Two hours of discussions, PowerPoint presentations, and testimony by dozens of community members at a meeting last night in Lakeshore

by Tehea Robie

Did you see the moon on Saturday night? It’s been about 18 years since the full moon has been this close to the earth. The stormy winds and threats of Bay Area quake catastrophe gave the strange event an otherworldly power. And if your week was anything like mine, there was plenty of lunar madness as well.

If you're the kind of family that loves everything about the harvest season, here are a couple of activities you do not want to miss.

If you like DIY costumes, you can join in on one of two Mask Making Workshops on Thursday, October 28. The first will take place from 3:30-5pm at Studio One Art Center. The second will happen later that evening, from 6:30-8pm at the Malonga Casquelord Center for the Arts Annex. Tickets are free if you RSVP in advance by leaving a message for Oakland Parks & Recreation Specialist Ms. Neal-Madison at (510) 238-2786 Or, a $5 donation may be given at the door.

After all the fireworks of the last two weeks, you might find yourself craving some sun, sky and quiet.

Thankfully, July is National Recreation and Parks month. The East Bay is home to some amazing parks - courtesy of the city, county/regional and state parks systems - and several of them are celebrating important anniversaries this year.