Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

Starting in the grand year of 1851, laundry from the metropolis of San Francisco was ferried across the Bay to Oakland and then hauled by horse-drawn wagon up to The Laundry Farm, a thriving business right here in Leona Heights. In addition to the open hillsides useful for drying freshly cleaned laundry, the laundry had access to the water of beautiful Leona Creek. Later, Mills College was established where it is today, also to take advantage of Leona Creek. Water is still a big deal for those of us who live on the hillsides surrounding Leona Creek today. Though we may not depend on water from the creek itself, the reservoir where our water comes from is still fairly low, we will probably have to conserve water this summer as we did last summer.

As our water bills have gone up, I've thought about a number of ways to make the best of the water that I do use. For example, while waiting for hot water to reach the tap, I'll use the water that first comes out to water house plants, fill the coffee pot, or fill our pets' water bowls. Out in the garden, I've tried to landscape primarily with native plants and trees and vegetation that don't require much water.'

A penny saved is a penny earned when it comes to water, and the same applies to electricity. We may be getting into the longer and warmer days of the year, but now, as through the winter months, we can save money on our bills if we just use our heads. At night, when I leave a room, I turn the light off. I also keep an eye on the heater and turn it off well before I leave the house, not just as I'm going out the door. Over the course of a year, it's amazing how much money can be saved by keeping in mind these simple ideas.'

Thanks in large part to water, Leona Heights is one of the nicest parts of Oakland. As far back as the mid 1870s, people have come from other parts of the city to hike, picnic, and enjoy the rolling hills here. Those of us who call this home are truly lucky indeed.

Gordon Laverty can be reached at lavertyhillmob2\@sbcglobal.net.