San Pablo Avenue Community Newspaper Edition 4

St. Mary’s Partners for Community Safety

by Annette Miller, Chair of The Hoover Foster Resident Action Council and Sharon Cornu, Executive Director of St. Mary's Center

All of us are concerned about safety in the community, and not just from the evening news. At St. Mary’s Center, witnessing gun violence harms our Seniors’ sense of wellbeing and can trap people indoors, fearful and isolated. Our Preschool has a golfball-size pockmark from an automatic weapon - imagine if a family had been in the line of fire? Gunfire traumatizes staff and volunteers, who must shelter away from windows and then exit the

facility wondering if an incident is resolved or if their client has been hurt.

We’re working with community partners on new interventions and strategies to address gun violence and improve community safety. Important partners in this work include Satellite Affordable Housing Associates, the Hoover Foster Resident Action Council, and West Oakland Neighbors. This group came together during the pandemic as the SPARC Working Group on Equitable Recovery (WGER) and has focused on increasing health, safety, and resources along the San Pablo Corridor. In 2023, we participated in the City of Oakland’s budget process by developing specific recommendations for the Hoover neighborhood, including reinstating the Ceasefire program and fully funding the MACRO program (the Mobile Assistance Community Responders of Oakland). This year, we are continuing advocacy and outreach around these issues and are planning community information sessions to address gun violence and to identify traffic calming solutions. Engaging with partners has shown us that we must try new strategies to get new results; we can’t continue to do the same things and expect change to happen.

One of the most important points we have learned about safety is the importance of prevention. Community events, like the HooverFoster RAC Town Nights on Brockhurst St., offer positive activities and foster neighbor to neighbor conversation. Violence interrupters like the Ceasefire program (which we urged the City to reinstate especially in West Oakland) are the most successful, tested and proven strategy to re-direct people at risk of offending or re-offending toward constructive employment and activity. We are also proud to partner with informal neighborhood networks that have improved communications and eyes on the street. St. Mary’s Center has worked with experts to review our own safety precautions and improve lighting and visibility.

Continued on Page 8

Angel on the Block

There’s a saying that “food is a love language.” It is considered an act of service, and taking the time to prepare a meal for others is a form of showing affection. What kind of person shows this kind of love?

Thomasene

Williams

Interview by J. Williams

Photography by K-Wine

Getting your loved ones together around a table to serve them a meal, nourish them, and enjoy food together is an act that resonates with a lot of people. Some say cooking for others is the ultimate expression of love.

Jesse Williams and K-Wine from the San Pablo Ave Community News Team had the opportunity to sit down with Thomasene to chat about her work to care for the community through food. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

JW: So, Who are you?

TW: Well, I’m a person that really enjoy[s] feeding. And my enjoyment is seeing how [community members] enjoy the taste of my food. So, the first thing I do is I try to introduce them to different things like hot water cornbread.

I was once in a program that a counselor at St. Mary’s sent me to, it was a homeless shelter in Richmond, Brookside, and so I started cooking there. I would make like, 54 pounds of hot water cornbread. A lot of people didn’t know what hot water cornbread was. But, they loved it.

Continued on Page 3

Emeryville thrive as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.

First

by Courtney Welch and K-Wine

These roles have allowed me to make a positive impact on both a local and regional level, and I am grateful for the opportunities to serve and make a difference. As Mayor of Emeryville, I have had the privilege of leading a city that is vibrant and full of potential. One of my main priorities has been driving economic development and attracting new businesses to our city. I am

As the Advocacy Manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland, I have been able to extend my impact beyond Emeryville and address critical issues, such as deeply affordable housing. It has been my mission to advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society, particularly those experiencing homelessness, poverty, and inequality. Through my work, I have been able to secure key endorsements for the Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) regional housing bond. Collaborating with local community leaders has been instrumental in making sure the bond gets on the ballot and will pass in November.

Continued on Page 3

Interview with Courtney Welch

proud to see

I am incredibly honored to serve as the Mayor of Emeryville and the Advocacy Manager at St. Mary’s Center in Oakland.

Courtney Welch. Photo by: K-Wine

Black Woman Mayor of Emeryville

Above: Annette Miller. Below: Sharon Cornu. Photos by: K-Wine

Angel on the Block

Continued from Page 1

TW: That was a dream of my mom for us to cook for people and not charge them. So it was a dream that came true, but unfortunately, she didn’t get to see it in person. But I know she’s up in heaven, watching me.

JW: Why do you do this?

TW: It’s just something I enjoy doing. So I also got involved with a family called Lyons Helping Hand. I’ve been with them 14 years. So I try at least twice a month to fix meals, and take them out to the homeless people up under the freeways and also to some of the elders in my building.

Well, I was raised like this. My mother and my parents always fed people. We used to rent rooms. My mother rented rooms. She and I cooked for 21 people a day. I’ve been here like since I was 16 years old. So when I walk in the neighborhood, I’m not afraid. Because everybody, if they don’t know me, they know my family.

No Accountability = Patients Seek Care from Hood Doctors

Sometimes I’ll pull my wagon and go around in the neighborhood, they call me Meals on Wheels. I have my neighbors here in my building. They’re ill, some of them can’t get out like I can. So I go and make sure that they have food, make sure they make it to the doctor’s appointments.

JW: So you also help people get around?

TW: Oh, yes. Because some of them forget to call paratransit, You know, and some of them don’t have that $8 for the shuttle. You know, my Lord told me, he said, 'I pay you. You just do the work,' I’m not doing this for anyone. I’m doing it for me, you know.

JW: How long have you been here in Oakland?

TW: I was born in Fresno, California, but my family is from Oklahoma. I’ve been here ever since I was five years old. So we’re not going to do the addition, because then you find out how old I am.

“So, yeah, that’s what I get out of it. Seeing people happy. You know, because I try to show them love.”

-Thomasene Williams

“That’s my kindness to just make sure people at least love themselves or you know, let them know that somebody really cares about them.” -Thomasene Williams

JW: What do you get out of this?

TW: Getting out of this is seeing people happy, and it’s like, the next time I see him, they holler, 'what you got in that bag?' Because I’m always carrying a bag with some food. If it ain’t nothing but cookies or, uh, candy, you know? So, yeah, that’s what I get out of it. Seeing people happy. You know, because I try to show them love.

Because nobody is perfect. No. Everybody didn’t have some kind of hang-up, addiction or whatever. Be kind. This means that I’ll always appreciate people. I don’t care what they look like, what they smell like. Because I try to be kind to them. And so instead of me saying something negative about them, I just go get them some soap and towels.

You know, so that’s my kindness to just make sure people at least love themselves or you know, let them know that somebody really cares about them.

JW: That’s, that’s beautiful. Yeah. That’s it Thomasene. Bless you and Thank you.

Thomasene with Jesse Williams and K-Wine of the

Ave Community Newspaper.

by James Lockett

As we recognize the long standing war on drugs is forever being lost and there seems to be no cure or solution, maybe it’s because we’re looking in the wrong places and to the wrong people. We need to consider how lack of accountability and gaps within the healthcare system contribute to this issue.

I’ve participated in marches that created healthy changes in our poor neighborhoods like opposing the Red Star Yeast Factory, a major polluter in West Oakland. My youngest son, Nasif, literally led that march in the 90’s, at the age of 6 or 7! I marched in 1967 for the West Oakland Clinic, which had the mission of bringing quality healthcare to the neighborhood. This clinic has now become a direct reason for pain sufferers having to go to the “hood doctors” (also known as drug dealers!) for pain relief. Simply because a few (very few) staff leaders take accountability for the harm caused by systemic administrative errors.

Take this example: a doctor’s aide forgets to schedule a cardiac patient’s appointment, and reschedules it for two months later without documentation. This months-long delay could send that patient to the “hood doctor” or even worse, cause a patient’s death. When the patient complains, staff members and supervisors do not take their STRESS seriously, and instead belittle the patient’s intelligence and disrespect them as a human being and “tax payer” that employs them! While understaffing or other issues beyond one person’s control could have contributed to this error, an accountable system would take this dangerous mistake seriously.

Later on in the example: the doctor wants a urinalysis of the patient that’s been “FORCED” to go to the hood doctor! When the UA comes back “DIRTY,” the doctor is now looking at the patient in a different “LITE.” The doctor becomes concerned about their license. And the fault is misdirected, and everybody in the office thinks the patient is a “DOPE FIEND,” when the patient was only seeking relief from chronic pain! Now the doctor wonders whether or not to issue pain meds.

The most important point is that some people have probably passed on due to the UNCARING disrespect and rescheduling. It would be different if it was just me who left with MORE STRESS + PAIN than I came in with but I have names and numbers of MULTIPLE SENIORS that were disrespected and talked to as if they had a TAIL by people in a leadership position.

Continued on Page 5

Above and below: Food and meals prepared by Thomasene. Photos by: Thomasene Williams.

Food stored in Thomasene’s kitchen.

San Pablo

Coming Together to Clean Up the Community Asking Neighbors about West Oakland Clean Ups

by Ray Kidd and K-Wine

There are so many people of good will doing neighborhood improvement work all over Oakland, including our little corner here in West Oakland. We thought this might be of interest to a wider audience, and possibly inspire some to seek out comparable groups in their neighborhood or connect with Friends of Mandela Parkway, 510-697-1797, or the two groups to be featured in the next issue, Friends of Raimondi Park and West Oakland Cleanup. There may well be other groups doing this work in West Oakland, but these are the ones we are familiar with. If you are part of a group not included here and would like your group to be included in the next issue, please get in touch with us! You can email us at spacn.oak@gmail.com.

Interview with Stefanie Parrott

Cofounder, Friends of Mandela Parkway

event.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Did you start the group and if so, why?

I started Friends of Mandela Parkway about twenty years ago with Bruce Beasley and the late and incomparable Ellen WyrickParkinson. We formed the group as an extension of the community advisory group who worked on developing the plan for the former Cypress Freeway as it lay in ruins after the Loma Prieta earthquake.

The community worked hard to build consensus and with the City and CalTrans created a plan that would benefit local residents and reconnect the neighborhoods split by the grim freeway project. We wanted to find a way to bring something positive out of the tragedy of the freeway

“After doing these cleanups, it’s just amazing to me how many people are just okay with just throwing crap out the window, or just dropping something or just throwing it behind their shoulder and 'I don’t see it now'....So I don’t know how you fix that.”

-Brian Cogley, Prescott Neighborhood

collapse. Mandela Parkway is for the people. FOMP is West Oakland people volunteering our time as stewards of this special community resource.

What role does the city play in your effort?

The City has been a key player all along — from original design to arranging for waste removal, to providing volunteer supplies like trash picker-uppers, garbage bags, etc. The City is also a great partner working with FOMP on things like maintenance issues, irrigation, and plant replacement projects.

What would be helpful for your mission to clean up and keep your neighborhood clean?

Most helpful is for more people to come out and help! Unfortunately, there seems to be no end to the supply of litter and illegal dumping on our beloved parkway. The more people that show up, the more we can do.

The parkway needs more than just trash abatement, and with a bigger force we can pull weeds, spread mulch, and do basic maintenance tasks that often can’t get done by overwhelmed City staff with dwindling resources.

Mandela Parkway is an incredible and beautiful green belt with hundreds of trees and shrubs that reconnects West Oakland to itself and provides a connection to Jack London Square and Emeryville. It is great to see how well used it is by our community.

We need those who enjoy it to please help support in its care. Doing so is a great way to get outside and get to know some wonderful neighbors, and our event is always fun!

We asked volunteers:

• Why do you do this work?

• What do you think could be done to keep the streets and parks clean?

• How do you feel when you’re finished for the day?

“I feel like I have achieved a little bit of something, but not enough to actually make a big difference when I see different other areas that have not been done.”

-Walter Young, Prescott Neighborhood

“I live in the neighborhood. And I walk my dogs on this park. And I feel like it’s this civic responsibility to kind of pick up [garbage] I notice while I’m walking my dogs [so] I feel like I’m walking my dogs in a cleaner space.”

-Nathaniel Parsons, McClymonds Neighborhood

• Second Saturdays of the month

• 10am until around 12pm

“I think volunteerism helps, but the city also has to care for the parks. And so if the community shares their concerns with the city and what we see, we need to get a little more support here in West Oakland for sure.”

-Maia Harris, Prescott Neighborhood

• One group starts at the North end of Mandela Parkway (32nd St) and one starts at the South end (9th St), meeting in the middle

• Contact Stefanie to connect with the group: (510) 697-1797

Stefanie Parrott at a recent clean up

Photo by: K-Wine

No Accountability = Patients Seek Care from Hood Doctors

Continued from Page 3

So what is the solution? Should we bombard the medical board with complaints? Should we complain to doctors? Tried that already, it doesn’t work! Should we file internal office complaints? Co-worker solidarity gets that dismissed and you blackballed, regardless of your health conditions. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t!

Maybe we should transfer to East Oakland Health Center? Then we lose the services of a good doctor, as well as the smiles and good services of some decent employees in the front office reception. But the question remains, should we risk a stroke or heart attack brought on by 3 or 4 people who shouldn’t be working as medical personnel?

WHAT CAN + SHOULD WE DO???

Call the Medical Board of California! 1-800-633-2322

With names, dates and times, it’s critical to substantiate who THOSE people are that need to be replaced and healthcare systems that need to be accountable to patients. “I’m sorry” is not enough, so do not accept it. Lives are in JEOPARDY!

This column will be ongoing and discuss accountability from institutions including Public Storage and others. Victims affected by this lack of accountability may seek legal action.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on the newspaper, ideas for features and more!

Community spaces interested in receiving newspapers: send us a message and we’ll reach out!

From right: Members of the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team at a team meeting, team members at our 2023 holiday party.

Dealing with Elder Depression

by Cindi Sharp

Many times, we feel sad, blue or down and out of sorts, not sure of what exactly sure of what we are feeling. So, let’s call it like it is. Depression. It comes in silently, settling inside of you taking away your energy and brain power. You become sluggish and don’t enjoy doing anything you used to do. You draw into yourself trying to figure this heavy feeling with only the voice in your head to talk to. You’re too busy judging yourself and putting yourself down like nobody else can. Soon you begin to believe these notions and that they’re what everyone else thinks of you as well. Left undiagnosed, depression can lead to serious consequences. Besides an increased risk of suicide, untreated depression can contribute to other serious issues, including substance abuse, eating disorders, physical illness, damaged relationships and difficulty meeting work, school, or personal responsibilities.

Depression is a mood disorder that can affect the way you feel, act and think. You know on some level something is wrong, but don’t know how to react to it. If you’ve experienced depression as a younger person, you may be more likely to have depression as an older adult. There are treatments, though, that can help. Counseling, medicine and other forms of treatment can also help. You do not need to suffer. If you need help figuring out how you feel, talk with your doctor.

Some common symptoms may include, but are not limited to:

-Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood

-Feelings or hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness

-Restlessness or trouble sitting still

-Decreased energy

-Moving or talking more slowly

-Difficulty sleeping

-Eating more or less than usual

-Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts

“Depression. It comes in silently, settling inside of you taking away your energy and brain power. You become sluggish and don’t enjoy doing anything you used to do. You draw into yourself trying to figure this heavy feeling with only the voice in your head to talk to.”

Do not let your background or culture get in the way of getting treatment. Signs and symptoms can look different depending on their cultural background. In some cultures, depression may be displayed as physical symptoms, such as aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems. The worst symptom is denial. Sometimes depression can be so obvious to others and the person suffering will continually state they are alright or okay. When really, they feel sad, disconnected and disinterested in everything and refuse to admit to others, and more importantly to themselves.

“ The worst symptom is denial. Sometimes depression can be so obvious to others and the person suffering will continually state they are alright or okay. When really, they feel sad, disconnected and disinterested in everything and refuse to admit to others, and more importantly to themselves.”

There are also certain risk factors of depression. There can be changes in the brain that can affect mood and result in depression. Others may experience depression after a major life event like a medical diagnosis or a loved one’s death. Caring for a loved one with a serious illness, disability, or caring for a loved one at home for hospice is stressful and can lead to depression.

Types of depression older adults may experience include:

-Major Depressive Disorder: short term depression that interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.

-Persistent Depressive Disorder: symptoms lasting more than two years with the ability to perform daily tasks

-Substance/Medication-Induced Depressive Disorder

-Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition

Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment from a doctor. While family and friends can help by offering support in finding treatment, they cannot treat a person’s depression. They can encourage you to seek help and help you keep on track and help with medical appointments by accompanying you to the doctor’s office.

If you are thinking of harming yourself, tell someone who can help immediately. Do not isolate yourself. Call a trusted family member, friend, 911, or go to the hospital emergency room to get immediate help. Call the 24-hour 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 988 or 800-273-TALK (800) 2738255 or 800-799-4TTY (800) 799-4889.

Note: Elderly Depression Symptoms and contacts from The National Institute on Aging

RESOURCES

ON BECOMING AN ALLY

► “7 Ways to Practice Active Allyship” By Poornima Luthra Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2022/11/7-ways-topractice-active-allyship

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR ALL SENIORS

Building Connections (North Oakland) ► Crisis Support https://www.crisissupport.org/programs/support-groups/ Contact: https://www.crisissupport.org/ contact-us/; 510-420-2460

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR AFRICAN AMERICANS

African American Mental Health/Mental Health Association of Alameda County ► Mental Health Programs https://mhaac.org/mental-health-services/ african-american-mental-health Contact: mail@mhaac.org; 510 746-1700

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR AAPI

Asian Health Services

► Mental Health Clinic https://asianhealthservices.org/specialty-mental-health-clinic/ Contact: 510 735-3900; 510 735-3939

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LATINOS

La Familia Recovery and Wellness Services

► Latino Family Services http://lafamiliacounseling.org/ Contact: rarchuleta@lafamiliacounseling. org; 510 300-3170

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES FOR LGBTQIA+ SENIORS

Pacific Center for Human Growth

► Older & Out Therapy Groups (Berkeley and Oakland) https://www. pacificcenter.org/older-out-therapygroups Contact: info@pacificcenter. org; 510-548-8283

Oakland LGBT Center

► Aging with Pride https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/senior-elder-support Contact: jessie@oaklandlgbtqcenter.org; 510-882-2286

Openhouse (San Francisco)

► Mental Health Program (Individual Counseling) https://www.openhousesf. org/support-services Contact: agoodwin@openhousesf.org; 415 728-0193

► Support Groups and Socials https:// tinyurl.com/mrazsccw Contact: faire@ openhousesf.org; 415 231-5883

HOUSING RESOURCES FOR LGBTQIA+ SENIORS

Openhouse (San Francisco)

► Housing Assistance Program https:// www.openhousesf.org/support-services Contact: apeterson@openhousesf.org; 415 296-8995

Providing an LGBTQ+ Affirming Environment

How an East Bay Subsidized Senior Housing Residence Succeeds at Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

by Tim Fisher

Providing an affirming environment

Residents have remarked how Avalon Senior Housing on the San Pablo Avenue corridor in Emeryville is a mini–United Nations – citing how people from diverse backgrounds live together in harmony. The 67-unit EBALDC property is home to a myriad of cultures – African American, Caucasian, Chinese, Eritrean, Ethiopian, Filipino, Japanese, Latino, Sierra Leonean and Vietnamese – from a variety of religious backgrounds, gender expressions and identities including LGBTQ+.

Lately, a popular fall celebration – A Night of International Cuisine where residents contribute their culture’s popular dishes for a communal potluck – has emerged as an opportunity to celebrate one another, complete with vibrant home country outfits and garlands of flags from around the world. In another show of unity, residents decorate the lobby celebrating various holiday traditions well beyond Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day. Lately, they have begun to commemorate certain groups during celebratory times of the year – such as Black History Month and Lunar New Year in February, Women’s History Month in March, Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ Pride in June and National Hispanic Heritage Month in September/October.

Call to Action

Beth Esperanza Rosales’ Statement –

EBALDC’s zero tolerance of threats of verbal or physical violence assured me and other tenants that no one has to endure the pain and suffering brought forth by a hate crime. I have since been emboldened to come out – at 72 years young – and seek out opportunities to become active in the Bay Area’s renowned LGBTQ+ community. The Emeryville Police Department took my charge of a hate crime very seriously. That, along with the justice system and support from a number of neighbors who called for this man’s resignation from our tenant association’s steering committee, I knew that I had unconditional support. I was not alone.

These efforts help to expose residents to neighbors’ self-assurance in their identities, alleviate discrimination and demonstrate support and respect for the many different types of people who make up the Avalon community.

Hate still happens

This growing tradition developed without controversy or offense until last June (2023) when the lobby featured displays commemorating Juneteenth, the celebration of the end of slavery and Black Americans’ fight for freedom, and Pride, acknowledging the unending struggle of LGBTQ+ people to be recognized and respected. The lobby was festooned with colorful banners, aphorisms and signs.

Two Avalon elders were sitting on the lobby bench having a lively chat about the festive decorations. Another resident strode up to them and inquired, “What does Pride stand for?” When told Pride is how LGBTQ+ people rejoice at finally achieving some acceptance, he flew into a rage.

In a threatening manner and waving around a cooking pot like a cudgel, the irate resident expressed disgust and his unwillingness to acknowledge the LGBTQ+ community declaring that their behavior was against his religion and culture. His harangue trapped the two seniors on the bench, causing them to fear for their safety as they felt endangered by such uncontrolled anger. Later that weekend, Avalon security footage caught the angry man pulling down the Pride banners and throwing them into a street trash can. The Juneteenth decorations were left untouched.

Responding to discrimination against residents

Reacting to the threatening event, one of the seniors filed a hate crime that resulted in charges made by the Alameda County

Inclusion statements reinforced by policies that convey support for all traditionally marginalized groups. A big plus is visibly displaying positive images that resonate with these groups, such as Pride flags, multi-cultural wall-hangings, diversified board leadership, staff, and contractors, and hosting social gatherings around a group’s annual celebration.

District Attorney’s office against the man (the case was eventually dismissed because the Emeryville Police Department violated the Racial Justice Act during their investigation). Before dismissal, though, the judge placed him in a diversion program mandating that he take a sensitivity course on LGBTQ+ rights and make restitution by paying for the purchase and replacement costs of the items that he destroyed. As of publication, payment has not been received.

EBALDC management cited a violation of their lease agreement because of the man’s threatening behavior and destruction of their property (the lobby decorations). He and his wife (uninvolved in the incident) were evicted from Avalon and not offered re-housing in another EBALDC property.

“I’m calling on non-profits, private, public, and corporate entities alike to profess strong Diversity, Equity & Inclusion statements reinforced by policies that convey support for all traditionally marginalized groups.” -Beth Esperanza Rosales, Resident of Avalon

I’m calling on all non-profits, private, public, and corporate entities alike to profess strong Diversity, Equity &

Beyond that, organizations can encourage the formation of employee and affinity groups and make charitable contributions to organizations that support anti-hate and DEI policies in support of communities that have historically been overlooked and sidelined. That often includes LGBTQ+ and trans youth as well as intersectional folks – those who share two or more of the traits associated with people that are not part of the dominant culture like African American lesbians. Their suffering is so often compounded by misunderstanding and outright contempt.

Beth Esperanza Rosales in the Avalon Garden. Photos by: K-Wine

Above: Beth Esperanza Rosales in front of Avalon. Right: Tomás, Beth, and K-Wine in the Avalon Garden.

Photos by: K-Wine

Keyosk/ Golden Gate Locksmith

Golden Gate Locksmith is a family business that has operated in West Oakland for 78 years, spanning back four generations. K-Wine and Raine from the San Pablo Ave Community Newspaper Team had the opportunity to sit down with April, John and Ralph Scott, two generations, to learn the history of the business, how it has grown and changed, and the Scotts’ hopes for the future. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Can you share about the history of the business with us?

Ralph: My father started the shop at 501 Willow Street. And at the time, we lived above the store. We weren’t a locksmith. We were a fix it shop. Whatever somebody across the counter needed fixed, we did.

John: It was a fix-it shop and [people brought in] TVs, radios, toasters, lamps, whatever, but [there was] no locksmith in the area. So people came to him and he knew where to get it done where nobody else would go, which was downtown. Because nobody would go down there because Oakland in general, in the 40s, which nobody seems to acknowledge for whatever reason, it was segregated. So Black folks didn’t go to certain areas

St. Mary’s Partners for Community Safety

Continued from page 1

MACRO is an Oakland Fire Department program that is critically important to providing quality services and improving community safety. MACRO diverts mental health emergency calls away from police, who are not equipped to respond clinically, to skilled professionals who de-escalate issues and connect people experiencing mental health emergencies to needed services. Our St. Mary’s Center outreach team has trained with MACRO and partnered to support people in crisis, a more effective strategy than armed response. Many communities have seen an improvement in police - community relations when programs like MACRO defuse situations and reduce officer involved incidents.

Recently, a Senior completed a questionnaire about community safety by asking, “How

because they would be questioned or stopped by white people.

April: Over time and through a connection with the downtown locksmith, our grandfather decided to become a locksmith himself.

What inspired you to continue the family business?

April: It's generational. I grew up in the shop. I grew up when we were on West MacArthur and San Pablo on the corner right there. I remember just always being in the shop, being amongst family. After school, you come to the shop, and even my kids to this day, summer vacations, you come to the shop, holidays you come to this shop, you’re sick, you come to the shop. So it was just something that I always grew up in, and then once I got older, I had a daycare. And then when I didn't have a lot of kids, I was at the shop doing whatever I needed to do to help out there. But with my grandfather passing and understanding what a legacy we have, it was something that I felt that just needed to continue on. I mean, some days I’m like, ‘Oh, I wish I could just get a job and just go from nine to five and then cut everything off,’ but it's something that I really enjoy. I enjoy our customers. I enjoy being around family. It’s like another home to us.

What are your hopes for the business in the future?

Ralph: I can tell you right now, to have 7th Street come back. 7th Street at that point in time represented a community of…it was pretty much all Black businesses. It was a district… It was right outside the army

base, and Alameda air and naval base, all these places were there but they brought in workers and they brought in an economy of its own. And within that economy there were also restaurants, bars, stores, there was a haberdashery shop.

April: And if you look at it now, it’s all boarded up, closed…There’s a lot of storefronts down there, but they’re not…

Ralph: And that was intentional by the city. They first put up a freeway, the Nimitz Freeway, that cut West Oakland off from the rest of the city.

How could the city support your business?

April: They're wanting to take this street right here and put a bike lane in. It's going to kill every small business over here. Look at Telegraph. You notice how it's killing them. They're coming back a little bit but you know, they're putting in the big parking lots, that kind of helps a little bit, but it's just the street is constructed horribly. East 14th. Same thing. You put that bike lane down here, it’s over.

Ralph: Here’s another thing…If City Council really wants to…[reduce homelessness]..it’s a simple proposition, open up more stores. And when I say open up more stores, I mean small stores.

April: [When] we were across the street on that corner, we had all glass windows and no one ever bothered our windows… It’s knowing your community. When you have the mom and pop stores they know, ‘Oh Johnny lived down the street, go ask Johnny if he can come and help me do some something.’ You know, it's that sense of family ties. When you have these stores that just come in and just strictly are there to produce their products and deal with them, you don’t get that.

many surveys do I have to fill out before something changes?” We want that Senior and our entire community to know that St. Mary’s Center is committed to community safety and working closely with partners to make a difference.

(510) 44 MACRO | (510) 446-2276

MACRO@oaklandca.gov

Operating hours are 7 days a week, 6:30am-1:45pm

Swing Shifts - 2:00-10:00pm are scheduled as staffing permits and are currently being offered at least three days a week, with the goal to expand to 7 days with additional staff.

April stands in front of the Keyosk/ Golden Gate Locksmith storefront at 3617 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville.

Photo by: K-Wine

From left: April, Ralph and John Scott with a newspaper clipping from the Oakland Tribune spotlighting Keyosk/ Golden Gate Locksmith.

Photo by: K-Wine

3617 San Pablo Ave, Emeryville

Health and Wellness with Chef Fel and Chef

Dave

by Chef Fel

As we transition from Winter to Spring, it is essential to naturally boost your immune system and stabilize it. Our immune system naturally fights off toxins we come in contact with daily. We can be of service to ourselves through natural means. First, lets define what Immune System is…

Define Immune System: is a network biological systems that protects an organism from diseases.

We will go over how to boost the immune system naturally through foods and other natural means. These methods were used by our ancestors and they worked. Vitamin C is found in mostly citrus foods and veggies such as oranges, lemons, limes, kiwi, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.

Zinc is mostly found in lentils, seafood {shellfish, salmon}, nuts and seeds. Other methods we can do to self care to boost immune system are Sunlight = Vitamin D, spending time in nature, staying hydrated {no sodas, less sugar}, getting at least 6-8 hours of rest, and managing stress.

Deep breathing — inhaling and exhaling — assists us with bringing in fresh oxygen. This method also opens up our air ways; deep breathing also reduces anxiety and stress.

Deep Breathing Exercise:

• Sit in a chair with your back straight

• Place hands on both legs {palms down}

• Inhale until your abdomen has expanded

• Hold your breath for 5-7 seconds

• Exhale pushing the air from your abdomen

• Relax; Repeat 3 times

Interview with Courtney Welch

Continued from Page 1

Being able to serve both as Mayor and as the Advocacy Manager has been a remarkable journey. These roles have allowed me to bring together my passion for community development, social justice, and public service. I have witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration and the positive impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations come together for a common cause.

Pinto Beans, Rice Bowl with Cornbread Recipe

Ingredients: ½ onion diced, ½ green & red bell pepper diced, ½ shallot, ½ green onion chopped, 1 roma tomato diced, can of pinto beans {medium size} {pinto bean juice to assist mixing ingredients together}, small can tomato sauce, ½ bag Gardein meatless ground beef, extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp sugar. Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

Add to your taste buds: Zatarain's Creole Seasoning, hickory liquid smoke, onion powder, lemon pepper, chili powder.

Instructions:

1. Heat your favorite sauce pan or pan with olive oil, 2 minutes, sauté your onion, red and green bell pepper, shallot, green onion.

2. After 3-4 minutes add Gardein meatless ground beef.

3. Cook until all ingredients are blended and the ground beef has browned.

4. Add your pinto beans, tomato sauce, spices, sugar, and roma tomatoes in the pot.

5. Cook with frequent stirring of your ground beef mixture and pinto beans bor 10-15 minutes.

6. Add cooked rice, cook for another 5-10 minutes with medium heat.

7. Let pinto beans and rice sit for 10 minutes to allow spices to saturate in your dish.

***Serve hot with cornbread, garnish with shredded cheese and cilantro. Happy eating!!!

The work I do as Mayor and Advocacy Manager is not just a job to me; it is a true calling. I am driven by a deep sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. The support and trust of the community have been humbling, and I am committed to continuing to serve with dedication, compassion, and integrity.

Hi I’m Chef Dave. I’m 9 years old. I love cooking and eating better. Eating more nutrients is better for our health than taking in more sugars and salts. Healthy snacks help keep our bodies healthy with lots of nutrients.We do our bodies a favor by eating better and healthier. I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I will share a recipe with sliced bananas, PB & J. This recipe is vegan and tastes really GOOD! Before we start, wash your hands.

Grilled PB&J with Sliced Bananas Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients: 2 slices of potato bread or your fav bread, 2-3 soft pats of butter or cooking spray, peanut butter, jelly - your choice of flavor, 1 sliced banana.

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter and jelly on bread with not sharp butter knife, add sliced banana.

2. Close sandwich up.

3. Spread butter on both sides of bread.

4. Gently lay sandwich in skillet, allow butter to melt on both sides of bread.

5. Flip sandwich gently to brown on both sides.

6. Remove from skillet. Optional: cut in half.

7. Serve with your choice of milk.

8. Enjoy!

www.essentialzoftherose.com

Email: info@essentialzoftherose.com

Instagram: @roseessentialz

You Tube: Essence Of Da Rose Phone: 510-706-4342

“As Mayor of Emeryville, I have had the privilege of leading a city that is vibrant and full of potential. One of my main priorities has been driving economic development and attracting new businesses to our city.” -Courtney Welch, Mayor of Emeryville

Traffic Safety and Changes to San Pablo Ave

Interview with Nicole Gardner and Annette Miller

by San Pablo Ave Community News Team

Why is the topic of transportation important to you and to Serenity House?

Nicole: On January 13, one of our beloved community members was killed right across the street. And if San Pablo Ave is changed, and something tragic like that already occurred with two lanes of traffic, what will happen with only one lane of traffic?

Where would we go to cross the street? It would just be so difficult, even with individuals who are in a wheelchair. How would they maneuver? Individuals who work here and other businesses on the block, where would they park? Because my understanding is they want to put in parking meters as well.

My organization is also concerned about how [turning San Pablo Ave into one lane] would affect individuals who have mobility issues, visual issues. What we recommend is to put speed humps out there to slow traffic down but just not cut it to a one lane.

What is your reaction to the proposed designs for San Pablo Ave?

Nicole: I think the one lane would create congestion. So one lane for cars, the middle for buses, and then a bike lane? Some streets [that already have this setup] are dangerous like International Boulevard.

I know when the store has deliveries and the trucks are blocking the street, [there are] sometimes close call for accidents because [drivers are] trying to get over in front of the other car[s] real fast. So one lane would just

be horrible, and I think the rate of accidents would actually go up.

In your opinion, what changes could improve safety on San Pablo Ave?

Nicole: I think it would improve if when the Oakland Police Department saw individuals driving like they are on a racetrack they would stop them. So that would be number one. I know that they probably can’t add a new stoplight here, since there’s a light at the corner and that would be too many.

Just finding some way to make sure community members in this area are safe crossing the street. And again, sometimes [people with] mobility issues, the only thing that they can do is ride their wheelchairs in the street. So I think they should really just leave it the way that it is unless they’re going to do a ramp for the wheelchairs to get to and from our location and other businesses safely, and speed humps.

How can neighbors get involved?

Annette: Just show up to the standing meetings right now in collaboration with SAHA and West Oakland Neighbors.The people who are doing the outreach will be at the meetings and those are the folks we need to be reaching. Because what folks don’t know is that [ACTC] already had this set in plan. I and a couple people in groups went back to them and asked who they did

outreach to, they claimed they outreached to our community already. We said ‘wait, hold on,’ because you see what’s going on on International right now, right? We just had a bus and accident and 14 people were injured and one person almost lost their life.

How could community engagement improve for this project?

Annette: To hire real outreach people to be able to do the outreach…because [there’s] more ways to outreach, there’s door to door, there’s emails, there’s newsletters. So it’s not just one particular way.

Nicole Gardner in front of Serenity House on San Pablo Ave.

From left: Annette Miller and Nicole Gardner at Serenity House.

How does AI help My Community?

Imagine AI as a super-smart helper for your community, working behind the scenes to make things better.

The World of Artificial Intelligence

AI can contribute to your community in various ways, bringing about positive impacts and improvements. Here are some ways in which AI can help communities:

By J. Williams with help from Al.

Healthcare: AI can assist in diagnosing medical conditions, analyzing medical images, and predicting disease outbreaks. It can enhance healthcare services, making them more accessible and efficient.

Public Safety: AI-powered systems can be used for surveillance, monitoring public spaces, and analyzing data to enhance public safety. This can help in crime prevention and emergency response.

Education: AI can personalize learning experiences, provide additional resources, and support teachers in assessing students’ progress. It can make education more inclusive and adaptive to individual needs.

Environmental Monitoring: AI can analyze data from sensors and satellite imagery to monitor environmental conditions, track climate change, and predict natural disasters. This information can be crucial for disaster preparedness and response.

Social Services: AI can assist in identifying and prioritizing individuals in need of social services, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.

Accessibility: AI technologies can be used to develop tools and devices that improve accessibility for people with disabilities, making it easier for them to participate in community activities.

Communication: AI-powered language translation and communication tools can break down language barriers, fostering better communication and understanding among diverse community members.

Community Engagement: AI can be used to analyze data from social media and other platforms to understand community needs and sentiments. This information can be valuable for community leaders in decision-making processes.

It’s important to note that the ethical and responsible deployment of AI is crucial to ensure that these technologies benefit communities without causing harm or reinforcing biases. Community involvement and oversight are essential in shaping the use of AI to align with the values and needs of the people it serves.

Inspirational Words

by Tyra Rhodes

Encouragement

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Psalm 37:4

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Psalm 28:7

Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Mark 11:24

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Philippians 4:13

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.

Affirmations

• I can’t do everything today, but I can take one small step.

• I allow myself to make mistakes as they help me grow.

• I accept myself exactly as I am without judgment.

• I love and accept myself.

• I am kind to myself and others.

• I can do hard things.

• I am not perfect and that’s okay.

• Good things are coming my way.

• I am doing my best, and that’s good enough.

• Today is going to be a great day.

• I am capable of achieving my goals.

• I am proud of myself.

• I am awesome.

Keep Oakland Green

Resident researchers tackle inequity of waste management in Oakland

by Julia Grinkrug

Oakland Allied Knowledge for Climate Action (O.A.K.) is a team of community and academic partners who came together to investigate Oakland’s trash crisis. Oakland’s low-income Black and Brown neighborhoods are bearing a disproportionate burden of litter pollution and OAK is here to figure out: Where is all this trash coming from? Why are different areas of the city treated differently? What needs to change?

Untreated solid waste increases climate threats and perpetuates environmental injustice, affecting public health as well as the emotional wellbeing of residents. OAK’s approach is rooted in gathering and sharing back real data from the lived experiences of residents. By identifying the sources, types, and spatial patterns of waste accumulation, OAK aims to hold the city officials accountable and to advocate for more effective and equitable waste management services.

Led by a dedicated team of local researchers, OAK is forging ahead with community led research methods. It follows the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR) that center the needs and voices of those who are most impacted. As part of a state-wide climate justice initiative (CAPECA), this project empowers residents to take leadership positions and enact structural change in their communities. So mark your calendars - in early summer, we’ll be hosting a community event to share and present our findings and we’d love to connect with you!

NEWSPAPER TEAM

This City is On Its Own

by Cindi Sharp

This city is on its own Purse snatchings, car jackings 911 so busy they can’t answer the phone. The police are short-staffed, no leader in sight The so-called leader in place with no muscle to fight. This city is on its own.

Electoral promises made to the people not kept Citizens getting shot in their beds while they slept. Sideshows blocking traffic creating mayhem everywhere The smoke, the noise, not to mention risking injury being there. This city is on its own.

Gun violence increasing hour by hour, day by day People leaving the Golden State for someplace far away. Children dying while trying to have fun Shot by someone who thinks the answer is a gun.

This city is on its own.

So while the city slowly, painfully, violently dies A mother and a mother and another still wail bitterly as she cries. Young people, old people, toddlers too Continue to fall victim to criminals as they do what they do. This city is on its own.

We need leaders with the competence and the experience it takes Decision makers not listeners of the special interest fakes. Whose opinion is taken which only makes a leader a minion And all matters of interest take on the foul stench of old onion. This city is on its own.

Someone please save us regular folks who help a city thrive Who vote for politicians in hopes they have the proper drive. Our streets are unsafe and we walk them daily in unconscious fear Knowing things are not the same, remembering bringing a tear. We don’t want to be, can’t stand to be walking all alone It just brings home the feeling that this city is on its own.

Artistic Team

Keith Arivnwine, Photographer