Almost spring

"It is not quite spring here in the Bay Area but is very, very close. It's the one place that I've lived where the official season start-dates nearly hold true. March 21 will just about be officially spring in our garden, at the farmer's market, in the nearby park where the cherry blossoms bloom, and also in our tiny orchard where the peach tree lives. Oh, heart! Oakland is almost full of intoxicating blossoms and the most vibrant greens and the palest pinks, peaches, and mauves."

Does it feel like spring for you? Reading this post by Oakland crafter Katrina Rodabaugh, I was ready to run outside and check the cherry blossoms one more time--but I am still waiting to put my winter coat away (did you get caught in the hail yesterday?)

Almost broadband

Will Oakland take part in the redistribution of broadband access that both Google and the stimulus fund are driving? We certainly hope so--access to powerful wireless is a critical factor for economic health these days--but what, exactly, is being proposed for Oakland?

Almost a candidate?

Is Rebecca Kaplan considering a run for Mayor, as The East Bay Express suggests? Here's the fun part: what if she could win, based on the fact Perata and Quan supporters are so opposite, Kaplan would be the neutral middle?

Almost #oakmtg?

When it's Tuesday, it's City Council showtime, at least 2X a month. For those who don't want to show up in person, the twittering classes provide a great service: follow the hashtag #oakmtg to read the speaker by speaker narrative and inside basebal comments of a small group of twittering friends and city government observers. (Note: This tag is used for many city gov meetings, so keep that in mind.)

Almost a failed school?

A preliminary list of failing schools came out this week--five of Oakland's middle schools are on it-- Alliance Academy, Elmhurst Community Prep, Explore Middle School, ROOTS International, United for Success Academy (all middle schools)--but the list is going to be revised and republished Thursday because--surprise--it's not totally accurate.

Almost busy?

These are the upcoming events on the Oakland Local community calendar--what else do you have going on?

Didja see this?

Beatboxing about the budget cuts, via OL CE  & Black Hour producer Reginald James: