Maxwell Park Neighborhood News

by Sarah Hipolito

What's Good About Oakland? Find Out on the Web! Do you want to hear some positive news about Oakland? Walter Williams and Kellie McCool, proud Oakland boosters, want to give exposure to the outstanding features of this town via their Web site. They use their knowledge about graphic arts (Kellie), fundraising (Walter), and Oakland in their joint venture. Kellie grew up in the Laurel, near 35th and MacArthur, remembering it as a vibrant commercial and residential community. Walter grew up in Los Angeles, moved to Daly City, and discovered Oakland when he came to Lake Merritt on a visit. He liked it so much that he decided to move here and currently lives in Maxwell Park with his wife and baby daughter. Their Web site ILoveOakland.com is "dedicated to helping the community and residents of Oakland renew a sense of pride and love for this wonderful city." They feel Oakland is a world-class city because of its cultural diversity, range of urban and residential environments, greenery, proximity of parks, and, of course, food. Information is posted about the community, upcoming events, local heroes and artists. "Every day someone is making a difference in Oakland. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things. These are the heroes and artists who make Oakland great. Let's celebrate the steps people are taking to renew pride in this city we call home." Walter likes to see people making a difference and enjoys meeting the interesting artists and heroes he interviews for the Web site. Kellie likes the calendar of events, giving people a chance to get involved and be active in the community. The calendar is sent out via their newsletter, along with articles about Oakland. You are invited to register for the newsletter at the bottom of the Web site's calendar-of-events page. Walter and Kellie offer buttons and T-shirts with the message "I Oakland." They gave them to exchange students from the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association. Expatriate Oaklanders living in New York, as well as soldiers stationed overseas, have bought T-shirts to show off their Oakland pride. Kellie tells about thank-you hugs she gets from folks who are delighted to see the shirts with their positive message at public events. Just think how surprised you'll be when you see an "I Oakland" shirt while traveling. Better yet, wear your own, and see how many Oaklanders you meet! Future plans for the site include adding more local heroes and artists, as well as a photo gallery of folks wearing "I Oakland" T-shirts and buttons. They welcome nominations for local heroes and artists and hope to continue spreading the good word about Oakland via the Web site and in person. Maybe we'll see you in the photo gallery! Contacts: e-mail info\@iloveoakland.com, walter\@iloveoakland.com, or kellie\@iloveoakland.com.