Last month we serviced the tools in the Scout Hut. Now it's time to give the ones in the nursery toolshed the royal treatment. Come help clean, sharpen, and oil our weed warriors. No experience necessary--we invite you to come learn the tricks of the trade so that you can maintain your own tools at home. Please RSVP to Erin Todd at [email protected], and bring your own water bottle and sun protection.

Help with a multi-purpose weed pull as we remove invasive acacia trees that will be used to feed elephants, giraffes, and camels at the Oakland Zoo. No weed pulling or tree chopping experience needed!

In June Helen McKinley gracefully glided off the FOSC board of directors after 11 years of service. While we will continue to be blessed by Helen's smile and help at workdays and community event tables, now is the time for a standing ovation. For half of this organization's existence she has worn the mantle of leadership. As board secretary, she took fastidious notes. She helped us to establish our For the Future Fund endowment, then she served two tenures on the Endowment Committee. For two years she steered this ship as board president, leading us in that quintessential Helen way--with a gentle, calm kindness that wins friends and inspires service. From small in-the-creek cleanups to cashiering at the plant sales to crew leading Winter Solstice Planting in the rain--Helen has tried just about every FOSC activity possible. Thank you, dear Helen, thank you, and thank you again.

Please join us in welcoming Jeff Stephens and Tim Vendlinski to the FOSC board of directors. Virtually meet Tim and Jeff, and read about their areas of expertise on our board of directors  web page. We are thrilled to have their leadership help!

Thanks to the efforts of FOSCers and then-Councilmember Jean Quan, it is illegal to fish in Sausal Creek. The resident rainbow trout who live in our beautiful but urban creek are an extremely vulnerable population. Anything that flows from the storm drains flows into their home--pesticides, paint, and even tap water that is treated for humans is toxic to fish. They don't need the added threat of being hooked.

There have been occasional reports of fishing at the El Centro pool over the years. We are sad to report that there have been several incidents of people fishing in the new pool at the Dimond Park Wellington Street entrance. We are working on getting signage so people know that fishing is illegal. This signage will give you something to point to when you gently spread the word. What else can you do? If you observe someone fishing in Sausal Creek, immediately call 1-888-334-CalTIP (888-334-2258) to report the incident to California Department of Fish and Wildlife.