Boulevard Bites

by Deborah Francis

### Farmer Joe's has a grill in their parking lot on Fruitvale Avenue. They offer freshly grilled meat and vegetarian sandwiches every day except Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Millie will be cooking outside as weather permits. The indoor grill by the butcher station will be used in inclement weather. Customers pre-pay at the register, then show their receipt to Millie, who prepares their food. As easy as that! The menu offers a variety of items, including a juicy Angus burger and steak sandwich.

### The Dimond Branch public library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue, has sponsored and organized a poetry contest for young writers. Submissions have been received from around the Bay Area and across the country. The response has been positive, with many talented adolescents submitting their works. Winners have been picked, and a collection of their poetry and artwork will be published in an upcoming book this December.'

### More good things from our library are coming around on the bookmobile. Andrew Demcak drives to facilities in Oakland, including the Laurel, where people would not otherwise have access to books, tapes, visual books, descriptive videos, large-print books and tapes. Coming soon is Homebound Services, through which volunteers bring these same services to individuals in their homes. For the bookmobile schedule, go to www.oaklandlibrary.org.'

### On High Street, Dick's Donuts has become a bit of a social hangout in the mornings. Savannah and Jason serve fresh-baked donuts, hotdogs, and hot coffee. Just about any morning you can catch local neighborhood folks chatting about politics, the traffic, and who really won the De La Hoya vs. Mayweather fight.