Our Opinions

Montclair is Feltre, Italy

Through Flickr, I recently discovered a European woman who shared photos of her U.S. travels.  Vittoria had visited with her Montclair friends, and loved the morning fog and clear days here.

“It reminds me of an American version of a little town in Italy called Feltre. For those of you who know Feltre have a look at the other photos and tell me if you agree.” Vittoria Vieceli

Feltre is a sub-alpine town located in Northern Italy, halfway between Venice and Innsbruck. The hills do look strangely familiar.

European places have long histories, and Feltre comes with the requisite walled city, cool churches, and frescoed homes.  The town has been under French, Austrian and Italian control over the years.

The most famous son was Vittorino da Feltre (1378-1446).  He’s a well-regarded educator, who believed kids from all economic strata should be taught together.

According to Vittorino’s biography, “Many of his methods were novel, particularly in the close contacts between teacher and pupil and in the adaptation of the teaching to the ability and needs of the child.”

All in all?  We’d be honored to call Feltre our sister city.

New Song for Oakland

Should we reach out to Bruce Bratton, for a new Oakland theme song?

When asked to identify a city theme song, Oaklanders proudly point to Bruce’s historical kitsch: Oakland, We’re For You. While this song is undeniably catchy, it received radio airplay over 40 years ago.

Back then, we were honoring the Alameda Tube, Nimitz Freeway and Tribune Tower with Tin-Pan stylings. How about a rap or jazz piece instead?

A UC Berkeley alum, Bratton organized the trio who wrote and performed the ditty. He remains quite fond of his Oakland music-making days – even mentioning those “15 minutes” when interviewed last year.

In the negative column, Bruce transferred his allegiance to Santa Cruz years ago. Currently he pens a weekly column and hosts a radio show there.

While we could tap Bruce, it’s time for a new generation to share their talents. Anyone out there?

How Gas Prices Hit Home

Last evening, I fueled my car at the Thornhill gas station. Low-test gas had reached a bargain basement price of $4.53/gallon, and I was drowning in my sorrows.

Then I noticed two Oakland police nearby. While I waited for the gold to be injected into my tank, I sauntered over and declared, “Shoot me now, I need to complain.”

After chatting for a while, I learned that one of these cops beats us all. He has a long daily commute to Oakland, and spends $1,100/month on gas to get here.

We appreciate that local police are making the rounds around the Village. Our gas commiseration made me think about who is attracted to law enforcement, given the risks versus rewards.

Per the Oakland Police Department’s hiring website, entry-level cops earn from $69-$87k/annually. Assuming after-tax income of $55-$70k/annually, a new Oakland cop might spend 25-30% on commuting costs alone!

Yes, we have nearly arrived at the point where gas costs only a bit less than housing. Coupled with rent or a mortgage, there’s not much left over. That really hits home.

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.

Let’s Have Ducks

We have plenty of good causes, so let’s have a rubber ducky race here. The Montclair Park’s pond will do, even if a few of these little guys get stuck in the tall grass.

Look at this “Ducks for Bucks” fund raiser nearby. The Kiwanis Club has been running this contest since 1995, apparently with great success.  There were 7,400 ducks in the race this year.  Anyone?