Dimond Neighborhood News

by Daniel Swafford

Dimond Art Bank Visit the Dimond Library, and you will find a familiar feature in an unexpected place. Colorful and engaging, a refurbished ATM offers something more valuable than cash, the Youth Art Bank. Lauren Elder, Oakland artist and educator, facilitated the Art Bank project after being inspired by a young Hopi artist imprisoned in Arizona for unintentionally damaging an ATM. With contributions from Potrero Nuevo Fund, Compumentor, California College of the Arts, and East Side Arts Academy, Lauren was able to design an interactive video kiosk highlighting the art of Bay Area teens. Step up to the Art Bank and withdraw portfolios, short films, and video journals. Music and narrative complement each artist's presentation. An expos? on Oakland by Markos Gonzales profiles residents as they define this diverse city. Featured art ranges from graffiti and pastels to video and animation. The urban new-generation feel of the project is intended to inspire young people but is presented for all audiences. Possibly the most valuable feature is the opportunity for teens to invest in their future. Touch the deposit tab on the screen for descriptions and links to local media arts programs such as Youth Uprising and Snag magazine, a publication by and for Native American youth. You can learn about Lauren's other projects at LaurenElder.com A BID for Dimond? The Dimond Business & Professional Association (DB&PA) has sent a formal request to CEDA (Community Economic Development Agency) asking that earmarked funds be used to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether Dimond could join Laurel, Montclair, and four other Oakland districts in becoming a BID (Business Improvement District). A BID pools funds collected from either business or property owners to provide services aimed at increasing commerce. The call comes as merchants grow more critical of conditions in the district. The need to address issues of crime, littered streets, and blighted properties, while attempting to attract new, desirable businesses, has DB&PA volunteers overcommitted. BID funds are often used to create a staff position to manage merchant priorities and serve as a resource for both merchants and residents. The study, if commissioned, will look at the ability of the district to generate necessary funds and determine if there is enough community support to initiate and sustain the process. Dimond Winter Festival The Dimond Winter and Holiday Celebration will be held December 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Fruitvale Presbyterian Church, corner of MacArthur and Coolidge. Join friends and neighbors, and share your blessings. For additional information, or to volunteer, call Ruth Villasenor, 336-0105. You can view the event flyer at DimondNews.org or see the ad on pg. [?] of the Metro. Get Involved Share your ideas and learn from others at the DIA general meeting, January 3, at 7:30 p.m., in the Dimond Library. Nominations will be accepted for 2007-08 board members.