High Street Neighborhood Newsby Adelle Foley | |||
As spring turned to summer, the Melrose neighborhood reclaimed two of its anchors with the unveiling of the newly refurbished Fire Station 18, followed closely by the reopening of the Melrose Branch Library.' | |||
The May multi-NCPC picnic in Brookdale Park. Photos by Nick Lostracco.
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Together Again at Melrose Branch
On a lovely June afternoon, those of us who could sneak away from weekday jobs were welcomed by balloons tethered to the railings outside the Carnegie branch. Sandra Toscano, back at the helm of the Melrose Branch, and Supervising Librarian (and former Melrose manager) Jane Lopez met me at the door, where we looked up and admired the newly refurbished windows. Downstairs in the meeting room, Sandra and Jane introduced the new children's librarian, Adina Leitner. Councilmember Jean Quan, who helped to marshal the funds for the windows, reminded the group of the continuing challenge we face to keep our libraries open, and then delighted the children (of all ages) by cutting the cake. Vic Vickers held the fort upstairs, checking out books.
Now that Melrose has reopened, it's up to us to support the Branch. Go online to choose a book from anywhere within the Oakland system, and pick it up at Melrose—convenient access while you build branch circulation. Equally important, Jess A. Munoz and Evan L. Zubritsky, who moved out of the neighborhood after working tirelessly to keep the Branch open, have put out the call for library supporters willing to assume leadership roles in the Friends of the Melrose Branch. Contact Sandra at 535-5623.
A 21st-Century Fire Station
Station 18 house Captain Enrique Padella, alums such as Dino Torres, now a Captain at another Oakland station, off-duty fire fighters and their families joined neighbors to celebrate the transformation of the 1924-era fire station into a shiny-clean up-to-date structure. As painters added the finishing touches, our guides pointed out the double-paned windows to keep out the wind, the latest kitchen equipment, and a community meeting room. We admired the mosaic murals on the outside walls and historic photos of a horse-drawn pumper and the Melrose creamery and candy kitchen, embedded in the design. Meanwhile, children climbed aboard the engine and left with ever-popular fire hats and badges.'
Coming Together at Brookdale Park
On a dry Saturday towards the end of a wet spring, a steady stream of people climbed the hill to the picnic tables in Brookdale Park. Some came from nearby Melrose, Maxwell Park, Allendale, and Jefferson, and others from as far as Joaquin Miller, Eastmont, and Dimond. They carried volleyballs, chairs, baskets full of food for the grill, and goodies donated by La Farine. Old and new friends talked about food, politics, and the economy, admired the new babies, and enjoyed the park. They left wanting to work together and relax together again.
A Fourth of July for Peace
On our nation's birthday, members of the community and the church gathered at the Miracles of Faith Lutheran Church to enjoy the food and entertainment and support peace in our city. Reverend Brown called for a peaceful reaction, whatever the Mehserle verdict, and added that he believes the violence does not come from the people of Oakland. He stressed the need to give everyone access to an education to achieve peace.