How’d you like to help shape the future of traffic and traffic safety on Grand Avenue between Mandela Parkway and MacArthur and maybe also lobby for a free shuttle on Saturdays to and from the Farmers Market? The Grand Avenue Mobility Plan is giving you the perfect opportunity to do so by clicking on THIS LINK.
The Splash Pad News has previously shared Damon Tighe’s incredible photos of living organisms that thrive in Lake Merritt’s waters. He’s the main focus of a fabulous Oaklandside article titled “What lurking beneath Lake Merritt?” that we highly recommend–unless, of course, you don’t like creepy-crawlies.
Last week, we got to wondering why the chain link fencing around the electric vehicle charging stations to the left of the freeway parking lot entrance had been removed. Jonah Eidus from EVgo had the answer but he began by apologizing for the long delay in completing the installation process. As we’ve reported in the past, the initial delays were caused by PG & E which needed to run new high power lines underground. Then the contractor working for EVgo hit an underground gasoline storage tank adjacent to Vegan Mob, which the city’s contractor has not yet removed. The onset of the Covid virus has now further complicated matters. According to Jonah, as a net result, “It is by far the longest project in the history of EVgo, and it’s not close. I don’t believe in curses, but this project has sure had some bad luck.” As for the fencing, individuals had repeatedly breached the interior and it was becoming 
filled with trash. Ultimately, “removing the fence was deemed the better of two not great options.”
As you’ve likely already observed, contractors have been in the process of converting the KFC building to a Starbucks for the past couple of weeks. As mentioned in last month’s news, there were some questions as to whether various changes (that had been approved over the counter) were in keeping with the city’s zoning ordinance. The Planning Director has since responded that all the changes currently underway are in keeping with code but the proposed roof top sign will require a Conditional Use Permit.