Month: June 2008

How Gas Prices Hit Home

Last evening, I fueled my car at the Thornhill gas station. Low-test gas had reached a bargain basement price of $4.53/gallon, and I was drowning in my sorrows.

Then I noticed two Oakland police nearby. While I waited for the gold to be injected into my tank, I sauntered over and declared, “Shoot me now, I need to complain.”

After chatting for a while, I learned that one of these cops beats us all. He has a long daily commute to Oakland, and spends $1,100/month on gas to get here.

We appreciate that local police are making the rounds around the Village. Our gas commiseration made me think about who is attracted to law enforcement, given the risks versus rewards.

Per the Oakland Police Department’s hiring website, entry-level cops earn from $69-$87k/annually. Assuming after-tax income of $55-$70k/annually, a new Oakland cop might spend 25-30% on commuting costs alone!

Yes, we have nearly arrived at the point where gas costs only a bit less than housing. Coupled with rent or a mortgage, there’s not much left over. That really hits home.

Montclair’s First In Some Ways

Oakland Magazine recently published its Best of Oakland & the East Bay picks for 2008. There’s no doubt that Montclair is first in some ways…for the dogs.

We’re tops for pets and their owners, sweeping in these categories: Charity Event (Pet Mayor Contest); Pet Shop (Pet Food Express, Map); Place to Work and Vet (Montclair Veterinary Hospital, Map).

Apparently, we are stylish too. Montclair placed tops in Women’s Clothing (Madison, Map) right along with Nordstroms. Guess I will have to take a closer look at Madison, as I mostly stop by for cards.

The magazine also surveyed their online readers. Our Sibley Preserve was voted as one of the top places, a fitting tribute for our ancient volcano up the street.

The unfortunate news? Montclarions are still going to starve, because there are no local restaurants or food stores awarded. We’ll have to travel for our meals – just about anywhere else in the East Bay.

Vote Tuesday For Your Reps

Although it may have been thrilling to vote in the early U.S. Prexy primaries, the Tuesday election is much closer to home. You’ll make a difference by casting a ballot for your state and local reps:

Village Dog Shuts Down

Forget grabbing a good weiner in Montclair Village. After years of business, Village Dog closed its doors abruptly.

I wonder what happened, if business was bad or the owners simply wanted to move on. I checked out the store and there’s not even a farewell message.

In an ongoing survey, Montclarions were evenly split when asked to vote for Village Dog or Berkeley’s Top Dog. However ours didn’t require a drive north.

My local favorite was the bratwurst, along with a massive side of onion rings. Now it’s just a Village Dog memory, R.I.P.

Postscript: According to unconfirmed rumors, an Indian fast-food place may take up residence. This could be like the Farmers Market takeout option – not bad.