The Governor reduced some of his proposed cuts to education on Wednesday as hundreds of teachers, parents and students rallied at City Hall and across the state to protest his cuts to education.  There will still be cuts to education because the plan would not give a cost of living increase; it includes about $5 billion in education cuts.  With this budget plan, California continues to rank 46th in per-pupil funding and dead last in teachers, librarians and counselors per student.  The Governor's latest plan announced an increased deficit again, about $17.2 billion.  He proposed to go to the voters with a plan borrow against future lottery revenues.  If the voters reject the plan, a 1-cent sales tax automatically kicks in.
   His plan would cut hundreds of millions of dollars used to supplement the salary of in-home support-services workers who care for the elderly; deny federal cost-of-living increases to a welfare program that helps the elderly, blind and disabled; and make a parent in a family of three earning $11,000 ineligible for Medi-Cal, the health care program for the poor and disabled.

• The Governor's plan treats all state programs equally.  A straight 10 percent cut to already low school funding makes no sense.  The Legislative Analyst and other have suggested he prioritize and reduce the cuts to education.
• The Governor's plan balances the budget with cuts only.  He has rejected all new taxes even closing loopholes that let luxury yacht owners evade state taxes. 
• Assembly Member Loni Hancock's Bill AB 2897 would reinstate a one percent increase for California's wealthiest families (over $300K and $600K). This would generate over $6 billion for the schools. Ronald Reagan imposed this temporary tax when he was governor.
• Charging oil companies a production tax like almost every other state would generate over a billion at a time the oil companies are making huge profits and gas is over $4/gallon.  Nunez's bill would target revenues for education.
• The California Budget Project gives independent analysis
• The Next 10 Challenge co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters is an online game that lets you balance the California Budget

• Help Us Prevent Illegal Dumping, Ask for a Dump Receipt:  Now that fire season is almost here, many of us will be cutting back vegetation or cleaning out our yards and garages.  If you hire someone to help to dump these materials, ask for a dated receipt from a legal dump (San Leandro Davis Street or Berkeley)before you pay them.  This picture of green waste on Monterey Blvd is most likely the result of a contractor saving some money. If evidence is found linking the materials to you, you may have to pay fines.

• Oakland Senior Services:  The Governor's budget hits poor seniors in many ways, cutting health benefits, in home assistance, and general assistance.  This is Older Americans Month.  If you or a loved one need help, the city augments some county services and can offer advice.  Check out our Human Services website and programs at our senior centers and libraries. >> One of many informational booths at our Older Americans Celebration this week.

• 2-1-1 Information Line:  Alameda County and its cities have joined in provide a 2-1-1 Information Line for social services help.  Have a relative that needs help?  Need to find help for domestic abuse?  Just call and multilingual help is available 24 hours a day. <<Billboard advertising this service at the Coliseum.

• Thank You for Helping Us Track Foreclosures, Vacated, and Nuisance Properties:  We got a great response from our request to help us identify foreclosed or vacant homes in our district that may be or may become nuisance properties.  Thanks to your reports we have about a dozen homes that we have asked for blight or public health inspections; at least one possible squatting situation.  When we walk neighborhoods in the district, we keep a list of homes that look like they may be in foreclosure. We are particularly dedicated to making sure that the homes don't get taken over by squatters involved in illegal behavior.  Last year one home in the Allendale was responsible for a minor crime wave of burglaries.  The City had to intervene to close the house, clean up the mess, and fine the bank.  If a home in your neighborhood goes into foreclosure please contact Michael Johnson in our office so we can monitor it; this is especially important if it becomes blighted or occupied by suspicious residents.  

 

These are some Resources to Help Prevent Foreclosures:  It appears that many immigrants and minorities were targeted for balloon loans with deceptively low balloon interest rates. Some local brokers are accused of steering clients to these loans even when they qualified for traditional loans. There is both local and national pressure to help get these loans refinanced, but the most important thing is for home owners to start negotiating with the banks before they go into foreclosure.

• This is a good place for an overview:  http://www.995hope.org/
• They also have a 24 hour hotline  888-995-HOPE.
• For local resources: http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/hcd/resources/Foreclosure%20Resources.pdf

• HOW DO YOU ADD 272 OFFICERS WITHOUT INCREASING TAXES?  I have criticized the after school initiative now being circulated because it doubles funding for non-profits to about 5 percent of the general fund or about $15 million in a year -- the equivalent of the entire budget of the Parks & Rec Department -- when the city may have to cut services dramatically.  So several of you have asked about the police initiative which would increase the force by 272 officers at a cost of about $60-$75 million depending upon whether you include training, equipment and support staff. That would move the cost of Public Safety (police & fire) from 62% of the general fund to about 75%.  However, the last category on the chart Non-Departmental is mostly payments for bonds (approximately another 15% that you can't cut). Also, some funds are matched by the Special Revenue on the right; so if you cut Headstart, housing, or senior services you could lose matching federal dollars on the right at about a two to one ratio. You have about 10-12% of the general fund for all other city services. Even Chip Johnson, who is no fan of the Mayor's Police efforts thinks this initiative is irresponsible.  The Community Policing Advisory Board made a recommendation that is much more realistic (in terms of recruitment and training), practical and responsible.  They recommend that starting next budget cycle after we have reached the currently budgeted number of 803, we increase the number by 50 each year until we get to 903 and then do an evaluation to how many more we need.
• There's no "free lunch."  Here's the General Fund, figure out what you will cut to get to 60-75 million? 

• 35th & MacArthur Project Completes the Laurel Gateway:  When I was elected the northeast corner of 35th Avenue and MacArthurd Blvd was a weed covered lot with abandoned chairs and refrigerators sitting on it.  This left over city parcel from the widening of 35th Avenue had been offered for sale for years. We worked with the Economic Development Department to close the deal with one developer, but over time his design was cheapened and we asked him to build as promised or walk away.  Two years ago the current developer brought a plan to the city and then to the neighborhood that was better than the first.  We sold the land at market rate, there is no subsidy.  The units are market rate condominiums.  This weekend the public and neighbors can get their first peek as it goes onto the market.

The concept was to build a live-work building.  Small ground floor units are perfect for small businesses, 2-4 bedrooms above have garages and inner court balconies are above.  The corner ground unit is perfect for a cafe.  The project will be open Sunday, 1-5.  >>This unit was staged for a tailor's shop.

 

• Warren Freeway Median Planting Moves Ahead:  Soil was delivered this week to some of the medians on Hwy 13, the irrigation system is complete.  Hopefully, after 3 years the first plants will arrive soon.

• Horace Mann School Garden Gets a $12,500 Gardens for Learning Grant:  Thanks to the long dedicated efforts of Jeanne Nixon of the Melrose NCPC, with a little help from our Sue Piper, Horace Mann was given a grant for the school garden that will expand educational programs significantly.  There is a possible extension for $10K more in the following year. Many thanks!

• Phase II Construction at the Altenheim: The Altenheim, an independent senior housing development located at the edge of Dimond and Glenview districts, is gearing up for Phase II construction this summer. Neighbors have been actively involved with redevelopment of the site since the assisted living facility of the same name closed in 2002. If you are interested in learning about Phase II, please join their Yahoo Group today: http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/alteneighbors. The plan calls for removing some trees for the new building.  Deadline for comments is May 23.

• Support the Allendale Krusherz! District 4 Girls Softball Team: Our office, with the help of another nine individuals in District 4, sponsors this 8 and under Girls Fast Pitch Softball Team based at the Allendale Recreation Center (right). Come join us to cheer them on at the following games:
  • Saturday,May 31, 11 am, at Marshall Field, Hellman Park.

1. Sexually Exploited Minors
2. Non-Violent Tools for Conflict Resolution
3. Disaster Preparedness
4. Dealing with Problem Properties and Nuisances
5. Get Heard:  Engaging the Voices of Young People
6. Understanding and Recognizing Gang Activity (English & Spanish Workshops)
7. Personal Safety and Self Defense
8. Youth Led Dialogue on Youth Culture & Violence
9. Effective & Productive Meeting Facilitation
10. How to Build Strong & Cohesive Neighborhoods
11. Reducing Truancy & Supporting Schools

• Recent Reports of Gas Siphoning: As the price of gas goes up, gas becomes even more precious. Might be time to think about installing locked gas caps, if your car does not have a built in mechanism.

• Summer Door-to-Door Sales: Groups of young people who are suppose to be students are beginning to swarm our neighborhoods. Some of them will be from legitimate companies, some seem to be exploiting the youth.  The most common are alarm companies, magazine sales, and groups claiming to benefit youth.  In the past even some legitimate companies have had sales persons who used the opportunity to case homes for burglaries.  Here are a few points to remember:
  • All door-to-door salesmen are suppose to have a permit from the police department.  Ask to see it and their identification.
  • The alarm companies are often legitimate companies, the sales person sometimes wants you to display their sign so they can tell your neighbors that you are buying their product.  Some people on the listserv's claim they have gotten free or discounte products.  Unfortunately, the police warn that the companies that sell these alarms in this manner usually sell the contract to someone else.  Getting service and follow-up can be difficult.  Personally, I suggest to buy an alarm from a local company that you can hold accountable. 
  • If some one comes to your with a "free inspection" use common sense don't let them in.
  • A new scam, is that someone says they are fixing the fence, trees, etc of you neighbor and need access to you backyard.  While you are show them the way, an accomplice burgles your home.
  • Finally, if someone is overly aggressive or suspicious, call your area's problem solving officer or report it to the non-emergency police number 777-3333.

• Help Recruit Police Officers: Citizens interested in lending a hand to help the City of Oakland reach its goal of having 803 police officers by the end of 2008 have an opportunity to participate in this important effort. The Oakland Police Department needs community volunteers to serve as oral board panel assessors for the hiring of Police Officer Trainees. Interested candidates must meet one of the following criteria 1) live in Oakland, 2) work in Oakland or 3) own a business in Oakland. The upcoming oral board dates are currently scheduled for:
   
• • Monday, July 21, 2008
  • Monday, August 25, 2008
  • Monday, September 22, 2008
  • Monday, October 20, 2008
  • Monday, November 17, 2008

Community members interested in serving on the boards should email opdjobs@oaklandnet.com with their contact information, including name, address, phone number and email address and note the dates they are available. 

• Laurel Corridor Focus:  This is part of an upcoming focus on recent problems in the neighborhood including graffiti, shoplifting, and complaints regarding youth obstructing businesses. We need neighbors to help by documenting complaints and identifying persons responsible for the graffiti.  The Problem Solving Officer for this area is Officer Ann Pierce at 238-2053.  The Neighborhood Services Coordinator is Renee Sykes at 238-7929.

• "Club Campaign" Underway in the  Laurel:  We monitor the crime trends in each of out neighborhoods on a regular basis. In February the Laurel neighborhood area was hard hit with car thefts and car break-ins. In cooperation with the NCPC and the Laurel ACE hardware we are walking  to increase the number of residents using a "club" type device and for more eyes on the street. The Laurel ACE will give a 20% discount, we are producing a bilingual leaflet which we will walk door-to-door.  The beat officer recently made an arrest catching some young people breaking into a trunk and the stats have fallen, but car thefts come and go in cycles. It is best to be prepared.  If you would like to help distribute the leaflets, please contact Michael Johnson in our office 238-4742.

• New Phone Numbers for the Reorganization:  Now that most assignments are completed, the Police Department is trying to update its website.  In the interim they have posted lists of new phone numbers for Area and Problem Solving Officers/Beats.
   
• The Measure Y website and e-newsletter contain a wealth of practical information and an area list of services and programs, www.MeasureY.org.
• For a list of Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils in District 4.
• To organize a Neighborhood Watch Group on your street call 238-3091.
• How to file a Police Report: Police use crime reports to plan patrols and follow crime trends. Commanders determine their priorities based on the number and severity of crimes reported. You don't have to rely on the police to actually make the report; for non-urgent crimes such as auto break-ins or after the fact home break-ins you can download a citizen's crime report  from the City's website. 
• Make anonymous calls for drug activity to 238-DRUG.
• Truancy Tip Hotline is 879-8172.

• Chinese Earthquake Relief:  Council Member Henry Chang and I are sponsoring a resolution for our Friendship City Miangyang which is located near Chengdu, Sichuan, the site of this week's 7.9 earthquake, the largest in China for 30 years.  The are facing 50,000 dead, 200,000 injured, and half a million destroyed buildings.  >>Millions living in tents.

I am embarassed by our nation's half million in relief; in light of the outpouring of support from our Sister Cities during our disasters.  We encourage donations to the international relief agencies.  Local Chinatown agency Family Bridges has established a donation site through the Red Cross at their main office at 168-11th Street, Oakland, CA  94607.  Make checks payable to "AMERICAN RED CROSS" with a note "IRF - CHINA EARTHQUAKE"
Contact Maria Tsang at 510-839-2270 ex 307.  To contribute to the Red Cross on-line. 
 

• Two competing State Propositions on Eminent Domain.  The City Council and League of California Cities supports Proposition 99.  Both defend individual homeowners from government taking private homes to transfer to a private developer, but the rival Proposition 98 contains hidden agendas that would: 
  • According to the Attorney General's analysis eliminate Rent Control and other Renter Protections.
  • Would threaten use of eminent domain for Public water projects.
  • Is written so broadly that most environmental protection laws would be threatened and almost all zoning decisions would be open to legal challenge.
• School Board Races and City Council elections  in Districts 1, 3, 5, and 7 and the At-Large City Council Seat.
• A hot race for the State Senator representing Oakland, Hancock v Chan. 

• Ten Ways to Save the Most Water (from www.monolake.org)
  1. Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass. If it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. Set your sprinklers for more days in between watering. Saves 750-1,500 gallons per month.
  2. Fix leaky faucets and plumbing joints.Saves 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.
  3. Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a  hose rinse at the end. Saves 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family, that's up to 1,200 gallons per month.
  4. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors. Saves 500 to 800 gallons per month.
  5. Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher. Saves 300 to 800 gallons per month.
  6. Shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.
  7. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Saves 150 gallons or more each time. At once a week, that's more than 600 gallons a month.
  8. Don't use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Saves 400 to 600 gallons per month.
  9. Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come down the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can to use later on house plants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons per month.
  10. Don't water the sidewalks, driveway or gutter. Adjust your sprinklers so that the water lands on your lawn or garden where it belongs-- and only there. Saves 500 gallons per month.

• Friends of Sausal Creek's May Schedule: Join friends and neighbors and learn more about the native habitat of Sausal Creek:
  • Saturday, May 24, 9 am-Noon: Weed native plant garden and erosion control project. Contact Kathren Stevenson at 501-3672 for details.
  • Saturday, May 24, 1:30-4:30 pm: Propagate native species and other nursery work at the FOSC Native Plant Nursery in Joaquin Miller Park. Details, contact Molly Bolt at 501-3672.
  • Friday, May 30, 9:30-12:30 pm: Seed hike to collect seeds to propagate native plants. Contact Molly Bolt at 501-3672 for details.
  • Saturday, May 31, 9-Noon: Native plant restoration, trail installation at Beaconsfield Canyon. Contact Richard Kauffman for details.

• Visions Toward Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland, 1809-1990, at the African American Museum and Library at Oakland, 659 14th Street. These photos from  repository of hundred of Oakland family archives gives us a glimpse into their family albums and our city's history.  You'll see some familiar faces and unknown heroes. Videotaped story panels are availabe throughout the exhibit and the kids love them. For more information, contact Veda Silva at 637-0200.  (Below) If you have never been inside this beautifully restored building, the city's first Carnegie Library, the visit to see these historical murals is worth the trip alone.

•  Groundbreaking for the new East Oakland Community Library at 81st Avenue, Friday, May 30, 10-11am:  The new East Oakland Community Library--at 21,000 square feet--will be the largest branch in the Oakland Public Library system. This is one of my longest on-going projects.  I worked to get the joint application through the School Board in collaboration with Ignacio DeLaFuente; then as a Council Member helped keep the project on course.  It will also be the first joint public library-school facility in Oakland.  The $14.3 million project is funded by a $6.5 million grant from the State of California's Proposition 14 and $4 million from the Oakland Redevelopment Agency. OUSD has committed the land and a total of $497,065 for site development and construction of the common use areas. The Oakland Public Library is raising the additional funds from private donors to purchase new furniture. The new branch is located at 81st Avenue and Rudsdale in East Oakland.

•  "Catch the Reading Bug" Summer Reading Program:  Kids, ages 13 and under are encouraged to buzz on in to one of our branches, the bookmobile, or the Main Library's Children's Room to sign-up and start reading their way to valuable prizes, including books and tickets to some of Oakland's hottest attractions. Pre-readers can participate by having someone read to them.  AND, for the FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, ADULTS can also Catch the Reading Bug.
  • The fun begins with a Summer Reading Program Kick-Off Party on Saturday, May 31, 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Main Library's Children's Room, 125 14^th Street.  Children who sign up for the Summer Reading Program (June 7-August 9) will receive a free hot dog or veggie dog. In addition, they'll be treated to performances by the Prescott Clowns, Teng Fei Lion Dancers, and a live reggae band, La Raza Farians. Finally, kids will get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to "Dunk the Librarian!"
  • Families with children, ages 2 to 7, can get involved by attending an Early Reading Fun Workshop at one of 13 libraries, a family literacy night sponsored with a generous grant from the Stocker Foundation.  These special literacy programs, planned in partnership with the library's Second Start Family Literacy Program, will combine crafts and story time with tips on how families can nurture the next generation of readers.
  • On Sunday, August 10, come celebrate when the Oakland Public Library and the Oakland Museum of California partner to host a Summer Reading Program Finale from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free. This event will be held at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street.
  • Adults:Participating patrons can fill out a raffle ticket each time they read a book and become eligible to win prizes at monthly drawings held at each library location. Prizes will include gift certificates that, in part, support local businesses such as Laurel Books, Bittersweet Chocolate Cafe, and Calaca Loca Taquería.Patrons who wish to do so may also write brief reviews of the books they have read to share with others. If permission is given by the writer, their reviews will be used at library locations to promote community recommendations. Participants will be free to read any books and types of material of their choice. The adult program runs in tandem with the children's program: June 7 to August 9, 2008.

• Library Celebrates Pride Month Throughout June: Things kick off June 2 at 6:30 pm with a LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Family Storytime at the Piedmont Avenue Branch. LGBT parents of children aged 2-5 years are invited to join the fun, family-oriented event at 160 41st Street.
  • Throughout June, the Main Library (125 14th Street) will exhibit the Lavender Scrolls Project. These illustrated scrolls portray the lives of 8 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender elders. Each scroll features photographs, live-story excerpts and quotations that defy stereotypes about being old and gay, while also demonstrating the realities common to all elders. The project is presented by Oakland personal historian Cathy Cade.
  • Saturday, June 14, Noon - 2 pm, a LGBT Elders Dialogue with Teens will take place in the Main Library's West Auditorium.
  • For details, call 238-7352 or visit the library's website. 

• Oakland Parks & Recreation--offers a wide range of programs at their 25 Recreation Centers for kids of all ages. Call 238-7275 or download the 2008 catalog.
• MOCHA Summer Art Camp-- June 16-August 22 (kids Ages 6 and above). MOCHA camps provide age-appropriate, fun and enriching art activities; no previous art experience is required. Call 465-8770 for a catalog.
• Oakland Fine Arts Summer Session: Parents need to enroll students in both sessions - morning program is at Glenview Elementary School 8:30am-12:45pm, and an afternoon program at Oakland Parks & Recreation 12:45-5:30 pm. Download both applications from on-line registration.
• Parents Press offers a fairly comprehensive listing of opportunities.
• The City of Oakland's Shining Stars catalog is another great resource.

• Tryouts for Summer U.S. Youth Games hosted by Oakland in 2008! Oakland Hosts the 42nd Annual U.S. Youth Games July 16-19. The U.S. Youth Games host thousands of youth from across the nation, participating in Olympic-style competitions. Some try outs have already occurred, but here are the remaining opportunities:
  • Track & Field- May 10 at 9 am at Laney College, 900 Fallon Street
  • Chess- May 12  at 4 pm at RM Smith Recreation Center, 1969 Park Blvd.
  • Soccer- May 17 & 18, 10 am, Oakland High, 1023 MacArthur Blvd.
  • Boy's Basketball- May 17 & 18, 4 pm, Fremont High, 4610 Foothill Blvd.