Nearby Nature

Montclair’s First In Some Ways

Oakland Magazine recently published its Best of Oakland & the East Bay picks for 2008. There’s no doubt that Montclair is first in some ways…for the dogs.

We’re tops for pets and their owners, sweeping in these categories: Charity Event (Pet Mayor Contest); Pet Shop (Pet Food Express, Map); Place to Work and Vet (Montclair Veterinary Hospital, Map).

Apparently, we are stylish too. Montclair placed tops in Women’s Clothing (Madison, Map) right along with Nordstroms. Guess I will have to take a closer look at Madison, as I mostly stop by for cards.

The magazine also surveyed their online readers. Our Sibley Preserve was voted as one of the top places, a fitting tribute for our ancient volcano up the street.

The unfortunate news? Montclarions are still going to starve, because there are no local restaurants or food stores awarded. We’ll have to travel for our meals – just about anywhere else in the East Bay.

Peru in the Redwoods

Join a llama-supported hike this weekend, up in Redwood Regional Park. Here’s what the llama line-up looks like, as snapped by a hiker this March:

Llama packers will guide the 4-6 mile hikes, held from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday. According to the packers, “you will have the opportunity to lead a llama while learning about handling, caring for, and packing with llamas.”

Please call ahead for more info and to register at 888-EBPARKS (888-327-2757). Beyond this weekend, there will be one more opportunity in June as well.

This looks like fun. Though I have been told that llamas are spitters – and the trek isn’t quite as benign as you think!

March 2010 Update:  The llamas are returning for treks again soon!  The scheduled days are March 27th and 28th, and April 24th and 25th.  The hours have changed, from 11:00am – 2:30pm.  It now costs $70/resident or $78/non-resident.  Call ahead and sign up.

Montclarion Crime = Landscaping Harassment

Our crimes are just not world class.

Thanks to the East Bay Express, I learned about a recent plant theft. It spurred me to investigate all landscaping matters reported through our Montclair watchdog group this month.

Plainly Irritating – A commercial establishment uses a leaf blower at 8am once/week and creates noise pollution for neighbors. I would say try living in the city sometime, and buck up.

Cause for Alarm – Someone has been driving by a landscape project and seems suspicious. We are in America, so I would like to follow our innocent until guilty principles.

Village Theft – Some 72 succulents (mostly Echevarias) were stolen from a homeowner’s property. Okay, this is an actual theft and I’m sure the plants were worth something.

For those who can’t picture succulents, here’s a photo showcasing some beauties. These are planted in Oakland, and no one has stolen them yet.

While petty crimes occur in Montclair, it seems like we get incensed over matters that aren’t exactly life and death. A few weeks ago, the watchdogs were chatting about magazine solicitors. With the arrival of spring, we’re now getting concerned about landscaping harassment.

The Ever-Fascinating Fault

Oaklander Andrew Alden, who oversees About.com’s geology guide, recently blogged about the Hayward Fault in Montclair. Apparently, we live near a wide zone rather than a nice, neat fault line.

Let’s first take a look at the Hayward Fault map through the Village:

In particular, Montclair Park is one place where the fault widens. Alden explains that “where two strands overlap, a block of ground between them may slump in tension or rise in compression.” This slump is quite familiar to all, as the pond!

Another tidbit to share: the Hayward Fault has not ruptured here yet. When the big Hayward earthquake took place 150 years ago, it traveled south from San Leandro to Fremont. This doesn’t translate to more risk when the next one hits, right…right?

Kudos: Montclair’s 4-H Club

Did you know Montclair even had a 4-H Club?

Today’s SF Chronicle featured a story about our local 4-H kids, who are raising farm animals within Oakland city borders. Kudos to the kids and their parents!

These kids actively raise a full menagerie of pigs, goats and chickens. They don’t exactly get positive feedback from their city-slicker friends. In my book, they are incredibly cool for doing their own thing.

My favorites are the piggies, pictured above with their keeper. They lead a pampered existence in the Hills, and I’ve heard they appreciate the San Francisco views too.

Soon these pigs will be shown at the Alameda County Fair. In preparation, the kids will shampoo and clip the contestants, and even slather sunscreen on them – pretty funny.

Yet all good things must end. The oinkers get sold each season, and (sadly) become someone’s meal ticket.