Month: May 2008

Conserving H2O Isn’t That Hard

Conserving H2O isn’t that hard – and we have to cut back now. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) officially declared mandatory rationing this afternoon.

According to their pronouncement, 19% cut-backs are required by single family homeowners, 11% by apartment dwellers, and 30% by anyone watering lawns and gardens.

EBMUD means business. If you don’t cut at least half that amount, they will levy fines too.

This weekend, start getting prepared. Go get some low-volume shower heads. If you can afford it, replace your older commodes. And start to do xeriscaping, which actually looks like fun.

We should make “going brown” feel like a badge of honor.

The Ever-Fascinating Fault

Oaklander Andrew Alden, who oversees About.com’s geology guide, recently blogged about the Hayward Fault in Montclair. Apparently, we live near a wide zone rather than a nice, neat fault line.

Let’s first take a look at the Hayward Fault map through the Village:

In particular, Montclair Park is one place where the fault widens. Alden explains that “where two strands overlap, a block of ground between them may slump in tension or rise in compression.” This slump is quite familiar to all, as the pond!

Another tidbit to share: the Hayward Fault has not ruptured here yet. When the big Hayward earthquake took place 150 years ago, it traveled south from San Leandro to Fremont. This doesn’t translate to more risk when the next one hits, right…right?

Kudos: Montclair’s 4-H Club

Did you know Montclair even had a 4-H Club?

Today’s SF Chronicle featured a story about our local 4-H kids, who are raising farm animals within Oakland city borders. Kudos to the kids and their parents!

These kids actively raise a full menagerie of pigs, goats and chickens. They don’t exactly get positive feedback from their city-slicker friends. In my book, they are incredibly cool for doing their own thing.

My favorites are the piggies, pictured above with their keeper. They lead a pampered existence in the Hills, and I’ve heard they appreciate the San Francisco views too.

Soon these pigs will be shown at the Alameda County Fair. In preparation, the kids will shampoo and clip the contestants, and even slather sunscreen on them – pretty funny.

Yet all good things must end. The oinkers get sold each season, and (sadly) become someone’s meal ticket.

Our Pizza Identity Crisis

We have a pizza identity crisis in the Village, with five distinct styles. More importantly, there’s no authentic New York thin crusters around – and I speak from experience as an Eastern Seaboard immigrant.

While it’s possible to drive to other Oakland burgs or Berkeley for “the right pie,” at least there are options nearby. After all, pizza should be about immediate gratification.

Montclair Pizza Montage

Here are details, and site links if they have them.

  • Cybelle’s: Bigger is better pizza – Yelp – 6468 Moraga Ave – 510-339-9408
  • MG’s Pizza: Start-up pizza parlor – Yelp – 5736 Thornhill Dr. – 510-339-1300
  • Pizza Rustica: Designer pies, mmm – Yelp – 6106 La Salle Ave. – 510-339-7878
  • Viva Voce: Taste of Italia – Yelp – 5761 Thornhill Dr. – 510-339-0990
  • Italian Colors: Never tried the ‘za – Yelp – 220 Mountain Blvd. – 510-482-8094

Donations For Burma

In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese desparately need our help. Here are places where you can donate now, while waiting for the Myanmar government to open its borders:

Foundation for the People of Burma – “Immediate response to the disaster will focus on working with our project partners in Rangoon and on the Thai-Burma border, to organize and financially support emergency supplies and services.

Relief International – “RI is activating local resources in Myanmar to provide emergency assistance to relief operations with a vision to transition to recovery efforts.”

U.S. Campaign for Burma – “Cylone Nargis Fund will be used to help people in rebuilding their communities and homes. This will try and fill in the gaps where other aid agencies were not able to assist.”

Burmese American Democratic Alliance – “BADA aims to directly fund the Burmese, the NGOs led by monks, and groups in Rangoon that are coordinating relief efforts.”

Quick thanks to local climbing heroine, Arlene Blum, who has been visiting Burma for years. She sent an email recommending these relief organizations, so you can trust their good works.