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 management at Kragen's Auto Supply, who refuse to take responsibility for the litter and mess existing across the street from Kragen's on Maybelle Avenue, despite the fact that the litter consists mainly of oil containers and other used auto parts originating from their store.

Onions to the owners and managers at the Pizzadelli at the corner of Maybelle and MacArthur Avenue for their failure to clean up the mess in front, on the side, and in back of their establishment.

Orchids to the Safeway team that worked with Dick Spees office and the Dimond Improvement Association in planning the store remodel and expansion at the Fruitvale Avenue location opposite the Dimond Branch Library. A pharmacy and deli, and organic produce, are now available to the public, with site improvements incorporating neighborhood ideas.

Orchids to the officer and his dog from Oakland Police Department for being alert and apprehending the crack addict who had burglarized many merchants on MacArthur Boulevard. Interesting that the merchants were warned to empty their cash drawers at night when this guy was on the loose and Daniel's (Chinese restaurant) left their cash drawer empty out in plain sight and they were one of the few merchants not burglarized.

A bouquet of orchids to the Laurel Merchants Association, which hosted the enjoyable and very successful Laurel Community Festival on Saturday, September 7. Special thanks to, among many, LuTillian Hudson, who organized the event, Gaddy Reyes from CEDA, for working so well with the Association, Greg Ross from Albertson's, who contributed their parking lot, money, and enthusiasm, and Victory Outreach, for the use of their parking lot.