Did you think you were going to get through this week and not learn a dang thing, Oakland? Pah! The odds are decidedly against it. Just try not to learn how to make paper or bee condos, anything new about health or Cambodian culture, or watch a documentary! OK, don’t try too hard. Do enjoy!
Friday, April 4
Greenlining Institute Economic Summit
8:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway
The U.S. economy is changing as fast as our nation’s demographics. As communities of color move closer to being the American majority, how can we ensure that all of our communities have a clear pathway to full participation in American prosperity? What new models are working? Can issues that may not fit the traditional model of economic concerns contribute to those models? What changes are needed to ensure that the new economy works for all? We invite you to join us as we explore these questions at Greenlining’s 21st Annual Economic Summit. Details and registration are online.
Oakland Public Library Strategic Directions Workshop
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Vista Room, Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue
The Oakland Public Library invites you to join with other community leaders and service providers to develop the vision of library service in our community in the 21st century. The workshop will be an interactive, creative, and inspiring event featuring nationally-recognized speakers as well as facilitated hands-on activities and discussions. For more information or to RSVP, contact Sharon McKellar.
Opening Reception for Skill One’s “Style Manipulator, Toy Devastator”
6 – 10 p.m.
Hat Rac Fine Art Gallery, 1714 Franklin Street
A master of the word, Skill One has been bringing fresh styles to urban art since 1985. Apart from a few canvases and panels in private collections, Skill One has work in the Getty, and in the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame Museum. His street art is and has been everywhere, as Skill is considered an urban icon of this generation. In this rare exhibit, “Style Manipulator, Toy Devastator,” Skill is aggressively asserting his position as a wildstyle heavyweight, by delivering hard-hitting images, painted and drawn on sturdy panels, immortalized in a thick protective glazing. The images range from exaggerated renditions of his trademark letter styles, to colorful and fun, yet streetwise, cartoon characters.
57th Street Gallery Presents the Doug Arrington Quartet
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
Warm, intimate, intense, electric and buoyant, Doug Arrington is masterful at creating a mood. His incredible vocal range and charismatic personality give him the power to control the mood of his audience. Professional acclaim has come to Doug through television and radio appearances throughout the world. Musicians are Doug Arrington, vocals; Rodney Burge, keyboards; Eric Swinderman, guitar; and Marlon Green, drums. Admission is $15. For more information or to make reservations (recommended), visit 57thStreetGallery.com.
Saturday, April 5
50 Trees in One Day!
9 a.m. – noon
Hoover Elementary School, 890 Brockhurst Street
Keep Oakland Beautiful and the Sierra Club are organizing a tree planting. Trees will be planted in and immediately surrounding Hoover Elementary to provide shade, cleaner air and beauty. They need LOTS of volunteers for this planting to get 50 trees in the ground. All tools will be provided, so just bring work gloves, sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen and help keep Oakland beautiful!
Mayor’s Town Hall Meeting in Area 4
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Fremont High School, 4610 Foothill Boulevard
Join Mayor Jean Quan, Interim Police Chief Sean Whent and OUSD Superintendent Gary Yee in a conversation about Public Safety in Oakland. Over the last year, Oakland has been transforming its police services by creating neighborhood-level geographic accountability, implementing Ceasefire and hiring more officers. The next phase of public safety planning begins now with a series of town hall meetings in each Police Area to gather community feedback and work together to grow police-community collaboration. Key topics will include how we can strengthen community policing, work with our schools, and improve employment opportunities. The town hall meetings are open to all members of our community, regardless of which Police Area they reside or work in. Free childcare will be provided.
Oakland’s 4th Annual Cambodian New Year Celebration
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Avenue
Join Peralta Hacienda for a lively musical celebration that will showcase Cambodian elders performing the nearly-lost musical arts of the Khmer, as well as the art of a younger generation, transforming and maintaining these traditions through hip-hop and dance. You can also sing karaoke and play Cambodian games for kids and adults. Cambodian artists will sell food and crafts. An estimated 95% of Cambodia’s artists, dancers, and musicians were executed by the Khmer Rouge, which rose to power in 1975 and targeted educated people as a significant portion of the nearly 1.7 Cambodians it executed. It is no small wonder, then, that the dancers and musicians featured at this year’s Cambodian New Year in Oakland command special respect, both from Cambodians and lovers of world music and culture.
Urban Resilience: Crop, Plant, and Homemade food Swap and Garden Clinic
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
North Oakland Farmers Market, 5709 Market Street
Share seeds, produce, plant-starts, homemade foods, cultured food starters (kombucha, kefir, sourdough, etc.), eggs, honey, skills, information, inspiration, desperation, perspiration and community survival skills. Visit phatbeetsproduce.org for more information.
Growing Clean Energy Jobs
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. (doors open at 10:30 a.m.)
Youth Uprising, 8711 MacArthur Boulevard
This event, organized by the Clean Energy & Jobs Oakland Campaign, will bring together youth and other community members concerned about jobs, and Oakland organizations working to address those concerns through clean energy development. The forum will promote community control of energy and local economic development by way of an East Bay Community Choice energy program. The event will include time for attendees network with training programs, employers, and other organizations working in the clean energy sector. For more information, contact Colin Miller.
Integrative Health Fair
1 – 4 p.m.
Simple Family Health, 1 Rio Vista Avenue
Simple Family Health is a community-based integrative clinic serving Bay Area families. Their focus is to help the community get well and learn ways to stay healthy through natural therapies, diet changes, lifestyle choices and preventative medicine. They hope to fill the gap in our current medical model and to empower the whole community through holistic and sustainable health care practice.
“Sleep Well!”
1 – 5 p.m.
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, 5729 College Avenue
Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy, your one-stop shop for integrative healthcare services, is pleased to announce a complimentary event called “Sleep Well!” The event will allow guests to enjoy free 10-minute chair massages, product samples and huge savings on event day! We also invite you to learn more about the strategies for a naturally better sleep with our licensed practitioners. For more information, visit pharmaca.com/sleep-well.
57th Street Gallery Presents Kymberly Jackson
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
Kymberly Jackson began her quest for the perfect union of musician and instrument at an early age. After experimenting with the clarinet and drums, she discovered her musical soul mate in the flute. Born and Raised in Los Angeles, Kymberly began classical training at the age of 12 and continued to master the instrument throughout her formal education. A graduate of Mills College with a master’s in music, she has honed her musical gifts from Beethoven to Hip Hop with ease and fluidity. Her versatility and ability to move successfully between urban contemporary, smooth jazz, and classical techniques makes her one of the most sought-after musicians in the industry. Band members are: Graham Central Station, Rhythm Section; Jimmy McKinney, keys and background vocals; Dave Counsil, keys and background vocals; and Brian Braziel, drums. Admission is $15. For more information or to make reservations (recommended), visit www.57thStreetGallery.com.
Sunday, April 6
Handmade Paper from Plants
1 – 3 p.m.
Pollinate Farm and Garden, 2727 Fruitvale Avenue
In this fun workshop, students will learn the basics of western-style paper making, using edible and ornamental plant fibers. The hands-on portion of the class will cover basic paper sheet formation as well as fiber preparation and artistic embellishments. Participants will leave with several wet papers to be dried at home. This is a wet class! Please bring a new roll of paper towels and wear clothing and shoes that can get wet. This class is appropriate for children over the age of 8 when accompanied by an adult. Register online.
Organist Crista Miller
5 p.m.
The Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison Street
Enjoy the sounds of the magnificent Conroy Memorial Organ as renowned organist Crista Miller is welcomed to The Cathedral of Christ the Light. Crista Miller is the Director of Music and Cathedral Organist at Houston’s Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, where she chaired the Organ Committee for Martin Pasi’s Opus 19 pipe organ. This performance will include works by Bach, Pachelbel, Cesar Franck and Naji Hakim.
Monday, April 7
David Kroodsma discusses and signs The Bicycle Diaries: My 21,000-Mile Ride for the Climate
7 p.m.
Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue
In 2005, David Kroodsma embarked on a bicycle ride of epic proportions, 21,000 miles, from the driveway of his home in California to the tip of Argentina. As a young climate researcher who had spent a lot of his time in research labs and classrooms, he craved an adventure, but knew that he also wanted to call attention to the global issue that was his focus. He called the project “Ride for Climate.” Over the next two years, he experienced the world in a very immediate way. “While biking,” he writes, “no windshield protects you from the rain, heat, or wind, and no wall divides you from the people along the road.” Along his route, armed with a laptop, business cards, and his own eagerness, he stopped in schools and assemblies to give presentations, and garnered media attention. But ultimately, the life most impacted was his own. His encounters with the warmth and generosity of countless strangers transformed and personalized his understanding of climate change.
Tuesday, April 8
Oakland City Council Committee Meetings
times listed below
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
The City Council is the governing body of the City of Oakland, and consists of eight members who are elected directly by the citizens of Oakland: one representative from each of seven districts, and one at-large representative. The Council sets goals and priorities for the City, as well as approving the City budget, adopting ordinances to help the City serve its citizens, and appointing members to various boards and commissions. Most of the Committees of the City Council (such as this one) usually meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month (although it is recommended to confirm the day and time, as this is subject to change). A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
10:30 a.m. – noon: Public Works Committee
noon – 2 p.m.: Finance & Management Committee
2 – 4 p.m.: Community & Economic Development Committee
4 – 5:30 p.m.: Life Enrichment Committee
5:30 p.m.: Public Safety Committee
Movie Night and Urban Ag Social
6 p.m.
The New Parkway, 474 24th Street
This event features a screening of the documentary Growing Cities. In their search for answers, filmmakers Dan Susman and Andrew Monbouquette take a road trip and meet the men and women who are challenging the way this country grows and distributes its food, one vacant city lot, rooftop garden, and backyard chicken coop at a time. Join them as they discover that good food isn’t the only crop these urban visionaries are harvesting. The evening will include updates on Oakland food policy, prizes, jam tasting and jam swap. Bring a jar of homemade jam (chutney, pickles or anything else in a sealed, shelf-safe jar) to share and one to trade! Crackers will be provided. Arrive any time after 6 to get pizza and beer and socialize with farming friends. The program begins at 7. Tickets are available here.
F. M. Smith Park Advisory Council Meeting
6:30 – 8 p.m.
F. M. Smith Park, 1969 Park Boulevard
Have questions or want more information? Contact Lisa at lisamhire@yahoo.com or Center Director Lois Gomes at lgomes@oaklandnet.com, or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/15X_NCPC/cal.
“Transnatural” Workshop
7 – 9 p.m.
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th Street, Unit C
For myriad reasons, not enough information or health resources are available for trans people. With this class, the gap of accessibility and inequality will begin to be bridged, offering suggestions for self-care and navigating the medical system. Participants will discuss ways to support the trans body and spirit with herbs, explore hormone maintenance with natural remedies, and talk about ways to mitigate the side effects of synthetic hormones. Time permitting, they will also discuss herbal support for surgery. All bodies are welcome! Register online.
Wednesday, April 9
EarthEXPO
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Frank Ogawa Plaza
EarthEXPO is an annual environmental fair hosted by the City of Oakland Public Works Department. The fair highlights transportation, environmental health, waste reduction, water, energy, urban design, nature and community themes. Approximately 100 exhibitors will gather to showcase their contributions for a sustainable environment to an estimated 3,000 attendees. This year, we’ll focus on water conservation and protection: every drop counts! EarthEXPO is a great place to connect with environmental and community groups, as well as green businesses and artists; learn environmental tips; participate in hands-on activities; pick up great giveaway items; and enjoy delicious food! Click here for more information.
AC Transit Board of Directors Meetings
times listed below
Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, 1600 Franklin Street, 10th Floor
The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District is the third-largest public bus system in California, serving 13 cities and adjacent unincorporated areas in Alameda and Contra Costa counties. AC Transit has been serving the East Bay since 1960, taking over from the Key System and its predecessors, which carried passengers via buses, horse-drawn rail, electric streetcars, and ferries over the previous 100 years. AC Transit’s mission is to provide safe, convenient, courteous, and reliable transit service.
3 p.m.: Operations Committee Meeting
3:30 p.m.: External Affairs Committee Meeting
6 p.m.: Board of Directors Meeting
Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting
4:30 p.m.
Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Avenue
The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission reports and makes recommendations to the Oakland City Council on Office of Parks and Recreation policies. It consists of 11 seats, appointed by the Mayor and Council to represent the citizens of Oakland. The public is welcome to attend the Commission’s monthly meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of every month except for August. Please call the Director’s office, (510) 238-7532, to confirm meetings in case of cancellation or change of venue. For more information, click here.
Oakland Board of Education General Meeting
5 – 9 p.m.
Paul Robeson Building, 1025 2nd Avenue, Board Room
The Governing Board, commonly called the Board of Education, is the elected policy-making body of the public education system within the City of Oakland. The Governing Board’s primary responsibility is to ensure that every student served by the District is well educated and demonstrates high academic achievement. For more information, visit bex.ousd.k12.ca.us.
Bee-friendly Habitat Gardening
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Pollinate Farm & Garden, 2727 Fruitvale Avenue
Learn how to attract and conserve native bees in your home garden. Participants will explore native bee biology and ecology and use this information to help them design a bee-friendly landscape. They will also learn the best bee plants for your garden and tips to promote healthy plant growth, as well as learning about how to build their own “bee condos” to invite cavity-nesting bees into their gardens. Participants will receive a seasonal plant list and bee condo building instructions. Register here.
Manzanita 18Y NCPC Meeting
6:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Salvation Army, 2794 Garden Street
For more information, please contact NSC Edith Guillen at (510) 238-7159 or eguillen@oaklandnet.com.
Thursday, April 10
Oakland City Council Rules and Legislation Committee Meeting
10:45 a.m.
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 1
The Rules and Legislation Committee usually meets at this time (although it is recommended to confirm the day and time, as this is subject to change). A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
Robert Lewis discusses and signs Critical Damage
7 p.m.
Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Avenue
Critical Damage sees ex-cop and recovering junkie Mark Mallen dive again into the seedy heart of San Francisco’s Tenderloin district. Asked to track down two young girls lured into porn and prostitution, Mallen shakes down pimps and hustlers with relentless determination. But the heat coming at him isn’t the work of ordinary street thugs, and his search will lead him to powerful men determined to keep their twisted desires from ever seeing the light of day. Robert K. Lewis is the author of Untold Damage, the first in his Mark Mallen series. He is also a painter, printmaker, screenwriter, and contributor to Macmillan’s crime fiction fansite, Criminal Element. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife.
Temescal NCPC Meeting
7 – 8:30 p.m.
Faith Presbyterian Church, 49th and Webster
Everyone is welcome at the monthly Steering Committee meetings of the Temescal Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council. For more information, visit groups.yahoo.com/group/TemescalNeighborhood or email temescalfamilies@yahoogroups.com.
Rockridge NCPC Meeting
7 – 9 p.m.
Rockridge Library, 5366 College Avenue
The Greater Rockridge Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council was officially established in April 2002 to respond to the newly reorganized Community Policing Program of the City of Oakland Police Department. It combines beats 12Y and 13X under a single NCPC and operates under its own by-laws. Monthly steering committee meetings consist of officers, committee chairpersons and volunteers, a Neighborhood Services Coordinator (NSC) from OPD, and our Problem-Solving Officer (PSO): a specifically-designated OPD patrol officer. Any resident community member who wishes to attend regularly and participate in meetings is also welcome to join. For more information, visit rockridgencpc.com, or email chair@rockridgencpc.com.
To include an event in Oakland Local’s listings for April 11 – 17, email the details to meg@oaklandlocal.com by noon on Tuesday, April 8.