Laurel Neighborhood News

by Kathleen Rolinson and John Frando

Streetscape Dedication a Success

MacArthur Boulevard brimmed with life Sunday, July 10, as young and old, two- and four-legged creatures took in the sights, music, food, and entertainment dedicating the Laurel Streetscape. The event commemorated completion of the Laurel Streetscape project. Many thanks to all who participated and attended!

Maybelle Avenue Home Alert

Residents on Maybelle Avenue are taking back their street. A recent spike in criminal activity has motivated neighbors to action. Activities include neighborhood walks on the second and fourth Mondays, at 7 p.m. Home Alert meetings are held the first and third Mondays. To join the Maybelle Avenue group, send an e-mail to maybelle_avenue-subscribe\@yahoogroups.com, or contact Courtney at Courtney_a_malone\@hotmail.com. Maybelle Avenue and nearby residents are encouraged to attend the meetings and walks.

More Walking

The cool summer evenings and long days invite us outdoors. The Laurel Villagers are also walking weekly on Monday nights, at 7 p.m. They join the Maybelle group for part of the journey. Meet at the corner of Patterson and California. All are welcome.

Cleaning Up 35th Avenue

Members of the Laurel Village Association are often seen planting, weeding, and mulching 35th Avenue. Now it's official! Laurel Village has adopted 35th Avenue from I580 to Harbor View. Workdays are planned for continued work along the medians. Volunteers are always needed. If you have a few hours to spare, contact Stella at stellalamb2000\@yahoo.com. See the schedule at www.LaurelVillage.org.

Coming Attractions to the Boulevard

Looking for a great place for takeout? How about somewhere to entertain the kids? Two new businesses will grace MacArthur Boulevard in the next few months. Thyme Restaurant, at 4173 MacArthur, will offer home-cooked meals for carry-out. Thyme also plans to offer afternoon tea, complete with baked goods and pastries for eat-in.

Streetscape visitors were treated to a preview of Kids 'n Dance, a dance school coming soon to 3841 MacArthur. Owner Kris Mueller is a Laurel resident and currently has a school in Lafayette. Learn more at www.kidsndance.com.

Developer's Design Well Received

On June 30, a large meeting of Laurel residents at World Ground Café received Robert McGillis' presentation of the project design that his architectural firm, Banta and Associates, has proposed for the vacant site at MacArthur Boulevard and 35th Avenue. The firm is part of an investor group under contract with the lot owner, the City of Oakland, to develop a mixed-use project of market-rate housing and a corner commercial space.

The developer is still pursuing necessary planning and building permits, and he promised to keep the neighborhood informed of the construction timetable.

Laurel Elementary School Kindergarten Openings

Spaces are available in the kindergarten level at Laurel Elementary School, 3750 Brown Avenue. Open enrollment runs from August 22 to September 2 for the 2005-2006 school year, with the first day of class on August 29. To enroll your child, bring a birth certificate, immunization records, three pieces of identification indicating district residency, and physical examination records no older than six months. To schedule a campus tour, call 879-1310, and speak with principal Cheryl Garrett, second-grade teacher Lena Why, or kindergarten teacher Margaret LeWright.