High Street Neighborhood News

by Adelle Foley

Strolling into 2003

Stretches of Brookdale and High Street smell like a pine forest. Christmas trees stand in clusters near the curb with strands of tinsel sparkling in the sun. Holiday decorations are still up well into January. People seem to want to hold onto the holidays rather than move into a new year's uncertainties. As we walk by, the friendly couple in the 3100 block of High Street sit on their porch enjoying a leisurely Sunday coffee break and cheer us on. We comment on a handsome, well-behaved dog waiting in the Walgreens parking lot with his person. At the carwash on MacArthur, we stop to admire a bright red 1932 Ford. Its auto-engineer owner dries his pride and joy and explains that the "Ford" trademark is a reproduction of Henry's signature.

Don't Walk Without One

Don't leave home without your copy of the new Oakland walking map and guide. Created by the Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project with a grant from the State Office of Transportation Safety, the map includes historic landmarks, neighborhood names, stairs and pathways, as well as safety tips for pedestrians and bike riders, and transit information. It's available at Laurel Books and other independent bookstores. Call Tom VanDemark at 238-7049 for information.

Melrose/High Hopes 2003 Officers

Congratulations to the NCPC officers elected at the January meeting: Chair, Preston Turner; Vice Chair Andre Eisler; Secretary, Robin Rome; Treasurer, Liisa Auxler; and Membership Coordinator, Stacey Byrem.

Boys and Girls Club at Maxwell Park School

As construction begins at the 3300 High Street clubhouse, the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland is preparing to offer educational enhancement programs outside the box or rather inside a portable on the Maxwell Park School playground. Two professionals will welcome neighborhood youngsters from after school until sundown. By year-end the new full-service clubhouse should be ready.

Friends and Taxes at Melrose Library

The Friends of Melrose Library are meeting regularly (first Wednesday, 7 p.m.) to support the branch and the staff, especially in these challenging times. Librarian Jane Gonzalez reported progress on the security front new gates at the side and front doors and a security guard on site Monday thru Thursday. The group is also closer to getting signs posted to keep commercial vehicles off the streets around the Branch. The next target will be blight around nearby business establishments. Future projects will include outreach to youth and seniors.

Melrose Branch will be a good place to beat the April 15 deadline. The AARP will provide income tax help on Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Seniors will have preference, but everyone is welcome. In addition, 60 Fremont High business academy students are in training to help low-income and non-English-speaking taxpayers at several sites, including Melrose Library.

City Manager Robert Bobb slates the Melrose Branch for closure to save money. This cannot be permitted.

As of mid-January, Friends of Melrose Library will fight to save the Branch. Melrose is on the list of seven branches threatened with closure in response to Oakland's fiscal crises. In a community such as Melrose, a branch library does more than circulate books. It is a real center of the community, bringing programs to children without libraries at their schools (who are not likely to travel to the next nearest branch) and to seniors. The library providesalternatives to the violence we're trying to counteract and reduce. If you agree, contact your City Council representative, the City Manager, and the Mayor's office.

Start the Year Right at Brookdale Rec

Pack a lunch for your preschoolers and bring them to Early Birds on Tuesday and Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Brookdale program for three- to five-year-olds includes ABC's, numbers, colors, social skills, cooking, and games. Basketball practice has started for third to fifth graders every weekday except Tuesday, from 4 to 5 p.m. Games are on Saturday, and the fee is $25. Homework club meets every week day from 3 to 4 p.m. Drop by or call 535-5632.

Adelle Foley can be reached by e-mail at jasfoley\@aol.com.