Council President Ignacio De La Fuente's

District 5 Connection

Fruitvale Glenview San Antonio Tidewater Jingletown

Issue #9  November  2007

Letter From Ignacio

Dear Neighbor,

 

While home prices are finally dropping in our city, many of our neighbors are going through the very challenging experience of being the victim of predatory lending.  If you or someone you know may be affected by home foreclosures, please get help.  Even renters are being affected as they are being unjustly evicted by their landlords who are going through foreclosures.  I joined City Attorney John Russo in announcing a program to fight home loan scams and help people facing foreclosure in Oakland.  A new hotline in the City Attorney's Office, (510) BE ALERT, will serve as a clearinghouse to get homeowners, borrowers and renters the right help from the right organizations.  The hotline is now live and will be staffed Monday through Friday.

 
On another note, I know many of you care about animal welfare.  The Oakland Animal Welfare Group and I invite you to a meeting regarding the Oakland Animal Shelter.  Adam Parascandola, the new Animal Services Director, will speak.  The meeting is Monday, November 12, 2007, 7:00 p.m. at Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church (4101 Park Blvd., on the corner of Park Blvd. & Hampel).  For more information contact Lupe Schoenberger at 238-7052.

 

If you can not attend this meeting but have comments or suggestions regarding the animal shelter or anything else, please email me at idelafuente@oaklandnet.com.

 

Sincerely,
Ignacio

 

P.S.  The Mayor's Toy Drive is Saturday, November 17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Hall, Hearing Room 3.  We hope you will participate - for more info. click here.

City Hall Update
For more information contact Ratna Amin/238-6126/ramin@ oaklandnet.com

Here are some important issues the City Council will be discussing in November.  Some of the issues may not seem relevant to you, but have to do with how the City manages money and resources. Those are marked with an *. Find upcoming agendas and reports here: (new, easier to use!): http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/calendar/#current

 

Nov. 13^th Finance Committee:
-Fleet Utilization Report* - The City owns almost 1,300 vehicles worth $79 million, many of which are underutilized; meanwhile many of our police officers are driving substandard vehicles. We need a better fleet management policy and need to look at adding GPS to all vehicles so we know how and where they are being used.  We also need to find a way for City employees to borrow City cars during the day if their job requires it, so they don't have to drive their own cars to work.

 

November 13th CED Committee:
-Adoption of the Citywide Bicycle Master Plan

-Estuary Policy Plan Update - Specific Plan for the 400-acre Central Waterfront to increase jobs and public access and modernize the infrastructure.

 

Nov.13^th Public Safety Committee:
-Measure Y Monthly information report*
-Updating the city's "Cabaret" ordinance

 

Nov.13^th Life Enrichment Committee Agenda:
-RFP and Evaluation for OFCY (Kid's First) - $8 million in spending on youth programs*

 

Nov. 27^th CED Committee:
-Retail Study and Strategy for Upper Broadway - the City is conducting a citywide retail study, starting with Upper Broadway.  The Study estimates our retail leakage at over $2.5 billion.
-Proposal for Adaptive reuse for the 9^th Avenue Terminal at the Oak to 9^th Project.

 

Nov 27^th Finance Committee:
-Informational report on the City's Succession Planning Initiative to fill workforce needs - over 1/3 of city staff are expected to retire in the next 5 years. We currently have a 10% vacancy rate (about 400 positions).

 

Nov. 27^th Public Safety Committee:
-Informational Report on Juvenile Burglaries, Robberies and Arrests
-Report on the Measure Y Funds*
-Measure Y Evaluation Report*

The City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 6pm. Council committees meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays as follows: Public Works-12:30pm, Finance/Management-2pm, Community Economic Development (CED)-4pm, Life Enrichment-6pm, Public Safety-7:30pm.

 Public Safety
For more information, contact Edith Guillen/238-7051/eguillen@ oaklandnet.com

Brookdale/Coolidge
On October 23, District 5 staff went on a walking inspection on Brookdale and Coolidge with Arturo Sanchez (Nuisance Enforcement Manager), Gregory Clark (CEDA), Pricilla Boksan, (Neighborhood Law Corp), Officer Pereida, Brookdale residents and property owners. We noticed that street signs were removed from Brookdale and Coolidge, among other criminal activity.  We were able to get the streets signs replaced, illegal dumping picked up, abandoned autos towed, letters to property owners to maintain their property and increased patrol from OPD.  This shows that working in partnership with City Staff, OPD and the community works!

 

Safety Tips---Avoid Being A Robbery Victim!

Always conceal what you have to steal, such as money or a cell phone. Cell phones are just like cash--when thieves see a cell phone they want it. To be safe, treat your cell phone like your cash: don't let anyone know you have it.

 

Call the OPD non-emergency number, 777-3333, to report suspicious persons. The police want to hear from you, and you could prevent a crime! Provide as much information as possible, including the time you noticed the person, the clothing worn, the shoes worn, and the manner in which the person walked.

 

BART Stations

• Be especially cautious around BART stations. Thieves tend to look for victims there.
• Try not to walk alone at night near stations. Try to walk with people from the BART station to your car. Be aware of who is around you, and if someone looks suspicious, get away from them.
• Avoid making cell phone calls while on BART or the bus. If you must make a call, go sit near the driver and stay there.

The Street

• Be aware of who is around you. If someone looks suspicious or makes you feel uneasy, avoid that person. Go inside a store or business if necessary.
• If you must make a call while you are walking, go to a safe, public place, like a store. Make your call, then conceal your phone the way you would conceal your cash before going back to the street.

Your Car

• When leaving your car, lock it and close the windows. Take your key. Don't leave items inside the car, even if you think they look like trash--they'll still look attractive to a thief.
• When you get in the car, close and lock the doors immediately. Keep the doors locked and the windows rolled up.
• Avoid making cell phone calls while driving. If you must make a call, pull over and keep an eye on who is near your car.

At Home
When you are exiting or unloading your car, when walking from your car to your home, or when spending time in your front yard, follow these precautions:

• Be cautious of anyone on the street who makes you feel uneasy.
• If you view such a person and are in the front yard, quickly go inside and lock the doors. If you are in a car, stay in the car with locked doors and windows. Either use a cell phone to call someone to escort you inside, or drive away and come back later.
• Never, ever open your door to anyone you do not know.

The ATM:

• Use ATMs in well lighted, populated areas. Store and bank ATMs during the day are best. Scan the area before using the ATM. If you see a person loitering in the area for no apparent reason, go to another location. If you see something strange during your transaction, push cancel, take your card, and leave the area. After the transaction, be alert. You'll have cash in hand making you a possible target. Scan the area. Leave immediately. If you suspect danger, promptly enter the nearest store or building.

 

 The Sky's the Limit for Children at Blueskies!
    Did you know that District 5 has the only child care center in Oakland accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)?  Situated in the heart of Oakland's Fruitvale District on Brookdale Avenue, Blueskies Preschool guides 85 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers from all over the East Bay through the important years of their early development.
    Founded in 1983, Blueskies has delivered quality childcare to the Fruitvale community for nearly 25 years, refuting the formerly common opinion that quality care could not be delivered in a full day, year round, center based program. Today, Blueskies achieves about 178,000 child-hours of care per year and has dedicated itself to providing children with strong foundations in learning that will benefit them throughout their lives. The school also places a priority on creating an inclusive atmosphere for children, thus providing a place where children and families of Oakland's diverse communities can come to connect and build strong relationships.
    Now, to keep up with the high demand for childcare in Oakland and strengthen its learning environment, the school has been undergoing renovations. Phase two of construction includes expanding the nursery school by 1,000 feet, installing additional toilets and sinks, building new outdoor porches for rainy day recess, a new kitchen, and a new "mudroom" with cubbies for coats and hats. Blueskies' success and NAEYC recognition set it aside as a model preschool and an important asset for both District 5 and the entire city of Oakland.
Blueskies Preschool: 3021 Brookdale Avenue, (510) 261-0284, blueskies4children.org

 Announcements and News

 1. Oakland Public Works Crews Are Ready For Winter Weather: The City of Oakland's Public Works Agency is taking proactive measures to prepare for wet winter weather. During the last couple of months they have been working to remove debris from storm drains and have deployed extra maintenance crews to address other storm-related issues. Additionally, beginning October 16, 2007, a maximum of 20 sandbags and 25 feet of plastic sheeting (per household/business) will be available for pickup at the City's Municipal Service Center and the PWA drainage Maintenance Satellite Office (don't forget proof of Oakland residency!). Oakland Fire Stations will also join in storm preparations for our community by distributing sandbags to Oakland residents.

             How Residents Can Help:

• Check and clean private drainage systems.
• Place leaves and green trimmings in your Green Cart for weekly recycling pickup. Do not place leaves, debris or lawn clippings near storm drains.
• Keep natural waterways such as creeks and ditches free from obstructions.
• Report flooding problems to the Public Works Agency's Call Center at (510) 615-5566.
• Volunteer for the Maintain-A-Drain in your neighborhood or commercial district. In exchange, the City will give volunteers a free set of rain gear, a  rake and debris bags. Volunteers should call (510) 238-7630 or visit us online at www.oaklandpw.com/Page292.aspx.

2. Opening Reception for The Community Recipe Book: The community recipe book is a museum exhibit at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park that uses photos, recipes and life stories to document the interaction of Laotian elders, as well as African-American and Latino youth, as they participated in the park's art and gardening program.  The opening reception is free to the public and includes a Community Banquet and Potluck, cooking demonstrations, traditional Mien arts and crafts, and performances.
When:              Saturday, November 10, 2007, 2 pm to 4 pm
Where:             Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34^th Avenue
Public info:       (510) 532-9142, www.peraltahacienda.org

2. Springtime Daffodils Galore:  Many of the daffodil plantings all over the City have already taken place. Thank you to the neighborhood leaders who made it happen.  The Sheffield Avenue Neighbors will be planting daffodils all day on November 17th.Contact Laura Blair for more information 333-8407
November 17 all day - Sheffield Avenue Neighbors, 2927 Courtland Ave.

 

3. Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee Meeting: There will be a SPECIAL Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee Meeting on Wednesday, November 28^th, 2007. Refreshments will be provided at a holiday party and guest speakers Howard Jordan (assistant police chief) and David Kozicki (deputy police chief) will address the planned reorganization of the Oakland Police Department in January 2008. All neighborhood watch participants, neighborhood crime prevention council leaders, and anyone active in neighborhood groups are invited to attend. The event will take place in Hearing Room 4 of City Hall (1 Frank Ogawa Plaza) and will last from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Please RSVP to Felicia Verdin at 238-3128/ fverdin@oaklandnet.com if you plan to attend.

 

4. Live between 14^th Ave-Creek, Foothill, and Sausal? (i.e. beats 18Y, 18X, and 21X): The NCPC invites you to a CORE I Training; home and family emergency preparedness. Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies (CORE) teaches self-reliance skills and helps neighborhoods establish response teams to take care of the neighborhood until professional emergency personnel arrives. Refreshments provided. Please note this training is in place of the regular NCPC meeting for 18X, 18Y & 21X.

When: 6:30-9:00 p.m., Thursday, November 8^th, 2007
Where: The Salvation Army (2794 Garden Street)
RSVP: Debra Ramirez 238-2163/dramirez@oaklandnet.com or Tim Miliken at thmil@sbcglobal.net by November 1^st

 

5. Oakland Public Library's Fines and Lost Books Forgiveness: The Oakland Public Library urges community members with overdue and lost items to "Get a Fresh Start" during a special three-week amnesty campaign.  The library's Fines & Lost Books Forgiveness campaign will run from Saturday, November 24 through Friday, December 14, 2007.  During this period, anyone who returns overdue items or who requests forgiveness for lost materials checked out before November 1, 2007 will have their fines and fees cleared by coming to any Oakland Public Library location. For more information, please call (510) 238-3134, or see the Oakland Public Library's Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org. 

 

6. Central & East Oakland Community Based Transportation Plan Meeting:   The meetings will provide an overview of the Central & East Oakland Community Based Transportation Plan, tell the community the results of the community outreach, and ask for their input in setting priorities for transportation solutions. The meetings will be held on the following dates and locations:

-Wednesday, November 14, Spanish Speaking Unity Council Senior Center, 7PM - 8:30PM
-Thursday, November 15, Rainbow Recreation Center, 6PM- 7:30 PM
-Monday, November 19, Allen Temple Baptist Church, 7PM - 8:30 PM

 

7. Overhauling the City's Website: This month the City Administrator's Office and the Department of Information Technology are hosting four community meetings to gather input from the public about how to improve the current web site. Topics will include: accessing key information and documents, making on-line payments, adding new features, and more. Those unable to attend one of the community meetings can provide their feedback by participating in a quick, on-line survey (visit www.oaklandnet.com/survey). Meeting participants and survey respondents will be entered in a drawing for a free iPod nano.

-Tuesday, November 13 @ 7-9pm Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue inside Lakeside Park (Lake Merritt)
-Wednesday, November 14 @ 7-9pm César E. Chávez Branch Library, 3301 E. 12^th Street, Suite 271 (in the Fruitvale Transit Village)
-Thursday, November 15 @ 7-9pm Leona Lodge, 4444 Mountain Boulevard
-Saturday, November 17 @ 10am-Noon Eastmont Substation, 2651 73^rd Avenue

 
Important City Numbers

Police Emergency (Crime in progress or about to happen)  911
Police Emergency from a Cell Phone       777-3211
Police Non-Emergency    777-3333
Graffiti Removal 238-4703
Street Maintenance        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