NCPC Builds Community, Addresses Crime
The April 21 Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) meeting for police beat 22X heard reports from teams working on economic development, traffic calming, and crime prevention. Chief of Police Wayne Tucker spoke to the large crowd about Oakland Police Department (OPD) strategies to address the rising number of armed robberies in the area. NCPC volunteers, city staff, and the police department will work with merchants to perform environmental scans of area districts with the hope of increasing safety and decreasing the opportunities to commit crime.
The next 22X meeting will be held June 16, 7 p.m., at the Greek Orthodox Church.
Dimond Park
The Dimond Tot Lot Committee wants to leverage the talents and vision of neighbors and park users for the design and funding of a new park play structure. Tot lot plans can be viewed on the dimondtotlot Yahoo Group. The Tot Lot committee meets on the' second Tuesday each month, 7 p.m., in the Social Hall of the recreation center.
Visit the Oakland Parks and Recreation website to learn what classes and events are coming up in Dimond Park and the entire city park system at www.oaklandnet.com/parks. Many tot, youth, and adult programs are starting up now for the spring session.
The 4th annual DIA/Dimond Park Open House and Picnic is Sunday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Games, food, Women's Will, and an area history walk are all free to guests.
Dimond Park is experiencing a resurgence of crime and destruction to property. Graffiti and late-night activity has become more frequent and costly. Park Director Michelle Doppelt is requesting neighbors to call police whenever anyone observes illegal nighttime access to the park. Call the OPD non-emergency number: 777-3333. No one should be in the park or the pool after 10 p.m.
Oakland Oktoberfest to Celebrate Dimond History and Culture
The Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) and the Dimond Merchants have signed a deal with Oakland Events to bring Oktoberfest to Dimond. Save the date. On Saturday, October 4, we will invite the Bay Area to celebrate the season in true Oktoberfest style. This outdoor festival will feature music, food, local brewers, a Green Zone, and a kids' area. Oakland Events' mission is to draw people to the unique districts of Oakland and highlight local business and culture.'
The Oktoberfest theme for Dimond comes from the area's German history, when a number of beer gardens lined what is now MacArthur in the area below the Altenheim. Oktoberfest is also a celebration of the fall and the harvest, and of course beer making. This is a unique event for Oakland and a great fit for the diverse Dimond District.'
DIA Board Elections
The Dimond Improvement Association will hold its annual election of directors at the May 7 General Meeting, 7:30 p.m., in the Dimond Library. The meeting will feature Jason Patton from CEDA discussing proposed bikeways along MacArthur through Dimond. All are welcome. Please join.'
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