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.

Montclair Sidewalks Get Fixed

This week, Oakland Public Works has been diligently fixing the Montclair sidewalks. Many dilapidated areas are getting new concrete poured, and it’s going to make a big difference.

Why now? Chalk one up for CBS 5, which aired a news story about our buckled sidewalks (click here). Montclair’s problems were clearly illustrated by people falling flat on their faces!

In the story, an Oakland official bemoaned his paltry $1 million budget and $20 million backlog. Yet he and other city officials were spurred by CBS 5, and dispatched workers out of sheer embarrassment.

The outcome is pretty sweet – bless the power of the press.

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.

Era Ends With Dennis Richmond

Our “eminent gris” newscaster will anchor his final show tomorrow night. After four decades, Dennis Richmond retires from KTVU, as planned.

Richmond’s run on the station is pretty atypical. Normally the news-anchor spots change with the seasons or ratings, but not in this case. When he started, he broke all sorts of stereotypes — and then grew into the news icon of today.

In Oakland Mag’s Best of Oakland picks, he was identified as the best male TV anchor: “In all fairness, is there really anybody else?”

Click on this image of Dennis, below, and see the video which features Dennis through the years.

Montclair Embraces New Moms

Just saw this new shop, which embraces and seems perfect for new moms. The Tulip Grove has all the right stuff for babies, classes for moms, and built-in comraderie too.

Here are the founders, who want to help moms remove many of the initial “what do I do about…?” stresses. It’s tough to be a perfect Montclarion mother.

Before this, moms had more limited options.  Montclair Yoga offers a respite from babies, as well as a Mom & Baby class on Fridays at 11:15am — with the perfect mix of chaos and zen.  Of course, the coffee shops are also decent spots, but not for moms alone.

So Tulip has arrived, and is located right in the Village (map here).   For those of us without babes-in-arms, it’s also a convenient place to pick up practical gifts for friends who are expecting.