Momentum in the Dimond

by Ann Nomura

The Dimond had a good year in 2002 and expects a great year in 2003.

The Dimond Improvement Association

The Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) has developed a long-range Dimond Plan, which tracks neighborhood projects and allows people to see who in their area is working on a project. The plan is available at the Dimond Branch Library, Caffe Diem, and online at dimondnews.org. Neighbors can use the Dimond e-mail and message board to keep updated. Sam Cohen, Chair of the DIA, has brought a great deal of talent and leadership to the organization. Collaboration and communication between neighbors, merchants, and city agencies have improved considerably. Recently, neighbors, merchants, casual commuters, and Saint Jarlath's School worked together to get better maintenance of run-down Caltrans' property in the Dimond.

Dimondnews.org

The Dimond cyber neighborhood is alive and well at dimondnews.org. Tim Chapman's vision of an Internet-connected neighborhood has paid off big for the Dimond. Online discussions of neighborhood issues have lead to thoughtful and inclusive solutions. Most recently, a complex e-mail discussion of bus routes yielded a thoughtful proposal for new routes.

Dimond Business District

Crime in the Dimond downtown decreased in 2002! Thanks to officer Frank Morrow and the Dimond merchants. Shari Godinez, Chair of the Dimond Merchants' Association, has worked tirelessly with the City of Oakland to get funds for business promotions and façade upgrades. Safeway upgraded its store, Ly Luck Restaurant painted their façade, the Full Moon Seafood Restaurant just opened at Dimond Avenue and MacArthur, and the City of Oakland has promised to replace the broken trees in front of the Dimond Library and along the 3400 block of Fruitvale. Cross your fingers.

Hoang Le Banh

Councilmember Quan hired Dimond resident Hoang Le Banh as a part-time staff member to work on neighborhood issues. Hoang is 26 years old and has a Master's in Public Health from the University of California at Berkeley. She is bilingual and brings skills, charm, and enthusiasm to the job. Her pet project is bus transportation.

Sequoia School in Full Bloom

The Sequoia Dad's Club and the Sequoia Healthy Start Collaborative have redone the Sequoia school garden at the corner of Lincoln and Hearst. Spring promises vegetables and flowers. Sequoia School has a weekly e-mail newsletter. To sign up and get involved, e-mail Kelly McGrath at kellyandkids\@earthlink.net. To find out more about the Healthy Start grant for after-school programs, call Beth McCarty at 459-4857.

Get involved, stay informed it's working.