http://www.abetteroakland.com/proposed-budget-cuts-by-department/2009-05-15 The Continuing Story of a City Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:06:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://www.abetteroakland.com/proposed-budget-cuts-by-department/2009-05-15#comment-126842 Patrick Sat, 16 May 2009 03:54:45 +0000 http://www.abetteroakland.com/?p=3060#comment-126842 Volunteer at one of parks if you have the time! I visited Morcom Rose Garden earlier this week and met Torah (sp?), the last remaining gardener for the entire park (there used to be 5, plus part-timers). Torah stated that with the new budget cuts, parks like Morcom won't even have a full-time gardener anymore - just a crew that rotates every two weeks. The parks are going to be a mess - and the cost of replanting/repairing the damage will certainly exceed the money saved unless we pitch in. All you have to do is sign an "I Won't Sue Oakland" waiver, and they'll show you what needs to be done, according to your abilities. After the first time, you may come and work at your pleasure, if the park is open. If you have gloves and pruning shears, bring them - they have very few. Volunteer at one of parks if you have the time! I visited Morcom Rose Garden earlier this week and met Torah (sp?), the last remaining gardener for the entire park (there used to be 5, plus part-timers). Torah stated that with the new budget cuts, parks like Morcom won’t even have a full-time gardener anymore – just a crew that rotates every two weeks. The parks are going to be a mess – and the cost of replanting/repairing the damage will certainly exceed the money saved unless we pitch in. All you have to do is sign an “I Won’t Sue Oakland” waiver, and they’ll show you what needs to be done, according to your abilities. After the first time, you may come and work at your pleasure, if the park is open. If you have gloves and pruning shears, bring them – they have very few.

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