IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Thinking about joining the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, but you have some hesitations in regards to joining? You are not alone here are the  top 10 reasons why you should join!

1.      My business is too small. To expand your business, you must expand the community that does business with you. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce works continuously to better the Oakland business climate. No business is too small to benefit from this activity because as the community grows, Oakland businesses grow with it. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

2.      I’m too busy to attend Chamber meetings. Meetings are important, but so is your financial support. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber offers several committees that convene to discuss and work on important local projects to help strengthen the local economy. If you are too busy to attend meetings right now, join so that your contribution will make it possible for the staff and regular committees to get the jobs done. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

3.     
But I’m a doctor, lawyer, or other professional. Since when has a professional person prospered in the Sahara Desert? A city with a poor business climate is not a good place in which to practice your profession. Participation in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce assures that the Oakland business climate will remain healthy and your client base will grow. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

4.     
I sometimes disagree with what the Chamber does. We hope so! The only way that a Chamber of Commerce could avoid disagreement here and there would be to do nothing. Chambers are organizations that pursue programs and activities as laid out by an elected Board of Directors. The important thing is the primary focus on creating a better climate for doing business in Oakland. And by being active in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, you can make your individual voice heard. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

5.     
I’m just a branch office of a national organization. But why is your branch here in the first place? Because the owners thought it was a good place to do business. Therefore, it is your responsibility to help make Oakland an even better place for business, and this means making yourself a part of the Oakland Business community. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

6.     
I do most of my business outside the city. That may be true. But you also depend on your home base for materials, supplies, transportation, facilities, utilities, manpower, cooperative government and good business attitudes. You are not an island. Therefore, you can’t ignore the responsibility of making Oakland a better place in which to live and do business. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

7.     
I belong to too many organizations already. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is unique. No matter how many organizations you belong to, each community has only one local Chamber of Commerce and it, more than any other organization, works to protect and improve the local business climate.  Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most diverse Chambers in the Bay Area. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is the only organization of its kind consistently engaged in activities to advance and promote the general growth, prosperity and integrity of the Oakland Business community. As long as there is a margin between what we are and what we may become, there is a need for a well-manned and financed Chamber of Commerce. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

8.     
I used to be a Chamber member, but I didn’t get anything out of it. Oh yes, you did!   For every dollar you put into membership, you received several in return. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce helps to secure new industries and new businesses and also assists in the development of local enterprises - promoting your business directly or indirectly. You obviously are interested in your community or you wouldn’t be doing business in Oakland. The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber promotes the business and civic programs that helps everyone! IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

9.     
The Chamber is run by a clique, and I don’t belong. Chamber members are governed under a set of by-laws under which new directors are elected each year. Each Board of Directors has assumed the responsibility of leadership and represents a wide cross section of interests. Any Chamber member may select a nominee for the Board, at any time, by submitting a nominating petition. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

10. 
I can’t afford to belong. On the contrary, you can’t afford not to join and support your local Chamber, because an investment of your time and money in the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the Oakland Business community service and community progress. IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

IF YOU DON’T BELONG TO THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHAT’S YOUR EXCUSE?

Membership is a SMART Business Decision!

Business Opportunity Spotlight

From time to time, the Chamber is made aware of local business opportunities and projects relevant to our members and other community based organizations. See below for the most recent opportunity spotlight:

Contracting at the Port of Oakland

The Port of Oakland has opened an invitation to bid on the following project: Shore Power System Construction Berths 25, 35, 37, 55, 59, and 68, Oakland California. A pre-bid conference for all interested parties will be held at the Port of Oakland Building (

530 Water Street

, Second Floor Board Room) at 9am on Tuesday, November 22, 2011. The invitation to bid and instructions to bidders are available for download here and provide more project details. Additionally, the plans and project manual are available for download at http://portofoakland.com/business/bidnotic.asp. Questions should be directed to the following individuals:

Certification and Contract Compliance: Donna Cason - (510) 627-1252 or dcason@portoakland.com

Download of Plans and Project Manual: Bill Russell - (510) 627-1439 or brussell@portoakland.com

Bid Documents: Leanne Law - (510) 627-1467 - llaw@portoakland.com

Tour participation: Kor Yan - 510-627-1524 - kyan@portoakland.com

Dont forget to Vote!

Today is Election Day in Oakland.  There are 3 measures on the mail in ballot and ballots must be received (a postmark is NOT good enough) by 8pm tonight.  If you haven’t mailed in your ballot and want to vote you need to take your ballot to the Registrar of Voters office at 1225 Fallon Street (12^th and Oak) Room G-1 in Oakland by 8 pm tonight.

The Chamber supports both Measure I and Measure J.  Measure I, also known as the Parcel Tax, would raise $11 million a year for 5 years by taxing home owners $80/year and apartment units $54.66/year while commercial properties would face a tax determined by a formula measuring their square footage and linear footage on the roadway.  While there are no guarantees on how the money raised would be spent, the Chamber supports this temporary tax while urging the Council to spend the revenues on an understaffed police force.

 Measure J extends the deadline for the City to fully fund the Police and Fire Retirement (PFRS) plan.  Even with voter approval, extending the deadline will require approval by the City Council, the PFRS Board and an actuary. This measure allows the City to meet its financial duties responsibly without creating an immediate payment requirement that would stretch an already tight city budget. 

A Salute to Oakland City Leaders

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce salutes the elected and appointed leaders of Oakland, including Mayor Jean Quan, Police Chief Howard Jordan, City Administrator Deanna Santana, the City Council, the Oakland Police Department, and everyone within the City Government for the peaceful and successful clearing of Frank Ogawa Plaza this morning.

It is a move that helps secure the plaza for all citizens to enjoy and removes the many safety and health hazards that were growing as overnight camping was allowed to continue. Now Oakland can move forward.

We concur with Mayor Quan’s comments at her press conference this morning when she asked that we all respect the city’s decision to close the camp and not hurt the city.

Moving forward, we commit to work with everyone who wants to grow our local economy. Local shops, restaurants and offices that have suffered lost business eagerly want to see their customers return.

Oakland is a great city and working together we can make it even better.

OPD Clears Encampment at Frank Ogawa Plaza

The Oakland Police Department, with the help of seven other law enforcement agencies from around the Bay Area, cleared Frank Ogawa Plaza this morning completing the operation by about 7am.  Police Chief Howard Jordan, at a press conference at 8:15 am announced that there had been no injuries to officers or others and no use of force.  The Chief also said there had been 32 people arrested; only nine of those arrested gave an Oakland address.

Mayor Quan said she was glad the activities ended peacefully and she urged people to respect the decision of the city to close the encampment.  Both the Mayor and City Administrator Deanna Santana suggested public safety concerns, including last weeks’ murder on the plaza, required this action.

Santana and Jordan said they hoped the plaza would be re-opened by 5 or 6 pm today.  They both indicated that while peaceful assembly and expression would be allowed, lodging would not be permitted.  Chief Jordan said a police presence 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) would be maintained to insure that no tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment or other lodging materials could be set up in Frank Ogawa Plaza.

For Immediate Release: Survey Data on Occupy Oakland

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2011

New data shows Oakland Residents fear the impact of Occupy Oakland
on business and agree overnight camping should end

Oakland Residents favor jobs and local businesses over encampment

Oakland, CA – Today, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce released new polling from EMC Research.  The results draw a clear distinction in attitudes among Oakland voters. 

Oakland voters are generally in support of the principles of the Occupy Wall Street movement. However, they recognize the huge impact that the on-going encampment has had on local business and jobs and want it to end.

“It has become clear that Oakland residents want jobs, not tents,” said Joseph Haraburda, President of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.  “Oaklanders know that the encampment is damaging our city’s reputation as a place to locate and grow small business and cutting off vital customers from businesses who need them now more than ever.”

Surveys were conducted among 1,100 Oakland voters/residents on November 8 and 9.  Key findings include:

·         Almost two-thirds (63%) say that the impact of occupy Oakland on local businesses and workers has been harmful

·         More than one third (37%) of all voters say they are less likely to go to downtown Oakland because of occupy Oakland

·         Only one-third say overnight camping should be allowed on Frank Ogawa Plaza

·         Of those expressing an opinion about the encampment nearly 60% say the encampment should end.

Voters were also asked their opinion of Mayor Jean Quan’s handling of Occupy Oakland.  The findings include:

·         Nearly three-quarters (73%) of voters disapprove of the way, Mayor Jean Quan is handling Occupy Oakland, only about one in ten (11%) approved of her handling of the occupation.

“These results confirm what we’ve been hearing from business owners, Oakland homeowners, residents, and even the police union – we need the Mayor to lead us to a successful and peaceful resolution,” added Haraburda.  “Our economy depends on it,” he added.

A press conference to discuss the poll results will be held at the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce,

475 14^th Street

at 2pm today.

For more information contact Paul Junge (510) 874 – 4817 with the Chamber or Ruth Bernstein of EMC Research at (510) 550 – 8922.   # # #

Occupy Encampment Hurts City of Oakland

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce joined 5 City Council Members, and dozens of community leaders, faith based leaders and business organizations at a press conference today to call for an end to the overnight encampment at Frank Ogawa Plaza.  Council President Larry Reid, Vice Mayor Desley Brooks, Ignacio De La Fuente, Libby Schaaf and Patricia Kernighan held the press conference at the Bandstand at Lake Merritt.  Much of what they said was drowned out by loud aggressive protestors determined to deny others the right to express themselves.  The message from business groups is below while the message from the City Council Members can be seen here.

Occupy Encampment Hurts City of Oakland

The local economy is struggling.  Thousands of business owners and tens of thousands of their employees and customers rely on being able to safely go about their business to earn a living, feed their families and pay their mortgages or rent. These activities generate tax revenue and charitable giving that pay for the social services the most vulnerable among us rely on. All of this is jeopardized by the illegal and hurtful actions that have been tolerated in Oakland the last few weeks.  Efforts to shut down the city, and interfere with the rights and property of others are not acceptable.  Business and community leaders call on the City of Oakland to:

• End the overnight encampment in Frank Ogawa Plaza
• Shop, eat and buy from businesses in Oakland
• Support peaceful demonstration, not camping or rioting
• Promote Oakland as a
  Great Place
  to Live and Work

When people in Oakland work together great things happen.  We should not allow outside influences and illegal behavior to interfere with the people doing business and living their lives.

For more information:                           Business Groups Represented:

Paul Junge                                            Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce 

(510) 874 – 4800 x 306                       Oakland African-American Chamber of Commerce     

pjunge@oaklandchamber.com  Jobs and Housing Coalition                              

                                                            Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Alameda County                                                                    East Bay Rental Housing Coalition

                                                            Airport Area Business Association                               

                                                            Chinatown Chamber of Commerce      

JOBS NOT TENTS

In a meeting this afternoon with the Mayor City Administrator and Chief of Police, business leaders expressed support for the Oakland Police Department and told Mayor Quan they would hold her responsible for a peaceful and successful resolution to this encampment.  They told her that businesses are suffering, sales off 40 % - employees, customers, clients afraid and harassed.  Businesses not coming to Oakland as a result of the lawless encampment.

The Message - if the situation is to improve we need to Speak up!  Tell the Mayor and Council they must protect public safety and health. Enforce the law.

The encampment must be closed.  Protestors should of course be allowed to meet in a lawful, orderly way to convey their message.

Do we want jobs or the encampment?  Which better serves the needs of the 99%?

If you support Jobs Not Tents, Please Like our Jobs Not Tents Facebook!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jobs-Not-Tents/270319246343078

or www.twitter.com/JobsnotTents

Letter to Mayor - What's your plan Mayor Quan?

3 November 2011

Dear Mayor Quan:

The lack of action has caused the occupy situation to speed out of control.  The vandalism, business losses and general fear is NOT an acceptable condition for our great city.  What is your plan?

The general strike and protests Wednesday were terrible for the City of Oakland. It is not peaceful to attack places of business, causing customers and employees to fear for their safety, breaking windows and preventing people from going about their daily business. Employees fear coming to work.  Productivity is down.  Businesses are losing income and their ability to remain viable is in jeopardy. New employers are turning their backs on Oakland just moments before signing new leases.

While many protestors are peaceful, the situation that you have allowed to develop makes it easier for violence to erupt. Hiding among campers and protestors, vandals commit acts of property destruction and violence that hurts us all. Leadership is required.    

The overnight encampment in public space should be ended immediately. Unfortunately after the good work of the police on October 25 to clear the camp, the City’s failure to act to stop new tents from going up effectively acts as permission to camp. We all have a right to free speech.  We all also have a right to enjoy public space, use roads and public transportation, go to work and shop without being assaulted.  It is incumbent upon city leaders to protect all these rights - for all citizens, including police.

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Haraburda

President & CEO

Chamber's Response to Proposed Occupy Resolution

November 3, 2011

Dear Mayor Quan & Councilmembers, 

On behalf of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and our many members we believe the proposed resolution stated herein should not be adopted.  We respectfully submit the background and our opinion as follows:

The City of Oakland has allowed members of Occupy Oakland to put up tents, other structures and cooking facilities and porta-potties in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza immediately adjacent to Oakland’s historic City Hall.  The City Council is now considering a Resolution that would in effect approve this Encampment on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.  The specific language of the Resolution is:

FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Oakland City Council urges the City Administration, whenever reasonably possible to address any public health issues, fire safety issues, noise disturbances of neighbors or violence in the camp, with verbal communication among the protestors and city or county officials; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Oakland City Council declares that it does not support the use of force to remove the encampment unless absolutely necessary, after, engaging in verbal communications, whenever reasonably possible; and urges Mayor Jean Quan, and the City Administration to exercise their administrative powers, if possible, in a manner that will not involve the use of force to remove the encampment.

            It is important to recognize that the Encampment is different from the right of Occupy Oakland – or any other group – to lawfully and responsibly exercise their free speech rights.  Frank H. Ogawa Plaza has often been used for rallies and assemblies where people – citizens of Oakland and others – have demonstrated and expressed their free speech rights.  The ‘Encampment” which allows people to stay in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza overnight and essentially to live in the Plaza is different from the expression of free speech.

            This Resolution effectively ratifies the actions of the Mayor and City Staff in authorizing the Encampment to stay in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza for an indeterminate time.  The question – not addressed by the Resolution or any public staff report – is whether this constitutes an action changing the allowed uses in this public park.  Clearly under any reasonable definition the authorization of this Encampment constitutes a change in use for this open space.

            It is useful to consider what approvals would be required if the owners of the vacant lot adjacent to 555 12^th Street decided they wanted to create a temporary or permanent encampment of tents and cooking facilities on that site.  There would be no question that this would require a major process of review and approval including a change to the General Plan and zoning regulations and the granting of a Conditional Use Permit.

The General Plan and the Zoning Code designates Frank H. Ogawa Plaza as Open Space Special Use (Zoning Code S.17.11).  Neither the City Council nor the Mayor can arbitrarily change the permitted use of this space and yet that is exactly what the proposed Resolution and the City staff’s explicit approval of the Encampment would do.  The Oakland Planning Code has very specific provisions for a change in use in any area designated as Open Space under the General Plan.  The specific procedures are described on Attachment A.  They include notices to the surrounding neighborhood – which in this case would include the office and retail users in the immediate downtown area who have suffered very real losses because of the Encampment – and hearings before and action by the Planning Commission and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission.  In addition, most of the uses related to the Encampment – including residential use, child care, and serving of food – would require a major or minor conditional use permit.  None of these procedures have been followed by the City.

Since the decision to approve any of these changes in use to accommodate semi-permanent or permanent residential use and the other activities related to the Encampment would be discretionary and are not consistent with existing uses, the California Environmental Quality Act would require an initial assessment of the activities and almost certainly would then require a full Environmental Review considering the impact of the Encampment on the surrounding business uses as well as the historic characteristics of City Hall and the surrounding buildings and the historic and environmental importance of the Jack London Oak tree at the corner of 14^th and Broadway.

Again, it is important to emphasize that none of these requirements apply to the exercise of the rights of assembly and free speech in Frank H. Ogawa Plaza during the day – they may or may not be subject to other requirements.  But these requirements absolutely do apply to the clear change of use represented by the tents, other structures and cooking facilities that comprise the Encampment.  If the City Council and or the Mayor and City staff desire to allow the Encampment to remain, they need to follow the law.  Until they do, they need to make reasonable arrangements to end this change of use just as they would for any such change of use in violation of the General Plan established on private property.

Sincerely,
Joseph J. Haraburda

President/CEO

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

Attachment A

17.135.030   Procedure for consideration.

No change in use or improvement, as defined in Section 17.09.050, shall occur on land designated OS unless the following process has been followed:

A.      Pre-development Neighborhood Meeting. At the discretion of the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs, a neighborhood meeting may be convened in the vicinity of the park or open space land affected by the proposed change in use or improvement. If such a meeting is held, notice shall be given by posting an enlarged notice on the premises of the park or open space land. At the discretion of the Director, the meeting notice may also be posted on utility poles within three hundred (300) feet of such park or open space land. Notices shall also be mailed to neighborhood organizations and individuals who have expressed an interest in the subject park or project area.

B.      Administrative Project Review. Once preliminary community feedback has been received and considered, the project sponsor shall submit a request to the Director of City Planning, including a project description and cost estimate. The Director shall coordinate preliminary review of the project with the project’s operating department and any other City department or agency likely to be interested or involved in the execution, operation, or maintenance of the project. These requirements shall include, but are not limited to, formal CEQA review of the proposed change in use or improvement. A written summary of comments shall be prepared prior to the scheduling of the public hearing.

C.      Public Hearing. A public hearing shall be required for any change in use or improvement and shall be conducted and heard by the City Planning Commission and/or the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, as provided by subdivisions 1 and 2 of this subsection.

1.       Major Conditional Use Permits.

Effective April 14, 2011

479a.  An application for a major conditional use permit, as required by Sections 17.11.060 and 17.11.090, shall be considered first by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission (PRAC) and second by the City Planning Commission. Each commission shall conduct a public hearing on the application. Notice of the PRAC hearing shall follow the procedure outlined at Section 17.135.030(C)(2). Notice of the City Planning Commission hearing shall be given by posting an enlarged notice on the premises of the subject property. At the discretion of the Director, notice of the public hearing may also be provided on utility poles within three hundred (300) feet of such park or open space land. Notice of each hearing shall also be given by mail or delivery to all persons owning real property in the city of Oakland within three hundred (300) feet of the property involved; provided, however, that failure to send notice to any such owner where his or her address is not shown in said records shall not invalidate the affected proceedings. All such notices shall be given not less than seventeen (17) days prior to the date set for the hearing. Notice shall also be provided to those community or neighborhood groups included in the Planning Department database that are within the service area radius of the impacted park. Additional outreach shall be provided through press releases and other notification as warranted by the size and location of the project.

b.       The PRAC shall schedule its public hearing within forty-five (45) days after receiving the application for consideration. The PRAC shall make a recommendation to the Planning Commission at the conclusion of the hearing. In the event the PRAC has not acted on the application within forty-five (45) days, the project shall automatically be forwarded to the City Planning Commission.

c.       The City Planning Commission shall determine whether the proposal conforms to the use permit criteria set forth in Section 17.11.110 and to other applicable criteria, and shall make a recommendation to grant or deny the application, or recommend such changes or impose such conditions of approval as are in its judgment necessary to ensure conformity to said criteria. The determination of the Commission shall become final within ten calendar days after the date of the decision unless appealed to the City Council in accordance with Section 17.134.070.

2.       Minor Conditional Use Permits.

a.       An application for a minor conditional use permit, as required by Sections 17.11.060 and 17.11.090, shall be considered by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission prior to a final decision by the Director of City Planning. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission shall hold a noticed public hearing on the application and shall make a recommendation to grant or deny the application, or recommend such changes or conditions of approval as are in its judgment necessary. Notice of the public hearing shall be provided by posting an enlarged notice on the premises of the park or open space land. At the discretion of the Director, notice of the public hearing may also be provided on utility poles within three hundred (300) feet of such park or open space land. Notices shall also be mailed to neighborhood organizations and individuals who have expressed an interest in the subject park or project area.

b.       The Director of City Planning shall determine whether the proposal conforms to the special use permit criteria set forth in Section 17.11.110 and to other applicable criteria and shall grant, deny, or conditionally grant the permit. The determination of the Director of City Planning shall become final within ten calendar days after the date of the decision unless appealed to the City Planning Commission in accordance with Section 17.134.060. If no action is taken by the Director of City Planning within thirty (30) days of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission’s recommendation, the project shall be deemed approved.

D.      Appeals. Any interested party may appeal a decision of the Director of City Planning or a decision of the City Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions outlined in the conditional use permit procedure at Sections 17.134.060 and 17.134.070. In the event the last date of appeal falls on a weekend or holiday, the next date such offices are open for business shall be the last date of appeal. (Ord. 12237 § 4 (part), 2000; Ord. 12078 § 4 (part), 1998)

17.135.040   Referral to Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board.

Any project in the OS zone requiring a major or minor conditional use permit shall be subject to review by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board if that project is located:

Effective April 14, 2011

480

A.      Within the S-7 zone;

B.      On a site that could potentially impact a structure, site, or feature that is listed on the State or National Registers, or that has been formally designated as an Oakland landmark.

For projects requiring a minor conditional use permit, this review shall be made after the public hearing of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and before the final decision of the Director of City Planning. For projects requiring a major conditional use permit, this review shall be made after the public hearing of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission and before the public hearing of the City Planning Commission. The Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board may recommend modifications to the project that it deems necessary to ensure that the historic value of the structure, site, or feature is not adversely impacted. If no action is taken by the Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board within thirty (30) days of its receipt of the application, the project will be forwarded to the Planning Commission (for major conditional use permits) or Director of City Planning (for minor conditional use permits). (Ord. 12078 § 4 (part), 1998)

17.135.050   Special requirements for projects consistent with Park Master Plans. A.    Projects in City-Owned Parks. Any improvement or change in use that is consistent with a Park

Master Plan that has been adopted by the Oakland City Council shall be subject to these provisions. However, in accordance with Section 17.11.060, such projects shall be subject to the Minor Conditional Use Permit process only, even where they involve facilities or activities that would otherwise require Major Conditional Use Permits. Projects shall be eligible for this provision only if the Master Plan in question has been adopted within ten years of the date of the application, or has been amended or updated with Council approval within ten years of the date of the application. The determination that a project is consistent with a Park Master Plan shall be made by the Director of City Planning.

Economic Development Forum Next Week – Program Confirmed

Join us at the Chamber on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 3-4:30 PM for a great Economic Development Forum on the Proposed Gateway Park Development at the base of the east span of the Bay Bridge and a discussion of Alameda County transportation for the 21st century, the 2012 Measure B Reauthorization. Please bring your questions and observations for an engaged discussion.

Gateway Park

Over 10 years ago, the Bay Bridge design team identified a unique opportunity to create a park that would provide a memorable gateway to Oakland at the point where the new bridge touches down in the East Bay. The park would offer an unprecedented way to experience the Bay and the new bridge. Representatives of nine agencies are working to explore the possibilities of a new park for local residents, commuters, businesses, international travelers, environmentalists, boaters, cyclists, and others. Mike Anderson, Assistant General Manager Planning Stewardship, Design and Construction of the East Bay Regional Park District  and Leslie Pritchett, Project Co-Director of the Friends of the Gateway (FOG) will share their take on the project.

Measure B Reauthorization for the 2012 Ballot

Measure B, Alameda County's half-cent transportation sales tax, was originally approved in 1986, which brought revenue into Alameda County and enabled transportation projects to move forward. The funds went to administering timely project and program delivery on capital projects, local transportation, transit operations, and special transportation programs like paratransit. Voters reauthorized the half-cent sales tax in November 2000 to deliver a fresh set of transportation improvements including bicycle and pedestrian safety and transit center development. In 2000, The Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) was created to deliver the new set of authorized projects. In June of 2010, the ACTIA merged with the Alameda County Congestion Management Agency (ACCMA) whose primary responsibility is to coordinate a congestion management program, designed to assist local governments in tackling the complex problem of traffic congestion. The newly formed agency is called the Alameda County Transportation Commission and aims to enhance mobility throughout Alameda County. In November 2012, Measure B will go to the ballot again. Join us as we hear from Alameda’s CTC first top leader, Arthur L. Dao, Executive Director Alameda County Transportation Commission.

Also, mark your calendars for:

à Next month’s Economic Development Forum on December 14^th at 3pm will be both a holiday-themed mixer + educational forum presentation.

The Chamber's Letter to Mayor Quan

1 November 2011

Dear Mayor Quan,

Oakland is, was, and always will be open for business. We stand with the leaders of Oakland’s small and large employers to urge your continued support for peaceful protest while respecting other’s rights to conduct business without fear of violence.

As you know, protestors have planned Wednesday as a General Strike. There is a fog of uncertainty surrounding this effort and our members, and the business community at large wants to support you and the city at this critical time. However, we do not yet see what it is you want from the business community.

At its most grassroots level, we are concerned for the mothers and children, and even grandmothers, who plan to come to Oakland to conduct their regular business – shopping, banking, doctor’s appointments, or visiting a museum. At its broadest level, we are concerned that our community’s employers, the ones who provide the jobs to our local economy, are closing for the day or must face a day of great uncertainty. Your lack of clarity is putting our shared future in Oakland at risk.

We want to be clear, should Wednesday’s planned protests go awry, someone will need to be held accountable.

We share your sentiment to find constructive ways to help grow Oakland. To that end, we respectfully request that you:

-          Be clear and concise in your requests to the police, to businesses, and to the protestors on your expectations tomorrow. We do not want to see a repeat of the violence, yet we want to see an end to the fear and uncertainty.

-          End overnight camping in Frank Ogawa Plaza. It remains a visible manifestation of your lack of clarity and leadership and places public safety at risk.

-          Immediately work with us to continue to drive support for Measures I and J as a meaningful way to raise much-needed revenues and provide public safety. Let’ s be clear, the business community has endorsed these measure, but your vacillation have put their passage in jeopardy

A united Oakland isn’t hard to visualize – it has already happened. Oaklanders from every part of the community recently gathered to make it clear to Lawrence Berkeley National Labs that locating in Oakland was a smart and sensible home for their second campus. We can have that again, but you must lead the way.

Sincerely,

Joseph J. Haraburda

President & CEO