April 2024 edition • Issue No. 24
The newsletter is a resource for connecting neighbors, building community, and sharing neighborhood news and updates from the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council (MPNC)
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Hello neighbors!
Happy Spring! April brings more daylight hours, more flower blooms, and more excuses to enjoy the outdoors. Plus Earth Day on April 20 is a chance for us to celebrate our natural environment and show it a little love. For lots of ways to do that, check out the Oaklandside's list of events and the City of Oakland's interactive map of volunteer opportunities. Here in Maxwell Park, volunteers are needed to help weed and prune the Pierson Street traffic circle (next to the Chevron station at Pierson and MacArthur). Neighbor Nancy Karigaca will be at the circle on Saturday from 9-11:30 a.m. and could use some helping hands. Bring your gardening tools and supplies. Plus, the monthly High St. Coalition and MacArthur Blvd. cleanups are always a great way to get your hands dirty, details below.
Upcoming events...
- City Council District 6 Town Hall with Councilmember Kevin Jenkins
Wednesday, April 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
Held on Northeastern Oakland Campus, 5000 MacArthur Blvd. at Lokey Graduate School of Business (GSB), Room 101. Refreshments will be served! RSVP
- The outdoor free summer concert series Live in the Laurel kicks off again on April 20, with the first concert at Degrees Plato. Check out the schedule.
- TOWN LIFE, a free, public Ecofutures Festival on three Saturdays: April 20, May 18, and June 15. This festival will celebrate the ecology of our town, and include community art installations, fun workshops, conversations, music performances, food trucks, and open studios hosted by the West Oakland eco-industrial complex, O2 Artisans Aggregate. Learn more.
Thanks for reading! 📚 Speaking of reading, if you belong to a local book group – especially one in Maxwell Park – and you're open to that being included on a list of book clubs shared with neighbors in this newsletter, please let us know.
In this issue we share:
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Magnificent April flowers around Maxwell Park. Photos by Barbara Hartford.
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Save the date: Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council community meeting
Wednesday, May 8, 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Registration details and agenda will be included in the MPNC updates email in early May and posted at www.maxwellparknc.org.
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Photos from our readers...
Early Spring photo (below) taken on February 26 on Fleming between Madera and Morcom. Shared by Lis McKinley, Madera Avenue.
Do you have a photo to share? Email it our way.
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LAMMPS: Future Phases
The Oakland Department of Transportation (OakDOT) has received funding to fully design LAMMPS Phase 2, which will make safety improvements along MacArthur Boulevard from Richards Road to Seminary Avenue. They expect to resume outreach early next year, once they get a design consultant on board. To sign up for project updates, or to learn more, visit the project webpage: https://www.oaklandca.gov/projects/lammps2.
The City Wants Your Input on LAMMPS 3! OakDOT wants your input on their initial design for the new LAMMPS 3 Project on Seminary Avenue, from Camden Street to Sunnymere Blvd. Fill out this Feedback Form to learn about the project and share your thoughts. Visit the project webpage for more information, or to sign up for updates: https://www.oaklandca.gov/projects/lammps3.
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News from the City Council
by Vikki Richardson, Newsletter Reporter
At the March 26 Public Works Committee meeting:
- The committee received an update on illegal dumping in the form of an informational report that centered on Waste Management. Among other things, Public Works is under the impression the dumping of residential waste is due to residents not having the appropriate-sized bins, therefore, in mid-January Waste Management will be gathering information via a three-month trash bin upgrade replacement along a section of International Blvd which crosses Districts 6 and 7. The Informational Report on Illegal Dumping Efforts will be on the consent agenda of the April 16, 3:30 p.m. City Council Meeting. To view the report and supplemental report, go to https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx and navigate to the Public Works March 26 Committee Agenda on the calendar.
- Council Member Kevin Jenkins questioned Public Works about the Home Depot area and the lack of clean up. Public Works gave general responses: they regularly patrol the area trying to catch illegal dumping, they’re looking into cameras (license plate reading cameras are needed), and they’ve expanded stakeouts.
At the March 26 Finance Committee meeting, it was disclosed that Oakland will be in a $118 million deficit in the General Purpose Fund at the end of fiscal year 2023-2024 and $175 million deficit end of fiscal year 2024-2025. (The fiscal year closes on June 30.) The Finance Department points to the overspending in Oakland Police Department overtime and the decrease in revenues from Real Estate Transfer Taxes, Sales Taxes, and Business License Taxes. The 2024-2025 Mid-cycle Budget General Purpose Fund Deficit will be on the consent agenda of the April 16, 3:30 p.m. City Council meeting.
You can find video recordings of the meetings and copies of the reports via the agendas through the Council meeting’s calendar at https://oakland.legistar.com/calendar.aspx.
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MPNC Board Elections
As we continue to foster a sense of community and collaboration, the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council (MPNC) is excited to announce upcoming board elections on Wednesday, July 10. Nominations for available positions need to be received by June 11. This is a fantastic opportunity for passionate individuals like you to actively contribute to the growth and well-being of our neighborhood.
Positions up for Election
- Vice Chair: Assist the Chair in leading meetings, represent the Council when necessary, and contribute to overall decision-making.
- Membership Secretary: Maintain accurate records of membership, manage communications, and support outreach efforts to engage more neighbors.
- Member at-Large (2 positions): Actively participate in meetings, provide input on community matters, and support various initiatives.
If you've ever considered playing a more active role in our community, now is the time! Board members serve for two years. Serving on the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council Board is an enriching experience that allows you to make a meaningful impact on the issues that matter most to our community.
What is the MPNC?
The MPNC is a volunteer based organization that serves as a direct link between the community and local government. We provide a platform for residents to voice their concerns, share ideas, and actively participate in decision-making processes that shape the neighborhood's future. The MPNC plays a vital role in ensuring that our community thrives by addressing local issues and fostering a sense of unity and community among Maxwell Park residents.
Expectations of Board Members
Board members are essential in driving positive change within our community. As a member of the MPNC Board, you will:
- Represent the Community: Act as a voice for your neighbors and bring their concerns and ideas to the forefront of discussions.
- Collaborate with Local Authorities: Work closely with city officials to address issues affecting Maxwell Park and advocate for the community's needs.
- Organize Community Events: Help plan and execute events that bring neighbors together, fostering a sense of community pride and unity.
- Attend Regular Meetings: Actively participate in board meetings to stay informed about local developments, discuss community matters, and make informed decisions.
Interested in Running?
For the July 10 MPNC elections, nominations for available positions need to be received by June 11. If you are passionate about Maxwell Park and interested in contributing to its growth and well-being, we encourage you to consider running for a board position. This is your chance to be a voice for the community and actively shape the neighborhood's future.
For those interested or with questions about the roles and responsibilities, please reach out to José Dorado (joseadorado48@gmail.com). José is happy to provide additional information and guide you through the process.
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ECO Tip: Spring Treats
from our neighborhood environmentalist
Spring has sprung! The Serpentine Trail, just above Maxwell Park by the Trudeau Center in Redwood Park, blooms in April. Take pictures but don’t step on the native flowers! Should be a good bloom after our wet winter.
Bay Nature magazine is a great way to get off the computer. They also have a free website, periodic talks, and a weekly newsletter.
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Degrees Plato: Laurel’s Beer Garden
by Vikki Richardson, Newsletter Reporter
Since its opening in 2017, Degrees Plato (4251 MacArthur Blvd. at High St.) is becoming a cornerstone of the Laurel community. With a vision to foster a space where neighbors can come together and make connections, Richard Allen and Mercedes Sperling have created a tap room experience that embodies warmth, community, and excellent libations. “Maxwell Park has arguably the best curated independent craft beer program in the Bay Area in their backyard,” says Allen. “The breadth and depth of the program is unmatched. I think at any time between the draft and bottle shop we carry more than 150 different beers.”
Under the stewardship of General Manager Alyson LesPucci for the past four years, Degrees Plato has not only weathered the challenges of the pandemic but adapted ingeniously to keep the beer garden open, providing a safe and welcoming environment to its local staff and patrons.
The establishment boasts a rotating selection of beers, ciders, and wines from small and independent breweries in Northern California. The outdoor seating area (entered via the indoor taproom) has been fortified with shipping containers and sturdy gates in anticipation of post pandemic permits. There patrons can enjoy local live entertainment.
Degrees Plato opens at 3 p.m. on Mondays and at 11 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Check out Teacher’s Tuesday on Taco Tuesdays, and for those looking for a delicious start to the weekend, brunch is served until 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Takeout is always available, and you can also find them on your favorite delivery platforms. Families are welcome, and children can be found enjoying the lively atmosphere outdoors on Fridays, their busiest day. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area only on leash.
Stay up to date on their rotating beers, ciders, and wines and upcoming events by following them on Instagram.com/degreesplato_oak
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Maxwell Park Mom's WhatsApp Group
submitted by Miranda Jones, neighbor on Modesto Ave.
You might have noticed that there are a lot of families in Maxwell Park! If you haven't already, let us know if you would like to join the local mom's WhatsApp group. We have play dates, swap info on local services and events for families, and give away all the kid stuff we are no longer using! It's a supportive community and we'd love you to join. To join, please email Miranda: jones.miranda@gmail.com
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Organic, Local Fruit Delivery
submitted by Miranda Jones, neighbor on Modesto Ave.
I have partnered with Frog Hollow Farm and a neighbor to organize a pickup site for an organic all-fruit Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Maxwell Park. Pickups are on Modesto Avenue on Wednesdays (reply here and we'll send the pickup address). This is a great opportunity to keep a steady supply of organic, local fruit in your home throughout the growing season. Frog Hollow is a widely admired farm known for exceptionally flavorful tree-ripened fruit.
This time of year, CSA boxes include fruits from Frog Hollow and from their partner farms around California. You can expect seasonal fruits such as apples, avocados, blood oranges, mandarins, a variety of other citrus, and even more exotic fruits like kiwis. In the summer, their CSA boxes feature mulberries, apricots, cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and pluots at the peak of their harvest seasons. Not only will you enjoy amazing local fruit, but you’ll also join the movement of conscious eaters supporting farms committed to organic regenerative agricultural practices that build healthy soil, capture carbon, and foster biodiversity.
Frog Hollow CSA offers multiple box sizes and flexible subscription plans. To join, please visit www.froghollow.com/pages/csa, follow the steps to join, and select Oakland-Maxwell Park as your pick-up site. Thanks for considering it! You won't regret it!
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Northeastern University Oakland News
Submitted by Renée Jadushlever, Vice President of Campus Administration and Strategic Initiatives
Guide to Campus: Tip of the Month
Did you know…each semester, students and faculty donate their gently used items to the school’s reuse depot, a zero-cost thrift store, where the items are either “sold” year-round to students, staff, and neighbors, or given away to local community organizations. For store hours, location, and general inquiries, email oaklandsustainability@northeastern.edu
Students visit local businesses on TREK Day!
Three hundred students set off on an exciting journey recently, visiting 16 companies across the Bay Area for our annual Spring Trek. Students engaged with industry professionals, participated in curated panels, and explored the facilities of our esteemed partners. Networking was a primary focus, and students forged connections with industry leaders and gained insights into early involvement opportunities such as internships, co-ops, and other forms of engagement. Visits include trips to: Humane, Onto Innovation, Chabot Space & Science Center, Tesla, SAP, Urban Machine, Golden State Warriors, Oakland Roots, Artthaus, Block, Oakland Museum, Port Labs, ABC7, Oakland Zoo, Heirloom Coffee Roasters, and The Lawrence Hall of Science. In the Fall, 800 students visited Kaiser Permanente, Google, and others.
City Council District 6 Town Hall with Councilmember Kevin Jenkins
April 17, 6-7:30 p.m. RSVP here
Northeastern Oakland Campus, 5000 MacArthur Blvd
Lokey Graduate School of Business (GSB), Room 101
Refreshments will be served! Please park at Richards Lot at the front gate. Walk down Richards Road. The GSB is on the left side at the end of the road. All vehicle operators and pedestrians entering campus will be required to present government issued ID (e.g. driver’s license) to a gate officer.
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The Mills/Northeastern Climate Justice and Sustainability Hub held its Spring Farm Festival this year on March 15, complete with live music, booths with craft activities, bicycle juicer, scavenger hunt and food! Morgan Billington is the campus Sustainability Program Coordinator. Photos by Barbara Hartford.
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MLA Welcomes a New Playground
by Vikki Richardson, Newsletter Reporter
On March 20, Melrose Leadership Academy (MLA) opened its doors to showcase its new playground. What was once a vast asphalt desert has been transformed into a vibrant and multifunctional courtyard area, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Trust for Public Lands, Oakland Unified School District, and other organizations.
From the project’s beginnings, Trust for Public Lands involved students in shaping its development and the need for a greener space, participating in activities ranging from measuring the asphalt temperatures to providing input on features to incorporate into the playground. The result is a space that not only caters to recreational needs but also serves as an outdoor learning environment.
Sixteen trees were planted, and a staggering 14,100 square feet of asphalt were removed to make room for the new additions. Responding to student requests, the playground now boasts a soccer pitch, volleyball courts, colorful basketball courts, seating areas, and a designated area for lunch. Parents and some students rolled up their sleeves on designated workdays, contributing to tasks such as planting, fostering a sense of ownership and community involvement.
The transformation extends beyond the playground itself, with trees lining the fence of Fleming Ave. and large tree planters separating the basketball courts from the pitch, providing future shade. These green areas not only enhance the beauty but also provide ample seating and opportunities for outdoor learning, enriching the educational experience. Plans are underway to replace the portables on the upper asphalt with a middle school area which will house the current 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The students got the district to use Measure Y funds to include a heat pump in this new construction.
To celebrate the inauguration, members of the Warrior’s Coaching Academy and the Oakland Roots Coaching Staff were present, offering basketball and soccer clinics. Former Warriors player Festus Ezeli was particularly popular among the children, adding a touch of excitement to the festivities.
The new playground at MLA stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, dedication, and community involvement. It not only provides a space for recreation but also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among students, parents, and educators alike.
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Photos by Barbara Hartford
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Keeping our Streets Clean
🗑 WHAT: Volunteer litter pickup; sanitized vests 🦺, work gloves🧤, bags, and litter grabbers provided!
👷🏿♀️👨🏽🌾 WHO: All are welcomed! Even if you don't live in the neighborhood!
High Street Coalition Cleanup
🗑WHEN: second and fourth Saturday of every month from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Next cleanups: April 27, May 11, and May 25
🗑 WHERE: Walgreens (at High and Redding Streets)
Follow the High Street Coalition on Nextdoor, Instagram, or email highstreetcoalition@gmail.com to be added to the email distribution list.
MacArthur Boulevard Cleanup
🗑WHEN: first Saturday of every month from 9-10:30 a.m. Next cleanup: May 4
🗑 WHERE: Chevron station (at Pierson and MacArthur Boulevard) Focus is on cleaning up the stretch of MacArthur Boulevard along I-580 from Mills College to 55th Avenue.
Follow the group on Nextdoor or join the email mailing list.
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Out-surance
Insurers are leaving California. What are our options?
from Martin Kojnok, neighbor and Realtor® in Maxwell Park
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In recent years, insurance companies have decided to step back from the California market. Big, recognizable names have either stopped issuing policies in certain areas or stopped renewing existing policies citing more frequent natural disasters, higher costs from lawsuits, navigating through regulatory hoops, etc. This move has left homeowners living in areas prone to wildfires, earthquakes, and other major events in a lurch. Even those with comparable lower risk - like us in Maxwell Park - are being affected. With fewer options available, finding affordable coverage has become a challenge for home buyers and sellers, but it's now also directly affecting homeowners simply wishing to stay put.
Most insurance brokers and carriers will tell you, if you have home insurance - and you haven’t received a "non-renewal” letter - it’s best to stick with what you have at the moment. Just about everyone’s insurance is either already more expensive or is about to be. If you have received a non-renewal letter, it’s important to understand the types of options you have available to you. The main options being: admitted and non-admitted carriers, and the California Fair Plan.
Admitted and non-admitted home insurance companies represent two distinct categories within the insurance industry. Admitted insurance companies, like Allstate, State Farm, and Farmers, are those that have been licensed and approved by the state's insurance department to sell insurance policies within the state. They are subject to stringent regulations governing their financial practices, policy terms, and rates. This oversight is intended to protect policyholders by ensuring that the insurer remains financially solvent and capable of fulfilling its obligations while maintaining relative affordability.
On the other hand, non-admitted insurance companies, like Lloyd's of London for example, operate without state regulation and backing. They typically cater to high-risk markets or provide coverage for risks that admitted insurers are unwilling to cover. While this flexibility can enable them to provide coverage for unique situations, it also means that policyholders may have fewer protections and recourse in the event of insurer insolvency or disputes. If there’s a major disaster and the non-admitted carrier doesn’t have the funds to address all of the claims, the state will not step in to make up the difference to fulfill the company’s obligations. Policyholders should be aware that non-admitted insurance policies may come with higher premiums and less comprehensive coverage compared to admitted policies.
In a nutshell, admitted carriers have become much more stringent of what and where they will insure - if they even do. Non-admitted carriers have been stepping in to fill the gap however are often more costly, may not have the same degree of coverage, and may not have the solvency or state’s guarantee in the event of a catastrophe.
When neither admitted nor non-admitted insurers can provide coverage, homeowners can turn to the California Fair Plan as a last resort. This plan, established in 1968, offers basic property insurance to those unable to obtain coverage through traditional means. While it provides essential protection, it comes with limitations. Coverage is often more basic than what you'd find with a typical insurance policy, and it doesn't include liability or coverage for personal property. Additionally, premiums are higher than those for traditional insurance policies, too. Despite these drawbacks, the California Fair Plan serves as a vital safety net for homeowners facing challenges in vulnerable regions, ensuring that they have some level of protection against loss or damage to their homes.
Insurance is an essential part of home-ownership. As the landscape changes, it’s important to continue to keep track of our options. The unfortunate news is the industry is becoming more stringent and the cost of insurance is going up - in some areas, considerably. In the event you receive a non-renewal letter from your carrier, talk to your insurance representative and be sure to ask them about your options regarding admitted and non-admitted carrier policies as well as the California Fair Plan to see what’s right for you.
Dwell well, friends, and always feel free to reach out with any home or home sale questions.
Martin Kojnok
CORCORAN ICON PROPERTIES
MBA | REALTOR® | DRE 01941661
martin@martinkojnok.com m: 510.593.3370 www.martinkojnok.com
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Emergency Radio Training
The Maxwell Park Emergency Response Team (MPERT) held a radio training on March 23 at Maxwell Park, led by MPERT lead volunteers Raleigh McLemore and Naomi Weinstein. A group of new and very experienced volunteers learned about and shared their knowledge of using radios to assist in the event of an emergency. Participants practiced communicating to an Oakland-wide emergency radio network. It was a fun gathering thanks to Raleigh providing enthusiasm, coffee, donuts, and door prizes! To join MPERT or if you have questions about emergency preparedness, email MPERT.info@gmail.com.
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Join the Maxwell Park Emergency Response Team
contact list:
email MPERT.info@gmail.com or call/text: 510-917-9994
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Community Camera Fund
led by Nathan Greene, Wyman Street Resident and Volunteer
Maxwell Park’s Community Camera Fund is a crowdfunded initiative in which neighbors support neighbors with acquiring street facing cameras. The idea was one of many that came out of our Maxwell Park Neighborhood Action (NAT) meeting in which neighbors put our heads together to figure out ways in which we could address the increase in crime in Maxwell Park. A survey that was sent to neighbors identified that several families wanted street-facing security cameras on their homes, but couldn’t afford them. The same survey identified that several neighbors were interested in providing funds so that families in need could get cameras. This fund is linking those in need and those who want to help.
Why do street facing cameras matter?
- Street facing cameras can serve as crime deterrents.
- Residents report feeling a greater sense of safety with cameras.
- Street facing cameras allow residents to see what’s happening on the street outside of their house from the safety of their own home.
- Street facing cameras can support law enforcement in solving crimes not only committed at our own houses but in other places in the community.
How does the program work?
- Givers - donate to this GoFundMe account if you’d like to support a neighbor. If you want to avoid the extra charge from GoFundMe feel free to venmo the money to @nathan-R-Greene, connected to phone number 949-370-4037; funds will be applied toward the cameras.
- Receivers (Interested Families) - if you want a street facing camera for your home, but affordability is an issue for your family, sign up here to be entered into the raffle.
- As funds come in, families who have signed up will be chosen via an automated raffle. If your family is chosen, your camera will be delivered by a volunteer to your home and help with setup can be provided if wanted.
Questions? Email Nathan Greene.
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Suggestions? Feedback?
Is there anything you would like to see in the newsletter? Would you like to be a part of the newsletter team as a content contributor, writer, or photographer? Contact newsletter editor Annemarie Henning at maxwellparknewsletter@gmail.com.
The MPNC is dedicated to improving the quality of life and safety in Maxwell Park (Police Beat 28X). The MPNC consists of a Board of Directors and a number of Neighborhood Action Teams that address neighborhood concerns such as blight, traffic, and emergency preparedness. As an authorized City of Oakland Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council, we work cooperatively with the City Council and Police Department on priority safety issues. New participants are always welcome!
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Flowers on the Northeastern Oakland Campus. Photos by Barbara Hartford.
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Please share this newsletter with a neighbor, who can subscribe here. If you have any neighborhood-related concerns or want to get involved as a community volunteer, please reach out to the MPNC.
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