Premium & Micro-Brew Beers!
1 comment August 14th, 2008
The Food Mill Story
The Food Mill, A Natural Food market at 3033 MacArthur Blvd. & Maple Ave. is celebrating 75yrs of offering healthy foods & natural supplements. John Denis had a dream for his community that continues to positively nurture us today. His vision was to supply the San Francisco East Bay with wholesome nutritious products. The Food Mill has over 700 bulk grains, flours, herbs, spices and other foods. They also offer freshly baked wholesome breads and cookies, as well as natural supplements, homeopathic remedies and natural cosmetics. Kirk and Art Watkins, brothers who grew up in Oakland, were teenagers when they first fell under the discipline of Mr. Denis’ teachings in 1968. They learned first hand about the art of milling grains, roasting and grinding nut butters, baking goods and providing personalized customer service. Stop by and join Kirk, Art and all of The Food Mill employees in celebrating 75yrs. of providing healthy options and quality customer service. Visit www.foodmillonline.com for hours, and product information. (510) 482-3848 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-7:30pm, Sat. 8am-6:30pm, Sun. 9am- 5:30p
7 comments June 10th, 2008
Hi Hat Cleaners- 10yrs. of Green Cleaning
What’s so Important about a Green Cleaners ? Green cleaning promotes health, safety and social consciousness. Hi Hat Cleaners, located at 2996 MacArthur Blvd. (on the corner of Maple Ave.) in the Dimond district, uses only safe solvents for cleaning. This means they don’t contribute to polluting our air, or adding to the ozone depletion or global climate change, they set a high standard for our district and they even use recycled paper hangers.
The toxic chemicals other cleaners use have been linked to childhood wheezing. Wheezing is a primary symptom of asthma in children. Asthma affects 6.5 million children in the
(510) 482-3094
2 comments May 1st, 2008
Oakland Acupuncture Project Grand Opening
Please join us for the Grand Opening of Oakland Acupuncture Project!
Eat, drink, visit with neighbors, and learn about community acupuncture. Saturday April 26th from 2:00 - 6:00 Oakland Acupuncture Project 3576 Laurel Ave. (at MacArthur Blvd.) Come in and see what Chinese Medicine can do for you! Build Community - Cultivate Health www.oaklandacupunctureproject.com
3 comments April 24th, 2008
Dimond Shining Green
Residents can help the Dimond district on the road to a Greener path. Ask all restaurants and fast food establishments to comply with Oakland’s Greenware Ordinance.
About Oakland’s green food packaging ordinance
Food service ware is a large contributor to litter, blight and waste throughout Oakland. In addition, many food service ware products made from plastic may be hazardous to our health. To make our city cleaner and healthier and help our community achieve zero waste, Oakland City Council has adopted a cutting-edge disposable food packaging ordinance. Similar ordinances are now being adopted across California.
What does the new food packaging ordinance say?
- Oakland food vendors may no longer use polystyrene foam (such as Styrofoam) disposable food service ware.
- Oakland food vendors must change to biodegradable/compostable disposable food service ware as it becomes affordable (same or less cost than the non-biodegradable/non-compostable disposables).
Who has to follow the food packaging ordinance?
All Oakland food vendors selling prepared food, including restaurants, delis, fast-food establishments, vendors at fairs, and food trucks. All City Facilities must also follow the ordinance.
What are the alternatives to polystyrene foam?
Coated and uncoated paper, cardboard, aluminum foil, other plastics.
Where can I purchase alternative food service ware products?
- Ask your current supplier to offer products that meet the City’s new requirements.
- Many local and national suppliers are on this Distributors List.
What are biodegradable and compostable food service ware products?
- Coated and uncoated paper products, and some “bio-plastics”.
- StopWaste.Org lists many products on their Bio-Based Products List.
What can my business do to reduce food service ware waste?
- Allow customers to bring their own mugs to buy drinks.
- Use reusable dishes and cups instead of disposable ones for “Eat-In Customers.”
- Start food scraps recycling that includes used compostable food packaging, food scraps, and many other items that may fill your garbage bin, and you may be able to reduce your garbage service. (see Free recycling technical assistance below)
What is wrong with polystyrene foam?
Made from crude oil and like all conventional plastics, polystyrene foam is non-renewable, non-biodegradable, and virtually non-recyclable. Polystyrene foam food service ware ends up in landfills, waterways or the ocean. It breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces which are often mistaken for food and ingested by marine animals, birds, and fish. Medical evidence also suggests that chemicals in polystyrene foam are carcinogenic and may leach into food or drink.
Oakland Recycles (510) 238-SAVE
recycling@oaklandnet.com
www.oaklandrecycles.com
Add comment April 9th, 2008
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATIONS
Several new businesses are opening in the district, Grand Opening Celebrations include, “New to You“, A Children’s Boutique of new & gently used items at 2010 Mac Arthur Blvd. Friday, March 7th, 11am-7p, Arabella & Co. , 2006 Mac Arthur Blvd. a consignment shop with home & garden furnishings will also open Friday, from 11am-5pm. Dimond Cafe at 3440 Fruitvale, is now open, the menu includes donuts, bagels, and assortment of baked goods. Lipstick Boutique at 2710 Mac Arthur Blvd. will have a red carpet celebration with music, food & beverages Friday, March 7th, 7pm-11pm, with women’s fashions and accessory on display. Explore the Dimond.
4 comments March 6th, 2008
History of the Dimond District
The Dimond district is named after Hugh Dimond. A young 20-year old with three children, who made his money in the Gold Rush. In 1867, he purchased the acreage that included the area now called Dimond Park. However, he was not the first European to own the land. Our very own 12-acre Dimond Park, was part of the Peralta family’s ranch, back in the days of the Spanish land grants. The family’s 1821 adobe, described in a book called “Oakland Park and Playgrounds” as the “first substantial house built in Oakland,” stood for many years until it burned in the 1950s. When visiting the park , search for a small, difficult-to-read plaque that sets forth a bit of local history. According to the plaque, the utility building across from the restrooms has incorporated adobe bricks from the 1897 Dimond cottage, described as a “playhouse” for the Dimond children, although a brief history on an Oakland Parks Department map references the adobe bricks as being from the Peralta home. Visit the old bricks that encircle the door, set aside from the rest of the blank wall of the building. Adjacent to the plaque is an 1896 bell, which originally hung in a streetcar barn, which later became the volunteer headquarters for the Dimond Volunteer Fire Department. In 1917, the city purchased 12 acres at Fruitvale and Lyman streets from the Dimond estate for $24,000–today’s present park. Exploring the Dimond district can be filled with surprises. Finding out where the German Beer Gardens once stood, will bring out the true adventurer in you.
4 comments February 22nd, 2008
Eco friendly Green Bags are here
The ecology-friendly Green Bags have arrived at Farmer Joe’s. They are for sale, $1.79 each plus tax with a 5 cent bag redemption each time you use your Green Bag at the check out after purchasing groceries. Get one, or two, or like me – three — while supplies last. I gave my Green Bag a strength test on its maiden purchase. I loaded one up with a half gallon of organic milk, a half gallon of Joe’s fresh squeezed orange juice and a one liter bottle of Agrumi Tangerine, all natural Italian soda. The Green Bag passed my test with flying colors. It is much easier to carry too. Go Green.
11 comments January 21st, 2008
Pure Gold Hair Restoration Clinic
Pure Gold Hair Restoration Clinic
3431 Fruitvale Ave.
Oakland, CA 96402
530-1559
Add comment January 20th, 2008
Dimond Business & Professional Association
The Dimond Business & Professional Association supports the Dimond Business Districts and all of its merchants through events, promotions, liaisons with the City of Oakland, and more. We encourage all merchants and professional organizations in the district to join. You can help us with the revitalization of the Dimond District by becoming active with the DB & PA. Merchant Members are highlighted in bold text and a * next to the business name in the Directory. See merchant member list with business reviews & related articles below. Please feel free to add your own review to the links below.
Contact Us
Ruth Villasenor 510-336-0105
Dimond Business & Professional Association
PO Box 27003
Oakland 94602
Merchant Members of the Association
The following merchants are members of the Business and Professional Association. See our business directory for contact information and a full list of businesses in the district.
Arabella & Co, Home & Garden Consignment Shop
All Eyes on Me Optometry
AMA Auto Care
Car Care Automotive
Cafe Diem
Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center
Curves
Cybelle’s Pizza
Dimond Beauty Supply
Dimond Cafe
Dimond Printers
Dimond Chiropractic Center
Farmer Joe’s Natural Marketplace
The Food Mill
Huey Pierce Madison, D.D.S.,P.C
Hi Hat Environmentally Clean Cleaners
La Farine Bakery
Loka Yoga
Mary’s Hair Salon
NAMA Japanese Cuisine
Oakland Acupuncture Project
Paws & Claws Natural Pet Food Store & Bathhouse
Perpetuo Z. Tayco, CPA
Peet’s Coffee & Tea
Purofirst Oakland East Bay
Romano Pizza
Star Cellular
State Farm Insurance & Financial Services
Sudear’s Flowers
Taqueria El Jaliciense
Taqueria Los Comales
Two Stars Market & Liquor
Wyland’s Meat
1 comment January 20th, 2008
Dimond Artists
The Dimond District is truly a hidden gem, especially when one discovers the artists colony located in the neighborhood. The Dimond Business & Professional Association is proud of its many artists. Please visit them at
Amy Jo Karn
www.amyjokarn.com
Helen Krayenhoff
www.Helenkrayenhoff.com
Debra Koppman
www.debrakoppman.com
Carl Linkhart
www.home.earthlink.net/-carlinkhart/
Dan May
www.danmayart.com
Margo-Mercedes Rivera-Weiss
www.geocities.com/incajew/
Rita Sklar
www.ritasklar.com
For other Oakland Artists visit, http://www.mesart.com/fairs/openstudiosOaklandCA.shtml
Add comment October 21st, 2007
Dimond…The Gateway to Nature
Nestled between Oakmore, Glenview, and Lincoln Heights neighborhoods, this district is a hidden gem. The Dimond District is conveniently located between the 580 Fwy. & the 13 Fwy., and accessible by multiple bus lines. The business district offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants and services with free public parking off Fruitvale Ave on Bienati Way, left at the Shell Station. The Dimond Branch Library is located on Fruitvale Ave. and is adjacent to Dimond Park. On leash dog walking is permitted along El Centro Trailhead, with access from Fruitvale Ave. left on Waterhouse Ave. left on El Centro Ave. Enjoy the beauty of Sausal Creek along with the recent restoration of native plants. Dimond Park provides the community with a recreational pool, picnic tables, Bar-B-Que Grills, and tennis courts. Explore all the Dimond has to offer.
3 comments January 21st, 2007