Onions & Orchids

by Robert Puno

Please help us keep our community informed and aware. If you know of something or someone deserving of an onion or orchid in your neighborhood, send an e-mail to washpuno\@msn.com, or call 531-6279 and leave a message.

Orchids to the High Street Pharmacy for the cheerful Mother's Day sign in its window. For many years, its windows have been somewhat of an eyesore, so it's good to see the owners and staff of the pharmacy taking the time to present a cheerful face to the neighborhood

Orchids and a correction to The Little Bookshop, whose address in this column's April issue was incorrectly given. The Little Bookshop is located at 3403 Fruitvale Avenue. The extra orchid this month is in praise of the bookseller's expansion of its store to occupy the site of what used to be Ann's Café.

Onions to the administrators and facilities personnel of Laurel Elementary School for leaving its outdoor lights on at all times of the day. Given California's energy woes and that the school's mission is to lead young minds to knowledge, shouldn't the school teach energy conservation by example?

Orchids to Oakland's Department of Public Works for installing a traffic light on MacArthur Boulevard at the entrance to Mills College, and to all those who fought for this important safety enhancement.

Onions to the Blockbuster Video in the Fruitvale for the unkemptness of its store. Residents report not being able to find videos because tapes are not filed where they should be, leaving customers with no other option but to go elsewhere for their entertainment.

Orchids to World Ground Café for being the beacon of community-based activity in the Laurel district and for having great coffee, teas, and munchables. World Ground has provided a regular site for Laurel Community Action Project (L-CAP) meetings and has hosted musical events, poetry readings, and meetings with local candidates and elected officials. (Last October, we found Rebecca Kaplan sitting in World Ground meeting Laurel residents in her bid for a seat on the Oakland City Council.) The café is also a favorite spot for picking up the latest copy of the Metro.