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November 30-December 6 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 15:58:19 +0000

Note: Due to the holidays, there are dozens of events happening in the next couple of weeks so I’m picking and choosing a bit. For a more complete list of Oakland holiday events, check out City Homestead’s comprehensive listing.

Tuesday, December 1st– AC Transit Community Open House for Revised Service Adjustment Proposal

Via Ride ACT: “On November 18, a Revised Service Adjustments Plan proposal was presented to the AC Transit Board of Directors. The modified plan restores nearly half of the service hours originally proposed to be cut. Many of the restored hours are in the form of increased frequency and operating hours. In some cases, significant routing revisions are proposed… The public is invited to a community open house to learn more about the revised plan and talk with AC Transit planners.” The open house will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at AC Transit General Offices, 1600 Franklin Street, 2nd Floor Board Room. For background on AC Transit’s service adjustment planning process, read V Smoothe’s excellent post on the topic.

Tuesday, December 1st– Trivia Night at the Den

This Tuesday, Trivia Night returns to the Den, the Fox Theater’s bar. Compete each week in teams of 4 to win free drinks and free concert tickets. Categories include Current Events, Sports/Entertainment, Science/Geography, Music, Photo ID, and the Miscellaneous Round. Throughout December, winning teams will win tickets to Bay Area concerts. Trivia starts at 8pm and ends before BART or regular AC Transit lines stop running, at the Den, 1912 Telegraph. Find out more details at the Den’s website.

Wednesday, December 2nd – Peralta Chicano Latino Association Scholarship Reception

The Peralta Chicano Latino Association and the Host Committee requests your presence to assist them in raising funds to benefit deserving students at the four Peralta Colleges in need of financial support. This event will be held from 5:30-8:00pm at Cocina Poblana, 499 Embarcadero West. All Donations Welcome! No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Find more information and RSVP on Facebook.

Wednesday, December 2nd – Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Holiday Party

Please join the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee at our annual Holiday Party and Celebration. The Central Committee will be providing food and beverages and we ask you to please bring at least one canned food item to be donated to the Davis Street Community Center. The party takes place from 7-8:30 pm at the San Leandro Public Library 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro.

Thursday, December 3rd – Oakland City Holiday Tree Lighting

Join Mayor Dellums at City Square Plaza in the lighting of the city’s official Holiday Tree, visit Santa, listen to youth choirs and enjoy holiday treats. Then shuttle over to the Oakland Ice Center for a special holiday public skate. Bring a new unwrapped toy to contribute to the Mayor’s Toy Drive. The Tree Lighting Ceremony is co-sponsored by the Downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt/Uptown Business Districts, Shorenstein Realty Services and The City of Oakland. This event takes place in City Center, from 5-6:30pm.

Thursday, December 3rd – Montclair Village Holiday Stroll

Village merchants stay open to welcome shoppers and their families for a gala kick-off to the holiday season. The event features entertainment and refresments. Entertainment inclues Montera Middle School Choir, Arrival of Santa, Kids in Motion Face Painting, Piedmont High School Band, and the The Tap Dancing Trees. This event takes place from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM on the streets of Montclair Village. For more info, visit the Montclair Village Association’s website.

Friday, December 4th – Jack London Square Lights Up for the Holidays

Jack London Square celebrates the holiday season with a very special preview of the Oakland Children’s Holiday Parade floats and costumed characters. At six o’clock watch as City Officials light up the skies with Oakland’s only waterfront holiday light installation and stay to listen to festive holiday music performed by the Oakland Symphony Chorus. Join KBLX with live music for the entire family. And let your kids get creative with Arts & Crafts presented by the Museum of Children’s Art. During this season of giving, don’t forget to bring non-perishable food donations to benefit the Alameda County Food Bank, and toy donations for the Mayor’s Community Toy Drive. This event takes place from 5:30-7:30pm at Jack London Square.

Friday, December 4th – Oakland Under $100

Oakland Under $100 is a show featuring affordable art made by local artists. In addition to art, there will be live music. This event promises to a lot of fun. This event will be held from 7pm -10pm at Temescal Art Center, 511 48th Street @ Telegraph. Please note that Temescal Art Center does not permit alcohol so this will be a dry event. This event is sponsored by Lanesplitter Pizza and Pubs. Fore info on the artists and musicians, visit the Facebook page.

Friday, December 4th – East Bay Bicycle Coalition’s Velo Wonderland Bike & Art Party

East Bay Bicycle Coalition’s holiday event, Velo Wonderland: Bike and Art Party provides an opportunity to celebrate with fellow cyclists. The party takes place the same night as Oakland’s First Fridays art walk, Art Murmur, and they’ll have bicycle-themed and recycled art curated by local artist Margo Rivera-Weiss. Enjoy snacks from Spice Monkey and beer from Linden Street Brewery. DJ Olga T will be spinning music all night long. They’ll have a pedi-cab on hand, so you can take a ride in style to nearby Art Murmur galleries. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome – bring a friend! The party takes place from 6-10pm at Uptown Body & Fender, 401 26th Street. For more info, visit EBBC’s website.

Saturday, December 5th – Oakland Holiday Parade

Every year, V Smoothe raves about the Oakland Holiday Parade, yet somehow I’ve still managed to miss it every year so I’m determined to go this year. The parade will be filled with floats, balloons, marching bands, and performance groups. The parade starts at 2:00 p.m. an runs from Broadway and 11th Street to 20th Street, to Harrison Street. For more info, visit the Oakland Holiday Parade website.

Saturday, December 5th – Lighted Yacht Parade

The Oakland Yacht Club and Encinal Yacht Club have organized a beautiful lighted yacht parade that will sail throughout the Oakland/Alameda estuary. Jack London Square provides excellent viewing areas and restaurants to watch this magnificent holiday attraction. Special performance by the Oakland Symphony Chorus will begin at 5:30PM and the event runs until 9pm.

Saturday & Sunday, December 5th & 6th – Jingletown Holiday Art Walk

This holiday open studios will highlight the work of more than 35 artists who live and/or work in the area known as Jingletown, which is situated between the Park and Fruitvale Street bridges bordered by the estuary separating Oakland from the island of Alameda. Among other notable artistic enterprises, Jingletown is the location of the Institute of Mosaic Art and Float Gallery, as well as studios of many other renowned artists who are living and working in one of the most established artist warehouse districts in Oakland. In a time when our neighborhood is changing dramatically, the goal of the Jingletown Arts and Business Community is to heighten awareness about the rich and diverse population of working and exhibiting artists and the creative opportunities in the Jingletown Arts District. The art walk will take place from 11am-6pm throughout Jingletown. For more info on participating artists and a map of the art walk, visit the Jingletown Arts & Business Community website.

Posted in Activism, Art, Community, Entertainment, Food, Music, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit Tagged: AC Transit, Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, Holiday Tree Lighting, Jack London Square, Jingletown, Lighted Yacht Parade, Montclair, Oakland Holiday Parade, Peralta Chicano Latino Association, The Den

My growing gratitude for Oakland art

Becks — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:37:04 +0000

There are so many reasons that I’m grateful to live in Oakland that I couldn’t possibly list all of them in a blog post. Luckily, V Smoothe covered many reasons that overlap with mine (especially AC Transit and all the great farmer’s markets). But there’s one thing that I’ve grown an appreciation for over the past couple of years that surprises me a bit – Oakland art.

Growing up, art was never one of my passions. Sure, I liked seeing art and went to plenty of art museums, probably since my parents are nearly obsessed with museums and have been to so many more museums throughout this country than I can even fathom. But art rarely was at the top of my list. Writing, music, hiking, and, later on, politics beat out art any day.

But that’s started to change. Maybe it’s because of all the incredible Oakland art I’ve seen at Burning Man and the Crucible’s Fire Arts Festival, or because of the art I’ve appreciated at the Art Murmur, or because of all the time I’ve spent sipping chai at Awaken looking at the art on the walls, or because of the fight for public art instead of a surface parking lot in Uptown. Whatever it is, I now can’t seem to get enough of art and feel incredibly grateful that Oakland fulfills this need both through public art and excellent art galleries…

And, of course, through the airport. I lamented a couple months back that there was no more art at the Oakland Airport, but at least one new exhibit opened recently and I got a chance to check it out on Monday. Here’s some of what I saw.

(Yes, that is San Francisco made of Jello. Excuse the glare – you’ll have to check it out for yourself.)

Happy Thanksgiving, and if you’re flying back to Oakland after the holiday, remember to check out some of the art at the airport.

http://oaklandliving.wordpress.com/2008/10/06/monday-morning-distractions-burning-man-2008/

Posted in Art, Oakland Tagged: Oakland airport, Thanksgiving

Ofrendas Para los Muertos – from Oakland, with love

Becks — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:27:35 +0000

Last night, before heading to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meeting and then the Walk Oakland Bike Oakland meeting, I stopped by the opening night of Ofrendas Para Los Muertos, an exhibit in the atrium of the State Building. I only had 10 minutes to enjoy, since my bus was extremely late, but it was incredible and I intend to return soon to take it all in.

Here’s a taste of what the exhibit has to offer:

If you’re downtown any weekday in the next month in a half, I highly recommend checking it out. Here are the details:

Ofrendas Para Los Muertos – from Oakland, with love

November 16-December 31

Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm

State of California Office Building Atrium

1515 Clay Street

Posted in Art, Oakland Tagged: Ofrendas Para los Muertos

November 9-15 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:55:24 +0000

Monday, November 9th – Town Hall with Mayor Dellums and Police Chief Batts

Come hear Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts share their vision of public safety. Topics include:

Mayor Dellums — public safety strategy: PIES (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement, Sustainability)
Chief Batts — vision for the Oakland Police Department
Crime statistics: crime is down double digits citywide,but more must be done
Community policing: how can OPD work with the community to enhance public safety?

The meeting will be held from 6:30-8 pm at Cesar Chavez Educational Center, 2825 International Blvd. An additional meeting is set for Wednesday, November 18, 6:30-8 pm, Tassafaronga Recreation Center, 975 85th Avenue. For details, call the Oaklanders Assistance Center at 444-CITY (2489) or OAC@oaklandnet.com. You can read a review of last week’s town hall at A Better Oakland.

Monday, November 9th – Citywide Zoning Update Meeting for Historic Preservation Issues

As part of the Citywide Zoning Update Staff will be giving a presentation at the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board (LPAB) meeting. Staff will present some background on existing issues of zoning and historic preservation and how the Citywide Zoning Update will work towards implementing the Historic Preservation Element of the General Plan. Staff invites you to attend to gain knowledge about historic preservation methods being considered for incorporation in the Citywide Zoning Update. Your feedback will be incorporated into the overall Citywide Zoning Update process. The meeting takes place at 6pm at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room One. You can also watch it on KTOP. For more information, read the staff report on this item.

Tuesday, November 10th – East Bay Democracy for America Meetup

At their November meeting, Democracy for America will be focusing the marijuana taxation ballot initiative and higher education. The two featured speakers are both East Bay Young Democrats and good friends of mine. Abraham Kniesley from Oaksterdam University will give the status on what the next steps will be to make The Control, Regulate and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 a reality and what we can do to help out. Edie Irons is the communications director for the Institute for College Access and Success. She’ll be talking about funding for higher education here in California and what impact California’s decisions are having on students. There will be an action item that will give you a chance to walk out after the meeting feeling like you’ve done more than just get some information on education funding, you’ll know that you’ve done something to help frame that debate. The meeting will be held at 7:00 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave, Berkeley. RSVP here.

Thursday, November 12th – State Legislature Joint Select Committee on Government Reform Hearing

This year’s state budget set the record for being the latest, and probably the worst, in California’s history. This disastrous process has demonstrated loudly and clearly that the current system is not working and that major change is needed to make the Legislature more responsive to the needs of Californians. Because of this, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass and Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg recently established a new special legislative committee – the Joint Select Committee on Government Reform – which our State Senator Loni Hancock been appointed to as a member. This fall, the Committee, comprised of 10 Senators and 10 Assemblymembers, is hosting a series of hearings throughout the state and is expected to deliver a legislative reform package by January 15, 2010. The next scheduled Joint Select Committee hearing will focus on the topic of ballot box budgeting and initiative reform. They will be hearing from experts about the problems created by our current initiative process and finding real solutions to these obstacles to create better governance in California, as well as a more educated and informed electorate. The hearing will be held from 2:00pm – 7:00 pm, at the Elihu Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, in Oakland.

Thursday, November 12th – Community Workshops (Round 3): Zoning Draft Proposals

Are you an Oakland Resident, Property Owner, Business Owner, or Developer? Learn about and discuss proposed zoning changes for Oakland’s residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors! Planning staff will be hosting its third round of Community Workshops. This workshop will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 E. 12 St., Suite 2001 (Meeting room is on the 2nd floor). For more info, read John Gatewood’s guest post on the zoning update.

Thursday, November 12th – 2nd Annual Wellstone Club Award Reception Honoring Debra Bowen

The Wellstone Club is excited to present its second “Wellstone Award” to California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, our state leader in the fight to ensure that every citizen gets to vote, and every voter’s ballot is counted. She has set a national standard in the battle against voter suppression and illegal efforts to manipulate our democratic process. Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s oldest son, David Wellstone, will present this year’s award. Event co-hosts include Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Senator Loni Hancock, Assemblymembers Sandre Swanson and Nancy Skinner, Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson. This reception will take place from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Silver Dragon Restaurant, 835 Webster Street. Tickets are $50. Find more info at the Wellstone Club’s website.

Thursday, November 12th – Mix It Up East Bay

Join us for a monthly happy hour bringing together young activists, organizers and leaders in the East Bay. California voting is an art and a science, but we’re here to help! Come out and hear (brief) presentations on proposed ballot measure initiatives by:

Abraham Kneisley, Tax Cannabis 2010
Courage Campaign [invited]
Repair California [invited]

Mix It Up East Bay is held every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-9pm at Shashamane at 2507 Broadway. It’s accessible by 19th Street BART station or by AC Transit lines 1/1R, 51, 59.

Friday, November 13th – Estuary Art Attack

First Fridays are not the only day of the month to check out art galleries. Jingle Town and Alameda artists have joined together to start the Estuary Art Attack, a monthly event held on second Fridays to showcase the area’s galleries, restaurants, and bars. The Art Attack will be held from 6-9 pm throughout Jingle Town and Alameda. Check out their website for more details.

Saturday, November 14th - Central Estuary Plan Community Workshop #6

The sixth public workshop will focus on identifying a preferred alternative for the Plan Area. At this workshop, you will be asked to consider which alternative, or pieces of various alternatives speak to your vision for the Central Estuary Area. Please familiarize yourself with the draft alternatives and come to the next community workshop to participate in hands-on mapping exercises in the very important task of developing a preferred alternative! Three draft alternatives for the Plan Area were presented at Workshop #5. Information about these alternatives and all meeting materials can be found on the CEDA website in the Schedule+Meeting section. This workshop will be held from 9:00 am-12:00 pm at Beacon Day School, 2101 Livingston Street, 2nd Floor Auditorium.

Monday, November 9th – Citywide Zoning Update Meeting for Historic Preservation Issues

Posted in Activism, Art, Community, Economy, Election, Entertainment, Oakland, Politics, Urban Planning Tagged: Anthony Batts, Central Estuary Plan, Debra Bowen, Democracy for America, Estuary Art Attack, Loni Hancock, Mayor Dellums, Mix It Up East Bay, Wellstone Democratic Club, zoning update

November 2-8 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 16:08:44 +0000

Monday, November 2nd – Town Hall with Mayor Dellums and Police Chief Batts

Come hear Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts share their vision of public safety. Topics include:

Mayor Dellums — public safety strategy: PIES (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement, Sustainability)
Chief Batts — vision for the Oakland Police Department
Crime statistics: crime is down double digits citywide,but more must be done
Community policing: how can OPD work with the community to enhance public safety?

The meeting will be held from 6:30-8 pm at Prescott Elementary School, 920 Campbell Street in West Oakland. Additional meetings are set for Monday, November 9, 6:30-8 pm, Cesar Chavez Educational Center, 2825 International Blvd. and Wednesday, November 18, 6:30-8 pm, Tassafaronga Recreation Center, 975 85th Avenue. For details, call the Oaklanders Assistance Center at 444-CITY (2489) or OAC@oaklandnet.com.

Monday, November 2nd – Keeping the Faith for Equality

“At the one year anniversary of the passage of Proposition 8, we stand with our friends in Maine and Washington State as they face ballot measures which would strip same-sex couples of relationship protections. Through interfaith prayer, song, and reflection, we are “Keeping the Faith” for equality for all people.” The event is sponsored by California Faith for Equality, Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, California Council of Churches, Progressive Jewish Alliance, Marriage Equality USA, Courage Campaign, Equality California, and many more. It will be held from 7pm – 8pm at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church, 3534 Lakeshore Ave. For more information please contact Reverend Roland Stringfellow.

Monday, November 2nd – Women in Prison: The Real Story

Why do women go to prison and what happens when they get there? Women generally end up in prison for relatively minor offenses-such as writing bad checks to buy food, or being called an “accomplice” when their boyfriend uses their telephone to make a drug deal. Most have been physically or mentally abused. Some are in prison for finally standing up to their batterer. Health care is minimal or deferred, often to the point of being too late. Children are the silent victims; separation is devastating for them. You’ll also learn ways you can give support by making a donation or lending a hand. This event takes place from 6-7:30pm at Buttercup Grill, 229 Broadway at 3rd Street. The event is sponsored by the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Tuesday, November 3rd – Oakland City Council Meeting

Among other items, the Council will discuss applying to host the World Cup, park improvement projects, the Oakland Community Land Trust, adding a billboard East of the Bay Bridge toll plaza, tracking citywide performance measures, and amending the CalPERS firefighter contract. See the full meeting agenda and check out my post about how to watch and understand City Council meetings if you need some guidance on how or where to view the meeting. The non-ceremonial parts of the meeting start at 7pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Wednesday, November 4th – BART Police Department Review Committee Meeting

The BART Police Department Review Committee will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the BART Board Room, which is located in the Kaiser Center 20th Street Mall, Third Floor, 344 20th St., Oakland, CA.

Wednesday, November 4th – Bay Area Toll Authority Hearing on Bridge Toll Increases

Via The Capricious Commuter: “Bay Area bridge operators have scheduled three public hearings on a proposed toll increase on seven state bridges. While bridge operators appear determined to raise tolls, they have many details to figure out. Members of the Bay Area Toll Authority are wrestling with how to revamp tolls to do two new things: collecting tolls from car pools during rush hour periods on all seven bridges, and structuring Bay Bridge tolls so drivers pay more during peak periods, and less during in off-peak times. The affected toll bridges are all in the region except the Golden Gate. The proposal increase would be would increase from $4 to $5 per car except on the Bay Bridge, where the proposal gets more complicated because of the plan to use congestion pricing to encourage more people to avoid the bridge during the rush hour.” The only Oakland hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Joseph P. Bort MetroCenter, Lawrence D. Dahms Auditorium, (across from the Lake Merritt BART Station) 101 Eighth St. For more info, see the BATA report. You can also email comments to tolls@mtc.ca.gov until December 21.

Wednesday, November 4th – Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Meeting

Every month, the Central Committee meets to discuss party business and to make plans for the future of the Democratic Party in Alameda County. This month, Alameda County Registrar of Voters Dave MacDonald will be presenting on instant runoff voting (IRV), which may be implemented in Oakland as soon as next year. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Democratic Party, this is a great way to do so. The meeting will be held from 7-9pm in the San Leandro Main Library, Dave Karp Room, 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577.

Friday, November 6th – Art Murmur

Check out the monthly evening of art gallery shows and entertainment in Uptown. Read my review of the art murmur here. The Art Murmur runs from 6-10pm but individual art gallery times vary. The galleries are mostly located in Uptown, between Broadway and Telegraph, and Grand and 29th. Visit the Murmur’s website for more info.

Saturday, November 7th – Community Workshops (Round 3): Zoning Draft Proposals

Are you an Oakland Resident, Property Owner, Business Owner, or Developer? Learn about and discuss proposed zoning changes for Oakland’s residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors! Planning staff will be hosting its third round of Community Workshops. This workshop will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Peralta Elementary School, 460 63rd Street. For more info, read John Gatewood’s guest post on the zoning update.

Saturday, November 7th – Pro Arts 35th Anniversary Party

Pro Arts announces its 35th Anniversary Party and Box Art Exhibition & Benefit Auction. The event celebrates Pro Arts’ rich history serving regional artists and public audiences, and showcases over 80 original artworks created by artists throughout the greater Bay Area. Pro Arts’ 35th Anniversary Party is free to the public, and includes both a live and silent auction supporting Pro Arts’ Youth Fellows Initiative and annual programs. Artists were invited to create new works with found materials that reflect their own artistic practice. The materials for this year’s Box Art are recycled wooden cubes cut from 6” x 6” wooden beams provided by The ReUse People (TRP). This event highlights the diversity and creativity of Bay Area artists – with sculptors, painters, photographers, printmakers and others all adapting their work to a 6” wooden cube. The party takes place from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at Pro Arts and Oakland Art Gallery, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza. For more info and to RSVP, visit the Facebook page.

Posted in Activism, Art, City Council, Community, Entertainment, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit, Urban Planning Tagged: Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, Art Murmur, BART Police Review Committee, Bay Area Toll Authority, instant runoff voting, Keeping the Faith for Equality, NWPC, Pro Arts, zoning update

October 26-November 1 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 22:46:38 +0000

Tuesday, October 27th – Walk Oakland Bike Oakland Meeting

You may not have thought about it this way, but walking and biking are climate action! Attend WOBO’s October Volunteer Meeting this Tuesday night to discuss opportunities for advancing walking and biking within Oakland’s Energy and Climate Action Plan. The discussion will be led by WOBO Board President Carli Paine.This meeting will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm at Bay Area Wilderness Training, 2301 Broadway, Suite B – enter on 23rd Street. For more info, visit WOBO’s website. (Note that in November, WOBO will change its meeting date to the 4th Thursday of the month, which lands on November 19th.)

Tuesday, October 27th – Sierra Club Meeting on Oakland Energy & Climate Action Plan

Sierra Club East Bay energy activists are holding a meeting for Club members interested in learning more about the Oakland Climate Action Plan and how to advocate for real change that will make Oakland a climate leader. Be a part of the team that will make Oakland a leader in the green economy. The meeting will start at 6:30pm at the Temescal Branch, Oakland Public Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave., at 52nd Street. Contact: Al Weinrub, (510) 531-6692, or al [dot] weinrub [at] comcast [dot] net for further information.

Tuesday, October 27th – San Leandro Community Forum on Bus Rapid Transit

San Leandro will be holding several community meetings over the next few weeks to discuss AC Transt’s bus rapid transit (BRT) project. Though these meetings will be focused on the San Leandro segment, since Oakland’s community meetings have not yet been scheduled, this will be a great chance for Oaklanders to learn more about the project. At the upcoming San Leandro meetings, AC Transit will provide detailed information on the San Leandro draft plan for BRT and collect feedback to present to policy makers. Light refreshments will be provided and there will be a drawing for free AC Transit bus tickets. The meeting will be held from 6:30 – 8:30 pm, with the presentation at 7, at Bayfair Mall, Second floor, near center escalator, 15555 E. 14th Street. The mall is very easily accessible by the 1/1R or the Bayfair BART station.

Thursday, October 29th – Uptown Masquerade Bash

Uptown Masquerade Bash is a great opportunity to support Oakland’s newly restored Fox Theater. This is a benefit event with proceeds going to Friends of the Oakland Fox, who advocate and support the historic preservation of the Fox Theater, as well as proceeds supporting The East Bay Emergency Relief efforts. The event will be an evening of live music, dancing, drinks, food and festivities. Come in costume or purchase a mask at the venue and dance the night away. The event takes place from 7:30pm-midnight at the Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Avenue. General Admission: $20; VIP: $100. Find out more info and RSVP on Facebook.

Friday, October 30th – Roll Up Bike Joust IV

The first Roll Up bike joust took place October 18th, 2008. Since then Roll Up has had 2 more. So this is going to be the 4th Bike Joust we’ve had in the streets of East Oakland, outside The Roll Up bike shop. Grand prizes for the competitors, as well as raffles and prizes for spectators, 2 varieties of tall bike jousting, unicycle olympics, explosions, and more. The event takes place from 8pm-2am outside of Roll Up, 4401 San Leandro Street. Find out more and RSVP on Facebook.

Saturday, October 31st – 23rd Annual Piedmont Avenue Halloween Celebration

Join the Piedmont Avenue Merchants Association on Saturday, October 31 for a family friendly Halloween celebration. Activities throughout the day include a parade at 11am, a pumpkin carving contest hosted by Oaklandish, music, and a pet costume contest. The event takes place on Piedmont Avenue from 9:45am-3:30pm. Visit the Merchants Association website for more details and the full event schedule.
Sunday, November 1st - Fruitvale Dia De Los Muertos

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a one-day celebration of ancestors, deceased loved ones and community. This year’s commemoration of “Celebrating the Spirit of Community” will be a gigantic event loaded with activities and displays for the entire family to enjoy! You will be able to view altar making, an interactive display and traditional ceremonies presented in partnership with the Oakland Museum of CA. Over 25 sacred artist and community altars will be displayed, and traditional music can be enjoyed in the area around the Fruitvale Village. The BART parking area will be transformed into a vibrant “Plaza Musical.” In the Plaza, Oakland Parks and Recreation will offer children’s activities; in addition, Fun n’ Games rides, retail vendors and tasty ethnic foods will be available. International Boulevard will be filled with arts and craft vendors that will offer Dia de Los Muertos and other ethnic merchandise. This eclectic Day of the Dead celebration is a safe, family oriented, non-alcoholic event that is FREE to the public. The event will take place from 10:00 am-5:00 pm along International Boulevard between Fruitvale and 35th Avenues and will be expanded to the area around the Fruitvale Plaza and down 12th Street to 37th Avenue. For more info, visit Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente’s website.

Posted in Activism, Art, Community, Entertainment, Environmentalism, Food, Music, Oakland, Public Transit, Urban Planning Tagged: BRT, Climate Action Plan, Dia De Los Muertos, Fox Theater, Fruitvale, Halloween, Piedmont, San Leandro, Sierra Club, Uptown Masquerade Bash, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland

October 12-18 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:50:06 +0000

Tuesday, October 13th – Final Vote on EBMUD Water Supply Management Plan 2040

Via EBMUD Director Andy Katz: “The EBMUD Board of Directors will consider adopting the Water Supply Management Plan 2040 to meet our water needs over the next 30 years on Tuesday afternoon, October 13. While the Plan includes increased water conservation programs, recycled water projects, rationing during worst-case droughts, securing water transfers and groundwater storage, it also includes desalination, and expanding Pardee reservoir with a new dam. The proposal to expand Pardee Reservior would flood 1200 acres, including nearly three miles of riparian and scenic stretch of the Mokelumne River that is used for whitewater recreation and fishing. I support managing our water supply relying on groundwater storage, recycled water, rationing at 15% in severe worst-case droughts, and increased investment in conservation programs to avoid the environmental impacts of a new dam that would destroy our natural resources. Public involvement is essential to achieving an environmentally responsible water plan that reflects the values of our community.” The Board of Directors meeting will be held at 1:15pm on the 2nd floor of 375 11th St., Oakland. For additional info, visit EBMUD’s website.

POSTPONED – Tuesday, October 13th 20th – Taste of Temescal

This event has been postponed until next week due to expected heavy rain and wind.

Twenty-one of Temescal’s best restaurants are offering a taste from their menus. Visit Dona Tomas, Pizzaiolo, Barlata, Burma Superstar, Mixing Bowl, Bakesale Betty, Lanesplitters and many more all while supporting Good Cents for Oakland, Emerson Elementary School, Claremont Middle School and Women’s Cancer Resource Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and children 12 and over. The event will be held from 6-8:30pm on Telegraph between 40th and 51st Streets. For details and tickets, visit the Temescal District website.

Wednesday, October 14th – AC Transit Board Meeting on Service Cuts & BRT Funding Swap

Ugh, I really wish i could make it to this meeting because it’s incredibly important. The AC Transit Board will be discussing the delay of service cuts and will be receiving an update on discussions with MTC regarding potential the shift of capital BRT funds to operating funds. If you haven’t been following this issue, check out V Smoothe’s two thorough posts about it. The Board will also be voting on a resolution to buy American (I’m sure this will make Joyce Roy and the rest of the Van Hool haters happy) and a resolution approving a collective bargaining agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union 192. This meeting will take place at 6pm in the 2nd floor board room, 1600 Franklin Street. You can read the agenda and see the relevant memos here. If you plan to attend and would like to write a guest post about the meeting, please contact me at oaklandbecks at gmail dot com.Wednesday, October 14th – East Bay Democracy for America Meetup

At their October meeting, Democracy for America will be focusing on water issues and update the group on the public option. From DFA: “Get an update on the status of the Delta’s water. While an effort to hand control over Governor Schwarzenegger and his cronies was thwarted, there is still a possibility of it happening while broader issues regarding the water in the state of California could be impacted during the on going budget crisis. Assemblyperson Nancy Skinner, chair of the Assembly Natural Resources Committee, will talk about how she views water resources in California and what role her committee should play in making decisions about those resources. We’ll also hear about EBMUD’s efforts to meet our water needs in increasingly dry years. There are dam issues, water allocations and conservation measures that face EBMUD this year.” The meeting will be held at 6:30 at the Rockridge Library, 5366 College Avenue. RSVP here.

Thursday, October 15th - Women of the Black Panther Party and Beyond

The Main Library will put on a one-day exhibit, Women of the Black Panther Party and Beyond. This exhibit will celebrate the women of the Black Panther Party with photos, art and a short film honoring their service to the community, leadership, and vision. Hear the experiences of women fighting to uplift the community. The exhibit will be up from 2 to 8 pm, with the program starting at 5:30 pm. The Main Library is at 125 14th St. The event will take place downstairs in the West Auditorium.

Thursday, October 15th – Oakland Sierra Club Mixer & Activist Social Event

Join local members of the Sierra Club’s Northern Alameda County (NAC) Group for a fun evening in the Fruitvale transit center. They will be socializing and introducing some of our priority campaigns. Connect with other folks in the environmental community, including CBE, Transform, and other organizations. Find out how you can get active in your community! The event will be held from 6:30-8:30 at Mar Y Tierra Restaurant at the Fruitvale Village, 3411 E. 12th St. (ground floor). Directions: Take BART to Fruitvale station, exit and walk into the Transit Village. The restaurant should be on your left (downtown Oakland side). Look for signs. Contact: Kent Lewandowski, (510) 625-5831, or kentlewan [at] yahoo [dot] com.

Thursday, October 15th – Oakland Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Meeting

Oakland’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) meets monthly to discusses bicycle and pedestrian issues. This month’s agenda covers updated criteria for prioritizing stair and pathway remediation, the 38th & 40th Street bikeways, and new bicycle parking rack guidelines. The BPAC is extremely inclusive – any Oakland resident who attends three consecutive meetings becomes a voting member of the committee – so if you’re interested in bike and ped issues, you should consider attending. The BPAC will be meeting from 5:30-7:30pm in Hearing Room 4 of City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Friday, October 16th – Pacific Coast Brewery 21st Anniversary Block Party

Celebrate Pacific Coast Brewery’s 21st anniversary with beer and music in the street. This event takes place from 5-11pm on Washington Street between 9th and 10th in Old Oakland. Find out more info at Pacific Coast Brewery’s website.

Saturday, October 17 - Oakland Kidical Mass

Walk Oakland Bike Oakland invites you to participate in a social ride for anyone interested in a kid-friendly, mellow bike ride, where you’ll get to know others who move their families around Oakland by bike. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult to participate. Ride meets at Frog Park (Hardy St. & Claremont Ave) from 10-10:30am with expected departure about 10:45am. Destination is Lake Shore Park. Ride is about 3 miles – expect a leisurely pace and relaxed atmosphere.

Saturday, October 17th - Linden Street Brewery Brats & Beer

Via Oaklandish: “Join us at Linden Street Brewery for a great party that benefits the Rotary Club of Oakland and Bay Area Community Services (B.A.C.S.) Come through to eat and drink for a cause! This event is Saturday, October 17th, 12:00-5:00pm at Linden St. Brewery (#8 Linden St. @ 3rd St.). There is no cover charge, and this is a family-friendly event. There will be a free shuttle from West Oakland BART and valet bicycle parking.” For more information, visit Linden Street’s website.

Saturday, October 17th - The Black Panther Film Fest

The West Oakland Branch of the library and It’s about Time presents the Black Panther Film Fest. Three films will be screened: Legacy of Torture: The War Against The Black Liberation Movement; Merritt College: Home of the Black Panthers; and Lord of the Revolution. Films screen from 1 to 5 pm at the West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline Street.

Saturday, October 17th - Reflect. Honor. Prepare – Commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake

Via Jean Quan’s newsletter: “Our office will be joining many other organizations at an emergency preparedness fair and commemoration of the Loma Prieta Earthquake in 1989. Free raffle for 100 earthquake preparedness kits. Free blood pressure checks. Remembrance ceremony at 5:04 pm honoring those who lost their lives in the collapse of the Cypress Freeway during the Loma Prieta earthquake on October 17, 1989.” This event will be held from 3-5:30 pm at Cypress Freeway Memorial Park, Mandela Parkway at 14th Street.

Sunday, October 18th - Reviving Oakland’s Main Street: Greenbelt Alliance and Sierra Club Urban Walk

Stroll along Broadway with members of Greenbelt Alliance and the Northern Alameda County Group of the Sierra Club. They’ll look at the area along Broadway St. between 23rd Street and I-580. The city hopes to attract more retail here, creating a thriving new shopping district for Oakland residents and others. During the event, they’ll discuss the opportunities and constraints in welcoming sustainable development to the area, share news about the Project Alternatives, and provide ways to get involved. The walk will take place from 1-3pm – meet at 27th & Broadway, near the First Presbyterian Church (meet in front of the church). Contact: Joanna Winchester, (202) 725-6513, or joannawinchester [at] gmail [dot] com.

Posted in Activism, Art, Community, East Bay, Entertainment, Environmentalism, Food, Music, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit, Urban Planning Tagged: Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Black Panthers, Democracy for America, EBMUD, Greenbelt Alliance, Kidical Mass, library, Linden Street Brewery, Loma Prieta earthquake, Nancy Skinner, Pacific Coast Brewery, Sierra Club, Temescal, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland

October 5-11 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:11:49 +0000

Monday, October 5th – Commercial/Corridors Technical Advisory Group Meeting

Thus far, the TAG has reviewed a framework for ten new zoning districts for the City’s corridors and commercial. The TAG has also reviewed detailed activity tables and design regulations for each of the proposed zones and a framework for appropriate height limits. At this TAG meeting, staff will present a conceptual map showing the proposed location of these new zones and a methodology for determining the location of the different height areas. The next meeting will be devoted to a discussion of a proposed map of height areas. The meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. in City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, in Hearing Room 4 (this is on the 2nd floor). For more information, visit the Zoning Update website.

Monday, October 5th – Title IX: Gender Equity in Sports & Educational Programs 37 Years Later, We Still Have a Way to Go

Diane Milutinovich had served as a coach and athletics administrator at California State University Fresno for 22 years when she was told her position was being eliminated due to budgetary reasons. Yet in the next 2 years, the university’s athletics budget went up $2 million, and they added 17 new positions. Spending per male athlete went up $17,000; for female athletes, $8! It took 5 years, but she won her gender discrimination lawsuit. Diane will share her experience and paint a broad picture of the state of compliance today. While she will focus mainly on sports programs, she will also discuss the other areas Title IX covers including admission to universities, sexual harassment, and discrimination due to pregnancy or marital status. This event takes place from6-7:30pm at Buttercup Grill, 229 Broadway at 3rd Street. The event is sponsored by the National Women’s Political Caucus.

Tuesday, October 6th – Oakland City Council Meeting

After the last Council meeting, I posted a poll asking if you’d like to see more in depth coverage of Council meetings either before or after them. More than half of you said you’d like to see coverage before, so I’m going to start that feature tomorrow or Tuesday and will cover the full Council agenda in depth. But so you can plan, the two most contentious items of the night are the rollback of parking meter hours to 6pm and a resolution opposing the Oakland Airport Connector. It should be a very long night again for the Council. See the full meeting agenda and check out my post about how to watch and understand City Council meetings if you need some guidance on how or where to view the meeting. The non-ceremonial parts of the meeting start at 7pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Wednesday, October 7 – Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Meeting

Every month, the Central Committee meets to discuss party business and to make plans for the future of the Democratic Party in Alameda County. This month’s program sounds extremely interesting and informative – “Eye on Alameda County Water Boards” featuring Andy Katz from EBMUD and Marty Koller from Alameda County Water District. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Democratic Party, this is a great way to do so. The meeting will be held from 7-9pm in the San Leandro Main Library, Dave Karp Room, 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577.

Thursday, October 8th - Rebecca Kaplan’s Birthday Party

Celebrate Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan’s birthday! Join us for a “happy hour’ reception (with great food and birthday cake) to celebrate Rebecca’s 39th birthday! Socializing, fun people, and time to share in the events of the past year, and hear about Rebecca’s plans for the coming year. The party takes place from 5pm – 7pm atJoyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14th Street (Next to Geoffrey’s Inner Circle), near the corner of Broadway and 14th st in downtown Oakland. Suggested contribution, sliding scale $390 – $39. Visit Rebecca’s website to contribute, or to RSVP, contact Earp Events & Fundraising at 510-839-3100 or laurie@earpevents.com.

Thursday, October 8th – Mix It Up East Bay

Join us for a monthly happy hour bringing together young activists, organizers and leaders in the East Bay. The challenges of foster and former foster youth impact communities across the Bay Area. Come out and hear (brief) presentations on the range of local work supporting foster and former foster youth by:

Letitia Henderson-Souza, Casey Family Programs
Kevin Bristow, Renaissance Scholars Program, Cal State University East Bay
Reed Connell, Alameda County Foster Youth Alliance

Mix It Up East Bay is held every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-9pm at Shashamane at 2507 Broadway. It’s accessible by 19th Street BART station or by AC Transit lines 1/1R, 51, 59.

Thursday-Sunday, October 8th-11th - Big Sale at Bookmark Bookstore

The Bookmark Bookstore, operated by the Friends of the Oakland Public Library, will have its 30% off fall sale October 8 – 11, 2009 (Thursday – Sunday). The Bookmark will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day this sale is happening. The Bookmark is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Bookmark is located at 721 Washington St in Old Oakland. When you shop the Bookmark, you are supporting the Oakland Public Library! Call 510-444-0473 for more information, or visit the Friends online.

Friday, October 9th – Special Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board Meeting

LPAB is holding a special meeting this Friday to discuss a proposal to “Develop more restrictive Demolition Findings based on Historic Preservation Element.” This is the first step to address demolition findings that along with view corridors were omitted from the recent passage of the downtown Oakland Zoning Update rules. The meeting will be held at 5pm in City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 2.

Friday, October 9th – Estuary Art Attack

Saturday, October 10th - Oaktoberfest

Oakland’s Dimond District hosts this one-of-a-kind Fall Festival, welcoming thousands with entertainment, arts, and ecology. The Dimond continues a tradition as an entertainment destination, begun in the early 1900’s when Beer Gardens and German vacation resorts lined the boulevard. Oaktoberfest will bring world-class beer to the giant tented beer hall, serving steins of traditional German flavors regional brew pub favorites. Highlighting this years festival will be a traditional Biergarten, the Eco Fair, a Kid’s Area with Root Biergarten, a homebrew competition, and vendors from around the Bay. Celebrate Oktoberfest, Oakland style, in the Dimond at Fruitvale and MacArthur. The festival takes place from 11am-6pm on MacArthur Blvd. at Fruitvale Avenue. Visit the Oaktoberfest website for more information.

Saturday, October 10th - Life is Living Festival & 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle

Life is Living is a FREE concert and caucus to affirm urban life through hip hop, intergenerational health, and environmental action. Activities will include a concert featuring Phroahe Monch, Kev Choice and Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir, Mighty 4 B-Boy Battle,the 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, youth town hall on health care sponsored by President Obama’s non-profit wing, Organizing for America, the Official opening of Town Park featuring Hood Games, a Skate and Bike competition, environmental Service Learning project with The Natural Builders, writing, visual Art and fashion Workshops, health screening for elders, healthy food/ healthy planet models presented by the Oakland Food Connection, City Slicker Farms, Food and Water Watch, and The People’s Grocery, and much, much more. The festival takes place from 11am-5pm at deFremery Park, 1651 Adeline St. For more info and to RSVP, see the event’s Facebook page.

Saturday, October 10th - Jane Brunner’s October Community Advisory Meeting: Meet Oakland’s New Chief of Police

This Saturday, Council President Jane Brunner will be introducing Oakland’s new police chief, Anthony Batts, to Oaklanders and he will be there to answer your questions. This meeting will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at Peralta Elementary School, 460 63rd Street. To learn more, call 238-7001.

Sunday, October 11th - Sundays in the Redwoods – Ledisi

This free concert features Ledisi. Bring sunscreen, hats and water– it can get very hot in the sun. Gates open at 1:30– concerts start at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road. To reserve a picnic table, contact Renee Tucker at 238-4720. Find more info at the Sundays in the Redwoods website.

After a two month long recess, the Council is back in action this week and this first meeting is full of important and contentious issues. Among many other items, the Council will discuss and vote on an emergency moratorium on nail salons and laundromats, the Public Works Agency performance audit, the City Auditor’s whistleblower program report, and the authorization of incoming Chief of Police Anthony Batts’s salary. That is, they’ll be discussing all of those items if they can get past the most contentious topic of the night – parking. Pat Kernighan, after being targeted by a pro-parking mob, has proposed rolling back meter hour to 6pm from 8pm. The problem is that this would blow a $1.3 million hole in the city’s incredibly tight budget. Kernighan’s solution is to crack down on disabled placard parking fraud, but staff recommends not rolling back the meter times and Rebecca Kaplan sent the Council a copy of Donald Shoup’s presentation on “The High Cost of Free Parking.” See the full meeting agenda and check out my post about how to watch and understand City Council meetings if you need some guidance on how or where to view the meeting. The non-ceremonial parts of the meeting start at 7pm in the Council Chambers in City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza.

Posted in Activism, Art, City Council, Community, Entertainment, Food, Music, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit, Urban Planning Tagged: Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, Andy Katz, Anthony Batts, Dimond, EBMUD, Estuary Art Attack, Jane Brunner, Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board, Life is Living Festival, Mix It Up East Bay, NWPC, Oakland Airport connecter, Oaktoberfest, parking, Rebecca Kaplan, Sundays in the Redwoods

September 28-October 4 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:24:15 +0000

Monday, September 28th – The Story of How Copenhagen Became a Cycling City

In the 1970s, Copenhagen was an automobile-centric city, even though it had a substantial cycling population. Huge public demonstrations in the early 1980s resulted in significant changes in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Since that time, Copenhagen has become of one the world’s preeminent cycling cities. How did this transformation happen? What changes in policy and design made Copenhagen such a pro-cycling city? What benefits have the city and its people seen as a result? WOBO is a local host to delegates from the German Marshall Fund’s Transatlantic Cities Network. They’ll be sharing their experiences and expert opinions on how and why Oakland can become a world-class cycling city. This even will be held from 5:30-7:30pm at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza – Hearing Rm 4.

Tuesday, September 29th – Free Urban Bicycle Safety Class

consists of a 3.5 hour Traffic Safety 101 Classroom workshop (formerly Day One Street Skills) and a 6.5 hour Traffic Safety 101 Road Class (formerly known as Day Two Road I class) of on-bike instruction. We encourage you to take both Day One and Day Two and to entice you to do so, we’ll give you a free front/back bike light upon completing the class. If, however, your time is limited, sign up for a Day One class. You can always take a Day Two class later. The class will take place from 6-9:30 pm at Kaiser Medical Center, 3801 Howe St, Fabiola Building Room G65B. Register online at: www.ebbc.org/safety.

Wednesday, September 30th – Meet the New OUSD Superintendent

OUSD Director Jody London invites the public to a Town Hall Meeting with new Superintendent Tony Smith. Learn about Oakland’s education priorities, provide your ideas and compare notes with other public school supporters. Refreshments provided. The town hall will take place from 7-8 pm at Oakland International High School, 4521 Webster Street. Contact Jody London for details at 459-0667.

Thursday, October 1st - Central Estuary Plan Community Workshop #5

This Thursday, the fifth meeting will be held for for the Central Estuary Plan, which is designed to build a vision and provide a framework to support development and enhancement of the Estuary from Adeline Street to 66th Avenue. Community Workshop #5 will include an in-depth presentation of three draft land use alternatives. Come share your thoughts about the draft land use alternatives! You can read about the first meeting at Oakland Streets or at A Better Oakland. (The CEDA website also includes meeting presentations and other materials.) This workshop will be held from 6:30-9:00 pm at The Unity Council, Fruitvale-San Antonio Senior Center, 3301 East 12th Street, Suite 201 (Fruitvale Transit Village).

Thursday, October 1st - Full Moon Buy Night

Join Oakland Unwrapped for Oakland’s first Full Moon Buy Night – an indie night bazaar featuring shops and artisans from Oakland Unwrapped!, food and drink from Jack London Square Restaurants, a twilight farmer’s market, and lots of music, fire, dancing, ice skating and more. Bike Valet provided by Bay Area Bikes! This event will take place from 5:30-9:30 pm at Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero. For more info, visit the Oakland Unwrapped website.

Friday, October 2nd – Art Murmur

Friday, October 2nd – FilmNight 4.0 at Swarm

Swarm Gallery is pleased to announce the fourth in a series of monthly screenings of experimental, documentary, short, feature-length and animated film, video and all formats in between, curated by filmmakers and film enthusiasts from the Bay Area and beyond. There is a new home for film in Oakland! FILMNIGHT 4.0 features an evening of artifacts from the Bay Area’s live cinema milieu with a spotlight on the work of musicians who are making unique statements in the world of film. Including work from: Liz Allbee, Elise Baldwin, Jordan Glenn, epic[ABRIDGED], Kadet Kuhne, Daniel Popsicle, WetGate, Wiggwaum, and small, intense surprises. FILMNMIGHT 4.0 is curated by Suki O’Kane, Project Coordinator for ILLUMINATED CORRIDOR, a collision of public art, live music and film. “Doors” open at 7:30 and screening begins at 8:00 pm in the Oakland Ironworks parking lot [behind Swarm Gallery], 3rd Street between Jefferson and Clay. Find more info at Swarm’s website.

Saturday, October 3rd - State Reps Host Day of Financial Planning

Join Assemblymember Sandré Swanson, State Contorller John Chiang, Senator Loni Hancock, the City of Oakland and other sponsors for a day of free financial advice and planning assistance. Hear from certified financial planning professionals through a series of free workshops and clinics. This event will be your chance to learn information about 401ks, mortgages, savings accounts, IRAs, loans, estate planning, foreclosures, and tax preparation for personal finance needs and/or the financial needs of non-profit and religious organizations. Certified public accountants will be available for private consultations, so please feel free to bring necessary financial documents if you have questions or concerns. The services provided at this event are free and confidential and participating professional advisors will not solicit their services or promote themselves in any way. Private financial institutions will NOT be included in this event as this program is free of any kind of promotion. This event will be held from 10am-4pm at Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza. For additional information or to RSVP, call: Iesha Powell, (510) 286-1670 or email clinicregistration@yahoo.com.

Saturday, October 3rd - 8th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence

Walkers meet at the Lake Merritt Boat House in Oakland for a Walk Against Domestic and Teen Dating Violence. This is a collaborative effort by Communities-N-Concert, and Progressive Transitions, with support from the Alameda County Domestic Violence Coalition. The walk takes place from 8am-12pm.

Sunday, October 4th - Sundays in the Redwoods – Jon Jang & James Newton

This free concert features the Jon Jang & James Newton. Bring sunscreen, hats and water– it can get very hot in the sun. Gates open at 1:30– concerts start at Woodminster Amphitheater in Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road. To reserve a picnic table, contact Renee Tucker at 238-4720. Find more info at the Sundays in the Redwoods website.

Posted in Art, Community, Entertainment, Music, Oakland, Urban Planning Tagged: Art Murmur, Central Estuary Plan, East Bay Bicycle Coalition, FilmNight, Full Moon Buy Night, Jody London, Sundays in the Redwoods, Swarm, Tony Smith, Walk Oakland Bike Oakland

UPDATED w/photos: Happy PARK(ing) Day!

Becks — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:07:12 +0000

Today is PARK(ing) Day, “an annual, one-day, global event where artists, activists, and citizens independently but simultaneously temporarily transform metered parking spots into “PARK(ing)” spaces: temporary public parks.”

And on my way to work I was able to snap a photo of the PARKing spot outside of Pizzaiola on Telegraph near 51st:

According to the PARK(ing) Day map, there are three other PARK(ing) spots in Oakland:

1611 Telegraph (at 16th Street)
444 17th Street (between Broadway & Franklin)
421 40th Street (at Webster Street)

I’ll stop by the two downtown locations later today to snap some photos, hopefully closer up than the one above. I encourage you to get out and enjoy PARK(ing) Day today.

UPDATE: And here are the photos…

A lemonade stand on 17th Street:

A PARK(ing) spot on Telegraph in front of Van Cleef:

And another bus picture, closer up, of the spot in front of Pizzaiola:

Posted in Activism, Art, Oakland Tagged: Park[ing] Day

Enter the Contest: Stop the OAC Creatively!

Becks — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:17:21 +0000

Disclosure: I am working on a part time, short term basis for TransForm on the Oakland Airport Connector campaign. However, the thoughts expressed in my posts on this subject are my own and should not be construed to be those of TransForm.

The more and more I write about, think about, and advocate against the Oakland Airport Connector (OAC), the more and more absurd it seems. And as I talk to people about it, it’s clear that I’m not the only one that feels that way.

But after a while, pulling your hair out and banging your head against the wall in an effort to figure out how anybody could support the OAC isn’t very productive. So TransForm and the coalition for a better connector has launched a contest to inspire creative criticism of this half-billion dollar bling-frastructure project and raise critical media attention as we go into the final phase to stop the proposed project and support a common sense solution this fall.

So let your creative juices and pent up frustration flow and send your entries to StopTheOAC@gmail.com by September 12th for the chance to win cash prizes:

Best Image or Multimedia – $250 Prize
Best Haiku – $100 Prize

For many more details on the contest and the top ten most ridiculous reasons to support this project, visit OaklandAirportConnector.com/Contest.

But first, let me explain one more reason this project makes no sense – it’s even less seamless than we had originally thought!

If you’ve ridden the AirBART bus, you know it’s a pretty simple connection to make. You 1) Walk down the escalator and 2) Exit the station to wait for and board the bus. Now, the way BART’s been hyping the OAC, you might have presumed that it would be even more seamless. Wrong! Check out the trip from the Colisueum BART station to the OAC:

And this doesn’t even take into account the trip down another escalator and across a parking lot and lanes of traffic once you reach the airport!

I look forward to seeing your haiku, image, and multimedia entries that put a creative spin on why we must stop the OAC. Check out the first few entries at OaklandAirportConnector.com/Contest for more inspiration.

(And if you haven’t yet signed the petition to stop the OAC, please sign it now! We’ve passed 400 signatures and are aiming for 500.)

Previous posts on the Oakland Airport Connector:

OaklandAirportConnector.com/Contest

Posted in Activism, Art, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit, Urban Planning Tagged: BART, Oakland Airport connecter

Oakland Updates: OAC, Chickens & Goats, Art & Soul, and Police Changes

Becks — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:50:16 +0000

Should the Oakland Airport Connector receive a federal grant and loan?: Eric at Transbay Blog ponders this question thoroughly. He ultimately conclues that the OAC is not a great candidate for either the TIGER grant or TIFIA loan, due to changes in the project that have reduced economic impact and impact on regional transit. Both posts in this series are worth the read, but the best line comes in Post 2, when Eric discusses regioonal impact: “The fact of the matter is, the vast majority of people going to Oakland Airport will not be interested in taking the OAC. They might, however, point to it while driving on Hegenberger.”

Chickens at Pizzaiolo and goats in your backyard: A story in the LA Times, via dto510, reveals that Pizzaiolo now has a chicken coop in the back alongside beehives that will soon be full with bees. As someone who raises chickens and now only eats their eggs, I know that fresh eggs are entirely worth it and am glad to hear that a restaurant is taking advantage of this. Novella Carpenter, the West Oakland farmer, is also mentioned in this article, and this week she announced on her blog that she’s selling three goats. They’re so cute and if I had room for them, I might just have to buy them. But sadly I don’t, so if you do have the space, consider buying them.

Photos of Art & Soul: This year, I was so excited that I would finally get to go to Art & Soul, since it wasn’t going to be during Burning Man. But then my sister had to go and schedule her bachelorette party for last weekend and I missed it. Fortunately, Gene wrote about it at Our Oakland and posted some beautiful photos, including this one:

You’ve probably already heard this, but… We have a new chief of police, Anthony Batts. BART is losing its chief of police, after a scathing report was released about how BART police handled the situation that led to the killing of Oscar Grant. In more cheerful news, the Lake Chalet opened this week. I’ve yet to hear about the food, but the bar is apparently great.

Posted in Art, Community, Food, Oakland, Public Transit Tagged: Anthony Batts, Art & Soul Festival, BART police, Lake Chalet, Novella Carpenter, Oakland Airport connecter, Pizzaiolo

August 10-16 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 15:05:46 +0000

Monday, August 10th - East Bay Young Dems Confab & Endorsement Meeting

Join East Bay Young Dems to review the U.S. Congressional District 10 candidates’ questionnaire responses, engage in lively debate (we always do!), and vote to back one lucky political player with our club endorsement. A 60% threshold among voting, current dues-paying members is needed to earn EBYD’s endorsement. The following Democratic candidates are eligible for EBYD’s endorsement: Ms. Tiffany Attwood, Assemblymember Joan Buchanan, State Senator Mark DeSaulnier, Lt. Governor John Garamendi, Mr. Adriel Hampton, and Captain Anthony Woods. We’re coming full circle after our successful Summertime in the East Bay Mixer, where EBYDs got to mix and mingle with the candidates over a beer at The Grand Tavern. The meeting will be held from 6:30-8:30pm at Shashamane at 2507 Broadway. It’s accessible by 19th Street BART station or by AC Transit lines 1/1R, 51, 59. You can find more info about our endorsement process and candidate questionnaires at the EBYD website.

Tuesday, August 11th – EBMUD Water Supply Management Plan 2040 Update

East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is planning for the future with an update to the Water Supply Management Plan for 2040. The Board of Directors developed a “preferred portfolio” for meeting our water needs over the next 30 years. The portfolio includes increased water conservation programs, recycled water projects, rationing during worst-case droughts, securing water transfers and groundwater storage, desalination, and expanding Pardee reservoir with a new dam. The Board of Directors Workshop on this plan will be held from 8:30am – 11am at 375 11th St., Oakland. For additional info, visit EBMUD’s website.

Thursday, August 13th – Mix It Up East Bay

Join us for a monthly happy hour bringing together young activists, organizers and leaders in the East Bay. The East Bay has many assets, and access to high quality, fresh, organic food is definitely high on the list! Come out and hear (brief) presentations on the range of work on food justice, food security, and local urban agriculture by:

Gail Myers, Farms to Grow
Jason Harvey, Oakland Food Connection
Susan Coss, Eat Real Festival

Mix It Up East Bay is held every 2nd Thursday of the month from 6-9pm at Shashamane at 2507 Broadway. It’s accessible by 19th Street BART station or by AC Transit lines 1/1R, 51, 59.

Friday, August 14th – Estuary Art Attack

Friday, August 14th – Dancing Under the Stars at Jack London Square

Due to the success of Dancing Under the Stars, Jack London Square will offer an additional four-event series of free outdoor dance classes on select Friday nights through the end of September. Singles and couples alike can practice their sizzling salsa moves, learn new Latin dances like the Cha Cha, or do the Hustle while listening to disco. Live bands will add a new level of entertainment to the program. Novices and experienced dancers are all welcome to spend the evening dancing outdoors on Oakland’s celebrated waterfront. No reservation is required, and all ages are welcome. Dancing Under the Stars will begin at 7:30 PM for professional dance lessons and 8:30 PM for open dance at the foot of Broadway. This Friday, they’ll be teaching Salsa.

Saturday-Sunday, August 15th-16th - Art & Soul Festival

Art & Soul, which has historicall been held on Labor Day weekend, has been moved to this weekend. Though I’m not too excited about the lineup, I love the thought of so much of downtown Oakland being closed to car traffic. Via the event’s Facebook page: “A new date, but the same great entertainment value condensed into two music-packed days with Jazz, Rock, Gospel, Latin, R&B, Smooth Jazz and Blues. Youngsters will love the kid-friendly carnival rides, interactive art projects, face painting and roaming costumed characters. Stroll through the Artisan Marketplace, sample exotic foods and tasty treats from a multicultural menu, watch exciting dance performances, and view and create art.” The festival will be held from noon-6pm on Saturday and Sunday. It costs $10 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors, and is free for children 12 and under. Entrances are at 14th Street & Broadway, 16th Street & San Pablo Avenue, and Promenade beside City Center West Garage. There will be free attended bike parking and it’s easy to get to by AC Transit or BART.

Saturday, August 15th - Walking The Key System’s C Line

The Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA) holds regular walking tours, and this one sounded particularly interesting. Follow early day Key System commuters on their way to the Key ferries. Walk past the train yard, through the Key System 40th Street Cut, and over to the old Key System station and mural at Piedmont Avenue. Learn about the Key System’s plan to build a line though Piedmont and Oakland to San Jose. Tour ends on Piedmont Avenue, walk or bus back to BART. *Optional extension after lunch. A level walk. The walk runs from 10 am–1:30 pm at the meeting point is at MacArthur BART Station underpass on 40th Street. Tour does not loop. OHA tours cost $10 for members or $15 for non-members. Meet 15 minutes before listed time for registration. Comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Bring water. In case of rain, the tour will be canceled. For more info and OHA’s full schedule of tours, visit their website.

Posted in Art, Community, Election, Entertainment, Food, Music, Oakland, Politics, Public Transit, Urban Planning, Walking Tagged: Art & Soul Festival, Dancing Under the Stars, East Bay Young Democrats, EBMUD, Estuary Art Attack, Jack London Square, Key System, Mix It Up East Bay, Oakland Heritage Alliance

August 3-9 Oakland Political & Community Events

Becks — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:57:34 +0000

Tuesday, August 4th – National Night Out

The “26th Annual National Night Out” (NNO) is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. This year, there nearly 400 NNO events in Oakland will provide opportunities for Oaklanders to meet neighbors and enjoy an evening out in Oakland. You can search for an event in your neighborhood at the NNO’s website.

Wednesday, August 5th – Oakland Builders Alliance Summer BBQ Mixer

Come to the OBA Summer BBQ Mixer and meet others in the building trades and professions. Enjoy a delicious Bar B Q meal, compliments of Brian Garrett, President of Community Bank of the Bay, while you share information about contracting and development opportunities in Oakland! The BBQ will be on Wednesday August 5th from 5:30 to 8:00 pm at The Community Bank of the Bay at 1750 Broadway. To RSVP Call Erin Cusick: 510-437-9620 ext.4. Entrance is free to all members and a $10 donation is recommended for all non-members. RSVP on Facebook.

Wednesday, August 5th – Alameda County Democratic Central Committee Meeting

Every month, the Central Committee meets to discuss party business and to make plans for the future of the Democratic Party in Alameda County. If you’re interested in getting involved with the Democratic Party, this is a great way to do so. The meeting will be held from 7-9pm in the San Leandro Main Library, Dave Karp Room, 300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro, CA 94577.

Thursday, August 6th – Jack London Square Waterfront Flick Outdoor Movie Night

Jack London Square is showing nautical themed films all summer long, featuring Big Fish this week. Guest speakers and trivia games begin at 7:30 PM. At nightfall, favorite movies will be shown on giant screens. Diners may enjoy restaurant specials, as well as take away meal boxes. Special guests: Oakland Barracuda Aquatics. The movie will be shown at 8pm on the East Lawn of Jack London Square. Find out more details at the JLS events page.

Friday, August 7th– East Bay Express Best of the East Bay Party

The East Bay Express is throwing a party to celebrate the winners of the Best of the East Bay. I didn’t make it to the party last year, but I heard it was packed and tons of fun. The main stage will feature Superfinos VTO, The Thrill of it All, Mystic Rage, Swann Danger, Souls of Mischief, C U Next Weekend (Shampu), Dizzy Balloon, Social Unrest, Fracas, and Goapele. There will also be a Kids Party Zone, film screenings, dance, theater, live art making, tattoo art exhibition, fashion shows, contact sports and professional wrestling ring, outdoor village of food, drinks, artists, retailers, and nonprofits, and much, much more. The party runs from 5 p.m.-midnight at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street. It’s free, and all ages are welcome. You can get there via many AC Transit lines, Lake Merritt BART, or by bike, complete with valet bike parking, courtesy of East Bay Bicycle Coalition. Check out the party’s blog for much more info.

Friday, August 7th– Art Murmur

Saturday, August 8th - 10th Annual Laurel Street Festival

This Saturday, the Laurel District will transform into a pedestrian zone to host thousands of Laurel residents and visitors from the greater Bay Area. The festival will showcase live music and performances highlighting some of the greatest Bay area and local talents, a street fair with over a 100 vendors, street art, gourmet food booths, family fun at the Kid’s Zone featuring games, activities for children of all ages and showcases more than 100 retail, service and restaurant establishments in Oakland’s own Laurel District.The Laurel Street Festival attracts over 5000 attendees annually. The festival will be held from 1-6pm on MacArthur Blvd. between 35th and High. See the music lineup and find more info at the festival’s website.
Saturday, August 8th - 4th Annual Urban Wine Experience

At the Urban Wine Experience, fourteen urban wineries will be pouring more than 50 different local wines. Participating wineries include: Adams Point, Andrew Lane, Aubin Cellars, Dashe Cellars, Eno Wines, Irish Monkey, JC Cellars, Periscope Cellars, Prospect 772, R&B Cellars, Rock Wall Wines, Rosenblum Cellars, Tayerle Wines, Two Mile, Urban Legend and Urbano Cellars. Each winery has partnered up with a restaurant to offer food pairings with their wines. Participating food purveyors include: Adagia Restaurant, Angela’s Bistro, Asena Restaurant, Bellanico, Bucci, E’Era Una Volta, Culina, E-22 Café, Fabrique Délices, Levende East, Miss Pearl’s Jam House, Pappo, SavoryCook Special Event Catering, Whole Foods, Zza’s Trattoria, Enoteca & Catering. The event will be held from 2-5 pm at Jack London Square Ferry Terminal. Tickets are $45 online and $60 at the door. You can purchase tickets and find more info at the event’s website.

Posted in Art, Community, Entertainment, Food, Music, Oakland, Politics Tagged: Alameda County Democratic Central Committee, Art Murmur, Best of the East Bay, Jack London Square, Laurel Street Festival, National Night Out, Oakland Builders Alliance, Urban Wine Experience

Bringing the playa to Oakland’s runway

Becks — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:24:15 +0000

I have several heavy, substantive posts that I really want to get to this week, but those will have to wait until at least tomorrow. I didn’t think I’d get to write anything this evening because of the long council meeting, but you’re in luck, since they’re discussing the Army Base yet again, and I doubt there’s anything new that can be said. I just hope they make a decision tonight. (But if you do want to hear more about the Army Base, check out the entertaining tweets from V Smoothe and dto510.)

So while I have the meeting on mute (one of the joys of watching from home instead of at City Hall), I thought I’d discuss a not so heavy topic. Last Wednesday, I went to the Oakland Airport to fly to LA. As you might know from my previous posts on this subject, one of my favorite features of the Southwest terminal is the art. Unless I’m rushing to catch a flight, I usually walk slowly through the terminal and stop to look more closely at the most interesting art.

I had plenty of time last week so as I walked past the Pyramid bar, I looked to my left to see if a new exhibit had been installed. To my dismay, the wall was entirely empty! At first, I thought hopefully that maybe they were in between exhibits, and by the time I returned in August for another flight, they’d surely have some new art up.

But over the past week, I’ve thought about it some more and have become less hopeful. Maybe the Oakland Museum of California no longer has the funding for the exhibits. Or maybe the Oakland Museum can’t maintain an exhibit during its renovation, which will close the museum from August 23rd through May 2010. Or maybe the Port thinks the Oakland Museum exhibits aren’t good enough so they’re spending half a billion on a fancy exhibit from Paris (ok, ok, that wasn’t a serious thought, but I couldn’t resist).

I looked around online a bit and couldn’t find an explanation so if you have one, I’d love to hear it. But if the Oakland Airport is looking for a new exhibit, I’ve found it:

The above images, via the Black Rock Arts Foundation blog, depict “From Playa to Runway – The Art of Burning Man,” which air travelers can view at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport through September 14th. This exhibit is full of gorgeous photos and interesting artifacts from Black Rock City. There are also a couple of interactive sculptures featured.

Now it makes tons of sense for this exhibit to be unveiled at Reno’s airport, the closest airport to Burning Man and one through which so many Burners travel. And it makes just as much sense for Oakland to be its second stop because so much Burning Man art is created here and so many Oaklanders attend Burning Man year after year. So if Oakland Airport is looking for its next exhibit, this should be it.

Posted in Art, Burning Man, Oakland Tagged: From Playa to Runway - The Art of Burning Man, Oakland airport, Oakland Museum of California