Serving the neighborhoods from Fruitvale Avenue to Seminary Avenue and from Foothill Boulevard to Warren FreewayVolume 11 Number 8 October 1999

A Community Newspaper • P.O. Box 19046, Oakland, CA 94619 • (510) 287-2655

s I walk into the Oaklandoffice of Assembly-member Audie Elizabeth

Bock on the 22nd floor of 1515Clay, I’m stunned by the view.Wall-to-wall windows look outon an aerial vista of all of WestOakland, with San Francisco ris-ing from the mist like a fantasycity. It’s a spacious office witha spectacular view any veteranpolitician would die for.

As a freshman legislator anda Green Party member in aDemocratic city, how does Bockmerit such regal digs? Dressedwith casual elegance in a twinset with long skirt, she welcomesme as if for afternoon tea. “Thisbeautiful office,” she explainswith an amused smile, “was re-ally intended for someone else.”She is referring to her opponentin the spring special election,Elihu Harris. He was so confi-dent of victory that prior to therace he used his influence to set

hat would happen ifanother major disasterstruck Oakland? Stories

abound about problems withemergency response systems.In Turkey, for example, after therecent earthquake, many reliefworkers were unable to helpbecause of lack of coordination.

Oakland learned aboutcoordination during the greatfirestorm, when Oakland andBerkeley found they could noteven share fire hoses becausethe fittings were different.

As a direct result of the 1991East Bay Hills fire, the State ofCalifornia in 1996 enacted intolaw a statewide emergency man-agement system, or SEMS. Thesystem ensures that relief andrescue efforts are coordinated

Jerry Brown meetsthe Laurel.

See Redwood HeightsNeighborhood News,

page 3.

You, too, can become a friend of the Metro. See page 2.

Your support helps keep the Metro alive! Become one of the Thousand Friends.

*Helen Cora & Ed Barber, *Marna Cohen, *Cheryl Guyer * Werner Hertz, *Mary Owens, *Ralph & Marlene Straehle* Renewing friends

harter schools haveemerged as one way toraise the abysmal level

of public education. MayorBrown has praised the char-ter school movement, andOakland is home to five,each with its special slant.For example, the EC ReemsCharter, the Dolores HuertaLearning Academy, and theSan Antonio Volunteers ofAmerica Charter are spon-sored by John Walton of theWal-Mart fortune throughhis “Schools Future Re-search Foundation.”

The American IndianCharter Public School,housed in the Tongan Meth-odist Church on KansasStreet in the Laurel, is spon-sored by the Oakland Uni-

A Room of Her Own with a Spectacular View

Representative Audie Bock: “I’m most proud of the fact that I recently got the Legislature to sponsor aresolution against the dioxin pollution of San Francisco Bay.”

Emergency Managementfor the 21st Century

cont inued on page 4

aside prime office space forhimself. Ironically, Bock won byfewer than 400 votes.

Now that Bock is a Sacra-mento insider, so to speak, andvows to pursue a second term,how will she translate GreenParty ideals like social and envi-ronmental justice into a realisticagenda for her 16th District,which includes Piedmont,Alameda, and most of Oakland?

“There are so many impor-tant issues,” she says, pausingto look at the view. The Japa-nese ceramics and prints on thewall behind her are remindersof her prestigious academiccredentials. Fluent in Japaneseand an adjunct professor ofAsian studies, she’s writtenseveral books on Japanese film,including a translation of theautobiography of film directorAkira Kurosawa. She turnsfrom the window, wearing oneof her trademark smiles. “It’shard to reduce all my priorities

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B Y C Y G U L A S S A

fied School District but fol-lows a philosophy based ontraditional Indian values. Itis the only charter school inthe Metro area.

Their charter commitsthem to meet standards ofthe Oakland Unified SchoolDistrict and is approved bythe State Board of Education.The charter text of 28 single-spaced pages, padded withpromises, offers a brief mis-sion statement: “The Missionof our Charter School, writ-ten as a K-12 Charter, is tomeet the academic, social,cultural and developmentalneeds of American Indianstudents, and all students, inan environment that respectsthe integrity of the indi-vidual student and diversecultures and knowledge and

ARepresentative Audie Bock, 16th AssemblyDistrict, Discusses Strategies for ImplementingHer Green Party Agenda

WB Y B A R B A R A L I S T O N

American Indian CharterSchool Begins Fourth YearB Y T O N I L O C K E

cont inued on page 2cont inued on page 5

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The new Office of Emergency Services, Henry Renteria, manager.

C

2October 1999

HOT NUMBERSCITY OF OAKLAND AGENCIES

ABAT—the Alcoholic 238-7103Beverage Action Team

Graffiti hotline 238-4703

Abandoned cars 615-5715

O.P.D. Non-emergency 238-3333

Animal control 535-5602

Beat Health (drugs) 615-5808

Drug Hotline 238-DRUG

Noise Hotline: 238-6777(Oakland CEDA,property complaint line)

C.O.R.E. 238-6352(Citizens of OaklandRespond to Emergencies)

Truancy Hotline 479-2199

Oaklanders Assistance 444-CITYCenter knows the answerto all problems with cityand other governmentalservices in Oakland.

PRIVATE AGENCIES

Safe Streets Now 836-4622(drugs)

A Safe Place 536-7233(domestic violence)

Conciliation 763-2117Services of Oakland(neighborhood disputes)

Sentinel Fair Housing 836-2687(free landlord-tenantcounseling anddiscrimination investigation)

Managing EditorToni Locke

Copy EditorsPaulette Avery, Anne Foxand Joan Veldhuizen

Finances/BookkeepingReuben Goldberg

Advertising ManagerSuzanne Tipton

Art DirectorAndreas Jones

Word ProcessingDavid Raich, Chris Carter

PhotographyJody Berke, Risha Hessand A. Luqman

DistributionDal Sellman

MailingDiane Trost

�

Board of DirectorsMichael BroadJanet BroughtonDouglas FergusonReuben GoldbergBettie GrandisonLori Hope

�

A special thanks to allresidents, associations, andmerchants for their support.Also, a special thanks to allvolunteer writers, artists,photographers and distributors.

Imagesetting by CameraGraphics,Lafayette, California,(925) 283-2473.

Printing by Alternative WebPrinting, Oakland, California,(510) 261-3666

Opinions expressed in the MacArthurMetro are those of the contributorsand do not necessarily reflect theviews held by the publication.© 1999 by the MacArthur Metro,P.O. Box 19046, Oakland, CA 94619(510) 287-2655.

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deadline the 15th.

Publication in thefirst week of each

month exceptJanuary and July.

ISSN 1091-1111

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Editor, Friends andNeighbors,

For life, for health: LionsPool in Dimond Park offersLap Swimming, Senior Lap,Stretch, Water Aerobics,Extended Swim Team andSwim Lessons. The Stretchis offered Monday throughFriday, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.,and Aerobics Monday andWednesday evenings, 6:30to 7:30. Call 482-7852 forother days and times.Fees are as low as $1. Getmoving, exercise. Do it!

Virginia Sellman

Lettersto theEditor

Sewer ReplacementProject Continues in

Dimond CanyonThe sewer project is movingalong, with new plastic pipenow in place from the upperend of the project, above theLeimert Bridge, all the wayto El Centro Avenue.

Although work has beenprogressing steadily, theproject has not gone exactlyas planned. At one point, thecontractor found the old pipeencased in an undergroundconcrete footing and had todig into the creek channel toclear the obstruction, usingexcavators, loaders, and awinch. The creekside roadin Dimond Canyon was wid-ened and a temporary roadconstructed upstream fromwhere the old road ended.

The City’s creek restora-tion consulting team hasdesigned plans for slopereconstruction and erosion

control and has submittedthem to the State Departmentof Fish and Game and to theCity of Oakland for approval.Slopes will be regraded. Theroad will be subtly realignedin some places and coveredwith wood chips. Creek bankswill be protected with coconutfiber mats and replanted withcuttings and seed of localnative plants.

Sections of the park willbe closed to the public duringconstruction. The entire projectis expected to be complete inmid-October. Planting willcontinue into the late fall andearly winter. Volunteers areneeded for maintenance andother planting tasks in DimondPark. To get involved, cometo the next Friends of SausalCreek meeting on Wednesday,October 20, from 7 to 9 p.m.,at the Dimond Library, or joinour next workday, Saturday,October 23, from 9 a.m. tonoon, in Dimond Park. Formore information, call AnneHayes at 231-9566.

Friends of Sausal Creek

B Y M I C H A E L T H I L G E Nwhich creates educationalpartnerships among teachers,students, parents, and the widercommunity consisting of indi-viduals, businesses, institutionsand cultural organizations.”

Under state law, charterschools are public schools,covering the range of gradesfrom kindergarten through12th, created or restructuredunder charter agreements nego-tiated by coalitions of interestedparties. They hire and fire theirown staff and teachers, raisefunds, and operate free frommany of the constraints ofthe mainstream public educa-tion system. In 1992, with thepassage of SB1448, Californiabecame the second state in thenation after Minnesota to allowcharter schools, the first open-ing in 1993. After five years,the chartering authority, inthis case the Oakland UnifiedSchool District, determineswhether to renew the charterfor another five years.

Ongoing studies andevaluations of charter schooloutcomes praise innovationand community involvementbut question the funding baseand many other findings. Aca-demic results are not yet clear,according to a 1996 study by

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the California State oversightagency (Little Hoover Commis-sion). “In California’s chartersystem, the price of failure isrevocation—and in one in-stance when a charter schooldid not live up to its commit-ments, the sponsoring districtshut it down.” Many of theschools studied have had a dif-ficult struggle, and others arefinding their options limited.

The A.I.C.P.S. countsamong those that are strug-gling. Concerned parents haveraised serious questions aboutthe inadequate site, inadequatefunding, and the inability ofthe Board of Directors, headedby Ramona Wilson, to retain aprincipal (a third in three yearsbegins this fall) or to keep theirstrongest teacher. A perceptionof lack of democracy and ac-countability in the school hasbeen troubling. However, newprincipal Barbara Graumann,five new teachers, and 80 stu-dents enrolled in grades 6 to10 are opening this academicyear with fresh commitment.Acting superintendent GeorgeMusgrove is overseeing media-tion to settle differences withinthe school family.

Whatever your viewsabout charter schools, thecommunity has a stake in thisschool’s success. We owe it tochildren who desperately needthe education the school’s owncharter promises them.

Charter SchoolsC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1

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eona Heights ImprovementAssociation members haveproved that associations

not only help protect areazoning and homeowner/resident interests, they canalso offer a way of having agood time together. Some LHIAmembers got together to attendWoodminster Summer Musi-cals (Guys and Dolls and ForeverPlaid) in our own local, nation-ally recognized outdoor theater.In the season finale, ForeverPlaid, a musical featuring fourBay Area singer/actors singingmusic of the 1950s and ’60s, itwas also fun to see the cameoappearance of Annette Lavertywith the singers. Next yearwe plan to expand the neigh-borhood offering to all threeWoodminster shows. If you

wish to be included on thenotice list for 2000, call me at531-4860.

Recent happenings in theLeona Heights neighborhoodunderscore the need for land-owners to protect their propertyline markers and to periodicallycheck to see that they arefindable. You never knowwhen you may need to locatethe markers to clarify locationof fences, drainage problems,property boundaries for solu-tion of neighbor discussions,and similar issues. After severalchanges of property ownershipthrough sales, new adjacentowners can have differing view-points reconcilable only byaccurate location of propertycorners. Land resurveys may berequired to establish lost mark-ers. Maintaining known mark-ers is much more economical.

Leona HeightsNeighborhood News

B Y G O R D O N L A V E R T Y

Mayor Meets the LaurelThe Oakland Sunday Tribunereported that the Laurel/Red-wood Heights NCPC (beat 25X)September 9 meeting withthe mayor was the largest

wanted to make sure he leftwith a good understandingof the goals of communityorganizations in this areaand what they expect andneed from City government.Finally, we wanted to buildcollaboration within ourcommunity. All were achieved

October 1999

3

regarding some of our key is-sues. Coming together in acombined forum enabled allthe attendees to get a betterunderstanding of the workthat others are doing. PastorCannon’s desire for morefriendliness among communitygroups was right on target.The energy in the room waspositive and powerful. Let’skeep it going!

Our next NCPC meeting isat Laurel School on Thursday,October 14, from 7 to 9 p.m.We will be voting for newofficers for the year 2000 inDecember and welcome yourinvolvement.

The Laurel/Redwood HeightsNeighborhood Council thanks thefollowing community leaders forspeaking to Mayor Brown onSeptember 9: Scott Lamb (Friendsof Laurel School), Cheryl Garrett(Principal, Laurel Elem. School),Renee Jackson (Laurel Elem.School PTA), David Vahlstrom(Laurel Merchants Association),Renee Sykes (Neighborhood Ser-vices Coordinator), Gerry Goeres(Laurel Events Organizer), AdinaSara (Laurel Community ActionProject [L-CAP]), Nguu Tran(Laurel Park), Ed Garcia (BretHarte Merchants Association),Geri Murphy (Bret Harte HealthStart Collaborative [BHHSC]),Bobbie Bond (CORE/NCPC/BHHSC), Luqman (NCPC 25XFounder/BHHSC), ElizabethCarter (Oakland Public Theatre),Linda Lilly (Native AmericanIndian School), Sister Sylvia (Vic-tory Outreach), Pastor Cannon(Cornerstone Church), TepperaChesher (NCPC), Shawna Frisbey(Motels), Dennis Evanosky (39thAve Homeowners Assoc.), EdRovera (NCPC 22Y), DonnaBlanc (Allendale NCPC), DeniseMauldin (Allendale Rec Center),Beverly Blythe (AllendaleActivist).

Toward a Safe, Healthy,Walkable City

Oakland’s second annualWalk a Child to School day,on October 6, reminds us toteach children safe pedestrianbehavior. Help our childrento select a safe route to schooland cross streets safely, evenif they usually arrive by car.Seven schools in our area areparticipating. To find out howyou can help, call Fran Gagein Councilmember Miley’soffice at 238-7049.

Gardeningat Courtland Creek

Neighbors and supportersof Courtland Creek spent thelast Saturday of summerimproving and enjoyingthe creekside park. With anemphasis on gardening, thegroup planted three Thunder-cloud plum trees, trimmed

B Y A D E L L E F O L E Y

High Street Neighborhood Newssuckers, cleared up weeds,added to the native plants,and shared a welcome snack.The volunteers appreciatedthe change from earlier yearswhen all of the effort went toclearing debris, furniture,and other garbage.

Nominations Are OpenNominees for officers of theMelrose/High Hopes NCPCwere chosen at the September16 meeting. All those wholive, work, or own a businessin beat 27X are eligible to voteat the November 18 meetingat Horace Mann School.

Melrose Library—Progress and Optimism

It looks as if the MelroseBranch will be open at thetemporary site in October.Get ready to check out somebooks at 5420 Bancroft (nearFairfax). It’s also time to thinkabout how to use the space atthe 4805 Foothill site when it

reopens next spring/summer.Anyone interested in partici-pating in that discussionshould call librarian RobertaFrey at 535-5623. Call thesame number for updateson the schedule and plansfor a reopening celebration.

Good Neighborsin Motion

The Ygnacio/Belvedere HomeAlert has adopted nearbystreet corners on Fairfaxfrom Foothill to Bancroft formonthly cleanup efforts.The group’s first effort netted12 bags of weeds and trash.Oakland’s We Mean CleanOffice provided bags andshovels.

The St. Lawrence O’Toolecommunity celebrated the50th anniversary of theirschool by replanting themedian in front of their siteand weeding a larger section.Keep an eye out for the peren-nials they planted.

he overwhelming successof Mayor Brown’s recentvisit to our community

has brought home once againthe power and effectiveness ofpeople working together tocreate community. It is obvi-ous, and I hope that MayorBrown would agree, that anyseed planted in this activecommunity will surely grow.We also look forward to his as-sistance in bringing more vital-ity in the form of businesses,arts, children’s activities, andparks. We look forward to hisassistance in abating sources ofcrime and neglect. But the hardwork has already begun bymembers of this active, diversecommunity who care so deeplyabout where they live.

Concerns have been ex-pressed about the community’sposition on the Laurel Liquorsite development. A long andoften frustrating history marksthis corner. Over the past yearand a half, L-CAP held meet-ings with the developer, PG&Erepresentatives, and city offi-cials, to no avail. When thedeveloper suggested putting a

Laurel CommunityAction Project News

B Y A D I N A S A R A gas station (with landscaping!)on the site, we responded witha resounding “No.”

When the developer intro-duced the possibility of El PolloLoco, we invited the manager toour meeting. He brought draw-ings and assurances that thecompany respected the commu-nities interest in a well-lit, cleanand high-quality environment .El Pollo Loco is not a fast-foodrestaurant—I have enjoyed theirfood (they have outlets inSouthern California), and it isfresh and delicious. There willbe indoor and patio seating aswell as take-out.

While some may feel thatthe Laurel Liquor site’s “oldSafeway” past qualifies it for sa-cred-burial-ground status, thosewho have worked hard andlong to bring a quality businessto this long forsaken site are en-thusiastically awaiting theopening of El Pollo Loco.

The next L-CAP meetingwill be Wednesday, October 13,7 to 9 p.m., at World GroundCafé. Elections will be held fornext year’s officers. We invitenew members to join in the ex-citing work of creating commu-nity.

L

T

Dimond ImprovementAssociation News

A Carwash for the Dimond?Would a carwash benefit theDimond? The Shell Oil station atthe corner of Fruitvale and Mon-tana has presented us with plansfor redesigning the station. InJuly, Vince Padilla of A and S En-gineering called to request ameeting with Dimond residents

and businesses. A few of us metrecently to view their plans anddiscuss the possibilities. Our con-cerns included noise levels, trafficflow, landscaping, liquor sales inthe minimart, and signs.

Mr. Bansol, owner of the sta-tion, firmly stated there would beno alcohol sales. The carwashwould close at 10 p.m. The vari-ous signs currently posted would

B Y K A Y E S T E W A R T

B Y K A R E N M A R I E S C H R O E D E R

cont inued on page 7

beyond our wildest hopes.The mayor listened closely

as community leaders describedtheir work, expressed theirgoals and relayed their concernsabout lack of recreational facili-ties, the need for street re-designfunding, crime at motels, andproblem payphones. He prom-ised to get back to us in a month

community policing meeting inOakland to date! Two hundredcommunity members signed inat the event, and an estimated250 to 300 attended. We hadthree goals for this meetingwith Mayor Brown. First, wewanted to give him an opportu-nity to express his primarygoals for Oakland. Second, we

DOROTHY OKAMOTO

Optometrist

3714 MacArthur BoulevardOakland 530-2330

Over 20 years in the Laurel District

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Darryl Stewart, Dick Spees and Jerry Brown at the Laurel meeting.

umber to Hot Num

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Call Carolyn Corneliusat 261-1484 or 261-1479or page her at 382-5497

Laurel/Redwood Heights NCPC News

A HealthQuiz AboutWater

ou know, of course, thatwithout water we can’tlive. But how much do

you know about the otherways water affects our health?Take this quiz to find out.

1. Experts recommend wedrink at least how much watereach day?

a. one quartb. two quartsc. a gallond. enough to satisfy your

thirstAnswer: b. Two quarts of wa-ter is considered the minimumneeded to maintain yourbody’s basic needs. When it isvery hot or you are exercising,your need for water increases.Relying on thirst is not a goodguideline, as often by the timewe notice we are thirsty, weare already dehydrated.

2. For best results, you shoulddrink water at what pointwhen you are exercising?

a. beforeb. afterc. duringd. all of the above

Answer: d. All of the above.Drink a glass of water beforeyou begin exercising, and sipsome about every ten minutesduring exercise. Follow upwith another glass or twowhen you finish your activity.

3. Drinking eleven glassesof fluid a day can decrease aman’s risk for bladder cancer.

a. trueb. false

Answer: a. True. According tonew research published in TheNew England Journal of Medi-cine, men who drank at leastsix glasses of water had halfthe risk of developing bladdercancer as those who drank oneglass a day, regardless of whatelse they drank.

4. If you drink plenty of coffee,tea, and cola, your need forwater is decreased.

a. trueb. false

4October 1999

PauletteAvery,

R.N., M.S.N.

To Your HealthB Y B A R B A R A L I S T O N

Stars to Charles Selk forpicking up over 1300 poundsof garbage in the Laurel area inone month! Charles knows ofother good citizens who makethis their volunteer work inthe community.

Stars to LuTillian Hudsonof Showing’ Out hair salon andthe Laurel and Bret Harte Mer-chants Associations for organiz-ing and holding their secondannual sidewalk festival onSeptember 11.

Gripes to the LaurelLucky’s for having a stinkydumpster behind their store.

Stars to Naomi Kamiya,a volunteer in the Laurel andMaxwell Park, for plantingmany lovely plants in front ofthe Brookdale Discovery Cen-ter. A year later the plants arein full bloom!

Gripes to the former Cen-ter Auto Parts and parking areauntil it gets a sweeping andcleaning up. When will we seethe promised laundromat?

Stars to Dorothy Okamoto,O.D., for expanding her pre-mises and for the facelift inprogress.

Stars to the citizen fund-raisers for new Laurel Schoolplayground equipment. SaveOctober 23 for their benefit jazzconcert.

Stars to the Friends ofSausal Creek for discoveringpossible sewer contaminationwhere the creek crossesMacArthur Blvd.

to just a few, but let me try.“I’m most proud of the fact

that I recently got the Legislatureto sponsor a resolution againstthe dioxin pollution of SanFrancisco Bay. Dioxin enters theBay through waste dischargeand airborne ash, and concen-trates in fish along with mercury,at a time when many immigrantsand low-income families rely onBay fish to supplement their diet.Cleaning up dioxin is one of mytop priorities.

“A major Green Party andpersonal goal is universal healthcare. We’ve got seven millionpeople in California without anyform of health insurance, and inmy own District, hospitals areplanning mergers that furtherreduce accessibility. I’m workingwith other legislators to monitorthose mergers and work foraccess for all Californians.

“Bay Area transportation hasreached a crisis stage that extrafreeway lanes won’t cure. So I’llbe working on a comprehensiveplan with colleagues from otherBay Area cities. We want expressbuses between San Jose and theEast Bay, expanded and fastertrain service along the Capitolcorridor, and an integrated ferrysystem that serves the entire Bay.

“I’m completely opposedto opening up Highway 580 totruck traffic. There will not onlynot be a study on the ban, I’llbe working to put the ban instatute.

“I like Mayor Brown’s goalof adding 10,000 residents todowntown. Urban infill is abso-lutely essential to solving thetransportation crisis and revital-izing city centers. While there’salways tension between stateand municipal officials, I havegood rapport with Jerry and willdo whatever I can in Sacramentoto support efforts to rebuildschools and energize the City.”

Because she is the lone GreenParty legislator in highly parti-san Sacramento, one mightwonder how she’ll implement

Audie BockC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1

her agenda. Well, she says,she’s good at lobbying those inpower. Not appointed to anyeducation committee, for ex-ample, but extremely concernedabout Oakland Unified, shepersuaded Assembly SpeakerVillaragosa to create a SelectCommittee on Low-PerformingSchools and appoint her ViceChair. Through statewidehearings, she intends to ferretout hard facts on why someschools fail and others succeedand use the data to co-sponsorschool reforms jointly withDarrell Steinberg, the committeeChair.

Another strategy for gettingthings done is to “do cross-overs,” i.e., form pragmaticalliances based on goals ratherthan party. “It’s obscene that acandidate has to spend up to amillion dollars to win a two-yearterm in the California Assembly.Fed up with do-nothing legisla-tors, I’ve signed on as co-chairof the Voter 2000 Initiative withRepublican Ron Unz and Demo-crat Tony Miller, former Secre-tary of State. The urgent needto reform campaign finance andrestore public confidence in theelectoral process obligates me tosidestep the Legislature and takethe issue directly to the voters.”

She also intends to set anexample of intellectual honestyby voting only for viable legisla-tion, not empty symbols. “Al-though I’m pro gun control,I opposed several recent billsbecause they were simply badlaws that wasted tax dollars.Common sense and professionalintegrity are more importantthan costly political gestures.

“I’m also making strongfriendships with other legisla-tors, like Dion Aroner, 14th Dis-trict Assemblymember, whohave similar agendas and aremasters at getting things done.”

Even though late for anothermeeting, Bock takes time to posefor photos. Guided by principlesand a passion for social justice,she defeated a political giantwho spent a half million dollarsto her $30,000. In office only fivemonths, she’s already pursuinga strong agenda. With that kindof commitment and vision, somethink she deserves a room of herown with a spectacular view.——————————————Cy Gulassa is editor of theRockridge News. He interviewedfor both papers.

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Answer: b. False. Coffee, tea,and cola all contain caffeine,which is a mild diuretic. Asa result, you need to drinkmore water.

5. Thirst sometimes masquer-ades as hunger.

a. trueb. false

Answer: a. True. You maymisinterpret some signs ofthirst as a signal to eat. Or yourbody may signal hunger in anattempt to get more water fromthe food you eat. Next timeyou are hungry between meals,try drinking a glass of waterinstead of eating a snack.

6. Our need for water de-creases with age.

a. trueb. false

Answer: b. False. The need forwater often increases with age,especially if you are takingmedications with a diureticeffect. Drinking more waterwill also help treat constipa-tion, a common complaint aswe age. Unfortunately, themechanism controlling thirstoften weakens as we get older,making us less aware of ourneed for water. To counteractthis problem, get in the habitof drinking eight glasses a day.

Whether you drink waterfrom the tap or buy bottled wa-ter, be sure you get plenty of it.Adequate amounts of waterimprove health by helping toregulate body temperature,remove wastes, cushion ourjoints, moisten the oxygen webreathe, and contributing tomany other essential functions.Most of us need to consciouslythink about drinking enoughwater to get what we need.You don’t need to get fanaticalabout it, but putting someeffort into drinking severalglasses a day is a healthyidea. —————————————Paulette Avery is a registerednurse and a freelance writerspecializing in health issues.

Y

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Bernice & Joe Playschool. For18 years, play-based learning in ahome-like setting near Mills College.Quarter-acre wooded lot has fruitand pine trees, a garden, 20-footsailboat, rocket ship, art area, blockarea. Pre-reading, pre-math enrich-ment, computer play, field trips, F.I.T.gymnastics, Kindermusik. Socializa-tion, verbalization stressed. Berniceis an Early Childhood MentorTeacher. Sibling, pre-payment dis-counts. Lunch, snacks provided. Ages2 to 5 years. License #010214258.Brochure. (510) 638-3529.

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Large rabbit cage 6' x 4' w/stand$80. Battery operated car (largetoy) for children to drive (seated)$75. Girls bike (for a 6-10 yr. old)excellent condition $40. Beautifulgirls dressing stand with mirror andbench $25. Barbie comforter, blan-ket, sheets (2) and pillow cases$20. Call 261-6786.

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The rate for classified ads is $.50per word. Discounted pricesavailable for five- and ten-issuefrequencies. Please type or writeyour copy clearly and mail itwith your check to The MacArthurMetro, P.O. Box 19406, Oak-land, 94619. Deadline is the15th of the month. For classified-ad frequency discounts anddisplay-ad information, pleasecontact Suzanne Tipton at287-2655, fax: 534-3429.

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bout 70 audience mem-bers and 14 panelistsattended a Community

Forum on Medical Waste Incin-eration on High Street calledby Assemblymember AudieElizabeth Bock. At its 499 HighStreet location, IES (IntegratedEnvironmental Systems, Inc.),a subsidiary of San Francisco-based Norcal Waste Systems,Inc., operates two incineratorsthat burn medical waste. It is theonly medical waste incineratoroperating in California. Accord-ing to one of the union workers,waste at IES comes from North-ern California, the Bay Area, andthe Valley. By state law, certainmedical waste must be burnedbefore it can be put into a land-fill. Because of the constituentsof the waste, by-products ofthe incineration process are thetoxic metal mercury and thecarcinogen dioxin.

Three years ago IES spent$5 million to upgrade its incin-erators to the “state of the art.”These incinerators operate 22hours a day, five days a weekand, according to Vic Ciccarelliof Norcal, burn 168,000 tons ofmedical waste per year. All theregulators, EPA, BAAQMD, and

Public Hearing on High Street Incinerator

he Friends of the LaurelSchool want to make LaurelElementary School a better

place for its students and for thecommunity. Their first project isto raise money for the installationof a playground structure onthe Laurel School campus. TheLaurel School has a student bodyof over 400 children in grades Kthrough 5, but only a very smallplayground. Additionally, theLaurel district lacks a recreationcenter where families fromthe community can take theirchildren to play.

The Friends’ first fund-raisingevent will be a jazz concert onOctober 23, from 2 to 6 p.m., inthe Laurel School Auditorium onPatterson Street off MacArthur.

Jazz Concert Benefit for the Laurel SchoolPerforming in the concert

will be many fine musicians,including Robert Porter, a well-seasoned Bay Area trumpeter,Bevin Manson, the jazz directorat the University of California,and Marcie Blue Brown, interna-tionally acclaimed cellist who hasjust returned from performingand teaching in Austria and Paris.Also taking the stage will be theJonah Minton Sextet, directedby Bevin Manson at U.C., andanother celebrated group madeup of local Oakland teenagerscalled The Incredible Bee-bopBoys. The IBB features AmbroseAkinmusire and JonathanFinlayson, and they will becoming directly from theMonterey Jazz Festival to sharetheir talents.

The Friends of the Laurel

School include Stella and ScottLamb, Katy Babcok, GerryGoeres, and Rene Jackson. Theyare planning a follow-up fund-raising jazz concert for springin the year 2000. The group envi-sions these fund-raising concertsbecoming an annual tradition thatwill benefit the Laurel School.

Other projects for the futureinvolve enhancing the landscap-ing and maintenance of thegrounds around the LaurelSchool and assisting with thefurther development of the exist-ing Music and Arts Program tobenefit the students and teachersof the Laurel School.

Everyone is invited to comeout and support the LaurelSchool and the community whilelistening to some great music.Don’t miss it.

the Bay Area Regional WaterQuality Board, seemed to agreethat IES is in compliance withregulations and that any emis-sions are well within thoseregulations. Furthermore, anagreement apparently workedout between IES, BAAQMD,and City Councilmember De LaFuente and State Sen. Perata(pursuant to an idea containedin a bill introduced in March byBock) requires IES to notify theair district within one hour ofany emissions violations. Still,environmental and medicalmembers of the Forum’s paneland audience participantsexpressed concerns that rangedfrom the question of theincinerator’s location in adensely populated urban areato the fact that IES was neverrequired to submit an environ-mental impact report (EIR) onhow much dioxin, if any, is safeand the reduction of the use ofmaterials that lead to the toxicby-products.

No one at the meeting couldsay why IES was situated onHigh Street or why it never hadto submit an EIR when it wasbuilt or when it was upgraded.However, one person suggestedthat IES was required to locatethere by either state or localauthorities; others suggested the

location was chosen because itwas in a poor neighborhood.

Physicians and nurses fromthe audience commented thatlevels of hazardous materials re-quiring to be incineration couldbe reduced by stopping thembefore they entered the wastestream. One thing medical per-sonnel could do is assure thatonly truly hazardous materialswere put in the red waste bags.Now, other waste such as foodcontainers or hand towels arethrown in with the hazards. Be-ing more careful with this wouldreduce the amount of wasteburned, since IES employees donot sort materials but burn theentire red bag. An actual reduc-tion in the amount of hazardousmaterials in the waste streamwould, however, require achange in the use of products atthe source and more use of reus-able rather than disposable items.

On September 21, theBAAQMD was scheduled tohold a public hearing on theTitle V permit process, whichIES is required to obtain. Thathearing will already have oc-curred before this issue of theMetro is out. But a hearing toreceive public comment onIES’s permit will be held 7 p.m.,November 3, at Fremont HighSchool, 4610 Foothill Blvd.

and that good use can be made ofworkers from different locations.

In addition to the state efforts,Oakland has recently imple-mented several enhancementsto its own programs for prepara-tion and response to disasters.

Two 911 centers that canback each other up have beenopened. The Oakland Police De-partment opened its new centeron Edgewater in June, and theDispatch Fire Department’s 911system has relocated to the newEmergency Operations Center

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on Martin Luther King Way, alsothe new location for the CORE(Citizens of Oakland Respondto Emergencies) program.

The two centers have initiateda reliable emergency calling sys-tem for all emergency personnelto ensure that staff are notifiedto come to work in emergencysituations. Twenty live operatorswill be on duty at the new EOCon December 31 for Y2K. TheEOC has also created spacefor volunteer ham operators.

A new emergency siren sys-tem will be in place with 10 to 16sirens. They will be tied into pub-lic information programs onemergencies. To further enhance

communication with thecommunity, fire stations arebeing equipped with Internetaccess and KTOP television sothat these facilities can serve ascommunity centers. Many ofthe 27 fire stations already havefacilities for ham operators.

Oakland can now supportabout 10 percent of the popula-tion in emergency shelters. Thegoal is 20 percent, so this pro-gram is expanding too. Mapswill soon be available.

Oakland recently becameone of 120 cities receiving a fed-eral grant to prepare response tothreats from weapons of mass

Fast, neat interior painting bywoman. Free estimates, excellentreferences, 534-9772.

Interior Painting. Jacob Hart, 530-6247. Lic.#705262.

VIDEO SERVICES. WE CAN TRANS-FORM your slides, snapshots, andfilms into a charming video—with music and effects. Or havea professional cameraman video-tape your social and businessevents. Call Harold Lawrence at530-0628.

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O.E.C.C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 1

cont inued on page 7

6October 1999

Calendar of Community EventsB Y S A N D Y J A E G E R , C O O R D I N A T O R

To have your event listed, please contact Sandy Jaeger no later than the12th of the preceding month at sandyjaeger@hotmail.com or 642-9537.

October 1999Fall Plant Sale: Saturday and Sunday, October 2 and 3, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.,Merritt College Landscape Horticultural Dept., 12500 Campus Drive.

Walk Your Child to School Day: Wednesday, October 6. Reinforcepedestrian safety at a school near you.

Friends of César E. Chávez Library: Wednesday, October 6, 6:30 p.m.,1900 Fruitvale Ave. Call 535-5620 for information.

Dimond Improvement Association: Wednesday, October 6, 7:30 to 9p.m., Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. Contact Ann Nomura,530-7759.

Code 33: Emergency, Clear the Air: Thursday, October 7, 6 p.m.,rooftop, City Center West garage, MLK Jr. Way and 12th. Public artperformance, 150 Oakland youth, 100 police officers, 57 NCPCs,and more. Free to speak, free of charge, free to all. Call 238-6907 forinformation.

Maxwell Park NCPC: Wednesday, October 13, 7 p.m., Mills GroveChristian Church, 5410 Fleming Street. Contact Jose Dorado,535-0577.

Laurel Community Action Project: Wednesday, October 13, 7 to 9 p.m.,World Ground Café.

Laurel/Redwood Heights NCPC (beat 25X): Thursday, October 14, 7 to9 p.m., Laurel School. Contact Renee Sykes, 535-5691.

Melrose/High Hopes NCPC (beat 27X): Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.,Horace Mann School, Congress and Ygnacio.

Friends of Sausal Creek Workday: Saturday, October 16, 9 a.m. tonoon, Dimond Park Recreation Center, 3860 Hanly Rd. All arewelcome. Children under 15 should be accompanied by an adult.Call 231-9566 for information.

Friends of Sausal Creek: Wednesday, October 20, 7 to 9 p.m., DimondLibrary, 3565 Fruitvale Ave. New members welcome. Call 231-9566for information.

Redwood Heights Improvement Association Meeting: Wednesday,October 20, 7:30 p.m., Redwood Heights Recreation Center, 3833Aliso Street. Contact Richard Cowan, 482-3471.

Poetry in the Java Spotlight: Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m., WorldGround Café. Open reading follows.

Laurel Jazz Festival: Saturday, October 23, 2 to 6 p.m., Laurel SchoolAuditorium. UC Jazz Jonah Minton Sextet, the Incredible Bee-bop Boys,Robert Porter, trumpet, Marcie Blue Brown, cello. Tickets at door.Benefit Friends of the Laurel School.

East Bay Habitat for Humanity Open House: Saturday, October 23,10 a.m., 370 105th Ave. Affordable housing available through theHabitat’s home-ownership program. Join them at the open house, orcall 251-6304 for information.

Dimond NCPC (beat 22X): Monday, October 25, 7:30 p.m., upstairsmeeting room, Dimond Library, 3565 Fruitvale Blvd. Contact Jim Hill,530-6665.

Mills College Center for Contemporary Music: Monday, October 25,7:30 p.m., Ensemble Room, Mills College Music Building. Composer-in-Residence René Mogensen presents works for instrumental ensembleand recorded samples. Free admission. Call 430-2191 for moreinformation.

Bret Harte/Joaquin Miller NCPC (beat 22Y): Tuesday, October 26,Bret Harte Middle School, 3700 Coolidge Ave. Contact Luqman,482-8560, for time.

Leona Heights Garden Club: Wednesday, October 27, 10 a.m., ImaniChurch, 3300 MacArthur Blvd. Call 531-4860 for information.

District 4 Community Forum: Thursday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.,Redwood Heights Recreation Center, to discuss proposed stormwaterutility fee and TCI needs assessment. For information, call Dick Spees’office, 238-7004.

Seven Steps to End Homelessness: A luncheon benefit featuring Rev.Jean Kim, Saturday, October 30, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the FruitvalePresbyterian Church, 2735 MacArthur Blvd. Fee $10. Call 530-0915for tickets or information.

OngoingArts and Crafts and Theater Workshops for Children: Saturdays, 3 to 5p.m., World Ground Café. 3 to 4 p.m. for 5- to 8-year-olds, 4 to 5 p.m.for 9- to 12-year-olds; sponsored by the Mills College Outreach pro-gram. Arts and crafts and theater on alternate weeks. Call 482-2933for information and reservations (a must).

America Reads: Mondays-Fridays, 2 to 5 p.m. Volunteer to teachsecond and third graders to learn to read, help with homework, andlead enrichment activities. For more information, contact the East BayConservation Corps, 208-6171.

White House on the greenlawn, bordered by the presi-dential trees on both sides.Trees or shrubs have beenplanted by Presidents Jackson,Harrison, Wilson, Harding,Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt,Truman, Kennedy, Johnson,and Nixon . . . that we are sureof. Tree plantings have becomea tradition. Nixon’s sequoiaredwood had difficulty gettingestablished, having to beheavily mulched to survive.Each magnificent tree filterspollution from the air andreleases oxygen, reduces sur-rounding noise and confusion,screens out distracting sights,serves as a windbreak, andadds its beauty to the scene.

In the Rose Garden, thebeautiful green zoysia lawn iscompletely replaced each fallwith bluegrass. The job is donein one day when the Presidentis away. The reason for thechange is that the lush greenzoysia turns brown duringthe winter, whereas bluegrassstays green throughout thecold season. The lawn is fertil-ized four times a year, the lastin September or October. Mow-ing is done twice a week sothat only green shows, with noyellowing effect. The mowersare sharpened monthly. TheWhite House does have to con-tend with lawn moths, lawndiseases, and even toadstools,along with slugs and insects.

The White House GardensSome fascinating informationbased on an article by Ed Humein an older issue of the maga-zine Flower and Garden ap-peared to me to be worthy ofsharing with you.

The President’s Garden (of-ten referred to as the Rose Gar-den) is where history has somany times been recorded. Thisis where astronauts and worlddignitaries are welcomed, an-nouncements are made, andweddings have been held. It isthe most publicized garden inthe United States and is over-seen by the Chief Horticulturistof the National Park Service.

Landscaping of the WhiteHouse started back in 1809,when Thomas Jefferson de-signed large mounds, one oneach side of the South Grounds,for privacy and to screen theroads on both sides of the circu-lar drive. On one mound is abeautiful American elm plantedby John Quincy Adams around1826. A pool with fountains isthe focal point on the lowerSouth Lawn. Next to the foun-tains is a large Japanese lace-leaf maple planted by PresidentGrover Cleveland. Nearby arethe black walnut and the pinoak planted by PresidentDwight Eisenhower.

To the south from the foun-tains is a perfect view of theWashington Monument in thedistance. Turning completelyaround, you see the majestic

Carefully arranged inthe garden to complementthe lawn are neatly shearedboxwood hedges, bright grey-leaved dusty miller, roses,crabapples, and many othercolorful plants. Huge ever-green magnolias planted byAndrew Jackson stand almostas high as the White Houseroof. They are braced and tiedto protect them from the windthe President’s helicoptercreates as it lands on theSouth Lawn.

In 1962 during PresidentKennedy’s administration,Mrs. Paul Mellon was commis-sioned to redesign the RoseGarden to make space avail-able to receive public groups.As a result, many of the rose-bushes were replaced withflowering crabapples. ThePresident’s office overlooks thegarden from the West Wing ofthe building. Summer flowersare replaced each fall withblooming chrysanthemums.

The First Lady’s Garden isa short distance away from thesouth entrance. It is sometimesreferred to as the JacquelineKennedy Garden or the EastGarden. It dates to the timeof Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt,with changes made in 1913and again in 1952. Like thePresident’s Garden, it is nowboth functional and decorative.Plants and color combinationsare changed with each season.

The 19 acres of WhiteHouse grounds are maintainedby a staff of about six people.They care for approximately600 trees, 5,000 shrubs, andbetween 45,000 and 50,000annuals, perennials, and bulbs.They grow most of them intheir own greenhouses. Inaddition, they care for thegreen foliage plants withinthe residence. When the jobbecomes too big, although thisseldom occurs, additional gar-deners are brought in from theNational Park Service.

I hope this will be a guidefor you on your next visit tothe White House and will alsoprovide some ideas for yourown garden.

MargeLaverty

Leona HeightsGarden Club Tip

of the Month

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JAVA SpotlightPoetry Readings

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October 1999

*RepeatMoney Honeys

*Roussel Sargent

*Hon. Jean Quan & Dr. Floyd Huen

*Douglas Ferguson

*Jacob Hart Interior Painting

*Katherine Dunne &Michael Vecchio

*Gary Delgado &Marcia Henry

*Karen Marie Schroeder

*Knud Danild

Phillip W. Wong & Lisa Lemus

*Janet Broughton

*Fong Wing

*Mary Lee Peterson

*Diane Trost

*Richard & Linda Weinstein

*Oakland Veterinary Hospital

*Ruth Malone

Lydia Palmin & Tom Daly

*Teresa Croce &Abelina Carmona

Stevan & Catalina Alvarado

Pat Sawanwatana/ Old WeangPing Village Restaurant

*Betsy Callaway

*Richard Cowan

Support Net, Inc.

MacArthur &High Trailer Park

*Nancy & Chris Meyer

Stuart Richardson &Mailinh Dang Truong

Phillis Robbiano

*Ethel Sandal

Vic & Nancy Miloslavich

Bennet & ArlynChristopherson

Pamela Calvert& Helen Haugt

*P. Oliveri & F. Baer,Royal Hi Apartments

Phil & Kathy Caskey

*William & Susan Bagnell

*Redwood HeightsImprovement Association

*Nancy & Rick Banker

*Frederik Schultz

Jared McFerrin

*Andretta Fowler

*Bernice Huisman-Humbertand Joseph Humbert

*Councilmember Dick Spees

*Jim and Sandra Wright

*David Locke & Cathe Read

Sharon Toth

*Ellen Griffin & Brian Stein

The Metro acknowledgescontributions of $50 or moreby listing your name orbusiness as a Money Honeyfor 10 issues. You keep ourpaper alive and well.

MONEYHONEYS

7

I Remember in September:Welcoming into the

Metro family Baby Will, sonof associate editor EllenGriffin and Brian Stein,born July 27.

Sitting in the LaurelSchool auditorium among the250 or more neighbors at theDialogue with Mayor JerryBrown on September 9. Themayor opened with his mainconcerns—public safetythrough new methods ofcrime reduction, a vibrantdowntown to generate capi-tal, flourishing arts programs,good public education. Kayeand Darryl Stewart and theNeighborhood Councilarranged for two-minutepresentations by local leaderswho voiced the need foryouth activities of all kinds,green space for a park, playequipment for Laurel School,continued attention to busi-ness growth, traffic control,crime suppression, and beau-tification. People felt they hadbeen heard as the mayor re-sponded, proposing a check-list of issues for joint activity.All seemed ready to tackleOakland’s problems in a spiritof solidarity, the term MayorBrown invoked.

By Toni Locke

Catching the exemplaryofferings of the Dimond Website, set up and maintainedregularly by Tim Chapman,co-chair of the Dimond Im-provement Association(dimondnews.org).

Seeing the expression onOPD Service CoordinatorTracy McKnight’s face as shegave away the 400th hot dogfrom the barbecue set up bythe Bret Harte NCPC in theparking lot at Coolidge andMacArthur during the greatSidewalk Sale of September 11.

Mourning with JaquitaMack’s family at the simpletree-planting ceremony inher memory, attended byOPD Chief Richard Word andMayor Jerry Brown at JungleHill.

Marveling at the conti-nuity of public service flowingfrom Gordon and MargeLaverty of Leona Heights,mainstays of the Metro, theFruitvale Presbyterian Church,Woodminster musicals, andlots more.

Rejoicing in the empow-erment we all gain from stable,well-run organizations like the

Redwood Heights Improve-ment Association, whichcelebrated its 55th birthday onSeptember 15. The auditoriumof the beautifully refittedRedwood Heights ElementarySchool resounded withapplause for incoming andoutgoing officers of the Asso-ciation. Speakers were GildaGonzales (for City ManagerRobert Bobb), Police Chief Ri-chard Word, CouncilmembersNate Miley of District 6 andDick Spees of District 4, andBill Sturm of the OaklandPublic Library history room.Lynn Rodenzo, principal,gave opening greetings. Rich-ard Cowan, incoming presi-dent, chaired the session, initi-ating what promises to be agreat year of growth in neigh-borhood action, includingnew links with the Laurelbusiness district. Check outthe web site www.redwood-heights.org.

Finding the Metroteam intact, strengthened byadditional volunteers andan active board, ready toproduce many more monthlyissues for our neighborhoodsas long as our readers con-tinue their generous and faith-ful support.

he Laurel Merchants Associa-tion sponsored another Side-walk Sale for our business dis-trict on September 11. In addi-

tion to great bargains from variousbusinesses, we had activities for chil-dren at Victory Outreach and a stagewith many performers at HollywoodVideo parking lot. A charity raffle washeld as well, with the proceeds going

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If you have been considering, the sale of your home,there is no better time than now. The real estate marketis as strong as possible, and houses continue to sell rapidly.

Call me for a Comparative Market Analysis of your homewith no obligation. Take this opportunity to ask me ques-tions regarding your home or other properties.

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(510) 531-7000, ext. 292

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I invite you to learnwhat is happeningwith property inyour neighborhood!

be organized on one taller sign.Would that block the Dimondmural? The telephones onFruitvale might be moved insidethe minimart.

We appreciate the effort thatthe station has taken to communi-cate with the neighborhood. Ifyou would like further informa-tion or input, please browse ourWeb site, www.dimondnews.org.

The plans for a German Cul-tural Center were displayed atour last meeting in September. Itwould be located at the Altenheimin the present garden. Therewould be a small theater, a largebanquet room, several communitymeeting rooms, and a museum.A roadway would allow access tothe center, and a 100-car parkinglot would be built under the cen-ter. Further information will beavailable at their open house,November 7, at 1699 Excelsior.

As a resident bordering onDimond Park, I would like tothank Parks & Recreation, thepolice department, and DickSpees’ office for improved condi-tions. This Labor Day weekendseemed mellow to me. I hopeeveryone had a good one.

Join us for our next meetingon October 6 in the DimondLibrary.

to the Allendale Rec Center’s musicprogram and the Friends of LaurelElementary School.

We would like to extend a bigthanks to the many businesses and in-dividuals that made the raffle so suc-cessful: Yumygurt, Subway, OaklandVeterinary Hospital, High StreetPharmacy, Daniel’s Place, RomaPizza, Lucky, Laurel Gifts, Bank ofAmerica, Laurel Hardware, Cal Fed,Café by the Bay, House of Produce,MacArthur Fish and Poultry, S&D

Coins, Casco’s, Brewberrys, StateFarm, Nu Concepts, Alternativesin Travel, Above and Beyond,PickNBite, Chick’N’Coop, Off BeatVideo, Extended Playtoys, VistaMadera, Geraldo’s, West Coast Ka-rate, Tammy’s Bible Bookstore, Zo-diac Records, Showin’ Out Hair Gal-lery, Acme Music, Raymond’s Fram-ing, Dr. Okamoto, Rejoyce Clothing,Beauty Box, World Ground, Music Vi-sion, Chevron, Payless Cleaners, Elec-tronic Service, Kentucky FriedChicken, Full House Cafe, HollywoodVideo, Victory Outreach, FarmerJoe’s, Councilmember Spees

D.I.A. NewsC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 3

Thank You, Merchants!B Y M A U R E E N D O R S E Y

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destruction connected withterrorism.

And if all else fails, Oaklandeven has its own satellite systemfor wireless emergency commu-nications.

Twenty-first century, herewe come. —————————————Resources: To sign up for COREtraining in groups of 10 or more,call 238-6351. To get informationon Oakland’s preparedness effortsspecifically for Y2K, call the Com-munity Prepared Partnership at238-3939.

O.E.C.C O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 5

8October 1999

nthusiasm and energyare qualities one noticeswhile listening to

Michael Heng speak of hisnew enterprise, The House ofProduce at 4020 MacArthurBlvd. Owned for over thirtyyears by Bob Kitajima andhis son, Harold, House ofProduce was sold in May toMichael and his wife, Alice.Harold worked with Michaelall through May and earlyJune, cleaning, painting,remodeling, building newwooden display counters,waxing floors and addingfans. This work was com-pleted at night, while thestore remained open duringthe day to assure continuityfor its customers. With thenew ownership and manage-ment came day and hour

Producing a New House

MACARTHUR & HIGH

Pay at the Pumps• • •

Open 24 Hours• • •

Tuesday Gas Specials

4276 MACARTHUR BLVD.530-7683

HOUSE OFPRODUCEServing the Community

for over 30 yearsWe have just made big

changes, added a great varietyof new products, and areOPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK.

We are committed to bringing you

Good QualityFriendly Service

Reasonable PricesSo please stop by to see our new

look, and new management

New Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm,Sun 10am-6pm

4020 MacArthur Blvd.(510) 530-5158

“FARMFRESH”

LAUREL HARDWARE4024 MacArthur 530-1966OPEN M-F 8-8, SAT 9-6

Reg $1.99 ValueNo purchace necessary.Only while supplies last.

One per customer with this coupon.

FREE!Pumpkin Kutter

Mills College Theatre5000 MacArthur Blvd. • 430-3308

General Admission $8 • Students/Seniors $5Youth (under 18) are FREE when accompanied by an adult.

Bring this ad to the box Office to receive 2 tickets for the price of 1!

Written by Shirley Lauro • Directed by James C. Wright

October 7, 8 & 9 at 8:00 p.m.October 10 at 2:00 p.m.

The powerful, true drama of six of the thousands of women who servedin Vietnam as nurses, Red Cross volunteers, in Army intelligence and as“country and western” singers—women who left behind a piece of their hearts.

ADMIT

ONEMills

CollegeTheatre

UC JAZZ JONAH MINTON SEXTET

Friends of Laurel School present

THE LAUREL JAZZ FESTIVALfeaturing

UC JAZZ JONAH MINTON SEXTET(Winners of many awards from the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival)

Bevan Manson, UC Jazz Director/Pianoand

Local Oakland Teenagers: Ambrose Akinmusire &Jonathan Finlayson & Their Sextet, the Incredible Be Bop Boys

(direct from their performance at the Monterety Jazz Festival)

Also: Robert Porter on trumpet, Marcie Brown on cello,Laurel Student performances and many more local jazz musicians!

Saturday, October 23rd 2pm - 6pmLaurel Elementary School Auditorium

located on Patterson Ave. near Brown Ave. off of MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland.

Tickets available at the door for $10. proceeds go towards a new play structure at the Laurel School!

Thank you to the following sponsors: The Jazz World Magazine Jazz Now, The Food Mill, Acme Music,World Ground Cafe, Farmer Joe’s Marketplace, Sundance Landscape Services, Broadway Ford,

VISA MasterCard

FINE CANTONESE AND SZECHUAN CUISINE

4245 MacArthur Blvd. OaklandTake-Out or Reservation 530-8880 • 530-9898

Delivery Service Available ($20 minimum order and $3 delivery charge)

Happy Halloween!Happy Halloween!

Fun Child-CenteredDevelopmental Preschool

License #013414363

Full DaysHalf-Day Programs AM/PM

Hot Lunch / SnacksAfter School / Kindergarten Care

4359 39th Ave. • Oakland(off Hwy 13 & Redwood Rd.)

(510) 531-1534

changes also. The new hoursare 9 to 5 on Sundays, andother days, 9 to 7. A largesupply of groceries, spices,herbs, dry and organic foodshas been added to the newshelves.

With his engineeringbackground from TexasA&M, where he met Alice inHouston, Michael continuesto concentrate on organiza-tion, style and qualitycontrol. His father-in-law,Thavin Pak, who owns andmanages Yasai ProduceMarket at 6301 CollegeAvenue in Oakland, is theproduce buyer for bothstores. Also aiding Michaeland Alice are Nahvy, Lisa,San and Mr. Tee, Alice’scousin, known by many inthe Laurel area as a genialproduce man of many yearsin our neighborhood. When

Self-Defense and Jujitsufor Women and Girls

530-5043

The Contractors’ Rental Center Commercial Accounts Welcome

Builders • Roofers • Painters • PlumbersLandscapers • Masons • Janitors

WE REPAIR & SERVICE POWER TOOLS

Ryder Truck Rentals • Open 7 Days2969 MacArthur Blvd • 482-5545

CHICK N COOPHof Brau

3840 MacArthur Blvd.482-1066BBQ Chicken, RibsSandwiches

CateringParty Room

Available

B Y D A L S E L L M A N

E

Mr. Tee popular produce man in House of Produce. Inset: Michael and Alice Heng, new owners of House of Produce

Michael is asked if he isin competition with otherproduce stores, he replies,“No, there’s enough roomfor us all, and certainly we’reneeded at this end of the

Laurel District near the bank,Brewberry’s, the hardwarestore, and the fish store.

The wider aisles, theopen, airy, clean atmosphere,make it a pleasure to shop for

fresh, colorful produce andgroceries. Go experience thenew House of Produce foryourself. Meet Michael andask about his renovationsand future plans.

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