September 14-20 Oakland Political & Community Events

Monday, September 14th – Could I Really Get Appointed to a California Board or Commission?

Have you ever thought about being on a California Board or Commission in a volunteer or paid capacity? Come find out what is available and what you need to know to apply!  We are privileged to have two high-profile speakers: John Cruz, Appointments Secretary, in the Governor’s Appointment Office, and Betty Yee, Chair, State Board of Equalization. This National Women’s Political Caucus event is free; refreshments will be served. The event will be held from 7:15-9:15pm at Town Court One Room Health Education Center, Samuel Merritt University @ Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 400 Hawthorne Ave. For more information, visit NWPC’s website.

Tuesday, September 15th – Public Works Committee Hearing on Oakland Airport Connector

You’re probably getting sick of me writing about the OAC by now, but think of it this way – if we can kill this project via the Oakland City Council, I’ll never have to write about it again! So please attend and speak out against this project on Tuesday. I understand that many people can’t make it, due to work so put the evening of Tuesday, October 6th on your calendar right now because that’s when it’s slated to go to the full council and we’ll need a huge showing that evening. The hearing will be held at 9:30 am at City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 1. If you’d like more info about the OAC, visit OaklandAirportConnector.com.

Tuesday, September 15th – EBYD’s September Mixer & Happy Hour

After an intense morning hearing and presumably work afterwards, you’ll need a stiff drink so join the East Bay Young Democrats at our mixer at Somar. Here’s a perfect chance to renew your membership, see old friends, or join and make some new ones. This event will also serve as the last call for nominations to serve on next year’s Executive Committee and will be the last opportunity to become a member if you’d like to be eligible to vote in our October officer elections. New & renewing members will receive a free glass of beer or wine so if you’ve ever considered joining, now is the time. The mixer will be held from 6-9pm at Somar, 1727 Telegraph Avenue. For more info and to RSVP, see the Facebook event.

Wednesday, September 16th – East Bay Democracy for America Meetup

At their September meeting, Democracy for America will be focusing on the fast-tracked bills about the Delta and update the group on the public option. From DFA: “Tuesday, August 4, Democrats introduced five bills “intended to increase water conservation, improve the monitoring of who uses water and how much, and to create a politically appointed council that would have broad authority over the delta, including the ability to approve a controversial pipeline around the estuary.” (San Francisco Chronicle, emphasis added) The “controversial pipeline” would be none other than the old peripheral canal. Four of the seven members of the council would be appointed by the Governor. The leadership’s intent is to fast track the bills during the Special Session August 17 – September 11 without review by the Assembly and Senate environmental committees, including the Committee on Natural Resources, chaired by Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.” The meeting will be held at 6:30 at the Rockridge Library, 5366 College Avenue. RSVP here.

Thursday, September 17th – “Repairing California” A Community Forum and Panel Discussion

The Alameda County Board of Supervisors in partnership with Bay Area Council, Repair California and ACCSPD will be hosting a forum this Thursday, moderated by Supervisor Nate Miley. From their flyer, “If you are like us, you believe the time is now to come together to work on solutions that will effectively get California back on track.  To do this together, we need your voice and participation in this important Town Hall Forum and Discussion. This Discussion also includes a briefing on the movement to Repair California through a limited Constitutional Convention. The forum will be held from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Alameda County Administration Building, 1221 Oak Street, 5th Fl, Board Chambers. Registration begins at 8:45 am. For more information, contact Nate Miley at 510-272-3691.

Thursday, September 17th – 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 the Harrison Street/Oakland Avenue Community-Based Transportation Plan, 880 overcrossings, and the Miller-Sweeney Bridge seismic retrofitting project. 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, September 18th – 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 the Hustle.

Saturday, September 19th – Koreatown-Northgate Festival

The first annual KoreaTown-Northgate Festival will showcase the diverse cultures and business opportunities in the district. The festival features food court and BBQ contest with celebrity judges and audience participation, Artists’ Alley, Children’s Area, Health Haven, Going Green Corridor, Beverage Garden, and 2 stages of entertainment. The festival runs from 11:30 AM-6:30 PM onTelegraph between 24th & 27th Streets. Find more info at the neighborhood’s website.

Sunday, September 20th – Sundays in the Redwoods – John Santos

This free concert features the John Santos Sextet. 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.