Boulevard Bites

by Sheila D'Amico

### Madeline Smith Moore's story last month about Katrina survivors moved one Metro reader to respond with a generous contribution. "The survivor is incredibly courageous," the donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said. "I wanted to do what I could to help." ### Laurel neighbor and activist Shoshona Finacom has been singing with the Anything Goes Chorus for 13 years. The chorus, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a concert on March 25, welcomes anyone who can sing in harmony. You can find out more by contacting founder and choral director Ellen Robinson at ellen\@ellenrobinson.com or 482-9520. ### Kristen Caven, Oakland Unified School District parent, went to a meeting looking for more information on the impasse between the OUSD and the teachers. She came away with an urgent call to parents and taxpayers to ask tough questions of the school district and of the state. Questions she'd like answered include, "If the budget information the District provided to Fact Finding says there is money, why does the District now deny this?" And, "if there is indeed a budget surplus, why is Ward still here?" ### At February's Melrose/High Hopes NCPC meeting, Jean Quan announced senior housing will be built at High and MacArthur. The building, expected to be 150 units and three stories, will be on the old PG&E site. Richard Cowan confirmed that Alex Hahn sold the former Laurel Liquors and contiguous property to AMG Associates of Los Angeles. Did the Laurel survey or the Envisioning MacArthur conference envision this??