March 22, 2011 Editor's note: In response to last month's newsletter, several readers emailed their thanks including Jeanne Hassenzahl who said it might be the best edition yet. Although I was admittedly gloating just a bit (having paraphrased both Ronald Reagan and William Shakespeare) I didn't necessarily agree with her conclusion--particularly so, after David Flack pointed out a host of typographical and grammatical errors. The one that really made me cringe probably doesn't need clarification but just for the record: Lin Jia is not serving "honey-basted kitchens"--even if you do order 24 hours in advance. The tastiest of chickens--emphatically, yes! Kitchens, never! Also, a big welcome to more than twenty new subscribers--half of whom signed up at the Farmers Market where Arvi Dorsey and I were gathering signatures in opposition to the Busy Body Sign. More about that later. Grand Lake Merchant News Ikaros continues to pack in satisfied customers and now has their website up and running. Down the street, Lee's Discount Florist which has been at 3215 Grand since 1992, is making plans to move two doors up into a space that's twice the size. Meanwhile (while supplies last) they're doing their part to aid the disaster victims in Japan. For $3, I purchased 10 Daffodil buds with all proceeds going to disaster relief. The buds opened the very next day and provide a splash of color in our dining nook while also providing a sobering reminder of the ongoing tragic events. I've got great news to report regarding Kwik Way but no photos to proffer as, on two separate occasions, I ventured out without my camera. Late last week, someone was installing a pass-through window on the side facing Lakeshore and had the sheets of plywood down revealing tons of shiny, stainless food prep counters. A few days later, I encountered owner Gary Rizzo outside and he said they were awaiting final inspections that afternoon from the health and/or building inspectors. For good measure, the neon Kwik Way sign was on. I promise you, that sign never looked so welcoming--even way back, when locals dubbed Kwik Way "the nineteen-cent-er" in recognition of the going price for a burger. Three doors up, Caña is already developing a loyal following. I had a very, flavorful and juicy beef sandwich a few days after they opened while sitting outside enjoying a warm, sunny day. Those who have not yet had that pleasure, take heart as Spring is just around the corner. By the way, an Inside Bay Area report by Angela Woodall about Caña concluded with a comment from restaurant manager, Daniel Brajkovich, in which he called this neighborhood "artful, soulful and community-driven". Did he nail that or what? As further proof that Oakland is (at long last) emerging from decades of negative stereotyping, Jay Wiedwald alerted the Grand Lake Neighbors Yahoo Group to a very upbeat article in this weekend's LA Times. Receiving mention were the following Grand Lake businesses: Arizmendi, Urban Indigo, Camino, Boot & Shoe Service and Walden Pond Books. Kimberly Leo from Namaste Yoga and Dima Hart at Silver Moon were also briefly in the media spotlight as a KTVU report (ostensibly on Jean Quan) focused heavily on the commercial renaissance on Lakeshore and Lake Park. I've previously commented on the shops on Lakeshore who are outdoing one another with their seasonal window displays. Currently, Silver Moon has a leg up on the competition with a whimsical Easter window. I'm pleased to share news from Joanne Karchmer (Pat Kernighan's Community Liaison) to the effect that the existing Busy Body sign will come down and be replaced with individual letters that are in scale with the building and far more aesthetically pleasing. Thanks to those of you who contacted Sprint and the property owner and those of you who signed the petition at the farmers market. For all we know, Sprint is doing exactly what they would have done otherwise, but, if not, your efforts along with a letter from Kernighan expressing those concerns, turned the tide. Last month, I instituted a new, monthly feature by including mention of two of the district's well-established restaurants and shops to complement the prior emphasis on all the "newbies". This month's two choices are Connie's Cantina and Buckingham Wine & Spirits. Max Patel has owned and operated the latter for 21 years. He's not entirely sure how long Buckingham has been in this location, but guesses it's from the 1940's or 1950's. Although Max is the one you're most likely to find behind the counter, this is a family affair that includes his wife, two daughters and a son who are either helping out in Buckingham or Adventure Toys next door. The one and only knock on Buckingham is that it can seem a bit claustrophobic. To a large extent, that comes with the territory:
In addition, if Max doesn't have what you're looking for, ask and somehow, he'll find room for it. Connie Perdomo has been serving up quality, fresh Mexican food at Connie's Cantina for over twenty years. Her refried beans are light and creamy--as good as any I've ever had elsewhere. Perhaps, that's because her roots are not in Mexico, but central America. In addition, Connie is old school and her approach derives from a not very business-like attitude. When you walk through the door, you're not so much a customer as a guest in her restaurant for whom she personally does all the food preparation. If you haven't been there, check out their $6.99 Lunch Specials served Monday through Friday. Farmers Market Two new vendors have made their market debuts in the last month. Couture Farms is based in Kettleman City (just off Highway 5) and specializes in organic asparagus and pistachios. Their booth at the Grand Lake market is staffed by Cori Couture. She's a member of the family that has farmed this property since 1926 and conveniently, lives just a few blocks from the market. The other new vendor is Strauss Family Creamery which features locally produced, organic, sustainable dairy products. This past Saturday, Marie Rosario, who was staffing the Strauss booth, got a not too pleasant introduction to the market given the ghastly weather and sparse turnout. She seemed unfazed but I still assured her that the weather and turnout were an anomaly. She, in turn, promised that she would bring their ice cream truck once the weather improves. Rachel Saunders and her Blue Chair Fruit Company got top-billing in an article in Oprah Magazine about food entrepreneurs which, for a small, start-up company, must be akin to winning the Pulitzer or a Nobel Prize. On a not so pleasant note, I learned Saturday that Halog Farms had lost their market certification. Halog was one of a very few vendors whose tenure goes back to the market's origins under the freeway more than ten years ago. Those of us who regularly patronized their booth purchasing dried figs, brussels sprouts and a wide variety of field crops (while watching their kids grow into young adults) will miss seeing them at the market. According to Chris Washburn (the acting market manager), staff from the Marin Agricultural Institute visited the farm as part of their intensified auditing system and found that much of what they were selling was being purchased from other growers. While this is permitted on a limited basis, it's the exception rather than the rule and has to be acknowledged on their load lists. Upcoming Events A big turnout is expected for a community meeting at Lakeshore Baptist Church's Barnett Hall Wednesday night to discuss a proposed off-leash dog park at the corner of MacArthur and Lakeshore Avenue. Yogi Berra's dictum (It's deja vu all over again) was never more appropriate. Eleven years ago, we held a critical debate in the same hall that would decide the ultimate future of Splash Pad Park. The proponents for an off-leash dog park were out-voted and the rest is history. Considering the extent to which the Farmers Market and the park in which it resides have become major factors in the revival of Lake Park Avenue and the adjacent commercial district, no one is likely to argue about that decision. Nonetheless, the current circumstances are far different. This has been under serious discussion for nearly a decade and until the last couple of months, there hasn't been any serious opposition. Eleven years ago, we advocated saving Splash Pad as a civic plaza and as home for the farmers market. Today, opponents are fighting to save un-programmed, open space which doesn't convey the same gravitas. In addition, there's clearly a need for such a facility within walking distance. That said, I confess that I have reservations about such a prominent location--particularly, if concerns over odors and maintenance prove valid which proponents insist will not be the case. The meeting on Wednesday starts at 7:00 pm and will be hosted by Pat Kernighan and Nancy Nadel. I encourage you to come and speak your piece or just watch democracy in action. The twice-annual Free Neighborhood Plant Exchange on Lakeshore is this Saturday, March 26. Details are posted on the Plant Exchange web site. The 2nd Annual Oakland Running Festival begins this Saturday, March 26 with a twilight 5k along the Estuary starting at Jack London Square. The following day's calendar includes a Half Marathon, Full Marathon and Kids' Fun Run. Online registration is now closed but runners can still register in person on Saturday from 9-6 pm. The race organizers are still looking for volunteers. If, like me, you're going as a spectator, be sure to check out the Running Festival's Community Page for a list of road closures and for an amazing list of groups that will provide music and other attractions along the course route. One way or the other, I'm planning to bike over to RIDESFO on Mandela Parkway where they'll have a free bounce house and free beverages from StarNectar and Linden Street Brewery. I'm keeping my fingers crossed (which is tough when you're riding a bike) hoping that they're serving Linden Street's Burnt Oak Black Lager. The Jazz Ensembles from Westlake Middle School and from Oakland Tech will be appearing April 11 at Yoshi's. Proceeds will help fund the music programs at the two schools. Tickets which are $15 (+ a $3 service charge) can be ordered online. In case you missed them, the Jazz Ensemble from Westlake performed at Splash Pad Park last year during the farmers market along with another 130 budding musicians. These are talented kids being mentored by a group of very hard-working, dedicated teachers. Oakland's annual Homeless Connect event is being held at St. Mary's Center on April 15. While this newsletter quite deliberately focuses on all the good things that are happening here in our back yard, it's hard to ignore all the folks whom we see panhandling, selling the Street Spirit and occasionally sleeping in doorways and that's just what we see more or less in the open. Last month, Mike Church from the city's Department of Human Services led a neighborhood tour pointing out extensive encampments hidden within a very few blocks of Splash Pad Park. Like a lot of folks, I'm reluctant to give money to panhandlers knowing that it's problematic as their presence deters a significant number of people from patronizing shops on Lakeshore and Grand. Just for the record, Lakeshore Avenue is about to introduce a program encouraging shoppers to donate instead to specific entities that provide homeless services. Meanwhile, we're caught in a dilemma--wanting to help and not knowing how or even more frustrating, trying to help without success. If you're of the same mind, please do consider donating a few hours of your time on April 15 as it's an experience that will help put a human face on a huge problem. I took photos two years ago--two of which are particularly poignant. In one, a woman holding a teddy bear asked me to take her photo and was incredibly grateful that I had done so. More than anything, what struck me and other volunteers was the extent to which attendees showed their gratitude for clothing, for a meal, for our shared concern. I like the second photo especially because it sets an example for the rest of us--two youngsters who, on their own initiative, collected quantities of personal care items and took the day off from school to distribute them. Details about the Homeless Connect Event are available on this link. The 24th Annual Lakeshore Easter Parade & Derby Decorating Contest and the 3rd Annual Lakeshore Baptist Church Spring Children's Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 23. Details are available on this link. My photos from last year's celebration are posted on this Flickr page. As a candidate for Mayor, Jean Quan pledged to hold a community forum in each and every council district. District 2's turn, which comes up on April 30, is co-sponsored by Pat Kernighan and the Block by Block Organizing Network. Details are available on this downloadable file. One of Oakland's biggest and best, annual parties is the Oakland Indies Awards which is scheduled for Friday, May 13. Nominations in six different categories are due no later than April 1. Recent winners with a Grand Lake connection include the Grand Lake Theatre in 2009 and Oaklandish last year. Have you been to the Lakeside Gardens lately? AAA's Via Magazine has and they just named it one of the top 5 public gardens in California. If you are enamored with Rhododendrons, go now and while there, be sure to check out the newly restored "creek". If you need a more substantial excuse to visit, wait for Art and Music in the Gardens, Saturday and Sunday, June 4 and 5. This free event will feature an art show and sale (in conjunction with the Pro Arts Open Studio tour that weekend) plus musicians, gardening demonstrations, children's activities, food, a poetry fest, and a silent auction. For more information, visit the Gardens at Lake Merritt website. If you're a local artist or artisan and you wish to participate, background information is available on the above website along with a downloadable application. Alternatively, you can email ace.arts.eastbay@gmail.com. Applications are due April 11, 2011. Odd and Ends Last month, I vented my frustration over missing an opportunity to photograph three Doggie Diner heads parked in front of the Grand Lake Theatre. This month, I more than made up for that with photos of a contemporary cultural icon: Erk Tha Jerk who was shooting a video Sunday night at the Lakeshore Cafe. Here's proof positive. Two years ago, the Grand Lake Retail Advisory Group's Improvements Committee (which has since morphed into Eric Hughes' Grand Lake Improvement and Beautification Committee) identified blighted newspaper racks throughout the neighborhood as a major problem. This turned out to be more complex than we would have hoped due to a host of issues including free speech concerns. Nevertheless, the city's Zoning Department has put together a task force under the leadership of Bill Quesada that has hammered out an agreement with the newspaper distributors. By the end of April, we should be seeing major changes including the removal of damaged or abandoned racks; a reduction in total numbers and their consolidation into a limited number of specific locations. Thanks in particular to Bill Quesada's team, to Aliza Gallo, to Eric Hughes, to Pamela Drake and to Pat Kernighan's staff for making this happen. Entertainment Calendar The Farmers Market Entertainment Calendar has been updated through April 30. Jimbo Trout's appearance on that date will be a bit bittersweet since I last heard "The Fish People" perform a couple of weeks ago as part of a memorial service for John Pendleton who allegedly favored the four "B's"--baseball, the blues, babes and brews. More importantly, he was a friend of the new Splash Pad Park from the get-go; a long-time member of the Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church Board; and an all-around good guy. The Sunday afternoon jazz concerts at the Coffee Mill are no more, but Jim Grantham tells me they've been re-incarnated every Thursday from 6:30-9:30 at Ruthie's Cafe (511 40th Street at Telegraph). There is a $5 cover charge. For more information, phone 510-428-2872 . If you have friends or neighbors who may be interested in receiving this newsletter, please forward this link: www.splashpad.org/mostrecent.html and invite them to subscribe by sending an email to info@splashpad.org. |