FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oakland Residents Fight to Keep Out McDonald's

What: The Greater Grand Lake Action Coalition invites the public to a
community meeting to share its concerns about a McDonald's opening in their
neighborhood. The franchisee and a representative from McDonald's real estate division will be present.
When: Wednesday. April 7, 7-9pm
Where: Lakeshore Baptist Church, on Lakeshore Avenue, near Mandana Avenue,
in Oakland

OAKLAND, CA, April 5, 2004 (GGL) -- A McDonald's franchisee is on the verge of signing a lease with the property owner of the Kwik Way Drive-In, located at 500 Lake Park Avenue, in the Grand Lake section of Oakland. Residents are horrified at the prospect of their charming neighborhood being turned into another fast food nation.

"A national fast-food chain, drawing excess traffic and litter into this pedestrian-enhanced space, seriously threatens the character of our revitalized community," says Ken Katz, chairman of the Splash Pad Neighborhood Forum, a group that worked tirelessly to preserve the open space that is the home of the highly successful Grand Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays.

Community residents are also concerned about the impact of locating a McDonald's within one block of Lakeview Elementary School. "We want a business that will build a healthy community and also be successful," says Kim Cardoso, nurse-midwife, homeowner, and founder of The Women's Community Clinic.

At Wednesday's meeting, coalition members are expected to present representatives from McDonald's with some 2,000 signatures gathered on petitions circulated over the past 10 days. The purpose of the meeting is to let McDonald's hear directly from residents about their concerns. Oakland City Council Member Danny Wan is expected to attend, in addition to other community leaders.

For more information, contact:

Michele Simon, Center for Informed Food Choice
510-465-0322; Michele@informedeating.org

Visit: www.greatergrandlake.org