Our Opinions

How 2010 Fared For 94611

To celebrate the last day of 2010, we decided to peer over our shoulders.  Denizens of Montclair fared pretty well, because there were no major natural or man-made calamities.  After some intensive analysis, we noticed an even distribution of highs and lows worth recapping for you.

Was it the economy, stupid? The recession hit individuals differently and privately. The Village took hits more publicly, with longer vacancies. Eventually, a couple new eateries opened their doors to keep us local. Thefts in the hills became more creative, arriving in small and very concentrated waves.

In Village politics, non-canines ran but a dog won the mayoral race because we didn’t take risks. It was exciting to consider a rat or two, but the classic chocolate lab, Murphy, is now in charge.

Montclair was fairly quiet, except for the arts, family, food, and holiday street fests — and we still like this mellow place in the city.

The Country’s Catching Up: Gay Rights

In the Oakland Hills, we have already evolved in our acceptance of gay rights.  A large percentage of our population is gay, relative to other parts of the country, and the idea that gays don’t have equal rights just seems backwards to us hills-dwellers.

Outside our bubble, the lame duck Congress repealed Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this past week.  That’s a pretty big milestone, since homosexual military can just focus on their service to the country — and not carry the additional burden of hiding in clear view.

On today’s Good Morning America program, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden went another step further.  While he’s a known talker, Biden said a few words about anti-Proposition 8 rights that are hardly outrageous to us:  gay marriage is inevitable.

Watch the video interview between Biden and host George Stephanopolous.  Near the end, there’s talk of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal and a segue to gay marriage.  “The country’s evolving,” declared Biden.  “I think there’s an inevitability for a national consensus on the subject of gay marriage.”

Of course, Biden quickly covered his tracks and added that it’s his opinion which may not reflect President Obama’s view.  Still, we’ll take this Christmas Eve gift as a sign of good things to come.

Guest Post: Paying Homage To Montclarions

Over Thanksgiving weekend, your blogging alumna decided to appreciate her old neighbors.  It’s easy to pay homage to Montclarions, who have somehow joined forces to create their unique Valhalla.

Top Ten Reasons To Appreciate Your Valhalla

  1. Amazing people — Everyone seems to have an expansive world view or passion they pursue.  No one’s boring.
  2. Food, real food — Remember those great avocados, fused cuisines, and bakeries?   Even non-foodies eat well.
  3. Political spectrum — While the spectrum’s left-of-center, there’s discourse and range.  You don’t notice it.
  4. Local elections — Bless the energy out there, and congrats to Libby, Jean and Jerry.  Some voters might care.
  5. School funding — At least you try to find money to use.  And you try to figure out better ways to spend it.
  6. Debate is good — On any subject, on any day, in the Hills.  Try that debate in places that are, well, more patriarchal.
  7. Protected nature — Yeah, you have done that forever.  When there’s any available land, it’s ready to protect.
  8. Culture anytime — Check out music, art, readings and other events.  There’s almost too much happening.
  9. Disasters anytime — The “gotta prepare” attitude?  Just live well and through a earthquake, fire or mudslide.
  10. Weather perfection — Cool summers and comfy winters are par, and nothing remarkable for all Oaklanders.

Last summer, your faithful blogger left the Bay Area.  The Utah scenery and cultural mores are other worldly!   However Montclair’s Valhalla is more rooted in the real world.  To my old neighbors, take this time to give thanks for your unsung every-days.

Good News and Goodbye

Dear Today in Montclair members,

As you may know, your faithful blogger started the Today in Montclair site on a lark.  There just wasn’t enough coverage about our Oakland Hills and, as this site grew, it started to fill gaps in local reporting.  Over the past couple years, we somehow entered the firmament of Bay Area sites and are here to stay.  This membership site was also established to share events, listings and social posts here and on the main site.

Although we have been a little quiet, the past two months have been all about transition:  handing the keys to Alex Gronke and his team at The Oakbook.  It’s been a privilege to align with this well-known and respected Oakland publication.  We’re excited about what they have begun doing with the site, especially covering more news along with features.

The Oakbook has a thoughtful and reasoned take on what makes Oakland special.  The writers love Oakland, yet aren’t afraid to report good, bad and ugly aspects about the city.  Reporting about the hills was already attractive to Oakbook’s publisher, who coincidentally had written for The Montclarion more than a decade ago.

So why did your faithful blogger bow out?  While I am missing Oakland terribly now, I left California to accept a VP position at a higher-education marketing company.  My role is to lead marketing and product management, and focus on helping schools and students find each other.  While there’s no appropriate way to say good-bye, our transition is complete — and you are in even better hands now.

Cheers,

Debby Richman

P.S.  Please reach Alex anytime.  He’s on this network, and reachable at Alex.Gronke@gmail.com as well.

Montclair Recreation Center, RIP?

Next on the budget chopping block is the historic Montclair Recreation Center.  While we’re philosophical about our city’s budget travails, the news about shuttering the Rec Center and all its programs feels like a sucker punch.

Admittedly, we’ve had time to adjust to Montclair Park’s staffing and facilities cutbacks over the past couple years, but are saddened about completely closing our park building too.  Read this note sent yesterday by Mark Zinns, Montclair Park’s recreation supervisor:

Hi Friends,

As you may know, there are some extreme cuts coming to Parks and Recreation because of the City’s budget shortfall.  No center is exempt including Montclair from complete closure.

If you can help, we need you to come to City Council this Thursday and speak on behalf of Parks and Recreation.  We will be having a rally around 4:00pm and council starts at 5:00pm.  You can register to speak on the City Council web site or fill out a card when you come.

Also, please spread the word to your friends and family about the dire circumstances.  Thank you.

Yes, every little drop of money matters now and the City of Oakland must remain solvent.  We aren’t sure that trying to save these remaining Parks and Recreation centers would even work out.  How depressing!

Well, we should do something. There are volunteers working on Montclair Park’s grounds today, and that same kind of local spirit might flow into the Rec Center itself.  We don’t know exactly how programs are organized without a director, but a couple classes soldier on:   the Montclair Hiking Club’s outings continue, right?

Perhaps another non-profit entity could ride in like a white knight.  There’s a modest model in place, with “Friends” groups who provide time and energy devoted to local resources.  While it took a while, the Shepherd Canyon Railroad Trail and Joaquin Miller Park groups are up and running now – and that’s due to efforts by local citizens who value our shared places.

We have to figure this out, and avoid saying:  Montclair Recreation Center, RIP.