Thank you to everyone who contributed to our spring individual-donor campaign. We are honored and inspired by your support. While we still have a long way to go to reach our fundraising and economic development goals, you all helped us make a big step - the purchase of our new e-commerce platform! We have moved ahead by leaps and bounds over the summer and will start selling some incredible Oakland goods in time for the holiday season. See a sneak preview of the new interface.

One-of-a-Kind, Modern Handcrafted Candles
by Creighton Hurt
$30
These gorgeous candles are the work of Oakand artist Creighton Hurt. Creighton hand makes a wide variety of candles in various colors and scents, from Mango to Jasmine to Eucalyptus. You can find him and his works of art at Jack London Square Market on Sundays, at www.chunkscandles.com, and soon…on Oakland Unwrapped!

Gift Boxes of Sumptuous
Body Lotions and Potions
by The Joys of Life
$45 and up
Look younger, feel healthier, and soothe your soul with natural shea butter products hand made by Joy Shaffer at The Joys of Life. Everything about Joy and her business exudes beauty, health, and integrity. Joy’s natural ingredients are lovingly chosen, stringently tested, and help provide a good living to the women of Ghana and Uganda who process them by hand. Visit Joy at Jack London Square on Sundays and online at thejoysoflife.com.

Music You Didn’t Know You Loved
Free

Ever wish you knew what other bands sound like your favorite band? Ever wish you could simply type in the name of the song and have the computer create a custom-made radio station which sounded just like your song? Wish no more. A project of the Music Genome project, Pandora does this for FREE and it’s going to change your life. You will be amazed at how well it works and how many new artists you’ll learn about. Log on to Pandora.com and say hello to your new life! And of course, Pandora is based in Oakland!

by Erika Mailman
$14.95
Of course, I’m a bit of an Oakland nerd, so I couldn’t wait to pick a copy of Oakland’s Neighborhoods. I was happy I did. Through the book, Erica Mailman and contributors celebrate not only Oakland the place, but also the people. The stories, poems, facts and photographs touch on all of the complexities of Oakland: race relations, family memories, Lake Merritt, the sounds and smells of daily life in the city, and the stories behind some of our city’s most interesting buildings. You’ll also learn the history behind the neighborhoods, how and when they were annexed, and who originally settled there. It playfully bounces between past and present, prose and poetry as it moves from chapter to chapter, keeping it fresh and keeping readers on our toes. Pick it up at one of Oakland’s independent bookstores!

We hosted a table at the new Oakland’s Own section of the Art and Soul festival on Labor Day weekend. Oakland Unwrapped! helped the City’s Marketing and Cultural Arts Department find some of Oakland’s exciting food and wine producers. As visitors sipped wine and tea and noshed on chocolates, barbecue sauce and organic nut butters, they told us how excited they were about Oakland Unwrapped! and the ability to support their community through our site. We had a blast and met a lot of wonderful people that support our cause.

Several people commented on our cool “Shop with Soul” t-shirts at the festival, so as soon as our site launches, we will make them available for purchase. Stay tuned!

The New Fruitvale Public Market is almost ready and they are seeking vendors of arts and crafts, books and folk music, fresh cut flowers and plants, crystals, candles, incense, tarot readings, etc. To apply, call Meche Sansores at 510-535- 7182 or Tom Limon at 510-535-6926. Read the flyer (PDF) for more details.

Inner City Advisors is seeking businesses to help them learn about the issues small businesses are dealing with. Participants will be invited to a reception and have access to new business programs and services. To participate, go to www.orgstats.com/bpgs and enter this Access Code: draw44. For more information, contact the Business Value Alliance: Darlene Crane (510) 886-4483, Dcrane@pcicraneconsulting.com or Claire Kinlaw (510) 531-4496, clairek@team-zone.com

Weds. October 25, 7:30 to 5:30
Oakland Marriott
Are you making time to plan for your business? Taking Care of Business is a conference hosted by Women’s Initiative for Self Employment open to local entrepreneurs who want to create strategies for business success. Expect to walk away with a wealth of ideas that you will want to quickly implement for your business. Hear from high energy speakers who will inspire you and help you approach business success from many angles. Get face-to-face time with influential business women.
Enroll today online - CLICK HERE or call 415.641.3469 with any questions. Conference admission including two meals is $100.

Phyllis Williams fuses glass of varying colors and textures into absolutely gorgeous pendants, plates and even kitchen tiles. See her creations in person at the Oakland Artisan Marketplace, Fridays - Sundays. See the Oakland Artisan Marketplace website for times and locations.

Seen. Unseen.
by Zahava Sherez
Sculpture in Clay, Bronze, Stone
New clay and mixed media sculpture
State Office Building Atrium
1515 Clay Street - Atrium
September 18 - October 27, 2006

Richmond Art Center
2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond, CA
www.therichmondartcenter.org/

If you haven’t checked out the funky fresh galleries and eateries in this area of downtown Oakland yet, you might be getting out of touch. Luckily, Oakland Art Murmur’s First Friday’s are your chance to get caught up quickly. First Friday of the month, 7–10 pm. oaklandartmurmur.com

Over 20 galleries in the downtown area keep their galleries open from 5-8pm on the third Thursday of each month. Art, music and food in downtown Oakland! Check it out!

San Francisco Neighborhood Business Awards
October 19th, 2006 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
111 Minna Gallery
Urban Solutions and The Examiner present an evening of food, fun, and festivities in celebration of the achievements of neighborhood businesses. A valuable opportunity to honor local entrepreneurs and to meet many of the members of San Francisco’s small business community. Hors d’oeuvres will be served throughout the evening and entertainment will include exciting live music from the Mali-based band Sumanguru Legacy. Following a brief address from Urban Solutions’ Executive Director Jenny McNulty, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi will present the awards to the exemplary business owners who have made valuable contributions to their neighborhoods. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet this year’s winners and network with members of the small business community. Register here, or call Ave Montague for more information: (415) 346 - 0199.