Dimond Neighborhood News

by Hoang Le Banh

Dimond Park Advisory Board

The newly revived Dimond Park Advisory Board had its first meeting on June 13. Current goals are to start a phone and mail campaign to Public Works and elected officials to ameliorate the garbage overflow, to secure funding for kiosks in the park for park and community announcements, and to look into the possibility of a tot-sized play lot. All neighbors are welcome to join the Dimond Park Advisory Board; contact Center Director Michelle Fulper at 482-7831 or mfulper\@oaklandnet.com.

Curves: Nutrition, Salsa, and Litter Bug

Special weight-management classes to improve health through nutrition will be open to the public for the first time at Curves, 3483 Champion St. Call 531-5300 or stop by to find out more. Curves also proudly hosts the winning posters of the Sequoia School "Don't be a Litter Bug" poster contest sponsored by the Dimond Merchants Association.

Return of Thai Food

This month should bring the grand opening of Pho and Pad Thai to replace Pho Saigon at 2045 MacArthur Blvd. The previous owner and family moved to Florida. The new owner has kept the Pho Saigon chef and has gradually added Thai dishes to the menu as well as some Thai decor.

Altenheim Construction in October

Citizens Housing secured enough financing to begin construction on the rehabilitation phase (Phase I) of the project in October. As construction nears, Citizens will host a community meeting to communicate the construction schedule and other issues of importance to neighbors. More information is available on the Dimond Web site, as well as by contacting Kaori Tokunaga at (415) 421-8605 ext. 27 or kaori\@citizenshousing.org.

Public Safety

At the July 6 meeting of the DIA Public Safety Council, Club steering-wheel locks were distributed to Dimond block leaders to help prevent auto thefts, which have been on the rise in Dimond and all around Oakland. Winner International, which manufactures the Club, offers the product at one-third of retail price to community groups. Thank you to block leaders for getting to know your neighbors and organizing your blocks to make this an easier effort.

Fruitvale Alive!

The fourth and final community meeting in the Fruitvale Alive! planning process is expected in the fall. CHS Consulting will present final recommendations to help the Dimond and Fruitvale neighborhoods apply for construction funds and additional planning funds where necessary. For more information, go to www.dimondnews.org, or view the binder at the Dimond Library reference desk.

Hoang can be reached at dia\@dimondnews.org, and more updates are available at www.dimondnews.org.