Dimond Neighborhood News

by Carol Lundgaard

Envisioning Dimond One of my enduring visions from Envisioning MacArthur's Smart Growth discussion group, led by Community & Economic Development Agency Planner David Ralston, was the prospect of transforming the node created by the convergence of MacArthur, Excelsior, Canon, E. 38th and Adell Streets, and Sausal Creek, into a pedestrian focal point, brimming with possibilities. Brainstorming enthusiastically, we also reflected on the Dimond jewels that other neighborhoods covet, including our wonderful library and park, as well as the eagerly anticipated opening of Farmer Joe's, destined to be a flagship store. Fruitvale Alive! The Final Report of this Caltrans Environmental Justice Grant Program and City of Oakland-funded project is available online (www.dimondnews.org) and in hard copy in the Fruitvale Alive! binder at the Dimond Library Reference Desk. Project objectives: Improve pedestrian safety and pedestrian connections to schools, parks, and transit. Enhance the connection between Fruitvale and Dimond Districts. Improve traffic flow. The study area includes Fruitvale Ave., from Dimond Library to the Oakland Estuary; MacArthur Blvd., from the Altenheim to Coolidge Ave.; and Coolidge Ave., from MacArthur Blvd. to Foothill Blvd. Startup Dimond residents Kim Coulthurst and Allan Miller are starting an informal lunchtime networking group of consultants and professionals who have home-based businesses in the Dimond and Laurel Districts. The first meeting will be Friday, January 13, at noon, in a local restaurant to be selected (macarthurprofessionals\@yahoo.com). Recent Events Sequoia School's Harvest Festival, including a cake walk, pumpkin decorating, game booths, face painting, and tattoos, had a great turnout. It was also a successful fundraiser for the PTO, thanks to Dads' Club's sold-out pumpkin sale, the fifth-grade car wash, and a bake sale. Dogs and their humans came appropriately dressed for the occasion at Paws & Claws' "Karaoke Pet Halloween Costume Party." Bravo to our generous, animal-loving community that helped raise over $600 for the animals of Katrina. Holiday Events The Dimond Business & Professional Association and the Dimond Improvement Association are cosponsoring a Dimond Winter International Celebration to honor our community's rich diversity by celebrating Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah under one roof, on Saturday, December 17, at Fruitvale Presbyterian Church. See Calendar for details. Local artists, vendors, musicians, and others interested in participating or volunteering, please contact Ruth Villasenor (paws_claws\@earthlink.net). Items for sale and Kwanzaa-, Hanukkah-, and Christmas-related music also needed. Local artists, including Dimond's own Rita Sklar and Dan May, will display their unique creations at a Holiday Arts Fair benefiting Cottage in the Woods Preschool the weekend of December 3. This is an excellent opportunity to take care of your holiday needs, meet the artists, and support the school. Cleanup Crew Waste Management is supposed to empty sidewalk litterbins each weekday. However, if you pass by a sidewalk litterbin at 6 p.m. or later on a weekday and it's full, do leave a message at the Public Works Call Center, 615-5566. For residents and businesses experiencing delayed garbage pickup, call 238-SAVE (City of Oakland Garbage and Recycling Hotline), and be persistent. Lincoln Court Applications for units will be available through December 12. Call 649-5915, or download an application at www.domusd.com/lincolncourt. For further details, information, and other news, see the Metro calendar. Also, visit www.dimondnews.org and join the mailing list. Write Carol at dimond.metro\@gmail.com.