HHNA Participates in Brown Inauguration

By Kathleen Kirkish

We started the day at the Paramount Theater on Broadway, people abuzz, energy high.  Looking around, I remembered what I love most about living in Oakland - the beauty and diversity of the people.  There were casual conversations, visiting dignitaries, and the Oakland Jazz Orchestra Quintet playing. The Paramount filled and the ceremonies began.  Ishmael Reed raised the roof with his inaugural poem and our new Mayor Brown sent us marching up Broadway to the beautifully restored City Hall.

Jerry Brown's inaugural speech filled Frank Ogawa Plaza with hope, vision and the reminder of personal responsibility.  I walked away feeling the importance of my contribution, of what it really takes to make Oakland a better place to live.

We took a bit of a break, then started off for the evening festivities at Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center and the Oakland Museum.  What a wonderful collection of talent and energy!  The Museum was filled with interactive programs and exhibits, showcasing the richness of Oakland artists.

"The Neighborhood Experience" was great fun, albeit somewhat disorganized. With beautiful murals as a backdrop, Oakland neighborhood groups had the opportunity to discuss their Wish Lists.  It was a great way to communicate directly with our new mayor, helping him understand our needs from a grassroots level.

City Clerk Ceda Floyd had camera crew in tow and taped a portion of HHNA's discussion.  HHNA board president Paul Garrison was joined by board members, neighbors and a cameo appearance by Council Member John Russo.

1998-99 HHNA Officers

Check out the Contacts page for a list of the Officers of the Haddon Hill Neighborhood Association

SUCCESSFUL OKTOBERFEST

Thanks to Page Yarwood for the highly successful Oktoberfest!  The DJ was great, the food was fantastic, and the kids had a great time with the costume contest.  We even had a visit from our two friendly beat patrol officers.

PROPOSED ``SPLASH PAD" DEVELOPMENT SPARKS CONTROVERSY

 The Lake Park Triangle, also known as the Splash Pad, is the site of a controversial development proposal supported by our City Councilman John Russo.  The site, which is across Lake Park Avenue from the Grand Lake Theater, is currently under-utilized park space with a non-functioning concrete decorative pool. 

Russo's idea is to close Lake Park Way, convert it to green space, and build a large retail establishment such as a record store or upscale grocery next to Interstate 580.  Lake Park Ave. would become one way (from Lakeshore to Grand) and extra sidewalk space would be added in the area taken up by the current westbound lanes.  Four giant palms would be relocated.  The goal would be to create a pedestrian-friendly area that would connect the Lakeshore and Grand commercial districts.

Some neighbors have opposed the development.  Some would like to have a Farmer's Market on the site.  Others are opposed to the city selling public land for private use.

The Grand-Lakeshore district is the main shopping area for our Haddon Hill neighborhood.  How do you feel about the splash pad?  Let the HHNA and Councilman Russo know your opinions.