Grille One Looks Delectable

Grille One looks delectable.  We stopped by to take a quick peek at the offerings, which included an array of grilled meats, veggies and salads displayed for all takers.  This newest dining option opened yesterday – and what an improvement for Montclair Village!

What’s there?  You’ll see a upscale food line with all the juicy roasts ready for slicing, and hugely mouthwatering.  It’s a bit hard to come up with comparisons, but this place reminds us of a very (repeat very) upscale version of Boston Market.

On the menu, the grilled selections are served as main plates or carved sandwiches.  There are also excellent salad options.  I think it will take five visits to do the place justice, and pass judgment completely.

The dining room looks lovely and has vanquished any memories of the prior tenant serving Mexican chain restaurant food.  The tables and flooring are now dark and sleek, with an urban-metropolitan feel.  Things were quiet when we stopped by in the mid-afternoon, though the owner and her team were getting prepared for the evening rush.

We also noticed that Grille One bought one of those Valpak ads offering 50% off any carved sandwich or lunch/dinner plate through July 5th, as a grand opening offer.  That’s a decent incentive to try out the Grille – and we hope they do well in the Village.

District 4 Seat: Jill Broadhurst

We’re pleased to introduce District 4 candidate Jill Broadhurst, who reached us today.  She provided many responses to questions Today in Montclair posed in April 2010, below.


Q.  Why are you running for District 4?

I have served our community for the last eight years as a community leader on parks, libraries, public safety and fire protection. I believe I’ve made a difference in our community. With an opening on the Council in District 4, I have the opportunity to continue that work in a way that will allow me to accomplish even more for our community.


Q.  Why should people vote for you?

Our Council needs to have a clear vision of how to go about achieving our goals, and the ability to implement that vision with the cooperation of all district representatives and the Mayor.  I will focus on Oakland’s core services, and how to increase the level of resident satisfaction.  I understand both the opportunities available for improving our City, as well as our limitations, and how we can deal with them.


Q. What do you hope to change for District 4 residents?

I will bring a stronger working relationship between NCPCs, neighborhood leaders, business associations, parks, and libraries and their patrons.  I want District 4 residents to know that they are not forgotten by the City.  Many of the changes are citywide enhancements that will benefit all of the Districts.


Q. How would you balance needs of different neighborhoods?

Each neighborhood within District 4 faces its own unique challenges, so I will identify specific priorities for each area.  I will first ensure that the most-critical items are addressed and managed efficiently and effectively, while simultaneously reviewing other concerns.  I will provide regular updates to each neighborhood and welcome feedback.  By advocating for and respecting the opinions of all of our District’s residents, we will help to meet the needs of the entire District.


Q.  What will be different when you are seated versus Jean Quan?

I will be the first Latina Councilwoman, I have young children who attend the local elementary public school, and I have a private-sector background.


Q.  What else would you like to share with Montclarions and other readers?

I understand that how one casts his or her vote is a very important and personal decision.   Elections provide a crucial opportunity to allow the residents of Oakland to make their voices heard, and how they vote reflects the improvements in their City and District that they are hoping to see.  I will be honored if they cast their valued vote for me, to represent them as their next Council person in District 4.  To learn more about my campaign, please visit www.jill4oakland.com or my facebook page.

Fun But Crowded, At Oakland Museum Opening

It was the place to be:  the Oakland Museum of California’s grand re-opening today.  Along with other faithfuls, we entered the temple after it was fully blessed by an Ohlone tribal member and various dignitaries.  The outside hasn’t changed, although the entry shifted to Oak Street.

Notice anything odd on the wall?  Project Bandaloop performed today, with dancers held aloft by climbing harnesses!  It seemed quite difficult to maintain grace during the entire dance, but these two wall dancers succeeded in spades.

Once inside, we headed directly to the History gallery and enjoyed seeing old favorites like the 1898 steam-powered fire truck.  This expanded gallery also housed evidence of the groovy 1960s to the current day.  Getting our fill, we headed over the Art gallery and were forced to wait for others to leave first.  Opening Day crowds are an aberration, though.

Anyway, these permanent galleries are simply more interesting and far easier to navigate than a year ago.  You can tell that museum planners thought deeply about our experiences.  Interactivity means high-touch, and not just computer screens planted all over the place.

After visiting the galleries, the new museum store was next on the agenda.  While it’s located in a more centralized and open location, the offerings disappointed us today.  All the local books and materials, once sold in the old store, have vanished from the shelves.  Maybe the place hasn’t been completely stocked, so the jury’s out.

If you would like to visit the museum gratis, then head down tomorrow.  There are many great events and concerts all day, including the always-inspiring Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir between 2-4pm.

Welcome back, old friend.

District 4 Race: So Early, So Important

Oakland’s District 4 council seat is getting vacated by mayoral candidate Jean Quan – and that move has attracted a flurry of early candidates.  A group of District 4 neighborhood leaders plan to interview all comers this weekend, and endorse a candidate thereafter.

With that vetting underway, Today in Montclair wanted to introduce as many candidates as possible.  Remember that candidate filings don’t even take place until August (!) for the November election.  It’s a little unfair to push for positions this early, but the outcomes matters to everyone.

Over the past couple weeks, your faithful blogger has begun reaching many aspirants by e-mail, phone or in person – and they are a truly impressive line-up.  My goal has been to create a very level playing field, and I sent these questions to gauge their differences:

  1. Why are you running for District 4?
  2. Why should people vote for you?
  3. What do you hope to change for District 4 residents?
  4. How would you balance needs of different neighborhoods?
  5. How would you balance needs of District 4 and all Oakland?
  6. What will be different when you are seated versus Jean Quan?
  7. How does District 4 connect with other districts now?
  8. How would District 4 connect if you’re in the council seat?
  9. What are your top three priorities, after becoming council rep?
  10. What have you accomplished, one year after becoming council rep?
  11. What else would you like to share with Montclarions and other readers?

At first, the ideal plan was to collect all Q&As and publish them simultaneously.  Falling short of time as well as this ideal, six candidates were reached and have responded admirably.  You may read Q&As from Scott Jackson, Clinton Killian and Libby Schaaf, along with an introduction from Melanie Shelby.

In coming days and weeks, Jill Broadhurst (added May 3rd), Melanie Shelby and Daniel Swafford have assured this blogger that they plan to share more information and responses.  There are several more candidates who are starting to declare their intentions as well.

Welcome to the almost-election season! At Today in Montclair, we hope to provide an interest-free zone where candidates communicate directly – and where materials will be shared and linked from other places.  We’re hearing that national anthem finishing up, and turn to the first game now.

District 4 Seat: Scott Jackson

We’re pleased to introduce District 4 candidate Scott Jackson.  He provided responses to questions Today in Montclair posed in April 2010, below.


Q.  Why are you running for District 4?

Oakland is a wonderful city but it is broken.  I am running for City Council to try to fix it.  Living in District 4 for the past 9 years has given me an understanding of the District’s needs and my experience has a Deputy District Attorney has given me a perspective on Oakland’s needs as a whole. Too many of our politicians and city leaders are representing their own interests and not the interests of the people they are elected to represent.  I am running to represent the people of District 4 and our interests.  Our district deserves a leader who will work hard to deliver basic city services like keeping us safe, fixing our streets, and creating and maintaining a vibrant economy.


Q.  Why should people vote for you?

First, as a Deputy District Attorney, I have prosecuted all types of crimes in Oakland. I understand crime and how to address the public safety concerns of District 4 residents.

Second, as a resident of District 4 for the past 9 years, I too am frustrated by the lack of basic city services.  I will fight hard to deliver those services.

Finally, as a former teacher and a parent who is raising 3 children in District 4, I understand what families are going through in our District. The District needs someone to fight hard for our families so that we don’t lose them to other cities/towns.


Q.  What do you hope to change for District 4 residents?

I would like to change Oakland’s response to our District needs.  I would like more patrols on our streets, an increase in CORE funding, and fixing our broken streets.


Q.  How would you balance needs of different neighborhoods?

As I talk to people from all over the District, our needs are not that much different.  First, everyone is concerned (and rightfully so) about public safety right now.  The key will be to focus on the “hot spots” and continue to pursue other criminal activity from there.  Second, the news of earthquakes around the globe has everyone in our District concerned about our preparedness when the Hayward Fault has a dramatic shift.  Our goal as a District has to be preparedness and responsiveness.  Third, everyone in our District seems to have a pothole they want fixed, a tree they want removed, a street lamp fixed, or a blight they want addressed. Oakland must provide these services.

Finally, our District has some wonderful businesses that we must support.  Our girls have participated in Kids N Dance in the Laurel; we shop for food at Farmer Joe’s in the Dimond; we shop for toys at Toyhouse in Montclair; and we get our dry cleaning done in Lincoln Square.  Our District has it all – not to mention all of the excellent restaurants in our District. We must support these businesses as they support local jobs and provide for revenue that the City so desperately needs.


Q.  How would you balance needs of District 4 and all Oakland?

I think we connect over issues.  For example, vocational schools/training. I have talked to people all over Oakland, and I see these young people who come into our courtrooms everyday, and there is no doubt that many of these kids could benefit from vocational training.  If we teach these kids a skill that they could carry with them for the rest of their lives, get them into a union or start them on the path of starting their own business, Oakland would benefit greatly.  How does this connect with District 4?  If people are working, they are not robbing. And maybe these kids will not enter our homes with the intent to steal, but with the intent to fix our pipes or install solar paneling.


Q.  What will be different when you are seated versus Jean Quan?

First of all, let me say that Jean is to be commended for her dedicated service to the District and the City.

I think the major difference between Jean and I will be my ability to connect with young families in our District and with Oakland as a whole. As a parent of 3, currently raising school aged children in the District, I understand what families are going through.  I understand that there are people in our District living paycheck to paycheck who are concerned about their children’s education, their jobs, and their mortgages.  The expense and sacrifice of living in the District is causing many families a lot of stress. Many of our District residents are not asking for much from the City, just the basics – keeping us safe, fixing our streets, making sure we are prepared for the “Big One,” and supporting local retail. I believe that I can provide a voice for these families.

I think another difference will be putting different face on District 4.  As an African-American, I believe that other Oaklanders will see District 4 in a new light.  I believe that I will be able to connect District 4 with the rest of Oakland in a way that Jean could not. This could help District 4 increase its influence in the City.


Q.  How does District 4 connect with other districts now?

It doesn’t.  For example, look at the increase in parking fees fiasco.  If you read the papers during that period, District 4 residents were portrayed as a bunch of rich folks who did not want to pay our fair share – even though the vast majority of Oaklanders opposed the increases.  Our District residents care about the welfare of this City and the People of Oakland as much as anyone else in this City.


Q.  How would District 4 connect if you’re in the council seat?

As I mentioned above, I believe that I can connect with the all of People of Oakland.  In my capacity as Deputy District Attorney, I have been fortunate to meet and speak with people from all over Oakland, and we are not much different.  We all want Oakland to work again, and we want Oakland to reach its full potential.  When I am on the Council, the People of Oakland will know that we stand behind them in our common pursuit of safe streets and economic vitality.


Q.  What are your top three priorities, after becoming council rep?

First, getting more cops on the streets of District 4.  I believe my experience and relationships in law enforcement will get the ear of the police brass and help us get the police resources we need.

Second, extending and increasing funding for CORE.  We are going to take the brunt of the impact of the impending earthquake and we must be prepared.

Third, fixing our streets.  From potholes, to street lights, to blight, our streets have become a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed.


Q.  What have you accomplished, one year after becoming council rep?

All of the above. We need to stop aiming low and start aiming high.  Moreover, Oakland needs to do a better job attracting and encouraging business growth. There are lots of empty stores even in wealthy areas of Oakland. I will encourage and support small business development in District 4.


Q.  What else would you like to share with Montclarions and other readers?

I am originally from Chicago and went to Williams College in Massachusetts.  After two years of teaching (U.S. and Civil Rights History) I went to law school at George Washington in Washington, DC. I was offered a job with the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and my wife and I moved to Oakland in 1997 after we graduated from law school.  We moved to District 4 in 2001 after our first child was born. We live in the Crestmont area with our 3 kids and my 77 year-old mother-in law- who helps with the kids. She has given me a great perspective of the needs of the Seniors in our District.

I coach for Montclair Soccer Club, NOLL/SOLL baseball, Oakland Girls Softball League; and I even did a stint with Skyline Lacrosse!  I am committed to the youth our district and will be a strong advocate for the needs of residents of District 4.

June 1st Update: At the Piedmont Pines Neighborhood Association’s gathering for candidates, we learned that Scott Jackson won’t be throwing his hat in the District 4 ring.