Dimond Neighborhood Newsby Kathleen Russell |
Groups Help Make Dimond Sparkle |
Keep Oakland Beautiful (KOB) is working with several organizations in Dimond to develop a pilot program encouraging merchants to keep their property clean and inviting. This program is a coordinated effort by KOB, Dimond Business & Professional Association, Dimond Improvement Association (DIA), 22X Neighborhood Coalition for Positive Change (NCPC) Beautification and Economic Development committees, and Richard Cowan, representing Jean Quan's office. Stan Dodson, manager of La Farine Bakery/Dimond and DIA merchant liaison, has been instrumental in designing and implementing this KOB/Merchant Reward Program. Participating merchants will be identified by a special Keep Oakland Beautiful window decal. Merchants will also be highlighted in the KOB ad program. Dimond merchants interested in participating should contact Stan Dodson at stankdodson\@yahoo.com. Many entities are working to keep Dimond clean. You see McDonald's employees out checking corners and bus stops, picking up McDonald's trash that visitors to Dimond have left behind. Clear Channel assists by daily cleaning and power-washing of the bus shelter sidewalk at MacArthur near Fruitvale, and has offered ad space on the shelter for a sign about litter penalties. Employees at Citibank help keep their area litter-free, making Citibank the most attractive bank property in Dimond. AC Transit has offered space for "Don't Trash Dimond" reminders. And thank you to Pio Yun from DD's Cleaners at 3445 Fruitvale for sweeping the sidewalk to the MacArthur corner every day. Dimond appreciation also to Councilmember Jean Quan for the new solar-powered trash compacting and recycling containers in front of Peet's. The litter that drops from the anonymous hand to the sidewalk often makes its way down the gutter to the storm drains to the creek. Since Dimond sidewalks, gutters and storm drains need so much attention, volunteers meet twice weekly on Tuesday and Friday 9 to 10 a.m. for litter walks along Fruitvale and MacArthur in an effort by local residents to assist merchants.' Residents are invited to join in 22X NCPC "Keep Oakland Beautiful" walks in Dimond, the third Saturday of every month 10 a.m. to noon, when even half an hour helps. Volunteers meet at Dimond Gateway Peace Park, Lincoln and MacArthur. These walks are sponsored by La Farine Bakery in Dimond with a complimentary pastry and coffee/tea for participating walkers to enjoy after their walk or at a later time.' There are many ongoing efforts to keep the Dimond merchant area litter and graffiti free. Find out how you can help "make the Dimond sparkle," email krussell\@russell-gordon.com. |
