Welcome to the Prescott-Oakland Point Neighborhood

16th Street Train Station Restoration

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:20:00 +0000

Tuesday November 10th - Live music

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:00:00 +0000

Lucky Dragons - Javelin - Pit er Pat

LoBot Gallery
1800 Campbell St. - Oakland, CA - 94607
Doors @ 8pm - Seriously good show!

For more information contact Adam Hatch

On-line Media - Comments 101

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:10:00 +0000

An opportunity for our Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood to receive some well deserved press after the community party held Oct. 29th in two San Francisco Chronicle articles located in the real estate section and Chip Johnson’s Tuesday, 11.03.09 column highlighting the Central Station Development, immediately became a target by those with cruel and sometimes derogatory statements about our community and people.

Admittedly, I lost it after reading a number of comments and I reached out to community members and invited them to read the comments and respond appropriately. Although initially it felt good, I realize this was wrong, emotional and may have inadvertently gave them more undeserved visibility. There’s a time-honored adage that one should “never get in a fight with a guy who buys printers ink by the barrel.” It’s easy to forget this negative side of the internet.

I forgot about the behavior of the online anarchists who laid in wait to swarm article after article and pictures carping in most cases inappropriately and off topic, leaving comments like popping popcorn, all over the place while occasionally addressing the subject matter.

I forgot how cruel people can be especially when hiding behind the anonymity of an incomplete profile. Only some are bold enough to provide information that identifies them as out-of-towners. Reading their profile and their posting you learn like most kindergarten behavior, they have no regards to those they hurt, demonstrated by their comments directed towards victims of crime.

Remembering these people feel a sense of accomplishment engaging those with erroneous information, injecting their own garbage and getting a reaction (rise) or response, I should have known better than to respond. I realize this is what they do.

Cowardly on-line anarchist are not new or original just hard to get use to.

Community Celebration Update

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:18:00 +0000

In one of the worst economies and in an area that has received little positive press over the past years, Central Station has seen some of the greatest success of any new development in the Bay Area.

On Thursday, Oct. 29th 2009 Central Station celebrated the completion of nearly 400 homes (currently over 200 new residents) as part of the first phase of Central Station, the largest private investment in the history of the Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood.

The block party was an opportunity that brought together new and long-time residents. The 300+ attendees of this party included the Lew Hing family, local elected officials, local businesses, out-of-towners, and represented the rich Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood of people of diverse ethnic, cultural and economic backgrounds living side by side which dates back to the early nineteenth century.

The party featured photography exhibit by award winning Katherine Westerhout, photos by Jason Mehrtens, music by Jonathan Smothers DJ, beer from Linden Street Brewery, wine from Urban Legend Cellars , foods from Brown Sugar Kitchen and Namie's Kitchen, Scream Sorbet providing dessert and Galatea Cafe provided coffee, tea and pastry. THANK YOU ALL!

For those who couldn’t make it, I hope to see you at the next community event currently in the planning stages now.

If you are a business or organization wishing to co-sponsor or participate in some other way, send me an email.

OPD Chief Anthony Batts explain public safety strategy in the Prescott…

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:20:00 +0000

First let me thank Jonathan Bair for his post at the SFGate Oakland Blog who saved me some work duplicating a post already written, and written quite well by Mary K. Flynn of Oakland North on the New Oakland Police Chief Batts and Mayor Dellums visit to the Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood for a town hall meeting held at Prescott Elementary School.

Read the full article here

Those wondering who is Oakland North; they’re a news project of U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.

Check them out!

First the artist, then the hipsters...

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 18:08:00 +0000

The artists infiltrate first, moving in for the cheap live-work space; then the hipsters arrive, coming for its rough-edged authenticity; and finally the developers.

One of the first entrants, Holliday Development, is building the Pacific Cannery Lofts in the initial phase of the Central Station community. The 163-unit project is an adaptive reuse of a historic warehouse, the 1911 Pacific Coast Cannery building, which was shuttered during the Great Depression and has sat empty for 50 years.

Ninety-nine lofts are centered on three interior courtyards in the original cannery building.

Experts say it's far greener to move closer to places you need to get to than it is just installing sustainable wood flooring or photovoltaic lights. Rick Holliday, founder and president of Holliday Development, did both. He built next to existing transit and incorporated enough energy-saving items to have the project Build It Green-certified.

Urban planners call this "smart growth." Specifically, smart growth means creating housing close to existing urban infrastructure and job centers while encouraging the next wave of improvements, such as grocery stores and retail shops.

But that car is hardly a necessity because 271 trains hit the West Oakland BART Station daily and the train ride to the Embarcadero station takes just six minutes. There are trains every 1 1/2 minutes during commute time, and the property offers quick access to Interstates 80, 880, 580 [980], [State Route 13 ]and Highway 24.

Complete SFGate Article

Weekend Events Oct. 31-Nov.1

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Thrillerthon: Haitian Day of the Dead

HALLOWEEN - Sat. October 31st, Doors open @ 8:30 p.m.

The Den @ the Fox , 1807 Telegraph Ave, Uptown Oakland

For more information call 510.451.6100

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST!

With fabulous prizes including drink coupons, restaurant gift certificates, & concert tix for future Another Planet Shows.

Gede is the time that some come dressed in costume honoring the Ancestors featuring DJ EPIC, DJ MPENZI and performances by El Wah Movement Caribbean Dancers and KKDE

Happy Days on Ice

Continues through Oct. 31st, 12:00N-8:00 p.m.

Jack London Square, 70 Washington St., (foot of Broadway) Oakland

Want to take a spin in a poodle skirt? The folks at Oakland's Jack London Square have set up an ice rink near Barnes & Noble. The little oval is open all month, but weekends will feature themed events, such as this Saturday and Sunday's tribute to the 1950s. The following weekend will be costume skating, as the rink wraps things up on Halloween.

For more information call 510-627-1670

Dia De Los Muertos 2009
Sunday, November 1st, 2009 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm
“Celebrating the Spirit of Community”

Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a fabulous one-day celebration of ancestors, deceased loved ones and community. This year’s commemoration of “Celebrating the Spirit of Community” will be a gigantic event loaded with activities and displays for the entire family to enjoy!

The event will take place on Sunday, November 1, 2009 from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. It will span along International Boulevard between Fruitvale and 35th Avenues and be expanded to the area around the Fruitvale Plaza and down 12th Street to 37th Avenue.

This eclectic Day of the Dead celebration is a safe, family oriented, non-alcoholic event that is FREE to the public. Don’t miss this annual Oakland tradition in the Fruitvale district!

For more information call 510-437-9703

Alameda Point Antiques and Collectibles Faire

Sunday, Nov. 1st, 2009; 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (every first Sunday of the month)

“DRIP” a new play by Christina Anderson

featuring Prescott Oakland Point resident Kele Nitoto; Crowded Fire Production

Previews Sunday, Nov 1st, 5:00 p.m. Opening Monday, November 2nd, 8:00 p.m.

Fragmented memories and calloused dreams dance across the stage in this moving new play by Christina Anderson. Mae, a Black American woman lies dying in her hospital bed. As the hospital heart monitor beeps in a-rhythmic pulses, both she and her grandson struggle to accept their shared legacy bound by love and scars.

The Boxcar Playhouse, 505 Natoma Street, btw 6th and 7th streets, San Francisco, CA

For more information contact Kele Nitoto by email kelenitoto@gmail.com

City Slicker Farms

Come celebrate Groundbreaking of New Community Market Farm

Sunday, November 1st , 2009, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.at Fitzgerald and Union Plaza parks (corner of 34th and Peralta), Oakland

Mayor Dellums & Chief Batts in the Prescott

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:02:00 +0000

Are you concern about public safety here in the Prescott?

On Monday, November 2nd; between 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at Prescott Elementary School, located at 920 Campbell street (in the Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood) Mayor Dellums introduces Oakland’s New Police Chief Anthony Batts.

Come hear Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts share their vision of public safety

The discussion topics will include:

Mayor Dellums’ public safety strategy: PIES (Prevention, Intervention, Enforcement, Sustainability)
Chief Batts’ vision for the Oakland Police Department
Crime statistics: crime is down double digits citywide, but more must be done
Community policing: how can OPD work with the community to enhance public safety?
Question and answer session with Mayor Dellums and Chief Batts

Need directions? Click here

Community Celebration-RSVP TODAY

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:39:00 +0000

--GOOD (LOCAL) FOODS AND DRINK--

JOIN US Thursday, Oct. 29th 2009 starting at 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at 14th street and Frontage Road* in celebrating 400 completed units (of the 1500 entitled) in the Central Station development project within the Prescott Oakland Point Neighborhood Area!

All Prescott Oakland Point neighbors, guest, friends, old and new are WELCOME to join us for a evening of FUN!

*Frontage road can be access from 7th St or West Grand Avenue. The entrance located approximately one half mile on Frontage Road.

For more information, go to POPna site or call Marcus Johnson; Prescott Oakland Point Co-Chair at 510.290.8300 or email at marcus_a_johnson@yahoo.com

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0000

West Oakland artist Eesuu Orundide has created a bronze sculpture to honor West Oakland community members and youth who participate in sports activities in Raimondi Park . The sculpture, entitled Ashe (a Yoruba word meaning “life force”), is six feet long by three feet tall and is located just inside the park’s main entrance on 18th Street .

Mr. Ashe (Life Force) was commissioned by the City of Oakland ’s Public Art Program for Raimondi Park , located between Campbell and Wood, 18th and 19th streets in West Oakland . Funding was generated by the Raimondi Park Sports Fields Improvement Project.

Oakland Public Art Program
For more information about this event call: 510-238-2155
http://www.oaklandculturalarts.org/

BRATS & BREW

* * * A Benefit for Oakland * * *

Saturday, October 17th, 12pm - 5pm

Linden St. Brewery, #8 Linden St. @ 3rd St.

Family Friendly, No Entry Fee

Live Blues by Rick Baskin and Friends

A Benefit for Bay Area Community Services, Thanksgiving Food Basket Distribution Program and the Oakland Rotary Community Endowment. For more information, please call 812-1264

LOOKING for more, click here

Chocolatier, Cacaofevier and Councilmembers

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Oakland councilwoman moonlights as chocolatier
By Janis Mara

Oakland City Councilmember Nancy Nadel displays an array of chocolates she made with cacao beans...Trading bonbons for bombast and roasters for rhetoric, Oakland City Councilwoman Nancy Nadel spends most Sundays whipping up chocolates in her role as founder of the Oakland Chocolate Co.

"It's smooth and rich. Basically, it's fabulous," said Karin Mac Donald of Oakland, a neighbor of Nadel's and self-described chocoholic who has been purchasing the candy since early 2008. "Usually I get the solid dark chocolate, but a friend told me the chocolate with chipotle pepper was good. I tried it and, to my surprise, I liked it."

Web site: Oakland Chocolate Company

Phone: 510-654-6966

Loma Prieta-Lest We Forget: 5:04 P.M.

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:40:00 +0000

Lest We Forget: 5:04 P.M.

At exactly 5:04 p.m. on Oct. 17, 1989, the Loma Prieta Earthquake rocked the Bay Area with a (6.9) 7.1 temblor for 15 seconds, causing the upper deck of the two-tiered Cypress (1.3-mile section of Interstate 880) Freeway to collapse.

In Oakland, forty-two people were killed, and several who were injured was rescued with the help of residents and workers from nearby companies.

The Beaux Arts–style 16th Street Oakland train station, built in 1911-1912 to replace the small wooden (1870) building at 16th and Wood Street, was for many decades a major railroad station, serving as served as Oakland’s first Southern Pacific rail station, suffered significant damage and subsequently closed.

Although the epicenter was an unpopulated area in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Loma Prieta Earthquake killed 63 people, plus 6 indirectly throughout Northern California, injured 3,757, caused 8,000 to 12,000 people to be left homeless, over 11 billion in insured losses, including damage to over 18,000 homes, causing the collapse of sections of the Bay Bridge and Cypress Freeway.

Loma Prieta was so named after the Loma Prieta Peak which lies 5 miles to the northeast in Santa Clara County.

Check out KQED “The Loma Prieta Earthquake: 20 Years Later” for more information. The local media is generating news stories and online depositories are experiencing a lot of activity regarding the Loma Prieta Earthquake, which I deliberately attempted to not duplicate here.

At 10:15 a.m. on October 15, 2009, at least 959,874 participants from the Bay Area will practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On.

Other Relevant Events:

On Saturday, October 17, 2009, 3:00 to 5:30pm at Cypress Freeway Memorial Park, the City of Oakland will host an emergency preparedness. Oakland community members and dozens of other agencies are invited to “Honor, Reflect and Prepare” on the 20th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake.

Located on the west side of Mandela Parkway between 13th and 14th Streets, Cypress Freeway Memorial Park honors the people who died as a result of the Cypress Freeway collapse and the heroic actions of the community in the minutes following the quake and is a designated rest stop along the newly completed West Oakland Bay Trail that extends from Broadway to Mandela Parkway for walkers and bikers to discover the park, rest, and learn about the events surrounding the Loma Prieta Earthquake.

Loma Prieta Earthquake Commemorative Symposium

On October 17, 2009, at 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m Mark Hopkins Hotel, San Francisco, CA.
This full-day commemorative event highlights lessons learned from the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, accomplishments in the 20 years since the earthquake, and future initiatives that will continue to make our cities and built environment safer from earthquakes. Register now

Next month, on November 12th, at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Ms. Allen will help commemorate the twentieth anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake by recalling how this disaster impacted Oakland and how preservationists rallied to successfully save some of the city’s most treasured historic buildings, slated for demolition.

Reminder: 8TH OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 20:48:00 +0000

Reminder: 8TH OAKLAND INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Screening continues today (Schedule) until Wednesday, Oct. 14th, ending with the short film titled “Country Rose” starring local country western star Miko Marks and directed by Prescott Oakland Point resident Edward Rosenblum.

The film shows Wednesday night October 14th @ the Grand Lake theater with 2 other shorts from 9-11:30pm, here's a link to the film info: http://www.oiff.org/country.html

Other shorts include:

SABAR - life is a dance!An African American hip-hop girl resists the ancestral call of the Senegalese dance "Sabar". When she finally gives in, she discovers more than a dance - she finds herself.

Youth Jail Chronicles is a video project led by young middle school and high school students participating in the multimedia program at the Youth UpRising center in East Oakland.

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Besides Fleet Week-Blue Angels and Presidents Cup going on this weekend offers something for everyone!

First I would like to acknowledge that our sister neighborhood (South Prescott) resident / artist Bruce Beasley sculptures are on exhibit from Oct 8th to Nov. 7th at the KOUROS Gallery in New York, New York.

To see some of his sculptures on exhibit, go to http://www.kourosgallery.com/

TONIGHT-Oct. 9th at the Basement Gallery Oakland, 2027 3rd St., Oakland, Missing "C" Mixed media show features 2D and 3 D works with contributing artists J.P. Long, Jason Rothschild, Guido Gerlitz, Duncan House, Eric Eiserling, Scott Oliver, James McLeod, Peter St. Lawrence, Juan Santiago, and Adam 5100. ... Website: BasementGallery.MosaicGlobe.com.

Look for their next exhibit featuring Subliminal Resuckulation, a recent survey of works by master cartoonist Adam Air Williams on Thu, Oct. 15th, 7:00 p.m.

Town Park Skatepark Livication!
Saturday, Oct. 10th, 2009 10:00 a.m.
deFremery Park, 1651 Adeline Street

Check out KDub as they officially “Livicate” the Town Park Skatepark to the youth & Oakland Community and bring your skateboards!

On Saturday October 10, 2009, 11am-5pm, deFremery Park, 1651 Adeline Street will host The 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle and the USA’s First Nationwide Graffiti competition.

Artists are determined and selected by Estria, a Bay Area Graffiti Legend.

Winners from the Harlem, Honolulu and Chicago Battles will be flown to Oakland to compete in the finals of live graffiti art painting Oct 10th!This is a FREE Family EventHere’s last year’s Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle here

For more info, go to: http://www.estriabattle.com/

For bicyclist looking for accessories, apparel, bike care products, car racks, eyewear,…Check out RideSFO at 1724 Mandela Parkway Suite #2 (next door to OBUGS). You can check their online catalog by clicking here. If you stop by ask for JRock

For more information regarding upcoming events, keep checking the POPna site!

Watch the Blue Angels from THE POINT

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:35:00 +0000

For those wanting to watch the Blues Angels part of the Fleet Week events, starting today (Oct. 8th) through Sunday (Oct. 11th) won't have to leave THE POINT.

Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (another Prescott Oakland Point gem)with its spectacular views of the bay provides the perfect vista view to watch the Blues Angels without the hassle of going to San Francisco. Both Point Arnold and the Western Pacific Mole locations within the park are excellent viewing areas. The Western Pacific Mole area features a dramatic Observation Tower.

Check the calendar of events for schedule.

How to get there: Just head Northeast on 7th street and follow the road signs; still unsure? go to the East Bay Regional Park District website for more Driving directions. AC Transit line 13 serves the park. Line 13 Map

Park Amenities-The park complex surrounds Middle Harbor Basin and offers a wide range of engaging opportunities including:

Views of the bay and shoreline, shorebirds, nearby maritime operations, San Francisco and Oakland skylines, and marine traffic at the estuary mouth;
Picnic and barbeque facilities - these may be reserved;
Parking, restrooms, and water fountains;
Historical exhibits;
An amphitheater;
Free viewing scopes;
Fishing pier and platforms;
The only beach in Oakland; and
Nearly three miles of pedestrian and bike paths, some of which are part of the Bay Trail.

A flyer, available at park entrances, describes the area's history, environment, and maritime context.

Feelin' the Presidents Cup Spirit?

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:15:00 +0000

Work it off with some putting!

Ernie Raimondi Park now features a putting green,

which was included in its recently renovation project.

The "putting greens" are located at the corner

of 18th street and Campbell street. Enjoy!

Neighborhood Interactive Map

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Looking for something to do?

Click on this Oakland neighborhood map!

And check out this Calendar of Events

Alzheimer's Association Memory Walk

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:04:00 +0000

This Weekend Events

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 17:51:00 +0000

35th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade

There have always been black cowboys and cowgirls in our western history, and Oaklanders will celebrate them again this year. The 36th Annual Oakland Black Cowboy Parade will march on Saturday, October 3rd, between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.The parade route will start and end at DeFermery Park 18th & Adeline, Oakland. The reviewing stand will likely be at Frank Ogawa Plaza on 14th Street just south of Broadway.

More info: Check out history and art from the Oakland Black Cowboy Association resources. There's fun stuff in these links below.- Cowboy art and images- Blacks in the old west- Cowboy and cowgirl heroes of today- Links to Black cowboy organizations- Links from around the country

People Grocery Farm Work Party!

Come get a taste of food justice at our Sunol Farm! Learn about cover-cropping, seasonal crop rotations and about what it takes to run a 4-acre organic farm! Meet us this Saturday, Oct. 3rd, at 9:30 a.m. at our lot at 936 Brockhurst St., (between Market and San Pablo). We provide transportation to and from the farm, water and light snacks. We'll be back in West Oakland by around 3pm. RSVP with marcelo@peoplesgrocery.org . Farm Work Party info

HOUSE HUNTING

Those interested in house hunting, the Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood provides a diverse offering of housing types i.e. Victorians and Italianate Mediterranean Architecture, as well as loft, townhouse, condo, apartment, conversions. This Sunday, October 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. two developments (Pacific Cannery Lofts-for sale and Ironhorse-leasing is pleased to have two Central Station developments are featured in the self-guided GreenPoint Showcase Tour.

Interested in Victorians and Italianate Mediterranean Architecture or craftsman type homes, contact Prescott Oakland Point resident and broker Stefanie Parrot at 510.839.4737

People’s Grocery is looking for the next Executive Director!

As People’s Grocery progresses towards its greatest goal - a community grocery store in West Oakland, they are in need of a new leader aligned with the mission, vision and values of People’s Grocery who is capable of leading the organization into an exciting and productive future.
More info

10 Things To Do This Weekend For Under $10

Sundays In the Redwoods at Woodminster Amphitheater

featuring Jon Jang & James Newton, Marcus Shelby, Fuzology

Sunday October 04th, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Gates Open at 1:30 p.m. Concerts Begin at 2:00 p.m.

3300 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland, (15 minutes from THE POINT)
Parking $4.00; Free Shuttle from Fruitvale BART, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
For more information 510.238.PARK

Oakland Artisans Marketplace

Saturdays & Sundays

10:00 a.m. - 4pm

Jack London Square (Water Street)

Thirty local artists present their handmade crafts along Water Street. The Artisan’s Marketplace is a special program managed by the City of Oakland’s Arts and Cultural Department. For more information, please call 510-238-4948.

Saturday Farmers Market

Grand Lake - Oakland(8 minutes from THE POINT)
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Year Round
Splash Pad Park at Grand Ave and Lake Park Ave

Berkeley Farmers’ Market
(10 minutes from THE POINT)
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Year Round

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=106481635460194769979.00046d46312a3697e6432&ll=37.871483,-122.271631&spn=0.009231,0.01884&z=16

Jack London Farmer's Market

(9 minutes from THE POINT)
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Throughout the Square

Sunday Farmer’s Market
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Montclair Sunday Farmers Market
(15 minutes from THE POINT)
1980 Mountain Blvd, Oakland
La Salle Ave between Mountain and Moraga Ave.

Temescal Farmers' Market
(10 minutes from THE POINT)

5300 Claremont Avenue, Oakland

Need Gas?

Chevron (6 min drive)
Shell (5 min drive)
Costco (12 min drive)

Full Moon Buy Night and More, Thurs. Oct 1, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:33:00 +0000

On the evening of October 1st, Jack London Square will host Full Moon Buy Night, a night market in the festive tradition of Italian village fairs, the German holiday market, and the Moroccan bazaar.

Location: Jack London Square, Oakland (Broadway at Embarcadero)

Cost: Free and Open to the Public

Running from 5:30PM to 9:30PM, the event will celebrate all things Oakland. The market will feature local artisans and merchants selling their wares, accompanied by live music, strolling entertainers, ice skating, and delicious food.

Full Moon Buy Night will take that online experience into the real world for one exciting night.

Throughout the Evening enjoy comedic magician, get Free animal balloons for kids, hear the beautiful music styling of Ron Matthews, hear french accordion music while strolling performed by Odile Lavault, and Play Skate Away Hunger on JLS's Skating Rink

View the FULL MOON through telescopes provided by the Chabot Space & Science Center

Visit the Oakbook's Art Gallery - Improvised Branches, a survey of contemporary Bay Area Art.
And hear and see so much more!

2 Hour History Cruise on San Francisco Bay

At 10:30 AM

Cruise aboard Franklin Roosevelt's Presidential Yacht Potomac. Fully restored, this "Floating White House" provides a narrated History cruise around San Francisco Bay.

Later in the evening after enjoying the Full Moon Buy Night event, check out:

Bach On Board the USS Potomac

At 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

This dockside concert aboard FDR's presidential yacht, the USS Potomac will be a great evening of live music by The Picasso String Quartet. Feel free to jump on board at 6:00 PM and receive a tour of the boat by one of the Potomac's docents. Cocktail tidbits are included in the ticket price.

Wine and beer will be available at bargain prices.

For more information call 510-627-1215.

A "FlashBack" Moment

In the early 1980's, I worked on Treasure Island for a short period, during that time the USS Potomac was seized in San Francisco as a front for drug smugglers - moored at Treasure Island she later , she sank.

GreenPoint Showcase Tour in THE POINT

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:15:00 +0000

The Prescott Oakland Point neighborhood is pleased to have two residential developments featured in the GreenPoint Showcase Tour, on Sunday, October 4th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This self-guided tour (partnership of Build It Green and KTVU Channel 2) will allow you to meet some of the Bay Area’s most accomplished green builders and view the many products and practices incorporated in a GreenPoint Rated home.

Both Pacific Cannery Lofts (for sale) and Ironhorse (leasing) are located in the Central Station development.

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW

Other project addresses for the tour will be provided after you have purchased your tickets.
For more information regarding these two project please go to their links Pacific Cannery Lofts or Ironhorse.

For more information on this event, “green building” or greenpoint rated, go to the Pacific Cannery Lofts blog, here

Film Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:27:00 +0000

The 8th Oakland International Film Festival™

Friday/Saturday Events Within-The-Point

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:07:00 +0000

Within-The-Point

Live Music TONIGHT @ Lobot Gallery
Tune-Yards, Quinn, Eleanor Murray & Invisible River

DARK ROMANTIC a sequence of new works

by LoBot's September Artist-in-Residence Erika Pahk

LoBot Gallery 1800 Campbell Street, Oakland Directions
Saturday, September 26th @ 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Fusing principles of art jewelry and up-cycling, Erika culls readymade materials such as plastic zip ties and reclaimed utilitarian articles to meticulously craft desirable, wearable adornment. At the same time, these sculptural works offer symbolic, often humorous narratives about shame and longing in the vein of the Dark Romantics of literature. Worn on the body or hung from a cross-beam, an ominous visual weight tethers these fabulous, featherlike objects.

Health Fair / Tarlesson Family Farms

The Network for a Healthy California-Bay Area is sponsoring a health fair Friday, Sept. 25th, 2009, from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Mandela Foods Cooperative, 1430 Seventh St. Directions

Cooking demonstrations, tips for growing gardens, health screenings, and traditional Liberian dance performed by members of the Tarlesson Family Farms will be featured.

Healthy Recipes

The Tarlesson (50-acre ) Farm owned and operated by the Tarlesson family located in Guinda, CA produces rich, high-value, 100% Authentic African vegetables using the Liberia farming techniques of the Chedepo-Grebo people.

The Tarlesson Family Farms specialize in chemical-free and natural sun-dried tomatoes, okra and eggplants seasoning and spices.

Events in the surrounding areas of The Point

“ON THE WATERFRONT”
A Paramount Movie Classic

Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
Friday, September 25th @ 8:00 p.m.

ON THE WATERFRONT (1954) - Based on the true story of a longshoreman who tried to overthrow a corrupt union On the Waterfront was shot on location in Hoboken, N.J., on and near the docks, with real longshoremen playing themselves.

Marlon Brando's performance as the young ex-prizefighter who struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses.

Movie Trailer

My favorite quote: Terry played by Marlon Brando lay badly beaten by Johnny Friendly who is played by Lee J. Cobb and his goons…

Terry: Get me on my feet.

Father Barry (Karl Malden) and Edie (Eva Marie Saint) help Terry stand up

Father Barry: How're you doing?

Terry: Am I on my feet?

Hammer and Paulina Rubio @ The Fox Theater
Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Avenue
Show Times: 8:00 p.m.

Friday, September 25th

Hammer with guests: Whodini

Hammer remembered for U Can't Touch This and Whodini for Friends

Saturday, September 26th

Paulina Rubio dubbed "La Chica Dorada" (The Golden Girl) is one of the top-selling female Latin pop artists with over 20 million records sold worldwide.

Don’t forget The Den, 1912 Telegraph Ave inside The Fox Theater for a cocktail.

Other options are Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway, Oakland,

(Check their Calendar for the current events)

And the "Neighborhood Happenings" section of the POPna Blog.

WOCAG Meeting - Sept. 24, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:01:00 +0000

West Oakland Community Advisory Group (WOCAG) is a forum for community members to give input into developing the army base reuse plan, to keep community members informed, to participate in developing advisory recommendations to the City of Oakland, and to provide the public an opportunity to regularly review progress of the planning process.

WOCAG's next regularly-scheduled meeting is Thursday, Sept. 24th, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. at the West Oakland Senior Center, 1724 Adeline Street, Oakland

The agenda items include: Nominations for Vice Chairperson, Updates on Oakland Army Base Development; Status Report on Selection Process for Master Developer (Al Auletta, Army Base Redevelopment Area Manager); Port of Oakland Reports (Laura Arreola, Port of Oakland);

The next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 22nd, 2009

Please note: Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the November meeting will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19th, 2009.

For more information contact: Margaret Sullivan, Oakland Redevelopment Agency; 510. 238.7387 or msullivan@oaklandnet.com

Remember Them: Champions for Humanity

noreply@blogger.com (Marcus Johnson) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 21:41:00 +0000

Mario Chiodo, Prescott-Oakland Point sculptor, presented the final sculpting of the Maya Angelou and Ruby Bridges section of the “Remember Them: Champions for Humanity monument” honoring 25 inspirational humanitarians to a room full of supporters and contributors.

In attendance to welcome the first stage of completion to this historic monument was Don Perata (MC), Ruby Nell Bridges, Guy Johnson (Maya Angelou's son) and Leon Leyson (the youngest member of Shindler's List).

Historical significance:

On November 14, 1960, Ruby Nell Bridges was the first African-American student to attend a formerly all -white elementary school (William Frantz Public School) in New Orleans. In 1960, desegregation was ordered in New Orleans, after passing a test, Ruby was selected to enter first-grade at William Frantz Public School. Although there were five other African-American students scheduled to enter the public schools in New Orleans, two decided to stay in their own schools, three were assigned to another school while Ruby entered William Frantz alone.

Leon Leyson, one of the youngest surviving members of 1,200 Polish Jews whose lives were saved by Oskar Schindler, when he employed them to work in his factories during World War II.

Leyson was 10 years-old when the war started and 13 when his father brought him into Oscar Schindler’s enamelware factory DEF. After World War 2, Leon Leyson spent three years in a displaced persons camp near Frankfurt Am Main in Germany. He came to the U.S. in 1949.

Leyson's mother and sister were among the 300 Schindler-women, who were routed on a train to Auschwitz by a mistake. Schindler bribed the Nazis and rescued the women who were released from Auschwitz - the only shipment out of the death camp during World War 2.

Maya Angelou (Marguerite Ann Johnson) achievements span over seven decades and showcase a wealth of talents, starting in 1942, when she became San Francisco’s first female cable car conductor.

In Maya Angelou 1969 autobiography “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings”, the first of a six volume series, she chronicled the journey of a young woman who overcame a childhood rape, made a pilgrimage to Africa, served as a civil rights activist and became an example of self-determination.

The caged bird sings with fearful trill,
of the things unknown but longed for still,
and is tune is heard on the distant hill,
for the caged bird sings of freedom.

Other works by recent Mario Chiodo, include Oakland Children Fairyland- Entrance Marquee Topiary Dragon, Genie and Lamp, Storybook; Oakland Zoo-Otter Den Treehouse, Ladybug Climber, Spider Climber, Aldabra Tortoise and Shell Climber, and the Tomato Frog.