Dimond Neighborhood News

by Daniel Swafford

Have Fun in the Dimond After Dark Residents are taking a proactive approach to reducing crime and violence. Concerns not met by police services have prompted residents to take to the streets. In addition to the monthly peace vigil at the corner of Lincoln and MacArthur just before dark the first of every month, neighbors are meeting on weekend evenings to walk the business district, concluding with dinner and discussion at a local restaurant. The Dimond listserv will announce September dates. For specifics, call Carolyn Vallerga, 325-7109. New Business a Priority The departure of Blockbuster has residents optimistic about the possibilities of a new business in the district. "The need for a small hardware store is a no-brainer. As for a garden center, I can recall the former To-Market-to-Market at MacArthur and Ca?on doing a brisk summer business in vegetable plants and annuals," says Robert Raburn, a DIA board member who has been working with others in the district to build on the success of the new Farmer Joe's. Property owners continue to be encouraged to make physical upgrades and fa?ade improvements. New ownership of the property on the southeast corner of Fruitvale and MacArthur has resulted in increased rents, forcing A Little Rose flower shop to relocate after 12 years in Dimond. A new location for Theresa Vu, the business owner, is undetermined; we hope the district will offer a home for Theresa's vibrant store. Events The next Dimond Improvement Association general meeting, September 6, at 7:30 p.m. in the library, will feature Kerry Rose, Dimond resident and owner of Edible Audio. Kerry was the videographer for the June Dimond Celebration and Farmer Joe's Grand Opening and will present highlights from the event, along with a talk on how video and alternative media can be used to promote community and gain recognition for your neighborhood. September 16 is the Creek to Bay cleanup. Our own Sausal Creek is one of the most engaging waterways in the city. A prominent feature of Dimond Park, the creek is regaining its once-vital role in the life cycle of trout and salmon. Play your part in restoration contact Friends of Sausal Creek, www.sausalcreek.org, for details.