Month: February 2009

Oakland Mayor Looking For Fed Funds

You probably missed this!  Earlier today, Mayor Ron Dellums appeared on NPR’s Tell Me More.  We caught this national radio interview because KALW aired the program in its noon slot.  You can still listen to the 12-minute podcast, where he makes his pitch for Oakland.

If the goal is to get our fair share of federal funds, then some national exposure supports the cause – and the Mayor hammered the need for jobs, jobs and more jobs.  “We have to invest in infrastructure, education, health care and research,” said Dellums.  “In solving the problems, you generate employment.”

NPR - Tell Me More

Michel Martin, an experienced journalist who has reported for ABC Nightline, asked several direct questions about local governance, the Oscar Grant aftermath, state and city budget matters and, finally, Dellum’s overall aspirations.

  • Executive Role: She probed the Mayor about his transition from the U.S. Congress to the local level.  Dellums responded that his first public role was as a Berkeley City Council member, back in the 1960s.  “Coming back isn’t new or strange but it is different,” he explained.  “It’s the executive branch [and] all of the problems ultimately manifest themselves at the local level.”  He admitted this is a very difficult job.
  • Circle of Violence: Diving into the Oscar Grant killing, Dellums felt the “pain we echoed 40 or 50 years ago” and the same issues of violence and trust.  Regarding the excessive force, he said the integrity of the community is at stake and that “there are a lot of issues that have to be addressed”  like poverty, education, jail, health, etc.
  • Balancing Budget: When asked about the California budget crisis, the Mayor identified the “significant revenue impact on education, health and redevelopment.”  This could be solved by looking for help from the federal government and also cutting significant local programs.  There’s no choice because “we have to present a balanced budget.”
  • National Scene: Dellums is one of 24 mayors currently working with the U.S. Congress on economic solutions.  At this point, he feels strongly about the jobs stimulus because most of the city’s ills can be solved with putting people to work.

We smiled when reporter Martin asked if the Mayor wanted to join the Obama administration.  “I have a job and it’s a very taxing job,” said Dellums.  “I’m trying to paint a vision for Oakland coming together.”  Of course, his plan is to bring federal dollars to the model city.

Fantasy Picks For Montclair Village

While making the regular stroll around the Montclair Farmers Market yesterday, it hit me that four prime storefronts are currently available for rent.  They are located on Mountain Blvd and La Salle Ave, right in the heart of these Montclair streetscape plans.

What a perfect opportunity for fantasy picks!  Even in this recession, there must be some kinds of shops we would embrace.  Given our penchant to travel to other Oakland districts, Berkeley and distant points, there are many possibilities.

Vision of Montclair (MVA)

Drumroll please…here are Today in Montclair’s fantasy picks to fill the open storefronts.  We have suggested different food and non-food options, and wonder if they could fly.

1 .  Vacant Jamba Juice store

  • Food – Offer Middle Eastern takeout, including authentic falafel, hummus, tabouli, salads, etc.  Why wait for the falafel stand on Sundays?
  • Non-Food – Open a store which sells specialty soaps, creams and other affordable spa goods.  Beyond the brand-name  items, local soap maker  Montclair Soaps and other regional suppliers would be prominently featured here.

2.  Former Knitting Basket shop

  • Food – Stock an old-fashioned store filled with specialty nuts, designer popcorn, spices, penny (dollar) candy, honey and syrup, etc.  We should have something besides chocolate in town.
  • Non-Food – Create a regional gift shop with items similar to what’s sold at Chabot Space & Science, the Oakland Zoo, East Bay Parks, etc.  This shop would have a green vibe, with all kinds of eco-friendly items too.

3.  Place next to A Great Good Place for Books

  • Food – Open a small  grill which sells Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian-style beefs.  This place would be unique in the area, and perhaps attract some non-Montclarions as well.
  • Non-Food – Ride the scrapbooking wave, with a shop/studio where you could draw, paint, decoupage, work on books, etc.  There’s already a mosaic shop in the village, which seems more arcane than this hobby.

4.  Old Argento Jewelry location

  • Food – Fill the Greek food gap by selling lamb, gyros, moussaka, pastichio and some great desserts.  The place could have a few tables but be supported by takeout, somewhat like the Flavors of India nearby.
  • Non-Food – Open a small store where everyone gets their electronics and phones fixed, with an on-site geek who really knows his/her stuff.  Batteries and other key supplies could be sold here too, for when things fail on us.

To burst the fantasy, these open storefronts may be with us a bit longer than anyone would like.  There must be retailers who seek out a nice, thriving village.  We would even patronize (gasp) chain outlets beyond these fantasy picks.