Dimond Neighborhood News

by Daniel Swafford

Fruitvale ALIVE

At the July 5 Dimond Improvement Association meeting held at the Dimond Library, David Ralston from the Community and Economic Development Agency (CEDA) of Oakland said the Metropolitan Transportation Commission approved a contribution of $2 million to the Fruitvale ALIVE project. This project will upgrade transportation, safety, and beautification of Fruitvale Avenue from the Dimond Library to the estuary and a small portion of MacArthur.

Councilmember Jean Quan and her Chief of Staff Richard Cowan look forward to working with Dimond artists, residents, and businesses to create a streetscape that complements the natural, historical, and social elements of the Dimond. They will work with Council President Ignacio De La Fuente to secure matching funds to make the corridor more friendly for cyclists and pedestrian traffic.

Annual Dimond Park Picnic

The annual Dimond Park Picnic hosted by the Dimond Recreation Center and the Dimond Improvement Association was held July 22. Attendees participated in morning walking tours sponsored by the Oakland Historical Society and Friends of Sausal Creek. Abdo Alawdi, owner of Two Star Market, hosted a barbecue and provided free plates to hungry guests. The meals were donated by Two Star Market, Farmer Joe's, Curves, and the DIA. Women's Will, a local theater ensemble, performed Romeo and Juliet. Dimond Park Director Michelle Doppelt held an open house at the Dimond Recreation Center with free programs for children and an open swim at Lions Pool. For more about the DIA, please contact dia\@dimondnews.org

Welcome Peet's

Peet's Coffee and Tea opened in Dimond with a beautifully renovated location on the corner of Fruitvale and Bienati Way. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and thank manager Scott Soo-Hoo for another vibrant new business in the Dimond. A profile of Scott and the new Peet's can be read on Monte McClain's blog, Monteskewed.blogspot.com. Look under June posts on the right menu bar.

La Farine Bakery is due to open just a few doors down from Peet's in late August. The bakery will offer fresh bread, cakes, and desserts. There is free parking at the rear of the two locations in the Bienati lot.