Laurel Neighborhood News

by Kathleen Rolinson

Chinese New Year

Celebrate Chinese New Year along the boulevard! The Buc Sing Choy Lay Fut Martial Arts group will be doing Lion Dancing along MacArthur Saturday, February 19. Dancers and musicians will be performing at storefronts, beginning at 11 a.m. at Komodo Toys and finishing around 1 p.m. The Lion Dance brings prosperity and good luck while chasing away evil spirits. Come enjoy this traditional celebration welcoming the New Year, the year of the rooster.

Development at High and MacArthur

The Laurel Village Association is taking a survey on what you would like to see at the High and MacArthur lot, formerly Robert's Tire/Laurel Liquors. The data will be provided to the city and property owner Alex Hahn to encourage responsible development. So vote now. Ballots are available at Ace Hardware, Laurel Book Store, World Ground Café, L&L Nails, Lucky Donut, Komodo Toys, Oakland Copy and Print, Curves, Oakland Vet Hospital, Full House Cafe, The Food Mill, and Farmer Joe's. The deadline has been extended to February 15. You can also submit your three recommendations online at LaurelVillage\@gmail.com.

New Cambodian Restaurant a Hit

Phnom Penh opened its doors in December. Located on MacArthur Boulevard near 38th Avenue, this new restaurant offers delicious food, great atmosphere, and friendly service, making it a fine destination in the Laurel.

Laurel Village Association on the Web

The Laurel Village Association launched their Web site this month, www.LaurelVillage.org. Composed of Laurel residents, this association works to improve our community, step by step. If you live, work, or play in Oakland's historic Laurel district, this is your Web site. With links to an informal neighborhood group, a formal neighborhood association, city resources, and a growing library of local information, LaurelVillage.org is your gateway to our "village." Visit the Web page for information on activities in the Laurel. To join the Laurel Village Association, send an e-mail to laurelvillage-subscribe\@yahoogroups.com.

Daffodils in Bloom

Many thanks to the volunteers who planted during Daffodil Days. The fruits of their efforts have paid off. Daffodils are springing up all over Oakland and in the Laurel along the median at 35th and MacArthur. Daffodils were provided by the city as well as private citizens to beautify our neighborhood.

Kathleen Rolinson can be reached at krolinson\@gmail.com.