2010 12/30/2009
 
We're thrilled to have a good friend coming on board as our Youth Director to take our work with children and teenagers to a whole new level.  There is enormous need, potential and opportunity for work with children and their families in Deep East Oakland, and 2010 is going to be an exciting year for Shalom of Oakland.  More details to come.
 
 
Check out this article regarding three East Bay zip codes and the life-and-death disparities.  A person's neighborhood can have a huge impact on life expectancy and the likelihood of disease.
 
 
Thanks to Oakland Local for the link to this video by Raashan Ahmad.

 
 
If you're from Oakland you probably know what a sideshow is.  If you don't, read this.  There's some healthy debate about what to do about these legendary early morning parties on wheels.  I found an interesting article about the origin and history of sideshows in Oakland.  The police I talk to say they are doing their best with the resources they have, but people in our neighborhood still live in fear of what will be happening on Foothill at around 3 AM.  Anyone have another creative idea about how to address the issue?  
 
Knock Knock 11/11/2009
 
After spending some time at the community center with some of the kids a volunteer sent me a link to this video.  What do you think?
 
Thanks Josh 10/23/2009
 
A big thank you to Josh Smith and APL for donating a ridiculous amount of office supplies.  We have restocked our community center and we plan to donate our excess to small businesses near 75th and MacArthur.  Shalom of Oakland should have enough printer paper, binders, staplers, scissors, file folders, tape dispensers, mouse pads, markers, paper clips, binder clips and post-it notes for the next couple of decades.  Sweet...
 
Good Food 09/30/2009
 
We just hooked up with St. Vincent De Paul to be able to receive food at a great price to use for neighborhood meals and food distribution for hungry people.  I was impressed by their sincerity in desiring to serve the community and partner with local churches and non-profits in healthy ways.  In particular I'm encouraged by the opportunity to serve some fruits, vegetables, green salads and whole grain breads.  I love teaching new eating habits.  The kids are going to feast on strawberries, apples, bread and crackers this afternoon after school.  I probably won't tell them that I could have grabbed a ridiculous amount of soda.  They're probably better off not knowing that.
 
A New Season 09/08/2009
 
We're in full transition mode preparing for the Fall.  Let us know if you want to come by, particularly if you have the skills to repair a couple of doorways or paint a mural on our wall!
 
 
After an amazing week with the high school group from Valley Springs Presbyterian Church in Roseville, I am reminded how great it is to have extra volunteers to love and play with children in Deep East Oakland.  If you are 16 or over and are interested in spending an afternoon (really just 12-3) at the Shalom Community Center, give me a shout!  You'll have a great time.  The summer will be over soon. 
 
Block Party! 07/27/2009
 

We had an amazing Block Party in our neighborhood on Saturday.  Our NCPC (Neighborhood Crime Prevention Council) for Police Beat 27X is called Melrose High Hopes.  It was our seventh annual Block Party, and my first.  Kayla helped me collect signatures from neighbors to get clearance from the City of Oakland to block off the street from traffic.  We met some wonderful and eclectic neighbors for the first time.  Our Block Party had live R&B and Hip Hop Music, hundreds of hot dogs and sodas, face painting, the bug people, ideas for green living, arts and crafts booths and much more. Damon Snyder contributed at the bike booth by repairing a series of bikes owned by children and adults.  It was great to see people come together for a good cause, for our neighborhood.  We'll post pictures soon.