A new Oakland hills mural is getting attention, not just for its artistry, but for its message of neighborhood unity. The public stairway connecting Proctor and Modoc avenues is now the Sunflower Path, a tapestry of color on all 83 steps that resembles a continuous canvas celebrating inclusion and diversity.
Over a two-month period this summer, a team of teens and young adults led by local artist Alana Landrum painted “Diaspora,” a new Oakland hills mural on the public stairway connecting Proctor and Modoc avenues. (photo courtesy of Don Margolis)
Neighbor Don Margolis says the project was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and three young women back in May 2020 who wrote the names in chalk of people who died in police confrontations.
“Their goal was to raise awareness and promote justice and equality,” he said, adding that “the project led to spirited conversation within the community about issues of race, ethnicity and police conduct.”
A neighborhood committee was formed to explore a permanent stairs mural, and artist Mona Sani offered three designs, including the winner, entitled “Diaspora.” A team of teens and young adults led by local artist Alana Landrum painted the mural over a two-month period this summer.
Margolis says the mural not only beautifies the community but sends a statement that the neighborhood welcomes people of all faiths, ethnicities, national origins and identities.
“The colorful mural has already achieved its intended effect — residents climbing the stairs pause to admire its beauty and discuss the richness of our neighborhood’s diversity,” he says.
In memoriam: Hills resident and basketball great Al Attles, 87, died Aug. 27. From 1960 until this year, Attles spent 64 continuous seasons as a player, coach, team ambassador and in other roles for the Warriors — an NBA record.
There was a basketball hoop in his back yard the entire time he lived in Montclair, and neighbors knew him as the patriarch of a loving family. His son, Alvin, called him “an awesome husband, a great father, a super uncle, the best Pop-Pop and a one-of-a-kind friend.” He was also adept in the kitchen, where his gumbo and breakfasts were huge hits. The basketball legend could seemingly do it all with humor and humility.
Around town: The owners of Flippers are ‘flipping’ the longtime Montclair burger place and starting a new venture — Oh G Burger.
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The restaurant at 2062 Mountain Blvd. is closed for remodeling and slated to open later this month.
Slim pickings: Rite Aid in Montclair isn’t the only store in the chain to experience low inventory. The Rite Aid in Orinda has taken to posting signs that say “No, we are NOT closing. We are working to get product back in stores.” Retail theft is one issue; but many of the supply problems stem from the drug store’s restructuring after declaring bankruptcy last year.
Ginny Prior can be reached at ginnyprior@hotmail.com and followed on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and at ginnyprior.com.