Our Pizza Identity Crisis

We have a pizza identity crisis in the Village, with five distinct styles. More importantly, there’s no authentic New York thin crusters around – and I speak from experience as an Eastern Seaboard immigrant.

While it’s possible to drive to other Oakland burgs or Berkeley for “the right pie,” at least there are options nearby. After all, pizza should be about immediate gratification.

Montclair Pizza Montage

Here are details, and site links if they have them.

  • Cybelle’s: Bigger is better pizza – Yelp – 6468 Moraga Ave – 510-339-9408
  • MG’s Pizza: Start-up pizza parlor – Yelp – 5736 Thornhill Dr. – 510-339-1300
  • Pizza Rustica: Designer pies, mmm – Yelp – 6106 La Salle Ave. – 510-339-7878
  • Viva Voce: Taste of Italia – Yelp – 5761 Thornhill Dr. – 510-339-0990
  • Italian Colors: Never tried the ‘za – Yelp – 220 Mountain Blvd. – 510-482-8094

Donations For Burma

In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese desparately need our help. Here are places where you can donate now, while waiting for the Myanmar government to open its borders:

Foundation for the People of Burma – “Immediate response to the disaster will focus on working with our project partners in Rangoon and on the Thai-Burma border, to organize and financially support emergency supplies and services.

Relief International – “RI is activating local resources in Myanmar to provide emergency assistance to relief operations with a vision to transition to recovery efforts.”

U.S. Campaign for Burma – “Cylone Nargis Fund will be used to help people in rebuilding their communities and homes. This will try and fill in the gaps where other aid agencies were not able to assist.”

Burmese American Democratic Alliance – “BADA aims to directly fund the Burmese, the NGOs led by monks, and groups in Rangoon that are coordinating relief efforts.”

Quick thanks to local climbing heroine, Arlene Blum, who has been visiting Burma for years. She sent an email recommending these relief organizations, so you can trust their good works.

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?

Mayoral Election Begins

Stop by the Farmers Market on Sunday, and cast your $1 vote for this year’s Village officials. The primary takes place through May 17th, and the mayor’s race takes place through June 15th.

As you probably know, our government has gone to the dogs. Over the past year, our Mayor has been Bella and she’s been ably supported by Gracie.

When you vote, you are contributing to the Pet & Wildlife Fund, which meets the emergency needs of local wildlife who get injured.

Any questions? Please reach: lee@montclairvethospital.com