Dimond Library to Honor Teen Authors
We hear so much about problem teens. Here's your opportunity to join neighbors at a Book Launch and Party for the wonderful teens who have contributed to a newly published poetry anthology, Words on Fire!, edited by Dimond Library staffer, Giovanna Capone.'
'This book is dedicated to the memory of John R. Pichotto, poetry lover, long-standing library supporter, and Dimond Library Friend.
'Meet the poets and artists. Stay for an open mic and refreshments. Check out this new book or buy a copy of your own. For more information call 482-7844.
Friday, June 6, 4:30 to 7 p.m., Dimond Branch Library, 3565 Fruitvale Avenue.
Thanks Tot Lot Contributors
The Dimond Park Tot Lot Project has received two generous pledges of $10,000. City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente and Council President Pro Tem Jean Quan have put the project a third of the way towards the goal with the contributions.
The Tot Lot Committee is developing a brochure to help assist individuals who want to pursue corporate grants or personal contributions.
The Tot Lot Committee meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Dimond Rec Center. For information or to make a contribution, contact Noelani Cribb noelaniec\@earthlink.net or the Dimond Park Rec Center.'
NCPC 22X Building a Strong Community, June 2
On Monday, April 21, the 22X NCPC met at Sequoia School on Lincoln Ave. Daniel Swafford presided at the meeting, supported by Meg Bowerman and Renee Sykes. There were presentations from the four committees that had been formed previously. Julie Johnson spoke about opposition to Little Caesars, a fast-food pizza place moving into the former Beneficial Finance building. Renee spoke about the community being involved in working together and with the police to prevent crime. She introduced Chief Tucker, Captain Orozco, Public Information Officer Roland Holmgren, and officers Lawrence Green and Ricky Coglio. Councilmember Jean Quan was also present to explain how her staff is working with the police department and the neighbors. Chief Tucker answered questions about escalating crime in 22X and how his officers are being reorganized to deal with the problems. Since January 12 Oakland has begun geographic policing in an attempt to make the department more accountable. There are three areas. We are part of Area 2, with Captain Orozco leading the officers in our area.
Chief Tucker hopes to have the police department fully staffed by November with 803 officers. The next NCPC meeting will be June 2, 7 p.m. at the Greek Orthodox Church.
If you have specific concerns about public safety/crime, contact Neighborhood Services Coordinator (NSC) Renee Sykes at rsykes\@oaklandnet.com or 238-7929.
Prior to the next meeting residents are being asked to review the proposed 22X by-laws and be prepared to provide feedback at June's meeting. The goal at this meeting is to amend and adopt the bylaws. The April 21 meeting minutes and bylaws can be requested from Renee Sykes. Join your neighbors to begin working on issues you are most concerned about.
Dimond Improvement Association News
The Dimond Improvement Association (DIA) met May 7 and elected two new board members, Mary Sullivan and Owen Li. We thank them for their spirit of volunteerism and welcome others to join, as a few board positions are still open. Contact Daniel Swafford, Chair, for details: danielswafford\@aol.com.
The DIA and Dimond Park will host the annual Dimond Park Picnic Sunday, July 27 in the park. Volunteers are needed to help set up and serve the free BBQ lunch.'
Come out and enjoy the sunshine, good food, and Woman's Will theatrical group presenting The Good Person of Szechuan. Contact DIA Board Member Robert Raburn, robertraburn\@covad.net, for details and volunteer opportunities.
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