• As a history major, I like visiting old cemeteries.  The Mountain View Cemetery is full of history including a plot of Civil War veterans. This year's Memorial Day ceremony will be held on Monday, May 26th, 10 am at the second fountain on the Main Avenue of the cemetery. One of the guest speakers will be Air Force Major Steve Rickenbacher, Reservist, recipient of the prestigious Bronze Star and the Defense Meritorious Service in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Complimentary refreshments will follow the ceremony.  Docent Dennis Evanosky will lead a guided tour of the refurbished Civil War plot and other areas of notables that are buried in the cemetery.

• Another traditional event is onboard the WWII aircraft carrier USS Hornet on Memorial Day, May 26, 1 pm.  The keynote speaker will be Rear Admiral Craig Bone, Commander of the Eleventh Coast Guard District.  Wear sturdy shoes; exploring this floating museum is fun for children of all ages. Pier 3 Alameda Point.

• The 442nd Memorial at Roberts Park:  The annual service was held last weekend but a walk to this quiet spot in the redwood groves in our district is another a way to mark the day. The segregated unit of Japanese Americans earned more medals per capita than any other unit in American history, suffering heavy casualties.  Many of them fought while their families were interned in concentration camps during WWII.

• The African American Museum and Library, 659 14th St, won't be open on Memorial Day but visit its new exhibit another day. Visions Toward Tomorrow: The African American Community in Oakland, 1809-1990, has wonderful photos from its repository of hundreds of Oakland family archives including photos of soldiers from different eras.  The permanent collection also has excellent information on the "Buffalo Soldier," the much decorated Tuskegee Airmen, and others.  Videotaped story panels are available throughout the exhibit and the kids love them. AAMLO mural below.

• Skyline Choir presents "Lift Every Voice," Wednesday, May 28th, 7:30 pm at the Skyline Theater. Enjoy this exhilarating Annual Spring Concert. Admission $7, Children under 12- $4.

• Decca: The Letters of Jessica Mitford, Thursday May 29, 7-9:00 pm: Local author Peter Sussman will read & discuss his latest book about Oakland resident Jessica Mitford, known as the Queen of the Muckrakers. Mitford, an Oakland resident, wrote the journalistic classic The American Way of Death about the funeral industry. Refreshments will be provided. Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave. 

• Friends of Sausal Creek's May Schedule: Join friends and neighbors and learn more about the native habitat of Sausal Creek:
   
  • 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.

•  Groundbreaking for the new East Oakland Community Library at 81st Avenue at Rudsdale, 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.

• Birth of the Cool and Cool Remixed: Urban Art & Culture Now at the Oakland Museum:  These two new exhibits lets the boomers and today's kids smile at each others idea of "cool."  Cool 50's cars with fins, Miles Davis, and retro furniture meet skate boards, graffiti art, and hyphy.  Bring your kids or parents and let the debate begin. Saturday, May 31, Noon-9 pm, Free, "Art Saves Lives: 2008 Oakland Youth Arts Festival" features Oakland youth's exciting, multimedia response to Cool Remixed. For full info http://artsaveslives.wordpress.com  

• Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival: Free Activities at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Pacific Renaissance Plaza, 2nd Floor, 388 9th Street, Suite 290. May 31, 8-11 pm: Asian Rhythms, Asian Beats featuring performances by OACC artists-in residence, Word & Violin, Karmacy.

The LLAD increase reduces the necessity of cutting an additional $9.5 million, but there are still some outstanding issues that may impact the final budget:  the State deficit is $17.2 billion and the legislature may still cut or delay additional funds, funding employee pensions & benefits which will require significant increases in the near future, deficits in funding equipment and facility repairs, modernizing the utility taxes, and the need to replace and purchase public safety vehicles.  
 

• Workshops/Budget Hearings re FY 2008-09 Budget Amendments  
  • Thursday, May 29, 5-8 pm
  • Wednesday, June 11th, 5-8 pm
• Adoption of Budget Amendments, Related Budget Legislation, Tuesday, June 17, 6-7 pm 

• AC Transit Bus Fare Increases Delayed:  This week I joined Assembly Member Lonnie Hancock, Supervisors John Goia and Keith Carson to oppose AC Transit Bus fare increases especially for students and seniors. The staff proposal would have raised the student youth pass from $15 to $27; senior pass from $20 to $28.  AC Transit is hit by rising fuel and other costs and would be hard hit by the Governor's cuts in public transportation.  Board members warned of possible route cuts.

• "How Do We Hold the Line?" A Community Forum and Panel Discussion on State Budget Cuts and the Alameda County Budget, Friday, June 6, 1:30-3:30 pm, Alameda County Administration Building, 1221 Oak Street, 5th Floor Board Chambers. Moderated by Nate Miley, Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Fourth District, this free community forum will discuss how results of the 2008 May Revise impacts  the County Budget, with opportunities to suggest recommendations and upward strategies to "hold the line."  Cosponsored by Citizens for the Disabled and Seniors in Alameda County (CDSac) and the Safety Net Coalition.  Registration begins at 1 pm.

The Governor's latest plan proposes to borrow against future lottery revenues.  If the voters reject the plan, a 1-cent sales tax automatically kicks in.  He also increased cuts to 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 of a family of three that earns $11,000 ineligible for Medi-Cal; the health care program for the poor and disabled. 
 

• School Cuts:  The Governor reduced some of his proposed education cuts, but the plan does not give schools a cost of living increase and still includes about $5 billion in cuts.  With this budget plan, California continues to rank 46th in per-pupil funding and dead last in teachers, librarians and counselors per student. Go to this page for information on what you can do to fight education cuts.   >>Sequoia student speaks out against the cuts.

• What Are the Alternatives?
   
  • 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.
  • The Governor's plan treats all state programs equally.  A straight 10 percent cut to already low school funding makes no sense.  The Legislative Analysts Office and others have suggested he prioritize and reduce the cuts to education.  
     
  • 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

• Soft Money Fuels Hit Pieces:  The race for State Senate has generated more mail than any other, most of it "soft money" or independent expenditures to avoid campaign financing limits. More than ever you need to look at who the mail is sent by.  The worst example is a hit piece by the Pomo Indian Tribes who sent out a piece under the misleading name of "Education Leaders for High Standards" attacking Senate candidate Lonnie Hancock.  Hancock has been a leader in limiting urban casinos; she also helped us stop the casino near the bay wetlands here in Oakland.  This is just the latest example of the tribes using their millions in gambling revenues to impact elections.  Wilma Chan, also running for Senate, said she had also voted the bill criticized in the mailer. 

• Tuesday, May 27, is the last day to request an absentee ballot for the June Primary. You must call the Registrar of Voters at 267-8683 or deliver your application to the office, 1225 Fallon St, G-1 by 5 pm. 
• You can also vote early by going to the Registrar's offices, 1225 Fallon St, G-1, Monday-Friday,  8:30 am - 5 pm.    
•  For information on the state propositions and candidates, go to the League's Easy Voter Guide, available in 8 languages.

• 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.
  • Threatens 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.
• The hot race for the State Senator representing Oakland, Hancock v Chan. 

• There were new reports this week of the ploy to get home owners into their backyards while the other breaks into their homes.  Watch for two Latino males.  One usually approaches elderly homeowners usually claiming to be building a fence for a neighbor and asks for permission to go into the backyard.  While in the backyard, the other breaks into the home.  The latest report was from the Redwood Hts area.  Please pass this information onto elderly neighbors who may not be on a listserv or other email.

•  Did You See a Yellow Truck Dumping Construction Debris on Park Blvd?  Last week a woman on the Glenview listserv noticed a yellow truck dumping waste right where we plan to build a pocket park across from Corpus Christi School.  She wondered publicly if it was worth reporting.  The answer is absolutely YES!  Right after reading that post I saw a truck fitting that description and our Litter Enforcement Officers are investigating.  Talking to the homeowners where the work was being done; they seemed to be surprised since they were paying for the dump costs.  Report Illegal Dumping to 615-5566 or pwacallcenter@oaklandnet.com

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 or are doing construction work, 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.

• Check out Oakland's Neighborhoods Online: The Oakland Museum has just put some of its "Oakland Neighborhoods" collection online. You can see old photos and documents at http://collections.museumca.org/search_map.jsp

•   Fire Inspection Notices Out--Inspections Begin June 15:  Now's the time to work on your 30-foot defensible zones, if you haven't already trimmed back your vegetation. Keep in mind that you must comply with regulations concerning creekside properties and preservation of rare and endangered species (pallid manzanita, Tiburon buckwheat, presidio clarkia and the most beautiful jewel flower). Free curbside tree and brush clipping service is available for residents of the Wildfire Prevention District.  Call 238-7388 to schedule. Check out the handy new and practical WPD home fire safety and protection calendar. For details about the Wildfire Prevention District and how to enhance your vegetation management, check out their website.

• 2-1-1 Information Line:  Alameda County and its cities have joined together to 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, Vacant, 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; and at least one building has already been closed. When we walk neighborhoods in our 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.  

• New Light To Be Installed on Werner Court to Enhance Safety: Following a tragic homicide on Werner Court, I asked the Electrical Services Department to install an additional street light on Werner Court for improved safety, using my office's capital funds. Our office has been working with residents and merchants in this neighborhood on crime prevention and safety issues and they have formed a new Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council for their beat, Beat 22X. One of the challenges to this particular area is their immediate proximity to the Highway 13 exit, where people with an intent to do harm have easy access on and off the freeway. Thanks to the passage of the Landscape & Lighting District we will have funds to maintain these new lights.

• The new Allendale Recreation Center Mural is a good example of how a few people can make a difference. This is another project of the Allendale Crime Prevention Council, especially Beverly Shalom and Roberto Costa.  They were also responsible for the new planters at 35th near 580.

• Congratulations MSIC on Short Line Pocket Park: This week, the Montclair Safety & Improvement Council (MSIC) honored all the donors, volunteers and contractors who helped make the beautiful Short Line Pocket Park at Moraga and Thornhill a reality. Leading the charge were Jill Broadhurst, Jim Clardy and Eric Dreman of MSIC. Our office kicked off the fundraising with a $10,000 challenge gift-- and the community responded by raising more than $40,000 for the project. Periodic workdays will keep the park a welcoming entry to Montclair Village.
   

• EBMUD Presents 5 Different Approaches to Renovating Estates Reservoir: At a special meeting with local residents, East Bay Municipal Utilities District's landscape architect consultants presented five different designs for landscaping the Estates Reservoir when EBMUD replaces the current configuration with two smaller tanks. One version kept the roof top fountain in place; two versions employed adaptive reuse of the fountain, and two versions were completely new designs. Given the current water rationing situation, however, if the first version were selected, it would not have a water feature, as EBMUD will no longer permit fountains on its property. Consequently, versions #4 and #5--the new designs--seemed to have the strongest favorable response. Another meeting will be held in June to show adjustments to the designs based on comments from the May 8, 2008 meeting. After the June meeting, EBMUD will begin the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process using the design that has the most community interest. To comment, contact Michelle Blackwell, EBMUD community relations representative at mblackwe@ebmud.com

Estates Reservoir Design #4

 
Estates Reservoir Design #5

 

• MSIC/MVA Public Meeting, Wednesday, June 11 at Zion Lutheran Church:  Learn more about the Montclair Village Associations' (MVA) streetscape plans when the Montclair Safety & Improvement Council (MSIC) and MVA co-host a public meeting. 7 pm at 5201 Park Blvd.

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

• Free Home Safety Inspections: The Oakland Police Department will come out to your home and survey it for free to determine what can be done to make it more secure from crime.  For those of you who are interested, please contact Police Services Technician Eddie Simlin at 238-6200.

• 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.

• Walk to End Poverty and Violence: Last Saturday over 100 people helped bring attention to the connection between poverty and violence by participating in the Walk to End Poverty and Violence. One highlight of the event was a resolution that was drafted by the Chairs of the Maxwell Park and Melrose/High Hopes NCPCs in response to Oakland's 41st homicide this year; the slaying of Brandon Morris on April 28th. Although the event is over, poverty and its inextricable connection to violence still exists. If you are interested in making a difference in the lives of youth and would like to know what programs to which you can contribute to be a part of the solution to this problem, please go to the Measure Y Website to learn about the programs offered and how you can get involved.

• Measure Y Program Evaluation at Public Safety Committee, June 10, Hearing Room 1, 7:30 pm: Many people have asked about what impact the youth programs that Measure Y funds are actually having in our community. To dispel all myths about the programs funded by Measure Y, our office cordially invites anyone interested in crime prevention to the June 10th Public Safety Committee meeting. The evaluation report to be presented at this meeting will give us the data needed to make the critical choices about which programs will receive future funding from Measure Y. In this tough budget year, it is critical that we allocate funding to those programs that deliver and will continue to deliver the results that we all expect from them. If you are interested in attending, the meeting will be held in Hearing Room 1 at City Hall and will begin at 7:30pm.
   

• Program Your Cell Phone for the Oakland Fire Department and Medical Dispatch:  In addition to 777-3211, which will connect you directly to the Police Dispatchers from your cell phone when you are in Oakland (9-1-1 on your cell connects you to the Highway Patrol),  you may also want to program into your cell phone Oakland Fire Department and Medical Dispatch at 510-444-1616.
   

• Summer Door-to-Door Sales: Groups of young people who are supposed 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 people who used the opportunity to case homes for burglaries.  Here are a few points to remember:
  • All door-to-door sales people are supposed 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 listservs claim they have gotten free or discounted 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 buying an alarm from a local company that you can hold accountable. 
  • If someone comes to your door 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 your backyard.  While you are showing 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.

• 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 sponsored a resolution for our Friendship City Mianyang which is located near Chengdu, Sichuan, the site of last week's 7.9 earthquake, the largest in China for 30 years.  They are facing 50,000 dead, 200,000 injured, and half a million destroyed buildings. We are sponsoring a Vigil for the Earthquake victims in Chinatown on Monday, June 2, 4-6pm, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th Street, Suite #290.  Congresswoman Lee and Councilmember Chang will provide updates on the situation in China and discuss what you can do to prepare for a disaster here. Join us in support of the China Earthquake relief efforts.  Endorsed by the American Red Cross, Oakland Fire Department, Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, Assemblymember Saundre Swanson, Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker, and others.  (Above) Some of the 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. 

• <<Neighbors on Burlington practice their First Aid and Emergency Preparedness skills at the City-wide Core Exercises held on Saturday, April 26th. District 4 had 12 different CORE groups participating.
  
  The Citywide CORE exercises were most inspiring. We estimate that more than 300 District 4 residents participated at a dozen different neighborhood sites. We know that many residents have taken CORE classes in the past and would like a refresher. If the expiration date on your CORE Photo ID has come and gone, your badge has expired and you are no longer considered CORE-certified. You can update your CORE ID and Disaster Service Worker form by attending this CORE Refresher on Saturday, June 28, 9 am-1 pm at the OFD Training Division, 250 Victory Court. You'll review basic principles of emergency preparedness and response and practice hands-on response skills such as using a fire extinguisher, conducting a systematic search, performing Disaster First Aid, and using a two-way radio. Advance registration is required. Call 238-6351 or go to the CORE website.

• This week's winds serve as a reminder to trim any tree branches that might be overhanging your roof or chimney. Not only will you reduce the risk of damage from falling branches, but you will reduce the risk of creating a fire ladder in the event of fire. For details, check out the Wildfire Prevention District's website. 

• Friends of Sausal Creek's June Schedule: Join friends and neighbors and learn more about the native habitat of Sausal Creek:
  • Friday, June 6, 9:30 am-12:30 pm--Seed Hike. Email nursery@sausalcreek.org for details.
  • Saturday, June 7, 9 am-Noon--Dimond Canyon Restoration Workshop. meet at the Scout Hut in Dimond Park for a day of invasive plant removal and weeding of the El Centro trailhead and the trailside vegetation project. Email field@sausalcreek.org to RSVP.
  • Friday, June 13, 9:30 am-12:30 pm---Seed Hike. Email nursery@sausalcreek.org for details.
  • Saturday, June 14, 1:30-4:30 pm: Propagation Workday at Joaquin Miller Native Plant Nursery. No experience needed; just bring a water bottle. RSVP for groups over 6. Email nursery@sausalcreek.org
  • Sunday, June 15, 9:30 am -Noon--Aquatic Insect Sampling. Call Emma Brown at 527-2507 to confirm.
  • Sunday, June 15, 9 am -Noon--Restoration Workday at Beasconfield Canyon. Contact Richard Kauffmann for details.
  • Saturday, June 28, 9 am- Noon--Restoration Workday at Dimond Park. Meet at the Scout Hut in Dimond Park for invasive plant removal and creek access in the area immediately adjacent to the tot lot. Email field@sausalcreek.org to RSVP.
    
    
    FOSC Free House & Garden Audit Presentation to Neighborhood Groups: Friends of Sausal Creek will present, free of charge, a fast-paced, mostly-pictures PowerPoint, introduction to The House and Garden Audit: Protecting Your Family's Health and Improving the Environment by Laurel Marcus, a long-time watershed consultant. It offers a comprehensive overview of actions that individuals can take in the house and garden to help keep themselves and our creeks and watersheds healthy. It has lots of photos, lots of tables that provide a great reference, and lots of websites and other sources for people who want more. Call Karen Paulsell at 655-0818 for details.

Oakland Reads: Three Books For Every Third Grader: This week, the Rotary Club of Oakland handed out more than 11,000 books to every third grade student in the Oakland Unified School District and their teachers. Each student received 3 books--one slightly below 3rd grade level, one at 3rd grade level and one slightly above 3rd grade level--to take home. Students focus on learning to read by 3rd grade; after that, they read to learn. Congratulations to the Club, which will be celebrating its 100th Anniversary this fall (Oakland Rotary is the 3rd oldest Rotary Club in the world.)
 

• Dimond Library Gears up for Summer Reading Program: Catch the Reading Bug begins on Saturday, June 7. Tuesday nights are Family Nights at the Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale:
  • June 10: Puppet Art Theater: Tommy's Space Bug Adventure
  • June 17: Buki the Clown
  • June 24: Maggie by Andrew
  • July 8: Colibri: Latin American music and song
  • July 15: Timothy James, Magician
  • July 22: Bubble Lady: squeaky, clean fun
  • July 29: Willie Claflin with puppets, Gorf and Maynard
  • August 5: Fratello Marionettes, The Frog Prince

• Oakland Schools Launch New Mentor Program: OUSD's new Inside/Outside Advocate Program will launch in September 2008 as a unique way to help foster both the academic and the personal development of OUSD students. The "Inside Advocate" will be an individual or program that offers needed guidance within the school setting. The "Outside Advocate" will be a community member who volunteers at least once a week to support the school's ongoing mentorship efforts. Visit the OUSD website to learn more about partner programs and volunteer efforts that help promote desirable outcomes for Oakland youth. For additional information about the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) Inside/Outside Advocate Program, please contact the program directly at: insideoutside@ousd.k12.ca.us.
  
   
• "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 am - 3 pm 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, 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 Gay Pride Month Throughout June: Things kick off June 2, 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.