Onions & Orchids

by Peter Bond

Dear readers: This writer does search for individuals and businesses worthy of inclusion in this column, but he relies mostly on input from others. So, please e-mail your ideas for Onions and Orchids to bpbond\@aol.com.

Onions to the officials at Merritt College who failed to provide security and/or notify the Oakland Police of the need for security for a basketball tournament scheduled at Merritt College. The officials also abruptly cancelled the scheduled tournament, resulting in a mob of young people who were there for the games descending on Redwood Heights Shopping Center, causing a near riot.

Onions to City of Oakland Code Compliance staff who failed to respond to reports of two water heaters dumped on 42nd Ave. between Bond and Bancroft streets and also failed to respond to report of illegal dumping in the 2100 block of High Street.

Orchids to the City of Oakland crew who brought about the amazing improvement in landscaping and cleanliness around Walgreen's at High and Redding. One neighbor remarked, "Looks like San Mateo."

Orchids also to City of Oakland planners and crew who have restored the median strip on Courtland between Foothill and High to its original intent as a place for live flowers and plants.

Orchids and congratulations to Lease Wong, owner of Komodo Toys on MacArthur, and the rest of the crew of the dragon boat Taz Angels for winning their first trophy in the annual August (and august) races on Lake Merritt.

Orchids to Oakland Veterinary Hospital, who cared for Brookdale Recreation Center's ailing rabbit this summer.