Local Events

Give And Receive Gifts From Montclair

While walking along Montclair’s streets yesterday morning, they seemed a bit empty for Black Friday.  Were villagers away, buying electronics elsewhere, or otherwise descending on the bigger mall stores?

On Thursday, December 4th, the Montclair Village Association has organized the Annual Holiday Stroll from 6pm-9pm – and made sure there’s no rain this year!  There will be plenty of Santa cheer and live musical groups sprinkled through the streets.  Several stores are throwing parties with their own refreshments and entertainment too.

Montclair Holiday Stroll 2008

As you know, the Montclair merchants would like to encourage holiday shopping in town.  You don’t have to wrestle with the huge parking headaches or interminable lines, a big plus.  Here are some tried-and-true gifts:

  • Calendars: Pick up a monthly or daily calendar from either Annie’s Hallmark (map) or A Great Good Place for Books (map, site) for finicky teens.  The bookstore offers a 20% discount on calendars now.
  • Wool Hats & Gloves: For women or girls, there are fun gloves and hats with fringes, and other nice woolens stocked at Montclair Sporting Goods (map) this time of year.
  • Kitchen Gadgets: Most people don’t indulge often, and might welcome a new item or two at Someone’s In The Kitchen (map).  Who cares if the recipients cook when the gadget looks nice?
  • Chocolates: You have no idea?  Get that difficult great-aunt some nicely packaged sweets from Le Bon Bon (map) or XOX Truffles (map, site).  Also works as an extra for your beloved chocoholics, of course.
  • Bicycle, Bicycle: This is classic gift for kids or adults, and you can’t do better in the Bay Area than Wheels of Justice Cyclery (map, site).  It’s not that intimidating to go there, either.
  • Baby Stuff: The Tulip Grove (map, site) is the new go-to spot, which opened this year.  A Little Piece of Heaven (map) has infant and kids wear.  The shopkeepers really guide you to a nice gift.
  • Toys: If you need a quick toy for a tot, then head over to Montclair Toyhouse (map).
  • Pet Obsessed: For beloved parents of dogs and cats, Glamour Paws (map, site) has fun items to pamper the beasts.  The interesting bowls and toys grab my attention every time I walk by.
  • Wine Everywhere: The perfect, last-minute gift to bring to your holiday host is vino.  Without playing favorites, head to Crown (map), Montclair Village Wines (map), or newcomer Farmstead (map, site)
  • Cameras: Maybe you should buy a digital camera this year.  You can get live advice and shop smarter at Sarber’s Camera (map, site), rather than drive directly to a big box.
  • All Else Fails: Head up the hill to McCalou’s department store (map, site).  There must be some classic item there you can check off your list.  Or check out many great shops here.

Why boost Montclair?  In these economic times, it makes sense to pursue bargains anywhere.  I’m sure you will battle lines for “just the right thing” or find other items online.  It’s easy to forget the Village options during the holiday hunt.

However, you really should take a spin around the Village and invest some shekels now.  While local businesses don’t have the clout of national chain stores, they make up the Montclair zeitgeist.  If you buy a few things, then you support the local merchants and ensure their survival too.

Yes, this season is about giving and receiving gifts.

Stadium Seats To Oakland’s Budget

Did you know there are some stadium seats now available to watch Oakland’s budgeting process?  There are three opportunities to join the Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) for the City.

Keep in mind this is a citizen’s group which can make suggestions and recommendations, yet has no decision-making authority.  It’s not entirely clear what, if any, influence this committee has on the inner workings of the City Council.

BAC Recommendations 2008-2009

In this June report, the BAC members comment on mid-term budgeting efforts.  They received the Mayor’s recommendations and studied them a bit.  While they made a few fiscally prudent comments, they primarily requested more time, details and options.

With all the current budget travails underway, it still might be interesting to join the BAC and see how the budget processes unfold.  This is your chance to become an appointed observer and reviewer of the longer-term planning efforts too.

The BAC is comprised of 15 citizens who hold these seats representing city districts, a few other committees and the mayor.  In District 4, Sara Wynne occupies our local seat.

Currently there are three (of four) seats that are appointed by Mayor Dellums, and you’re welcome to apply by reaching legislative analyst Sabrina Landreth – and letting her know why you’re interested and qualified to serve a two-year term at: slandreth@oaklandnet.com.

Crimes Abate This Month

Based on the online stats available from the Oakland Police Department, the number of crimes has definitely been reduced in our neighborhood.

There were 25% fewer crimes than last month in the 94611 zip alone.  The northern reaches of Montclair (Beat 13Y) saw nearly a 66% reduction in crimes, due in part to the burglars who were finally caught.

Crime Last Month

While we continue to get smarter about locking up and generally protecting ourselves, there will be a Community celebration of sorts this Thursday evening, at the Montera Middle School Auditorium (map).

Sponsored by the Montclair Safety and Improvement Council and the Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association, all are welcomed at 6:30 pm for quick mixer and formal program from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Nick Vigilante, Montclair SIC co-chair, says “this will be a great opportunity for you to learn about what has occurred regarding the Montclair burglaries, meet many of the Police Officers assigned to Montclair, and say thank you to the Police Officers who have played a significant role in the burglary investigations and apprehensions.”

All our local cops will attend the meeting:

  • Senior Brass: Captain Anthony Toribio, Area Commander, who runs police operations for 1/3 of Oakland; Sgt. Oliver Cunningham, Lead Burglary Investigator; and Sgt. Bernard Ortiz, Problem Solving Unit Supervisor
  • Beat Officers: Montclair (Beat 13Z) Problem Solving Officer Maureen Vergara; Thornhill/North Oakland (Beat 13Y) Problem Solving Officer Mark Contreras; and Upper Estates/Rockridge (Beat 13X) Problem Solving Officer Randal Chew
  • Other Officers: Pat Gerrans; John Cunnie; and Mike Munoz

This is a convenient way to meet everyone, all in one place.  Of course, there will also be “business to conduct,” so come prepared with any questions you have while the officers are here in force.

Voting Day 94611: Where To Vote, See Results

Did you vote yet?  Assuming you are a good citizen and have already registered, then stop by your local polling place and pick your president, representatives, state propositions and local measures.

Polling places are open between 7:00am – 8:00pm, and you can find them by clicking here and entering your address.  I’m betting your precincts will be jammed, so bring something to read and eat while you wait.

For procrastinators, at least click through the California propositions and local measures before you show up.  Those automated calls and TV ads hardly present clear pictures of everything on the ballot!

Gracie Montclair Mayor

According to unconfirmed rumors, Montclair’s Mayor Condon will be making guest appearances at various polling places.  Since the mayoral race was last spring, our Gracie isn’t looking for votes but will gladly accept treats today.

After the polls have closed, my favorite spot for local results will be the Alameda County Registrar’s web site.  You can see the full list or drill down for election outcomes there.  A close second will be TV stations and web sites, although it’s not clear how quickly they will post the local results.

Anyway, it may be a long night…or not.

Happy Halloween Means A Parade

2009 Parade Update:  This year’s Parade was a great success!  It took place on October 30th, through the streets of Montclair. Please see coverage, including snapshots, of the award-winners and VIP paraders.

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In Montclair Village, Halloween means it’s time for a parade plus a pumpkin or two.

Parade Details: Remember to dress up your kids and parade them through town on Friday, during the Lions Club event.  Paraders should meet at the Bank of America office, next to Lucky’s Market, at 3:30pm.

Unfortunately, there’s a 70% chance of rain.  So come prepared for the worst, because everyone will be lined up and waiting to see your cute kids.

Besides the parade itself, take time to stroll around downtown.  There will be balloons and treats everywhere.  A Great Good Place for Books (map) will host some characters and welcome trick-or-treaters.

Make sure to stop by Sarber’s Cameras (map) before the parade, too.  The proprietors take free professional pictures of your costumed kids, as part of their Halloween costume contest.  Who can resist this offer?

Pumpkins Proliferating: Of course, the pumpkins have arrived and been placed on many doorsteps.  For the first time, we’re seeing a few political pumpkins showing up.  Have you seen any “Yes We Carve” pumpkins around here?  How many gourds are appearing for Obama versus McCain?

Don’t fret, as it’s not too late for you to politicize your pumpkins.  Just download stencils for Obama, McCain, Biden or Palin at the Better Homes and Gardens site – and follow the instructions there.

Better Homes ran a pumpkin election which allowed visitors to vote for presidential and veep candidates equally.  As of Tuesday evening, Obama came in first and was closely followed by Palin and then McCain.  Biden was a distant fourth in the running.

Official Greetings: Finally, we cannot resist sharing this Happy Halloween sentiment from a holiday-laden rabbit.  The creature seems to be making the e-mail rounds, and I received him from a friend living outside California.

What a classic piece of kitsch, don’t you agree?  The rabbit provides enough good cheer, since he covers us through Halloween, T-Giving and X-Mas.  He doesn’t reflect every holiday, but will do the trick for now.