Raburn Running for BART District 4
Dimond activist Robert Raburn has announced his candidacy for BART Director in the November election. Raburn, who has lived in the area since 1984, helped the Dimond Improvement Association garner over $2 million in regional transportation funds for improvements along Fruitvale Ave. and a new transit plaza on MacArthur Blvd. at Champion St.'
He may also be familiar to neighbors as he led the East Bay Bicycle Coalition and opened the EBBC office at the Fruitvale BART Station. BART's District 4 encompasses East Oakland between Highway 13 and the City of Alameda.
Spotlight on Businesses
Charcoal Park Music Event'
Charcoal Park, a unique community garden, antique, and gift store, is hosting its Second Local Music Showcase on Saturday, August 14 from 6 to 9 p.m. Enjoy fresh salads and fruits from their garden and an evening of live music. $5 donation benefits Charcoal Park located at 2727 Fruitvale Ave. For information call Shirley at 689-6725.
Bargain Shop Grand Opening Saturday August 7
Selling new and gently used clothes, shoes, hats, jewelry, and home accessories, the Bargain Shop is now open at 2133 MacArthur Blvd. (531-1577). The owner, Farzane Kazemi, a longtime Dimond resident, has designed her store in a most attractive fashion. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed on Sunday. Part of the Bargain Shop's proceeds fund weekly dinners for the homeless in Oakland. The store also serves as a drop-off spot for new and gently used toys that Farzane cleans and donates to Children's Hospital. Welcome to Bargain Shop.
Giant Burger
Under new ownership, Giant Burger at 2055 MacArthur Blvd. (531-3199) offers an expanded menu and seating at a newly constructed family-friendly patio. Menu items now include turkey and veggie burgers, Philly steak sandwiches, and onion rings. New breakfast items include breakfast burritos, egg sandwiches with cheese and bacon, and French toast. Giant Burger still serves its signature quarter-pound burgers with fries, milkshakes, and pies. Giant Burger is open late every day (Monday-Thursday until midnight, Friday-Saturday until 2 a.m., Sunday until 11 p.m.). We are hoping sweet potato fries will be added to the menu.
Flavor Brigade
Summer means it's time for ice cream, and we have just the place for you. Flavor Brigade at 3540 Fruitvale Ave. is open 12 noon to 8 p.m. every day. The ice cream is handmade in small batches from the freshest ingredients. Flavor Brigade also makes intensely flavored Italian ice. The ices are dairy-free, and one is even sugar-free. Don't forget, there is a customer parking lot behind the ice cream store. What could be easier?
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