May 10-16 Oakland Political & Community Events

Tuesday, May 11th – Making History Reception for Victoria Kolakowski for Judge

(Disclosure: I proudly work for Victoria Kolakowski’s campaign.) Michael Colbruno, Oakland City Attorney John Russo, Berkeley Councilmembers Darryl Moore and Kriss Worthington, Board of Equalization Chair Betty Yee, Michael Lighty, and John Gooding invite you to a fundraising reception to support Judge Victoria Kolakowski for Alameda County Superior Court Judge. We need your help to make history! An Administrative Law Judge with the California Public Utilities Commission, Vicky has over four years judicial experience and over 20 years of legal experience, primarily with complex civil litigation. Only 29% of Alameda County’s almost six-dozen Superior Court judges are women, and none are openly LGBT. There has never been an openly transgender trial court judge anywhere in the U.S. The reception will take place from 5:30-7:00pm at Clear Channel Outdoor, 555 12th Street, Suite 950. Find more info and RSVP on Facebook or email events@kolakowskiforjudge.com. Donations may be made securely online at http://kolakowskiforjudge.com.

Wednesday, May 12th – Happy Hour for Rebecca Kaplan

Rebecca Kaplan’s Exploratory Committee for the 2010 Oakland Mayor’s race invites you to join us for a happy hour and celebration! Rebecca will discuss the challenges facing our city, and invite your feedback and ideas. We can provide economic revitalization, public safety, and effective government by working together to “build an Oakland we can all be proud of.” The event will take place from 5:30-7:30pm at The Historic Cathedral Building, 1615 Broadway. Contributions welcome but not required. Find out more info and RSVP on Facebook or on Rebecca Kaplan’s website.

Thursday, May 13th – Bike to Work Day

This year’s Bike to Work Day, as usual, sounds awesome. Enjoy pancakes, prizes, all day valet bike parking, AC Transit demonstrations on loading bikes onto buses, biking with your councilmember, fuel at energizer stations, and much, much more. The main events take place from 7-9am at Frank Ogawa Plaza in downtown Oakland. For a full listing of events and more details, visit the Bike to Work Day website.

Thursday, May 13th – Mix It Up East Bay

Join us for a monthly happy hour bringing together young activists, organizers and leaders in the East Bay. Dr. Anthony Smith, Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District will be the featured speaker of the night. Come hear about OUSD’s new strategic plan for the district and the vision for a vibrant public school district that meets the needs of all Oakland families. Free Snacks! Drink specials ’til 7 pm! Speaking program begins at 7 pm. 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. For more info and to RSVP, visit the event’s Facebook page.

Friday, May 14th – 4th Annual Oakland Indie Awards

I judged the Oakland Indie Awards for the second time this year, and I was blown away by the nominees. Trust me, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Join us to celebrate Oakland’s innovative, socially- and environmentally-responsible businesses and artists. Winners will be announced at the event—come help us celebrate! This year we’ve brought together jerk fish tacos, pambasos, hand dipped chocolate, art subscription services, edible gardening product manufacturers, a full bar, the unveiling of our WINNERS, and so much more!  The event will be held from 5:30-9:00 pm at Jack London Pavilion, 98 Broadway in Oakland (formerly Barnes & Noble). Tickets are $20 and you can find out more at the Indies website.

Saturday, May 15th – Streetfilms Screening Party

The premiere screening of three new films, produced by Streetfilms from their Bay Area Street Portraits series. The films were directed by local filmmaker Charlotte Buchen, and feature Bay Area individuals who have unique relationships with bicycles and cycling. One of the films just happens to be about Sal and the Actual Cafe! The screening will take place from 7-10pm at Actual Cafe, 6334 San Pablo Avenue. For info about the films being shown and to RSVP, see the Facebook event page.

Sunday, May 16th – Oakland on Two Wheels

Explore Oakland and its environs with the Oakland Museum of California’s bike-tripping docents the third Sunday of the month as we leisurely wend our way through Uptown, Downtown, Fruitvale, Port of Oakland, West Oakland, Brooklyn, or the Lake Merritt area. Reservations are a good idea: docentcenter@museumca.org or 510-238-3514. Participants must be 12 or older. Bring your own bikes, helmets, and repair kits. Meet at the main entrance to the Museum on Oak Street at 10 a.m. Free.