The Jack London News

Oakland Airport Connector

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 20:32:00 +0000

I was just listening to KPFA on a short segment on the Oakland Airport Connector... you can read about it here, here, and here for starters. Funny that this blogger wouldn't post my comment. Even Don Perata is against the OAC.

Anyway, I'll post my comments here, because even though it doesn't affect the Jack London District directly, it does have relevance.

First, I love it when BART spokespeople say that they can add stops later. Really? That worked out so well for our neighborhood, didn't it? Oh, wait, that's right. It didn't. Have they ever added a station to the middle of an existing line? Maybe they have and I just am not aware.

I also love it when they talk about how this connector will go to the airport, but gloss over the fact that it won't be a direct line like the SFO connector. Just like now where you have to leave the platform and go downstairs and take the AirBART (which I'll just say I've always found an ironic name for something that in my opinion should be called OAKBusBart), you'll also have to change platforms to take the proposed OAC. When the voters approved this originally it was sold as being a direct line connection just like SFO.

Let's see... there's more.

The alternate proposal that most transit activists are for is called BRT. Bus Rapid Transit. It's where a bus has a dedicated lane. It won't get stuck in traffic because it has it's own lane. Are there chances for failure? Yes. Have you ever been stuck or delayed by BART? Yeah, me too.

BRT would cost significantly less than the proposed people mover to implement, plus as an added bonus would take significantly less time to implement.

The proposed OAC fares are being touted as $6 EACH WAY. Isn't AirBart (Bus) only $3? At some point the cost is less to take a taxi, especially from our neighborhood. You're not gaining any significant time in transit reduction, especially not enough to cover the significant price increase. Keep in mind you'll still have to change platforms at the Collisium, which they never seem to mention.

What I really don't get is why BART employees are for this. Yes, the voters voted for the connection years ago, but things have dramatically changed financially since then. It's also been found that their cost estimates were underestimated. They've also overestimated the riders that would be using this service - just as they did with BART to SFO. If they go through with this, at some point they'll have to layoff emps. Hmmm, but if they used the stimulus money for extending service hours, they'd need more emps, right? Long term jobs vs short term construction jobs - which are usually people that live outside the area.

That said, do I think SFO BART was a bad idea? Not necessarily. I have used it many times. If financial conditions were different today; if we had pot loads of money to spare; if the existing BART system didn't need significant improvement (add service hours instead!); and if the proposed OAC were a direct connection to the airport just like at SFO, then yeah, I think I'd be for it. Okay, even deleting the pot loads of money, I'd still only be for it if it were a direct connection.

Just like BART is representing the BRT option as "replacing a bus with a bus", the proposed people mover isn't replacing a bus with BART. They're replacing it with another transit system. A VERY expensive transit system.

January 14, 2009 Demonstration for Oscar Grant

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:34:00 +0000

FYI -

The latest information that Oakland Police Department (OPD) has is only one demonstration will occur on Wednesday, January 14th. The event is scheduled to begin at 4 PM at City Hall. A ‘rally’ for approximately ½ hour and then a ‘march’ to the Alameda County Court House (12/Fallon) OPD will facilitate the demonstration and march.

14th Street between Clay and Lakeside will be closed to vehicles, vehicle traffic also will be re-routed a block above/below 14th Street . Parking on 14th Street will be impacted/not allowed (not sure of boundaries yet) Bus service will be re-routed.

Crowd estimates 800-1000 (organizer estimate) OPD has no firm figures. OPD expects peaceful demonstration but prepared for all contingencies.

For More Information:
Sergeant Michael Poirier
Chief of Staff
Office of the Chief of Police
Oakland Police Department
Office: (510) 238-3131
Email: mpoirier@oaklandnet.com

Nia Sykes Responds to the Chronicle

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 17:50:00 +0000

I did not receive a response from the California Coalition of Women Prisoners, but a reader was kind enough to let me know that Ms. Sykes had written a letter (scroll down to "I do not advocate violence") to the San Francisco Chronicle. She says the quote was taken out of context and that she does not advocate violence. She goes on to say that she was praising the peaceful protest and that when things got violent, she moved to another block.

If this is the case, the Chronicle should be ashamed.

An elegant post about.... Oakland

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:20:00 +0000

I read a variety of Oakland related blogs. I keep saying I'm not going to keep up with what's going on in my community, but obviously I do. Why? I don't honestly have an answer.

But this one post about the riots the other night makes me stop and think.

What does your Oakland look like?

I don't really need to know, but just think about it for a minute. There are lots of good things here, and sometimes we need to stop and think about them.

Cheers,
Joanna

Open letter to the California Coalition of Woman Prisoners

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 07:13:00 +0000

I saw Ms. Sykes on the news the other night. I had no idea at the time that she worked for your organization. Now that I know, I'm even more appalled, if possible.

As an organization, I'd like to ask you to call for her resignation, or at the very least ask her to offer a sincere and public apology to the business owners of downtown Oakland that were affected by the nonsense the other night. Burning down cars and breaking store windows is not going to help the case of Oscar Grant, no matter how tragic and awful it is.

There are certainly ways to go about getting publicity and awareness for your cause. But to say, "...she should be glad she lost her business and not her life..." regarding property destruction at Creative African Braids - owned by a black woman no less. What kind of influence is she giving women in jail in San Francisco? I know that this is not the role model I'd want for a sister in need of advice.

I think that if she wanted to "make some noise" in Oakland, then she should have gathered a group of friends to go to every single BART stop with signs asking people to boycott BART. Think of what kind of pressure that might have pressed on BART administration versus the property destruction in Oakland, which did nothing to pressure BART to do anything. Think how a peaceful way of handling the situation might have done more damage to this public entity, rather than destroying the hopes and dreams of small business owners in Oakland who are already struggling in this economy in a City already with enough problems. For once this problem wasn't even caused by OPD. Ms. Sykes is giving the absolutely worst message possible to people who need as much good advice and direction as they can get. Ms. Sykes hasn't proved to be much of a role model based on what she had to say on the news.

Maybe it was just the heat of the moment that she said what she said in which case a public (and sincere) apology won't be so difficult. But in any case, saying what she said in the heat of the moment is no better than what that cop did.

I appreciate your time and attention in reading this correspondence and hope that your organization is truly sincere in helping women. All women, regardless of whether they are in prison or not. All women, regardless of whether they own a business or not. All women, regardless of whether they are black, white, pink, purple, or blue. ALL women.

Sincerely,
Joanna Adler
Oakland resident, business owner, and a woman.

Local Developer Hal Ellis Dead at 77

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:15:00 +0000

SFGate has reported the death of local developer, Hal Ellis at his home in Piedmont at the age of 77. Mr. Ellis was a partner in Jack London Square Partners and along with his partner, Jim Falaschi, worked tirelessly to bring a new vision to Jack London Square. His efforts will live on with the new Jack London Market which should be finished in Fall 2009.

Construction Meeting Review

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:20:00 +0000

On Thursday, December 11th at 6:30pm, what may have been the last construction meeting - or at least the last for now - was held at the Egghouse.

Don Smith from the City of Oakland facilitated the meeting as he has in the past with representatives from the projects under construction and interested parties from the neighborhood. It was nice to reconvene and get an update on all the new (not rehab) projects in the Jack London District.

The Ellington - 222 Broadway - has their temporary occupancy permits, and should have their final occupany permit at the beginning of the year. Typically we've seen people move in at this point, but at this point it is not clear what the developer intends. They are handing out marketing information and taking appointments to tour the building, but I've not seen pricing or move in dates. In any case, because the construction is basically finished, no representatives were at the meeting.

311 2nd Street - also known as The Colony - was represented by San Jose Construction. Bud (sorry, didn't catch the last name) says that they are 70% completed. Windows are in progress, and we should see the final floor (8th) arched windows go in next week. Cabinets have arrived, and the painters have started. The sanitary sewer project is complete, although the City continues to dig up areas throughout the District as part of a different project. The trench plates on 2nd Street should go away next week. This building will be painted before completion, and if their choices with Aqua Via are anything to go by, it should be a great looking addition to the neighborhood. Although the final name for the project has not been chosen, it is clear that they will not ultimately be going with "The Colony". They expect temporary occupany permits to be issued in late June or July. This building is being built as condos, but just like it's sister building, Aqua Via, they will be rentals to begin with. I'm sure that when the market heats up again, we'll see some of these units hit the market. Renters will have first choice, which is something to think about with the prime penthouse units with fabulous views.

66 Franklin (previously home to El Torito and the Spaghetti Factory back in the day) was discussed as having permits processed for a bakery. Meg Ray, of Miette in San Francisco, is opening another site here, although I've heard it will not be called Miette. Oakland Convention Visitors Bureau has a press release that you can read.

55 Harrison - also known as "Jack London Market" (and previously known as "Harvest Hall" during the planning stage) was not discussed, but obviously the building is well under way. This is the building directly behind (almost appears to be surrounding) Heinold's First and Last Chance Saloon.

255 2nd Street - also known as "Site G" - is well under way, with completion scheduled for mid-February. There will be an art installation on the two sheer walls - one facing the Amtrak station and the other facing what is currently known as The Colony project. Last weekend the installation of the pedestrian bridge crossing over towards the Jack London Market went very well. This building will have some feature elements painted, but overall will retain the plain concrete look. The arches facing 2nd Street were part of the improvements suggested by the neighborhood during design meetings coordinated between the architect and local interested parties. The security lighting was discussed as being invasive to residents facing the project, and project manager Frank (again, sorry no last name) from Pankow was quick to respond and headed over after the meeting to make some changes. Thank you's from various community members have already been voiced and his actions are greatly appreciated.

The other discussion, which comes up at every single meeting, was in regards to construction worker parking on the streets of the neighborhood. While the streets are indeed public streets, the terms and conditions of the conditions of approval for all projects being built (not rehabs), are that construction workers must NOT park on City streets. They must park in designated off-street parking provided by the developer. Both Bud & Frank said that they continue to have a morning meeting with their workers for that day regarding the parking situation and obviously they are paying for off site parking, and they don't want the neighborhood calling, so I do think that they are doing more than has been done in the past. No fines have ever been levied, although a few years ago several (2-4?) were forced to pay into a fund to enforcement when the problem got out of hand.

There was no word on 377 2nd Street (where Mingles & the Oak Tree used to be) and what was going on at that site. Demolition was done in late November and they are still removing debris from that site. Don Smith was going to check on whether it was properly permited, because certainly no notices were sent out as they should have been. Considering the blight that the empty spaces had become, it's probably better that it was knocked down.

As for future meetings, there are none scheduled at this point. If enough people call and complain, another may be added in the future, but things have definately quieted down from the events of 2002-2004.

Each project continues to maintain contact information signage at their projects so if you do have an issue, you can contact the project directly. They also have City contact information, which is a good second chance place to look for help if at first you don't get the help you need directly from the project.

Lastly, I mentioned that this meeting covered new projects and not rehab projects, such as the rehab going on at 3rd & Webster. The earthquake retrofit of what used to be home of Bay Cities Produce, is the future home of Blue Bottle Coffee. This is an exciting new arrival expected in 2009, that the neighborhood can look forward to. We'll have more information on it coming soon.

Weekend Construction Friday Night - Saturday Morning

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 01:07:00 +0000

The Embarcadero will be closed Friday, December 5th from 4pm to Saturday, December 6th at 10am so that a new overhead pedestrian bridge can be put into place. The pedestrian bridge will link the parking garage (known as "Site G) to the parking lot at Jack London Square.

This construction work - on the weekend and at night - HAS been approved, as it was the best time for traffic concerns, as well as shutting down train traffic on the Union Pacific tracks. This includes Amtrak traffic.

Here is the info from Matt Wickens, local resident and project manager for Ellis Partners:

We will be installing the long span of the new pedestrian bridge between the new Garage and Market buildings in the early morning hours of Saturday December 6th. The bridge will span across the railroad tracks and Embarcadero Avenue , and is in line with Harrison Street . Unfortunately, we are constrained to a short over-night work window by both Amtrak and Union Pacific train schedules, hence the need to work outside of normal hours. We anticipate that Embarcadero will be closed from 4pm on 12/5 to 10am on 12/6 to allow for set-up and dismantle of the large crane needed to place the bridge. All required street closure and building permits have been obtained from the City of Oakland . Union Pacific Railroad has approved the installation and completed design. We are in the process of alerting Oakland PD Traffic Division.

Actual bridge installation will begin just after 12:00 am on Saturday, and should not take more than a few hours if all goes as planned. The work area will need site lighting for obvious reasons, but we do not anticipate any extremely loud noise from the site.

We apologize in advance for any disruption this causes, but we do not anticipate any major impact to the neighborhood.

I can be reached at 415-264-4903 with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to forward this on to any appropriate parties in the neighborhood.

Matt

Matt Wickens
Ellis Partners LLC
111 Sutter St. Ste. 800, SF , CA 94104
O: 415-391-9800
C: 415-264-4903

Won't it be great to have a night without train noise???!!!!

Construction Meeting to Reconvene

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:57:00 +0000

There will be a construction meeting on Thursday, December 11th at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the Egghouse, located at 229 Harrison (cross street is Third Street).

If you have questions or concerns regarding any of the projects in the Jack London District, this is the place to ask.

Jack London News Endorses Rebecca Kaplan

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:46:00 +0000

The Oakland City Councilmember At Large race is a good one. I believe both candidates are quite capable, but one stands out for me: Rebecca Kaplan.

She's a smart woman, and she's a self proclaimed policy wonk. Wow, someone who actually reads those stacks and stacks of paper created through City Hall. She gets what the average Oakland citizen is dealing with, and having served on the at-large seat for AC Transit, and I think she'd do a great job for the people of Oakland. Another benefit? She's considered an outsider, or at least compared to Kerry Hamill. Ms. Hamill worked with Don Perata in the past and was endorsed by quite a few of the current council members. Right there Rebecca Kaplan gets my vote.

That she's mature, smart, and into all that policy stuff is a bonus.

So VOTE FOR KAPLAN for the AT LARGE Council Member race.

Voting - Did you know?

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:09:00 +0000

Here's some helpful information to prepare you for voting season.

Everyone knows that there is no longer a polling location at Jack London Square or the old fire department near Beverages & More, right? Just checking. It seems voters showed up there back in June, even though those haven't been valid polling locations for quite some time.

If you've moved, even within the same county, you need to re-register to vote. You can register through October 20th to be eligible to vote in the November 4th election. Register online here.

The Alameda County Registrar of Voters is still looking for polling location help, so if you want to earn a few extra dollars for working on election day, here is where you can go online to register for that.

Be sure to look at your Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet, which not only prepares you for all the different races being voted in, but also on the back has your current voting location. Since many voting locations have changed recently, PLEASE check this so that you're ready on November 4th. For example, in Tower Lofts, our polling location is listed as:

Your precinct has no poll place. Vote and return ballot by mail.

I'm not sure why we have no polling location, because I certainly tried to get us one and even thought we had it covered, but I guess I have to keep working on that. If no polling location is listed you MUST vote by mail using the ballot they have sent to you.

Here in Allegro's Building C (where Jack London Mail resides), the polling location is 189 Third St in the space adjacent to the Allegro gym. (Third & Jackson) I thought it would cover more of the neighborhood than it apparently does, but oh well. Don't assume that this is your polling location - check first!

If you don't have your pamphlet available, you can check online as to where your polling location is, although it says on the website that you need to wait until 15 days before the election.

I recently took a class to become a polling location inspector (glorified name for supervisor for the day), and I learned some interesting things that I thought I'd pass on.

Wearing a candidate or issue t-shirt, button, hat, etc is considered electioneering and not allowed within 100 feet of a polling location. If you should end up wearing such items, as polling location workers we are supposed to ask you to remove them or cover them up. A t-shirt can be turned inside out.

If you are registered as a vote by mail voter, you can still vote at your local precinct (if you have one), but it will be on a provisional ballot, not a regular ballot. You could also take your ballot by mail to the polling location to dropoff, but if you don't have the envelope to send it in with it, you will use a provisional ballot.

And voting machines! I learned a lot about voting machines. First, I know that many people are skeptical of them. But the ones in Alameda all come with a paper trail. When you vote, you can see a summary of all your choices on paper (to the left of the screen), as well as on the screen. You can even go back and change something. When finished, the paper goes to the next blank area so the person after you doesn't know how you voted.

The paper ballots get scanned, but how do you know what they scanned? You can't review what the scanner read compared to how you voted, even if there is a paper trail.

But here's the insider scoop about the voting machine. You have to ask to use it. As a poll worker I can't point it out to you, I can't offer it to you if there's a huge line waiting to vote, etc. YOU have to ask for it. And, if only four people use the machine throughout the day, those four votes won't be counted. You have to have at least five people use the machine in order for the votes to count. Their reasoning is that if you only have one person use it, then you know how that specific identifiable person voted based on the final report for the machine at the end of the night.

I thought this was bizarre because I know someone asked me last year to use it, but apparently that was illegal.

The Alameda County Registrar is expecting a 90% turnout in voters compared to only a 30% voter turnout in June. I hope that Alameda County can beat that 90% prediction!

MoNO Restaurant Closes - thank you, Economy.

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 01:48:00 +0000

Thanks to an underwhelming economy, MoNO Restaurant and Wine Bar closed their doors on Saturday after a little over six months of being open.

We loved MoNO, and loved having another locally owned business here in the neighborhood within easy walking distance. We loved the vibe of the place and couldn't help but consider the transformation that had turned it into such a lovely place compared to what it used to be. The contrast was amazing - as was the food, the wine, and the ambiance.

Here's a link to The Dude's first photos... and more photos, and even more photos. The Dude is a huge MoNO fan and a really great photographer!

One can't help but wonder if the bailout might magically work some spell to overcome the hardship and help Todd & Eloisa bring MoNO back sooner rather than later. ::fingers crossed::

Best wishes to Todd & Eloisa. Our thoughts are with you and we all hope that you can find a way to make it all work despite the (#&#&^#(=)*#$$ economy. Maybe a new, improved President might help?

Miette, but not Miette, coming to Jack London Square

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 22:08:00 +0000

Oakbook has a great interview with Megan Ray, on bringing Miette to Oakland, only the name of the bakery and cooking school will be different, along with the product line. Miette, at the Ferry Building in SF is one of my favorite window shopping spots... yum!

No dates are given and a fair amount of construction work will need to be done, so don't go looking for it anytime soon, but it's a step in the right direction for the future of Jack London Square. And just to clarify, it will be in the ground floor of 66 Franklin, where the Spaghetti Factory and El Torito used to be, not in the new Jack London Market currently under construction adjacent to Heinold's.

Register (or re-register) to vote by October 20, 2008

noreply@blogger.com (The Editor) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 23:46:00 +0000

Just an FYI, especially for those new to the Jack London District.

You can register to vote online, or we will try to have forms at the JLDA Candidate Forum on Monday, September 15th. The Forum will be your chance to meet City Council At-Large candidates Rebecca Kaplan and Kerry Hamill. The forum will be held at the Portobello Regatta Room at 11 Embarcadero - towards the back of the parking lot past the tennis courts next door to KTVU. The forum will start at 6:30pm and go until 8pm.

This is your chance to see for yourself what the candidates have to say and ask questions. Since Council Member Nancy Nadel isn't very supportive (imho!) of our neighborhood, perhaps we can get some committments from one of these candidates for the at-large seat.

Ellington's Future Uncertain

noreply@blogger.com (The Editor) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:36:00 +0000

The Ellington is the under-construction condo building on Broadway between 2nd & 3rd Streets. It is 134 condos with a fair amount of retail space at the ground level.

A month or so ago, someone sent me a link to an article on the developer, Molasky Pacific. It seems that Irwin Molasky (apparently of some fame in the Las Vegas development scene) had filed personal bankruptcy.

(In a side note, it is worth further clicking on the link in that story to one about a "troublemaker" who has my favorite quote of the year - "I've always found," Shabel said at one point, with her slight British accent, "that if you have a cocktail party before the project is completed, it usually spells trouble. Almost none of them end up going through." How appropriate! Didn't the Ellington have their grand opening back at the beginning of the year with tales of sales starting in April?)

So then today I was catching up on my San Francisco Business Times reading and I saw a story about the Ellington. It seems that it was SOLD three months ago to their equity partner, Lehman Brothers. It seems that now Lehman Brothers has troubles of their own and are selling off most of their commercial real estate holdings, whether that includes the Ellington has not been announced. The story comes from the September 5-11, 2008 issue.

At the last construction meeting, Swinerton said that they were expecting to turn the building over to the developer in October 2008... hmm, will individual units be sold, or the building as a whole???

Register to Vote / Announcement of new polling location

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:51:00 +0000

If you're new to the neighborhood, it's a good time to re-register to vote. You can do it online by clicking on this link. You have until October 20th to register.

When you get your voter information for the November issue, be sure to look at where you'll be voting. Last week a new polling location was approved at 3rd & Jackson in the empty space adjacent to the Allegro Apartments gym. Hopefully it will cover a good majority of the District.

After the last election I asked as many people as I could if they voted. I don't care who or what you voted for, just that you voted. I can't tell you how many people told me that they hadn't voted! And the variety of excuses was interesting. A good majority of the excuses were that they didn't know where to go to vote. Some thought that their polling location was still at the Port Building in Jack London Square, which it hasn't been for at least two or three elections. Others were confused by the location in Chinatown.

So this time around, check your booklet when it comes if you're not voting by mail. Hopefully you'll find a very walkable polling location right here in your neighborhood.

(Note to Phoenix Lofts & others on the "other side of Broadway" - not sure where your polling location would be, so do be sure to check your booklet.)

Jack London District Association vs Jack London Mail

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:53:00 +0000

I heard one of the most silly things ever yesterday and in a day full of frustration regarding the Jack London District, this one thing in particular took the cake.

I own a business here in the neighborhood. I know it's a convenient spot for people to come in to ask about neighborhood stuff, but it's still a business. I know I'm here most of the time, so it makes me an easy trap for people to ask questions or pass along news. But just keep in mind that it's a business (sorry to keep repeating) and that even if I don't have customers in the store at that moment, it doesn't mean I'm not working on something for a customer who isn't physically in the store.

I can't tell you how frustrating it is every day to be asked the same two issues repeatedly. Parking can be an all day subject full of drama and disagreements as to whether the current permit scheme is the right thing to do or not. For the record, I believe it is the right thing to do, but too late in happening and not a whole lot of hope of it lasting past the first year since it's doubtful that the City will sell 1100 permits at the $150 price. The history is worth reading, but I'm not going to tell the tale again here. Go back and read old issues or blog entries. Please, whatever you do, don't ask me about it in the store. I need a time out from the subject.

The other issue I get asked about daily is the grocery store. I've said it so many times that I feel like a broken record. No, there is currently no signed deal for a grocery store here in the District. The ground floor of the Amtrak parking garage being built is, in theory, where a grocery store will go since the developer was required to put in retail space on the ground level, but it's not a guarantee that a grocery store will go there. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think it will happen anytime soon. I'd love to be wrong because of how much I'd love for a grocery store to be right there. But I'm a fairly logical person and logic tells me that with new construction are big costs, which equate to high rents. When you further look at it from a grocery store's standpoint, they need super low rents because they have a relatively low margin (even in high end grocery stores) compared to overhead costs, so I just don't see it. Like I said, I hope I'm wrong. I would really love to be wrong.

So out of about a dozen people that came to see me before noon yesterday about non-business stuff, one person shocked me partly because he wasn't asking about either of these two most popular issues. He was asking about something completely different. When I suggested going to JLDA to discuss the issue, I was given some wierd answer about how JLDA is a "waste of time" and that they're only interested in the Waterfront Warehouse District.

You could easily have knocked me over with a feather. How is it that people have this perception? The JLDA Call is providing more info on JLDA than I provided back when I printed the Jack London News. Certainly the most recent issue I read of the JLDA Call had no articles that I can recall on the subject of the Waterfront Warehouse District. Parking seemed to be the biggest topic.

When asked why this person felt the way he does about JLDA, he said that "even the colors on the website were the same colors as on the WWD signs". Uh, yeah, but how does that make it all about the WWD? I just looked at the site and the National Night Out event info (it's TONIGHT!) is on the front page with other articles on Kimball's withdrawing a cabaret license request for a new space they had been considering, the new waterfront access map, and a report on the District 3 candidate forum. There are links on the left side which point people to specific subjects such as development, the community calendar, parking, crime & safety, etc.

So how do people have that perception? Because this person told me that most people he knows seem to feel the same way. Is that true?

I was a founding member of JLDA. I gathered a group together to form into the new JLDA so that it wasn't just about a "neighborhood", but about the entire district. JLNA (Jack London Neighborhood Association) had disappeared a few years earlier and rather than resurect that, a group of us decided to go for a broader name to include the businesses in the area, not just residents.

JLDA has monthly meetings that ANYONE & EVERYONE is welcome to attend. You should, as a courtesy, let them know that you will be going so as to make sure there are enough chairs/space. The next meeting is Monday, August 18th at 7pm at the Egghouse - 229 Harrison at Third Street. Send an email to info@jlda.org if you will be attending. Go! Find out for yourself what they are talking about and working on. See if you can provide some help. If you have an issue you want to discuss, let them know. They're an easy group to talk to. I, however, am NOT on the Board. So talking to me about stuff that they need to know about isn't the way to go. I realize that this sounds pretty harsh, but it's true.

Getting involved in your neighborhood is an investment in your home, business, or whatever else brings/keeps you in the neighborhood. Expecting someone else to get involved for you is unfair. It's the organizing of the masses that creates change. This District has slowly been evolving in that direction and I hope that evolution continues. But it won't happen if people go out trying to get things done individually - because our voice isn't as loud as individuals as we are as a group.

Need a notary, to ship a package, or to rent a mailbox? Come on down to Jack London Mail.

But if you need to talk about the neighborhood, want to get involved, or ask questions about the neighborhood contact JLDA or go to their next meeting August 18th. Trust me, it won't hurt a bit... well, maybe a tiny bit, getting through some of the required bureacracy, but only by getting involved can you expect anything to change.

I'm going to keep taking a break from events and meetings. It's someone else's turn to get involved!

MoNO Back In Business

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:40:00 +0000

Not even a week after a minor fire, MoNO is reopening tomorrow for lunch and dinner.

Show them some support and go by for a drink, if not a full meal. I especially recommend the Agua Fresca and the Peach Martini's...

Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday 11:30am-2pm.

Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday 5:30pm-9:30pm.

You can also make reservations via OpenTable.

Story Index for the old 2006 print issues

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:20:00 +0000

This is mostly for my own benefit - I need to be able to search on the stories I wrote for Jack London News' print editions. The online issues don't have the best graphics, so if you need a high resolution electronic copy, let me know and I can see if there's a way to get it to you. (Hopefully no one will need or want one!)

Volume I, Issue 1 - January 2006 - 2 pages [pdf]

Mingles Cabaret License Hearing
288 Third Street Webcam Online [it's not anymore, but you can see the monthly time-lapse videos at http://jlda.org/webcam/ - it takes a while for the page to load because it's trying to access a camera that is no longer there]
Developer Meeting 1/19/05
Neighborhood News Goes to Print [online started in Feb 2008]
Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste
Free Vacinations for Pets
District 3 Town Hall Meeting
Jack London District Survey Results
Someone Took the Trashcans [for refurbishment]
Save the Date - Sunday, April 23rd Neighborhood Clean-up (aka Trash Bash VII)

Advertisers: Sierra Salon, Jack London Mail, Sierra Deli & Market, Red Hanger Kleaners, Prime Smoked Meats, Subway, World Ground, Peerless Coffee, & Cuckoo's Nest

Volume I, Issue 2 - February 2006 - 2 pages [pdf]

JLDA Announces Membership Drive
Zazoo Cabaret License Hearing
Mingles Makes News
Silk Road Opens
Winter Beauty Tips
Jack London District Restaurant Survey
Holiday Food Drive Nets 799 Pounds
Jack London Square Update
Construction Updates

Advertisers: Yoga & Pilates Classes, Jack London Mail, Sierra Salon, Prime Smoked Meats, Oakland Library Benefit

Volume I, Issue 3 - March 2008 - 4 pages [pdf 1001.73 KB]

Mingles & Zazoo's Update
First Group of Repaired Trash Cans Return
Restaurant Survey Results
Neighborhood Clean-up Day April 23, 2006 9am-1pm Free BBQ (for all) to Follow
Get Fit Locally With Yoga & Pilates
Sierra Salon Gets New Pedicure Spa Chair
Editorial: Support Local Merchants
JLDA Membership Benefits
Calendar

Advertisers: Yoga & Pilates Classes, Urban Bay Properties, World Ground, Silk Road, Heinold's First & Last Chance, Sierra Salon, Prime Smoked Meats, Century 21, Waterfront Action, Creative Effects, Jack London Mail, Subway, Sierra Deli & Market, iSmile Dental, Peerless Coffee & Tea, and Caldecott Properties

Volume I, Issue 4 - April 2006 - 4 pages [pdf 1.34 MB]

Boom! Boom! Boom! More Noise Coming With Amtrak Parking Lot Conversion
Mingles & Zazoo's - The Latest Update
CORE: Preparing for an Emergency
Neighborhood Clean-up Day & Free BBQ for All Sunday April 23, 2006
JLDA Elects New Board of Directors
Possible I-880 Changes Affect District
Great Wines Close to Home
Jack London Square to Pilot Flexcar Car Sharing Program
Jack London District Historic Trivia
Editorial: In the Know
JLDA Fundraiser May 3, 2006 - Oakland A's Baseball
Calendar

Advertisers: Yoga & Pilates Classes, Caldecott Properties, World Ground, Sierra Salon, Jack London Mail, Waterfront Action, Prime Smoked Meats, Heinold's First & Last Chance, Century 21, Saf Keep Storage, London Real Estate & Loan, Subway, Sierra Deli & Market, iSmile Dental, Urban Bay Properties

Volume I, Issue 5 - May 2006 - 4 pages [pdf 1.92 MB]

Volunteers Clean Up Neighborhood
Mingles Cabaret License Hearing Set
City Phone Numbers Worth Knowing
Oak to 9th Avenue: Lessons for Democratic Community Planning
JLDA Receives Money from JLNA
New Market Lofts Residents Petition Cell Antenna
Quarter Century of Preserving Oakland's History
Jack London Aquatic Center: Happenings on the Waterfront
Neighborhood Clean-up Photos
JLDA Fundraiser - Oakland A's Baseball
Calendar

Advertisers: Jack London Mail, Aqua Via, World Ground, Sierra Salon, Waterfront Action, Prime Smoked Meats, Markus Supply Ace Hardware, Century 21, Saf Keep Storage, Studio 8, Sierra Market & Deli, iSmile Dental, Joan Morrow Prudential Realty, Caldecott Properties

Volume 1, Issue 6 - June 2006 - 4 pages [pdf 1.83 MB]

Developments Making Progress [photos, including model of the Ellington]
Time for Pro Arts' East Bay Open Studios
Mingles Cabaret Hearing Report
It's Bing Season at the JLS Farmer's Market [typo!]
Oakland-Alameda Ferry Offers Relaxing Ride
Oakland Opera Theater Presents: "X, The Life & Times of Malcolm X"
JLDA Parking Committee Report
Editorial: So Much More to Say
Oakland Cleans Up
JLDA Fundraiser - Oakland A's Baseball
Calendar

Advertisers: 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, Aqua Via, World Ground, Sierra Salon, Markus Supply Ace Hardware, The Fat Lady, Jack London Square Farmers' Market, Saf Keep Storage, Studio 8, Joan Morrow Prudential California Realty, iSmile Dental, Mignonne, Sierra Deli & Market, Oakland Public Library, Jack London Mail, Prime Smoked Meats, Century 21

Volume 1, Issue 7 - July 2006 - 8 pages [pdf 5.21 MB]

Oak to 9th Project Approved
National Night Out Ice Cream Social
Crucible Fire Arts Festival
Cell Antenna Moratorium Approved by Council
Two Allegro Buildings On Track to Go Condo
Letters to the Editor
Crime & Safety Meeting
Map of Jack London Square Redevelopment Plan [2 page spread with photos - someone today was asking about the Amtrak Parking Garage, aka Site G, and the rendering is here]
New Dining Opportunities
Waterfront Warehouse District Walking Tour
Commuter Corrections
Calendar
Trees Saved From Becoming Parking Lot

Advertisers: 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, Aqua Via, World Ground, Sierra Salon, Oakland Public Library, The Fat Lady, Jack London Mail, Miramonte Company, Soizic, Tamarindo, Joan Morrow Prudential California Realty, iSmile Dental, Mignonne, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Volume I, Issue 8 - August 2006 - 8 pages [pdf 3.83 MB]

Senator Boxer Moving Into the District
Parking Proposal Goes to Committee in September [typo!]
Oak to 9th Avenue Project Faces Lawsuits
Jack London News Now Available Via US Mail
JLDA Receives 501(c)(3) Status
Construction Meeting Provides Updates
JLAC Junior Women's Rowing Holds Open House
Letter to the Editor
Overheard
Restaurant Review: Tamarindo Antojeria Mexicana
Green Zone
Community Design Input Sought [re: 377 2nd St]
Notary Public Information
You Ask Questions, We (try to) Find Answers
Paul Robeson Multimedia Exhibit
OHA Walking Tours
More COA's for Mingles
Crime & Safety Meeting
Chinatown Streetfest August 26-27, Free
Calendar
Flexcar Offers Flexibility
August is National Peach Month: Quick Peach Cobbler Recipe

Advertisers: 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, Aqua Via, World Ground, Sierra Salon, Markus Supply Ace Hardware, The Fat Lady, Jack London Mail, Miramonte Company, Teresa Jenkins Main Attorney-at-Law, Jessos Seafood, Flexcar, Soizic, Waterfront Action, Prime Smoked Meats, Tamarindo, Oakland Public Libary, iSmile Dental, Fenton's Creamery, Jack London Mail, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Volume I, Issue 9 - September 2006 - 8 pages [pdf 6.58 MB]

National Neighborhood Day Sept 17th
Recent Greeno Burglary is a Reminder to Lock Up
Libary Seeks Support for Measure N
Support the Mixed-Use Permit Parking Plan
Construction Meeting Sees Turnover
JLDA Fundraiser - Oakland A's Baseball
Overheard
Rants & Raves
Safety Committee Meeting Postponed to September 28th
JLDA Seeks Director for Board
Yoshi's Announces New Exec Chef
Quotes from Jack London
Local Spotlight: Eric Cheng
Over 25,000 Support Referendum [re: Oak to 9th Ave project]
Getting Rid of "Stuff"
Calendar
Mingles Gets New Landlord

Advertisers: Sell Smart, Aqua Via, World Ground, Waterfront Action, Jack London Square Farmers' Market, The Fat Lady, Sierra Salon, Miramonte Company, Teresa Jenkins Main Attorney-at-Law, Jessos Seafood, Flexcar, Soizic, Tamarindo, 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, iSmile Dental, FasTrak Covers, Jack London Mail, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Volume I, Issue 10 - October 2006 - 8 pages [pdf 13.96 MB]

Clowning Around on Neighborhood Day
Measure N Will Help Libary Infrastructure
Another Mingles Shooting
Crime & Safety Meeting
Prevention Institute Moving Into the JLD
Letter to the Editor
Yet Another Oak to Ninth Lawsuit
Mixed-Use Parking Permit Plan
Partners In Preservation: Vote Daily
Remember When? [old postcards]
Local Spotlight: Adison & Gerry Garzon
Halloween Festivities
Lawsuit Delays Lake Merritt Plans
Benefits Abound for Local Non-Profits: Party Time For Giving
Jack London Aquatic Center
Wardrobe for Opportunity
CALICO Center
CinnamonGirl
Oakland Fund for the Arts
Pro Arts Gallery
Calendar
Covenant House Construction Making Progress
October is Caramel Month - Recipe for Sadie's Crunchy Caramel Popcorn

Advertisers: Sell Smart, Aqua Via, World Ground, Waterfront Action, Oakland Public Library, The Fat Lady, Sierra Salon, Miramonte Company, Teresa Jenkins Main Attorney-at-Law, Jessos Seafood, Flexcar, Soizic, Blue Moon Temple, Tamarindo, 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, iSmile Dental, Jack London Mail, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Volume I, Issue 11 - November 2006 - 8 pages [pdf 6.26 MB]

Tree Lighting in the Square Nov 24th
Permit Parking Plan Making Progress
Warehouse Bar Gets Cabaret License
Jack London District Construction Updates
Editorial: Benefit Parties
Local Spotlight: Lonely Planet
What was the Oakland Mole?
Open House for Local Wineries
Lake Merritt Redevelopment Plans [renderings included]
Calendar
Jack London District Restaurant News
2006 Box Art Benefit Auction at ProArts Gallery
Overheard
Turkey Q&A

Advertisers: Sell Smart, Caldecott Properties, World Ground, Waterfront Action, Jack London Square Farmers' Market, The Fat Lady, Sierra Salon, Miramonte Company, Teresa Jenkins Main Attorney-at-Law, Soizic, Macy Movers, Blue Moon Temple, Dashe Cellars, Jack London Mail, Kincaid's, A Lucky Dog, 1st Metropolitan Mortgage, iSmile Dental, JC Cellars, FasTrak Covers, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Volume I, Issue 12 - December 2006 - 12 pages [pdf 9.97 MB]

Mingles Closes Doors After Fatal Shooting
Holiday Food Drive in High Gear
Permit Parking Plan Delayed to January
Old Oakland Gets Store For Denim: "Drift"
Oakland's Fox Theater Gets Amex Money
Editorial: One Year of Printing
Old Postcards from Oakland
Holiday Gift Guide
Jack London Mail Quick Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
Visit Old Oakland
JLDA Year in Review
What Makes a Vibrant Nightlife
Calendar
Important Phone Numbers
Killer Eggnog Recipe

Advertisers: Prime Smoked Meats, Caldecott Properties, World Ground, Waterfront Action, Jack London Square Farmers' Market, The Fat Lady, Sierra Salon, Miramonte Company, Teresa Jenkins Main Attorney-at-Law, Flexcar, Soizic, Mignonne, Tonya Perme Pet Photography, ProArts Gallery Store, Swarm, Peerless Coffee & Tea, Jack London Mail, Macy Movers, Blue Moon Temple, Dashe Cellars, Tamarindo, A Lucky Dog, Kincaid's, iSmile Dental, Oakland Public Library, Heinold's First & Last Chance, Saf Keep Storage, Sierra Deli & Market, London Real Estate & Loan, Century 21, B Restaurant & Bar

Waterfront Access Map

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:57:00 +0000

I was just reading another Oakland focused blog and figured readers here could use a reminder that we have a really great park a nice bike ride away. While Middle Harbor Shoreline Park is often cold and windy, it should be spectacular with our current heat wave. So get out your bike and go for a spin.

Another nearby waterfront park to visit is Union Point Park, just down Embarcadero just past the Coast Guard Island access road.

This great map has both parks on it as well as info on the Bay Trail.

Yahoo Group Created for JLD

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 19:56:00 +0000

Patti Beadles of Fourth Street Lofts has created a Yahoo Group for local residents:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jacklondonneighborhood

Click on the link and give it a whirl!

Code Complaints Filed With The City

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 18:24:00 +0000

The follow complaints have been faxed to the City of Oakland Community & Economic Development Code Compliance hotline.

1. FAILURE TO GAIN ENCROACHMENT PERMIT. 288 Third Street

All on-street parking illegally blocked for 3 days at this point. They should have instead purchased an encroachment permit. It does appear that they still have a fair amount of work to do.

2. BLIGHT. Lot on 2nd Street between Webster and Franklin (adjacent to Port of Oakland parking lot at 2nd & Webster), including Mingles club on Embarcadero & adjacent building.

Homeless encampment behind what used to be Mingles and boarded up area facing 2nd Street has been breached/broken. The weeds are knee high and the owners have been notified several times by the neighborhood association. There is feces in the front entry area along Embarcadero and many windows have been broken and the vent facing the 2nd Street side has been removed and it looks as though someone may have entered the [vacant] building.

Brown Sugar Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:04:00 +0000

If you can grab a chance to head to work late, I highly recommend a stop at the Brown Sugar Kitchen on Mandela to grab some breakfast. BSK is also open on Saturdays from 7am-3pm, but with a different menu. I've also heard that it is crazy busy from open to close on Saturdays.

Today I got to head over to BSK, which is owned by Tanya Holland who used to live in the Jack London District. Some of you may remember when she had her book (New Soul Cooking) signing at Barnes & Noble.

BSK is awesome. I'm not a huge fan of waffles, but I swear the one I had this morning was the lightest I've ever had. It melts in your mouth! And fried chicken? Also not a favorite of mine - it was divine! The space is a bit unassuming on the outside, but incredibly welcoming on the inside. Tanya has done an awesome job with the decor, food, and ambiance.

We are so lucky here in Oakland to have so many great new (& newish) restaurants popping up - MoNO, Wood Tavern, Flora, Camino, B Restaurant & Bar, Levende East, etc. Not to mention all of the old favorites here in the District.

Support these independently owned restaurants - the economy and time of year is hard on them.

More info on Brown Suguar Kitchen here. Check it out!

Legally Defining 4-Hour Parking

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:45:00 +0000

I've had at least a half dozen people stop by to complain that they have gotten tickets within the 4-hour zone, even though they moved their car before the 4-hour time limit had passed. Some have moved their cars across the street from where they were initially parked, while others have moved their vehicle to a completely different block.

Dan at Monohan Paper was nice enough to do more research (well, he's the latest one to get a ticket).

The violation number on the tickets that I have seen is 10.44.120 - it is a $70 ticket.

Here is the applicable text of 10.44.120:

A. It is unlawful and shall constitute a violation of this chapter for any person to stand or park a motor vehicle, without a current residential parking permit properly displayed, at a curb within a residential permit parking area for a period of time exceeding the time limitation established by the City Council for such area. Motor vehicles identified as used by disabled persons meeting the requirements of Section 22511.5 of the California Vehicle Code shall be exempt from this subsection.

Ouch! That completely goes against what the Parking Committee was told. On the other hand, a case could be made that this is not a RESIDENTIAL permit area.

I'm passing this info on to the current members of the Parking Committe & the JLDA Board for them to follow up with City Staff. If/when I hear more, I will pass along that information.

In the meantime, it appears that moving your car is not an option. (cringe - please, no hate mail! Or at least not directed at me.)

UPDATE 6/25/08 1:47pm PST:

Gary Knecht of JLDA informs me that 10.45.120 Violations & Penalty says, "The violations and penalty provision set forth in Chapter 10.44.120 shall apply to the Jack London District mixed use parking permit program. He also says that when he has asked parking enforcement about this, he has been told that it IS okay to move and you won't get a ticket. That goes against the above law and what two different parking enforcement officers told me and Dan today.

That answers that question, but here's another:

What about the 2-hour parking spots that are not open to permit parking? Can you move your car within those spaces without getting a ticket?

Committee Approves Increased Fees; Holds Boundary Decision

noreply@blogger.com (ShopGirl) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:44:00 +0000

Today City Council members approved the increase of visitor parking fees. It will still go to full council for final approval. I caught KTOP just as they were trying to decide what to do.

On the plus side, Council Members agreed that Staff should meet with JLDA in the next week to discuss increasing the boundaries. This has to happen before they can bring it to Council. At best, they're looking at Sept 16th for a second reading at council before the ordinance can be ammended.

If you need visitor permits, get them now before they go up in price!