Boulevard Bites

by Toni Locke and Sheila D'Amico

### Too good to be true? What is behind the "Envisioning MacArthur" sales package? Who is selling what to whom? Those who make their homes, run their businesses and pay the taxes near the Laurel/Dimond piece of the MacArthur corridor need an open process with answers. They plan to be among the creators of the vision and partners in future development. ### The cries of the Dimond and Laurel shopping strips for walking officers seem to be getting the attention they deserve with Police Chief Tucker. For starters, Officer Gilbert will be returning to the Laurel. ### The Phonm Penh restaurant in the Laurel and the Full Moon in the Dimond report that they were reimbursed for their payments of the fee erroneously charged by Oakland Police Department's Alcoholic Beverage Action Team. Did ABAT reimburse all those other full-service restaurants on MacArthur and other streets for the fees they were illegally charged over the past years? ### Charitable giving for national and worldwide disasters reached an all time high this year, leaving many local organizations in need of more help than usual. Local organizations always in need are the Alameda County Community Food Bank, (800) 870-3663; A Safe Place, 986-8600; St. Vincent de Paul, 636-4253; United Cerebral Palsy, 832-7430. Also, your gifts to the nonprofit MacArthur Metro are tax-deductible whether as a Friend or Money Honey. And if you'd like to make a donation to the Metro in memory of, or in honor of a loved one, just let us know in a brief note enclosed with your donation. ### This issue completes the Metro's 2005 run of ten issues. We are energized by reporting of neighborhood news and inspired by the work and the stories of our neighbors. We wish you good holidays, rest, relaxation, and peace. The Metro will be back on the stands on the first of February, 2006.