Laurel Neighborhood News

by Kathleen Rolinson

Laurel Parents' Group By coordinating informal meetings of neighborhood parents and their children, Kari and Mike Martin are reaching beyond the walls of their house to create a strong sense of community for their one-year-old daughter Ruby and other young children in the neighborhood. After the last meeting, which she hosted in their Madeline Street home in late September, Kari described the aim of the meetings as "hoping to create gatherings where we can know each other as neighbors and friends, as our children grow up together." The Thursday afternoon meeting was well attended. "We were lucky to have good weather so that we could be outdoors in the garden," Kari said. Ten parents came with their children, who ranged in ages from three weeks to four years. Kari explained that she would like to grow the group to have one afternoon meeting and up to two outings a month. A four-year resident of Oakland, she recently got a walking map of the city. "Perhaps during some of our outings, we can discover Oakland together," she said. "Soon we hope to host a few evening and/or weekend meetings so that working parents can attend as well." To join in entertaining and educational activities that are fun for families, call Kari at 235-2171, or e-mail karigabe\@sbcglobal.net. Police Officer Ryan Chan Laurel residents who attended Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council meetings in October met their new Problem Solving Officer, Ryan Chan. Renee Sykes, Police Department Neighborhood Services Coordinator in the Laurel District, described the role of Officer Chan as "working with the community on issues that are negatively impacting them. He will work with residents and merchants to develop solutions and strategies to combat activities like loitering and suspicious behavior, speeding, drug dealing, problem properties, etc." Anyone with tips or information on how to reduce these crimes should contact Officer Chan by calling his cell phone, 773-8109, or by e-mail, rdchan\@oaklandnet.com However, if you need an officer to respond to calls regarding incidents in progress, dial 911 for life-threatening emergencies or if the suspect is still present. Otherwise, dial the nonemergency Police Department number, 777-3333. Renee explained that Officer Chan is not a Measure Y Officer, who covers only one police beat. Officer Chan covers several police beats 25X (Laurel, Redwood Heights, and Leona), 22Y (Bret Harte and Joaquin Miller), and 22X, (Dimond). He also serves the Allendale neighborhood and the area around Skyline High School. For more information about the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Councils serving the Laurel, call Renee Sykes at 777-8718, or e-mail rsykes\@oaklandnet.com. John Frando can be reached at jfrando\@gmail.com, and Kathleen Rolinson at krolinson\@gmail.com.