Bit by Bit

FIGHTING BLIGHT ON CALDECOTT LANE

Before a Notice of Code Violation

After - Blight Abated

After Abatement - New Blight

After ClickFix Posting and Complaints from Neighbors - Refrigerator Removed

Diving for Treasure

Click here to see DUMPSTER DIVING taken to a whole new level. 

KEEPING ON CLEANING UP CALDECOTT LANE

TO ALL EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERS

THANK YOU for your hard work and cheery dedication to the task of cleaning up our storm drains and public land behind Caldecott Lane.

Green Waste Container to be used for Food Scraps and Yard Waste

To those who are interested in continuing the clean-up of vegetation, we have contacted our City Council members, Dan Kalb (District 1) and our Council Member at-Large, Rebecca Kaplan.  To have access to a debris bin, either Kalb or Kaplan will need to donate the cost of a debris bin and pick-up after clean-up.  Pending their response, there is a solution for smaller, regular clean-ups:

Each building from 120 to 158 Caldecott Lane has received One (1) GREEN CART for recycling.  Green carts are meant to hold food scraps and YARD TRIMMINGS:

Yard trimmings including:

·         Leaves

·         Flowers

·         Grass & weeds

·         Houseplants

·         Trimmings

·         Branches less than 4' long and 6" in diameter or across

·         Unpainted, untreated wood less than 4' long and 6" in diameter or across

Your green yard trimmings cart holds 64 gallons of material.

Feel free to fill it to the top, but don't let it overflow! Make sure the lid closes.

 

Volunteers Use Yard Bags to Clean up Landscape Cuttings Clogging Public Storm Drains

In addition, we have about 50 to 75 yard bags remaining from the Earth Day Clean-Up.

You may set out extra yard trimmings, at no extra charge, by:

·    Placing material in a brown paper bag next to your yard trimmings cart. 30-gallon brown paper bags are inexpensive, convenient and available from many local hardware stores.

 

Improper Use of Green Waste Container

Please contact tenantsofcaldecottlane@gmail.com to secure yard-bags left-over from the Earth Day clean-up to keep our momentum going!

For more information about GREEN WASTE, click here.

A Trashy Collection

A montage of the garbage containers on Caldecott Lane.

Click here to view photo album.

EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERS and TENANTS 

CLEANED-UP CALDECOTT LANE

See your photos on EARTH DAY 2013 PHOTO GALLERY

Tenants working together create positive change!

IT'S POSITIVELY CRIMINAL!

IT'S ILLEGAL TO DUMP WASTE ON PUBLIC PROPERTY

CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE 374.3 et seq. (redacted)

374.3. (a) It is unlawful to dump or cause to be dumped waste matter . . . 

on or in . . .public property . . .

   (c) A person violating this section is guilty of an infraction. Each day that waste placed, 

deposited, or dumped in violation of subdivision (a). . . remains is a separate violation.

  (e) A person convicted of a violation of this section shall be punished by a mandatory fine of not less than $250 nor more than $1,000 upon a first conviction, by a mandatory fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,500 upon a second conviction, and by a mandatory fine of not less than $750 nor more than $3,000 upon a third or subsequent conviction. . .

 (g) Except when the court requires the convicted person to remove waste matter 

which he or she is responsible for dumping as a condition of probation, the court may,  

in addition to the fine imposed upon a conviction, require as a condition of probation, in

addition to any other condition of probation, that a person convicted of a violation 

of this section pick up waste matter at a time and place within the jurisdiction of the 

court for not less than 12 hours.

   (h) (1) A person who places, deposits, or dumps, or causes to be placed, deposited, 

or dumped, waste matter in violation of this section in commercial quantities shall be 

guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than 

six months and by a fine. The fine is mandatory and shall amount to not less than one 

thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000) upon a first 

conviction, not less than three thousand dollars ($3,000) nor more than six thousand 

dollars ($6,000) upon a second conviction, and not less than six thousand dollars

($6,000) nor more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000) upon a third or

subsequent conviction.

   (2) "Commercial quantities" means an amount of waste matter generated in the course 

of a trade, business, profession, or occupation, or an amount equal to or in excess of 

one cubic yard. . .

Report the Dumping -- Collect Your Reward

IT’S ILLEGAL TO DEPOSIT, DUMP, OR LITTER

·        YARD TRIMMINGS

·        LEAVES

·        GRASS CLIPPINGS

·        TREE TRIMMINGS, AND

·        LANDSCAPE CUTTINGS.

INTO A STORM DRAIN OR CREEK.

A person who does this littering and is convicted under Cal. Penal Code sec. 374.7 shall be punished. . .

·         by a mandatory fine of not less $250 nor more than $1,000 upon a first conviction,

·         by a mandatory fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1,500 upon a second conviction,

·         and by a mandatory fine of not less than $750 nor more than $3,000 upon a third or subsequent conviction.

REWARD FOR INFORMATION

Cal. Penal Code sec. 374(a).  A person giving information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person for a violation of Cal. Penal Code Section 374.7 is entitled to a reward for providing the information.

Citywide Earthquake Drill Set for Saturday Morning

As reported by the Rockridge Patch.

HUNGRY KITTY NEEDS YOUR HELP

Perhaps our (young) Cat Lady of Caldecott Lane may want to team up with Hungry Kitty, too?

See: http://hungrykitty.org/Home_Page.html for more information about this Oakland non-profit organization dedicated to spaying or neutering and caring for feral cats.

DANGEROUS CONDITION ON PROPERTY?

In February 2013, there was a large wooden palette adorning the property at 158 Caldecott Lane, street side.

When this palette was removed, a large hole was revealed in the center of which is an EBMUD “plate.”

EBMUD stands for "East Bay Municipal Utility District." 

One detects a faint smell like urine or rotting leaves on hot Spring days when walking past this eye-sore.

A complaint has been registered with EBMUD who should be investigating soon.  But why has this condition existed for so long without being properly addressed?

Whose liability is it if someone slips and falls here or if some small animal investigates and becomes entrapped in the hole?

Address: 158 Caldecott Lane

Source: Tenants Together, a state-wide tenants organization

Senator Mark Leno (D - San Francisco) has announced the introduction of SB 603, a bill to promote fair treatment of tenant security deposits. SB 603 would require deposit funds to be held separate accounts, require interest payments to tenants on any funds held, and impose penalties if deposit funds are improperly withheld at the conclusion of a tenancy. 

"One the biggest complaints California's 15 million renters voice when a lease ends is that they have little recourse in dealing with a landlord who refuses to return their deposits," said Senator Leno, D-San Francisco. "At a time when deposits can be $5,000 or more, the failure to pay interest or properly return a security deposit can be a significant and unnecessary financial burden on many renters. SB 603 protects tenants in this situation by encouraging landlords to return security deposits in a timely manner, as required by law," he said. 

SB 603 is co-sponsored by Tenants Together, Western Center on Law and Poverty and California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation. The bill responds to widespread complaints from tenants across the state that their deposits are unfairly withheld. According to a recent survey of Tenants Together members, 60% reported that some or all of their security deposit had been improperly withheld. 

"It's gotten so bad that tenants paying their security deposits don't ever expect to see that money again," commented Dean Preston, Executive Director of Tenants Together, California's statewide organization for renters' rights. "California's 15 million renters deserve better when it comes to the billions of their dollars being held as deposits," commented Preston. 

Security deposits are among the largest financial assets, and sometimes the only asset, that many tenants have. Deposits can be thousands of dollars, particularly in Senator Leno's 11th Senate District that encompasses San Francisco. 

Brian Augusta, Legislative Advocate at the Western Center on Law and Poverty, noted the unfairness of depriving tenants of interest on deposits. "Landlords who hold tenants' money, sometimes for years, should be required to pay the renter interest," said Augusta. "This isn't just a landlord-tenant issue. It's about basic consumer protection." Currently, only a handful of jurisdictions in California require that tenants be paid interest on security deposits. 

The cause has quickly attracted broad support. Tenants Together recently launched www.YourDeposit.org, a new website to educate tenants and protect deposits. Already, 20 community organizations including tenant groups, unions, civil rights groups, and consumer advocates have signed onto the effort. 

SB 603 will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee this spring. 

Contact Your State Senator to Support SB 603 -- Security Deposits Fairness!

ONLY YOU CAN PREVENT FUTURE CRIMES

Fourteen volunteers worked tirelessly to clean our storm drains of illegally dumped landscape cuttings and construction debris.

Now, what can we do to PREVENT future illegal dumpings in our drains, creeks, and public property?

We can team up with the Oakland Police Department to form a NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP and work with our local problem solving officer to make our neighborhood safer and blight-free. 

To quote the City of Oakland web site:

What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a partnership between neighbors and the Oakland Police Department to improve safety and prevent crime. Forming a Neighborhood Watch group on your block is the first step to making and keeping your neighborhood safe.

Neighborhood Watch Steering Committee

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 6:30PM in City Hall.

For more information, call Felicia Verdin at (510) 238-3128 or email: fverdin@oaklandnet.com.

Why not join me at the meeting this Wednesday night at City Hall?

ILLEGAL DUMPING

As I was walking down Caldecott Lane with some rakes and a pitchfork, tools that I and the volunteers used to remove the illegally dumped landscape cuttings and construction debris from public property, three women stopped and asked me,

"Are you one of the people who was out there yesterday cleaning up the blight?"

"Yes."

"Thank you for cleaning up our neighborhood!"

These women were walking their dogs and live at Parkwoods Condominiums.

I was surprised that anyone, besides the tenants who live at 120 to 158 Caldecott Lane, had noticed our efforts.  But, they had.

One of the landscape cuttings
clogging  a storm drain discovered
behind 142 Caldecott Lane.

Where I come from, there is pride in property ownership.  We do not litter our property with debris, or bury the debris in the soil around our property.  We know that this devalues the property but, more than that, we don't want to pollute our land.

Where I come from,we don't dispose of our construction debris on public property.  We don't cut our grass, or trees, or ornamental plants, and then place these cuttings on public property in creeks, natural waterways, and storm drains.  

But, that is where I come from.  But, then, if people other than me have noticed our

An illegally dumped sofa found
behind the public utility
at 130 Caldecott Lane.

efforts, if other tenants have expressed their gratitude, there must be people that come from many other places different than me who also take pride in property ownership, and pride in caring for property that they rent, and pride in the environment in which they live.

ILLEGAL DUMPING IS A CRIME

"Oakland Public Works Agency hauls away tons of trash from the public right-of-way every year, from construction debris to household trash. This trash would otherwise end up in our neighborhoods, creeks and waterways. Property values decline where illegal dumping is rampant. 

Community and governmental agencies need to work in partnership to stop the enormous problem of illegal dumping. 

Here is how you can help:

See It - Write down the dumper’s description: include gender, ethnicity, age, hair color, clothing, etc. Write down the vehicle description: include license plate number, color, make, model & approximate year, if known.

Report It - Call the Public Works Call Center at (510) 615-5566. Dumping in progress should be called in to Oakland Police Department non-emergency line (510)777-3333. 

OPD also provides an on-line report process at www.oaklandpolice.com for illegal dumping that is witnessed by a citizen, but is no longer in progress.

Stop It - Get involved! With your help, we can reduce illegal dumping in our communities. Use this list of tips to help prevent illegal dumping."

Crime carries penalties.

 

To learn about California state law and state programs concerning illegal dumping, click here.

BEFORE AND AFTER

AN ENVIRONMENT IS TRANSFORMED FROM BLIGHT TO BEAUTY

Thanks to 14 volunteers, illegally dumped landscape cuttings and construction debris is removed from City of Oakland property on Earth Day to reveal the breathtaking beauty of the natural land.

Before - Wood beams, firewood, construction pipes 

More wood pieces and a wood box

Wood beams

After - the beams, box, and construction pipes removed

Sewer pipe, scaffolding, tarp, chain link fence

Wood debris, sodden sofa, pipes

After  - only bits and pieces of tile and granite remain

After - bits & pieces remain for clean-up

142 Caldecott Lane - wood debris, a BMW radiator, electrical conduit, PCV pipes, an old ladder

142 Caldecott Lane - wood debris,  wood beams, and poison oak

After - all gone to the dumpster!

EARTH DAY CREW CLEANS UP CITY PROPERTY BEHIND 142 CALDECOTT LANE!

Team Gloria Rocks!  Nathan raking litter and leaves.

Bettina bagging Leaves and Landscape Cuttings

Before.  Landscape cuttings clog the drain.

And After!  Now water can get into the storm drain!

Before

And After!

We could hardly believe it!  We filled an ENTIRE dumpster with landscape cuttings
and construction debris!  Alexis used the old sewer pipe to stand on and throw stuff
in while Logan helped.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

TENANTS WORK TOGETHER TO CLEAN UP CITY OF OAKLAND PROPERTY

ON CALDECOTT LANE

Shown are photos taken this morning behind 130 Caldecott Lane where seven volunteers raked and bagged landscape cuttings dumped into the creek and storm drain behind 120 Caldecott Lane.  These volunteers pulled out freshly cut grass clippings, green trimmings from a pine bush, and more.

While these volunteers worked on clearing the creek of vegetation, three volunteers worked tirelessly to clean-up construction debris behind the Verizon public utility.  They pulled out wood debris, hammered down exposed nails, and carried a sodden, white sofa out to the dumpster nearby.

And, they neatly piled up iron, sewer pipes, and chain link fence which we are posting later today for any person to pick up and recycle.

Before - Melody perched on top of a water-filled sewer pipe

After - Almost unrecognizable - Matt, Amber, and Christian really cleaned things up!

While volunteers worked behind 130 Caldecott Lane, another team lead by team captain, Gloria, gathered behind 142 Caldecott Lane.  Six volunteers banded together to clean up construction pipes, electrical conduit, wood debris, and even a BMW radiator that had been dumped on public land.   And, they continued to work on the storm drain and creeks clogged with landscape cuttings.

Matt, Amber, Mac, Yumi, and Christian rally together to clean up Caldecott Lane!

Matt,  Amber, and Christian pull out wood debris, chain link fence, and more.  They  hammer down nails and use the  wheelbarrow Nathan and Bettina rented to haul debris out to the dumpster.

Stacey and Yumi work tirelessly on cleaning up landscape cuttings clogging the creek .

Yumi and Christian haul yard waste out to the dumpster.

Hard to believe but by 1:00 p.m., the dumpster was half-full!

The work carries on!

CALDECOTT LANE TENANTS CLEAN UP VEGETATION 
in the storm drain behind 142 Caldecott Lane

Before

The clean up began today with three volunteers, one of whom completely "rocked" the clean up.  They found a shovel, too!  You know what they say about "Finders, Keepers!"

During

One of the City workers said to me, "Jerry Brown used to say, 'It takes 20 people to create a movement' but for you," she said, "it takes just five."

And after!

Tenants working together can create positive change.  Today is an example of the changes  we are making to improve our community!

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING!

We apologize for a technical "glitch."  Our photos will restored tomorrow!  

THE GREAT CALDECOTT CLEAN-UP CONTINUES 
AS WE READY OURSELVES FOR EARTH DAY!

The old sofa has been removed and is ready to haul away.

Now, two large rolls of chain link fence. . .

Bits and pieces of tile and granite lay strewn behind the public utility. . .and,

Tables without all their legs,


Wood palettes,


Pieces of scaffolding.

We'll see if we can recycle or give some of this "stuff" away.  Who knows?  Maybe there's buried treasure!

News from: Oakland Public Works Agency
April 11, 2013 

Volunteers Lend a Hand to Clean & Beautify Oakland 

"Oakland, CA – On Saturday, April 20, 2013 [at] 9:00 a.m. thousands of community and corporate volunteers will clean and green over 80 locations throughout Oakland at the 19th Annual Oakland Earth Day. Earth Day is Oakland’s largest community volunteer event. This year’s  activities are expected to draw over 3,500 participants, including 300 
volunteers from Starbucks East Bay. Activities include creek restoration, graffiti removal, litter pickup, weed abatement and planting. 

The first 3,000 volunteers will receive a complimentary reusable bag, as well as a Chinook Book and smart phone app that include over 350 coupons for local, green businesses in the East Bay. Volunteers can choose among the many parks, recreation centers, creeks, commercial corridors and neighborhood locations listed at www.oaklandearthday.org. 

Earth Day marks the anniversary of what many consider the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. According to Earth Day Network, 'more than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world.'"

THANK YOU FOR VOLUNTEERING to help Clean and Green Caldecott Lane!

We look forward to seeing you this Saturday, April 20, at 9:00 a.m. behind 130 Caldecott Lane and behind 142 Caldecott Lane!