May 2023 edition • Issue No. 19
Produced by the Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council (MPNC)
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Hello, neighbors!
What's most important to you in our Maxwell Park neighborhood? Do you have ideas about how to keep our neighborhood vibrant and welcoming? The Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council (MPNC) wants to hear from you. Can you please take a few minutes to complete this quick survey? If you're not familiar with the MPNC, it is a City of Oakland-certified organization of neighborhood volunteers working to improve our collective quality of life in Maxwell Park. We'd love to hear from you!
Some neighbors have reported mail delivery issues over the last several months. The Oaklandside published a story about a delay in mail delivery due to an increase in violence and burglaries of mail carriers and mailboxes. A neighbor spoke with our local mail carrier recently, who shared that their vehicle has been robbed seven times this year and once last year. To protect our personal mail, the carrier suggested that neighbors drop any important outgoing mail directly at the post office or get a P.O. box. If neighbors witness any crimes, please report the crime to Oakland Police.
Thanks for reading! Please reach out if you have any suggestions for the newsletter or for the MPNC.
In this issue we share:
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Join the May Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council community meeting:
Wednesday, May 10, 7-8:30 p.m. on Zoom
Agenda includes:
- Special Guest Speaker: Kiana Gums, Director of Communications & Engagement, City of Oakland, Office of the Inspector General (OIG). The OIG, led by Inspector General Michelle N. Phillips is the monitoring and auditing arm of the Oakland Police Commission. The OIG is responsible for monitoring the Oakland Police Department’s compliance with policies, procedures, and laws intended to further strengthen the City’s ability to decrease instances of police misconduct. Ms. Gums will provide an overview of the OIG and ways to increase its effectiveness and engagement with the Oakland community.
- Opportunity to discuss neighborhood-related issues with the MPNC.
Register with the button below or at www.maxwellparknc.org.
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Potential Expansion of Local School
The March newsletter included a report on the potential expansion of the Melrose Leadership Academy (MLA) public school campus located at 4730 Fleming Avenue, through a merger with the smaller MLA campus located at 5238 Brann Street. The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) has $32 million from the Measure Y bond, passed in Nov. 2020, assigned to MLA for the purpose of upgrading the school's physical facilities, either at the separate campuses, or at a merged campus. Throughout March and April, OUSD held two community meetings to hear from parents and residents and to answer questions. Linked here is the most recent presentation by OUSD (presented at MLA on April 20, 2023) showing the design options and construction process either at the two separate MLA sites, or at a merged site at the Fleming Avenue location. Based on input received, OUSD is now conducting a traffic survey to assess the impact of a prospective merged campus of over 700 students on the neighborhood as it relates to traffic issues and student safety at morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up.
The MPNC has concerns about the potential merger and community safety. Read the MPNC's full position in a letter sent to the OUSD here. If you would like to connect with the MPNC about any questions you may have, please contact: Paulette Bruder, Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council Traffic Neighborhood Action Team (NAT) Chair, at paulettesue@me.com or José Dorado, Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council Chair, at joseadorado48@gmail.com. Find more information about Measure Y at ousd.org/measurey.
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Cast Your MPNC Board Vote on May 10
The Maxwell Park Neighborhood Council will hold its Board election at the MPNC meeting on May 10 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Please join the meeting to cast your ballot electronically. The Board consists of the following officers: Chair, Vice-Chair, Membership Secretary, Minutes Secretary, Treasurer, and three At-Large Members. The description of these offices are contained in the bylaws on the MPNC website. Board members serve for two years, with one half of the Board up for election each year.
The following Board positions are up for election on May 10, with the following incumbents running for re-election:
Chair: José A. Dorado
Minutes Secretary: Matthew Giles
Treasurer: Krista Gulbransen
At-Large Member #1: Donald Dalke
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Blight Removal on Walnut St.
A home at 4851 Walnut St. burned down in March 2020. Fortunately the occupants escaped without injury. The home, however, has not been repaired or cleaned up. Smoke still defaces the exterior walls, plyboard covering the windows is weathered and deteriorated, fire debris litters the yard, and the yard is covered in tall weeds. Without external fencing on the property and despite repairs by a helpful neighbor, an unhoused individual has gained access to the lower floor.
The MPNC will refer this property to the Oakland Police Department (OPD) Community Resource Officer for action at the May 10 MPNC community meeting. The MPNC -- working in partnership with the City and OPD as the neighborhood representative through the City's community policing resolution -- has the authority to designate this as a "priority" issue for resolution. This means that the City and OPD are responsible to see that this blighted property is cleaned up. To hear more about this issue, join the MPNC meeting on Zoom; register here.
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Lots of purple flowers blooming in April in Maxwell Park. (Photos by Barbara Hartford)
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Downtown Decor Store Delights
Walking into Veranda off the downtown Oakland sidewalk is like walking into a fresh, open oasis. The bright and stunningly styled home decor store was opened in August 2022 by Maxwell Park residents Matthew Giles and Anthony Mack. Located at 308 12th Street, it's packed just right with unique home and garden wares to spoil yourself, your loved ones big and small, and your pets. Whether shopping for birthdays, baby showers, or upcoming Mother's Day, you'll find a gem at Veranda.
"Our store provides a selection of beautiful indoor and outdoor goods including locally made products. Two of our popular products include our eucalyptus shower steamers and our locally made candles, made right here in Oakland." said owner Giles.
Veranda offers candle making workshops for groups, features creations by local artists (including aprons by Stagger Lee), and hosts a monthly "sip and shop" with mimosas on some Sunday afternoons. Check out Veranda on Instagram, stop on by, and as Giles says "surround yourself with things you love." Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
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What's in store at Veranda in downtown Oakland. (Photos by Barbara Hartford)
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Q&A with Sherry, MPERT volunteer
This month we're featuring another volunteer on the Maxwell Park Emergency Response Team (MPERT): Sherry Lippiatt. Sherry is one of our neighbors working to establish an emergency plan for Maxwell Park, a plan that will allow us to collectively respond to an earthquake or other emergency. Below are excerpts from a recent "questions and answers" with Sherry about her involvement and being prepared.
What MPERT sector do you live in?
Sector G
What is your occupation?
I work for an ocean technology company as the commercial lead running sales and marketing.
What emergency response related skills or experience do you have?
I used to work for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) focusing on oil spills and also debris coming from Japan’s 2011 Fukushima earthquake.
What made you interested in MPERT?
I wanted to use my background to make sure my family is prepared for earthquakes, and also this community.
What MPERT activities are you currently doing?
I publish the MPERT Tip of the month newsletter. (To receive the newsletter, email mpert.monthlytips@gmail.com)
What is/is not working so far?
MPERT has a lot of members with great expertise and experience, but need more members. (Email to join us!)
Do you already have a go bag and personal emergency supplies?
Yes, we have had a go bag for years. Other supplies that we have ready include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), clothing, water bottles in a go bag and in the garage, about three days worth of people and dog food, camping gear, playing cards, first aid kit, and cash.
What are your other interests and activities?
Tennis, skiing, yoga, and lots of neighborhood walks with my dog
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MPERT volunteer Sherry Lippiatt, her husband, and her dog.
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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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Critters around Maxwell Park
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Photos by Barbara Hartford
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ECO Tip: Electric Vehicles
from our neighborhood environmentalist
Demand for electric vehicles (EV) is growing rapidly as is the price, yet we must adopt them if we hope to help stop future climate chaos. Here are some tips to lower the costs of EVs:
- There is a sweet spot for long EV battery life. Charge before getting below 20%, and program your car to stop charging at 80%. Charge to 100% rarely, when a longer trip is required.
- There are rebates for leasing and buying new and used EVs. Leasing has fewer restrictions than buying, so learn which situations qualify.
- Plugstar.com automatically calculates price and rebates for your location, and allows you to compare features of various makes and models. Check it out!
Other eco-friendly options: Consider walking, busing, biking, electric biking, or electric scootering instead of driving.
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The Poppies are Back!
Check out the Pierson Street traffic circle next to the corner of MacArthur. Everything is in bloom. It’s time for watering and weeding to start up again. If you can spare an occasional hour or so to set up hoses to water the three olive trees and 60 plants, or if you want to be put on a notification list for future weeding workdays, please contact Nancy Karigaca at nkarigaca@comcast.net.
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Poppies at the Pierson St. traffic circle (Photo by Nancy Karigaca)
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High Street Coalition is Cleaning Up
Since the first clean-up event nearly three years ago, the High Street Coalition (HSC) has accomplished a lot for our community. HSC shared the following statistics since its start in Spring 2020 to today:
- Over 2,160 volunteer hours contributed to the City of Oakland
- Almost 30 tons of trash removed from our streets
- $5,800 raised for community gardens and beautification projects from 87 donors
- $800 grant received from Keep Oakland Beautiful
- Two trash cans added along High Street
- Welcome Garden created at the High Street I580 exit. Phase I of the work is complete.
And the HSC is just getting started! James Owen, neighbor on Fleming Avenue and HSC volunteer leader, shared some thoughts:
"Alone we may feel powerless, but together as a community, we have the ability to create real change. The High Street Coalition and its network of volunteers have shown us what's possible when we come together to tackle the issue of illegal dumping. We're bringing neighbors from across East Oakland together, from Maxwell Park to Allendale, Laurel, and Redwood Heights.
But our work doesn't stop here. Now, more than ever, we need to show up for our community, and support the City to put a stop to litter and illegal dumping in our neighborhoods. Earth Day may be a reminder to reflect on what each of us can do, but we cannot limit ourselves to just one day of the year. It takes every one of us, doing our part and showing up for cleanups, to create a lasting impact. And for those who can't join a cleanup, there are still ways to help: by reporting trash via OAK311 or by supporting beautification projects with donations to our GoFundMe campaign."
Join the High Street Coalition from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of every month for their community cleanups; meet at the Walgreens' parking lot on High Street. Next clean-ups are May 13 and 27. To stay updated follow them on Nextdoor, Instagram, or email highstreetcoalition@gmail.com to be added to the email distribution list.
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Neighbors and volunteers with HSC cleaning up our streets. (Photo by HSC)
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The Welcome Garden at the High Street I580 exit; created by HSC. (Photo by HSC)
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Neighbors and realtors Courtney Fairchild, left, and Martin Kojnok, right. (Photo credit: Ginger Fierstein)
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Real Estate Resource
Submitted by Martin Kojnok and Courtney Fairchild, your neighbors and Realtors® in Maxwell Park
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We hope you're enjoying the arrival of Spring as much as we are! We wanted to share some exciting news with you! Recent economic developments including the Fed move to raise the Fed-rate again and indicate a pause on subsequent raises suggest inflation may be coming under control and overall market uncertainty is dissipating. This is shown by interest rates tending back downward from 7-ish percent into the 6s right in time for nicer weather! As interest rates relax, and they should continue to throughout the year, a favorable environment is created for both buyers and sellers. While selling a home can be a significant decision, taking advantage of the market conditions improving can help maximize your property's value - especially in a time when home inventory is so low.
We’re here to help you navigate the process of selling your home, from determining its value to preparing and marketing it to attracting potential buyers and negotiating offers. We understand that every home is unique, and we take a personalized approach to help you achieve your goals.
If you're considering selling your property, now is a great time to explore your options. We're here to answer any questions you may have, and to help you make informed decisions for your future. Please feel free to reach out any time. We look forward to helping you!
Have a fantastic Spring season!
Martin Kojnok
COMPASS
MBA | REALTOR® | DRE 01941661
martin@martinkojnok.com
m: 510.593.3370
www.martinkojnok.com
Courtney Fairchild
COMPASS
REALTOR® | DRE 02182091
courtney.fairchild@compass.com
m: 510.833.9516
6211 La Salle Ave., Oakland, CA 94611
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Fruit and Veggies Delivered to You
Neighbors Michael Gregor and Miranda Jones have partnered with Frog Hollow Farm to organize a pick-up site for an organic Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) in Maxwell Park. Pick-ups are on Wednesdays on Modesto Avenue. The subscription offers fruit boxes, veggie boxes and a variety of items from the Frog Hollow store including Rancho Gordo beans, Community Grains pasta and more. This is a great opportunity to keep a steady supply of organic, local fruit and vegetables in your home throughout the growing season. In the summer, CSA boxes feature mulberries, apricots, cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches, and pluots at the peak of their harvest seasons.
By subscribing you will enjoy amazing local produce, as well as 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.froghollowcsa.com, follow the steps to join, and select Oakland-Maxwell Park as your pick-up site. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Michael or Miranda.
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What would you like to see?
Any suggestions for the newsletter? Would you like to contribute? We want it to be a helpful resource for building community and keeping you informed of what’s happening in Maxwell Park. Community involvement can build a better quality of life for us all. Please email 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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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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