Attention all Oakland residential property owners – changes to the sewer lateral program

Important EBMUD Community Meetings on Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program, January 5: During rainstorms in the East Bay, water can get into old, cracked sewer pipes. Too much rainwater in the sewer system can overwhelm sewage treatment facilities and result in sewage spills into the Bay. Almost half of all sewer pipes in the sanitary sewer system are private laterals that carry sewage from homes and businesses to sewer pipes. Due to recent changes in state and federal regulations to reduce pollution in the San Francisco Bay, the City of Oakland, EBMUD, U.S. EPA and the San Francisco Regional Water Quality Board are working together to inform property owners about new requirements to inspect, test and repair or replace damaged sewer pipes on private property. The regulations will go into effect on January 16, 2012. Additional information is available at www.eastbaypsl.com or call 1-866-40-EBMUD.

• Thursday, January 5, 2012, 7 pm - Joaquin Miller Community Center, 3594 Sanborn Drive

Port of Oakland Wi-Fi RFP

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:

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Wireless Fidelity Communication and Internet (Wi-Fi) Services at the Port of Oakland.

A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012 in the Oakland International Airport (Terminal 1 - 2nd Floor/Mezzanine Level - Rear Conference Room). Proposals are due Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

The Port has posted the Request for Proposals (RFP) in digital format on a hosting website that can be accessed via the ‘Current RFPs/RFQs/Procurements/Other Business Interests: All Other Port Departments’ link at the following URL: http://portofoakland.com/business/rfpsrfqs.asp. Proposing parties should carefully review the requirements of the RFP to ensure that they meet all of the stated requirements.

New Walk of Fame Honors Oakland’s Historic Blues District

Hot off the presses from the Oakland Tribune:

“A project more than 20 years in the making will create a Walk of Fame on Seventh Street, on the same blocks that cemented the East Bay's role in blues history. The project, titled "The Music They Played on 7th Street Oakland Walk of Fame," is targeted to open by late spring, according to Sunny Nguyen, a project manager for the Oakland Redevelopment Agency, who pointed out "it certainly has been a long time coming." Read more on the story here: http://www.insidebayarea.com/news/ci_19579830.

Port of Oakland RFQ

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:

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Final Design and Construction Management Services for Runway Safety Area Improvements from the Port of Oakland.

The Port has posted the Request for Proposals and Bids (RFP/RFB) in digital format on a hosting website that can be accessed via the ‘Current RFPs/RFQs/Procurements/Other Business Interests: All Other Port Departments’ link at the following URL: http://www.ebidboard.com/public/rfps/index.asp?mbrguid=8355DB24-EA70-4382-A982-D25F32E11D92. Proposing parties should carefully review the requirements of the RFPs/RFB to ensure that they meet all of the stated requirements.

Completed proposals are due: Friday, January 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m.

A Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Tower Lounge

Oakland International Airport (Terminal 1 - 8th Floor) Oakland, California

SF County Transportation Authority RFP

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:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES FOR TENANT IMPROVEMENTS FOR SFCTA AUTHORITY OFFICE SPACE

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority is inviting proposals to this Request for Proposals (RFP 11/12-03 http://www.oaklandchamber.com/pdfs/RFP%201112-03%20Construction%20Services_FINAL.pdf) from interested firms for construction services for tenant improvements for its office move. The proposal must respond to the scope of services described in Section III of the RFP.

A job site walk through is scheduled on December 21, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at

1455 Market Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

. Individuals interested in attending the job site walk through must provide your full name to Lindsey Miller at lindsey.miller@sfcta.org or (415) 522-4817 (please spell out your name in the voicemail) by 5:00 p.m. December 20, 2011. Please meet in the lobby of

1455 Market Street, San Francisco CA 94103

at 9:45 a.m. on December 21, 2011 to check in with building security. Visit www.sfcta.org for more information.

Port of Oakland Request for Proposals

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:

Request for Proposals (RFP) for Airport Public Parking Facilities Operations and Management at OAK; Airport Shuttle Bus Fleet Operations and Management Services at OAK; Airline Terminal Curbside Management and Ground Transportation Coordination and Dispatching Services at OAK and  Request for Bids (RFB) for Airport Shuttle Bus Fleet Maintenance Services

 An Open House to describe these contract opportunities and provide a networking opportunity is scheduled as follows:

10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, 2012

In-Transit Lounge

Oakland International Airport (Terminal 1 - 2nd Floor)

Oakland, California

A MANDATORY Pre-Proposal Conference for the three RFPs will be held as follows:

10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

In-Transit Lounge

Oakland International Airport (Terminal 1 - 2nd Floor)

Oakland, California

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference for the RFB will be held as follows:

2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

In-Transit Lounge

Oakland International Airport (Terminal 1 - 2nd Floor)

Oakland, California

The Port has posted the Request for Proposals and Bids (RFP/RFB) in digital format on a hosting website that can be accessed via the ‘Current RFPs/RFQs/Procurements/Other Business Interests: All Other Port Departments’ link at the following URL:http://portofoakland.com/business/rfpsrfqs.asp. Proposing parties should carefully review the requirements of the RFPs/RFB to ensure that they meet all of the stated requirements.

Are you a Cool Business?

Every year, the Cool California Small Business Awards recognize California small businesses that reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, promote climate friendly practices, and successfully integrate the tools on CoolCalifornia.org into their business operations. You can apply to be a certified cool “small business of the year” or for the “climate leader award.” The application period is from January 3 through February 29, 2012. For more information on the nomination process, visit: http://app.streamsend.com/c/15260871/395/lJE3gcd/xokvnkxxtd?redirect_to=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.coolcalifornia.org%2Farticle%2Fsmall-business-award-program.

What do you think of the Clipper Card?

Make your comments heard about our new (Bay Area wide) transit fare payment system, the Clipper Card. MTC is particularly interested in public input regarding the proposal to implement a fee of $3 per card accompanied by a requirement for new card holders to load at least $2 in cash or a transit pass. The $3 fee is to cover the cost of the card. After receiving and addressing public feedback on this draft report, MTC's Operations Committee, which sets the policies of the Clipper program, will adopt any resulting changes to the Clipper Operating Rules. The report, along with background information, is available here: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/get_involved/rights/clipper.htm.

All Comments are Due No Later than December 22, 2011 at 4 p.m. You can email written comments to info@mtc.ca.gov, or mail them to MTC Public Information,

101 Eighth Street, Oakland, CA 94607-4700

, or fax to 510.817.5848.

Small, Local, & Emerging Business Certification

Attention all small Chamber businesses operating in Alameda County! You can become certified at a Small, Local and Emerging Business (SLEB) with Alameda County. The program was designed to assist SLEB’s to take full advantage of County of Alameda contracting and procurement activities. If you think that your business qualifies, visit the website at www.acgov.org/auditor/sleb for more requirements and details on the application process. You can also contact (510) 891-5500 or email acslebcompliance@acgov.org with questions about the program.

EBMUD Public Meeting - Sewer Pipe Guidelines for Property Owners

From time to time the Chamber will let its members know about important community meetings that may be relevant to regulations affecting your Oakland home or business. Please be advised that the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) is holding community meetings on the regional private sewer lateral program. Details below:

EBMUD Community Meetings on Regional Private Sewer Lateral Program

East Bay Municipal Utility District is holding two meetings to inform property owners about the new requirements (effective January 16) to inspect, test and repair or replace damaged sewer pipes on private property. Two upcoming meeting dates are TODAY, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the East Oakland Sports Center (

9161 Edes Avenue

) and January 5 at 7:00 p.m. at the Joaquin Miller Community Center (

3594 Sanborn Drive

). For more information, please visit http://www.eastbaypasl.com/ or call (866) 40-EBMUD.

Port of Oakland is open for Business

The Port of Oakland is open for business.  At a press conference just after noon today Port Executive Director Omar Benjamin said there had been sporadic protests that caused some delays but that all terminals were open and operational. 

Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan said there was one report of vandalism, two arrests on charges of impeding traffic and no injuries. 

Mayor Jean Quan reminded everyone that the Port is an essential part of our regional economy and a source of good paying blue collar jobs.  She said that disruptions to Port operations were not helpful. The Port is responsible for $460 million a year in state and local tax revenue and thousands of jobs.

Oakland City Council Meeting Highlights

A few items before Oakland City Council Committees at their meetings tomorrow:

Finance & Management Committee  (11:30 am)

A resolution to give people who park their cars in one of the City of Oakland's metered spaces a five minute "grace period" for getting back to their cars before they are ticketed.

Six months ago as part of its plan to balance the budget the City of Oakland sold the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center to the Redevelopment Agency for $28.3 million.  Turns out Kaiser Center Improvements are owned by the Oakland Joint Powers Financing Authority (Authority).  To complete the $28.3 million dollar sale, the City must first own the improvements.  So city staff is recommending the Authority sell the Improvements to the City for one dollar.

Community & Economic Development Committee (2pm)

The committee will consider the Community benefits policy framework for the Oakland Army Base.  The infrastructure and land preparation costs for the entire 330 acre site, including the Port's portion of the property, are estimated at $500,000,000. Commercial facility costs are estimated at an additional $300,000,000. The project will create upwards of 2,500 to 3,000 permanent operations jobs. The Community Benefits associated with a project of this magnitude are essential for a City confronted with a double-digit unemployment rate and local business enterprises struggling to stay afloat.

Public Safety Committee (5:30 pm)

Measure Y Violence Prevention programs.  For the upcoming fiscal year the city expects to spend $5.73 million on violence prevention programs (and a similar amount for the two years after that).  The committee will consider a request for proposal (RFP) process for spending the money.

RFP - Alameda County Transportation Commission

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 with the Alameda County Transportation Commission:

The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) intends to retain a consultant to provide independent financial audit services to audit all funds and account groups in accordance with auditing standard generally accepted in the United States of America standards for financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States and the provisions of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133.

•           The LBE goal for this contract is 70 percent with an SLBE goal of 30 percent.

•           Pre-Proposal meeting: January 5, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Time)

•           Proposal Due Date: January 17, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time)

For more information, visit the RFP here:

http://www.alamedactc.org/files/managed/Document/6313/RFP_A11-0058_Financial_Audit_Services.pdf

Mayor Quan lunches with Chamber Board

Oakland Mayor Jean Quan joined the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Board at its year end lunch meeting today to discuss the future of Oakland.  The Mayor covered a number of topics from the city budget and public safety to education and promoting business and international trade.

The Mayor told us that the budget while difficult after years of declining revenue was more transparent and better set up with reserves than had been true in the past.  She appreciated the concessions made by labor groups and was confident that the loss of the parcel tax (Measure I) would not imperil city services.  Quan indicated she expects to continue to streamline city services to make the most out of city resources.  The Mayor also expressed confidence in her new management team, City Administrator Deanna Santana and Assistant City Administrators Scott Johnson and Fred Blackwell, all three of whom have been with the city for just the last 3-4 months.

On public safety she talked about hiring police officers and focusing on 100 blocks that have suffered the worst crime problems.  She has confidence in new Police Chief Howard Jordan who has held the post since mid-October. The Mayor and City Administrator Santana meet weekly with federal monitors to avoid a federal takeover of OPD.  One particular law enforcement tool the Mayor cited as effective and that she wants to see more of is cameras especially in commercial zones.  She says the data shows that where the cameras exist, crime gets pushed away and so she wants to expand the areas covered.

Mayor Quan indicated she has promoted trade in her efforts on various national groups, trips to China and conferences, including the Regional Export Initiative signed by her and other area mayors at the Chambers MegaRegion event earlier this year. 

The Mayor talked about her efforts to keep the city’s sport franchises and attract retail to town.  She talked about her 25% solution, the idea that even just a 25% increase of local shopping by Oaklanders could create jobs and improve city finances.

The Chamber looks forward to continuing to work with Mayor Quan to promote economic growth and job creation in Oakland!

Taste Test: City of Oakland Approves Mobile Food Vending Plan

Taste Test

The City of Oakland is experimenting with mobile food vending this coming year.  Last night the City Council approved a plan that would allow group mobile food vending or “food pods” to operate in many areas of the city (generally business/commercial areas of Council Districts 1,2,3,and 4 - mobile food vending has been approved in the Fruitvale section of Oakland for over 10 years now).

An organizer could apply for a food pod permit on private property, with the approval of the owner, on a parcel at least 100 feet from a restaurant.  The food pod would include 3 or more mobile food vendors who would operate for four hours, no more than two days a week and no more than 40 days a year.  The organizer will be responsible to assure all licenses, permits and rules are followed by vendors and customers in the food pod.

After all business and property owners within 300 feet of the proposed food pod are notified the City Administrator will decide whether to approve the permit.  Among the criteria she will consider are whether the site is likely to add vitality, pedestrian activity, and spillover economic activity to the surrounding area.

The Chamber and Oakland Restaurant Association worked with city staff to assure the concerns of existing restaurants were addressed.  While some concerns still exist this one year pilot program will allow all of us to see how expanding mobile food vending will work as the City considers a permanent new policy.  Bon Apetite!

Balboa Park RFP Opportunity

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:

The San Francisco County Transportation Authority (Authority) has released a new Request for Proposals to Provide Planning Services for the Balboa Park Station Area Circulation Study. The proposal must respond to the specific scope of services described in Section III of the RFP linked here. A pre-proposal conference will be held on December 13, 2011 at 9:00am. Final proposals are due by January 10, 2012 at 2:00pm. For more information visit the Authority’s website at www.sfcta.org.

Business Opportunity with SF Transportation Authority

Attention chamber members, be advised that the San Francisco County Transportation Authority (Authority) has a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Planning Services for the 19th Avenue Transit Corridor Investment Study, responses are due January 9 at 2pm. A pre-bid conference will be held on December 8, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Authority's offices. Questions may be submitted in writing on or before December 9, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. by mail, fax, or e-mail to the attention of Lily Yu, Senior Management Analyst (fax 415.522.4829, e-mail lily.yu@sfcta.org). The answers to questions will be made available on the Authority’s website (www.sfcta.org) by December 13, 2011. The RFP is linked here and currently available on the Authority’s website (www.sfcta.org).

Chamber Member Spotlight: Whole Foods

Whole Foods Market Oakland invites you to our “Holiday Soiree” this Thursday, December 8^th from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We are excited to have over 15 local vendors, holiday menu sampling, and live food demonstrations in all of our departments. We invite the entire community so please feel free to pass this on to whomever you would like!

We also will be having a live holiday music performance by the Oakland Symphony Chorus’ TOSCA as well as a live dance performances of Oakland Ballet’s upcoming Nutcracker production. Choral performances will begin at 7:00 and the ballet performances will be at 7:15, 7:30 and 7:45 p.m.

Entry, food tasting and our bar is Free to all customers. As HAR is a dry tasting store, we will be having an open dry holiday drink bar with three holiday themed drinks created by one of our fabulous team members.

The first 50 RSVPs will receive a free goodie bag with Martinelli’s Apple Cider, sweets, coupons and more! You can call the Customer Service station at our store, 510,834.9800, to sign up – or you can email me.

Please stop by the store to check out the fabulous festivities on Thursday evening! I hope to celebrate this wonderful holiday season with all of you!