Just The News

Our Very Own Craigslist Crime

Advertise for your robbery victims, why not?

By now, you have likely heard about this latest Craiglist crime twist to hit the hills, where the perp lists a car for sale and lures potential buyers to Montclair or Rockridge.  The unsuspecting shopper shows up and gets robbed at gunpoint…lovely.

Here’s what was shared on the Montclair Safety board:

In the Craigslist crime, the robber places an ad on Craigslist advertising a car for sale and provides his own (cell) phone number.  Victims call to inquire about the car, and the robber arranges a meeting at a quiet address, possibly yours.  The victim comes to your house and asks about the car for sale.  You know nothing about it, and turn the victim away.  As he starts to leave, the victim is accosted and robbed.

In the incident on Sunday night, the criminal was seen walking around the block prior to the crime.  He was well dressed, talking on his cell phone, and not particularly remarkable, except that he was wearing a black knit cap.  During the crime, he pulled the cap — actually a black ski mask — down over his face.  This time, the perp was an African American.

An eyewitness called the police and several cruisers were here on the scene in minutes, but not quite fast enough this time.

Wow, our homes are hosting  this “trusted seller” routine.  Our streets are pretty quiet, unless there’s a kid playing or a neighbor walking a dog – so be on the lookout.  We should be able to help the cops nab this guy soon.

Get Yer Second Bulky Pickup

Step right up, and get yer second bulky pickup from Waste Management.

Yes, your spring cleaning dreams can finally come true.  Typically your friendly garbage guys make one “free” bulky pickup as part of their annual service.  In 2009, they are giving out 500 extra pickups to first comers – and you’re eligible if this is your second request of the year.

Oakland - Bulky Pickup

Recycled and non-recycled bulk items can be hauled away.  So now there’s no excuse to keep junk sitting in your laundry room, stuffed into closets, or shoved into unused spaces.  Outside gardening detritus is accepted too.

If you haven’t done this much before, then get ready to focus on your pickup logistics.  The rules say you must tightly arrange your stuff on the curb, and less than a day before the pickup time.

Each pickup is restricted to three cubic yards, which equates to a 3x3x9 foot area or twenty 32-gallon bags.  If you go over the allotted volume, then Waste Management charges $25 per extra cubic yard.

We suggest you check out Oakland Recycles as well as their instruction pamphlet.  Then call Waste Management at 510-613-8710, to ask any questions and schedule your bulky pickup.  The thrill of less awaits you.

Learn About State Props On YouTube

Someone has to try to shine a spotlight on the upcoming May 19th election, which asks for thumbs up or down on California’s budget propositions.  These days, it’s easy to forget Sacramento when focused on Oakland’s own financial travails.  Remember you do have a say – even if slight – in how the state operates too.

Come on, vote. The upcoming election isn’t exciting like that POTUS election, but it’s still worth exercising your civic responsibility.  In this election, you pass judgment on six different ways the state coffers could get shifted around, emptied, and slightly refilled!  Take a minute to check your registration or register to vote by the deadline – Monday, May 5th.

California Prop 1A - Video Intro

For or against the props? Our state representatives, Senator Loni Hancock and Assemblyman Sandre Swanson, are against the propositions and strongly oppose the first one which is about growing rainy day funds and restricting budget use. The League of Women Voters feels that many propositions are short-term fixes, too.  Now that your views are biased, take a look at the propositions and decide for yourself.

Review the ballot here. If you’re registered, then you have seen the propositions in the mail.  I’m betting that you didn’t pay close attention to this voter mailing or maybe even tossed it into the recycle bin.  For starters, the League of Women Voters comes to the rescue with voter and ballot info available through their Smart Voter site.

Watch a few videos instead. The fastest way to get a “lay of the land” is through short YouTube videos.  These videos run under two minutes each – and feature a plain-spoken guy, Stuart Paap, who introduces the props without spin.

  • Prop 1A – State Budget – Video – Description – This prop would enable the State to extend tax increases in place since last February.  There was no guidance about how the tax revenues would be spent, and this prop seeks to put limits on spending with an increased rainy-day fund.
  • Prop 1B – Public Education Funding – Video – Description – Voters previously approved minimum funding for public schools and community colleges.  Some of what’s owed is permitted to be paid back in future years.  This prop requires state to pay the $9.3 billion owed now, from available budget.
  • Prop 1C – California State Lottery – Video – Description – Voters previously approved the lottery for school funding, and about one percent of our state’s school budget comes from this source.  This prop shifts school funding to the state general fund, and permits the state to raise $5 billion now via lottery bonds.
  • Prop 1D – Transfer of Child Development Funds – Video – Description – Voters previously increased the state’s tobacco tax to fund programs for kids up to age five.  There’s $2.5 billion in unspent funds (6/08), and funds would be re-directed to the state general fund for programs like foster care, health care, preschool, childcare, etc.
  • Prop 1E – Transfer of Mental Health Funds – Video – Description – Voters previously passed a one percent tax on personal income over $1 million, for new mental health programs.  There’s $2 billion in unspent funds (6/08), and $460 million would gradually transfer to the state general fund, thus providing mental health services for patients under age 21.
  • Prop 1F – Pay Raises for State Officials – Video – Description – Voters previously approved a state commission to set salaries for legislators, governor and other elected officials.  This prop prevents state officials from getting raises in years when state income falls short of state spending by one percent or more.

More info:   Your Polling Location – Check Your Registration – Register To Vote – Online Registration Form – Easy Voter Guide – Quick Reference Guide To Props – Budget Propositions – Full Voter Information Guide – Google News Results

Some CORE Needs To Survive

Like many other city services, CORE is destined for the chopping block soon.

For first responders, Oakland’s CORE program helps extend their reach when disasters strike.   CORE, which stands for Citizens of Oakland Respond to Emergencies, teaches residents how to respond effectively in the first 72 hours…after an earthquake, fire, mudslide or other calamity.

Oakland’s Fire Department started CORE in response to the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, and ramped up after the 1991 Oakland Hills fires.  CORE has developed a full curriculum related to personal safety, home protection and even pet care when the big whatever hits.

CORE Program

Montclair Safety’s Nick Vigilante believes that some CORE needs to survive regardless of budget cuts.  At tonight’s Public Safety Council Meeting, down at City Hall, he will propose “that CORE and all its current assets be retained and merged with Neighborhood Watch and the Neighborhood Watch Division.  If the City intends to eliminate CORE, this will give them a workable way for keeping CORE in place and going strong.”

Around Montclair, many people have become block captains who have learned some things from CORE – or Montclair MONS – training and practices.  How will more advanced knowledge be shared if CORE shuts down?  I think this is where volunteerism comes into play, because we know it’s just a matter of time for Mother Earth to deliver her next blow.

Evening Update: Nick Vigilante returned from the Public Safety Council Meeting with good news.  “There may be some cuts in the CORE Program and/or the CORE Program may be moved to the Neighborhood Services Division,” explained Vigilante.  “However, I do not think it will impact the delivery of CORE Program services.  All of this is still to be determined.”

Where Was The Tribune Report?

While I enjoy the Oakland Tribune, something happened today that made me really sad:  zero mention about a new candidate for the Oakland mayoral race next year.  This little news item was published by the San Francisco Chronicle instead.

According to the Chronicle, Robert Bobb will join the mayoral candidate race.  After serving for many years as Oakland city administrator, Bobb threw his hat into the ring and plans to return home from his temporary Detroit gig.

Now there are three unofficial candidates counting Jean Quan, our Montclair-Laurel city council rep;  presumed front-runner Don Perata, the former state senator; and newest arrival Bob Bobb.  Most Oaklanders assume that current Mayor Ron Dellums will retire after his single term in office.

Tribune Mirror Reflections

Back to the Oakland Tribune’s miss, though. It’s one thing to drop extra or non-essential coverage.  Or forego unaffordable investigations, Pulitzer prizes be damned.  (Though I felt that State of Play, the new flick featuring Russell Crowe as the investigative journalist, was bittersweet.)

When city news isn’t broken by Oakland’s official paper of record, that’s quite noticeable to locals.  Although the Tribune was scooped by the City across the Bay’s gumshoe, you would think the item warranted some mention today.  We figure it will get printed tomorrow.

In the meantime, let’s take a moment here and shake our heads…no, no, no.