Oakland City Councilmember Libby Schaaf

Oakland City Councilmember Libby Schaaf's District 4 Newsletter - June 26, 2013


Greetings,

 

Tomorrow your City Council will pass your city's two-year budget and it will be better because of you.

 

Under our new Budget Process Transparency Policy [http://oaklandwiki.org/Budget_Process_Transparency_Ordinance] (which I wrote with help from Oakland Rising, EBASE, League of Women Voters and Oakland's own Budget Advisory Committee), some have described this year's budget process as "without question, the most transparent and open we have ever seen."

 

Instead of last minute proposals never vetted by the public or city staff, Oaklanders enjoyed early proposals, lots of time for research and advocacy, and iterative revisions to proposals that showed that - without question -- your voices were heard.

 

Specifically, the most recent revised proposal by Councilmembers Brooks, Gallo and Reid no longer has a deficit and makes nearly the same public safety investments as those that I supported in Council President Kernighan's proposal. And most recently, Councilmembers McIlhaney, Kalb and Kaplan have proposed a compromise, which attempts to meld all previous proposals together.

 

Councilmembers not only listened to you - the public - but also listened to each other. Transparency leads to a more deliberative and responsive democracy, and that's a good thing for Oakland. Read more about tomorrow's budget decision below.

 

Oakland is gaining praise for transparency innovations, while recognizing we still have a long ways to go. Consider getting involved in the Oakland Public Ethics Commission's Transparency Project here -[http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityAdministration/d/PublicEthics/OAK041329] or the Civic Hacking Group Open Oakland, a Code for America Brigade. No tech skills required, only an interest in democracy.

 

And speaking of democracy, today was an incredible day for it! Before heading to Holy Names University for the final installment of my Safe Oakland Series "Crime & Punishment: How to Have Less of Both", please celebrate the Supreme Court's monumental victory for marriage equality in Oakland's Uptown. [https://www.facebook.com/pages/Decision-Day-Oakland-A-One-Love-Queerbilee/194078450747151 ]

 

With Oakland-love,

Libby

 

 

 Visit us at our monthly Office Hours!

 

* Dimond: 1st Thursdays, 9-11 am at Caffe Diem, 2224 MacArthur Blvd

* Laurel: 1st Saturdays, 9-11 am at World   Ground Caf�, 3728 MacArthur Blvd

* Woodminster: 3rd Saturdays, 10-12 pm at Woodminster Caf�, 5020 Woodminster Ln 

* Melrose: 4th  Wednesdays, 3:30 - 5 pm at Melrose Library, 4805 Foothill Blvd

* Montclair: 4th Sundays, 9:30 - 11:30am at Montclair Farmers Market (or Colonial Donuts at 6126 La Salle Ave)   

 

 

  

Visit SafeOakland.com 

 
IN THIS ISSUE
District 4 News and Community Events



Contact the District 4 Office

 

City of Oakland, District 4

1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor

Oakland, CA 94612

510.238.7004 

 

  

 

 

    

Find us on Facebook   

 

 



The Dish

Hive Cafe, The Place to Bee

I love the Hive! Just started by owners Calanit and Bree, this place is beautiful (see photo) and serves fantastic coffee, tea, non-caffeine drinks, locally made pastries (love the quiche) and now yummy sandwiches. The place is huge, and has a nice nook w/ couch and kids toys - hello parents. In addition to Cafe 3016 (across from the FoodMill) we are just so happy to see these great new cafes coming to District 4 and making dining locally better. Check them out - you'll be happy.

If you come today, in honor of the Supreme Court rulings (yay!), they will be serving their Rainbow Salad at $3.95 all day!!!

2139 MacArthur Blvd (by Fruitvale Ave, in the Dimond)


Hive Cafe
The Hive Cafe


Shop D4

HULA
This women's clothing and accessory shop is where I go when I want a flattering, unique item to wear.  Owners, Andrea and Naomi, have a wonderful sense of style.  No one leaves their boutique looking less than terrific! When your need a hot/haute purse, scarf, or piece of jewelry, shop HULA -- Be Happy!
 

    

6136 La Salle Ave. in Montclair
(510) 339-9385
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
Sun 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

LS in Hula dress
Libby in her dress from Hula
at the Skyline H.S. Class of '83 Reunion
w/ Kassondra, Cathy and Alisha
Be a Community Hero

 

 Do you know a young person who is looking for an incredible leadership opportunity?

 

  Councilmember Libby Schaaf is seeking an energetic, community-oriented youth member for appointment to the Planning and Oversight Committee (POC) of the Oakland Fund for Children and Youth (OFCY). This important Committee decides how to allocate $10 million to support Oakland's children and youth.

 

Appointee must be between 14-20 years old, live in Oakland, and commit to a two-year term. The youth appointee will:

 

* Attend monthly POC meetings (1st or 3rd Wednesday of each month, 6 -- 9:00 p.m.)

* Serve on at least one POC subcommittee

* Read handouts before each meeting and come prepared to participate

* Help select grantees each funding cycle

* Report to the Oakland City Council and/or Mayor on his or her work

* Help recruit additional youth and adult members for the Committee

 

This is your chance to influence how the City spends $10 million on children and youth! Looks great on college applications and resumes! Send your resume to [email protected] for consideration! Join the POC!




Beaconsfield Canyon Volunteer Workday  

 When: This Saturday, June 29, 9:00a to Noon

 Where: 2639 Beaconsfield Place, Oakland

 What we'll do: pull and cut invasive plants, clear areas for planting, create trails

 What to bring: yourself, your friends (Please let us know if you're bringing five or more)

 What we'll bring: tools, water, snacks, training

 What to wear: long sleeves, long pants, and shoes or boots with good treads

 (no sandals please!)

 Who to contact for more info: Richard Kauffman/ [email protected]

 


District 4 News 

 

 

Montclair Beer & Wine & Art! 11a-5p Saturday, June 29

Montclair Village is the proud host of The Montclair Village Beer & Wine Celebration, a featured addition to the 38th Annual Pacific Fine Arts Festival showcasing artists throughout the district.

 

This intimate tasting experience will allow attendees to get to know each individual craft brew and artisan wine, the maker, and where the items can be found in area stores and restaurants. Bring your family and friends for an exciting day of music, art, and over 20 artisan wines and craft beers.

 

The festival will feature Beer and Wine Tasting booths, a music stage, community booths, select vendor booths, and a kid's activity space. A district wide art festival will be occurring simultaneously. The Montclair Village Association will sell a beer and wine tasting package. The proceeds will go towards community improvement projects. https://www.facebook.com/events/143461385842813/permalink/148302008692084/ 

 

 

Laurel Outdoor Movies This Saturday Night

This Saturday, June 29, 8pm (or darkness) - LIFE OF PI (PG-13)

Laurel Ace Hardware Parking Lot - 4024 MacArthur Blvd

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and warm clothes! 


The Movie Series is sponsored by Movement Ink (new Laurel business), Laurel Ace Hardware, the Laurel District Association and various Laurel merchants each month:

June 29- Life of Pi (PG-13)

July 27- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (PG-13)

August 31-Good Hair w/ Chris Rock (PG-13)

September 28 - Wall-E (PG)

October 26 - Nightmare Before Christmas (PG) and Shaun of the Dead (R for adults only)

This is a free family community event, no alcohol.  We ask everyone to keep the area clean and help with cleanup at the end of the movie!

 

"Reading is Soooo Delicious" Summer Reading Program  

As part of its "Reading is Soooo Delicious" Summer Reading Program for both adults and kids, local author Jennie Schacht will discuss her new book, "I Scream Sandwich!" at the Montclair Branch Library on Tuesday, July 16, 6:00-7:00 pm at 1687 Mountain Blvd.  This unique cookbook includes 40 recipes from the exotic to the classic for how to create these delicious desserts.  Learn fun and easy ideas using cookies, brownies, bars, frozen yogurt, sorbet and other ingredients that will make your treats a hit with your family and friends.  Audience members will receive a yummy ice cream sandwich to sample for themselves.  Ms. Schacht is also the author of "Farmers' Market Desserts" and copies of her books will be available for purchase at this free event.  For more information, contact the library at (510) 482-7810. 

 

 

Keep Dimond Clean:  Volunteer litter walks in Dimond: meet in the Giant Burger parking lot (2055 MacArthur)

Sat June 29 from 9am to 10am

Thanks to Keep Dimond Clean sponsor, La Farine Bakery, 3411 Fruitvale Ave.  Tel: 531-7750.  Volunteers receive a thank-you card for pastries and coffee/tea, or loaf of bread.  http://www.facebook.com/lafarine

 

Follow Litterati at https://www.facebook.com/thelitterati

 

Oakland Municipal Band 102nd Concert Season

FREE concerts, 1:00 -- 3:00p, Lakeside Park, Lake Merritt 

Thursday, July 4th, then 

Sunday, July 14 

Sunday, July 21 

Sunday, July 28 

Sunday, August  4 

Bring a lawn chair or blanket.  Picnics welcome, flag-waving encouraged! 

For more information: 339-2818 or www.oaklandmunicipalband.org 

 

 

July 8 to July 12  HNU Summer Chorus Camp

For 3rd grade to 6th grade students 

Choral singing and musicianship

Cost: $80 for day camp for one week

Location: Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd., Oakland 94619

Email [email protected] for more information

 

Lions Pool

Aerobic swim class

Continuing: Wednesdays from 9:30am to 10:30am

Call 482-7852 for details

 

Dimond Recreation Center

Registration is now open for:

Summer Camp 2013 from June 17 to August 23

Director: Michelle Doppelt

Hours: 7:30am to 6pm

Registration available online or walk-in

3860 Hanly Rd.  For information and cost call 482-7831

 

Shooting Stars Club for kids entering K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd grades

July 9 - August 15

6 weeks of class, 2X per week, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am - 11:30am

Dimond Rec Center, 3860 Hanly Rd. For information and cost call 482-7831

 

Save the Dates!

Dimond Park Open House & Community Picnic

Sunday July 21 

from 11am to 3pm

Featuring Circus Bella

2 free swim sessions 

Bring your picnic lunch

 

Trail Reroute A Great Volunteer Opportunity

July 19-21, V-O-Cal (Volunteers for Outdoor California) is coming back to Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park for an important trail reroute project.

As a participant, you'll get to camp in the park, eat great food, meet new people, and help improve our wonderful park.

Many types of volunteer jobs need to be filled:

- Greeters and Registration

- Kitchen Crew

- Tool Managers

- Crew Leaders

- Trail Workers

- All ability levels welcome

- Ages 14 and over

- All training and tools provided

- No experience necessary!

The work will be done on the Cinderella Trail in Joaquin Miller Park.

Not only will this project increase multi-user safety on the trail, but it will also help improve the Sausal Creek Watershed.

Special perk: included for participants is an opportunity for free star-gazing at Chabot Space & Science Center on that Friday or Saturday night.

Here's the event flyer:http://tinyurl.com/vocal-fojmp071913

To SIGN UP and for more information, please visit:

 http://www.v-o-cal.org/projects/2013/jmp2013.html 



City Council News 

 

This Thursday, the Oakland City Council should adopt its next two-year budget at a Special Hearing starting at 6:30pm in City Hall (14th & Broadway). I've received hundreds of emails with questions and comments about the budget. My fabulous intern Caleb Smith consolidated everyone's questions into these key areas:

 

Q: How are various budget plans by the Mayor, President Kernighan Brooks/Gallo/Reid and most recently McElhaney/Kalb/Kaplan different from each other?

 

A: The Mayor's budget was released April 17th. All current Council proposals are modifications to the Mayor's original budget (i.e., where Council is silent, the Mayor's proposals will be enacted). New revenues have become available since the Mayor released her budget, so the Council proposals get to spend funds that the Mayor didn't. As President, Councilmember Kernighan released a budget proposal on May 31st. Brooks/Gallo/Reid released an alternative budget on that day (the "BGR Budget"), but they have since revised their budget three times, most recently last night. On Monday (6/24) Councilmembers McElhaney/Kalb/Kaplan released a compromise budget (they named the "All-In Budget") trying to incorporate all previous proposals as well as spending yet more newly recognized revenues. [Read it here: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B16EWg54_ut7dEI5eTJrYW9mekk/edit?pli=1 ]

 

These three proposals have become very similar. They all:

  • Increase police staffing to nearly 700 officers over the next 2 years;
  • Add 6 civilian investigators and 5 new 911-dispatch positions to OPD;
  • Continue contracting with California Highway Patrol for supplemental enforcement in amounts ranging from $1 - 3million;
  • Eliminate a new position in the Mayor's office and set-aside some funds for consideration in on-going employee compensation negotiations;
  • Fund more code compliance inspectors, illegal dumping crews and graffiti abatement and homeless encampment clean-up work;
  • Preserve some or all of Oakland's Head Start seats, despite Federal cuts;
  • Unfreeze an Animal Control Officer and add funds for the West Oakland Job Center
  • Reverse proposed cuts to Recreation and Senior Services
  • Are balanced and do not create a deficit.

 

Q: Which proposals do you like and why?

 

A: I like all the areas where the plans are in agreement, above. Additionally,

  • I don't like that BGR cuts 4 proposed positions that would otherwise support economic development, finance, grants and the Public Ethics Commission. I've consistently advocated for strengthening the Public Ethics Commission, now supported by a recent Grand Jury Report. Additionally, investments in financial management, economic development and grants management should more than pay for themselves and are likely to actually generate net revenues. Similarly I don't like cuts to the City Attorney's office that could otherwise reduce high outside council costs.
  • I don't like the All-In proposal to add 4 more parking enforcement officers who would generate a net increase of $1.7 million in parking citations. Citizens are tired of exorbitant "gottcha" fines and parking fine projections have fallen short of projections in the past.
  • I like the All-In set-aside of $5.3 million for reserves and unfunded retirement liabilities (although this wouldn't have been necessary if the Council didn't recently vote to amend a requirement that would have set aside these funds anyway). This is a drop in the bucket towards our looming $1.5 billion in unfunded liabilities, but it is the only proposal that puts any dollars towards this urgent need.
  • I like the All-in/Kernighan addition of 4 Evidence Technicians in OPD and higher funding for CHP patrols.

 

Q: Which plan is best for public safety and why?

 

A: While very similar, All-In and Kernighan make additional investments in 4 Police Evidence Technicians and 1 new Neighborhood Services Coordinator as well as providing more funding to continue assistance from California Highway Patrol.

 

Q: Why do we need police academies? Why can't we just do lateral transfers from other police departments?

 

A: To get to nearly 700 officers, we'll need to recruit and train 160 officers over these next two years. Efforts to recruit lateral hires from other departments have not yielded much success in the past. Although Oakland pays our officers well compared to other cities nationally, we pay less than our immediate neighbors like San Francisco, Berkeley and San Jose.

 

Q: Why do the All-In and Kernighan proposals seek to add police dispatchers and other civilian staff when some similar positions are currently vacant?

 

A: Good question! We were all shocked to learn that critical vacancies were taking months to fill, partly because of changes in classifications that needed to go through our complex civil service process as well as efficiencies and a need to train dispatchers in small classes, but mostly because our HR department is so understaffed. The All-In Budget addresses this by adding another HR position and funding one-time assistance with back-ground checks.

 

Non-Budget Actions

 

Also, Thursday night, I'll be join CM Kalb in a Resolution stating Oakland's strong support for preserving California's Public Records laws.

 

Thursday morning at 11am our Rules & Legislation Committee will take the first step in renewing the Oakland hills' Wildfire Prevention District. Learn why here: http://www.keepoaklandfiresafe.org/ .

 

 

Final City Council Budget Meeting, Thurs June 27 at 6:30pm

Meeting items and agenda: http://tinyurl.com/ph47kk3 

Location: Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza (14th St at Broadway)

One email reaches all Council members: [email protected]

This meeting can also be viewed on KTOP channel 10; 

KTOP available Ch 99 on AT&T U-Verse or

streamed live on PC and MAC (Silverlight or Realplayer) See:

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/CityAdministration/d/KTOP/index.htm

 

 

Bay Area Air Quality

The Air District is seeking your review and comment in an effort to enhance its community engagement practices. The draft proposed Public Participation Plan has been posted on the Air District's website (www.baaqmd.gov/public) along with a flier for workshops planned in June. If you would like Air District staff to meet with your organization or community to discuss the draft please contact Kristina Chu to schedule a meeting: [email protected] or (415) 749-4758.

 

Helpful Links and Numbers