Ignacio with Councilmember Larry Reid at the 15th Annual Bike to Work Day on May 15th. The winner of the District Five 5th grade essay contest
was Ever Martinez (10) from Jefferson Elementary School. The young man took home a new bike with helmet and lock for his outstanding essay
about the benefits of riding a bike. |
Council President De La
Fuente's
District 5 Connection
Fruitvale
Glenview San Antonio Tidewater Jingletown
Issue
#15 May 2008
Letter from Ignacio
Dear Oaklander:
Last Thursday, I was driving by the Cesar Chavez
Education Center at International and 29th Avenue. I pulled over for a few minutes and
watched as about 100 neighborhood kids played soccer on the beautiful fields. In the gymnasium and on the play structures, other kids played; finding
a space in the neighborhood that was safe, taking advantage of this opportunity to get away from tough streets, and just being kids.
|
It
makes me happy to know that through our collective hard work, we made this happen. It took us two years and a lot of back and forth between the City,
the School District, the Principals,
and the unions. But at the end, by putting kids first, we were able to find an answer to a profoundly simple question: How can we safely and
effectively open up our public facilities (which always close down just when our kids need them most) to neighborhood kids into the evening hours?
Well, we did it. Every day, hundreds of kids get away from the mean streets and hang out in this safe zone we’ve created for them. Efforts like
this are a key part of an effective crime prevention program. The other key part is law enforcement. The two go
hand-in-hand.
Crime suppression through the
enforcement of laws is absolutely necessary, and it should be our immediate priority to get a handle on homicides and violent crimes. There
should be no doubt or debate about this. We need to have the staffing resources, the management, and the equipment to effectively enforce laws,
otherwise we will simply continue to attract more crime through non-response. We must enforce the law across the board—from car
theft and vandalism, to homicides and armed robbery. Criminals begin with small crimes and slowly engage in more serious crimes. We need attack crime
where it starts and ensure that no crime goes uninvestigated or unenforced.
So how can we do this better? The other side of the crime prevention equation is creating opportunities for our residents
who need them—from the 10 year old child just beginning to hang out with the bigger kids on our tough corners to the released parolees
returning to Oakland. Once we
stabilize our violent crime rate through active and aggressive enforcement, we need to double our focus on creating opportunities for all our
residents, especially those at-risk of engaging in acts of crime. The Cesar Chavez Education
Center I described is but one
example of how to do this. Our new community center and playing fields at Josie De La Cruz Park, our improvements at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park and Cesar Chavez
Park, and the new Park at Union
Point are more all examples of safe places that allow our community to engage in positive recreational activities away from the streets. I believe we
also need to expand youth and adult employment programs, parks and recreation programs, and youth non-profit
programs.
For adults, I’ve supported programs such
as the Men of Valor Academy that helps men integrate back into society, as well as the new Measure Y Street Outreach teams (such as
California Youth Outreach highlighted in this newsletter below) that mainstream gang members.
Reducing crime in Oakland is my highest priority. It will come from a balance of strong enforcement and creating opportunities. We
have to expand and improve our enforcement efforts immediately by using better technology, maximizing the number of officers on our streets, and using
better use of information to better direct precious resources. For the long term stability of our community and our next generations, we have to
invest in opportunities for our families and children as well as those in need of work, training, and other forms of support. Let’s
continue moving forward. As always, I'm interested in hearing from you (238-7005 or email idelafuente@oaklandnet.com)
Sincerely,
Ignacio De La
Fuente
Councilman, Oakland District 5, President, City Council
Public
Safety
For
more information, contact Claudia Jimenez at 238-7051 / cjimenez@oaklandnet.com
Measure Y Program; California Youth Outreach to open office in the Fruitvale
District: Last month, California Youth
Outreach was awarded a grant from Measure Y funds to provide street-based outreach. They are tasked with:
1. Creating a public safety presence of credible civilians in crime “hot
spots.”
2. Building and using relationships with “hot spot” residents as well as their families and
friends (including “street leaders”) to actively promote positive life choices that build healthy communities
3. Connecting “high risk” individuals and their families with resources that provide
opportunities for productive lives, including career and education services
4. Proactively preventing escalation of tension that is likely to lead to violence by identifying key
disputants and providing mediation services.
5. Increasing community cohesion by rallying constructive community responses to violence, as well as
connecting community members to support services and hosting community events that foster non-violence.
California Youth Outreach is dedicated to
reaching out to all gang impacted youth, families, and their communities with education services, intervention programs, and resource opportunities
that support a healthy and positive lifestyle for current and future generations.
Youth/Parent and Gang Intervention services work with parents and youth who are at high-risk of gang involvement. Last month, over 100 parents
attended a workshop which I co-sponsored with Oakland Community Organizations (OCO). Several of those families began subsequent parenting and
gang intervention classes at United For Success Academy. For more information about California Youth Outreach, visit http://www.cyoutreach.org/
Dealing With Nuisance Properties in our Neighborhoods:
Everyday my office gets complaints about nuisance properties, with problems ranging
from drug dealing to vacant homes taken over by “squatters.” Neighbors call the police, code compliance, and their Neighborhood Services
Coordinators, and sometimes the problems are quickly resolved. Sometimes, however, they require a more strategic, long-term solution. We have worked
with residents in every part of the district to address nuisance properties, but neighbors often don’t know that there are city resources
specifically targeted to deal with these difficult problems.
There
are two main resources available that we’ve used in several areas with success. One is the Neighborhood Law Corps of the City
Attorney’s Office, which brings resources and remedies into Oakland’s toughest neighborhoods to address issues before they become embedded, long-term problems. To
learn more, visit the city attorney's website.Second is
the Nuisance Abatement Division of the City Administrator’s Office, designed to work with property owners to prevent and control nuisance
activity on properties. A current report on the Nuisance Eviction Ordinance can be found at here (the properties listed are only cases of
Nuisance Eviction Cases we have worked on; it does not include Pubic Nuisance
Cases.)
We have used these two tools to shut down drug houses, evict drug
dealers, and shut down nuisance bars and liquor stores. If you have a problem in your neighborhood, we can help, please contact Claudia Jimenez in my
office at 238-7051.
Commercial Security for International and Foothill Boulevards:
Last month the City Council approved my proposal for a commercial security program
in our commercial corridors, which have recently been hit hard by crime. The program will be used to supplement police resources. The purpose of the
Central City East (CCE) and Coliseum Commercial Security Pilot Program is to partner with merchant groups, property owners, community-based
organizations (e.g. Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils), and Service Delivery Systems Teams (SDS) to address crime prevention
in the CCE and Coliseum commercial corridors. The proposed Commercial Security Pilot Program will be made up of two basic components:
(1) consultants will be retained to provide Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training to merchant groups and
organizations; and (2) private armed security service will patrol key commercial corridors in the CCE and Coliseum Redevelopment
Project Areas. The pilot program will operate for approximately eighteen (18) months starting during the fiscal year 2008-09. Target
areas include Foothill Boulevard between 23rd and 73rd Avenue
and International Boulevard from
23rd Avenue to the San Leandro border.
Preventing Gangs in our
Schools: This month several principals of schools in District 5, Oakland Community
Organizations (OCO), Measure Y Violence Prevention agencies, Oakland Police Department, Oakland Unified School District, Alameda
County, and I convened a task force
to address gangs in our schools. This pilot project aims to provide wrap-around services to students and families that are being impacted by gangs.
Whether it is a high school student enrolled in a program or a 5th grader exhibiting signs of gang involvement, we work with our principals. For more
information, contact Claudia Jimenez in our office.
Help the City Clean Up Fruitvale Avenue: On Tuesday, May 27th, the City will be rolling out the Service Delivery System (SDS) project along
Fruitvale Ave from E. 27th St. to International Blvd. A preliminary assessment and walk-through was
conducted a few weeks ago and various City departments have already begun taking action to improve the area. Trees have already been pruned to
increase visibility by removing branches that block street lights. Blighted news racks are currently being removed. OPD will also focus on the area.
Although a preliminary assessment of the area has already been conducted, feel free to contact my office if there are issues that you would like to
see addressed as part of this project. The focus will be on both public and private property. |
|
The New Look for Fire Station 18 |
New Fire Station
18: Since 1924, Fire Station 18 at 1700 50th Avenue in the Melrose District has served the area where Council Districts 4, 5, and 6 converge. As one of the City’s
busiest stations, it responds to medical, fire and other emergency calls 24 hours a day, 365 days per year with annual calls totaling over 3,500.
Council members De La Fuente, Quan and Brooks advocated for $10 million in funding to rebuild Fire Station 18 during the 07-09 Budget process, with
funds from Oakland Redevelopment Agency.
The new fire station is
truly a community project. Public information meetings were held to invite local input. Local architects at Shaw Kawasaki designed the new building.
Swinerton Building Contractors will lead the building construction.
The new station is designed to be environmentally friendly with minimal dust
and noise impact to the community during construction. A local
(Jingletown!) artist has been recommended for the project’s public arts component. The new station will serve as a community anchor, with a 350
square foot community room for CORE and NCPC meetings. This space will also be available to other local organizations. Ground breaking is scheduled
for Fall 2008, during which time the station will operate from nearby Stations 23 and 29. The building is scheduled to be completed in 12 to 18
months. The Oakland Fire Department conducted an in-depth feasibility of relocation study and is confident that there will be minimal impact to
response times. The residents of Districts 4, 5 and 6 will continue to receive the same high level of service from their Fire
Department! |
|
District 5
News
For more information, contact Claudia
Jimenez at 238-7051/cjimenez@
oaklandnet.com
New
Josie De La Cruz Playing Field the Result of Innovative Collaboration: In case you haven’t seen it, make sure to stop
by and take a look at the beautifully renovated field at Josie De La Cruz Park. After years of struggling to keep up with the maintenance of the
field due to high usage, we have installed a brand new, eco-friendly turf field at the park! Josie de la Cruz Park is one of the few open spaces in
the Fruitvale District and is used by hundreds of kids and adults each week. Last month we collaborated with Discovery Channel in launching their new
network, Planet Green, which debuts this summer and focuses on the “Greening of America.“ The improvements to Josie De La Cruz
Park will be featured as part of the series “Battleground Earth.” Last month, hundreds of local kids participated in the filming of
the show, which included music stars Ludacris and Tommy Lee. Look for us on the Discovery Channel this summer. Meanwhile, head over to Josie De La
Cruz for some summer fun!
Glenview Street Lighting: Is Park Boulevard bright
enough for you? To increase safety, we are evaluating the street lighting along Park
Boulevard. While the existing lighting exceeds City standards for Commercial Streets, there
are opportunities to increase pedestrian safety, especially at Wellington and Edgewood. Lighting could be enhanced through increased wattage, tilting street fixtures to cast more lighting on the sidewalk,
and adding wall lights on buildings. Thanks to electrical services staff for their help in assessing the lighting and adding sidewalk lights
(the most expensive option). Please share your thoughts on lighting on Park Blvd.: 238-7005/ idelafuente@oaklandent.com
New Turf Field at
Dolores Huerta Learning Academy: Thanks to the hard work of Principal Ken Reed, Assistant Mrs. Garcia, Glenview Local Hero Hayward
Blake, and the District 5 office, 300 students at Delores Huerta can enjoy a new artificial turf field! The old surface was worn rubber, with many
holes that had been filled with concrete. Skinned knees and other injuries were a common occurrence. While the field is very small, it’s the
only open space the kids have to use during the school day.
Cal Students Envision a New Jungle Hill: On
May 2, students in Professor Walter Hood’s UC Berkeley Landscape Architecture class presented their ideas for Jungle Hill, located in the
middle of the neighborhood at Santa Rita/Ransom Avenues. The land was the site of a landslide decades ago and now offers spectacular views and
sunsets. Professor Hood’s firm Hood Design will now work with neighbors and prepare a professional plan for Jungle Hill. Please contact us with
your ideas.
Phase II at the Altenheim: Phase II of the Altenheim
Senior Housing will add 81 units in 3 new buildings and construction is set to start in the middle of this summer. As the
construction may cause inconveniences to the surrounding neighborhood, the project managers would like to work with the community to minimize the
construction phase inconveniences. They will be scheduling a community meeting to introduce the construction team, discuss the schedule, and answer
any questions you might have about the project. You should receive an announcement shortly to give you more details about this meeting. We will
receive comments until May 23, for more information contact Ernesto Vilchis at 415.694.5842 or evilchis@citizenshousing.org
Finally a community Gym at the
Salvation Army on Garden Street: When the Salvation Army facility on Garden Street was granted a conditional use
permit in 1997, the community asked for gymnasium to be built as part of their project and that the gym be made available to local youth. After
numerous attempts to get the Salvation Army to begin work on the gym, last month they informed us that they finally have engaged the services of ELS
Architecture and Urban Design to commence a conceptual design study for the community gymnasium. We will hold a community meeting in the next 30 days
to share the Salvation Army’s vision with the community. If you have any questions about this project, please contact
us.
Supporting Glenview Elementary
School: The PTSA raised $30,000 for school library needs. Now the PTA is raising money to
send the school’s “Odyssey of the Mind” team to National championships in Maryland. Visit http://www.glenviewpta.org/ for more information.
New Tot Lot for Dimond
Park: While Dimond Park is in District 4, it serves many Glenview families. We are supporting the Dimond Tot Lot Committee who is trying to
raise $85,000- $90,000 to build a much-needed tot lot at the site of the current fire truck play structure in Dimond Park. The new tot lot will include 3 slides, multiple climbing features, a short
tunnel, and a rubber surface – all targeted to 2-5 year olds. We hope you or your employer will support the Dimond Tot Lot Committee and make
this a reality for our children. The goal is to build the tot lot in Spring of 2009. Please contact Janet Moga (336-9753 / janetmoga2003@yahoo.com) or Noelani Scotton (407-0777 / dimondtotlot@gmail.com) for more information or to make a
donation.
DISTRICT FIVE
JEWELS
A new restaurant and café for
locals to enjoy
A Taste of
Italy on Park Boulevard
Barely two months old
but fast becoming a local favorite, Bellanico Italian Restaurant is the new hot destination for lunch and dinner on Park Boulevard. Though only open since March, one would guess the
restaurant had been around for years, judging by the many Glenviewers on the wait list. Bellanico presents authentic rustic Italian food, a large wine
section, a granite bar, friendly service and an exciting environment. The restaurant replaces a flower shop on Park Boulevard.
San
Francisco restaurant proprietors Chris Shepherd and Elizabeth Frumusa seem to have
transferred the atmosphere of San Francisco to District 5. As most Oaklanders know, you don’t need to cross the Bay Bridge to get great food and thrilling ambiance. Their warm homemade pasta as well as their warm personalities
makes Bellanico a pleasurable neighborhood asset for the Glenview.
Bellanico is located
at 4238 Park Boulevard between
Edgewood Avenue
and Glenfield Avenue. For more information, call
510-336-1180 or visit
www.bellanico.net |
Local Youth Enjoying their New Field at Jose De La Cruz |
Artwork and photography by Jingletown artists are on display at Kefa Coffee; a trendy, friendly cafe near the Estuary. |
Slow Down and Smell the
Coffee!
The next time
you’re rushing down 29th Ave
towards Alameda, slow
down
please, and take a break for a cup of coffee, a breakfast or lunch sandwich, and a conversation with some Jingletown artists. Indeed, if any
words could sum up Kefa Coffee, they would have to be “coffee and people.” The shop is themed around the history of coffee and
constantly noted for its friendly staff by Jingletown locals.
Kefa
opened only three months ago by proprietors Gabe and Dina Kenna
to offer quality fair trade coffee as well as a cozy and comfortable environment in
a hustle-and-bustle neighborhood. The café features Ethiopian art on the walls as a reminder of the history of coffee, which was thought to be
discovered when an Ethiopian goat herder noticed unusually active behavior from his herd while grazing on coffee berries in the Ethiopian highlands.
To keep with the tradition, they serve an organic Ethiopian brew with enough kick to strike up an energized-political debate.
When you drop by, be sure to also check out the featured work of
local
Jingletown artists and photographers hanging on the walls. Kefa coffee is located at 422 29th Avenue between 29th overpass and Ford Street. For more information call 510-261-3400 or visit www.kefacoffee.com.
Announcements and News
Did you know that Fruitvale and San Antonio are considered a
thriving artist community?: Did you know that the Fruitvale is home to an
internationally known Latino printmaking studio? Come meet the artists at the East Bay Open Studios (EBOS) on June 7, 8, 14 & 15 from
11am-6pm. The events will feature 400-500 artists sponsored by Pro Arts. For a full listing, see the Directory of East Bay Arts. To
learn more, visit www.proartsgallery.org or call Open Studios Fruitvale Zone Captain Favianna Rodriguez at 510-532-8267 x2. For Jingletown Open
Studios, visit www.jingletown.org.
Fare changes for AC Transit
and Dumbarton Express Public Hearing: On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, the AC Transit Board of Directors will hold a public hearing to receive comments on proposed fare
changes for AC transit and Dumbarton Express services. AC Transit, like many Bay Area transit agencies, continues to be challenged by expenses rising
faster than revenues. There are several proposals under consideration that may include fee increases. The hearing is located at 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
(City Hall) and will begin at 4:00 pm and continue at least until 7:00 pm.
Pet Adoption: Oakland Animal Services: If your family is thinking about adopting a pet, Oakland
Animal Services can help you find just the right companion. Sissy is a cattle dog mix and about 18 months old. She’s looking for an active family that can take her on hikes and
walks. Caesar is a handsome English Spotman bunny
waiting for his second chance. These are just two animals looking for homes. Visit www.oaklandanimalservices.org to see more adoptable
animals.
To report animal abuse or neglect call the 24-hour hotline at
535-5602. Press #2 to be connected to Oakland Police Department. To volunteer, email Megan at mwebb@oaklandnet.com or call 510-535-5604. Oakland Animal Services is located at 1101 29th Avenue.
Got
Fruit?: If you have excess fruit, vegetables or herbs in your
yard and would like to donate what you can’t use to those in our community who lack access to fresh produce, you can be one of the first donors
to an innovative pilot program of PUEBLO (People United for a Better Life in Oakland) and Cycles of Change, in collaboration with Mayor
Dellums’ Summer Jobs Program. Instead of letting all of that
produce go to waste, let us collect it and deliver it to Oakland’s senior citizens who have need of fresh produce
to maintain good health! To arrange for us to clean or pick up your excess produce at a convenient time, call PUEBLO at (510)
452 2010 or email at pueblo@peopleunited.org
Graffiti Abatement Mural Project: We are seeking mural artists to
design and paint murals in the Coliseum and Central City East Redevelopment Areas. The artist will be charged not only with designing and painting the
murals but also with teaching, engaging, and working with at-risk youth to fully implement the project. The project is part of the City of
Oakland’s Graffiti Abatement Campaign. Submissions are due June 9th. For more information, contact
Reygan E. Harmon at 510-238-3649 or rharmon@oaklandnet.com
Second Saturdays at Peralta Hacienda
Historical Park: May is a busy month at Peralta
Hacienda! Be sure to drop by and stroll the gardens while the beautiful summer weather lasts! Thank you to City of Oakland
Cultural Funding for a generous grant to continue our innovative arts
education program at the park. The park also recently received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to launch Project S.O.S.
(Sharing Oakland's Story), a youth digital
storytelling project. We look forward to sharing the results of these programs with all of you in the near future! For more information, call (510) 532-9142 or visit http://www.peraltahacienda.org/
Brothers on the
Rise: This organization offers “peaceful warriors” strength-based counseling programs at Edna Brewer Middle
School during the school day. Counseling is offered free of charge in English or Spanish
through individual, family, and group sessions. The intent is to stabilize young men dealing with anger management, stress, and trauma. This helps
them improve their behavior, their academics, and their relationships at school and at home. For more information, contact Jon Gilgoff at 415-533-9554
or visit http://www.brothersontherise.org/
Oakland Charter Academy
Honored: Congratulations to Principal Jorge Lopez and the Oakland Charter Academy Middle
school for being the second Oakland middle school to be nominated for a National Blue Ribbon Award. The award
honors public and private K-12 schools that are either academically superior in their states or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student
achievement. Oakland Charter Academy, located in the heart of the Fruitvale, was also awarded the
Title I Academic Achievement Award School from the California Department of Education for 2008. The school also hosts rugby and crew teams. For more
information, visit www.oaklandcharter.net.
Neighborhood Summit 2008:
The City’s Neighborhood Services Division Invites you to attend the NEIGHBORHOOD SUMMIT 2008. Workshops
include:
Teenage
Prostitution: Commercially & Sexually Exploited
Children
(workshops in Spanish &
English)
Non-Violent
Tools for Conflict Resolution
Disaster
Preparedness
Dealing with
Problem Properties & Nuisances
Get Heard:
Engaging the “Voices of Young People”
(workshops in English with Spanish & Cantonese
Interpretation)
Understanding &
Recognizing Gang Activity
(workshops in Spanish & English)
Personal Safety
& Self-Defense
Youth Led
Dialogue on Youth Culture & Violence
Effective &
Productive Meeting Facilitation
How to Build
Strong, Cohesive Neighborhoods
Diversity:
Working Across Race &
Culture.
The Keynote Speaker is Joseph Marshal, Ph.D., Omega Boy’s Club. To register online, go to “Events” www.oaklandnet.com or contact Edith Guillen at 238-7159.
Important City of Oakland Contact
Numbers
Police Emergency
911
(Crime in progress or about to happen)
Police Emergency from a Cell Phone
777-3211
Police Non Emergency
777-3333
Graffiti Removal (Public Works Hotline)
615-5566
Street Maintenance (Public Works Hotline)
615-5566
To start a Home Alert Neighborhood Watch Call
238-3091
To anonymously report drug activity
(voicemail) 238-DRUG
To report Street Light outage or flickering
lights 615-5430
Concerns about Home Foreclosure
BE-ALERT
|
|
 |
|
|
|
