Month: May 2010

Who Were The Montclarions?

Who were the Montclarions?  We all know about the Ohlones, Spanish, Gold Rush era and later settlers.  But there’s more color and dimension to these earlier inhabitants, according to Oakland historian and librarian Kathleen diGiovanni.  She brought her well-researched and clever observations to the Montclair Library today, as part of their 80th year celebratory events.

Without further introduction, here’s a bit more about the people who lived outside, camped, planted flags and established the good life here:

  • Native Americans – Sure enough, the Ohlones populated these parts and lived in small units rather than some centralized settlements.  Decades before the Spanish arrived, these newcomers transmitted their old-world pathogens and sickened many of the natives through trade.  By the mid-1800s, the remaining Ohlones were living as virtual-slaves in the nearby missions.
  • Land Grantees – To pay their military, the Spanish government handed out land grants and Luis Maria Peralta received nearly 44 thousand acres.  His four sons ranched lands from Albany to San Leandro, including Antonio Maria around Oakland.  The Peraltas spent substantial energies proving their ownership to Uncle Sam, yet their holdings were gone by the next generation.
  • Bad Eggs – There were people who leased property from the Peraltas, all above board.  There were other people who were bad eggs, and just squatted all over the place – and even sold land they didn’t own.  Our very own version of the Wild West, right here!
  • City Fathers – Well, Montclair was the place to escape for John Coffee Hays.  He built the first amazing estate in the hills, right around Thornhill Drive.  Hays was a big shot, as a Texas Ranger, before arriving in California.  Once here in Oakland, he helped found the city and wanted that (mostly unused) home outside city limits.
  • Entrepreneurs – Now this is a species we can understand.  Everyone was rather scrappy around here, but John Percy ended up living in the same general area as Hays.  He was involved in real estate and in the water business.  However, Percy was absolutely over-extended and this came to light when his estate burned down.  The guy went broke.
  • Settlers – By the 1920s, there were many workers living here who hailed from Portugal.  There were also farmers, including the Medau family at (now) Montclair Park.  In the next decade-plus, developers built homes for modest and more well-healed buyers who arrived in droves.  Various covenants restricted ownership, and they were blatantly advertised.

From afar, these Montclarions might teach us a lesson or two.  At some level, we know it’s worth preventing infectious diseases.  Please clear deeds on your property.  Don’t do land scams.  Get fire insurance that covers replacement value.  And try living within your means.

Last but not least, everyone should be welcome to live here.  History teaches lessons, and sometimes we listen.

Caldecott Mega-Project Underway

If you live in the northern reaches of Montclair, then you likely know the Caldecott Tunnel’s Fourth Bore construction is finally happening now.  It will take four years and some $420 million to complete this mega-project.

During the standard workday, you can drive by and catch some construction on the northern side of Route 24.  There are various cranes and trucks working on the barrier, like the one yellow beauty we caught in action below.

Late yesterday afternoon, there was an exit closure which might be due to the mega-project.  We were headed westbound on Route 24 and wanted to go to Berkeley, but the Highway 13 interchange was blocked in that direction.  Anyone else run into the problem?

On the Caldecott web site, Caltrans reports this 24/13 interchange work as underway.  Take a quick look at that purple line in the overlay view below, where the connector road will ultimately be moved.  We were a little annoyed and surprised by the activity, but could easily re-route yesterday.

At this point, Caltrans is not only working on that highway interchange but also the Kay Street overpass.  As part of construction abatement, workers are widening the street and installing a traffic signal.  These improvements matter, especially when all the truck traffic arrives down the road.

When dealing with the Fourth Bore, Montclarions will need to learn patience – and exhibit that trait over the next four years!

More info:  See the Caldecott Tunnel mega-project’s web site, including a list of current activities and recent photo gallery.  There are also links about noise data, traffic advisories and closures.

Grille One Looks Delectable

Grille One looks delectable.  We stopped by to take a quick peek at the offerings, which included an array of grilled meats, veggies and salads displayed for all takers.  This newest dining option opened yesterday – and what an improvement for Montclair Village!

What’s there?  You’ll see a upscale food line with all the juicy roasts ready for slicing, and hugely mouthwatering.  It’s a bit hard to come up with comparisons, but this place reminds us of a very (repeat very) upscale version of Boston Market.

On the menu, the grilled selections are served as main plates or carved sandwiches.  There are also excellent salad options.  I think it will take five visits to do the place justice, and pass judgment completely.

The dining room looks lovely and has vanquished any memories of the prior tenant serving Mexican chain restaurant food.  The tables and flooring are now dark and sleek, with an urban-metropolitan feel.  Things were quiet when we stopped by in the mid-afternoon, though the owner and her team were getting prepared for the evening rush.

We also noticed that Grille One bought one of those Valpak ads offering 50% off any carved sandwich or lunch/dinner plate through July 5th, as a grand opening offer.  That’s a decent incentive to try out the Grille – and we hope they do well in the Village.

District 4 Seat: Jill Broadhurst

We’re pleased to introduce District 4 candidate Jill Broadhurst, who reached us today.  She provided many responses to questions Today in Montclair posed in April 2010, below.


Q.  Why are you running for District 4?

I have served our community for the last eight years as a community leader on parks, libraries, public safety and fire protection. I believe I’ve made a difference in our community. With an opening on the Council in District 4, I have the opportunity to continue that work in a way that will allow me to accomplish even more for our community.


Q.  Why should people vote for you?

Our Council needs to have a clear vision of how to go about achieving our goals, and the ability to implement that vision with the cooperation of all district representatives and the Mayor.  I will focus on Oakland’s core services, and how to increase the level of resident satisfaction.  I understand both the opportunities available for improving our City, as well as our limitations, and how we can deal with them.


Q. What do you hope to change for District 4 residents?

I will bring a stronger working relationship between NCPCs, neighborhood leaders, business associations, parks, and libraries and their patrons.  I want District 4 residents to know that they are not forgotten by the City.  Many of the changes are citywide enhancements that will benefit all of the Districts.


Q. How would you balance needs of different neighborhoods?

Each neighborhood within District 4 faces its own unique challenges, so I will identify specific priorities for each area.  I will first ensure that the most-critical items are addressed and managed efficiently and effectively, while simultaneously reviewing other concerns.  I will provide regular updates to each neighborhood and welcome feedback.  By advocating for and respecting the opinions of all of our District’s residents, we will help to meet the needs of the entire District.


Q.  What will be different when you are seated versus Jean Quan?

I will be the first Latina Councilwoman, I have young children who attend the local elementary public school, and I have a private-sector background.


Q.  What else would you like to share with Montclarions and other readers?

I understand that how one casts his or her vote is a very important and personal decision.   Elections provide a crucial opportunity to allow the residents of Oakland to make their voices heard, and how they vote reflects the improvements in their City and District that they are hoping to see.  I will be honored if they cast their valued vote for me, to represent them as their next Council person in District 4.  To learn more about my campaign, please visit www.jill4oakland.com or my facebook page.

Fun But Crowded, At Oakland Museum Opening

It was the place to be:  the Oakland Museum of California’s grand re-opening today.  Along with other faithfuls, we entered the temple after it was fully blessed by an Ohlone tribal member and various dignitaries.  The outside hasn’t changed, although the entry shifted to Oak Street.

Notice anything odd on the wall?  Project Bandaloop performed today, with dancers held aloft by climbing harnesses!  It seemed quite difficult to maintain grace during the entire dance, but these two wall dancers succeeded in spades.

Once inside, we headed directly to the History gallery and enjoyed seeing old favorites like the 1898 steam-powered fire truck.  This expanded gallery also housed evidence of the groovy 1960s to the current day.  Getting our fill, we headed over the Art gallery and were forced to wait for others to leave first.  Opening Day crowds are an aberration, though.

Anyway, these permanent galleries are simply more interesting and far easier to navigate than a year ago.  You can tell that museum planners thought deeply about our experiences.  Interactivity means high-touch, and not just computer screens planted all over the place.

After visiting the galleries, the new museum store was next on the agenda.  While it’s located in a more centralized and open location, the offerings disappointed us today.  All the local books and materials, once sold in the old store, have vanished from the shelves.  Maybe the place hasn’t been completely stocked, so the jury’s out.

If you would like to visit the museum gratis, then head down tomorrow.  There are many great events and concerts all day, including the always-inspiring Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir between 2-4pm.

Welcome back, old friend.