Volunteers Needed for Splash Pad Park Workday this Tuesday Morning

In our last newsletter, we noted that the park was looking run-down. We're pleased to report that's now much less the case. Improvements are largely due to the fact that our gardener, Roger Helm, is back in charge of maintenance and has in just the past month pruned the Dogwood; helped get the fountain operating; mowed, edged and fertilized the lawns. We're also pleased to have David Skinner back as Roger's Supervisor. Dave has a strong horticultural background and is very responsive to the needs of the community. Since Roger is responsible for maintaining 18 other locations in addition to Splash Pad, we're hoping to re-energize our volunteer workforce and assist him on a regular basis in keeping the park in tip-top shape. Tuesday's workday is scheduled from 9 AM to Noon. One of the reasons we picked a Tuesday was because Billal Sidiq, the charming vendor from East West Foods offered to help on a Monday or Tuesday. Please bring weeding implements, loppers and big smiles! We will be serving beverages, fruit and doughnuts and Arizmendi Pizza at Noon.

Farmers Market is not Closing!

If you've heard the rumor about the Market being forced to close or move due to complaints from neighborhood merchants, it's not true. Councilmember Kernighan emailed the following in response to this rumor explaining the true purpose and make-up of the new Splash Pad Park Advisory Group:

Thank you for bringing this rumor to my attention. Fortunately, it is completely unfounded. No one at the City has any intention of shutting down the Grandlake Farmers Market. I think what happened was that the market's manager let his imagination run away with him in anticipation of the upcoming first meeting of the Farmers Market Advisory Committee, which is next Thursday night. Over six months ago, when the City finally approved the permit which officially allows the Grandlake market to operate at the site, we all agreed that it would be a good idea to form an Advisory Committe with representation from the Farmers Market, the merchants on Grand and Lakeshore, residents of the area, and Market customers. The purpose of the Committee would be to discuss and recommend reasonable solutions to some of the long-standing issues such parking impacts, wear and tear on the park, and relationship with the local businesses. It was and is my hope that by having discussions among a balanced group of stakeholders that we could find mutually agreeable solutions to any problems. As beloved as the Market is, it does have big impacts,both positive and negative, on the surrounding neighborhood.

So, this Thursday is to be the first such meeting of the Committee. They will just be getting started and setting up a list of issues to discuss in the coming months. I will be there. The whole purpose of such a committee is to make sure that the Market remains sustainable and an asset to the neighborhood over the long run.

I hope you will share this information with others. The rumor that the Market is closing is not true.

Pat Kernighan
District 2 Coucilmember

More Farmers Market News

Mark you calendar! First of the season cherries should be available at the market in two weeks--three at the latest. Entertainment this Saturday will be provided by That Man Fantastic, an Oakland-based pop group and by Jaren Feeley, a pianist making his first appearance at the market.

We've just updated and re-formatted the Vendor List on the SplashPad.Org website to make it more user friendly. Knowing who grows your produce and how seems to give added pleasure to its consumption.

Reminder: Oakland celebrates Earth Day this Saturday beginning at 9 AM

There are many Earth Day projects in the immediate neighborhood of the park including three schools: Lakeview, Glenview, and Oakland High. Biggest project is in the Morcom Rose Garden. There will also be a crew working at the Cleveland Cascade under the supervision of Barbara Newcombe. The Adams Point Action Council will be cleaning Grand and MacArthur Avenues alongside the freeway while the San Antonio Hills Association will be working under 580 on the Beaumont Avenue underpass. Finally, Dr. Bailey's Lake Merritt Institute will be cleaning the lake. For a complete list of projects, visit the Public Works Earth Day webpage.

Lakeshore Avenue News

Newfangles Tall Fashions has re-located from Santa Clara Avenue to 3342 Lakeshore next to Silver Lining Jewelry. If you haven't already done so, we highly recommend a visit directly across the street to Urban Indigo. It's a great little shop with an eclectic collection of jewelry, toys and gift items at reasonable prices.