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April 2000 DIA Newsletter

Open Board Meeting
The DIA Board warmly invites everyone with an interest in the neighborhood to attend its meetings.

Farewell to Ann's Cafe
It's hard to believe that Frank and Frances Bienati aren't still dishing it out at Ann's Cafe, but they've poured their final cup of coffee there.

During their last two days of business, over 500 fans stopped by to wish them a happy retirement. The DIA sent a singing telegram; the Dimond Business and Professional Association gave them a Community Service Award; there were flowers and gifts and good-by tears.

The Oakland Fire Department saw to it that Frances got a ride in a firetruck, something she had long wanted to do.

Dimond's hostess with the mostest was honored by the City Council at its February 29th meeting, and Councilmember Dick Spees announced that Sloan Street will be renamed Frances Bienati Way.

The Bienatis always gave a special welcome to the City's police officers, and the officers returned the honors with a huge "good-by" party at Francesco's. Two limos picked the Bienati family up; a police motorcycle escort materialized and roared alongside with lights flashing.

As it happens the media were across the street from the restaurant, waiting for Al Gore, who was expected at a function nearby. All the TV people rushed over, wondering who these fabulous celebrities were with the limos and the escort.

Well, WE know! Thank you, fabulous Frank and Frances! Happy retirement!

March DIA Meeting
At its March meeting, the DIA held its annual election of officers and Board members. Tim Chapman and Ann Nomura agreed to stay on as Co-Chairs, Tito Tayco will continue as our Treasurer, and Verne Vinella will continue as our Record-keeper.

Keira Williams, from the City's Community and Economic Development Agency, said that CEDA will help us financially to make sure the Dimond t-shirt project stays on track.

Correction!
How could we have misreported Tricia Christopher's name in last month's newsletter? Tricia has been unstinting with her skills as a landscape architect in planning and bringing along our Lincoln/MacArthur gateway project.

The little plants are beginning to grow, and some of them are even flowering. With each passing week, the corner is lovelier.

Happily, the beautification is contagious. The Hillcrest Motel now has flowers planted around the base of their sign near Boston Avenue, and they have added some more flowers near Lincoln.

N.C.P.C. News
Peggy Lucas reports that a record 35 people attended the March 27th Neighborhood Crime Prevention Meeting to learn about self-defense.

Officer Mark Harris spoke about self-defense and promised to return at the April 24th meeting to give hands-on instruction.

Captain Whitman told the meeting that Beat 22X has had two violent muggings in the last four months, so he cautioned that although crime is down in 22X (and the whole City), we must be alert and prepared.

Did you know?
Mel's Diner was once an archery shop.

Dues Report
We have had an excellent response to the call for year 2000 dues payments.

If you haven't yet sent in your dues, please put your check (for $12 or more) in the mail today,

Celebrate Earth day in Dimond
Earth Day is Saturday, April 22nd, and what better way to celebrate than to help your local creek!

The City is sponsoring an Earth Day project to improve Sausal Creek, with activities ranging from litter pick-up to bank stabilization. There will be free food and t-shirts for all volunteers.

Meet at the garden near the tot lot in Dimond Park at 9 a.m. and enjoy a morning with your neighbors and your creek!

Can't make it on the 22nd? The Friends of Sausal Creek will be having regular work-days on April 8th, 15th and 29th. Volunteers will meet at the El Centro Trailhead for oak woodland restoration.

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