Anticipated Restaurants Open'
Nama Sushi held their grand opening August 15, hosting a large crowd eager to see the completely renovated interior at 3400 MacArthur, formerly Mel's Pancakes, and sample the creative rolls and traditional Japanese plates. Menu items are moderately priced with upscale quality and presentation. Co-owner Jay Shin is excited about their first Oakland location (two in San Francisco and one in Walnut Creek) commenting that they made a big investment upgrading the building and he is " looking forward to a mix of dining in the district and is glad to help the Dimond grow."
Shaan North and South Indian Cuisine, next to Dimond Café on Fruitvale, is due to open in September, adding spice and savory flavors to the growing Dimond diner scene.
Residents Resist Convenience Store
Spearheaded by the Dimond Improvement Association (DIA), residents are pushing to curtail the permit approval of a "Middle Eastern Market" seeking to open on MacArthur next to Wells Fargo. Suspect wording in the application and a design review revealed a convenience store in disguise.
Neighborhood residents have legitimate reasons to be concerned after watching the initial promises made by owners of Da Hot Spot, also on MacArthur, to open a women's fashion boutique, rapidly devolve into sales of pipes, lighters, and tobacco products, leaving the clothing displays and hat racks nearly empty.
Owen Li, DIA Board and 22X NCPC member, wrote to the Planning Dept. "... an additional convenience store would be duplicative and bring negative impacts to our community. It would also not be an appropriate use of the location since it will be adjacent to a new public seating area once the Fruitvale Alive project is completed."
Most concerned said they would like to have a Middle Eastern market, but are asking city planners to write strict language preventing tobacco and related products from being sold and requiring the inventory and groceries to be unique to the district.'
September 3 Improve Your Environment Talk with FOSC
The September 3 DIA General meeting will host Karen Paulsell, Friends of Sausal Creek (FOSC) volunteer and Restoration Committee member, presenting methods and resources individuals can use to keep themselves, their homes, and the watershed healthy.'
Under a grant from the State Water Quality Control Board, FOSC developed a presentation based on the book The House and Garden Audit: Protecting Your Family's Health and Improving the Environment. Free copies of the book are available to attendees. Join the discussion and learn about healthy communities Wednesday September 3, 7:30 p.m. at the Dimond Library.
22X NCPC Meets
Meet with neighbors to address concerns on crime, traffic, and positive community growth. The NCPC meets Monday September 15 at 7 p.m. in the Richmond Room of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Dimond's Oktoberfest Wants You
Volunteers have met to bring together the many elements of a successful festival and are looking to include you in the ongoing preparation and day-of-event support. October 4 is Oakland's first annual Oktoberfest in Dimond. Sponsorship opportunities and vendor applications are still available at OaklandOktoberfest.com. Please promote and share this opportunity.
Volunteer to build your community and be a part of this cultural festival. Contact Helen\@Oaklandevents.net.
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