It’s hard to believe April is almost over, and we’ll be gathering to celebrate mothers everywhere in less than two weeks. Don’t worry! We’ll have some recommendations for where to take them in next week’s roundup. Until then, we are wrapping up the month with some interesting political events, two outdoor events, and a book fair for reading fans.
As always, keep a mask handy (some places require them, others don’t) and continue carrying hand sanitizer. Also, remember to bring a paper or digital copy of your vaccination card, as the city of Oakland is still requiring proof of vaccination for many indoor establishments.
Know of an event that should be featured? Email me at: azucena@oaklandside.org
Youth-led town hall on soil contamination in Fruitvale
Sixth-grade climate justice leaders from the Frontline Catalysts program at United for Success Academy are hosting a discussion about lead contamination in the Fruitvale. Their community science project recently revealed that the amount of lead in the district’s soil is, in some areas, more than 12 times what’s deemed safe by the state. The students, concerned about the impact of lead exposure on children and others, are seeking to engage the community and build support for remediation efforts. Guest speakers include Councilmember Noel Gallo and Soni Johnson of Alameda County’s Healthy Homes Department. In addition, two public health nurses will be available to speak to parents about lead impacts on young children, and the East Bay Academy of Young Scientists will provide soil collection kits to everyone in attendance. The town hall will be in Spanish and English.
Thursday, April 28, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., free to attend, United for Success Academy Auditorium, 2101 35th Ave.
Oakland mayoral and Alameda County Board of Supervisors candidates forum
The community coalition Schools and Labor Against Privatization (SLAP) is hosting this virtual event with Oakland mayoral candidates, including current councilmembers Treva Reid, Loren Taylor, and Sheng Thao, along with Seneca Scott, Allyssa Victory, and Gregory Hodge. Candidates running for the Alameda County Board of Supervisors and superintendent of schools are also participating. Oakland’s impending school closures and the future of Howard Terminal are just two of the big topics on the table. Tune in to hear what the candidates have to say about these pressing issues and get informed before you vote in November.
Saturday, April 30, 2 p.m, via Zoom, must register online
Yoga in Dimond Park
Do you live near Dimond Park and practice yoga? If so, then this free Sunday class by Yoga in Dimond Park is for you. The weekly class has been going on since last September, led by rotating yoga teachers Laxman Panthi, Thu Tran, Suresh Bhatta, Aditi Desai, and others. On the first Sunday of the month, there’s also live music, a potluck, and a social hangout after the class. Need a yoga mat? There are usually extra ones to use. The group meets behind the tennis court under a large tree so there’s plenty of shade in case it is a hot day.
Every Sunday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m, free, Dimond Park, 3860 Hanly Rd.
Books on Broadway Book Fair
Michelle Walton and Wesley Dawan always envisioned that their online bookstore, The Collective Oakland, founded in 2019, would one day have a storefront. Their vision became reality on April 23 with the grand opening of Loyal To The Soil. More than just a bookstore, the shop, which is located on Broadway in the heart of downtown, aims to amplify Black-owned businesses by featuring a range of locally produced products. To kick off and create some buzz around the opening, The Collective Oakland is hosting a “Books on Broadway Book Fair” where shoppers can pick up a new read at 20% to 40% off. There will be activities for kids, games, drinks, and lots of other goodies available to purchase to help support the local economy. Entry is free. But if you’d like to “sip and shop with bottomless mimosas” you’ll need to purchase tickets.
Saturday, April 30, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., free, Loyal to the Soil, 1719 Broadway
AAPI Community Festival at Lincoln Square Park
Kick-off AAPI Heritage Month in Oakland’s Chinatown with performances, arts and crafts, and fun for the whole family. The day’s lineup includes an exhibit by Chinatown Pretty and the Oakland Chinatown Oral History Project featuring stories from Oakland Chinatown elders about Lincoln Square Park, performances by UC Berkeley Chinese dance team Fei Tian Dancers and others, a meet and greet with Director Domee Shi and production designer Rona Liu from Pixar’s Turning Red, and so much more! The event is put together by Cut Fruit Collective, a Bay Area grassroots group aiming to help AAPI communities thrive and feel seen, heard, and celebrated. See the entire lineup for the event here.
Sunday, May 1, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free to attend, Lincoln Square Park, 250 10th St.
