NEW YEARS EVE PROGRESSIVE DINNER

NEW YEARS EVE PROGRESSIVE DINNER
in The Lake NeighborhoodWatch for the Evite to RSVP!

Your are invited to join your neighbors for a Progressive Dinner in celebration of the New Year and our really cool neighborhood!

Four Lake Merritt Neighbors have offered their homes for celebration at different times throughout the evening. Join us at the first home for amazing cocktails by mixologist Kathleen and walk with us through a wandering meal of traditional (and international!) holiday fare.

Bring a dish or drink to one of the homes we visit and help feed your neighbors, too!

The schedule of the evening is:

6pm-8pm Kathleen's Apartment
Address: 1637 5th Ave
Theme: Classy cocktails and yummy apps.Bring: Whisky, Rum, OJ or Cocktail Snacks

- walk three blocks to Ruby's House -

7:30-9:30pm Hosted by Ruby
Address: 2001 5th Ave
Phone: 510- 229-9984Theme: Feliz Ano Nuevo with Mexican Pozole, Fire Pit and Salsa Dancing!Bring: Tamales, Tortillas, Cerveza, Vino

- Walk six blocks to Skye and Devin's -

9pm-11pm Hosted by Skye and Devin
Address: 912 E. 18th St. @ 9th Ave
Phone: 510-928-7818
Theme: Sweet and Savory Japanese SoupBring: Sake, Wine, Salad, Japanese snacks

- Walk three blocks to Laura and Andy's-11pm - "Toast" Hosted by Laura and AndyAddress: 1114 E 19th St.Phone: 510-289-0338Theme: Champagne and Sweet TreatsBring: Champagne! Dessert, sparkling (non-alcoholic) beverage

WATCH FOR THE EVITE TO RSVPRSVP's are appreciated so we can get a good head count. Feel free to use the e-vite to invite your neighbor as well as your friends who might enjoy the evening with us.

Can't wait to celebrate with you!

PROGRESSIVE DINNER MAP

Stay Tuned for the 2012 mtg schedule

HI LAKE NEIGHBORS!!!

Mark your calendars…next meeting: Jan 26 at Regen 6:30pm come meet with us!

"Feet on the Street"

Neighbors are walking the streets to make our presence better known. We leave flyers at homes with no lights turned on to encourage them to keep them on all night.

We meet every Wed eve, usually between 7:30 and 8pm at the Leaning Tower of Pizza, 498 Wesley Ave (between Brooklyn Ave & Newton Ave).
Vests will be issued to 3 time participants and safety whistles to those giving the activity a try for the first time. Two and four legged walkers of any age are welcome. It's a great way to meet neighbors and get a little exercise.

For more information and to join our email list, contact the Feet on the Street Leader Marvin Ishai - safeguardscalifornia@gmail.com or our Neighborhood Service Coordinator - Hoang Banh - hbanh@oaklandnet.com

Trunk or Treat

You've got less than three weeks to plan your TRUNK OR TREAT costume!

What:
TRUNK OR TREAT is a safe place for neighborhood families to come trick or treat on Halloween! Create a costume for yourself AND your car, then host a trick-or-treating trunk in the parking lot of Regeneration Church, corner of E. 15th St. and 3rd Ave.

When:
October 31st, 5:30-9:30

How The Lake Neighbors Help:

TRUNKS! The more fun trunks the more fun the kids will have. Bat Man and the Bat Mobile, Scooby Doo and the Mystery Van, spider webs, flashing lights, let loose and get creative!
To participate as a Trunk, contact ken@regenerationweb.com

MASKS! Every kid should be able to dress up for Halloween, so the Lake Neighbors sponsors a mask-making table to make sure everyone gets in the spirit. We need at least four volunteers to man the mask-making table.
To volunteer at the table, contact betsy.tyler@gmail.com

SPREAD THE WORD! Everyone is invited, so tell your neighbor (and your neighbor's kids) about Trunk or Treat!

sign up now! CORE Emergency Training - nov 2011

We have an opportunity to participate as a neighborhood group in a free emergency emergency preparedness and response program called Communities of Oakland Respond to Emergencies, (CORE).
November 2nd for CORE 1 and November 16 CORE 11.

Both are Wednesday evenings from 6:30-9:00pm at the F.M. Smith Recreation Center, 1969 Park Blvd. Just RSVP Ruby Stein (510) 229-9984.

No forms to fill out. Please talk it up with your family and neighbors as we must have 15 people signed up or it will be cancelled

community mtg: Lake Merritt Station Area Plan

Greetings!

The City of Oakland ’s Community and Economic Development Agency is excited to invite you to attend an open house for the Lake Merritt Station Area so you can offer your ideas about draft conceptual proposals for the future development of the area. If you live , work , visit , or study in the Planning Area (see map below) , we strongly encourage you to join in the planning process!

We would like to hear your thoughts on draft conceptual proposals for improvements to streets and sidewalks , and land use guidelines for new development in the area within half a mile radius from the Lake Merritt BART Station. The draft concepts are based on an ongoing community process to create a Station Area Plan that will help guide how this area develops into the future.


Lake Merritt Emerging Concepts Open House

Laney College Student Center/Cafeteria
900 Fallon St. ( @9th Street )

Open House: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

The meeting is open house format , so you can arrive at any time. There will be various stations with information on the draft concepts. A staff person will be at each station to answer questions and you will be invited to make comments on a feedback form. Light refreshments will be served.

Monday’s open house was inadvertently scheduled on the same day as this year’s Full Moon Festival which is an important cultural event to many in the community. Therefore , if you are unable to attend the open house and want to provide feedback , you will have until the end of the day on Wednesday Sept. 14th to submit your comments. Open house materials will be on display at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center ( 388 9th Street). Email all comments (completed Feedback Forms) to lake_merritt_plan@oaklandnet.com , or deliver in person to the City of Oakland Planning Department , care of Alicia Parker , Planner II , 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza , Suite 3315

Please also check out our most recent Newsletter for more information:
English – http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/ceda/documents/report/oak025982.pdf
Chinese –
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/ceda/documents/report/oak025983.pdf

Workshop Announcement Flyer in English and Chinese (also attached to this email):
http://www2.oaklandnet.com/oakca/groups/ceda/documents/report/oak030583.pdf

Thank you!

Lake Merritt Station Area Plan
Strategic Planning Division , Community and Economic Development Agency , City of Oakland
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza , Suite 3315 , Oakland , CA 94612

Email: lake_merritt_plan@oaklandnet.com
Telephone Message Line: (510) 238-7904
Project Website: http://www.business2oakland.com/lakemerrittsap

At last! I have scheduled earthquake preparedness courses for Lake Neighbors folks. We have neighborhood CORE classes 1 and 11 scheduled. November 2nd for CORE 1 and November 16th, CORE 11. There are 11 of you already signed up and we need a minimum of 15. There is no limit they will teach but we are limited to the amount of space at the F.M. Smith Recreation Center. I think that space could handle 50. So bring your friends and neighbors. You can sign up with me, at rstein94606@yahoo.com. , or you can also sign up at the Oakland Earthquake Preparedness website. I still need to send them a message to open up the site, but I thought to wait a bit to make sure Lake Neighbors signed up first, in case their is a huge interest by the public and space fills up. (I am be dreaming). For more info, go to the Oakland website, address at the bottom of my note. You can also call me for questions (510) 299-9984 or (510) 629-3213. Remember, if you want to sign up at the City of Oakland website, give me a few days to let them know to open it up to the public. Here is their web page. http://www.oaklandnet.com/fire/core/training.html

Suess 'hood camping' Story

I will not camp. -Andy

From the desk of Andy Seuss: (aka Rich)
I will not camp under a tree
I will not camp for pay or free
I will not camp with gun or mace
I will not camp in any place

Thank you, thank you, Dev-I-Am

(Sasha) Andy doesn't camp??? I can SO see Andy camping! We should all go camping together -- or camp out on our block one night as our own NNO as practice and then Andy can ease into it -- city camping first, then wilderness.
Hood camping, then?


(Chimene) “Would you , could you with some beer? :-D”
I would not, could not with a beer
I would not, could not with a deer
I would not, could not with a tarp
I would not, could not with a harp

(Betsy)
You will not camp....
SO you say.
Try it, try it...like it you may!

Sasha!
If you will let me be,
I will try it, You will see.
Image: andy in a tent in sashas back yard..

Say! I WILL camp!
I WILL camp with a beer
I WILL camp with a deer
I WILL camp with a tarp
I WILL camp with a harp
I would camp under a tree
I would camp for pay or free
I would camp with gun or mace
I would camp in ANY PLACE!
I do so like to camp and camp, thank you thank you, Sash-I-Am(p?)

(bbc) Wow-- to create such a fuss,
Andy, c'mon-- camp with us!
(Laura)
Friends, I wish it was otherwise but....

He's not like the fox in socks
He wants to stay home in his box

Nor is he like Sam I am
he likes a comfy indoor can!

He will not camp on a bank
He does not like the froggies dank.

He will not camp on a plane
He does not like the snow and rain

He will not camp in a cave
But not because he isn't brave

He will not sleep in a tent
and wake up with his neck all bent

He will not sleep by a creek
to be feasted on by mosquito's beek

He will not camp with his honey
He will not camp when it's sunny
He WILL NOT CAMP for love or money!
--from Laura and Andy
with love

National Nite Out Block Party 2011

Thanks to everyone who joined the Lake Neighbors at National Night Out on E. 17th last night! We really enjoyed how you livened up our block this year.

A special thanks to:
Skye, Devin, Dave, Kylan, Nico and Thom for setting up and tearing down.
Regeneration church for tables, chairs and side walk chalk.
And thank you for the donations from:
Subway for the amazing 6 foot sub
Merritt Bakery for those delicious cookies
Arezmendi for their famous pastries
Walgreens for ice and bottled water

And all the lake neighbors who brought food to share like hot dogs, grilled zucchini, lemonade, soda and more!
Together we make a pretty great party, hope we can do it again next year! Consider hosting one on your block, too!

Cheers,
Betsy Johnson
Lake Neighbors Events Volunteer

mtg notes from 7/21

Hi Lake Neighbors!

Really nice meeting – good turnout. There are a few things below that need your input, please write back with thoughts, ideas, responses.

Thank you to Lois at FM Smith Park Rec Center for letting us use their space all this year…one more meeting to go for 2011 and then we revisit our meeting frequency and format and location and plan for 2012. If you have input, ie: if you would have an eaiser time if something in particular was different then email me and we will put it into the mix when we figure out if we are going to make any adjustments. We definitely would like to move upstairs if we are going to continue to use FM Smith because of the battle for sound we have with the loud freezer we have in the room and the professional ping pong practice going on above us. Lois mentioned a change in day of the week would give us a better chance if we want to continue there.

Before meeting there, we used to rotate through houses, we also met at Regen Church quite a lot. How are you all feeling about how it has been having it at FM Smith Rec?

SO…we had great guests. The SF Fire Dept, J. Moses from the New Parkway & also our OPD came by – so we had a lot to talk about.

The Oakland Fire Department – firehouse #16 – came and gave us an overview of all they do (which is vast) and also about the free trainings we all have access to for First Aid, CPR and Emergency Preparedness (CORE). They made sure to let us know that they are all very open to being approached when we see them in the neighborhood -- or if you want to drop by – if you have anything you want to discuss with them.

Ruby, our Emergency Prep lead is currently organizing a 2nd round of CORE1 & CORE 2 trainings for us (we did this a while back and there is more, new interest). CORE 3 has to be done on their sites (because you get to light and put out a fire!). Please email Ruby (rstein94606@yahoo.com ) if you want to get those trainings under your belt or you can go directly through the regular program (core@oaklandnet.com).

J. Moses from The New Parkway also came from his home in Berkeley to fill us in on where things stand for his process with the Chengs who own the Parkway.

There was MUCH discussion all over this subject because we all are so deeply effected by the loss of our Parkway and are heartbroken to have it gone for a minute much less 2 years!!! But it all boils down to this: 1) The New Parkway effort is now looking for other possible venues nearby…they are ready and funded, but they have tried every thing to make it work out at the Parkway with the Chengs and they feel that it won’t work there at this time. 2) The Chengs are very good, kind people – very likeable (which is important for us to know)…and their ideas about business are deeply set and vastly unlike anything most of us would operate from. 3) The Chengs do not have a mortgage to carry on the Parkway, and while of course they have taxes, etc to cover and they are obviously losing rental income all this time – they are not as strongly financially motivated. 4) The Chengs want to be a part of the operations of the theatre and this complicates every step for whomever manages to actually get an agreeable agreement through with them. 5) MANY many different people have tried extensively to work this problem out (the iLikeTheParkway people, many business neighbors, Pat Kernighan to name a few…most recently Moses with The New Parkway). 6) It can still happen, it will likely be another year or more – in the mean time there can be a few theatres with the same concept that come first. This type of business is very successful, even in hard financial times. Thank you Moses for coming and for your tremendous effort under the pressure of our immense hopes and for delivering the difficult news in person.

OPD have us an update of a trend that to watch out for that at 10pm there is a current pattern of muggings that are happening to people coming home, getting out of their vehicle. The attackers are hiding until the person gets out of their vehicle to come inside and a gun is held to their head. Be super awake coming home always. Things happen in the daylight, too.

Adding vigilance does NOT mean losing any of your warmth and friendliness to passersby – make sure to always greet the people around you.

More safety talk was had about neighbors putting up cameras (Hoang mentioned a helpful video on youtube (called “FBIcaughtoncamera”) that is supposedly helpful for those planning cameras. One thing be sure to do is to put the OPD emergency # (510 777-3211) on your cell phone (program it to the number 9, even), and you can also put the non-emergency # 510 777-3333. ALSO, I have all the neighbors I can on my cell phone with the cap letters NBR first so I can find them fast and that has been helpful often.



It was mentioned that the new captain (captain Tull) may be a good possibility for that missing piece we have been seeking for FAST info on crimes in our neighborhood so we can be immediately informed and also possible extended eyes and ears when needed.

On the restorative justice front – there was a training at Berkeley Public Library I believe this weekend! Keep an eye out, there is great interest and great need. If anyone was able to make it to that training and would be willing to share what happened and would like to join forces with other Lake Neighbors in this please email!!! I looked up the speaker and will try to track down a possibility for us there.

EVENTS! Betsy and Chimene from our events crew were there to let us know all the great things they have going for us...we are closing off our block on E. 17th between 3rd & 4th Aves (close to Luckys & Walgreens) for National Night Out this coming Tuesday from 7 - 9 pm...we are looking for food donations, but we will have music and things to do and great neighbors to hang out with. It is an alcohol free event. Come early to help set up (around 6)...!

Betsy will send out the plans (the amazing plans) she designed for the Walgreens garden we have in the beginning stages...if you want to get involved with that you can email her or wait until she sends out her email about this.

Another event coming up is the next OUTDOOR MOVIE -- we are only doing one this year, so make sure you don't miss it. It is a really fun time, and we are aiming for one of the last 2 weekends in September. Bring anyone you like, bring a picnic, bring chairs to sit in and bring layers so you can be warm if the temperature goes down as night comes. We always start when the sun goes down, but people get there early to visit, help set up get good seats. We project a movie onto the apartment building from Regeneration Church's parking lot on E. 15th Street and 3rd Ave. We are still choosing the movie, but we will try to have a cartoon first and maybe some music playing while we wait for the sun to go down.

Our great friend Jennie Gerard (from Pat K's office) came as she often does and she pitched in some new info on the development going on around here – she let us know that the traffic light on Park at Newton should be up in August AND that the 12th street project is 3 weeks away from opening up one of the 2 bridges!

Our next meeting is October 20th from 6-8 @ FM Smith Recreation Building.

Okay, that is all for the moment…stay tuned and involved. Write back and make sure to get over to all the upcoming events.

Much Friendship!

Sasha

Prepare for the "Big One"

Prepare for the "Big One"

The 'Big One' is a hypothetical earthquake of magnitude ~8 or greater that is expected to happen along the SAF. Such a quake will produce devastation to human civilization within about 50-100 miles of the SAF quake zone, especially in urban areas like Palm Springs, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Lotus Bloom Day Care Center

2000 Park Blvd

July 30th 2011

11:00am. to 12:30pm.

RSVP by July 27, 2011

email: rstein94606@yahoo.com or Call (510) 229-9984 (510) 629-3213. Trainer will be Francoise from the Red Cross www.lakeneighbors.org

Job Opportunity in the hood

Bilingual Playgroup Position

Want to join an incredibly diverse and vibrant team of early childhood educators and community? Lotus Bloom offers school readiness programs designed for children 0-5 years olds and their caregivers. The groups engages children and caregivers in art, music, literacy, and cultural activities in a structured child development and age-appropriate learning environment. Children are cared for in a nurturing and educational environment designed to strengthen their social, emotional, and cognitive skills. Children learn basic socialization skills, and share in-group activities like reading, singing, dancing, and body recognition activities in multicultural and multi-lingual environment. The programs encompass family-centered services that help participants achieve self-sufficiency through preschool referral, free usage of a lending library, monthly parenting classes, and neighborhood resources.

Duties/ Responsibilities:

• Prepare children and parent activity room (bring out toys, manipulative, art supplies, turn on computers, prepare snacks, move furniture, etc.)

• Engage parents and children in activities together (art, literacy, music, etc)

• Assist lead teacher in planning and executing program goals

• Model healthy behavior and attachment/ set boundaries and limits

• Assist families with filling out registration form and signing in

• Lead children and parents in circle time activities (sing songs, count in different languages, body recognition, etc.)

• Clean up activity room (vacuum, sweep, wipe tables, clean toys, etc.)

• Return tables, chairs, and other furniture back into original place

• Attend monthly staff meeting


Handle monthly reporting & documentation of participants

• Report to Lead Teacher and Director

Other Duties:

• Make flyers for activities, create monthly activity calendar, & organize field-trips.

• Outreach to neighborhood residents and communitypartners about various programs.

• Make reminder calls to participants about special holidays and activities.

· Provide translation of documents

Qualifications:

• Experience working with toddlers and young children (1-2 years)

• Bilingual in Spanish or other languages desirable

• Early Childhood Education units, AA, BA, or teaching experience

• A warm, caring personality

• Computer experience

Pay Rate: $15-20/ hour

Status: Part Time Position – 14-18 hours per week in the mornings on Monday thru Friday

Contact: angela@lotusbloomfamily.org or drop off resume to 2008 Park Blvd, Oakland, CA 94606

www.lotusbloomfamily.org

2011 Emergency Preparedness - CORE TRAINING I&II

We are doing two earthquake preparation trainings this Fall 2011 - Check back for final dates. Core will facilitate the training.and the sessions will cover CORE 1 and CORE 11.

Kathy, a neighbor, and myself, Ruby Stein will be canvassing all summer, getting people signed up for the trainings and inspired to organize their blocks.

Also, A friend who has been trained by the Red Cross is also available to do a training. perhaps in August for those who can't do September or who want both.

The manager of the Wallgreens store, Michaekl Beamer will be at the Lake Neighbors meeting on July 21st to share with us how Wallgreens is able to assist the community with e-prep or help neighbors to survive the earthquake.

I thought it might be fun to grill hotdogs (kosher, all beef) and drink lemomade before or after the meeting with all attendees. I am seeking donations, please get in touch if you have anything to offer: rstein94606@yahoo.com

Please fill out our Prepared survey so that we have your details on file in case of an emergency! http://fierceface.com/lakeneighbors/emergency.html

The farm in the spring

Earth Day events in the neighborhood

events around the neighborhood SPRING

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET NEIGHBORS AND SUPPORT LOCAL CAUSES!

• Thursday, March 31st: 6pm meeting - Day of Action regarding sex trade activities on International Blvd. and, more importantly, the crime against children that this creates. See attached flier.

• Thursday, April 21st: Lake Neighbors Quarterly Meeting - come meet your fellow Lake Neighbors, hear what we've been doing, share your ideas and socialize! 6-8pm at FM Smith Rec Center on Park Blvd, downstairs.

• Saturday, April 23rd: Lake Neighbors Earth Day Clean-up Event and Brunch! Hosted by Lake Neighbors at Jackie & Chimene's house. Details coming soon - stay tuned!

• Saturday, April 30th: District 2 Town Hall Meeting at Regeneration Church with the Mayor Jean Quan. 10am-12:30pm

Looking forward to seeing you at one or more of these great events!

Chimene & Skye

Lake Neighbors Event Coordinators

District 2 Town Hall Meeting: April 30th.

My name is Tonya Love and I am helping with outreach for the District 2 Town Hall Meeting: April 30th. 10-12:30 pm at Regeneration Church. (address on attached flyer)

Many of you may have already heard of this meeting through your work with the community, from Jean Quan's or Pat Kernighan's office, or maybe from your involvement in the planning process.

I am asking for your help in spreading the word about this event. I have attached a Save the Date flyer which can be distributed electronically. We will be having an official flyer for printed and electronic distribution in early April for you to pass out at your meetings.

We also have a newly established Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/District-2-Oakland-Town-Hall/202838583076964?ref=ts

This will be a great on-line networking tool for the public and District 2 residents to share ideas, ask questions and get updates about the Town Hall meeting. Please ask your members/constituents to "Like" and become a Fan of the page.

Please email me if you have any questions.

Thanks so much for your help!

Tonya D. Love
Outreach- District 2 Town Hall

tdlove5@gmail.com

next mtgs

Mark your calendars…next meetings: 4/21, 7/21, 10/20 (all from 6-8pm – at FM Smith Recreation Center @ 1969 Park Ave.

January mtg notes

HI LAKE NEIGHBORS!!!

Mark your calendars…next meetings: 4/21, 7/21, 10/20 (all from 6-8pm – at FM Smith Recreation Center @ 1969 Park Ave. -- it is the brick building at the park with the mule statues just down the street a little from Woody's on the same side (check both floors, we may be downstairs by the basketball courts sometimes).


So it turns out this new meeting spot works out pretty well. Great turnout. Productive meeting. HUGE thank you to Casa Vallarta for enthusiastically responding to our dinner need and providing us with chicken enchiladas. Thank you to Lois over at the Rec Center at FM Smith park for letting us hold our meeting there – we’d love to know the wish list for the programs you have there for the kids & even have them involved.



Since this meeting, an event (“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Safety Walk & Social) was talked about, planned and has already been successfully implemented -- it even got good news coverage thank you to Lake Neighbors Skye & Chimene’s hard work in close partnership with Steve Ma (LMBA & Woody’s & Lake Neighbor) and Hoang Banh (City Organizer & Friend). Thank you also for all the PSO officers who showed up and really got involved and also to Barbara and David from the Cascade neighborhood group! A lot of ideas came from that effort, stay tuned for more safety strategies and pitch your own any time (email to me or bring it to next meeting).





Here is what went on in the meeting itself...



THANK YOU to new people on board:



· Chimene joining Events crew AND ALSO for taking lead on fundraising (she may need some really strong

collaborating on this, please join her if you can)

· Lillian taking Lead on new category sharing resources (Rentalic…more info on this to follow)

· Marvin to Lead on our Emergency Preparedness



Reports/updates are always made per each subject on our 3 prong approach which is:



OVERVIEW OF LAKE NEIGHBORS APPROACH:

The simultaneous three pronged approach is what we are using to address the safety problems here. They are: 1) IMMEDIATE SAFETY ISSUE, 2) STRONG ONGOING POSITIVE EVENTS, 3) HEALING THE CAUSE INSTEAD OF TREATING THE SYMPTOM BY CONNECTING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AND ALSO POSSIBLY BY CONNECTING WITH PEOPLE BEING CAUGHT DOING CRIMES HERE.

1) IMMEDIATE SAFETY ISSUE:



Emergency Prep – no new news, but we have a new lead who can move us along on this issue. Our current status is on our website and our new Lead is Marvin! Thank you Marvin! We may have more to report on this one now that it is being headed by one person instead of all of us. We got pretty far in planning and some trainings, but we need to upkeep it.



OPD (Oakland Police Dept) update: We have PSO’s again (Problem Solving Officers)! They were taken away with the recent cutback in officers, but we have them again. They are not the PSO’s we knew before: Roland Holmgren and Jeryme Styne I believe are 2 of the officers on PSO duty – Andy (our OPD Lead) will check into this further and invite them to our next meeting in April so we can all get to know them.



Three adults doing the home invasions in the area were arrested, we want to track what has happened with them (when back out on the street) and we also want photos. Andy agreed to contact the DA about this, so stay tuned…



Next meeting Dinner provided by Dave Kim and he needs a cooking buddy! Steve Ma has motivated the LMBA to donate bags of groceries for this project.



The Oakland Fire Department would like to attend and have 10 minutes on the agenda…bring any questions, comments, ideas you have for them.



3) STRONG POSITIVE EVENTS… (recommendation for a safety event was done! – more will come throughout the year)

* Earth Day event in process of being planned by our events crew

* Annual calendar of Lake Neighbor events in process by our events crew (and me!)

* Looking at possibility of Spring Cleaning Day when we all choose a day to go out and “pick up” (a neighbor Katie was interested in this last year…Katie, if you are still up

for spearheading this or getting involved, let us know!)

* Some other events under consideration: New Parkway barn-raising or group movie trips if they are able to work out the lease with the Chengs! Also, more CORE

trainings (1&2 to catch other’s up and then 3 all together soon?)…Outdoor movie event in September! More than likely we will continue our tradition of a progressive New Years Eve party…and MUCH more – but please add in your ideas! Happy hours and progressive parties and block parties are always great – a block yard sale might be fun (flea market) or even a mass give-away!!!



Chimene signed onto leading fundraising here…I know Hoang has a ton of resources here to be explored…I know she would probably appreciate come co-partners in this category.



Community Gardens: Some discussion was had about how to best use the Walgreens plot (it needs a name!) they have let us use. There is no public access – only from a private yard, so this has to be carefully planned. One idea was to have fruit trees planted, but getting trees already fruit bearing is I think hard if not nearly impossible? Does anyone know about this? Something that could be grown, easily picked and then given to the community by the people residing there with little maintenance needed (water use is also a little tricky with rationing/limits on water here). LOTS going on as usual with Funktown farm – if you want to get involved, just ask!



Art in the Neighborhood: Matlena joining forces with Dave to get more active in muraling around here!



Rentalic (new category!): Lillian is taking lead on this -- email to follow explaining this, but in short, it is a great, community building way for everyone to share what they have and avoid great expense!



2) HEALING THE CAUSE: Tracy is taking the lead on this one & Dave is joining forces with her with his high school connections…it is important to get them connected with Lois at FM Smith Rec center and also with Angela with Lotus Bloom and ALSO Andrew because they have do so much work with youth and families here.



NEEDED: New roles!! Make up your own that fits what you have to give. E-participation – as always – is very much appreciated and encouraged…write in and be involved in that way if that is all you can get to right now. Participate and contribute your voice.



OKAY…that is the update for right now…remember to GET INVOLVED! It is as important as everything we do to make our houses and lives run because our neighborhood IS OUR HOME! Do something big or small every day and or week and let me know so I can put the word out – it is inspirational to know the good that is going on here and we have such amazing neighbors living here it will just get better and better the more we all know eachother and grow our friendships.




Stay tuned. Write back if you have anything to say/share -- come to all the meetings and the events! See you around in the neighborhood!




MUCH Friendship!!!!

Sasha

www.RENTALIC.com

This is from your neighbor Lillian, who works with an organization called Rentalic...read below...

Hello Oakland Neighbors!!!

Make $/Save $ through renting/sharing resources with people in our

www.RENTALIC.com is an online in-community rental marketplace where you can search for and/or list items for rent.

Make some cash by listing items that you OWN to rent out to others. Save money by renting items that you WANT from others instead of buying new



Here’s more about the concept and how it works:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3sqTn9yHp4



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smWykveWbNo



Instead of letting your idle stuff collect dust, rent things out to collect cash!



It is FREE to join, FREE to search, and FREE to list your stuff!!


GO TO http://www.rentalic.com/ and join the fastest growing online rental marketplace to start making/saving money TODAY!



(+) OAKLAND, LET’S BE GREEN AS A TEAM!! (+)

(+) Rise above the bad economy by renting what you want from me! (+)

for more info: Lillian@rentalic.com

eastside arts alliance

Here's the March calendar for Eastside, which is a Huge community resource for East Oakland/Lake Merritt youth and families. The events are amazing! Some highlights:
-Learn about the history and struggle of the Cambodian community in East Oakland
-Local Native American community arts and culture
- Hip Hop workshops
AND MORE!

visit : www.eastsideartsalliance.org

Take Action for Safety on International Blvd!

Join us for a very important meeting!
Let’s get their commitment to stop crime and prostitution!

• Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts
• Oakland City Councilmember Pat Kernighan
• Oakland Schools Superintendent Tony Smith


6:00 P.M., THURSDAY MARCH 31ST
on 17th AVENUE @ INTERNATIONAL BLVD

CHILDCARE AND TRANSLATION PROVIDED!
Sponsored by the San Antonio Neighborhood Action Coalition:
East Bay Asian Youth Center (EBAYC)
Oakland Community Organizations (OCO)
San Antonio Business Association (SABA)

For more information: (510) 533-1092 x 35 or (510) 469 7785.

Chicken Coop Expansion Project

By now most of you probably know that we have been planning a chicken coop expansion. The goal is to give our dear hens (26 total!) additional raccoon-proof activity space while keeping them from destroying our plant beds (they will still be let "free to roam" while supervised). The plan is to extend their coop to the barn, enclosing the compost area.


This project has been dubbed Project Hen-way, and it's happening this Saturday, the 26th at 10am - please join us! (If raining we will post-pone; if the weather's "iffy" look for an email as to what we decide).


We normally don't ask for RSVP's, but since this is a big project, it would be helpful to know how many hands we'll have on deck. Please let us know if you can help and also if you're able to bring any tools or supplies - see list below. No set completion time - we'll just work until we're finished - it's ok if you can't stay for all of it or need to arrive late. Any help at any time is appreciated!


Hope to see you there!


Below are a couple lists made up for Project Henway.

These are the supplies we'll need -

Galvanized single strand wire: 60' - 80'
Smaller gauge wire for weaving chicken wire together: 100'
48" Chicken wire: 90 lf or 36" chicken wire: 124'
Eye bolts: 10
Staples for a staple gun
3" Screws: 20
1 1/2" Screws: one box
180 degree hinges: 2
hasp and combo lock
Probably, after the round of donations this weekend, we won't need any more wood.

Project Manager Andy has a lot of stuff, but If people are coming to help and can bring tools that would be very handy (especially ladders and handtools such as hammers, flat bars, wire cutters, tape measures) Below are some of the things that will be needed. If people are going to bring some of the larger items please let us know.

Post hole digger
Measuring tape
work gloves & safety glasses if you're going to operate power tools
staple gun
flat bar
hammer
battery operated screw gun
ladder
skill saw
extension cord
wire cutter

We weren't able to set the posts this weekend due to weather which will slow us down, but Andy thinks we may be able to get through it all anyway. We'll convene at the garden in the morning, unload tools, see if any material donations have shown up, and will send someone off to the store to pick up whatever else is needed. Assuming we have enough tools and volunteers we can start some people on removing nails or screws from donated wood, some digging post holes and some fastening eye bolts and wire between structures and some weaving chicken wire together.


(e-mail courtesy of Skye and Laura, thanks you two!)


Hope to see everyone there!

"It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"

"It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood":
~ Safety Walk and Social ~

and we'd like YOU to be a part of it!

Here are the details:
When: Friday, Feb. 25th, 4-7pm
Locations:
Woody's Cafe (Pre- and Post- "Safety Walk")
Lakeshore @ Wesley Avenue (on the Lake side)
Corner of E 18th and Park Blvd
Corner of E 18th and 14th Ave.*
Corner of Park Blvd. & MacArthur Blvd (by H.S.)*
*(Please note - there is some flexibility regarding these locations and we are open to other areas if we have enough people to support it).


The Concept:

We will form at least four "Pods" that will be "stationed" at the different locations in order to pass on community support and information on how folks can be safe, have the info and numbers they need and what support is available to them in the community .


At 4pm: At least one or two people from each pod would head to Woody's Cafe on Park Blvd. at to gather up an assortment of whistles, safety brochures, Lake Neighbors Postcards and other items to be handed out, and bring them to their Pod Locations.


From ~4:30-~5:30: the pods will hang out at and walk around the designated locations handing out the whistles, Safety Brochures and other information and engaging in conversation with our fellow neighbors to create a positive, safe presence.


~5:30/6pm: everyone is welcome to celebrate a Job Well Done and head to Woody's for a social hour with hot chocolate and treats, hosted by Woody's and the Lake Neighbors!


Where you come in: We'd love it if you would:
Sign up to volunteer with us and be a part of one of the PODs for this event.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to sign up by passing this e-mail on to them!
Spread the word to any local meetings or businesses that you are a part of and help make this event a success!

Next Step:
Please respond to this email by Tues., Feb. 8th to let us know if you would like to volunteer
Pass on the names and e-mails of others you have lobbied for who will be joining us on the 25th.
If you have a location that you would prefer over those listed above, let us know that too.

Once we've received your responses, we'll send out an official event announcement email for you to forward to everyone on your neighborhood group lists so people will know what's happening when they see our "Pods" around the neighborhood! We're looking forward to spending time with you making it a "Beautiful Day in Our Neighborhood!" Feel free to email with any questions.

Skye & Chimene
Lake Neighbors Event Coordinators

** next mtg is Jan 20th **

Q1 mtg is Thursday JANUARY 20th 6-8pm

News from Urban Montessori

Dear Urban Montessori Charter School Supporter,

We hope everyone enjoyed a nice holiday season. The Urban Montessori Charter School (a K-8 public school slated to open in the Grand Lake neighborhood) founding team continues to move forward in hopes of opening our school this fall. Our charter application was submitted to Alameda County Office of Education in early December, and our next big milestone will be the actual charter hearing. Here are four ways you can help move the school closer to reality.

Attend our charter petition hearing. The Urban Montessori Charter School petition hearing will take place Tuesday February 8th, 6:30pm at the Alameda County Office of Education board room, 313 West Winton Ave, Hayward. We need as much public support as possible at the hearing. If you can be there with us please register here: http://cts.vresp.com/c/?UrbanMontessori/b8dfc6232d/4c7cd8f433/9db6c0be6c
Do you know someone on the Alameda County Office of Education Board of Directors? Put in a good word about Urban Montessori Charter School by sending your contact an email/letter or giving them a call! We are currently reaching out to board members about our program and any support we get from you is greatly appreciated!
Join one of our committees. Please see the committees listed below and sign up by replying to this email with the committee you are interested in joining! We are required by law to not offer admission preferences to families who volunteer, but it’s a great way to get involved in your community and help build a great school.
· Development

· Facilities

· Governance

· Human Capital

· Operations

· Outreach

· Programs

4. Be a fan on Facebook (click here) and invite your friends to join us as well. Our goal is to have 84 more "likes" so we can secure a unique URL from Facebook. Thanks!

We are excited to continue to work with all of you this year to open an amazing new school that will serve a diverse student population and become a public school model for others to follow. Without you we would not have gotten this far. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Happy New Year!

The Urban Montessori Charter School Team

Visit us at www.urbanmontessori.org

info@urbanmontessori.org

neighborhood events

Hi Lake Neighbors and happy 2011! Sorry it took a minute to get this out with all the holiday activity going on...but at least
there is time to catch the event on the 3rd!!! See below FYI...

Save these Dates!
Celebrate the Inauguration of Mayor-Elect Jean Quan

Pre-Inaugural Celebration
@ Chabot Space & Science Center
Sunday, January 2, 2011
5:30-9:30 pm

Music & food, Planetarium or Big Dome movies, cxhibits,
telescopes and more @ Chabot Space & Science Center
10000 Skyline Boulevard.
Suggested $10/individual donation

RSVP to inauguralcelebration2011@ymail.com or call 614.301.5163 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 614.301.5163 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

“Remembering & Making History” Walk
Monday, January 3, 2011
8:30-10:30 am

Join Jean on an Inaugural Walk. Start at Pacific Renaissance

Plaza on 9th Street between Franklin & Webster and end at
The Fox Oakland Theater @ 18th and Telegraph.
(See other side for details.)

RSVP to Spiper@oaklandnet.com

Official Inauguration Ceremony
@ The Fox Oakland Theater
Monday, January 3, 2011
11am-1 pm

Tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 10 am.
The Fox Oakland Theater @ 1807 Telegraph Avenue.

Open House @ City Hall
Monday, January 3, 2011
5-9 pm

Many people have never been inside our beautiful City Hall, built in 1914
and lovingly restored after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Visit the
Mayor’s office, take a photo at the Mayor’s desk. Sign up to volunteer at our
schools, parks, and libraries. Music in the Council Chambers.
City Hall, 14th Street Between Broadway & Clay

Remembering & Making History Walk
January 3, 2011, 8:30-10:30 am

Join Mayor-Elect Jean Quan and friends as she retraces her own and Oakland’s history from
Chinatown to The Fox Theatre where she’ll make history as Oakland’s first woman and first
Asian American Mayor

8:30 am Pacific Renaissance Plaza--9th Street between Franklin and Webster
Multi-generational Lion Dancers from the Lincoln Square Recreation Center’s Cultural Arts Program
in collaboration with the Rising Dragon Cultural Arts Program launch the walk with leaders from
Oakland’s Asian American Community.

9:00 am Lincoln Elementary School--225 11th Street
The Lincoln Music Stars from Cantare Children’s Choirs and Lincoln Elementary School will entera-
tain the growing crowd as educators, parents and youth advocates join the walk. Lincoln Elementa-
ry School has been home to new immigrants in Oakland for more than 100 years. This year it earned
the coveted national Blue Ribbon Award, awarded to only 304 outstanding schools across the coun-
try in recognition of high academic achievement.

9:20 am Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts--1428 Alice Street
The beautifully restored turn-of-the century building formerly known as the Alice Arts Center, is
one of the area’s busiest performing arts facilities. Instructors from residential dance companies
CaribelinQ and Dance-A-Vision will lead quick Salsa and hip-hop lessons. Performing artists and
others from Oakland’s thriving arts community are invited to join the walk.

9:40 am Stopwaste.org--1537 Webster Street
In recognition of the Mayor-Elect’s leadership as the former Chair of Stopwaste.org and the
Alameda County Waste Management Authority, leaders from Oakland’s environmental, green jobs
and bicycling community will join the walk from one of Oakland’s first Green Point-rated LEED®
facilities.

9:50 am SOBO Merchant District-- 17th & Webster
Support of local business is a key element in Mayor-Elect Jean Quan’s economic development
program. The walk will pass one of downtown’s vibrant local merchant blocks.

10:00 am The Leamington--1814 Franklin Street
Mayor-Elect Quan’s grandfather was a union cook at this historic former luxury hotel. Today it is a
modern office space. The Drill Team from the International Longshoreman Workers Union (ILWU)
will lead a contingent of labor leaders as they join the growing group of walkers.

10:20 am The Fox Oakland Theater--1807 Telegraph Avenue
When The Fox Oakland Theater opened its doors in 1928, it was considered one of the most modern
and beautiful of movie theaters of its time. One of the biggest draws was the massive domed theater
itself, an opulent and exotic mix of terra cotta tiles, dizzingly detailed paintings and golden deities,
reminiscent of a Brahmin Temple. Today it serves as a live music venue and home to the adjacent
Oakland School of the Arts and the lively Uptown nightlight and arts community. Students from the
Prescott Circus will entertain the crowds as they wait to enter the theater for the Official
Inauguration Ceremony, which begin promptly at 11 am.

Please let us know which venue you plan on starting from. RSVP: spiper@oaklandnet.com