Month: June 2010

Same Water Main Breaks Again

There’s something unnerving about a water main break.  And when it happens again, almost a year later, you do have to wonder about repairs around here.  This morning, Shelterwood residents experienced their second break!

Montclarion Jennifer Rich provided her eyewitness report:

Just wanted to let neighbors know of the water main break (again!) on Shelterwood Drive and of the road closed until massive hole is repaired (again).  Use alternate route.

Luckily this time neighbors were able to show responders where to shut the line down before emptying out the water tank as they did last year (3 hours worth of rushing water because they couldn’t find the shut down location), so this side of the hill should be fine for water (other than the two homes impacted by the main closure).

At least this go-around, the Shelterwood break resulted in fewer downstream problems.  Residents were more knowledgeable and coordinated with Oakland Public Works, who got things under control more quickly.  Our emergency workers responded and resolved the crisis at hand.

However this repeat break feels vaguely familiar.  Do you remember the annual road flooding in Shepherd Canyon, until the old stream culverts were eventually replaced?  This time, we’re sure that our city can’t afford to investigate or fix any “root causes” of the Shelterwood break.

We live with an aged infrastructure, and will use emergency band-aids for a while.

Two More Sundays: Vote For Montclair Mayor

The elections are here!  You have only two more Farmer’s Market opportunities to meet the final nine candidates for Montclair Mayor.  We expect many of the would-be leaders to campaign at the La Salle voting booth tomorrow and next Sunday.

Our primary season featured some 20 candidates who all brought unique and relevant platforms to the voters.  The final slate shows nine candidates – rather than the expected eight – because the bottom two were only a single vote apart.  Your votes really do matter!

Montclarion remain open-minded, supporting mainstream as well as fringe candidates.  There are different species running to the finish, but we’re not convinced that our neighbors are ready for anything other than a wagging-happy canine.  Go ahead and influence the outcome by paying for your votes.

Our local Pet and Wildlife Fund does a great job of saving wildlife, and relies on this semi-democratic process to raise funds.  If you would like to support the cause in other ways, then visit Fenton’s Creamery this month for a S’more (A Great Cause) and 25 percent will also be donated to the Fund.  That’s pretty sweet!

New Shoes In The Village

News from the street:   Madison is turning into a full-service shoe store, while McCaulou’s shoe department is shutting down.  This news is connected because both locations are owned by long-time retailer David McCaulou.

Madison’s new shoes can be found at 2020 Mountain Avenue, replacing the women’s clothing there.  Soon you’ll find complete lines for men, women and children, along with nice handbags and wallets.  We watched McCaulou racing around the store and directing the transformation yesterday.  Assuming no snafus, he said the store should open this Saturday.

For years, Montclarions could buy shoes at McCaulou’s on Medau Place.  Their shoe department has been staffed by knowledgeable and attentive sales people, who even special order for you.  However the downstairs location always seems busy and cramped – and both problems are getting addressed now.

In Montclair, McCaulou’s and Madison offer essentials so you don’t have to traipse elsewhere.  There are nine McCaulou’s stores scattered throughout the North and East Bay, which keep the old-timey department store tradition alive and well.  Private owner David McCaulou also operates Madison, Hollyhock and David M. Brian shops.

At Today in Montclair. we’re unabashed Montclair Village boosters.  So remember to check out the newest entry as you make your local rounds.  We have a feeling that a good shoe store will be eagerly welcomed by villagers.

District 4 Seat: Jason Gillen

We’re pleased to introduce District 4 candidate Jason Gillen.  He’s a recent entrant into the race, and provided responses to questions Today in Montclair posed to all candidates, below.


Q.  Why are you running for District 4?

I am running for District 4 because I believe that everyone is entitled to the best quality of life.  I will work with the residents and business owners of District 4 to ensure that the City of Oakland can successfully provide this.  I want to help rebuild relationships between the citizens of Oakland, businesses, city government, faith-based organizations, community based organizations, and the Oakland Unified School District.  All of these groups individually and collectively need to work together to support and attract businesses that can improve job growth and revenue streams to the city of Oakland.


Q.  Why should people vote for you?

I want people to vote for me, because District 4 needs someone with a fresh view on issues and someone who will put the residents and business owners’ needs ahead before their own political gain.  I am dedicated to generating long term revenue streams for Oakland, including the development of retail, green and cultural related businesses.  If we don’t have consistent long term revenue coming into our city, then it will be impossible to pay for core services and programs.  These include Oakland’s infrastructure, youth services and public safety.


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

District 4 residents deserve a City Councilperson that listens and helps resolve issues and concerns in a prompt and professional way.  I believe that I can provide this type of atmosphere for them, as I understand their frustrations with how the bureaucratic processes have become in the City of Oakland.  I will have an open door policy and will deal directly with constituents.


Q.  How would you balance needs of different neighborhoods?

I want to change the way each community within District 4 communicates and interacts with each other.  I believe in encouraging neighbors to collaborate on vital and shared issues such as public safety, education, job development, and beautification.  Each neighborhood in District 4 is unique, but they all share the same concerns.  I plan to balance the needs of the different neighborhoods by establishing a task force comprised residents and business owners meeting monthly to discuss and implement ways to share ideas.  They should then take back to their own neighborhoods through their listserves, blogs, NCPCs, business improvement districts and faith-based groups.


Q.  How would you balance needs of District 4 and all Oakland?

Each part of Oakland is unique.  What is good in one part of Oakland is not always wonderful in another.  Parking tickets come to mind.  I believe in fairness.  I believe in listening to all sides of the matter before making an informed decision.  I believe in informing my District 4 constituents of upcoming nonconsent issues when they come before council, so that I can get their opinion before making a choice.


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

I will not abstain from any vote.  I will be punctual and attentive at City Council meetings, while being brief and informative in responding to issues and questions.  I will listen and be empathetic to everyone equally regarding concerns that they might have and act upon them.


Q.  How does District 4 connect with other districts now?

While each district is separated by boundaries, they all need to be part of the solution and work together on major issues of concern.  Unfortunately, District 4 lacks the positive and direct leadership to work well with other districts.  This District must also utilize the Councilmember-at-Large and Mayor positions to help bridge gaps that arise between the districts.


Q.  How would District 4 connect if you’re in the council seat?

I envision District 4 connecting with other districts by working with all city government and council members to solve problems.  Communication between districts starts with city council members discussing issues, providing solutions and encouraging residents to get involved.  It is the responsibility of elected city council members to engage in meaningful dialogue that will help the city of Oakland grow together.


Q.  What are your top three priorities, after becoming council rep?

My top three priorities will be Budget, Public Safety, and Economic Growth/Job Creation.  I also believe that education and arts are vital aspects to the success of Oakland.


Q.  What have you accomplished, one year after becoming council rep?

One year after becoming City Councilperson, I would have a District 4 task force established to meet monthly to address shared issues.  I would introduce new policies regarding business development to make it easier for businesses to open and succeed in Oakland.  I would encourage my fellow City Council Members to address major budget concerns including pension funds and public safety.  I would also like to see a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of previous ballot measures and any options in regards to updating them.


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

I would like Montclarions to know that I understand that their village is important to District 4 and to the city of Oakland.  Upon attending the Montclair Village Association and the Montclair Safety and Improvement Council meetings, I know that addressing the budget, public safety, and economic issues are important to Montclarions.  I look forward to listening to more of your concerns and working together with all of you to come to a successful resolution.  I appreciate this opportunity to communicate with everyone.  If you want to learn more about me or to contact me, please email me at gillen4district4@yahoo.com or via cell phone at 510-967-6324.

Vote For Loved Twice, Honor A Montclarion

Have you heard about Montclarion Lisa Klein and her Loved Twice non-profit?  The group provides baby clothing and blankets to underprivileged mothers, who typically leave the hospital without the basics needed to care for their newborns.

“It’s all about the babies,” explained Klein.  “It’s all about keeping the babies warm, clean and cozy.”

How Loved Twice Works

Klein collects what parents use during the first year of a baby’s life, including clothing, blankets, toys and sometimes diapers.  Volunteers sort and pack items into individual boxes for girls or boys, and then put them in the hands of low-income parents.  Check out this video interview, to see how it all works.

There’s no question this non-profit fills a gaping need in our community.  When we checked with Klein two years ago, she had collected some 10,000 pounds of donations.  Now donations have passed by the 20,000-pound mark, with an astounding 3,000 newborns supported locally.  Loved Twice has delivered boxes to over 20 local hospitals, prenatal clinics, shelters and safe homes.

Vote for Loved Twice

Since this is Election Day, we wanted to make a campaign pitch to vote for and support Loved Twice.  Please cast your ballot by visiting this web site, clicking on the Oakland A’s, and then selecting Lisa Klein.  The election is open through June 19th, so vote soon.

All the league winners will be honored as “All Stars Among Us,” during the Major League Baseball’s All Stars Game airing July 13th – and that should attract even more attention and donations for the cause.  Here’s hoping our Montclair candidate receives this honor, justly deserved.