Albertson's: A Bad Neighbor in the Dimond
Ann Nomura
Albertson's abandoned the Dimond close to a year ago but still holds a lease on the 3300 Fruitvale Avenue property, now boarded up and blighted. Neighbors and merchants have waited patiently, hopeful that a new tenant would come in. Adjacent merchant.

Altenheim Update
Maja Brugos, Dimond Improvement Association
At meetings on January 13, Altenheim volunteers and board members gave Oakland Heritage Alliance members, Landmarking Board Members, and a few neighbors a tour of the Altenheim buildings and grounds. Commercial realtor Allan Stephens of the Lapham Co.

Bret Harte Defies Expectations
Anthony Cody
In all of the renewed frenzy over Oakland's schools, how about a close look at a school that defies media and public expectations?Here are a few widely held beliefs about Oakland schools:1. Big schools are doomed to fail.2. Good math and science teachers cannot be found.3.

#1
Kenya Ortiz, Bret Harte Community Academy, after-school program, Photography
"I like the after-school program because they are very informative in language development and learning how to speak properly to people. I am in the after-school program called Photography. I like it very much. Without this program, I would not have learn
#2 Tyler Stansbury, Bret Harte Community Academy, after-school program, Photography "If this program was not here, I would be sitting at home and would not be asactive. All the kids in this program are very grateful that we ha.

Preying on the Elderly
Dennis Evanosky
For the second time in the last few months, hoodlums accosted an elderly woman on my street. The first time, the little thug tore a necklace from the throat of the woman. The latest incident involved a young punk on a bicycle. He rode onto the sidewalk where the victim was walking.

East Bay Habitat for Humanity Builds Green in the Fruitvale District
Joel Mackey, Executive Director, East Bay Habitat for Humanity
East Bay Habitat for Humanity will soon build four houses in the Fruitvale District of Oakland, on Davis Street and Fruitvale Avenue. In early 2003, we plan to begin construction on four three- and four-bedroom single-family homes. The families for t.

California Paintings, California Pride at the Mills College Art Museum
Shauna Laurel Jones
Whether you're California born-and-bred or a more recent transplant, California Paintings 1910 1940: Selections from the Mills College Art Museum is a feast for the senses that will also augment your appreciation of California history. Curated by Ann.

Onions & Orchids
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 & Orchids to bpbond\@aol.com.Onions to the EBMUD Crew (a.k.a..

Does the Postal Service Serve You?
(Yes or no, the Metro will print your replies.)
Yes, from Aurrero Johnson of Quigley St. in the Laurel District:We have the most dependable, honest, hardworking mailman in the 94619-1355 area. His name is Roland Ewing. He delivers the mail on time (not at 5 in the evening). He puts the mail in .

Shiloh Feeds the Hungry
Meghan Dombrink-Green
The Mercy Ministry of Shiloh Christian Fellowship, continuing a 20-year tradition, provides food for the hungry in the Laurel area. In 2002 they provided emergency food boxes for over 4,000 local families, according to volunteer Judy Moore. They help.