In brief: Piedmont blood drive Saturday at veterans hall

Participate in the Piedmont Recreation Department's Christmas Eve Blood Drive to give the gift of hope and life.

The drive will be handled by the Red Cross from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Piedmont Veterans' Memorial Building, 401 Highland Ave.

City draws attention to climate sustainability efforts

Piedmont's climate newsletter highlights its achievements in converting to an all-electric infrastructure.

Numerous residents have taken part in the induction cooktop loan program. Republic Services and the city have partnered to create an all-electric community pool. 150 cubic yards of compost has been distributed through giveaways and a pilot program for self-haul. The local government was awarded the Beacon Spotlight platinum award for best practices in sustainability. The city will now offer rebates to electrify, including the removal of gas appliances, and the payment of equipment, labor, and permits. A heat pump water heater is eligible for a rebate up to $800; a service panel upgrade is eligible for $500; and a central heat pump is eligible for $1,500 for low-income households.

Linda Park can renovate with the help of EBMUD's rebate program

Piedmont celebrates the renovation of Linda Park, thanks to an East Bay Municipal Utility District rebate program. This rebate encourages water-wise measures in public parks.

The city claims that this is the first time a sheet-mulched project has been undertaken in a public park. Linda Park now has a smaller lawn with drip irrigation, mulch, benches, picnic tables, and native plants for landscaping.

-- Linda Davis, correspondent

OAKLAND

Montclair is open to shoppers during Christmas weekend

As the year winds down, Montclair Village's holiday spirit grows. Take in the festive atmosphere and bustle of Montclair Village's pre-Christmas crowd. Businesses and restaurants are open to all who wish to celebrate the occasion. You'll feel great and look good as you ring the new year 2023. After the holidays, CRUFit and Montclair Fitness are great options for a toned body. Au Natural Salon, Feliz Dubois Skincare and Isabelle Gerard offer beauty treatments for big nights out. Shop Mix, Hula Wonderful Clothing or La Rouge Women's Fashion to accessorize with style.

Stock up on bubbles! Crown Wines and Spirits and Farmstead Cheeses & Wines are two of the best places to find the finest beverages. Montclair Village makes it easy to bring something for everyone. This is the season to celebrate with family, friends, and colleagues. Perle, Italian Colours, Daughter Thai, and Crogan's are some of the best village vacation spots. As there won't be any markets on Christmas and New Years, the Montclair farmers' market vendors are also taking a break.

Montclair Village security guard until mid-January

The Montclair Village Association (MVA), has received funding from Oakland to hire additional security personnel to provide a safe and festive shopping environment in Montclair Village.

From now until mid-January, the Shop Safe Oakland Initiative provided funds to support a safety ambassador. The safety ambassador will be available Monday through Saturday, from 1 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 am.m. to 6 pm. However, he or she will not be available on Christmas and New Year's Day. If the public requires assistance, such as an escort or a ride to a car, he/she will provide a direct number to his mobile phone.

This program is a visible and professional presence in the commercial area. The safety ambassador can be called upon by business owners and staff to provide services such as monitoring problem persons and referring the incident to the appropriate authorities. Montclair Village residents can call the safety ambassador to arrange an escort from their home to a business location. The ambassador will be reporting to the Oakland police and keeping in touch with them regularly. For the ambassador's mobile phone number, sign up for the MVA email newsletter.

Oakland also launched the Think Oakland First campaign to remind people that it is important to support local businesses and shop, dine, and support them this holiday season. Local spending is vital to a vibrant community, as demonstrated by the Montclair Village Holiday Stroll on Dec. 8.

The Holiday Stroll was a wonderful event. More than 2000 people visited Montclair Village to meet Santa Claus, browse the businesses and shops offering holiday treats, make holiday cards, and meet first responders. They also had hands-on time with fire rigs, and donated toys, warm coats, and food to charities.

MVA

First Covenant offers online and in-person Christmas services

All are invited to celebrate Christmas at First Covenant Church in Oakland Hills. On Christmas Eve, there will be two online and in-person services at 4:55 and 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Day will be available online on Facebook and YouTube throughout the day. FCC can be found at 4000 Redwood Road, Oakland. Visit oaklandfcc.org online for more details.

FCC

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