Leona Heights Neighborhood News'

by Gordon Laverty

What a wonderful Leona Heights neighborhood block party we had at Marilyn King's home on October 18!'Over 60 neighbors met for the annual get-together, complete with a potluck table and Pedro's choice of barbecued delicacies. New residents met old residents in a welcoming atmosphere, complete with music. Long-timers shared reports and stories. Reminders were shared about Home Alert cooperation, and all in all it was a memorable renewal of the annual event set for the second Sunday of October.'

In a last-minute review, the annual fire protection inspectors required immediate removal of a stand of bamboo on our property. What to do with hundreds of lengths of bamboo cuttings? My wife suggested calling the Knowland Zoo. Quicker than I can tell you, elephant-keeper John Briggs appeared at our home with a truck. We loaded the bamboo, John tied it down, and off he went with the load of fresh food for the elephants he cares for. He was happy and so were we.

The recent oil spill on San Francisco Bay took on a local flavor when Ross Laverty, who fishes frequently on the Bay from his boat, left his fishing gear at home and went on an inspection of the damage. He got an excellent overview of the impact on bird life, bridge damage, and ship damage. His knowledge of the fishery and the Bay has provided a fresh viewpoint on the incident that has affected so many of us in one way or another.

And last, the increasing unlawful activity in and near our neighborhood prompts us all to keep alert and report any suspicious activity to police. Like the rest of Oakland, we're determined not to let the bad behavior of a few upset the good life of the rest of us.

Gordon Laverty can be reached at lavertyhillmob2\@sbcglobal.net.