Stop Crime, Have a Party Instead

This memo just in from a Neighborhood Services Coordinator. This is the same NSC who was given an award for organizing the beautification of freeway ramps. A lot of people thought he should have been fired instead.

"We won't be there at our usual time on Monday, Dec. 8. However, we are holding a District-wide Year-End Celebration for all the NCPC's in our District on Thursday, Dec. 18th. 7 p.m. at the Veteran's Memorial Building, 200 Grand Ave. It will be a short program to recognize outstanding neighborhood volunteers and will feature coffee and dessert from some of Oakland's great restaurants and bakeries. Dress is fancy, but not formal.

We are calling the event Neighbors Care, because while we revel and regail (sic) ourselves, we will also be helping our less fortunate neighbors by collecting new, unwrapped toys and/or non-perishable groceries for the Mary Ann Wright Foundation. Space is limited, so RSVP as soon as possible.

Chuck Johnston Neighborhood Services Coordinator Oakland Police Department (510) 238-2301 office (510) 238-2303 fax

Here's another heads-up for you, Chuck: Mary Ann Wright's volunteers routinely loot the best food, clothing and toys that have been donated. Why? "We're volunteers, we don't get paid to do this work.