Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

September 10 wasn't just the day after California's Admission Day for folks in the Leona Heights and Oak Knoll neighborhoods. It came very close to being a revisitation of the great Oakland fire of 1991. My son Larry and I were on a mission in Union City and about to return home when we saw a towering column of smoke rising from what we deduced must be close to our home. We got on Highway 880, arriving home in record time. At home, we found that our daughter Annette, who had been working near Eastmont Mall, had also seen the smoke column and had headed for home to check on things. All of us birds had headed for the nest. We discovered that the fire was near Keller Avenue in a eucalyptus grove and did not threaten Leona because of light winds and the quick action of our Oakland Fire Department, California Department of Forestry aerial tanker planes, and the mutual aid fire forces. We were happy to hear that minimal damage was done to Oak Knoll-area homes.

But the incident did remind us of the October 20, 1991, and October 20, 1960, fires. It reminded me that Leona Heights is a vulnerable area, especially in October, and that all neighbors must be vigilant in assuring weed clearing and emergency preparedness. We must be sure our narrow roads are not obstructed by parked cars preventing fire equipment access. We must have garden hoses laid out to help us protect our own homes, especially if we have not yet replaced wood-shingle roofs. And we must give thought to what we will take with us if we should have to evacuate. In 1960, we hastily evacuated Margie and Larry, then a baby, but forgot to take any diapers!

It is important also to know our near neighbors and special needs they may have due to age or disability. A word to the wise is sufficient.

Leona Heights residents are also on heightened alert to watch for illicit dumpers (especially at night) who have lately been dumping engine blocks and other debris in our area. We are reporting suspicious pickups and other vehicles to the Oakland Police Department. We are especially grateful to Oakland Public Works personnel who have helped remove dumped materials when we call.