High Street Neighborhood Newsby Adelle Foley | |
Planting a tree in honor of the fallen officers in Brookdale Park. Photo by Eddie Dunbar.
Click to enlarge. |
|
|
 |
What a Night Out
' National Night Out (NNO) 2009 occurred on an unusually balmy evening. There were hundreds of block parties in Oakland but I'll write about two unusual events and one garden variety party which was special because it was on my block. The evening began early as we carried on the tradition of the NNO walk thanks to Krista Gulbransen's organizational skills and energy. Dogs, strollers, and neighbors worked their way down the hill, stopped to admire the mural aglow in the late afternoon sun and joined the party just getting started at Maxwell Park. Then the group turned up Brookdale and eventually joined the large party on Monticello.'
' I peeled off to attend the gathering in Brookdale Park in gratitude to the Oakland officers who gave their lives earlier this year and those who continue to protect us. Sponsored by Melrose High Hopes NCPC, the ceremony brought out the fire department, Police Area Commander Captain Paul Figueroa, Lt. Sharon Williams, Neighborhood Services Coordinator Araina Richards, neighbors of all ages, and even a local haiku poet. I was delighted to see the young people finish the berries on the table next to a plate of chocolate treats. The children helped to dig the hole for the Northern Oak tree that had spent the last few months in Jeanne and Bob Nixon's yard waiting patiently for the big night. In the interest of full disclosure I should admit that it's not much of a tree. But like its city, it has a lot of potential.
' Then I returned home to Maxwell Avenue's second NNO party. Last year we started small, but this time organizers Helena Cabrera and Terry Fishburn blocked off the street with our recycling bins (festooned with balloons) so the kids could play and we could talk and eat. As if by magic, tables full of hot dogs, sausage, burgers, platters of fruit, salad and cookies appeared—more than enough for ourselves and visitors. Assistant Fire Chief Mark Hoffman and Manager Donna Hom arrived with gifts for the organizers, and firefighters displaced from the 50th Ave. station to the Coliseum stopped by with their kid-magnet hook and ladder. They went out on two calls, returning to share the food and let the youngsters from blocks around climb all over the truck. The moon was high and it was fully dark before the party was over.
'
Help Shape Brookdale Recreation Center
' Recreation Specialist Kristi Holohan asked the Metro to help recruit members to be on an Advisory Council for Brookdale Recreation Center. The council will meet at 7 p.m., the third Thursday of each month, at the facility on High just off Brookdale to help strengthen the center's programs and its positive impact on the community's young people. Possible projects include a mural, a food pantry, and a series of movie nights. Potential advisors should contact Kristi at 415-420-8028 or brookdaleadvisory\@gmail.com. Or drop in at a meeting.
'
Time to Clean up the Creek
' Mark the transition from summer to fall on Creek to Bay Day. Join your neighbors at the Brookdale entrance to Courtland Creek Park at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 19. Bring sunscreen, gloves, and gardening tools.'
'
Good Bye to Michael Johnson
' At the end of August we'll say good bye to Council Aide Michael Johnson. A fast learner, Michael mastered the issues facing Council District Four and became a reliable, energetic resource in record time. We wish him well and we'll miss him.