Month: December 2009

Last Push For Holiday Cheer

Santa reports that his Oakland Toy Drive needs a last-minute boost, because he doesn’t have enough toys to deliver next week!  We can help Santa spread more good cheer to needy Oakland kids, by donating new toys or money in the next few days.

Here’s the grim news from Santa’s accountant.  Only 10,000 toys have been donated so far, and another 5,000 are needed to reach last year’s level.  Plus the current dollar donations are $6,000 versus $26,000 last year.  Don’t you think you can help, even a little bit?

There are several drop-off points.  In the hills, unwrapped toys are accepted at Chabot Space & Science Center as well as the Oakland Zoo.  With just a few days left before Xmas, it might be best to make drop-offs down at City Hall – Santa’s central collection and pick-up point.

Or donate money instead. If you are crunched for time, then Santa’s elves will buy toys on your behalf.  Please call 510-777-TOYS and donate some of your hard-earned shekels.  Ho-ho-ho and many thanks.

P.S.  On a related holiday note, our Blogoaksphere’s Holiday Food Drive has succeeded.  While the $1,000 goal was relatively modest (compared to Santa’s toy drive), we’ve exceeded $2,000 as of tonight’s tally.

Official City Fish Campaign

We simply cannot ignore our city’s legacy anymore.  As you may know, rainbow trout were discovered in Redwood Regional Park, back in 1855.  While this fact is recognized in historical and environmental circles, we don’t put the trout in their appropriate position of honor.

Due to watershed improvements, from tireless efforts by Friends of Sausal Creek and other groups, the trout find their way into city streams these days.  So the timing seems right for bullhorning this all-important trivia – and all trout fishers in America should know about Oakland.

Let’s declare the rainbow trout as the official fish of Oakland. The species should be placed in a position of honor, right along with Jack London and Oak trees.  We might get better known for our unique urban-rural mix within city limits, and the highly-regarded rainbows seem like a great way to improve perceptions of Oakland.

W.P. Gibbons first identified trout fished from Redwood Creek, then called San Leandro Creek.  Today the area is memorialized in Redwood Regional Park, where you’ll find a stone monument and plaque describing California Historical Landmark No. 970:

Rainbow Trout Species Identified – The naming of the Rainbow Trout species was based on fish taken from the San Leandro Creek drainage.  In 1855, Dr. W. P. Gibbons, founder of the California Academy of Sciences, was given three specimens obtained from the creek.  He described and assigned them the scientific name Salmo iridia.  Rainbow Trout are now worldwide in distribution and are a highly prized game fish.

There are many ways to honor the rainbows, starting with the City Council declaring an official fish status.  Then the fish might appear in official descriptions about our city.  There also could be some memorial in the downtown area.

We’re not aiming to become a fly-fishing destination (!) but this claim-to-fame birthplace surely will grab the attention of visitors.  A couple folks might even come and pay homage to the rainbows at Redwood Regional Park, too.

Now this something with fins (oops, legs).  Anyone want to pick up the campaign and make it happen?

Fresh Fruits And Veggies In Wintertime

Montclair’s one local shop for fresh fruits and veggies appears to be kaput.  After only nine months on Thornhill, the green grocer closed for good last week.  We all liked the owner, but he wasn’t turning inventory – the neighborhood just didn’t give him sufficient business.

So it’s back to the Montclair Farmers Market, not that we’re complaining or anything.  If you’re like me, then you pick up a few things during that Sunday stroll.  You probably venture to the supermarkets in between, buying whatever produce is on hand there.

Well another option walked up to me, last week.  That’s when a Farm Fresh To You sales rep stopped me in the Village.  With pamphlets in hand, Richard asked if I ate my fruits and veggies!  He was ready to discuss organic farm deliveries, right to my doorstep.

Farm Fresh sounds interesting, because they adjust delivery quantities and frequencies to meet your requirements.  You may also pick and choose what’s in the seasonal deliveries, at least a little bit.  The service does seem pretty convenient.

Of course, we had milk and eggs delivery when I was a kid…showing my age!  More recently I tested out the Safeway delivery, but would advise packaged goods there; my fresh stuff arrived with near (and past) expiration dates.

So has anyone tried out organic farm deliveries yet?

Why Chron Placed Jack London Story On Page One

Oakland redevelopment is the story of the day.  In the San Francisco Chronicle’s top story about Jack London Square, we’re getting acknowledged and slightly dissed.

The Chron’s print edition featured “Remaking Jack London Square,” with continuations titled as “Lure of Jack London Square is in doubt” and “Jack London Square – a boon or bust?” In the online edition, the header said “Jack London Square’s future remains uncertain.”

Yes, We React Pridefully

According to Chron reporter Robert Selna, “questions remain about whether the waterfront district can become a regional food and entertainment mecca even in good times.”  He’s certainly trying to get balanced input, and is entitled to his own, substantiated views.

The accompanying photos are amusing, as they depict people traipsing around in the recent rainstorm.  Whether intentional or not, that dreary weather isn’t remotely representative of the Jack London Square experience.  Where’s our climate-perfection?

This Chron piece seems to peer through a West Bay prism, trying to keep cool.  Selna reports that “Oakland’s pull has disappeared now that rents have come down in San Francisco.”  Do we detect some concern there?  You bet.

Yes, We Acknowledge Challenges

It’s almost a tautology, because redevelopment brings obvious challenges and opportunities to Oakland.  The Jack London Market does need more takers.  The office buildings must attract occupants, in droves.  We accept there are too many vacancies, and that’s par for the recessionary course.

Even in non-recessionary times, though, it takes time for a place to catch on.  New great restaurants are establishing themselves now, drawing destination diners to the Square.  Imagine if the Oakland A’s also ended up nearby, thus creating a SOMA-like vibe.  It’s all about making strides.

Yes, We Understand Interest

From the West Bay, there may be a little undercurrent of jealousy (gasp) about Oakland’s gumption.  Maybe our hipster thing, where we are seen as Brooklyn, is starting to take hold.  Maybe the idea that creatives and young professionals choose to live here – and can afford it – is validated too.

We’re not disputing the Chron story’s facts, development challenges, vacancies, current economy or reality.  Today the newspaper devoted tons of black ink to inspecting Oakland’s estuary mojo.  There’s something happening here, and it ain’t exactly clear.  We’ll wear those rose-colored glasses for now.

Montclair’s Natural Christmas Tree

Our favorite Christmas Tree is at the intersection of Shepherd Canyon Road and Skyline Boulevard, bar none.  It’s a grand old evergreen that greets you all the time, but grabs your attention under certain conditions.

Last week, Mother Nature decided that it was time to decorate this Christmas Tree without uprooting it.  We’re fortunate that local photographer Bennett Hall captured and shared this ephemeral beauty.

Keeping this peaceful image in mind, we’re now heading to the Paramount for the music.  The Oakland East Bay Symphony’s holiday concert is one of those crazy, crammed, family-friendly occasions.

You can’t consume the holiday spirit in one gulp, but we wanted to share a sip or two here.  Cheers!