Laurel Neighborhood News

by John Frando and Kathleen Rolinson

Library Bond Measure N

On November 7, city voters will decide the fate of Measure N, a $148-million bond measure that will construct a new main library at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center, renovate and expand existing branch libraries, and acquire land and build two new branch libraries, including a new library in the Laurel.

The Laurel, which had a library that closed in 1981 due to Proposition 13, has been identified in the 2006 Draft Master Facilities Plan as an area underserved by the city library system.

The ballot measure allocates about $6.5 million of construction costs and $2.1 million in land acquisition costs for the Laurel. Should the bond measure pass, the land acquisition process would begin in 2007, with construction of the new library to be completed within "the earlier years of a 10-year build-out period."

Ninety-eight million dollars would go toward creating a new main library at the historic convention center.

According to the bond measure, "Repayment of the bond is projected to cost no more than $39.60 per $100,000 of assessed property valuation." An annual independent audit by a body of Oakland citizens designated by the City Council would make recommendations and review the expenditure of funds.

A neighborhood grass-roots committee campaigning for voter passage of the bond measure has formed. Contact Bob and Veronica Vaughan at 677-2469, or e-mail them at baysidebob\@sbcglobal.net.

Bookmobile Stops

Did you know that the Bookmobile, a full-service branch of the Oakland libraries, makes a stop every week in the Laurel? Three locations host the Bookmobile, with visits to each location once every three weeks: the Laurel Child Development Center at California and Patterson, the Indian Charter School on 35th Avenue, and the Albertsons parking lot on MacArthur Blvd. All stops are open to the public. The schedule is available at www.oaklandlibrary.org.

Is It Thyme Yet?

Work proceeds at 4173 MacArthur Blvd., home to the Laurel's newest eatery, Thyme Café. The café opening is slated for November, months after the planned April date. Proprietor Sister Marie de Porres Taylor looks forward to the opening, telling us, "Thyme Café has a life of its own, and I have to flow with Thyme!"

Halloween Decoration Contest

Residents who decorate their houses for Halloween express their creativity while making fun for trick-or-treaters of all ages. Last year the Laurel Village Association held a Halloween decoration contest, with winners in categories like "most ghoulish" and "most humorous." Contest winners received prizes, certificates, and the admiration and awe of costumed fiends trolling the neighborhood for candy and treats.

You can nominate a neighbor's home or your own for contest consideration. Fellow residents will decide the winners. Addresses of contestants will be posted at www.laurelvillage.org for those who want to see the decorations in person. Photos will be posted on the Web site for voting after the event.

For more information, contact Renais Winter at 531-7031, or e-mail her at winsterstone\@mindspring.com.

John Frando can be reached at jfrando\@gmail.com, and Kathleen Rolinson at krolinson\@gmail.com.