Oaktoberfest 2012

It’s that time of the year in the Dimond District for OAKTOBERFEST!!!!! Yahoooo! Farmer Joe’s is one of the proud sponsors for this family friendly event. There’s something for everyone with food (and beer) galore, and a smorgasbord of kid’s activities and entertainment.
Date: Saturday October 6, 2012
Time: 11am – 6pm
More info here.

6th Anniversary Celebration

Oakland Indie Award 2012 Nominee

None other than our fabulous Farmer Joe’s. Woot! Woot! Woot!

Dimond Night Out, Tuesday June 5, 2012

Neighbors and visitors are invited to take a leisurely stroll around the Dimond Business District on Tuesday, June 5, from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. to taste their way through a selection of treats offered by participating restaurants and merchants. This is the first Dimond Night Out and promises to be a pleasant evening that will include tasty food samples, music, a jumpy-house for children, and even goody bags for pets.

A Dimond Night Out Passport can be purchased for $20 from Kelly’s Corner at 2029 MacArthur Boulevard, “bells & whistles” at 2011 MacArthur Boulevard, Paws & Claws at 3436 Dimond Avenue, and The Bay Leaf Restaurant, 2000 MacArthur Boulevard. Local organizations are also selling Passports including the Dimond Improvement Association board members, Fruitvale Presbyterian Senior Center, 22X NCPC Steering Committee, Dimond Park Rec Center, and Sequoia Dads’ Club. Your Dimond Night Out Passport is your evening’s guide, with a map of all participating merchants, and the ticket to the special treats each merchant is providing.

This event is co-sponsored by the Lions Club and the Dimond Business & Professional Association. Proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations and charities in Dimond including the Fruitvale Presbyterian Senior Center, Fred Finch Youth Center, and the Lincoln Child Care Center.

For more information, visit Shop Dimond.

Oaktoberfest 2011

Farmer Joe’s is a proud sponsor of Oaktoberfest 2011, October 1, 2011, 11am – 6pm, in the Dimond District of Oakland. For more info, go here.

5th Anniversary Celebration

Save the date for Farmer Joe’s Marketplace 5th Anniversary celebration Saturday, June 18, 2011, 1 – 4pm. Fun, Food, and just a rollicking good time.

Darling of the Neighborhood

I love this mural because it illustrates how two artists, Mandy Lockwood and Debra Koppman, can create not only a great sense of community, but a work of art inspired by the drawings and paintings of Sequoia school kids. All on the Fruitvale Avenue side of Farmer Joe’s building. You can see Mandy and Debra painting most days on the mural, which is entitled “Dimond’s Hidden Jewels.” One of the most striking features of their work, besides the excellent artwork, is the number of people who stop to talk to the two artists. Sometimes, I stand across the street and watch and wonder how the mural progresses because so many people stop to chat with the artists. Mandy and Debra remind us, in their art and their actions, what is so wonderful about the Dimond. They have become goodwill ambassadors for our little area.

The mural still has a bit more to go. Please donate, if you can, to help with completion. Checks can be made out and mailed to:
Sequoia Dad’s Club
3720 Lincoln Avenue
Oakland, CA 94602
Please specify on your check, the funds should be directed to the mural project.

Coffee Bar – New Hours

Great Pumpkin Contest

It’s that time of the year again at Farmer Joe’s Marketplace – guess the weight of the Great Pumpkin. The person getting closest to the real weight wins a $50 store gift certificate. Second closest to the actual weight wins $25, and third closest wins $10. The Great Pumpkin is currently sitting by the water machine at the front of the store, with entry blanks waiting for your best guess.

Oaktoberfest 2010

Farmer Joe’s is a proud sponsor of this year’s Oaktoberfest in the Dimond District. For more information, click here.

Blessing of the Animals

Fruitvale Presbyterian Church
Sunday, Sept. 26, 2010 11am
2735 MacArthur Blvd.
510.530.0915
Join Fruitvale Presbyterian Church for a special Sunday morning worship, and blessing. Bring your leashed or crated pets with you to church. Worship will be on the patio. All are welcome for worship, a special blessing and liturgy, and to stay for coffee, treats, and fellowship afterward.

District 4, City Council Candidate Forum

The League of Women Voters of Oakland is co-sponsoring a public forum for candidates running for the City Council, District 4. This forum is scheduled for Thursday, September 16, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Fruitvale Presbyterian Church, 2735 MacArthur Blvd. Any questions about the format of this forum can be directed to the League of Women Voters of Oakland representative Mary Weinstein: 510-238-9240 or lwvocandidateforums@gmail.com

Best Grocery Store in Oakland

Hell, YES! The tribe has spoken, loud and clear. Farmer Joe’s Marketplace is Oakland Magazine readers’ choice for Best Grocery Store. And I quote…

“When the Berkeley Bowl and Whole Foods get too crowded or expensive but you’re just not ready for mainstream mega chains like Safeway or Lucky, head to the Dimond District for a pleasurable shopping experience at indie grocer Farmer Joe’s. A welcoming selection of garden starts — organic veggies, herbs and flowers — greet shoppers on entering the upscale New Joe’s, which boasts an excellent inventory of locally manufactured products as well as tried-and-true national brands. The produce, fresh and lovely, is cheaper than most, and discerning customers can choose from organic and non-organic versions of many items. The fish-meat-poultry counter is pleasingly stocked and run by superb sales folks. Bulk dry goods occupy a good chunk of space, and the deli counter and bakery are chock full of irresistible, ready-to-eat treats. You’ll be making up items you left off your list so you’ll return here.”

WOO HOO!

Dimond Picnic 2010

The Dimond picnic is TOMORROW!!!! Join your neighbors for fun and free food, Sunday, July 18, 2010, 11am – 3pm. Performances by Circus Bella.

4th Anniversary Celebration

Concert on the Patio Returns

Magic Brook and his soulful acoustic guitar will be returning to Joe’s patio for another free concert. Join us on the patio. Cup of Joe’s coffee bar will be open extended hours for the event. Bring the whole family, relax, and enjoy the afternoon.
Saturday, December 19, 2009, 1 – 5pm

Dimond Winter Celebration

Music on the Patio

Jazz on the Patio, Sat. August 1, 2009

Farmer Joe’s Marketplace on Fruitvale Avenue is hosting another free live jazz event on their covered patio this Saturday, August 1, 2009 from 2:30 until 4:30pm. The guest artist will be award-winning jazz vocalist and Glenview resident, Adam Blankman. Adam will be accompanied by pianist extraordinaire Dan Zemelman. The performance is free and all ages are welcome. Bring the whole family and enjoy the afternoon.

Free Live Music on the Patio

3rd Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, June 20, 2009, 1 – 4pm
3424 Fruitvale Avenue Oakland California 94602
FREE FOOD ~ LIVE MUSIC ~ FREE RAFFLE
Raffle starts at 4pm. You must be present to win, and no purchase is necessary.

Diana and Joe would like to thank the wonderful community and their employees for another great year at Farmer Joe’s

Free Class on Pet Bonding

Beth Murray, CCH, RSHom (NA), and Homeopath at Creature Comfort Holistic Veterinary Center in Oakland will be offering a free class, “Animals and Us: The Bond is Deeper than We Think.”
Class Location: Paws & Claws 2023 Macarthur Blvd., Oakland, CA 94602
Date: Sunday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 a.m.
For more info: (510)336-0105

Lion Dances

January 26, 2009 marks the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Ox. Dancers, drummers, and lion will herald in the New Year with a lion dances at both Farmer Joe’s stores. Don’t miss these dynamic celebrations. Join the lion at Farmer Joe’s!

Sunday, February 1, 2009
Ben Shaolin Kung Fu Lion Dancing Group
        Little Joe’s: 10:40 to 10:50am
        Fruitvale store: 11:00 to 11:20am
Please Note: Lion keeps appointments as best he can, but he is dancing many places on Sunday so times are approximate. Please arrive a few minutes early.

Saturday, February 7, 2009
Buk Sing Choy Lay Fut Lion Dancers
        Little Joe’s: between 10am and 12:00noon

Deepest Sympathy

My deepest sympathy and condolences goes out to the family of Oscar Grant, Joe and Diana Tam, all of Oscar’s friends at Farmer Joe’s, his co-workers, and his friends in the community. Oscar, I will miss your smiling face behind that meat counter at Joe’s. No words can express my sense of loss and outrage at what has happened. Things have happened that simply shouldn’t, and now you are gone.

‘Tis the Season

Fresh Local Dungeness Crab $5.99/lb at Farmer Joe’s. Yes. Yum. The cure for the overstuffed too much turkey blues. Some nice crab out of our bay. Get it while it lasts.

Dimond Winter Festival

The 2008 GREAT Pumpkin Contest Winners

First Prize of $50 goes to Daniel who guessed 361 pounds. That was the exact weight of Farmer Joe’s great pumpkin this year. Second prize goes to Sarah who guessed 365 pounds, third prize goes to Heid who guessed 355 pounds. Please drop by the store to collect your prize winnings and congratulations!

Shaan for All and All for Shaan

I popped in the open door of Shaan Indian Cuisine Restaurant on Fruitvale Avenue near Farmer Joe’s this week. The owner was there and said barring any imminent disasters or paperwork mishaps, he plans to open this week. The interior is gorgeous. I know I speak for the neighborhood when I say, “We can’t wait for naan.”

Turkey Time

Farmer Joe’s is currently taking holiday turkey orders for delicious natural free-range and organic turkeys. These birds are large breasted, local birds that have never been frozen. They are fed natural grains and are hormone free. You can pre-order three kinds of free-range turkeys: Diestel, Willie Birds, or Mary’s, and two kinds of organic turkeys: Heidi’s Hens and Heirloom.

Please check with the meat department at either Farmer Joe’s stores for specifics on ordering and pricing per pound. Shop at Joe’s for the best turkey deals for your best holiday meal.

Wild Silver Brite Salmon SPECIAL

Farmer Joe’s is having a Customer Appreciation Special starting TODAY on their Alaskan Wild Silver Brite Salmon. Customers can get the fish whole or halved for $3.88/lb. or fillets at $5.99/lb. at both stores. Customers can buy any quantity of the fillets. Prices are secured through a special deal with the fishermen, and the Customer Appreciation Special will run until supplies are exhausted. Diana and Joe would like to tell the community, “This is our special way of saying thanks to our customers for their friendship and loyalty.”

Dimond Howl-o-ween

Pet Parade & Costume Party

Dogs, kids, and adults are invited to the 5th Annual Dimond Howl-o-ween Pet Parade and Costume Party. Meet in front of Paws & Claws at 6pm and parade through the Dimond District collecting treats from participating store vendors. Then return to Paws & Claws for an outdoor party behind the store with a campfire and spooky games for kids. Dress warmly!

$5 Donation benefits BadRap
(Bay Area Responsible About Pit Bulls)
Sign up for family portraits by Joyful Dog Designs.

Where: Paws & Claws, 2023 MacArthur Boulevard, Oakland
When: Friday, October 31, 2008, 6pm – 9pm
More Info: (510) 336-0105

Blessing of the Animals

Saturday, October 18, 2008
Fruitvale Presbyterian Church
2735 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 530-0915

10:00am
Registration, Coffee, Introductions, & Information

10:30am
Blessings Begin
 
Bring the 2 legged, 4 legged, feather, hooved, and scaled members of your family for a free non-denominational blessing on the church patio! We all love our wonderful animal family members. Have them blessed by Monte McClain, preacher of the Fruitvale Presbyterian Church, for the upcoming year. For additional information and more pictures of last year’s blessings, bounce over to Monte’s blog. Blessing of the Animals is truly an extraordinary event for you and your pets.

Co-Sponsored by Paws & Claws
2023 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94602
(510) 336-0105

Great Pumpkin Contest

The Great Pumpkin Contest is going on now at Farmer Joe’s in the Dimond District. Guess the weight of the huge pumpkin. The person, who guesses closest to the actual weight, wins first prize of $50. The person guessing second closest, wins $25, and third closest guess, wins $10. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Winners revealed after Halloween, and winners need not be present to win. Happy Halloween from your friends at Farmer Joe’s!

Dimond Shopping District is Flourishing

You betcha. The Montclarion published a great article in their real estate section Friday, October 10, 2008. Unfortunately, The Montclarion does not always carry online what they do in print. So, I’m hyperlinking to the author’s web site. Wonderful article, Don. We feel the same way you do!

Oktoberfest in Oakland’s Dimond District

October 4, 2008, 11am until 6pm

Come and join us on MacArthur Boulevard at Fruitvale Avenue for our first annual Oktoberfest. We’re going to celebrate with beer gardens, German food and dance, history tours, food booths, local artisans, a kid’s carnival area, a Green Living and Wellness Expo area and so much more! Don’t miss this extraordinary event. For those interested in making it all happen, we are still looking for volunteers. Please contact Helen Wyman via email or Oakland Event’s web site. For more info on the Dimond District’s Oktoberfest, follow the link.

East Bay Aids Walk at Lake Merritt

Saturday, September 6th, 2008
Around Lake Merritt with registration starting at 9:00am
For more info visit the web site

More Green Bags

Joe’s is restocked on their green bags, the green alternative to shopping bags. Joe’s bags are sturdy and bargain basement priced at $1.49 each. They’re great! We got three the first go round and are going to get a couple more. They’re durable and can withstand loads more than their plastic and paper alternatives.
GO GREEN! GO JOE!

Nama Sushi

NAMA IS OPEN!!! The sushi restaurant is located next to Farmer Joe’s at 3400 Fruitvale Avenue in Oakland’s Dimond District. The grand opening is tomorrow, but the place was packed tonight with neighbors and sushi aficionados at the pre-opening. We sat at a back table, waiting impatiently with our chopsticks for our Dragon, Dream Gina, and House Special rolls. They were DIVINE! Delicious. Superb. Okay, maybe I am going on a bit, but they were wonderfully tasty. Before we finished eating, a line formed out the door. I can see the place becoming a big draw. I can also see a lot of the neighbors inside. I can also see myself eating a lot more of that Dream Gina roll. For more information, roll yourself on over to Monte’s blog.

Laurel Street Festival

Saturday, August 9, 2008 1 – 6 pm
MacArthur Boulevard between 35th and 38th Avenue

Dimond Picnic

Summer, summer, summertime in the Dimond with the Dimond Picnic, where else but in Dimond Park THIS SUNDAY, July 27, 10am – 3pm. The festivities start at 10am sharp with Dennis Evanosky leading his historic tour of the district. This tour is truly amazing. Last year, Dennis presented old black and white photos, discussed such topics as our former beer gardens and turn-around cable cars. Don’t be late and don’t miss it this year. When the tour ends, the food begins. Our food sponsors are our wonderful Farmer Joe’s, Two Star Market, and Peet’s Coffee. It is a picnic with delicious delights for everyone. Dimond Merchants’ Association is sponsoring a raffle, and entertainment abounds. Crafts and games. BELLY DANCING. Need I say more? Woman’s Will is staging a new twist on a classic. Lion’s Pool is sponsoring a free swim. Come one. Come all. For Food. For Fun.