San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper Edition 3

Interview with Councilmember Fife continued from Page 1 What are you doing to make sure that everyone feels heard and accepted?

Well, I try to give people my cell phone number so they can call me directly because email is terrible. I hate email. I have five different email addresses and a lot of times people don’t necessarily want to work on solutions. They want to just vent and talk about what’s wrong, especially the people who were not necessarily happy that I was elected. I understand. Everybody didn’t vote for me, but I try to address the issues that everybody cares about. But that said, I just try to have one on one conversations with folks when they have issues that they really want to talk about solutions for. And then I also try to have lots of town halls, lots of opportunities where people can get in touch with me and engage with me around the issues of their personal communities and the things that they care about.

But I believe everybody, no matter what position they hold, if they are not happy that I’m their elected official or what, I don’t need people to like me or even like what I stand for, but I want people to feel heard, and I want their issues to be. I want them to understand that we don’t have to agree but we can still have civil conversation. Right

St. Mary’s Preschool

Interview with Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool

by Keith Arivnwine On August 29, Keith Arivnwine of the San Pablo Avenue Community News Team interviewed Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What do you do here at St. Mary’s Preschool, and what are your duties?

I am the Director. As Director, I am in charge of all administrative duties and also just basically running the school, making sure kids are getting what they need, enrolling kids. I also run the food service program which we offer breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day, Monday-Friday for the kids when they’re here, and I oversee a staff of between 3-6 people.

now in America, people are finding that we can’t even talk to each other. And things are becoming so polarized. People don’t even want to hear what someone has to say if they have any kind of disagreement.

I’m the exact opposite. I actually like talking to people when we have opposing views, I think those are some of the richest conversations, because those are some of the times where I come up with really good ideas. I think it’s important to listen to people who have different perspectives from you.

San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team members meeting with Councilmember Carroll Fife on Zoom.

Get in touch with Councilmember Fife’s office!

Email: cfife@oaklandca.gov and district3@oaklandca.gov Phone: 510-238-7003 Constituent Contact: Briana Brown, brbrown@oaklandca.gov

What do you feel about the safety of our community?

Safety is a holistic concept that people don’t necessarily talk about when we talk about community safety. Oftentimes we are talking about our freedom from being impacted by crime, but I think safety is much bigger than that. I think safety is a lot bigger than, you know, having your car stolen, which happened to me this year, or your home broken into. I think safety is being able to have access to health care. Being able to afford housing, being able to have access to a good public education that’s free, affordable childcare. Safety is knowing that if you have some issues or challenges with mental health, you have access to the resources to be able to address those challenges, to be able to afford prescriptions if necessary. If you’re a senior, to not have to worry about where you’re going to live.

Having access to fresh and healthy food.

All of those things are safety to me. But when we’re talking about safety right now, in this public discourse, we’re primarily talking about crime and who’s being impacted by crime, but I think as someone who’s formally in it, if folks would have listened to me years ago, then we wouldn’t be in a position where so many people were committing crimes, because I think the capital C crime the big crime happens when those safety needs are not met.

So what does it look like as far as enrolling a kid here at this time?

Right now we have about 15 slots open because we graduated our largest class last year which was 21 students. We had 3 returning students. But I have about 15 slots to fill ages 3-5 and I’m hoping to fill that before the end of the year.

What does it look like on a normal day here once a parent drops their kid off and picks them up, in between that time what goes on?

In between that time the kids have a curriculum. The teachers have a curriculum that they teach the children on a daily basis and encourage their socio-emotional, their physical, their cognitive, and their small and large motor functions. And we are playmates, so everything is done, they learn through play.

Continued from Page 4 What has been the reaction of students to the improvements?

Some kids actually were like, not happy about it because it feels too different. They came back and were like, ‘this isn’t my school.’ I wasn’t anticipating that. I kept telling them, ‘don’t worry, in a week you won’t even remember what the old school looked like.’ And it’s true, right? But they love it, especially those spinners. The hit of the school is spinning. And to be honest, we haven’t had any fights this year. You know what, they all have something to do. Before, with such a small play structure and just a blacktop, we were always trying to get them to [find activities to play]. And now, it’s just been so much joy and kids are focused.

They’re out there having a good time. They have something to do now. And some of our kids who have autism, the spinning is really helpful for them, which we didn’t realize. So they’ll spin for a few minutes. It grounds their body.

Design Corner Everyone gets a say in co-creating the future.

by Julia Grinkrug Members of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team participated in the launching of a community-led research towards Oakland’s Litter Management Reform. The event took place at Third Eye Soul Kitchen and was organized by Oakland Allied Knowledge (OAK) for Climate Action, a community-academy partnership for equity driven climate justice.

In recent years, the unchecked buildup of municipal waste in Oakland has reached alarming levels, causing widespread harm to the physical and emotional well-being of its residents. This issue has had a particularly harsh impact on communities of color, disproportionately affecting those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, youth, and unhoused neighbors.

What can we DO to get more trash off the streets, out of the creeks and put it where it belongs? How can we improve Litter Management?

Above: From left: David Peters, WOCAN & San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper, Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. Below: The new play structure and outdoor classroom at Hoover School, mural panels, and cafeteria at Hoover School.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine St. Mary’s Preschool from San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

The persistent disparities in trash management that Oakland residents face daily constitute a pressing environmental justice issue that demands systemic solutions. O.A.K. for Climate Action is committed to empowering residents to collect accurate data regarding trash issues in their communities, with the goal of advocating for more efficient and equitable urban policies and operations.

From top to bottom: Image 1. Mana Siti, Julia Grinkrug, Sister CC, Chris Moreno and Keith Arivnwine in front of the Third Eye Soul Kitchen. Images 2 and 3. Workshop participants are engaging in community mapping and visioning activities.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

Join us in formulating an ACTION PLAN to tidy up Oakland’s precious public spaces.

We invite residents and community members to join our collective as local researchers to work together towards a meaningful waste management reform.

Now Enrolling Children Ages 3-5!

Enroll today!

stmaryscenter.org/preschool

Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

What are the ages for the kids to come here?

Ages 3-5.

And what are the qualifications for a parent to enroll their child here?

A parent can either be working, looking for work, looking for housing, incapacitated, or in some kind of training or education program.

The learning environment at St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Unfold this page of the newspaper for a poster feature!

OAKLAND JUNETEENTH & LOCAL VENDORS 12

1

11

2

Newspaper Partners Include:

在線閱讀中文文章!

¡Lea artículos en español en línea!

Artistic Team Keith Arivnwine, Photographer Outreach Team Chef Fel, Holistic Health & Wellness Sister CC, Community Outreach Specialist Practitioner/Holistic Medicine Fellow and Licensed Peer Counselor James Lockett, Mental Health Specialist Annette Miller, Outreach Manager and and Theory Orator Community Member David Peters, Writer | WOCAN Tyra Rhodes, Community Outreach Craig Richardson, Community Sports Specialist, Licensed Peer Specialist, Writer Certified Leadership Cindi Sharp, Writer/Photo Journalist

Councilmember Carroll Fife with San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper’s Community Outreach Specialist, Tyra Rhodes. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine Design Team Leyla Dualeh, Graphic Designer Julia Grinkrug, Academic Partner Raine Robichaud, Graphic Designer Jesse Williams, Lead Graphic Designer

NEWSPAPER TEAM

Contact rrobichaud@ebaldc.org or call/text 510-519-8985 to contribute your ideas to the newspaper! We look forward to hearing from you!

Get involved!

The San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team after a meeting at Third Eye Soul Kitchen.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

One thing that I would like to share with the community is that we’re definitely experiencing some crises. They’re not new What is one thing you would like to share with the community in the newspaper?

Fill out this survey: bit.ly/newspaper_input_sparc

Let me start with what I think is beautiful about the community. And that’s our resiliency.

There’s something about people of color and really Black folks, and the folks who’ve been able to stay in the city that I think is amazing. And then you know, people coming together even for this newspaper. I think it is a testament to community, to resiliency, to relationships. And I think that’s amazing.

I also feel like we’re experiencing late stage capitalism, where everything is falling apart.

So what I would like to see different in the community is just an understanding of the factors that are contributing to the decline in society right now that are not just happening in Oakland, but around the world. So connecting Oakland to the rest of the world, and figuring out local solutions to address those things, I think is really important, literally for our survival.

Share your feedback with us!!

What do you want to see in the next newspaper?

My grandmother had this huge room downstairs where she canned, so she canned peaches and stews and like, everything. She said ‘we had our own gardens, we grew our own food, we shared with each other and we prayed together and that’s how we got through some of the toughest times,’ and I think it’s similar now. We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.

We just got to go back and bring those lessons up and live by them because there are a lot of forces trying to keep us apart and try to keep us fighting with each other. And if we fall prey to that, then we will most definitely, definitely perish. And I hate to sound hyperbolic or you know, extra, but that’s what we’re dealing with right now.

Continued on page 2

Above: Lloyd Canamore with one of his dogs. Below: Canamore standing outside of his beloved Warriors Home in West Oakland. Photos by: Keith Arivnwine “I’ve known Lloyd for a quite a time. He was a good friend, he passed through to hang out.

He also liked the Warriors. He actually painted his old house. He had a lot of friends. He’s been around for more than 10 years or better, he was great.” -Kasandra Ateway “I love my brother and I’m going to miss him.”

- Calvin Grey more to me, he was more to the community, he was more to everybody. He was known as the Warrior Man, known as my uncle, I will miss him dearly.” - Brandin L. Murphy

“We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how “Lloyd was my uncle and I miss him. He wasn’t just a normal person, right? He was to thrive.” -Councilmember Carroll Fife Councilmember Carroll Fife at a Community Town Hall at St. Mary’s Center on September 16.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

His love of the Warriors team was a lifelong passion for Mr. Canamore and we at the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper will miss him very much. Please enjoy photos and tributes to Lloyd Canamore. May he rest in peace.

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Lloyd Canamore passed away from this world to his place in the spiritual world. Mr. Canamore had recently lost his beloved Warriors home and moved to a safe modern home in North Oakland.

What would you like to see improved in the community?

On September 13, Tyra Rhodes of the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper interviewed Councilmember Carroll Fife.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by Tyra Rhodes

Interview with Council member Carroll Fife

because at different points throughout history, you know, people have experienced really, really challenging times, so it’s not new, but it feels different to people right now for some reason. And I would like them to know, I would like the community to know, that the stronger we are, and the closer we are together, the more able we’ll be able to get through these times. I remember when I was younger, I asked my grandmother how our family got through the Great Depression, you know, she was from Mississippi. And she was like, ‘I don’t even know what that was. We always just helped each other.’

He was the most visible fan the Warriors had.

He loved that team so much he had his house painted in commemorative blue and goldWarrior colors.

by Cindi Sharp

Remembering Lloyd Canamore

Interview with Councilmember Fife continued from Page 1 What are you doing to make sure that everyone feels heard and accepted?

Well, I try to give people my cell phone number so they can call me directly because email is terrible. I hate email. I have five different email addresses and a lot of times people don’t necessarily want to work on solutions. They want to just vent and talk about what’s wrong, especially the people who were not necessarily happy that I was elected. I understand. Everybody didn’t vote for me, but I try to address the issues that everybody cares about. But that said, I just try to have one on one conversations with folks when they have issues that they really want to talk about solutions for. And then I also try to have lots of town halls, lots of opportunities where people can get in touch with me and engage with me around the issues of their personal communities and the things that they care about.

now in America, people are finding that we can’t even talk to each other. And things are becoming so polarized. People don’t even want to hear what someone has to say if they have any kind of disagreement.

I’m the exact opposite. I actually like talking to people when we have opposing views, I think those are some of the richest conversations, because those are some of the times where I come up with really good ideas. I think it’s important to listen to people who have different perspectives from you.

San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team members meeting with Councilmember Carroll Fife on Zoom.

But I believe everybody, no matter what position they hold, if they are not happy that I’m their elected official or what, I don’t need people to like me or even like what I stand for, but I want people to feel heard, and I want their issues to be. I want them to understand that we don’t have to agree but we can still have civil conversation. Right

Get in touch with Councilmember Fife’s office!

St. Mary’s Preschool

So what does it look like as far as enrolling a kid here at this time?

Right now we have about 15 slots open because we graduated our largest class last year which was 21 students. We had 3 returning students. But I have about 15 slots to fill ages 3-5 and I’m hoping to fill that before the end of the year.

Interview with Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool

by Keith Arivnwine On August 29, Keith Arivnwine of the San Pablo Avenue Community News Team interviewed Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What do you do here at St. Mary’s Preschool, and what are your duties?

I am the Director. As Director, I am in charge of all administrative duties and also just basically running the school, making sure kids are getting what they need, enrolling kids. I also run the food service program which we offer breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day, Monday-Friday for the kids when they’re here, and I oversee a staff of between 3-6 people.

Email: cfife@oaklandca.gov and district3@oaklandca.gov Phone: 510-238-7003 Constituent Contact: Briana Brown, brbrown@oaklandca.gov

What does it look like on a normal day here once a parent drops their kid off and picks them up, in between that time what goes on?

In between that time the kids have a curriculum. The teachers have a curriculum that they teach the children on a daily basis and encourage their socio-emotional, their physical, their cognitive, and their small and large motor functions. And we are playmates, so everything is done, they learn through play.

Safety is a holistic concept that people don’t necessarily talk about when we talk about community safety. Oftentimes we are talking about our freedom from being impacted by crime, but I think safety is much bigger than that. I think safety is a lot bigger than, you know, having your car stolen, which happened to me this year, or your home broken into. I think safety is being able to have access to health care. Being able to afford housing, being able to have access to a good public education that’s free, affordable childcare. Safety is knowing that if you have some issues or challenges with mental health, you have access to the resources to be able to address those challenges, to be able to afford prescriptions if necessary. If you’re a senior, to not have to worry about where you’re going to live.

Having access to fresh and healthy food.

All of those things are safety to me. But when we’re talking about safety right now, in this public discourse, we’re primarily talking about crime and who’s being impacted by crime, but I think as someone who’s formally in it, if folks would have listened to me years ago, then we wouldn’t be in a position where so many people were committing crimes, because I think the capital C crime the big crime happens when those safety needs are not met.

Continued from Page 4 What has been the reaction of students to the improvements?

Some kids actually were like, not happy about it because it feels too different. They came back and were like, ‘this isn’t my school.’ I wasn’t anticipating that. I kept telling them, ‘don’t worry, in a week you won’t even remember what the old school looked like.’ And it’s true, right? But they love it, especially those spinners. The hit of the school is spinning. And to be honest, we haven’t had any fights this year. You know what, they all have something to do. Before, with such a small play structure and just a blacktop, we were always trying to get them to [find activities to play]. And now, it’s just been so much joy and kids are focused.

They’re out there having a good time. They have something to do now. And some of our kids who have autism, the spinning is really helpful for them, which we didn’t realize. So they’ll spin for a few minutes. It grounds their body.

Design Corner Everyone gets a say in co-creating the future.

by Julia Grinkrug Members of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team participated in the launching of a community-led research towards Oakland’s Litter Management Reform. The event took place at Third Eye Soul Kitchen and was organized by Oakland Allied Knowledge (OAK) for Climate Action, a community-academy partnership for equity driven climate justice.

In recent years, the unchecked buildup of municipal waste in Oakland has reached alarming levels, causing widespread harm to the physical and emotional well-being of its residents. This issue has had a particularly harsh impact on communities of color, disproportionately affecting those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, youth, and unhoused neighbors.

What can we DO to get more trash off the streets, out of the creeks and put it where it belongs? How can we improve Litter Management?

Above: From left: David Peters, WOCAN & San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper, Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. Below: The new play structure and outdoor classroom at Hoover School, mural panels, and cafeteria at Hoover School.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine St. Mary’s Preschool from San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

The persistent disparities in trash management that Oakland residents face daily constitute a pressing environmental justice issue that demands systemic solutions. O.A.K. for Climate Action is committed to empowering residents to collect accurate data regarding trash issues in their communities, with the goal of advocating for more efficient and equitable urban policies and operations.

From top to bottom: Image 1. Mana Siti, Julia Grinkrug, Sister CC, Chris Moreno and Keith Arivnwine in front of the Third Eye Soul Kitchen. Images 2 and 3. Workshop participants are engaging in community mapping and visioning activities.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

Join us in formulating an ACTION PLAN to tidy up Oakland’s precious public spaces.

We invite residents and community members to join our collective as local researchers to work together towards a meaningful waste management reform.

Now Enrolling Children Ages 3-5!

Enroll today!

stmaryscenter.org/preschool

Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

What are the ages for the kids to come here?

Ages 3-5.

And what are the qualifications for a parent to enroll their child here?

A parent can either be working, looking for work, looking for housing, incapacitated, or in some kind of training or education program.

What do you feel about the safety of our community?

The learning environment at St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Unfold this page of the newspaper for a poster feature!

OAKLAND JUNETEENTH & LOCAL VENDORS

2

11

1

12 Newspaper Partners Include:

在線閱讀中文文章!

¡Lea artículos en español en línea!

Outreach Team Sister CC, Community Outreach Specialist and Licensed Peer Counselor Annette Miller, Outreach Manager and Community Member Tyra Rhodes, Community Outreach Specialist, Licensed Peer Specialist, Certified Leadership

NEWSPAPER TEAM

Artistic Team Keith Arivnwine, Photographer Chef Fel, Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner/Holistic Medicine Fellow James Lockett, Mental Health Specialist and Theory Orator David Peters, Writer | WOCAN Craig Richardson, Community Sports Writer Cindi Sharp, Writer/Photo Journalist

Contact rrobichaud@ebaldc.org or call/text 510-519-8985 to contribute your ideas to the newspaper! We look forward to hearing from you!

Get involved!

Fill out this survey: bit.ly/newspaper_input_sparc Share your feedback with us!!

What do you want to see in the next newspaper?

Councilmember Carroll Fife with San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper’s Community Outreach Specialist, Tyra Rhodes. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine Design Team Leyla Dualeh, Graphic Designer Julia Grinkrug, Academic Partner Raine Robichaud, Graphic Designer Jesse Williams, Lead Graphic Designer The San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team after a meeting at Third Eye Soul Kitchen.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

One thing that I would like to share with the community is that we’re definitely experiencing some crises. They’re not new What is one thing you would like to share with the community in the newspaper?

Let me start with what I think is beautiful about the community. And that’s our resiliency.

There’s something about people of color and really Black folks, and the folks who’ve been able to stay in the city that I think is amazing. And then you know, people coming together even for this newspaper. I think it is a testament to community, to resiliency, to relationships. And I think that’s amazing.

I also feel like we’re experiencing late stage capitalism, where everything is falling apart.

So what I would like to see different in the community is just an understanding of the factors that are contributing to the decline in society right now that are not just happening in Oakland, but around the world. So connecting Oakland to the rest of the world, and figuring out local solutions to address those things, I think is really important, literally for our survival.

My grandmother had this huge room downstairs where she canned, so she canned peaches and stews and like, everything. She said ‘we had our own gardens, we grew our own food, we shared with each other and we prayed together and that’s how we got through some of the toughest times,’ and I think it’s similar now. We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.

We just got to go back and bring those lessons up and live by them because there are a lot of forces trying to keep us apart and try to keep us fighting with each other. And if we fall prey to that, then we will most definitely, definitely perish. And I hate to sound hyperbolic or you know, extra, but that’s what we’re dealing with right now.

Continued on page 2

“We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.” -Councilmember Carroll Fife

by Tyra Rhodes

Interview with Council member Carroll Fife

“I’ve known Lloyd for a quite a time. He was a good friend, he passed through to hang out.

He also liked the Warriors. He actually painted his old house. He had a lot of friends. He’s been around for more than 10 years or better, he was great.” -Kasandra Ateway “I love my brother and I’m going to miss him.”

- Calvin Grey “Lloyd was my uncle and I miss him. He wasn’t just a normal person, right? He was more to me, he was more to the community, he was more to everybody. He was known as the Warrior Man, known as my uncle, I will miss him dearly.” - Brandin L. Murphy

His love of the Warriors team was a lifelong passion for Mr. Canamore and we at the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper will miss him very much. Please enjoy photos and tributes to Lloyd Canamore. May he rest in Councilmember Carroll Fife at a peace.

Community Town Hall at St. Mary’s Center on September 16.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Lloyd Canamore passed away from this world to his place in the spiritual world. Mr. Canamore had recently lost his beloved Warriors home and moved to a safe modern home in North Oakland.

What would you like to see improved in the community?

On September 13, Tyra Rhodes of the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper interviewed Councilmember Carroll Fife.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Above: Lloyd Canamore with one of his dogs. Below: Canamore standing outside of his beloved Warriors Home in West Oakland. Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

because at different points throughout history, you know, people have experienced really, really challenging times, so it’s not new, but it feels different to people right now for some reason. And I would like them to know, I would like the community to know, that the stronger we are, and the closer we are together, the more able we’ll be able to get through these times. I remember when I was younger, I asked my grandmother how our family got through the Great Depression, you know, she was from Mississippi. And she was like, ‘I don’t even know what that was. We always just helped each other.’

He was the most visible fan the Warriors had.

He loved that team so much he had his house painted in commemorative blue and goldWarrior colors.

by Cindi Sharp

Remembering Lloyd Canamore

Library Update

Elizabeth and Isaac Flood

by David Peters

First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Photo by: David Peters

by The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study Team

As one of the first African American families to settle in Oakland, the Floods made their presence felt immediately with a series of firsts. In 1857, Elizabeth turned their home into Oakland’s first private school for Black children. That same year, the couple’s first son together, George, was the first Black baby born in Oakland. The next year, in 1858, the Floods helped establish Oakland’s first Black church—the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. When the church moved into a former schoolhouse, Elizabeth taught classes there, too.

at the age of 39. But her loving husband picked up the baton, later serving as secretary on the Education Committee of the Colored Citizens of California. Crucially, in 1871, he successfully petitioned the Oakland School Board to admit children of color based on the passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. Finally, in 1880, integrated schools became California law.

The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study team is continuing to work diligently to gather the vision of the West Oakland community to build the best possible library branch in the Hoover neighborhood. This time we are making a special effort to hear from our youth!

In 1866, Elizabeth’s fight for better schools began to pay off. The following year, Elizabeth’s campaign for equal education came to a tragic halt when she died suddenly

Center for ArtEsteem

by Munirah Harris The Center for ArtEsteem (a division of Attitudinal Healing Connection/AHC) was founded in 1989 with the mission to empower individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity, and education, and to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities. With the establishment of the ArtEsteem program in 1995, AHC began providing arts education and integration to Bay Area schools. Over 34 years, AHC has grown into an anchor institution where community members can engage in the arts as a method for empowerment, self-discovery, and healing.

Learn more neighborhood history!

Sign up for the Black Literation Walking Tour!

Students participate in a professional process as they submit their work, describe it, and sell it to the public. They receive half the proceeds from the sale of their pieces, along with information about opening savings accounts, saving for college, and financial responsibility.

The other half cycles back into ArtEsteem’s programs, providing opportunities for creative expression to future students.

Above and left: Community members and youth artists enjoy the art at the ArtEsteem Exhibition in May 2023.

Photos by: Center for ArtEsteem

Find out more about Center for ArtEsteem! www.ahc-oakland.org Contact: info@ahc-oakland.org

We have planned a series of workshops to capture the vision of young visitors to the library. The workshops will be led by Jeremiah Tolbert of Tolbert Design Architects (https://www.tolbertdesignarchitects.com/ people) and focus on a variety of age ranges.

ECAP has Moved!

Update on ECAP

by Tyra Rhodes Since moving locations, ECAP has not only had recurring individuals visiting the food bank located now at 2628 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, they have also gained new individuals and their families. They have also attracted new volunteers as well to assist them. ECAP serves approximately 300+ individuals and families daily. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to receive food that is available at their site. No one is turned away and there is no charge to obtain any food.

Janiah Coleman Oakland Legacy Project 9th Grade

For the past 25 years, ArtEsteem classes have culminated in an annual ArtEsteem Exhibition. ArtEsteem students bare their souls through visual, digital, and cultural arts practices that use the Attitudinal Healing principles as a framework for processing the stressors in their lives. The honesty and bravery of their self-expression is presented to their families, friends, and the AHC community, giving them a platform to share profound artwork and stories that reflect their unique perspective of our world, its issues, and its bright points.

Youth Library Workshops!

Flowers Are My Nature (2023) Ink on paper “I made this piece because flowers remind me of nature. I chose the color blue because it makes the print pop out. In this print are flowers, worms, roots, compost, food for worms, a ladybug, and different types of lines for the background.

I carved this out using my memories of my younger years in our school garden. We are surrounded by nature. There are flowers everywhere and for my flowers equal nature.

After seeing my piece, I want people to remember how much detail was put into it.

Flowers are my nature.”

ECAP obtains food donations from grocery stores around the Bay Area. Alameda County Food Bank is their main contributor of donated food. ECAP encourages anyone who is willing, excited, and ready to volunteer their free time of 2 hours or all day any day of the week they’re available.

It will be a process where you can apply to volunteer. Sign up here: https://www. ecapprogram.com/volunteer-sign-up.

The Friends of the Hoover Durant Public Library Team share books and information at Hoover RAC’s Community Healing Block Party. From left: John L. Williams, Charles Jordan, Ernest Johnson. Center: Alternier Cook.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Sign up for workshops and updates here! bit.ly/hoover_library_ updates In the words of Bobby Miller, a volunteer at ECAP: “A volunteer is someone who wants to do service – that is, to help the community and not someone who’s got an ulterior motive or something of that nature, but someone who would like to see to the public service…and that level of sincerity works well for us and the people.”

New location 2634 San Pablo Ave

by James Lockett The Artists Retreat & Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff was a wonderful outing for the Bay Area. It included everything from jumpers and face painting for everybody, especially children, to modeling and fashion show for Bay Area up and coming stars. Giving the Bay a SAFE FUN EVENT! Hosted by the magnificent “Chef Barbie,” and the never-to-be discounted MC “B-Twice,” gave us a wonderful Saturday.

Everything was excellent, from the Oyster competition, that was won by “ZO,” to beautiful models that would make “Vegas” step up its game, to the first singer who would give you the mindset of “Billie Holiday.”

The TOWN needs more of this kind of entertainment, gun and drama free.

Thanks to “Chi-town” and his hook-ups, the Bay is moving-on-up. Check out the participant speak out!!!

“I’m a full-time volunteer and my reward at the end of the day is knowing that some families got some food so that they can have some dinner this evening, and had they not gone to ECAP, they may not have been able to have dinner that evening. Knowing that some people can get help…I feel good about what ECAP has been able to provide.”

Bobby Miller outside of ECAP’s new location at 2634 San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Hours of Operation: Old location

Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff

• Food Distribution: Mon-Sat, 12pm-4pm • Donation Drop Off: 7 days a week, 8am-5:30pm • USDA Distribution: 3rd Saturday of the month 12pm-3pm

Stewy’s Coupon We at the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper love Stewy’s Food Truck! Find Stewy’s outside of Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Tuesdays-Fridays from 11am-4pm and outside of Third Eye Soul Kitchen on Friday evenings from 5-8pm or later if there is an event.

Learn more about ECAP! www.ecapprogram.com

Learn more!

Follow Stewy’s online

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4 Chef Fel is the CEO of nonprofit “Taking A H Stand, Inc.” All donations are welcome, Greetings San Pablo Community. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Chef Fel aka Fecilia Williams (Mellion). Additionally, my presence in the East Bay Community spans more than 25 years; doing activities such as outreach, homeless count, distributing food and holiday bags, and distributing personal hygiene items. My education, training and awareness of clean eating to preserve our health and wellness has been a focal point of mine.

Moreover, the focal point is that we as a collective can have clean eating whether we have potential chronic conditions or not. Food and nutrition is the platform I have always focused on in the community.

In addition, my career in healthcare spans 30 plus years, Education 25 years, and food service 25 years. As re-entering back into the community collective, there will be more activities, scheduled workshops virtually on food and nutrition and we as a collective can optimize our health and wellness from a holistic approach through food and nutrition.

Look forward to virtual cooking demos, virtual workshops on topics the collective selects, free monthly prizes, and much more. In the next newspaper edition, we will introduce Chef David, my grandson.

He will assist with recipes, cooking demos that are kid friendly, clean and healthy for you.

On August 30, David Peters of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team spoke with Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by David Peters

Hoover School Upgrades

Support Holistic Health!

A flyer from OISC courtesy of San Pablo Ave Community News Team.

-James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC

We will have an update by Jan. 2024 on the next 3 departments that will be next to begin services. Moreover, we have Holistic Healing & Counseling Services & Products (Crystals, Candles, Bath Salts), (Chakra Workshops & 101 Sessions) Chakra Kits. In addition, we have Mom Rose Kountry Kitchen offering California Food Handlers Certification valid for years for $15.99; The schedule for Holiday Catering will open Oct. 18, 2023. The Holiday Menu will be on IG @momarose11 by Oct. 17, 2023.

Health and Wellness with Chef Fel Can you tell us a little bit about Hoover School and its history?

Donate on Cashapp $FamBiz3

donation information will be below. The nonprofit was brought into reality for those who desire to be a better version of themselves. The nonprofit currently offers holistic health trainings and hopes to expand into Education, Job Training, Job Placement, Re Entry Programs, Food, Nutrition, Day Centers, Book Publishing, Counseling, Medical Clinics, Transitional Housing, Holistic Healing. We are committed to assisting the collective to improving their overall health and wellness through services. We have Cashapp available for donations $FamBiz3.

by Chef Fel The school has been here a long time. I know way back when it first opened, it was a Junior High [that had] a lot of white families. And then eventually, the neighborhood changed and it became a Black neighborhood school.

It was a school for Black families, and had a lot of Black teachers. And more recently, the neighborhood has been changing, the school demographics have been changing, and a lot more immigrant [families are] coming in.

And so as a school, it’s been really hard for the staff that has been here for a long time, for the families that have been here a long time, in terms of feeling like the culture and the identity of the school was changing, a lot of the things that were traditions shifted, as we’re trying to be inclusive to the different

OISC/Howie the Harp Center, WE LOVE YOU and your legacy and memories you left for us, by us and with us WILL NEVER LEAVE US!

So actually before the district invested, we had gotten a grant from Project Color Corps and they did the fence along the kindergarten

The new play structure and schoolyard at Hoover School.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

There’s been a massive investment

by Oakland Unified School District in improving the school. Can you describe to us what’s been done and what’s remaining to do? demographics of students. We’ve been trying to figure out how to make families feel welcome without shutting other families out – making people feel like this is still their community school, even as it’s changing.

And mak[ing] sure that we build a community where we’re all here together, we all feel like this is our community.

-Lissette Averhoff, Hoover School Principal

“It’s just been so much joy and kids are focused. They’re out there having a good time. “ New paint and schoolyard at Hoover Elementary School. Mural by Josh Powell through the Project Color Corps Grant.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

“The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California.” bit.ly/newspaper_input _sparc Share your event in the next edition of the newspaper!

James Lockett: The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California. We gave [individuals with mental health issues] the opportunity to come back as a productive member of society. OISC was the main center to take care of the African American population. I worked in some of the best shelters in San Francisco, and I watched some of my clients come from the shelter in San Francisco to come over here for daytime services. When OISC was shut down, it caused great disturbance and disruption in the mental health society.

Interviewer: If you are so and still passionate about this Center for diagnosed mental challenged homeless individuals, what did it do for our still suffering society?

Continued on Page 11 where they painted that mural. And then [Project Color Corps] did the mural on the back that says “Hoover.” And then the district came and said, ‘we’re going to paint the school.’ And then when the district folks came, I had to get approval and it was like a big deal. Everybody came down and we had put swatches on that wall and we had the families vote on the colors they liked. So they invested in the painting and then the cafeteria got an upgrade and paint job. We were supposed to get a new schoolyard through Kaboom, and they didn’t come through, but then this year, they were like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna invest in the school’ and Eat.Learn.Play paid for it.

And so [Kaboom] did the school yard for us.

We got the play structure, the multisport court and the outdoor classroom area, which I love.

And then the sides of the building were full of stinging nettle and had old boxes. So they pulled all that out and put new boxes in with plants and mulch and a little seating area for kids.

OISC was located at 1825 San Pablo Ave. The Center was founded in 1986 and closed in 2010. At that time, it was the only client-ran organization that was open from 9-5 in Oakland. The Center and community around it had a lasting impact on the mental health movement, and its legacy still lives on today.

Excerpt of a conversation between James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC and San Pablo Ave Community News Team

Legacy of Oakland Independent Support Center (OISC)

Center for ArtEsteem

by Munirah Harris The Center for ArtEsteem (a division of Attitudinal Healing Connection/AHC) was founded in 1989 with the mission to empower individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity, and education, and to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities. With the establishment of the ArtEsteem program in 1995, AHC began providing arts education and integration to Bay Area schools. Over 34 years, AHC has grown into an anchor institution where community members can engage in the arts as a method for empowerment, self-discovery, and healing.

Elizabeth and Isaac Flood

Library Update

Youth Library Workshops!

The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study team is continuing to work diligently to gather the vision of the West Oakland community to build the best possible library branch in the Hoover neighborhood. This time we are making a special effort to hear from our youth!

at the age of 39. But her loving husband picked up the baton, later serving as secretary on the Education Committee of the Colored Citizens of California. Crucially, in 1871, he successfully petitioned the Oakland School Board to admit children of color based on the passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. Finally, in 1880, integrated schools became California law.

As one of the first African American families to settle in Oakland, the Floods made their presence felt immediately with a series of firsts. In 1857, Elizabeth turned their home into Oakland’s first private school for Black children. That same year, the couple’s first son together, George, was the first Black baby born in Oakland. The next year, in 1858, the Floods helped establish Oakland’s first Black church—the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. When the church moved into a former schoolhouse, Elizabeth taught classes there, too.

by The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study Team

First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Photo by: David Peters

by David Peters

In 1866, Elizabeth’s fight for better schools began to pay off. The following year, Elizabeth’s campaign for equal education came to a tragic halt when she died suddenly

Learn more neighborhood history!

Sign up for the Black Literation Walking Tour!

Students participate in a professional process as they submit their work, describe it, and sell it to the public. They receive half the proceeds from the sale of their pieces, along with information about opening savings accounts, saving for college, and financial responsibility.

The other half cycles back into ArtEsteem’s programs, providing opportunities for creative expression to future students.

Above and left: Community members and youth artists enjoy the art at the ArtEsteem Exhibition in May 2023.

Photos by: Center for ArtEsteem

Find out more about Center for ArtEsteem! www.ahc-oakland.org Contact: info@ahc-oakland.org

We have planned a series of workshops to capture the vision of young visitors to the library. The workshops will be led by Jeremiah Tolbert of Tolbert Design Architects (https://www.tolbertdesignarchitects.com/ people) and focus on a variety of age ranges.

ECAP has Moved!

Update on ECAP

by Tyra Rhodes Since moving locations, ECAP has not only had recurring individuals visiting the food bank located now at 2628 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, they have also gained new individuals and their families. They have also attracted new volunteers as well to assist them. ECAP serves approximately 300+ individuals and families daily. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to receive food that is available at their site. No one is turned away and there is no charge to obtain any food.

Janiah Coleman Oakland Legacy Project 9th Grade

For the past 25 years, ArtEsteem classes have culminated in an annual ArtEsteem Exhibition. ArtEsteem students bare their souls through visual, digital, and cultural arts practices that use the Attitudinal Healing principles as a framework for processing the stressors in their lives. The honesty and bravery of their self-expression is presented to their families, friends, and the AHC community, giving them a platform to share profound artwork and stories that reflect their unique perspective of our world, its issues, and its bright points.

Flowers Are My Nature (2023) Ink on paper

ECAP obtains food donations from grocery stores around the Bay Area. Alameda County Food Bank is their main contributor of donated food. ECAP encourages anyone who is willing, excited, and ready to volunteer their free time of 2 hours or all day any day of the week they’re available.

It will be a process where you can apply to volunteer. Sign up here: https://www. ecapprogram.com/volunteer-sign-up.

The Friends of the Hoover Durant Public Library Team share books and information at Hoover RAC’s Community Healing Block Party. From left: John L. Williams, Charles Jordan, Ernest Johnson. Center: Alternier Cook.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Sign up for workshops and updates here! bit.ly/hoover_library_ updates In the words of Bobby Miller, a volunteer at ECAP: “A volunteer is someone who wants to do service – that is, to help the community and not someone who’s got an ulterior motive or something of that nature, but someone who would like to see to the public service…and that level of sincerity works well for us and the people.”

New location 2634 San Pablo Ave

Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff

by James Lockett The Artists Retreat & Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff was a wonderful outing for the Bay Area. It included everything from jumpers and face painting for everybody, especially children, to modeling and fashion show for Bay Area up and coming stars. Giving the Bay a SAFE FUN EVENT! Hosted by the magnificent “Chef Barbie,” and the never-to-be discounted MC “B-Twice,” gave us a wonderful Saturday.

Everything was excellent, from the Oyster competition, that was won by “ZO,” to beautiful models that would make “Vegas” step up its game, to the first singer who would give you the mindset of “Billie Holiday.”

The TOWN needs more of this kind of entertainment, gun and drama free.

Thanks to “Chi-town” and his hook-ups, the Bay is moving-on-up. Check out the participant speak out!!!

“I’m a full-time volunteer and my reward at the end of the day is knowing that some families got some food so that they can have some dinner this evening, and had they not gone to ECAP, they may not have been able to have dinner that evening. Knowing that some people can get help…I feel good about what ECAP has been able to provide.”

Bobby Miller outside of ECAP’s new location at 2634 San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Hours of Operation: Old location

“I made this piece because flowers remind me of nature. I chose the color blue because it makes the print pop out. In this print are flowers, worms, roots, compost, food for worms, a ladybug, and different types of lines for the background.

I carved this out using my memories of my younger years in our school garden. We are surrounded by nature. There are flowers everywhere and for my flowers equal nature.

After seeing my piece, I want people to remember how much detail was put into it.

Flowers are my nature.”

• Food Distribution: Mon-Sat, 12pm-4pm • Donation Drop Off: 7 days a week, 8am-5:30pm • USDA Distribution: 3rd Saturday of the month 12pm-3pm

Stewy’s Coupon We at the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper love Stewy’s Food Truck! Find Stewy’s outside of Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Tuesdays-Fridays from 11am-4pm and outside of Third Eye Soul Kitchen on Friday evenings from 5-8pm or later if there is an event.

Learn more about ECAP! www.ecapprogram.com

Learn more!

Follow Stewy’s online

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Chef Fel is the CEO of nonprofit “Taking A H Stand, Inc.” All donations are welcome, Greetings San Pablo Community. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Chef Fel aka Fecilia Williams (Mellion). Additionally, my presence in the East Bay Community spans more than 25 years; doing activities such as outreach, homeless count, distributing food and holiday bags, and distributing personal hygiene items. My education, training and awareness of clean eating to preserve our health and wellness has been a focal point of mine.

Moreover, the focal point is that we as a collective can have clean eating whether we have potential chronic conditions or not. Food and nutrition is the platform I have always focused on in the community.

In addition, my career in healthcare spans 30 plus years, Education 25 years, and food service 25 years. As re-entering back into the community collective, there will be more activities, scheduled workshops virtually on food and nutrition and we as a collective can optimize our health and wellness from a holistic approach through food and nutrition.

Look forward to virtual cooking demos, virtual workshops on topics the collective selects, free monthly prizes, and much more. In the next newspaper edition, we will introduce Chef David, my grandson.

He will assist with recipes, cooking demos that are kid friendly, clean and healthy for you.

OISC/Howie the Harp Center, WE LOVE YOU and your legacy and memories you left for us, by us and with us WILL NEVER LEAVE US!

Donate on Cashapp $FamBiz3

Support Holistic Health!

A flyer from OISC courtesy of San Pablo Ave Community News Team.

donation information will be below. The nonprofit was brought into reality for those who desire to be a better version of themselves. The nonprofit currently offers holistic health trainings and hopes to expand into Education, Job Training, Job Placement, Re Entry Programs, Food, Nutrition, Day Centers, Book Publishing, Counseling, Medical Clinics, Transitional Housing, Holistic Healing. We are committed to assisting the collective to improving their overall health and wellness through services. We have Cashapp available for donations $FamBiz3.

-James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC

“The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California.”

We will have an update by Jan. 2024 on the next 3 departments that will be next to begin services. Moreover, we have Holistic Healing & Counseling Services & Products (Crystals, Candles, Bath Salts), (Chakra Workshops & 101 Sessions) Chakra Kits. In addition, we have Mom Rose Kountry Kitchen offering California Food Handlers Certification valid for years for $15.99; The schedule for Holiday Catering will open Oct. 18, 2023. The Holiday Menu will be on IG @momarose11 by Oct. 17, 2023.

by Chef Fel

Health and Wellness with Chef Fel The school has been here a long time. I know way back when it first opened, it was a Junior High [that had] a lot of white families. And then eventually, the neighborhood changed and it became a Black neighborhood school.

It was a school for Black families, and had a lot of Black teachers. And more recently, the neighborhood has been changing, the school demographics have been changing, and a lot more immigrant [families are] coming in.

And so as a school, it’s been really hard for the staff that has been here for a long time, for the families that have been here a long time, in terms of feeling like the culture and the identity of the school was changing, a lot of the things that were traditions shifted, as we’re trying to be inclusive to the different Can you tell us a little bit about Hoover School and its history?

On August 30, David Peters of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team spoke with Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by David Peters

Hoover School Upgrades

So actually before the district invested, we had gotten a grant from Project Color Corps and they did the fence along the kindergarten

bit.ly/newspaper_input _sparc Share your event in the next edition of the newspaper!

The new play structure and schoolyard at Hoover School.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

There’s been a massive investment

by Oakland Unified School District in improving the school. Can you describe to us what’s been done and what’s remaining to do? demographics of students. We’ve been trying to figure out how to make families feel welcome without shutting other families out – making people feel like this is still their community school, even as it’s changing.

And mak[ing] sure that we build a community where we’re all here together, we all feel like this is our community.

-Lissette Averhoff, Hoover School Principal

“It’s just been so much joy and kids are focused. They’re out there having a good time. “ New paint and schoolyard at Hoover Elementary School. Mural by Josh Powell through the Project Color Corps Grant.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

James Lockett: The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California. We gave [individuals with mental health issues] the opportunity to come back as a productive member of society. OISC was the main center to take care of the African American population. I worked in some of the best shelters in San Francisco, and I watched some of my clients come from the shelter in San Francisco to come over here for daytime services. When OISC was shut down, it caused great disturbance and disruption in the mental health society.

Interviewer: If you are so and still passionate about this Center for diagnosed mental challenged homeless individuals, what did it do for our still suffering society?

OISC was located at 1825 San Pablo Ave. The Center was founded in 1986 and closed in 2010. At that time, it was the only client-ran organization that was open from 9-5 in Oakland. The Center and community around it had a lasting impact on the mental health movement, and its legacy still lives on today.

Continued on Page 11 where they painted that mural. And then [Project Color Corps] did the mural on the back that says “Hoover.” And then the district came and said, ‘we’re going to paint the school.’ And then when the district folks came, I had to get approval and it was like a big deal. Everybody came down and we had put swatches on that wall and we had the families vote on the colors they liked. So they invested in the painting and then the cafeteria got an upgrade and paint job. We were supposed to get a new schoolyard through Kaboom, and they didn’t come through, but then this year, they were like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna invest in the school’ and Eat.Learn.Play paid for it.

And so [Kaboom] did the school yard for us.

We got the play structure, the multisport court and the outdoor classroom area, which I love.

And then the sides of the building were full of stinging nettle and had old boxes. So they pulled all that out and put new boxes in with plants and mulch and a little seating area for kids.

Excerpt of a conversation between James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC and San Pablo Ave Community News Team

Legacy of Oakland Independent Support Center (OISC)

What do neighbors t h ink?

Asking neighbors about homelessness in the community

by Keith Arivnwine and Ray Kidd We decided to ask the community about homelessness because I’ve experienced homelessness and I was concerned about about what solutions the city has to handle the situation. If nothing else I wanted to be a voice for the homeless. We chose these two interview questions because we wanted to see how people would react to the same question and to get a variety of different answers so we can have maybe a new solution to help with the situation. Hopefully by reading the variety of answers, readers can see some of their own questions answered by one of the participants. We hope to give the readers a seat at the table and inspire more advocacy with this piece.

I feel like they’re not handling it because I don’t see any progress or anything happening. It seems like it’s getting larger, it’s becoming more of a problem. [I think the city should] figure out how it went from a small amount of homeless to the amount that it has now. I don’t know, perhaps housing, some type of subsidized housing or something for them. Outside of that, I’m not sure on the solution. But definitely recognize it’s a problem.

Two questions: How do you think the City of Oakland is doing in terms of its homelessness issue?

How do you think the City could improve?

Photo not Available

The city is overwhelmed at this point in time. There’s so many issues, budget constraints, that they aren’t doing a proper job at this point in time. Well, at St. Mary’s, we are doing as much as we can and I think everybody needs to do as much as they can. We are reaching out to the homeless with our homeless services, we distribute hygiene packages, socks, dry socks, emergency supplies, to the homeless and I think everybody could do a little bit more.

Beverly Hop, St. Mary’s Center

Kamani Harper

I don’t think it’s handling it well as far as the money I’ve heard is supposed to be spent on certain clean ups and certain programs. I don’t feel like it’s been divvied out properly, so I feel like it’s lacking a lot in that department. [The City should] have people overseeing these programs.They’ve set up RV parks and stuff and people are supposed to be getting certain resources. Those aren’t happening. So just to make sure someone oversees and make sure those things are getting to those people.

They’re not handling it at all. I don’t think they’re doing as much as they could. I think possibly helping people get off the street, helping them find housing, whether it be a community place, I mean as long as they can get off the street.

Photo not Available

Cynthia Elaine Allen

Ajda Latimer

Some of the areas have much improved especially the ones where they’ve got the little houses and stuff and where they’ve got them in the gated places where they can put their mobile homes and stuff and keep clean better. Those are the type that we [ECAP] go to.

Sometimes we might see somebody still outside and if we can, we assist them too.

That’s a tough question. I think everyone could do more to improve the homeless situation.

I think Oakland could do more. But I think ultimately it’s more, things outside of the homeless situation that are creating the homeless situation, like getting more job access and I don’t know, more education on drug use and things like that. Also just making housing affordable is a big issue since it’s really expensive to live in the Bay Area.

Nellie Hannon, ECAP

Anne Reardon

Honestly, I don’t think they’re doing very well. I think it’s one of the worst places I have seen in this country as far as how…I’ve been homeless, I’ve seen a lot of that and I’m very mindful of it because I used to live that life. And so traveling around Oakland, I still see it, it really breaks my heart. And the most...well…obviously, you’re going to have to shelter a lot of homeless, so you’re going to have to build an apartment... And also I want to just mention that a lot of percentage of homeless need mental health, k? And that’s something we don’t have.

[The City should be] a little more incentivized about doing something about it, instead of just, you know, saying something just to pass the buck, I don’t know. I don’t think they’re doing, really, anything about it and they are too lenient about the homeless situation in terms of where people can stay, they can stay outside your business, they can camp on your doorstep, and that’s fine. You know, there’s nothing that can be done about it. That hurts a lot of businesses and I don’t think they should be as lenient with that.

Photo not Available

Anonymous

Tomás Santos, St. Mary’s Center

I feel like the city could always be doing more. I feel like a lot of what I’ve seen of people actually doing things and helping people hasn’t necessarily come from the city government but more from smaller organizations like St. Mary’s Center, where people actually get to go on the street and talk to people, and have those relationships.

The first thing is talking to these slumlords that have these abandoned buildings, that’s first and foremost. Get something in order with them to where if you’re not going to open the property then we have to at least fine them for not giving this property a chance and access to people, because this area may be keystone to actually starting other things. And by you allowing the property steady, to lie abandoned and run down, it’s not giving anybody a chance to actually progress in life.

Rio Flores, St. Mary’s Center

Jason Russell, St. Mary’s Center

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bit.ly/ousd_center_ survey

Take the survey!

Map of The Center site and features. Map by: BASE Landscape The Center recognizes the importance of the connection to the West Oakland neighborhood; more than 10 years ago, West Oakland neighbors were part of the construction committee for The Center.

Now, The Center wants to again invite West Oakland neighbors to provide feedback about this expanded space in their community!

OUSD’s The Center (located at 2850 West Street) is the hub of the district-wide school food program that connects nutrition, education, and community programs at OUSD’s schools, kitchens, and gardens.

Since the beginning of 2023, OUSD, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and BASE Landscape Architecture have been working to improve and expand The Center’s landscape for a fully functioning farm, community garden, nature play area and interpretive trail.

by OUSD Staff

The Center Durant Elementary School then closed due to seismic safety issues – we had to go to Clawson Elementary School. The school was turned into Marcus Foster School in 1970. Dr. Marcus Albert Foster (1923 1973) was the first Black Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District. On November 6, 1973, Dr. Foster was murdered by the Symbionese Liberation Army which mistakenly believed he supported student ID cards and police in schools.

Durant Elementary School was located on 28th near Grove Street (now) MLK Jr. Way. It opened at a different site in August 1875 with 400 students and 8 teachers, and moved in 1915. It was going to be called 28th Street School but there was a protest by Mr. Rowell and it was named after Rev. Henry Durant, Head of the Oakland College on 12th Street which grew to become the University of California.

by Annette Miller

Durant Elementary School History

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

by Tyra Rhodes

Inspirational Words 675 29th Street, Oakland • M-F: 10am-7pm • Sa-Sun: 10am-6pm

I’m still homeless out here, my family won’t let me talk, they don’t wanna hear me speak, do u all know how it feels not having hot water on my body week after week? somebody help me.

Durant Mini Park Hours Above: Plaque dedicated to those lost in the community, located in Durant Mini Park. Below: Mural in Durant Mini Park by artists JAMM the Artist and Daniel Panko. Photos by: Annette Miller In 2017, Marcus Foster School was torn down and made into a Central Kitchen (aka The Center - see below article for more info), where all food for Oakland Unified School District schools is made.

When Durant School closed and then they built Marcus Foster School, they built Durant Mini Park. Durant Mini Park was remodeled in 2013 to what it is now. I actually got a grant from the city and I used it to put a mural in the back of the mini park and I got a plaque dedicated to a lot of lost in the community around 29th Street.

by Sister CC

Help Me What may be ur Needs? What can we help you with? Don’t let ur talents and skills linger around then drift. coronavirus, whooping cough, wasnt that enough to get our attention? Show up at our next mtg, we wanna see if u have an invention

by Sister CC

Effective Communications We Love U Tina Gone too soon A Queen, with all The means, She Left a Legendary Mark, in all our Hearts.

by Sister CC

Tina Turner

What do neighbors think?

Asking neighbors about homelessness in the community

by Keith Arivnwine and Ray Kidd We decided to ask the community about homelessness because I’ve experienced homelessness and I was concerned about about what solutions the city has to handle the situation. If nothing else I wanted to be a voice for the homeless. We chose these two interview questions because we wanted to see how people would react to the same question and to get a variety of different answers so we can have maybe a new solution to help with the situation. Hopefully by reading the variety of answers, readers can see some of their own questions answered by one of the participants. We hope to give the readers a seat at the table and inspire more advocacy with this piece.

I feel like they’re not handling it because I don’t see any progress or anything happening. It seems like it’s getting larger, it’s becoming more of a problem. [I think the city should] figure out how it went from a small amount of homeless to the amount that it has now. I don’t know, perhaps housing, some type of subsidized housing or something for them. Outside of that, I’m not sure on the solution. But definitely recognize it’s a problem.

Two questions: How do you think the City of Oakland is doing in terms of its homelessness issue?

How do you think the City could improve?

Photo not Available

The city is overwhelmed at this point in time. There’s so many issues, budget constraints, that they aren’t doing a proper job at this point in time. Well, at St. Mary’s, we are doing as much as we can and I think everybody needs to do as much as they can. We are reaching out to the homeless with our homeless services, we distribute hygiene packages, socks, dry socks, emergency supplies, to the homeless and I think everybody could do a little bit more.

Beverly Hop, St. Mary’s Center

Kamani Harper

I don’t think it’s handling it well as far as the money I’ve heard is supposed to be spent on certain clean ups and certain programs. I don’t feel like it’s been divvied out properly, so I feel like it’s lacking a lot in that department. [The City should] have people overseeing these programs.They’ve set up RV parks and stuff and people are supposed to be getting certain resources. Those aren’t happening. So just to make sure someone oversees and make sure those things are getting to those people.

They’re not handling it at all. I don’t think they’re doing as much as they could. I think possibly helping people get off the street, helping them find housing, whether it be a community place, I mean as long as they can get off the street.

Photo not Available

Cynthia Elaine Allen

Ajda Latimer

Some of the areas have much improved especially the ones where they’ve got the little houses and stuff and where they’ve got them in the gated places where they can put their mobile homes and stuff and keep clean better. Those are the type that we [ECAP] go to.

Sometimes we might see somebody still outside and if we can, we assist them too.

Nellie Hannon, ECAP

That’s a tough question. I think everyone could do more to improve the homeless situation.

I think Oakland could do more. But I think ultimately it’s more, things outside of the homeless situation that are creating the homeless situation, like getting more job access and I don’t know, more education on drug use and things like that. Also just making housing affordable is a big issue since it’s really expensive to live in the Bay Area.

Anne Reardon

Honestly, I don’t think they’re doing very well. I think it’s one of the worst places I have seen in this country as far as how…I’ve been homeless, I’ve seen a lot of that and I’m very mindful of it because I used to live that life. And so traveling around Oakland, I still see it, it really breaks my heart. And the most...well…obviously, you’re going to have to shelter a lot of homeless, so you’re going to have to build an apartment... And also I want to just mention that a lot of percentage of homeless need mental health, k? And that’s something we don’t have.

[The City should be] a little more incentivized about doing something about it, instead of just, you know, saying something just to pass the buck, I don’t know. I don’t think they’re doing, really, anything about it and they are too lenient about the homeless situation in terms of where people can stay, they can stay outside your business, they can camp on your doorstep, and that’s fine. You know, there’s nothing that can be done about it. That hurts a lot of businesses and I don’t think they should be as lenient with that.

Photo not Available

Anonymous

Tomás Santos, St. Mary’s Center

I feel like the city could always be doing more. I feel like a lot of what I’ve seen of people actually doing things and helping people hasn’t necessarily come from the city government but more from smaller organizations like St. Mary’s Center, where people actually get to go on the street and talk to people, and have those relationships.

Rio Flores, St. Mary’s Center

The first thing is talking to these slumlords that have these abandoned buildings, that’s first and foremost. Get something in order with them to where if you’re not going to open the property then we have to at least fine them for not giving this property a chance and access to people, because this area may be keystone to actually starting other things. And by you allowing the property steady, to lie abandoned and run down, it’s not giving anybody a chance to actually progress in life.

Jason Russell, St. Mary’s Center

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Take the survey!

Map of The Center site and features. Map by: BASE Landscape The Center recognizes the importance of the connection to the West Oakland neighborhood; more than 10 years ago, West Oakland neighbors were part of the construction committee for The Center.

Now, The Center wants to again invite West Oakland neighbors to provide feedback about this expanded space in their community!

OUSD’s The Center (located at 2850 West Street) is the hub of the district-wide school food program that connects nutrition, education, and community programs at OUSD’s schools, kitchens, and gardens.

Since the beginning of 2023, OUSD, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and BASE Landscape Architecture have been working to improve and expand The Center’s landscape for a fully functioning farm, community garden, nature play area and interpretive trail.

by OUSD Staff

The Center Durant Elementary School then closed due to seismic safety issues – we had to go to Clawson Elementary School. The school was turned into Marcus Foster School in 1970. Dr. Marcus Albert Foster (1923 1973) was the first Black Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District. On November 6, 1973, Dr. Foster was murdered by the Symbionese Liberation Army which mistakenly believed he supported student ID cards and police in schools.

Durant Elementary School was located on 28th near Grove Street (now) MLK Jr. Way. It opened at a different site in August 1875 with 400 students and 8 teachers, and moved in 1915. It was going to be called 28th Street School but there was a protest by Mr. Rowell and it was named after Rev. Henry Durant, Head of the Oakland College on 12th Street which grew to become the University of California.

by Annette Miller

Durant Elementary School History

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

by Tyra Rhodes

Inspirational Words 675 29th Street, Oakland • M-F: 10am-7pm • Sa-Sun: 10am-6pm Durant Mini Park Hours Above: Plaque dedicated to those lost in the community, located in Durant Mini Park. Below: Mural in Durant Mini Park by artists JAMM the Artist and Daniel Panko. Photos by: Annette Miller In 2017, Marcus Foster School was torn down and made into a Central Kitchen (aka The Center - see below article for more info), where all food for Oakland Unified School District schools is made.

When Durant School closed and then they built Marcus Foster School, they built Durant Mini Park. Durant Mini Park was remodeled in 2013 to what it is now. I actually got a grant from the city and I used it to put a mural in the back of the mini park and I got a plaque dedicated to a lot of lost in the community around 29th Street.

I’m still homeless out here, my family won’t let me talk, they don’t wanna hear me speak, do u all know how it feels not having hot water on my body week after week? somebody help me.

by Sister CC

Help Me What may be ur Needs? What can we help you with? Don’t let ur talents and skills linger around then drift. coronavirus, whooping cough, wasnt that enough to get our attention? Show up at our next mtg, we wanna see if u have an invention

by Sister CC

Effective Communications We Love U Tina Gone too soon A Queen, with all The means, She Left a Legendary Mark, in all our Hearts.

by Sister CC

Tina Turner

What do neighbors t h ink?

Asking neighbors about homelessness in the community

by Keith Arivnwine and Ray Kidd We decided to ask the community about homelessness because I’ve experienced homelessness and I was concerned about about what solutions the city has to handle the situation. If nothing else I wanted to be a voice for the homeless. We chose these two interview questions because we wanted to see how people would react to the same question and to get a variety of different answers so we can have maybe a new solution to help with the situation. Hopefully by reading the variety of answers, readers can see some of their own questions answered by one of the participants. We hope to give the readers a seat at the table and inspire more advocacy with this piece.

I feel like they’re not handling it because I don’t see any progress or anything happening. It seems like it’s getting larger, it’s becoming more of a problem. [I think the city should] figure out how it went from a small amount of homeless to the amount that it has now. I don’t know, perhaps housing, some type of subsidized housing or something for them. Outside of that, I’m not sure on the solution. But definitely recognize it’s a problem.

Two questions: How do you think the City of Oakland is doing in terms of its homelessness issue?

How do you think the City could improve?

Photo not Available

The city is overwhelmed at this point in time. There’s so many issues, budget constraints, that they aren’t doing a proper job at this point in time. Well, at St. Mary’s, we are doing as much as we can and I think everybody needs to do as much as they can. We are reaching out to the homeless with our homeless services, we distribute hygiene packages, socks, dry socks, emergency supplies, to the homeless and I think everybody could do a little bit more.

Beverly Hop, St. Mary’s Center

Kamani Harper

I don’t think it’s handling it well as far as the money I’ve heard is supposed to be spent on certain clean ups and certain programs. I don’t feel like it’s been divvied out properly, so I feel like it’s lacking a lot in that department. [The City should] have people overseeing these programs.They’ve set up RV parks and stuff and people are supposed to be getting certain resources. Those aren’t happening. So just to make sure someone oversees and make sure those things are getting to those people.

They’re not handling it at all. I don’t think they’re doing as much as they could. I think possibly helping people get off the street, helping them find housing, whether it be a community place, I mean as long as they can get off the street.

Photo not Available

Cynthia Elaine Allen

Ajda Latimer

Some of the areas have much improved especially the ones where they’ve got the little houses and stuff and where they’ve got them in the gated places where they can put their mobile homes and stuff and keep clean better. Those are the type that we [ECAP] go to.

Sometimes we might see somebody still outside and if we can, we assist them too.

That’s a tough question. I think everyone could do more to improve the homeless situation.

I think Oakland could do more. But I think ultimately it’s more, things outside of the homeless situation that are creating the homeless situation, like getting more job access and I don’t know, more education on drug use and things like that. Also just making housing affordable is a big issue since it’s really expensive to live in the Bay Area.

Nellie Hannon, ECAP

Anne Reardon

Honestly, I don’t think they’re doing very well. I think it’s one of the worst places I have seen in this country as far as how…I’ve been homeless, I’ve seen a lot of that and I’m very mindful of it because I used to live that life. And so traveling around Oakland, I still see it, it really breaks my heart. And the most...well…obviously, you’re going to have to shelter a lot of homeless, so you’re going to have to build an apartment... And also I want to just mention that a lot of percentage of homeless need mental health, k? And that’s something we don’t have.

[The City should be] a little more incentivized about doing something about it, instead of just, you know, saying something just to pass the buck, I don’t know. I don’t think they’re doing, really, anything about it and they are too lenient about the homeless situation in terms of where people can stay, they can stay outside your business, they can camp on your doorstep, and that’s fine. You know, there’s nothing that can be done about it. That hurts a lot of businesses and I don’t think they should be as lenient with that.

Photo not Available

Anonymous

Tomás Santos, St. Mary’s Center

I feel like the city could always be doing more. I feel like a lot of what I’ve seen of people actually doing things and helping people hasn’t necessarily come from the city government but more from smaller organizations like St. Mary’s Center, where people actually get to go on the street and talk to people, and have those relationships.

The first thing is talking to these slumlords that have these abandoned buildings, that’s first and foremost. Get something in order with them to where if you’re not going to open the property then we have to at least fine them for not giving this property a chance and access to people, because this area may be keystone to actually starting other things. And by you allowing the property steady, to lie abandoned and run down, it’s not giving anybody a chance to actually progress in life.

Rio Flores, St. Mary’s Center

Jason Russell, St. Mary’s Center

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bit.ly/ousd_center_ survey

Take the survey!

Map of The Center site and features. Map by: BASE Landscape The Center recognizes the importance of the connection to the West Oakland neighborhood; more than 10 years ago, West Oakland neighbors were part of the construction committee for The Center.

Now, The Center wants to again invite West Oakland neighbors to provide feedback about this expanded space in their community!

OUSD’s The Center (located at 2850 West Street) is the hub of the district-wide school food program that connects nutrition, education, and community programs at OUSD’s schools, kitchens, and gardens.

Since the beginning of 2023, OUSD, The Trust for Public Land (TPL) and BASE Landscape Architecture have been working to improve and expand The Center’s landscape for a fully functioning farm, community garden, nature play area and interpretive trail.

by OUSD Staff

The Center Durant Elementary School then closed due to seismic safety issues – we had to go to Clawson Elementary School. The school was turned into Marcus Foster School in 1970. Dr. Marcus Albert Foster (1923 1973) was the first Black Superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District. On November 6, 1973, Dr. Foster was murdered by the Symbionese Liberation Army which mistakenly believed he supported student ID cards and police in schools.

Durant Elementary School was located on 28th near Grove Street (now) MLK Jr. Way. It opened at a different site in August 1875 with 400 students and 8 teachers, and moved in 1915. It was going to be called 28th Street School but there was a protest by Mr. Rowell and it was named after Rev. Henry Durant, Head of the Oakland College on 12th Street which grew to become the University of California.

by Annette Miller

Durant Elementary School History

Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you.

Psalm 46:5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.

Nehemiah 8:10 Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

by Tyra Rhodes

Inspirational Words 675 29th Street, Oakland • M-F: 10am-7pm • Sa-Sun: 10am-6pm

I’m still homeless out here, my family won’t let me talk, they don’t wanna hear me speak, do u all know how it feels not having hot water on my body week after week? somebody help me.

Durant Mini Park Hours Above: Plaque dedicated to those lost in the community, located in Durant Mini Park. Below: Mural in Durant Mini Park by artists JAMM the Artist and Daniel Panko. Photos by: Annette Miller In 2017, Marcus Foster School was torn down and made into a Central Kitchen (aka The Center - see below article for more info), where all food for Oakland Unified School District schools is made.

When Durant School closed and then they built Marcus Foster School, they built Durant Mini Park. Durant Mini Park was remodeled in 2013 to what it is now. I actually got a grant from the city and I used it to put a mural in the back of the mini park and I got a plaque dedicated to a lot of lost in the community around 29th Street.

by Sister CC

Help Me What may be ur Needs? What can we help you with? Don’t let ur talents and skills linger around then drift. coronavirus, whooping cough, wasnt that enough to get our attention? Show up at our next mtg, we wanna see if u have an invention

by Sister CC

Effective Communications We Love U Tina Gone too soon A Queen, with all The means, She Left a Legendary Mark, in all our Hearts.

by Sister CC

Tina Turner

Center for ArtEsteem

by Munirah Harris The Center for ArtEsteem (a division of Attitudinal Healing Connection/AHC) was founded in 1989 with the mission to empower individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity, and education, and to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities. With the establishment of the ArtEsteem program in 1995, AHC began providing arts education and integration to Bay Area schools. Over 34 years, AHC has grown into an anchor institution where community members can engage in the arts as a method for empowerment, self-discovery, and healing.

Elizabeth and Isaac Flood

Library Update

Youth Library Workshops!

The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study team is continuing to work diligently to gather the vision of the West Oakland community to build the best possible library branch in the Hoover neighborhood. This time we are making a special effort to hear from our youth!

at the age of 39. But her loving husband picked up the baton, later serving as secretary on the Education Committee of the Colored Citizens of California. Crucially, in 1871, he successfully petitioned the Oakland School Board to admit children of color based on the passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. Finally, in 1880, integrated schools became California law.

As one of the first African American families to settle in Oakland, the Floods made their presence felt immediately with a series of firsts. In 1857, Elizabeth turned their home into Oakland’s first private school for Black children. That same year, the couple’s first son together, George, was the first Black baby born in Oakland. The next year, in 1858, the Floods helped establish Oakland’s first Black church—the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. When the church moved into a former schoolhouse, Elizabeth taught classes there, too.

by The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study Team

First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Photo by: David Peters

by David Peters

In 1866, Elizabeth’s fight for better schools began to pay off. The following year, Elizabeth’s campaign for equal education came to a tragic halt when she died suddenly

Learn more neighborhood history!

Sign up for the Black Literation Walking Tour!

Students participate in a professional process as they submit their work, describe it, and sell it to the public. They receive half the proceeds from the sale of their pieces, along with information about opening savings accounts, saving for college, and financial responsibility.

The other half cycles back into ArtEsteem’s programs, providing opportunities for creative expression to future students.

Above and left: Community members and youth artists enjoy the art at the ArtEsteem Exhibition in May 2023.

Photos by: Center for ArtEsteem

Find out more about Center for ArtEsteem! www.ahc-oakland.org Contact: info@ahc-oakland.org

We have planned a series of workshops to capture the vision of young visitors to the library. The workshops will be led by Jeremiah Tolbert of Tolbert Design Architects (https://www.tolbertdesignarchitects.com/ people) and focus on a variety of age ranges.

ECAP has Moved!

Update on ECAP

by Tyra Rhodes Since moving locations, ECAP has not only had recurring individuals visiting the food bank located now at 2628 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, they have also gained new individuals and their families. They have also attracted new volunteers as well to assist them. ECAP serves approximately 300+ individuals and families daily. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to receive food that is available at their site. No one is turned away and there is no charge to obtain any food.

Janiah Coleman Oakland Legacy Project 9th Grade

For the past 25 years, ArtEsteem classes have culminated in an annual ArtEsteem Exhibition. ArtEsteem students bare their souls through visual, digital, and cultural arts practices that use the Attitudinal Healing principles as a framework for processing the stressors in their lives. The honesty and bravery of their self-expression is presented to their families, friends, and the AHC community, giving them a platform to share profound artwork and stories that reflect their unique perspective of our world, its issues, and its bright points.

Flowers Are My Nature (2023) Ink on paper

ECAP obtains food donations from grocery stores around the Bay Area. Alameda County Food Bank is their main contributor of donated food. ECAP encourages anyone who is willing, excited, and ready to volunteer their free time of 2 hours or all day any day of the week they’re available.

It will be a process where you can apply to volunteer. Sign up here: https://www. ecapprogram.com/volunteer-sign-up.

The Friends of the Hoover Durant Public Library Team share books and information at Hoover RAC’s Community Healing Block Party. From left: John L. Williams, Charles Jordan, Ernest Johnson. Center: Alternier Cook.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Sign up for workshops and updates here! bit.ly/hoover_library_ updates In the words of Bobby Miller, a volunteer at ECAP: “A volunteer is someone who wants to do service – that is, to help the community and not someone who’s got an ulterior motive or something of that nature, but someone who would like to see to the public service…and that level of sincerity works well for us and the people.”

New location 2634 San Pablo Ave

Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff

by James Lockett The Artists Retreat & Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff was a wonderful outing for the Bay Area. It included everything from jumpers and face painting for everybody, especially children, to modeling and fashion show for Bay Area up and coming stars. Giving the Bay a SAFE FUN EVENT! Hosted by the magnificent “Chef Barbie,” and the never-to-be discounted MC “B-Twice,” gave us a wonderful Saturday.

Everything was excellent, from the Oyster competition, that was won by “ZO,” to beautiful models that would make “Vegas” step up its game, to the first singer who would give you the mindset of “Billie Holiday.”

The TOWN needs more of this kind of entertainment, gun and drama free.

Thanks to “Chi-town” and his hook-ups, the Bay is moving-on-up. Check out the participant speak out!!!

“I’m a full-time volunteer and my reward at the end of the day is knowing that some families got some food so that they can have some dinner this evening, and had they not gone to ECAP, they may not have been able to have dinner that evening. Knowing that some people can get help…I feel good about what ECAP has been able to provide.”

Bobby Miller outside of ECAP’s new location at 2634 San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Hours of Operation: Old location

“I made this piece because flowers remind me of nature. I chose the color blue because it makes the print pop out. In this print are flowers, worms, roots, compost, food for worms, a ladybug, and different types of lines for the background.

I carved this out using my memories of my younger years in our school garden. We are surrounded by nature. There are flowers everywhere and for my flowers equal nature.

After seeing my piece, I want people to remember how much detail was put into it.

Flowers are my nature.”

• Food Distribution: Mon-Sat, 12pm-4pm • Donation Drop Off: 7 days a week, 8am-5:30pm • USDA Distribution: 3rd Saturday of the month 12pm-3pm

Stewy’s Coupon We at the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper love Stewy’s Food Truck! Find Stewy’s outside of Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Tuesdays-Fridays from 11am-4pm and outside of Third Eye Soul Kitchen on Friday evenings from 5-8pm or later if there is an event.

Learn more about ECAP! www.ecapprogram.com

Learn more!

Follow Stewy’s online

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Chef Fel is the CEO of nonprofit “Taking A H Stand, Inc.” All donations are welcome, Greetings San Pablo Community. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Chef Fel aka Fecilia Williams (Mellion). Additionally, my presence in the East Bay Community spans more than 25 years; doing activities such as outreach, homeless count, distributing food and holiday bags, and distributing personal hygiene items. My education, training and awareness of clean eating to preserve our health and wellness has been a focal point of mine.

Moreover, the focal point is that we as a collective can have clean eating whether we have potential chronic conditions or not. Food and nutrition is the platform I have always focused on in the community.

In addition, my career in healthcare spans 30 plus years, Education 25 years, and food service 25 years. As re-entering back into the community collective, there will be more activities, scheduled workshops virtually on food and nutrition and we as a collective can optimize our health and wellness from a holistic approach through food and nutrition.

Look forward to virtual cooking demos, virtual workshops on topics the collective selects, free monthly prizes, and much more. In the next newspaper edition, we will introduce Chef David, my grandson.

He will assist with recipes, cooking demos that are kid friendly, clean and healthy for you.

OISC/Howie the Harp Center, WE LOVE YOU and your legacy and memories you left for us, by us and with us WILL NEVER LEAVE US!

Donate on Cashapp $FamBiz3

Support Holistic Health!

A flyer from OISC courtesy of San Pablo Ave Community News Team.

donation information will be below. The nonprofit was brought into reality for those who desire to be a better version of themselves. The nonprofit currently offers holistic health trainings and hopes to expand into Education, Job Training, Job Placement, Re Entry Programs, Food, Nutrition, Day Centers, Book Publishing, Counseling, Medical Clinics, Transitional Housing, Holistic Healing. We are committed to assisting the collective to improving their overall health and wellness through services. We have Cashapp available for donations $FamBiz3.

-James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC

“The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California.”

We will have an update by Jan. 2024 on the next 3 departments that will be next to begin services. Moreover, we have Holistic Healing & Counseling Services & Products (Crystals, Candles, Bath Salts), (Chakra Workshops & 101 Sessions) Chakra Kits. In addition, we have Mom Rose Kountry Kitchen offering California Food Handlers Certification valid for years for $15.99; The schedule for Holiday Catering will open Oct. 18, 2023. The Holiday Menu will be on IG @momarose11 by Oct. 17, 2023.

by Chef Fel

Health and Wellness with Chef Fel The school has been here a long time. I know way back when it first opened, it was a Junior High [that had] a lot of white families. And then eventually, the neighborhood changed and it became a Black neighborhood school.

It was a school for Black families, and had a lot of Black teachers. And more recently, the neighborhood has been changing, the school demographics have been changing, and a lot more immigrant [families are] coming in.

And so as a school, it’s been really hard for the staff that has been here for a long time, for the families that have been here a long time, in terms of feeling like the culture and the identity of the school was changing, a lot of the things that were traditions shifted, as we’re trying to be inclusive to the different Can you tell us a little bit about Hoover School and its history?

On August 30, David Peters of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team spoke with Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by David Peters

Hoover School Upgrades

So actually before the district invested, we had gotten a grant from Project Color Corps and they did the fence along the kindergarten

bit.ly/newspaper_input _sparc Share your event in the next edition of the newspaper!

The new play structure and schoolyard at Hoover School.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

There’s been a massive investment

by Oakland Unified School District in improving the school. Can you describe to us what’s been done and what’s remaining to do? demographics of students. We’ve been trying to figure out how to make families feel welcome without shutting other families out – making people feel like this is still their community school, even as it’s changing.

And mak[ing] sure that we build a community where we’re all here together, we all feel like this is our community.

-Lissette Averhoff, Hoover School Principal

“It’s just been so much joy and kids are focused. They’re out there having a good time. “ New paint and schoolyard at Hoover Elementary School. Mural by Josh Powell through the Project Color Corps Grant.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

James Lockett: The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California. We gave [individuals with mental health issues] the opportunity to come back as a productive member of society. OISC was the main center to take care of the African American population. I worked in some of the best shelters in San Francisco, and I watched some of my clients come from the shelter in San Francisco to come over here for daytime services. When OISC was shut down, it caused great disturbance and disruption in the mental health society.

Interviewer: If you are so and still passionate about this Center for diagnosed mental challenged homeless individuals, what did it do for our still suffering society?

OISC was located at 1825 San Pablo Ave. The Center was founded in 1986 and closed in 2010. At that time, it was the only client-ran organization that was open from 9-5 in Oakland. The Center and community around it had a lasting impact on the mental health movement, and its legacy still lives on today.

Continued on Page 11 where they painted that mural. And then [Project Color Corps] did the mural on the back that says “Hoover.” And then the district came and said, ‘we’re going to paint the school.’ And then when the district folks came, I had to get approval and it was like a big deal. Everybody came down and we had put swatches on that wall and we had the families vote on the colors they liked. So they invested in the painting and then the cafeteria got an upgrade and paint job. We were supposed to get a new schoolyard through Kaboom, and they didn’t come through, but then this year, they were like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna invest in the school’ and Eat.Learn.Play paid for it.

And so [Kaboom] did the school yard for us.

We got the play structure, the multisport court and the outdoor classroom area, which I love.

And then the sides of the building were full of stinging nettle and had old boxes. So they pulled all that out and put new boxes in with plants and mulch and a little seating area for kids.

Excerpt of a conversation between James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC and San Pablo Ave Community News Team

Legacy of Oakland Independent Support Center (OISC)

Library Update

Elizabeth and Isaac Flood

by David Peters

First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Photo by: David Peters

by The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study Team

As one of the first African American families to settle in Oakland, the Floods made their presence felt immediately with a series of firsts. In 1857, Elizabeth turned their home into Oakland’s first private school for Black children. That same year, the couple’s first son together, George, was the first Black baby born in Oakland. The next year, in 1858, the Floods helped establish Oakland’s first Black church—the First African Methodist Episcopal Church. When the church moved into a former schoolhouse, Elizabeth taught classes there, too.

at the age of 39. But her loving husband picked up the baton, later serving as secretary on the Education Committee of the Colored Citizens of California. Crucially, in 1871, he successfully petitioned the Oakland School Board to admit children of color based on the passage of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments. Finally, in 1880, integrated schools became California law.

The Hoover Branch Feasibility Study team is continuing to work diligently to gather the vision of the West Oakland community to build the best possible library branch in the Hoover neighborhood. This time we are making a special effort to hear from our youth!

In 1866, Elizabeth’s fight for better schools began to pay off. The following year, Elizabeth’s campaign for equal education came to a tragic halt when she died suddenly

Center for ArtEsteem

by Munirah Harris The Center for ArtEsteem (a division of Attitudinal Healing Connection/AHC) was founded in 1989 with the mission to empower individuals to be self-aware and inspired through art, creativity, and education, and to make positive choices to break the cycle of violence for themselves and their communities. With the establishment of the ArtEsteem program in 1995, AHC began providing arts education and integration to Bay Area schools. Over 34 years, AHC has grown into an anchor institution where community members can engage in the arts as a method for empowerment, self-discovery, and healing.

Learn more neighborhood history!

Sign up for the Black Literation Walking Tour!

Students participate in a professional process as they submit their work, describe it, and sell it to the public. They receive half the proceeds from the sale of their pieces, along with information about opening savings accounts, saving for college, and financial responsibility.

The other half cycles back into ArtEsteem’s programs, providing opportunities for creative expression to future students.

Above and left: Community members and youth artists enjoy the art at the ArtEsteem Exhibition in May 2023.

Photos by: Center for ArtEsteem

Find out more about Center for ArtEsteem! www.ahc-oakland.org Contact: info@ahc-oakland.org

We have planned a series of workshops to capture the vision of young visitors to the library. The workshops will be led by Jeremiah Tolbert of Tolbert Design Architects (https://www.tolbertdesignarchitects.com/ people) and focus on a variety of age ranges.

ECAP has Moved!

Update on ECAP

by Tyra Rhodes Since moving locations, ECAP has not only had recurring individuals visiting the food bank located now at 2628 San Pablo Ave, Oakland, they have also gained new individuals and their families. They have also attracted new volunteers as well to assist them. ECAP serves approximately 300+ individuals and families daily. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to receive food that is available at their site. No one is turned away and there is no charge to obtain any food.

Janiah Coleman Oakland Legacy Project 9th Grade

For the past 25 years, ArtEsteem classes have culminated in an annual ArtEsteem Exhibition. ArtEsteem students bare their souls through visual, digital, and cultural arts practices that use the Attitudinal Healing principles as a framework for processing the stressors in their lives. The honesty and bravery of their self-expression is presented to their families, friends, and the AHC community, giving them a platform to share profound artwork and stories that reflect their unique perspective of our world, its issues, and its bright points.

Youth Library Workshops!

Flowers Are My Nature (2023) Ink on paper “I made this piece because flowers remind me of nature. I chose the color blue because it makes the print pop out. In this print are flowers, worms, roots, compost, food for worms, a ladybug, and different types of lines for the background.

I carved this out using my memories of my younger years in our school garden. We are surrounded by nature. There are flowers everywhere and for my flowers equal nature.

After seeing my piece, I want people to remember how much detail was put into it.

Flowers are my nature.”

ECAP obtains food donations from grocery stores around the Bay Area. Alameda County Food Bank is their main contributor of donated food. ECAP encourages anyone who is willing, excited, and ready to volunteer their free time of 2 hours or all day any day of the week they’re available.

It will be a process where you can apply to volunteer. Sign up here: https://www. ecapprogram.com/volunteer-sign-up.

The Friends of the Hoover Durant Public Library Team share books and information at Hoover RAC’s Community Healing Block Party. From left: John L. Williams, Charles Jordan, Ernest Johnson. Center: Alternier Cook.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Sign up for workshops and updates here! bit.ly/hoover_library_ updates In the words of Bobby Miller, a volunteer at ECAP: “A volunteer is someone who wants to do service – that is, to help the community and not someone who’s got an ulterior motive or something of that nature, but someone who would like to see to the public service…and that level of sincerity works well for us and the people.”

New location 2634 San Pablo Ave

by James Lockett The Artists Retreat & Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff was a wonderful outing for the Bay Area. It included everything from jumpers and face painting for everybody, especially children, to modeling and fashion show for Bay Area up and coming stars. Giving the Bay a SAFE FUN EVENT! Hosted by the magnificent “Chef Barbie,” and the never-to-be discounted MC “B-Twice,” gave us a wonderful Saturday.

Everything was excellent, from the Oyster competition, that was won by “ZO,” to beautiful models that would make “Vegas” step up its game, to the first singer who would give you the mindset of “Billie Holiday.”

The TOWN needs more of this kind of entertainment, gun and drama free.

Thanks to “Chi-town” and his hook-ups, the Bay is moving-on-up. Check out the participant speak out!!!

“I’m a full-time volunteer and my reward at the end of the day is knowing that some families got some food so that they can have some dinner this evening, and had they not gone to ECAP, they may not have been able to have dinner that evening. Knowing that some people can get help…I feel good about what ECAP has been able to provide.”

Bobby Miller outside of ECAP’s new location at 2634 San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Hours of Operation: Old location

Chef Barbie’s Oyster Cookoff

• Food Distribution: Mon-Sat, 12pm-4pm • Donation Drop Off: 7 days a week, 8am-5:30pm • USDA Distribution: 3rd Saturday of the month 12pm-3pm

Stewy’s Coupon We at the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper love Stewy’s Food Truck! Find Stewy’s outside of Kaiser Hospital in Oakland on Tuesdays-Fridays from 11am-4pm and outside of Third Eye Soul Kitchen on Friday evenings from 5-8pm or later if there is an event.

Learn more about ECAP! www.ecapprogram.com

Learn more!

Follow Stewy’s online

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4 Chef Fel is the CEO of nonprofit “Taking A H Stand, Inc.” All donations are welcome, Greetings San Pablo Community. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Chef Fel aka Fecilia Williams (Mellion). Additionally, my presence in the East Bay Community spans more than 25 years; doing activities such as outreach, homeless count, distributing food and holiday bags, and distributing personal hygiene items. My education, training and awareness of clean eating to preserve our health and wellness has been a focal point of mine.

Moreover, the focal point is that we as a collective can have clean eating whether we have potential chronic conditions or not. Food and nutrition is the platform I have always focused on in the community.

In addition, my career in healthcare spans 30 plus years, Education 25 years, and food service 25 years. As re-entering back into the community collective, there will be more activities, scheduled workshops virtually on food and nutrition and we as a collective can optimize our health and wellness from a holistic approach through food and nutrition.

Look forward to virtual cooking demos, virtual workshops on topics the collective selects, free monthly prizes, and much more. In the next newspaper edition, we will introduce Chef David, my grandson.

He will assist with recipes, cooking demos that are kid friendly, clean and healthy for you.

On August 30, David Peters of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team spoke with Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by David Peters

Hoover School Upgrades

Support Holistic Health!

A flyer from OISC courtesy of San Pablo Ave Community News Team.

-James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC

We will have an update by Jan. 2024 on the next 3 departments that will be next to begin services. Moreover, we have Holistic Healing & Counseling Services & Products (Crystals, Candles, Bath Salts), (Chakra Workshops & 101 Sessions) Chakra Kits. In addition, we have Mom Rose Kountry Kitchen offering California Food Handlers Certification valid for years for $15.99; The schedule for Holiday Catering will open Oct. 18, 2023. The Holiday Menu will be on IG @momarose11 by Oct. 17, 2023.

Health and Wellness with Chef Fel Can you tell us a little bit about Hoover School and its history?

Donate on Cashapp $FamBiz3

donation information will be below. The nonprofit was brought into reality for those who desire to be a better version of themselves. The nonprofit currently offers holistic health trainings and hopes to expand into Education, Job Training, Job Placement, Re Entry Programs, Food, Nutrition, Day Centers, Book Publishing, Counseling, Medical Clinics, Transitional Housing, Holistic Healing. We are committed to assisting the collective to improving their overall health and wellness through services. We have Cashapp available for donations $FamBiz3.

by Chef Fel The school has been here a long time. I know way back when it first opened, it was a Junior High [that had] a lot of white families. And then eventually, the neighborhood changed and it became a Black neighborhood school.

It was a school for Black families, and had a lot of Black teachers. And more recently, the neighborhood has been changing, the school demographics have been changing, and a lot more immigrant [families are] coming in.

And so as a school, it’s been really hard for the staff that has been here for a long time, for the families that have been here a long time, in terms of feeling like the culture and the identity of the school was changing, a lot of the things that were traditions shifted, as we’re trying to be inclusive to the different

OISC/Howie the Harp Center, WE LOVE YOU and your legacy and memories you left for us, by us and with us WILL NEVER LEAVE US!

So actually before the district invested, we had gotten a grant from Project Color Corps and they did the fence along the kindergarten

The new play structure and schoolyard at Hoover School.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

There’s been a massive investment

by Oakland Unified School District in improving the school. Can you describe to us what’s been done and what’s remaining to do? demographics of students. We’ve been trying to figure out how to make families feel welcome without shutting other families out – making people feel like this is still their community school, even as it’s changing.

And mak[ing] sure that we build a community where we’re all here together, we all feel like this is our community.

-Lissette Averhoff, Hoover School Principal

“It’s just been so much joy and kids are focused. They’re out there having a good time. “ New paint and schoolyard at Hoover Elementary School. Mural by Josh Powell through the Project Color Corps Grant.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

“The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California.” bit.ly/newspaper_input _sparc Share your event in the next edition of the newspaper!

James Lockett: The Center…we offered counseling, food, housing, employment, and we were the best client-run center in the state of California. We gave [individuals with mental health issues] the opportunity to come back as a productive member of society. OISC was the main center to take care of the African American population. I worked in some of the best shelters in San Francisco, and I watched some of my clients come from the shelter in San Francisco to come over here for daytime services. When OISC was shut down, it caused great disturbance and disruption in the mental health society.

Interviewer: If you are so and still passionate about this Center for diagnosed mental challenged homeless individuals, what did it do for our still suffering society?

Continued on Page 11 where they painted that mural. And then [Project Color Corps] did the mural on the back that says “Hoover.” And then the district came and said, ‘we’re going to paint the school.’ And then when the district folks came, I had to get approval and it was like a big deal. Everybody came down and we had put swatches on that wall and we had the families vote on the colors they liked. So they invested in the painting and then the cafeteria got an upgrade and paint job. We were supposed to get a new schoolyard through Kaboom, and they didn’t come through, but then this year, they were like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna invest in the school’ and Eat.Learn.Play paid for it.

And so [Kaboom] did the school yard for us.

We got the play structure, the multisport court and the outdoor classroom area, which I love.

And then the sides of the building were full of stinging nettle and had old boxes. So they pulled all that out and put new boxes in with plants and mulch and a little seating area for kids.

OISC was located at 1825 San Pablo Ave. The Center was founded in 1986 and closed in 2010. At that time, it was the only client-ran organization that was open from 9-5 in Oakland. The Center and community around it had a lasting impact on the mental health movement, and its legacy still lives on today.

Excerpt of a conversation between James Lockett, Former Executive Director of OISC and San Pablo Ave Community News Team

Legacy of Oakland Independent Support Center (OISC)

Interview with Councilmember Fife continued from Page 1 What are you doing to make sure that everyone feels heard and accepted?

Well, I try to give people my cell phone number so they can call me directly because email is terrible. I hate email. I have five different email addresses and a lot of times people don’t necessarily want to work on solutions. They want to just vent and talk about what’s wrong, especially the people who were not necessarily happy that I was elected. I understand. Everybody didn’t vote for me, but I try to address the issues that everybody cares about. But that said, I just try to have one on one conversations with folks when they have issues that they really want to talk about solutions for. And then I also try to have lots of town halls, lots of opportunities where people can get in touch with me and engage with me around the issues of their personal communities and the things that they care about.

now in America, people are finding that we can’t even talk to each other. And things are becoming so polarized. People don’t even want to hear what someone has to say if they have any kind of disagreement.

I’m the exact opposite. I actually like talking to people when we have opposing views, I think those are some of the richest conversations, because those are some of the times where I come up with really good ideas. I think it’s important to listen to people who have different perspectives from you.

San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team members meeting with Councilmember Carroll Fife on Zoom.

But I believe everybody, no matter what position they hold, if they are not happy that I’m their elected official or what, I don’t need people to like me or even like what I stand for, but I want people to feel heard, and I want their issues to be. I want them to understand that we don’t have to agree but we can still have civil conversation. Right

Get in touch with Councilmember Fife’s office!

St. Mary’s Preschool

So what does it look like as far as enrolling a kid here at this time?

Right now we have about 15 slots open because we graduated our largest class last year which was 21 students. We had 3 returning students. But I have about 15 slots to fill ages 3-5 and I’m hoping to fill that before the end of the year.

Interview with Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool

by Keith Arivnwine On August 29, Keith Arivnwine of the San Pablo Avenue Community News Team interviewed Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What do you do here at St. Mary’s Preschool, and what are your duties?

I am the Director. As Director, I am in charge of all administrative duties and also just basically running the school, making sure kids are getting what they need, enrolling kids. I also run the food service program which we offer breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day, Monday-Friday for the kids when they’re here, and I oversee a staff of between 3-6 people.

Email: cfife@oaklandca.gov and district3@oaklandca.gov Phone: 510-238-7003 Constituent Contact: Briana Brown, brbrown@oaklandca.gov

What does it look like on a normal day here once a parent drops their kid off and picks them up, in between that time what goes on?

In between that time the kids have a curriculum. The teachers have a curriculum that they teach the children on a daily basis and encourage their socio-emotional, their physical, their cognitive, and their small and large motor functions. And we are playmates, so everything is done, they learn through play.

Safety is a holistic concept that people don’t necessarily talk about when we talk about community safety. Oftentimes we are talking about our freedom from being impacted by crime, but I think safety is much bigger than that. I think safety is a lot bigger than, you know, having your car stolen, which happened to me this year, or your home broken into. I think safety is being able to have access to health care. Being able to afford housing, being able to have access to a good public education that’s free, affordable childcare. Safety is knowing that if you have some issues or challenges with mental health, you have access to the resources to be able to address those challenges, to be able to afford prescriptions if necessary. If you’re a senior, to not have to worry about where you’re going to live.

Having access to fresh and healthy food.

All of those things are safety to me. But when we’re talking about safety right now, in this public discourse, we’re primarily talking about crime and who’s being impacted by crime, but I think as someone who’s formally in it, if folks would have listened to me years ago, then we wouldn’t be in a position where so many people were committing crimes, because I think the capital C crime the big crime happens when those safety needs are not met.

Continued from Page 4 What has been the reaction of students to the improvements?

Some kids actually were like, not happy about it because it feels too different. They came back and were like, ‘this isn’t my school.’ I wasn’t anticipating that. I kept telling them, ‘don’t worry, in a week you won’t even remember what the old school looked like.’ And it’s true, right? But they love it, especially those spinners. The hit of the school is spinning. And to be honest, we haven’t had any fights this year. You know what, they all have something to do. Before, with such a small play structure and just a blacktop, we were always trying to get them to [find activities to play]. And now, it’s just been so much joy and kids are focused.

They’re out there having a good time. They have something to do now. And some of our kids who have autism, the spinning is really helpful for them, which we didn’t realize. So they’ll spin for a few minutes. It grounds their body.

Design Corner Everyone gets a say in co-creating the future.

by Julia Grinkrug Members of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team participated in the launching of a community-led research towards Oakland’s Litter Management Reform. The event took place at Third Eye Soul Kitchen and was organized by Oakland Allied Knowledge (OAK) for Climate Action, a community-academy partnership for equity driven climate justice.

In recent years, the unchecked buildup of municipal waste in Oakland has reached alarming levels, causing widespread harm to the physical and emotional well-being of its residents. This issue has had a particularly harsh impact on communities of color, disproportionately affecting those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, youth, and unhoused neighbors.

What can we DO to get more trash off the streets, out of the creeks and put it where it belongs? How can we improve Litter Management?

Above: From left: David Peters, WOCAN & San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper, Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. Below: The new play structure and outdoor classroom at Hoover School, mural panels, and cafeteria at Hoover School.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine St. Mary’s Preschool from San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

The persistent disparities in trash management that Oakland residents face daily constitute a pressing environmental justice issue that demands systemic solutions. O.A.K. for Climate Action is committed to empowering residents to collect accurate data regarding trash issues in their communities, with the goal of advocating for more efficient and equitable urban policies and operations.

From top to bottom: Image 1. Mana Siti, Julia Grinkrug, Sister CC, Chris Moreno and Keith Arivnwine in front of the Third Eye Soul Kitchen. Images 2 and 3. Workshop participants are engaging in community mapping and visioning activities.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

Join us in formulating an ACTION PLAN to tidy up Oakland’s precious public spaces.

We invite residents and community members to join our collective as local researchers to work together towards a meaningful waste management reform.

Now Enrolling Children Ages 3-5!

Enroll today!

stmaryscenter.org/preschool

Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

What are the ages for the kids to come here?

Ages 3-5.

And what are the qualifications for a parent to enroll their child here?

A parent can either be working, looking for work, looking for housing, incapacitated, or in some kind of training or education program.

What do you feel about the safety of our community?

The learning environment at St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Unfold this page of the newspaper for a poster feature!

OAKLAND JUNETEENTH & LOCAL VENDORS

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12 Newspaper Partners Include:

在線閱讀中文文章!

¡Lea artículos en español en línea!

Outreach Team Sister CC, Community Outreach Specialist and Licensed Peer Counselor Annette Miller, Outreach Manager and Community Member Tyra Rhodes, Community Outreach Specialist, Licensed Peer Specialist, Certified Leadership

NEWSPAPER TEAM

Artistic Team Keith Arivnwine, Photographer Chef Fel, Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner/Holistic Medicine Fellow James Lockett, Mental Health Specialist and Theory Orator David Peters, Writer | WOCAN Craig Richardson, Community Sports Writer Cindi Sharp, Writer/Photo Journalist

Contact rrobichaud@ebaldc.org or call/text 510-519-8985 to contribute your ideas to the newspaper! We look forward to hearing from you!

Get involved!

Fill out this survey: bit.ly/newspaper_input_sparc Share your feedback with us!!

What do you want to see in the next newspaper?

Councilmember Carroll Fife with San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper’s Community Outreach Specialist, Tyra Rhodes. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine Design Team Leyla Dualeh, Graphic Designer Julia Grinkrug, Academic Partner Raine Robichaud, Graphic Designer Jesse Williams, Lead Graphic Designer The San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team after a meeting at Third Eye Soul Kitchen.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

One thing that I would like to share with the community is that we’re definitely experiencing some crises. They’re not new What is one thing you would like to share with the community in the newspaper?

Let me start with what I think is beautiful about the community. And that’s our resiliency.

There’s something about people of color and really Black folks, and the folks who’ve been able to stay in the city that I think is amazing. And then you know, people coming together even for this newspaper. I think it is a testament to community, to resiliency, to relationships. And I think that’s amazing.

I also feel like we’re experiencing late stage capitalism, where everything is falling apart.

So what I would like to see different in the community is just an understanding of the factors that are contributing to the decline in society right now that are not just happening in Oakland, but around the world. So connecting Oakland to the rest of the world, and figuring out local solutions to address those things, I think is really important, literally for our survival.

My grandmother had this huge room downstairs where she canned, so she canned peaches and stews and like, everything. She said ‘we had our own gardens, we grew our own food, we shared with each other and we prayed together and that’s how we got through some of the toughest times,’ and I think it’s similar now. We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.

We just got to go back and bring those lessons up and live by them because there are a lot of forces trying to keep us apart and try to keep us fighting with each other. And if we fall prey to that, then we will most definitely, definitely perish. And I hate to sound hyperbolic or you know, extra, but that’s what we’re dealing with right now.

Continued on page 2

“We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.” -Councilmember Carroll Fife

by Tyra Rhodes

Interview with Council member Carroll Fife

“I’ve known Lloyd for a quite a time. He was a good friend, he passed through to hang out.

He also liked the Warriors. He actually painted his old house. He had a lot of friends. He’s been around for more than 10 years or better, he was great.” -Kasandra Ateway “I love my brother and I’m going to miss him.”

- Calvin Grey “Lloyd was my uncle and I miss him. He wasn’t just a normal person, right? He was more to me, he was more to the community, he was more to everybody. He was known as the Warrior Man, known as my uncle, I will miss him dearly.” - Brandin L. Murphy

His love of the Warriors team was a lifelong passion for Mr. Canamore and we at the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper will miss him very much. Please enjoy photos and tributes to Lloyd Canamore. May he rest in Councilmember Carroll Fife at a peace.

Community Town Hall at St. Mary’s Center on September 16.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Lloyd Canamore passed away from this world to his place in the spiritual world. Mr. Canamore had recently lost his beloved Warriors home and moved to a safe modern home in North Oakland.

What would you like to see improved in the community?

On September 13, Tyra Rhodes of the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper interviewed Councilmember Carroll Fife.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Above: Lloyd Canamore with one of his dogs. Below: Canamore standing outside of his beloved Warriors Home in West Oakland. Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

because at different points throughout history, you know, people have experienced really, really challenging times, so it’s not new, but it feels different to people right now for some reason. And I would like them to know, I would like the community to know, that the stronger we are, and the closer we are together, the more able we’ll be able to get through these times. I remember when I was younger, I asked my grandmother how our family got through the Great Depression, you know, she was from Mississippi. And she was like, ‘I don’t even know what that was. We always just helped each other.’

He was the most visible fan the Warriors had.

He loved that team so much he had his house painted in commemorative blue and goldWarrior colors.

by Cindi Sharp

Remembering Lloyd Canamore

Interview with Councilmember Fife continued from Page 1 What are you doing to make sure that everyone feels heard and accepted?

Well, I try to give people my cell phone number so they can call me directly because email is terrible. I hate email. I have five different email addresses and a lot of times people don’t necessarily want to work on solutions. They want to just vent and talk about what’s wrong, especially the people who were not necessarily happy that I was elected. I understand. Everybody didn’t vote for me, but I try to address the issues that everybody cares about. But that said, I just try to have one on one conversations with folks when they have issues that they really want to talk about solutions for. And then I also try to have lots of town halls, lots of opportunities where people can get in touch with me and engage with me around the issues of their personal communities and the things that they care about.

But I believe everybody, no matter what position they hold, if they are not happy that I’m their elected official or what, I don’t need people to like me or even like what I stand for, but I want people to feel heard, and I want their issues to be. I want them to understand that we don’t have to agree but we can still have civil conversation. Right

St. Mary’s Preschool

Interview with Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool

by Keith Arivnwine On August 29, Keith Arivnwine of the San Pablo Avenue Community News Team interviewed Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What do you do here at St. Mary’s Preschool, and what are your duties?

I am the Director. As Director, I am in charge of all administrative duties and also just basically running the school, making sure kids are getting what they need, enrolling kids. I also run the food service program which we offer breakfast, lunch, and a snack for each day, Monday-Friday for the kids when they’re here, and I oversee a staff of between 3-6 people.

now in America, people are finding that we can’t even talk to each other. And things are becoming so polarized. People don’t even want to hear what someone has to say if they have any kind of disagreement.

I’m the exact opposite. I actually like talking to people when we have opposing views, I think those are some of the richest conversations, because those are some of the times where I come up with really good ideas. I think it’s important to listen to people who have different perspectives from you.

San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team members meeting with Councilmember Carroll Fife on Zoom.

Get in touch with Councilmember Fife’s office!

Email: cfife@oaklandca.gov and district3@oaklandca.gov Phone: 510-238-7003 Constituent Contact: Briana Brown, brbrown@oaklandca.gov

What do you feel about the safety of our community?

Safety is a holistic concept that people don’t necessarily talk about when we talk about community safety. Oftentimes we are talking about our freedom from being impacted by crime, but I think safety is much bigger than that. I think safety is a lot bigger than, you know, having your car stolen, which happened to me this year, or your home broken into. I think safety is being able to have access to health care. Being able to afford housing, being able to have access to a good public education that’s free, affordable childcare. Safety is knowing that if you have some issues or challenges with mental health, you have access to the resources to be able to address those challenges, to be able to afford prescriptions if necessary. If you’re a senior, to not have to worry about where you’re going to live.

Having access to fresh and healthy food.

All of those things are safety to me. But when we’re talking about safety right now, in this public discourse, we’re primarily talking about crime and who’s being impacted by crime, but I think as someone who’s formally in it, if folks would have listened to me years ago, then we wouldn’t be in a position where so many people were committing crimes, because I think the capital C crime the big crime happens when those safety needs are not met.

So what does it look like as far as enrolling a kid here at this time?

Right now we have about 15 slots open because we graduated our largest class last year which was 21 students. We had 3 returning students. But I have about 15 slots to fill ages 3-5 and I’m hoping to fill that before the end of the year.

What does it look like on a normal day here once a parent drops their kid off and picks them up, in between that time what goes on?

In between that time the kids have a curriculum. The teachers have a curriculum that they teach the children on a daily basis and encourage their socio-emotional, their physical, their cognitive, and their small and large motor functions. And we are playmates, so everything is done, they learn through play.

Continued from Page 4 What has been the reaction of students to the improvements?

Some kids actually were like, not happy about it because it feels too different. They came back and were like, ‘this isn’t my school.’ I wasn’t anticipating that. I kept telling them, ‘don’t worry, in a week you won’t even remember what the old school looked like.’ And it’s true, right? But they love it, especially those spinners. The hit of the school is spinning. And to be honest, we haven’t had any fights this year. You know what, they all have something to do. Before, with such a small play structure and just a blacktop, we were always trying to get them to [find activities to play]. And now, it’s just been so much joy and kids are focused.

They’re out there having a good time. They have something to do now. And some of our kids who have autism, the spinning is really helpful for them, which we didn’t realize. So they’ll spin for a few minutes. It grounds their body.

Design Corner Everyone gets a say in co-creating the future.

by Julia Grinkrug Members of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper team participated in the launching of a community-led research towards Oakland’s Litter Management Reform. The event took place at Third Eye Soul Kitchen and was organized by Oakland Allied Knowledge (OAK) for Climate Action, a community-academy partnership for equity driven climate justice.

In recent years, the unchecked buildup of municipal waste in Oakland has reached alarming levels, causing widespread harm to the physical and emotional well-being of its residents. This issue has had a particularly harsh impact on communities of color, disproportionately affecting those who are most vulnerable: the elderly, youth, and unhoused neighbors.

What can we DO to get more trash off the streets, out of the creeks and put it where it belongs? How can we improve Litter Management?

Above: From left: David Peters, WOCAN & San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper, Lissette Averhoff, Principal of Hoover Elementary School. Below: The new play structure and outdoor classroom at Hoover School, mural panels, and cafeteria at Hoover School.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine St. Mary’s Preschool from San Pablo Ave. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

The persistent disparities in trash management that Oakland residents face daily constitute a pressing environmental justice issue that demands systemic solutions. O.A.K. for Climate Action is committed to empowering residents to collect accurate data regarding trash issues in their communities, with the goal of advocating for more efficient and equitable urban policies and operations.

From top to bottom: Image 1. Mana Siti, Julia Grinkrug, Sister CC, Chris Moreno and Keith Arivnwine in front of the Third Eye Soul Kitchen. Images 2 and 3. Workshop participants are engaging in community mapping and visioning activities.

Photos by: Keith Arivnwine

Join us in formulating an ACTION PLAN to tidy up Oakland’s precious public spaces.

We invite residents and community members to join our collective as local researchers to work together towards a meaningful waste management reform.

Now Enrolling Children Ages 3-5!

Enroll today!

stmaryscenter.org/preschool

Quinetta Lewis, Director of St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

What are the ages for the kids to come here?

Ages 3-5.

And what are the qualifications for a parent to enroll their child here?

A parent can either be working, looking for work, looking for housing, incapacitated, or in some kind of training or education program.

The learning environment at St. Mary’s Preschool. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

Unfold this page of the newspaper for a poster feature!

OAKLAND JUNETEENTH & LOCAL VENDORS 12

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Newspaper Partners Include:

在線閱讀中文文章!

¡Lea artículos en español en línea!

Artistic Team Keith Arivnwine, Photographer Outreach Team Chef Fel, Holistic Health & Wellness Sister CC, Community Outreach Specialist Practitioner/Holistic Medicine Fellow and Licensed Peer Counselor James Lockett, Mental Health Specialist Annette Miller, Outreach Manager and and Theory Orator Community Member David Peters, Writer | WOCAN Tyra Rhodes, Community Outreach Craig Richardson, Community Sports Specialist, Licensed Peer Specialist, Writer Certified Leadership Cindi Sharp, Writer/Photo Journalist

Councilmember Carroll Fife with San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper’s Community Outreach Specialist, Tyra Rhodes. Photo by: Keith Arivnwine Design Team Leyla Dualeh, Graphic Designer Julia Grinkrug, Academic Partner Raine Robichaud, Graphic Designer Jesse Williams, Lead Graphic Designer

NEWSPAPER TEAM

Contact rrobichaud@ebaldc.org or call/text 510-519-8985 to contribute your ideas to the newspaper! We look forward to hearing from you!

Get involved!

The San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team after a meeting at Third Eye Soul Kitchen.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

One thing that I would like to share with the community is that we’re definitely experiencing some crises. They’re not new What is one thing you would like to share with the community in the newspaper?

Fill out this survey: bit.ly/newspaper_input_sparc

Let me start with what I think is beautiful about the community. And that’s our resiliency.

There’s something about people of color and really Black folks, and the folks who’ve been able to stay in the city that I think is amazing. And then you know, people coming together even for this newspaper. I think it is a testament to community, to resiliency, to relationships. And I think that’s amazing.

I also feel like we’re experiencing late stage capitalism, where everything is falling apart.

So what I would like to see different in the community is just an understanding of the factors that are contributing to the decline in society right now that are not just happening in Oakland, but around the world. So connecting Oakland to the rest of the world, and figuring out local solutions to address those things, I think is really important, literally for our survival.

Share your feedback with us!!

What do you want to see in the next newspaper?

My grandmother had this huge room downstairs where she canned, so she canned peaches and stews and like, everything. She said ‘we had our own gardens, we grew our own food, we shared with each other and we prayed together and that’s how we got through some of the toughest times,’ and I think it’s similar now. We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how to thrive.

We just got to go back and bring those lessons up and live by them because there are a lot of forces trying to keep us apart and try to keep us fighting with each other. And if we fall prey to that, then we will most definitely, definitely perish. And I hate to sound hyperbolic or you know, extra, but that’s what we’re dealing with right now.

Continued on page 2

Above: Lloyd Canamore with one of his dogs. Below: Canamore standing outside of his beloved Warriors Home in West Oakland. Photos by: Keith Arivnwine “I’ve known Lloyd for a quite a time. He was a good friend, he passed through to hang out.

He also liked the Warriors. He actually painted his old house. He had a lot of friends. He’s been around for more than 10 years or better, he was great.” -Kasandra Ateway “I love my brother and I’m going to miss him.”

- Calvin Grey more to me, he was more to the community, he was more to everybody. He was known as the Warrior Man, known as my uncle, I will miss him dearly.” - Brandin L. Murphy

“We have to go back to our old school ways of how community looked out for each other in order to get through some of these times, and we have it in our DNA so we know how to survive, we know how “Lloyd was my uncle and I miss him. He wasn’t just a normal person, right? He was to thrive.” -Councilmember Carroll Fife Councilmember Carroll Fife at a Community Town Hall at St. Mary’s Center on September 16.

Photo by: Keith Arivnwine

His love of the Warriors team was a lifelong passion for Mr. Canamore and we at the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper will miss him very much. Please enjoy photos and tributes to Lloyd Canamore. May he rest in peace.

On Thursday, August 31, 2023, Lloyd Canamore passed away from this world to his place in the spiritual world. Mr. Canamore had recently lost his beloved Warriors home and moved to a safe modern home in North Oakland.

What would you like to see improved in the community?

On September 13, Tyra Rhodes of the San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper interviewed Councilmember Carroll Fife.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

by Tyra Rhodes

Interview with Council member Carroll Fife

because at different points throughout history, you know, people have experienced really, really challenging times, so it’s not new, but it feels different to people right now for some reason. And I would like them to know, I would like the community to know, that the stronger we are, and the closer we are together, the more able we’ll be able to get through these times. I remember when I was younger, I asked my grandmother how our family got through the Great Depression, you know, she was from Mississippi. And she was like, ‘I don’t even know what that was. We always just helped each other.’

He was the most visible fan the Warriors had.

He loved that team so much he had his house painted in commemorative blue and goldWarrior colors.

by Cindi Sharp

Remembering Lloyd Canamore

B-H Brilliant Minds Project Inc. Event Organizer

CELEBRATING THE ANNUAL OAKLAND JUNETEENTH 2023 LOGO

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Thank you to major sponsor of Oakland Juneteenth 2023, HHREC, and sponsors, Oakland Community Bank of the Bay, NAMI Contra Costa, Black Minds Matter 2!, and SPARC!

Himalayan Tribes

Framed by E Black Girls Code

Wardrobe in a Box Stash Candle Company

Luscious Lather Soaps

Photos and Article by Cindi Sharp Graphic Design by Leyla Dualeh On June 19, 1865, word of the emancipation of African American slaves reached Galveston Bay in the state of Texas two years after President Lincoln signed the bill which freed enslaved people of African American. Even though they had no idea what to do or where to go, most headed North, and some went north to the Midwest area seeking out family or friends they heard had moved there. But, before they did, they celebrated their new found freedom and gave thanks and praise with joy in their hearts. They settled, built families, business, and thrived against all odds.

So, every year to this day we celebrate the ancestors for their endurance and love that was passed down along with the lessons in survival and perseverance. We gather outdoors to enjoy each others’ company, have parades, block parties and celebrate our freedoms we have today. So, on June 24, 2023, that’s exactly what happened on a block of Brockhurst Street in Oakland. From one end of the block to the other, folks were dancing, children were getting their faces painted, and there was even an area where you could get a free massage if you needed a relaxing break! The block was buzzing with music, song and dancing, and a snack zone with Italian ice from Rainbow Italian Ice, sweets from UHURU Food and Pies, and food from Cafe 15 was available.

Other event activities included horseback riding provided by Oakland Black Cowboy Association, a quilting and artifacts exhibit, fashion show, community awards, as well as interviews by The Full Circle at KPFA Radio 94.1. Needless to say, a grand time was had by all courtesy of Ms. Barbara Howard, of B-H Brilliant Minds Project Inc., the wonderful Founder and Coordinator of the Annual Oakland Juneteenth Celebration & Street Festival and many other events and projects! Thank you Ms. Barbara. Watch for future events organized by Ms. Barbara: the Annual Phenomenal Women’s Event, Annual Women Inspiring Women Spa Day - Collaboration with the Be Still Retreat, and the Annual Black History Celebration.