Leona Heights Neighborhood News

by Gordon Laverty

The hot weather we’ve had off and on this summer has brought several things to our lives. First, there’s the challenge of simply keeping cool and comfortable. Second, there are the water-usage restrictions we have to keep in mind or pay for dearly through our water bills. Next, there’s minimizing the fire danger around our homes by cutting out overgrown vegetation. We expect the Oakland Fire Department to come through Leona Heights on their annual inspection any day now.

On a personal note, my family has noticed several additions to the animal herd here at our home. In addition to our two cats, who daily can be found loafing around the driveway, we now have a raccoon and two skunks who make themselves at home either sniffing around, or in the raccoon’s case, lying around as if they own the place. And yes, I said the raccoon is lying around. She’s young and clearly enjoys the company of the cats and has adopted their behaviors, lying around only feet from where they are. We’ve never seen anything like it. 

In other news, EBMUD has apparently completed the bulk of the work on Leona Street with the installation of the new pipeline. Travel on Leona Street was a little more bumpy than usual, but we expect the long-awaited paving job by the City of Oakland to be started soon, and we all are looking forward to that.

Also, we’re grateful to our Leona Heights security block captains who recently met. Their organization should help with a number of issues, and it would be in our best interest to support them. And in that vein, I appreciate all the story ideas that have come in to increase the neighborhood’s participation in the content of this column. This column’s here for you to learn all you can and share all you care to about our great neighborhood. Your thoughts are always welcome and you can feel free at any time to send them to me at Lavertyhillmob@sbcglobal.net.