The BIG news was, of course, the grand opening of Trader Joe's on October 26. I've checked TJ's out several times since and on each occasion (even ten minutes before closing), it's been filled with smiling customers. It's success thus far is a graphic reaffirmation of the ultimate wisdom of listening to what a community says it wants and needs in the way of retail and services. For those who are fairly new to the Grand Lake neighborhood, you're probably unaware of a period in the not too distant past when Lakeshore was in the doldrums with a great many vacant storefronts.

Much of the credit for its initial revitalization goes to community members who lured in the Noah's Bagels. The Greater Mandana Action Coalition (GMAC) in cooperation with the Lakeshore Merchants Association then conducted a survey and lobbying campaign which brought in Arizmendi ten years ago. These were the vanguard of the many successful enterprises that followed. Combined with the Saturday Farmers Market, there is far more energy and pedestrian traffic than we've seen previously. Pamela Drake, the Director of the Lakeshore BID, attributes much of that vitality to a good mix of restaurants, retail and services. She also cites the bourgeoning of sidewalk seating as evidence that the Avenue is now seen as more pedestrian-friendly and safer than was ever previously the case.

Whatever, the ultimate explanation, the extent of that change is illustrated quite graphically in an article in the Tribune by Ed Carpenter about the wine bars (including ViNE on Lakeshore), that have or are about to open. Carpenter notes that "on Lakeshore...tax receipts from retail sales climbed a stunning 102 percent from $158,00 in 2002 to $319,000 in 2006.

On Grand Avenue, change is also in the works. The Mikado at 3417 Grand has closed and in its place, the Prime Spot Bar & Grill opened just within the last month. Daron Cheng, the chef and co-owner, worked previously at Skates on the Bay. He is very pleased with the reception Prime Spot has received thus far. Their menu features prime rib and steaks, but also includes lamb, chicken and seafood plus a wide range of appetizers and a bar menu in effect from 10PM until closing. Judging by the enthusiastic reviews on Yelp and similar sites, this is a place well deserving of a visit for lunch or dinner or late-night snack.

Next door at 3415, the Millennium Cafe is under new ownership with a new name (Kung Pao Kitchen) and a new Szechuan Hunan menu. They offer free delivery with a $15 minimum and feature 22 different entrees for their Monday through Friday lunch special ranging in price from $4.95 to $5.50.

The Entertainment Calendar has a couple of additions since our last newsletter. Look for harpist Angel Simmons at L'Amyx this Saturday, November 10 followed by long-time neighbor and Splash Pad supporter, Richard Young on acoustic blues guitar the following two Saturdays.

At The Alley, Paul Hlebcar plays acoustic guitar and harmonica Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7 to 9PM. In addition to being a fine musician in his own right, Paul is the leader of the Desotos which has played in many venues including the Fillmore Auditorium.

With winter approaching, the Market is already somewhat smaller and quieter but you'll continue to find tons of wonderful, fresh produce throughout the year. For me, personally, one of my favorite purchases over the last several weeks has been the Cauliflower from Rodriguez Farms. It's wonderfully crisp and I especially like it cut into florets and eaten raw with a dip or a bit of Caesar Salad dressing.

Ishama Designs is the newest arts and crafts vendor at the Market. The artist responsible is Oakland resident, Latisha Baker who practices the ancient art of pyrography or wood burning. As a long-time antiques dealer, I've seen a lot of Victorian pyrography--mostly mass-produced--but what she is doing is an entirely different genre. The most striking pieces (plywood panels) are really works of fine art. She also does journals, boxes, jewelry and stationery. The latter feature her very own verses. Welcome, Latisha!

The succulents are coming...and volunteers are needed. Hayden Foell, whom I wrote about in a June 3 article in the Grand Lake Guardian is coordinating (under the auspices of the Grand Lake Grimebusters) a freeway beautification campaign that will begin on Sunday, November 18 on the Lakeshore Avenue off ramp just across from the gas station. I'm appending below the text of his press release. If you have questions or want to volunteer in person, Hayden will have a booth at the Farmers Market tomorrow.

Able-bodied volunteers are wanted on Sunday, November 18 for an initial clean-up day in preparation for landscaping the hill on the Lakeshore Avenue freeway ramp facing the recently opened Trader Joe's. We will focus on removal of English ivy and other invasive weeds as well as tree and shrub trimming. On subsequent workdays, we will be planting succulents such as agaves, aloes, ecchiverrias, cacti and native California grasses, salvias and more to create a colorful and sculptural landscape that is sustainable, low water-use and pesticide free.

There is already a good collection of species ready for the project and further plant donations are in the works, but please feel free to give any plants that would be consistent with this project. The day will start at 9am at the bottom of the Lakeshore freeway ramp at Lakepark. Please park under the freeway or on the street--not the Trader Joe's lot. There will be gloves and some tools (clippers, loppers, trowels, shovels) but please bring any favorite tools that you may want to use. The clean-up work will last until noon, to be followed by lunch and beverages.

Please contact Hayden at:hayden@haydenfoell.com

It would be great to have an idea as to numbers, so an RSVP is encouraged.

On November 20 from 11:30AM to 3:00PM, the City of Oakland will be hosting its 16th annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Scottish Rite Temple for senior citizens, low income families and the homeless. This multi-cultural event is staffed entirely by volunteers and the food is donated by local residents and businesses. The event features live music, entertainment, celebrity waiters, and a delicious Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. For the majority of us who have so much for which to be thankful, this is the perfect opportunity to give back something to the community. To volunteer or donate food, please phone 510-986-2721 or make a check payable to The City of Oakland Hunger Program and mail it to 150 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Suite 4340, Oakland, CA 94612.

If you have friends, relatives, neighbors or co-workers who may be interested in receiving this Newsletter, please suggest they read the latest edition on the Splash Pad website and then subscribe by sending an email to info@splashpad.org.