy, sell, transfer, use or possess fireworks in Oakland, and anyone engaging in these activities can be fined up to $1,000 (Oakland CA Health & Safety 8.06.030- 2004). Last year we were able to seize thousands of pounds of fireworks before the holiday (above). For "acts in progress" - real time use of fireworks - call the non emergency number, 777-3333.

Oakland Fire Fighters will also be on patrol and have the authority to give citations for illegal use of fireworks and other dangerous behaviors. The Wildfire District pays for extra patrols when the fire danger is the highest.

Reported hotspots for fireworks, receive visits by fire fighters and police before and on July 4th. For the last two July 4th holidays I have gone on patrol with the Oakland Police to observe enforcement and community efforts. This year without the Jack London event which requires about a hundred extra police officers, more patrols will be in the neighborhoods. Riding with the police, I know it is impossible to respond to every call. They will focus on the most dangerous situations; especially, the use of professional fireworks which can be the equivalent of one-quarter to one half of a stick of dynamite. Neighbors need to talk to neighbors about safety and the danger of fire. Each year the fire departments puts out fires started by fireworks.

5. Plastic Bag Ordinance Goes to Council July 3

This week the Public Works Committee passed our ordinance encouraging reusable bags and banning plastic carry out bags from large retail stores similar to the law passed by San Francisco.

<< Ordinance sponsors Nadel and Quan join Public Works Director Godinez in distributing new City cloth shopping bags.

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. Thousands of marine animals die from ingesting bags or entanglement. To comment on the ordinance at the July 3 Council meeting, contact Richard Cowan of our office 238-7041. To date, we have received overwhelming support of this ordinance via emails from Oakland residents.

Reusable Bags Are the Real Answer: Representatives of the plastics industry appeared at the Committee meeting. Their strategy is to say that paper bags are equally environmentally unfriendly. This misses the real point, that we should discourage the use of all disposable bags. It also seems disingenuous. Last year San Francisco was on the verge of requiring that retailers charge a nickel for all bags following the successful strategy of countries like Ireland, where shoppers now use reusable bags 90% of the time. The plastics industry and some grocery chains went to the State legislature and got a six year prohibition on such charges in exchange for agreeing to make plastic bags recycling available at retail stores. San Francisco has had plastic bag recycling at all supermarkets for several years, only one percent is recycled.

While paper bags also have environmental issues, banning all bags was not an alternative. Paper bags can be recycled at curbside and can be put into green cans for composting, plastic cannot. Paper grocery bags contain at least 40% of recycled material and are more likely to be reused. Paper is degradable, plastics are not.

Cloth bags are widely available at a variety of stores, on-line -- many as little as 99 cents! In the next few weeks we will be raffling off the new Oakland cloth bags at events and on-line.

6. Park Rangers Reactivate Bike Patrol, New Bike Racks

For several years, Oakland's Park Rangers have sponsored a bicycle patrol in Joaquin Miller Park. This summer they are reactivating and expanding the volunteer program to more large parks in the City. Our office and the Bicycle Trails Council of the East Bay will sponsor the effort and contribute colorful t-shirts and first aid kits for the 25 volunteers that the Rangers hope to recruit. Using their own bicycles and carrying a radio so they can communicate quickly with the Rangers, volunteers on bicycle patrol serve as "ambassadors" to hikers and other users of our trails and pathways in large parks. They remind users of park rules and try to mitigate potential conflicts. If you are interested in participating, please contact Sgt. Arturo Bautista at 482-7888.

New eLockers: Last week, the City installed eight state-of-the-art electronic bicycle lockers ("eLockers") on 20th street, east of Broadway, adjacent to the 19th Street BART station and a major AC Transit transfer location. Another eight eLockers are at 14th and Broadway in Downtown. eLockers can be used by any cyclist with a $20 "BikeLink" card pre-purchased like a BART ticket. There is no application or waiting list. Parking costs five cents an hour, and the first five hours are free.

Fewer Meters, More Bike Racks: The City will be replacing 4,700 parking meters with "pay and display" kiosks. The new system should mean less broken meters, and more convenient ways to pay. The kiosks take credit cards and give receipts. We plan to install 66 new bike parking racks accommodating 174 bicycles in commercial areas where the new kiosks will be installed by the end of the Summer under a grant from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). Oakland has received another MTC grant to continue installing additional bicycle racks during the coming year. For details or to suggest locations, contact Jason Patton at 238-7049.

7. New Red Light Camera Enforcement

Earlier this week, the Public Safety Committee approved installation red light camera systems to help increase traffic safety by catching those who run red lights. Studies show the cameras greatly reduce the number of red light violations. Each year across the U.S. crashes associated with the running of red lights claim the lives of more than 800 people and injure an additional 200,000. Intersections are being chosen by the number of reported accidents; however, we believe that accidents are under reported in some parts of our district. We would like your help in putting together a list of intersections where red light cameras are needed. Please send your suggestions to Jennifer Crawford in our office.

8. Traffic News: CarShare in Dimond? High St Work

City CarShare Could Come to the Dimond: Does your teen or college student disappear with your car? Are you a senior or avid bicyclist who only needs a car occasionally? Want to cuts costs and get rid of a second car used only a few times a month? My office and the Dimond Improvement Association have been discussing with City CarShare the possibility of expanding into the Dimond commercial district. They are a non-profit organization that provides members with around-the-clock access to a fleet of cars throughout the Bay Area, primarily for short trips, featuring a choice of compacts, pickup trucks, hybrids and Minis. Members sign up for a fee (now waived under a special trial period) and get an electronic key in the mail. Reservations are made on line. Driving

rates are $4/hour and 44 cents per mile. City CarShare is looking for 200 probable users in the Dimond area. If you are interested in being one of the 200, email Richard Cowan in our office or contact the Dimond Improvement Association. City CarShare will also be at the next Dimond Improvement Association meeting at the Dimond Library, Thursday, July 5, 7:30 pm.

High Street Repaving Underway: Over the next few weeks High Street will get a long awaited repaving between MacArthur and Foothill. If you can avoid the area it will help relieve congestion and make the work go faster.

9. Door-to-Door Salesmen; Ice Cream for National Night Out

Use Caution When Salesmen Come to Your Door: We've mentioned this several times in this newsletter, but it bears repeating. Think twice before opening your door to a solicitor. The latest scam are door-to-door salespeople selling security systems. Note that the most reputable security systems do not sell door-to-door. Be aware of some of their tactics:

They may wear shirts or hats with a recognizable logo.

They may appear at your door without an appointment. Reputable firms make appointments; they don't show up unannounced.

They may say they are there to "upgrade" your system.

They may state they are offering a limited number of "free" systems in your neighborhood.

Anyone going door-to-door in Oakland must have a permit from the police department. Ask for an ID Badge, business card or literature with the company name. Ask for proof of California Alarm License (badge or number) for sales reps and technicians. Call the toll free number and call to verify.

Free Ice Cream for the First 20 Groups in District 4 to Register for National Night Out Now. Dreyer's Ice Cream has provided our office 20 buckets of ice cream to help encourage neighborhoods to organize for National Night Out, the nation's night out against crime is Tuesday, August 7, 7-9 pm. Contact Jennifer Argueta in our office at 238-7273 for this first come, first served opportunity. Research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other crime goes down. Last year District 4 had over 60 parties. We joined with neighbors to have neighborhood block parties, ice cream socials, potlucks or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - the first defense against crime. My staff and I, police, and other city staff will visit each party. Register your party online, or contact Brenda Ivey with the Oakland Police Department at 238-3091. The deadline to register is 5:00 pm on Friday, July 27th. Only registered groups will be eligible for a visit! Block Party Guide

Use Your NCPC to Help Set Community Safety Priorities: Our office tries to monitor the many listservs in our District where neighbors register concerns about crime and traffic safety but you cannot consider this the same as contacting police or our office directly. Police beat priorities are set at the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils (NCPCs). We encourage neighborhoods and representatives from Neighborhood Watch Groups to participate in their NCPC's. Schedule

10. Roadside Clearing, Fire Memorial Donations

Scenes like this from the South Lake Tahoe fire are a sad reminder to do a home inspection and to maintain defensible space. Here are some useful sites to help:

Firewise

Oakland Wildfire Prevention District

History of Wildfires In the Oakland Hills, powerpoint presentation

Roadside Clearance Along Skyline Underway: A major component of the City's Vegetation Management Plan is to clear brush along major thoroughfares in the Wildfire Prevention District to prevent fires started by auto catalytic converters. Be careful when parking on dry grass. Five different crews are under contract to clear grass and brush, especially in areas known to be gathering places during the 4th of July, and will complete those areas prior to the holiday. The highest danger is later in the fire season. Other items of note from this week's Wildfire Prevention District Advisory Board meeting:

The Wildfire Prevention Assessment District Advisory Committee will be approving the 2007-08 Vegetation Management Plan at its July 26 meeting, which is open to the public. We encourage residents, especially leaders of homeowner's groups, CORE and Neighborhood Watch groups to come to this meeting, held at the Richard C Trudeau Training Center at 11500 Skyline Blvd.

The Advisory Committee will begin discussing local additions to the new International Wildland Urban Interface Code that is being adopted by California and the rest of the nation. This code details requirements for both new construction and current stuctures located in the Wildland-Urban Interface. Public feedback is needed.

The Fire Department, Parks Department and Public Works Department have drafted a city-wide system of Fire Danger warnings and procedures for parks and city facility use restrictions and closures. Look for the red flag flying over fire stations and at prominent locations when "Red Flag" days are in effected. These are the days when the combination of low humidity, high winds, and high temperatures put the area at highest fire risk.

Donations for the Wildfire Memorial Vandalized by Metal Thieves: Sue and Gordon Piper report that donations are coming in to replace the brass trees and the nameplates honoring the victims of the 1991 Firestorm (note the holes in the wall below). They are near their goal but still need funds to improve lighting as a deterrent to future thieves. Donations made to Friends of Oakland Parks can be sent to 33 Hiller Drive, Oakland 94618. There is a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thieves, call the police at 238-3951 or Crime Stoppers at 238-6946.

11. Council Approves Budget With Increased Police Support, Job Programs, Teen Centers, & Park Improvements

After 2 retreats, 6 budget meetings, 6 district hearings and one televised call-in hearing, the Council adopted a balanced $2.2 billion two-year budget. It includes all of Mayor Dellums's requests and $17.8 million in additional programs funded primarily by one-time sources (repayment of a loan to the Oakland Marriott, vacancy savings, and unexpected state reimbursements.) New Programs Focus on Five Areas:

Infrastructure & Deferred Maintenance: Reinstates funds for sidewalk repairs and tree maintenance, and funds top critical infrastructure needs identified by Public Works, including leaking roofs, replacing a substandard fire station and additional park improvements. Station 18, near Melrose Library above, is too small for new fire engines. The crew here stands in front of the old fire house, which we hope to replace within 3 years.

Increase Funds for Public Safety: Assigns 6 more officers to criminal investigations, returns police from the airport to patrol, adds 15 new Police Service Techs to free up officer's time to increase police presence on the street (staffs juvenile desks, criminal investigations, data collection & analysis). Funds the Ambassador Program (youth working on security & escort services) at BART/transportation hubs and merchant areas; funds Teen Centers in each Council District to give our youth more safe places to go and to develop leadership skills. Funds the Seismic Retrofit Program. There is funding for one Ambassador Program per district and will work with our Business Improvement Districts to establish a program. We will also be holding meetings in the fall to discuss a Teen Center in District 4.
Targeted Efforts for Economic Development and New Jobs: Consultants for targeted industrial and retail recruitment and expansion; additional job and business training programs; expand City Internships for high school and college students.
Stabilizes Funding for Oakland's Cultural Institutions: Oakland Zoo, Chabot Space and Science Center, Peralta Hacienda, the Oakland East Bay Symphony and the Asian Cultural Center.
Improves Service to Oakland Citizens: Establishes a 311 system allowing citizens to call one number for inquiries and requests for city services; contributes to a countywide 211 system for access to one number for referrals to social services and other needs; funds major outreach and education effort to prepare Oaklanders for the new voter approved Ranked Voting System.

For Background Information: Budget Facts.

12. Retrofit Program to Start Next Week

Our Voluntary Seismic Strengthening Incentive Program was unanimously approved by the City Council last week. Oakland will be the first city to incorporate seismic strengthening standards for one-to two-story and one-to two-family residences into its municipal code, providing a baseline level to ensure that home retrofits meet engineered-approved standards. Planning Staff is preparing to start the program during the week of July 1st. The Program has four elements:

Establishes seismic strengthening standards for typical wood-framed houses.

Establishes a low, flat seismic strengthening permit fee of $250 as an incentive.

Establishes a new Homeowner Seismic Strengthening Reimbursement Incentive Program whereby new owners of older homes have one year in which to retrofit according to the new standards. If the retrofit passes inspection, they will be eligible for reimbursement of their expenses up to .5% of the purchase price or $5,000, which ever is less.

In the second year, 2008-2009, an additional $500,000 will be available for assistance for low-come homeowners in the redevelopment areas.

Experts predict that a magnitude 6.9 earthquake on the Hayward Fault will result in the loss of 36,500 Oakland homes, one-third of our housing! They also predict up to 15,000 casualties. This is tragedy we can reduce or prevent. Only 15% of Oakland homes are retrofitted to current standards. Download the report and ordinance. For additional information, contact Sue Piper in our office.

PART TWO: DEVELOPING ADDITIONAL STANDARDS, SEEKING FEDERAL AND STATE HELP

I have been co-hosting a group of elected officials who represent cities along the Hayward Fault in conjunction with ABAG (Association of Bay Area Governments). We are working on developing state standards for retrofits, funding for a survey of soft story buildings, licensing standards for retrofit contractors, and funds or tax credits to help fund retrofits.

On the City Level we will also be coming back to the City Council in the fall with additional recommendations, such as requiring automatic gas shut off or gas flow interrupt valves and mandatory retrofitting when homeowners do major renovations. We hope to do a survey of Oakland's multi-family, soft story buildings such as the photo above from the Northridge Earthquake and to develop standards and programs for retrofits.

13. FOSC Seeks Native Plant Nursery Manager

The Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) is seeking a Nursery manager to direct and manage the Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery (JMNPN). This nursery is a volunteer-based nursery supporting the watershed restoration efforts of FOSC and other Oakland-based creek groups. Deadline for applications is July 6. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to FOSC's Executive Director, Sara Marcellino.

14. Help Us Attract Retail, Shopper Survey & Meetings

The City of Oakland is working with a team led by Conley Consulting Group to create a citywide strategy to attract more retail stores and to improve the retail experience in Oakland. An important part of the process is to learn about consumer perceptions and preferences. This online survey measures the shopping patterns of Oakland shoppers. Upon completing the survey, you will be able to enter a drawing for a free Apple iPod Nano. You can also participate in public input meetings:

Monday, July 9, 6 - 8 pm, Allen Temple Baptist Church, 8501 International Blvd
Wednesday, July 11, 6 - 8 pm, Fruitvale/San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 E. 12th, Street, at Fruitvale Village near the Fruitvale BART station.

15. Chabot Science Center: Dinosaurs Alive, Solar Exhibit

Dinosaurs Alive! premieres this weekend in the Tien Dome Theater. See the earliest creatures of the Triassic Period to the monsters of the Cretaceous. Join renowned paleontologists as they discover new fossils and uncover evidence that dinosaur descendants are still among us. Realistic and scientifically accurate computer generated animation brings dinosaurs back to life... in a big way!

The SunWorks exhibit showcases Sun-themed art by youth and adult artists from around the world. The exhibit pieces, ranging from paintings and photographs to compositions of Legos, textiles, glass, and other media.

More Exhibit Information

Summer Camps for Kids

16. School &Youth News

Swanson's Local Control Bill Goes to Senate July 11: Assemblyman Sandre Swanson's AB45 calling for the state to return local control to OUSD by January 2008 goes before the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, July 11 at the Capitol Building. Letters of support would be helpful. Contact Douglas McLean in Sandre Swanson's office at 286-6170.

PAL Trout Fishing for Kids- July 10-20: The Police Activities league will be conducting their first session of trout fishing at McCrea Park. The second session runs from July 31 to August 10.

Campfire Sing-along at McCrea Park Saturday, July 14th: Enjoy a great summer family tradition at the "Trout Pond Park" on Carson Street near Highway13. Watch here for details about time.

Zoomobile Visits Libraries This Summer: Come meet unusual animals when they roll into your branch library this summer: Dimond Branch, Wednesday, July 18 at 11 am, and Montclair Branch, Saturday, July 28 at 2 pm.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Knight Bust Tour Kicks Off a Month of Magic at the Library: Help celebrate the release of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Wednesday, July 11, 4-7pm -- Scholastic Corporation's Knight Bus, (based on the purple, triple-decker bus described in the Harry Potter books), will be stopping at the Oakland Main Library at 125 14th Street. Young people will have a chance to board the bus and make a video about why they love the Harry Potter books. Kids need to pre-register by calling the Main

Library's Children's Room at 238-3615. Friday, July 20 8pm-Midnight, children and teens are invited to come to the Main Library in costume for an evening of incredible entertainment, including live bands. A free raffle of the new book for the first 100 winners. Saturday, July 21, 8-10am: Dimond Library's Harry Potter Release Party for Early Risers--crafts, games, prizes, refreshments and more. Come dressed as your favorite Harry Potter character-- Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue, 482-7844. Harry Potter Read-Aloud!-Listen to readings from the book for an hour every day starting Monday, July 23 at 4 pm at the following branches: Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue; Melrose Branch, 4805 Foothill Blvd.; M.L.King Jr., Branch, 6833 International Blvd. Harry Potter Crafts: Make a magical dragon with the artists from MOCHA, the Museum of Children's Arts:

Saturday, July 21, 2 pm, Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd.

Monday, July 23, 7 pm, Piedmont Avenue Branch,160-41st Street

Monday, July 30, 7 pm, Rockridge Branch, 5366 College Avenue

Tuesday, July 31, 6 pm, Cesar Chavez Branch, 3301 east 12th Street, Ste. 271

Wednesday, August 8, 2 pm, Asian Branch, 388-9th Street

Complete list of summer activities for children at the Oakland Public Library.

Laurel Books Sponsors Harry Potter Party July 20, 10 pm; Luan Stauss of Laurel Books on MacArthur Blvd.in the Laurel reports that there will be entertainment, games, snacks, prizes and giveaways (for grownups too) "People keep asking if adults will be here. Well, who brings the kids? And so far we've had about half and half kids and adult fans enjoy our parties so yes, everyone can come! And yes, you can dress up or wear your jammies."

Saturday Morning, July 21 Laurel Books opens at 9am for those who can't stay up on Friday.

17. More Community News

Out Loud Literary Series at Oakland Public Library Begins June 28: The Bay Area Chapter of the International Organization of Poets, Essayists and Novelist (PEN), in partnership with the Oakland Public Library, continues the Oakland Out Loud Literary Series monthly through December. The series is based upon the Oakland Out Loud Literary Anthology, available for purchase at the readings. All but the final two readings in this series meet the fourth Thursday of the month, from 6-7:30 pm at the Main Library, 125-14th Street. First session is Thursday, June 28, hosted by Adam David Miller, Stephen Kessler, Amy MacLennan, Al Young, Judith Cody. For details, contact Kim McMillion at 228-6775.
First Fridays After Five! at the Oakland Museum of California: July 6-Craig Horton Blues Band; August 3, Bay Area Blues Society's Caravan of All Stars; September 7, Rhonda Benin and Soulful Strut. Live music in the museum cafe, 5 - 9 pm. For details.
Monthly Outdoor Movie Series Begins Saturday, July 21: The highly successfull Old Oakland Outdoor cinema series returns for a fourth season beginning Saturday, July 21 with the screening of "Ray." The 2007 season features four award-winning films, including three Oscar Winners: "Little Miss Sunshine" on August 18; "The Day the Earth Stood Still" on September 15, and "Babe" on October 20. The series transforms Ninth Street between Broadway and Washington into an outdoor cinema with movies beginning at dusk. Limited seating is available; filmgoers are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets. For more information, call 238-4734.
Save the Date, Saturday, August 11, 11 am-2pm, Dedication of Brookdale Park as a Park for Peace: As part of the Community Spirit Project and Project Mosaic, Brookdale park will be one of 12 Oakland parks declared drug free and designated for supporting and fostering positive lives and life-giving activities for youth and their families. Volunteers are needed to assist with events that day: peace pole planting, spoken word, music and Ribbons for Peace Project. Contact Michael Foster at 535-5632.

18. Save the Date: Summer Street Fairs & Festivals

Woodminster Summer Theater Season Opens With Westside Story, July 13-22, 8pm: Enjoy the improvements at Joaquin Miller Park, bring a picnic, and then enjoy classic musicals under the stars this summer. My office capital fund has put in some new picnic tables. Kids Come Free: Children 16 and younger who are accompanying paying adults to any performance are admitted free. These tickets are not reserved in advance. Present your adult ticket at the box office 7 pm-8 pm on the night of the performance and receive a free child's ticket as close to your adult ticket as possible, or purchase your adult ticket on the night of the performance to guarantee they'll be together. Restrictions apply. Click here for details.

<< Picnic tables over looking the bay behind Woodminster Theater.

4th Annual Healthy Living Festival at Lake Merritt Garden Center, Friday, July 20: This year's Healthy Living Festival brings together older adults and their supporters throughout Alameda County to experience a vast array of resources and lifestyle choices that define healthy living and successful aging. Planned activities include a 3.2 mile Walk-A-Thon around Lake Merritt; more than 70 educational resource booths; medical and podiatry check-ups; bone density screenings and benefits checks; information and registration for older adult walk clubs; nutrition and cooking demonstrations and a mini-farmers market; entertainment and much more. For details, call 729-0852 or visit the USOC website.

3rd Annual Dimond Picnic and Dimond Recreation Center Open House, Saturday, July 22: 10am Historical Tour by local author Dennis Evanosky; 11:30 am Abdo Alawdi of Two Star Market, staffs the large charcoal barbecue and will provide cold soft drinks. Two Star Market, Farmer Joe's Market and the Dimond Improvement Association will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, fruits, veggies and other picnic goodies.1 pm: Watch Woman's Will perform Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet in Dimond Park: Free swim and play for kids at Dimond Recreation Center from 11 am-3 pm.

Laurel World Festival, Saturday, August 11: Join us between the arches in the Laurel Business District along MacArthur Blvd, 35th Ave to High St, in the Heart of Oakland for food, music, & booths. Contact the Laurel District Association for booths and other information.

<< Dancers from the Laurel Tongan Church perform at last week's Laurel Summer Solistice Music Festival in front of Laurel School.

Save the Dates --Sundays in the Redwoods: Here's the perfect way to build community and have a great time. Organize a pot luck with friends and neighbors at one of the upcoming free concerts at the Woodminster Amphitheater:

Sunday, September 23, Oakland East Bay Symphony

Sunday, September 30, World Music

Sunday, October 7, Gospel

Sunday, October 14, Jazz/Neo-Soul