Inside Oakland panel discusses future of Measure Y

This year is a big one for public safety in Oakland. Measure Y, the Violence Prevention & Public Safety Act, which was overwhelmingly passed in 2004, expires at the end of the year. Unless renewed, the city’s already resource-constrained police, fire, and social services budgets face further cuts.

Funding for Measure Y comes from a $97.62 parcel tax and 8.5 percent surcharge on commercial parking lots. Around $19 million is generated annually, with $4 million going to fire prevention, a particularly important issue given the severe drought we are facing. 60 percent of the remaining, or about $9 million, goes to hiring at least 63 Problem Solving Officers for the Oakland Police Department.

The remaining 40 percent, or about $5 million, goes to violence prevention and intervention programs that are targeting the hottest crime spots in the city with research-tested policies that are yielding tangible results.

At the Inside Oakland event on Jan. 24, a panel of representatives from the city of Oakland, Oakland Police Department, a local nonprofit organization, and a small business owner and blogger discussed the benefits of Measure Y, how it has been improved over time, and what further enhancements are needed.

Panelists Included:

Anne Marks, Executive Director of Youth ALIVE!- Click here to see her presentation

 





   

  

 

Len Raphael, CPA 

Sara Bedford, Interim Director, City of Oakland Human Services- Click here to see presentation

 

Interim Assistant Chief Paul Figueroa, OPD

“This is an ethical approach to addressing violent crime – and it’s working,” explained  Paul Figueroa, who as an officer in the 90s was involved in drug busts that contributed to around 30,000 arrests annually in Oakland. He noted that last year the number of arrests was around 8,000 while overall violent crime is down.

Yet the fate of Measure Y is unclear. The city administrator’s office has engaged a consultant to look at polling, conduct outreach and education around the measure, and determine what can and should be taken to the voters in November. This review and evaluation will take place over the next six months.

The Chamber plans to be front and center in helping foster a constructive dialogue around this vital issue for Oakland. Please keep on the lookout for future events, and check out the presentations from the Inside Oakland event on the Chamber’s website, www.oaklandchamber.com.

OPD gets nearly 80 new patrol cars

The City of Oakland is announcing the addition of 82 new vehicles to the public safety vehicle fleet, including a new type of police patrol vehicle.  Eight of the new vehicles were on display at a press conference in Frank Ogawa plaza just before noon today.

The new vehicle offers safety and environmental improvements over the Crown Vic. New features such as a backup camera, blind-spot monitoring and stability control reduce the risk of accidents. The new vehicles are expected to get 30% better fuel economy than the existing patrol cars. In addition, the SUV design provides greater space and better access for officers and their equipment.

Interim Police Chief Sean Whent said, “The addition of these new vehicles to our fleet is greatly needed and very much appreciated. Reliable police cars are an essential tool in effective crime fighting. Our officers rely on them not only to respond to calls for service but they often serve as office space for report writing and preliminary investigations so dependability and safety are important. We are committed to continuing to grow the Police Department and providing Oakland Police Officers with the tools necessary to continue to reduce crime.”

There are 82 new vehicles on order. The first ones ready have been used to train officers. The rest will be deployed over the next few months, as they are up-fit with equipment and communications upgrades by the Oakland Department of Information and Technology.

74 of the new patrol vehicles are part of a lease-purchase program for 153 vehicles for various City departments.  Also included in that program are:

 

•             8 unmarked vehicles for OPD

•             4 fire apparatus vehicles

•             36 parking enforcement vehicles

•             6 street sweepers

•             25 light trucks and vans for PWA, OPD, OFD and Human Services

The City has not bought this many vehicles in a single year since 2001.

 

Don't miss Inside Oakland Breakfast with Jody London & James Harris

   Breakfast is included, Register today!

Latham Square's Grand Opening- Tomorrow Friday, August 16, at noon

For more information- Please Click Here.

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President Joe Haraburda to Retire in December 2013

Leader’s quarter-century of service marked by numerous accomplishments, a powerful downtown monument and regional economic leadership

Oakland, CA – Joseph Haraburda has announced that he will retire as President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce in December of 2013. 

He has served in the role for 17 years. Previously, he volunteered for 8 years as a board member, head of the Economic Development department and served as Vice Chair while employed as a leader in local newspaper publishing. 

In looking ahead, Haraburda said, “I am immensely grateful for the dedication of the Chamber staff both past and present who worked with me to launch many new projects and initiatives each focusing on stimulating the Oakland economy.  We have accomplished some great things for Oakland’s economy and community. There is no doubt in my mind that the new executive will benefit greatly by their expertise.”

Haraburda provided quiet, steady and consistent leadership to the City of Oakland and helped shepherd many important local initiatives.  He has a long record of accomplishment and a legacy of projects big and small that benefitted the entire community.  Sample successes:

·         Remember ThemMonument – a monument in Oakland’s uptown dedicated to Humanitarians

·         Small BusinessDevelopment Center – Oakland Chamber now serves as home to this essential tool for local growth and small business support.

·         Facilitated the formation of the East Bay Women In Business Roundtable, Non-Profit Roundtable and Oakland Restaurant Association

·         Regional leadership on Economic Development – hosting regional “Mega-summits” and speaking loudly for regional collaboration at the local and state level

·         Founder of America’s Children’s HolidayParade, one of the largest children’s Parades now televised nationally and worldwide

·         Engaging local organizations and neighborhood business improvement districts as partners on issues important to Public Safety and the economic growth of Oakland

·         Confidant to the region’s elected officials, appointed commissioners and leaders of businesses of all sizes.

Joe and his wife Cathy plan to approach retirement with enthusiasm and will continue to look for ways to engage where they can make a difference in Oakland and the Bay Area.

Chamber Board Chair Shannon Pedder added, “Joe has positioned the Chamber as a regional leader on economic development and personally advised elected officials and business leaders across the community. In each his many wins for the community, Joe has provided consistent, steady and thoughtful leadership. We are so grateful for his efforts.” 

In the weeks and months ahead, the Chamber will take some time to reflect on Joe’s accomplishments and begin a regional and possibly national search for his replacement. Joe will remain as Chamber president through the end of the year. 

The Chamber plans to find many opportunities to honor Joe in the months ahead and will engage its members and the public in those efforts. 

# # #

 

About Joseph Haraburda:
Joe has held the position of President and CEO of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, the largest and most diverse business organization in the East Bay since 1996. Prior to becoming president Joe served on the Chamber board and had a 35 year career in newspaper publishing serving as general manger of the Oakland Tribune, associate publisher and publisher for the Alameda Newspaper Group; senior vice president for The Washington Post Company; director for The Wilmington Journal & Morning News, and senior management positions at The Philadelphia Inquirer and Suburban newspapers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

About the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce:
Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce is serving member companies and affiliate members with upwards of 200,000 employees throughout the East Bay. The focus of the Chamber staff is building a strong economy, representing business to government and enhancing the quality of life in the Oakland region.  More information can be found at OaklandChamber.com.

City of Oakland to Host The 2nd National Convening of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance

Oakland, Here We Come! City of Oakland to Host the UMA's 2nd National Convening Oakland will be the host of the Second National Convening of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance (UMA) this fall. Each year, the UMA convenes member organizations from across the country for a two-day conference and collaboration session. This meeting enables manufacturers and economic development professionals from all over the U.S. to come together to share best practices, learn from each other’s efforts, innovate and amplify their voice in the national policy discussion. Exchanging ideas on how urban manufacturing can reduce chronic unemployment and regain its foothold in dense urban areas are key goals of the UMA. Through this annual collaboration, the participants seek to strengthen their local economies, create jobs and revitalize their cities. “Oakland is home to a growing array of urban manufacturers, ranging from individual artisan workshops all the way up to state-of-the-art aircraft engine production,” Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said. “These businesses spark new ideas and create high-quality jobs. Our city’s renaissance makes it a perfect host for the UMA, and we welcome the innovation and excitement they will bring.” Kate Sofis, executive director of SFMade and co-founder of the UMA says "SFMade is pleased to co-host, with the City of Oakland, the Second National Convening of the Urban Manufacturing Alliance, which will bring together organizations from around the country, all working on growing their own local manufacturing communities.” This year’s convening is sponsored by Citi Community Development and The Kauffman Foundation and will take place on October 3-4. Oakland was selected out of a number of cities because according to Bethany Betzler, UMA Advisory Board Member and Project Manager at the Detroit Creative Corridor Center, “Oakland demonstrates the variety of assets and challenges existent across the varying U.S. cities that our members represent. Convening in Oakland means that we can marvel in the city’s urban manufacturing successes while simultaneously putting our heads together to develop solutions to challenges many cities share.” For the full press release, click here.

City of Oakland Hosts DADS & JAZZ Concert at Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate- This SUNDAY

Featuring Ric Alexander & Leah Tysee

 

City of Oakland Parks and Recreation (OPR) invites you to a special Father’s Day concert honoring fathers on June 16, 2013 from 2:00pm – 6:00pm at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate, located at 2960 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA.

 

The concert will feature Ric Alexander. He has been nominated as “Best Jazz Musician” for an East Bay Area Music Award. He recently performed at six sold out shows at Yoshi’s. Ric comes with a profile of shared stage with various well known artists such as Gerald Albright, Kirk Whalum, Dave Koz, Shirley Ceasar, Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Ledisi, Goapele, Tony Toni Ton’e, Shiela E. and a host of others.

Ric will be joined by Leah Tysee whose debut album, 'Real Good Fire' was released in 2007 and features the song "You Don't Scare Me" which won Billboard's Best R&B/Blues Song of 2007 award.

 “This jazz series is to honor and celebrate fathers and to encourage a healthy active and fit lifestyle. It will be a day to not only honor fathers, but honor all men who have acted as father-figures, step-fathers, uncles, grandfathers, or Big Brothers. Every one will be able to enjoy great music, food, drinks, vendors and a free tour of the Mansion,” says Deborah F. Cooper, DHHE Estate Manager.

This program is held in partnership with East Oakland Sports Center, Lake Chabot Golf Course; and Get Blue 4 Life.

 

For Tickets: $20 Adults and $10 for children aged 12 years and under, available by visiting www.dunsmuir-hellman.com or calling 510-238-3052.

 

 

Now is NOT the time to abandon good budget policy

The City of Oakland has unfunded pension liabilities (approximately $1.5 billion) and negative fund balances (approximately $100 million).  Health care costs and other required payments to the State of California are forecasted to go higher in the coming years. 

And while the current two year budget cycle appears susceptible to balance, it should be noted that in the three years that follow (FY 2015-18) every annual budget shows a NINE FIGURE DEFICIT, ranging from a low of $111 million to a high of $200 million.  

Just four years ago this Council recognized the folly of spending windfall revenues to fund on-going obligations.  With that in mind the Council passed a rule about the Real Estate Transfer Tax.  Any revenue above $40 million in one year was to go to a reserve or to pay down negative fund balances or paying for capital improvements.  In adopting the rule the Council recognized that responsible fiscal planning required using one-time funds to pay down debt and not create new continuing obligations.

It would be a mistake to abandon this policy the first time it would actually take effect. And yet the City Council is considering that very move today.

To abandon the rule demonstrates a lack of fiscal discipline.  A rule was set to show responsibility - it is a good rule and to abandon it the first time it would apply shows the same old spend whatever we have even when we are in debt. 

Further it leads to the likelihood of repeating past mistakes.  The City got in a tough spot in past years when it took a spike in certain income (particularly real estate transfer taxes) and spent it as ongoing income.  It was wise to set a rule saying any income above some amount will be used to put our long term finances in order NOT to leverage us up further.

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce urges the City Council to maintain the real estate transfer tax policy it adopted just four years ago,  thereby demonstrating a your commitment to responsible budgeting and to serving all the citizens of Oakland.

 

City of Oakland – Hires for two Key Staff Roles

See below for more information:

Economic & Workforce Development Director Appointment – This memorandum announces

the appointment of Kelley Kahn as Economic & Workforce Development Director for the City

of Oakland, effective March 4. http://www2.oaklandnet.com/w/OAK039702

 

Planning & Building Director Appointment – This memorandum announces the appointment of

Rachel O’Dwyer Flynn as Planning and Building Director for the City of Oakland, effective

March 4. http://www2.oaklandnet.com/w/OAK039704

 

Latham Square Community Design Workshop

On Saturday, February 23, the City of Oakland’s Public Works Agency will host a community design workshop to redesign Latham Square into an active, community-centered pedestrian plaza. Located at the intersection of Telegraph Avenue and Broadway and flanked by the Latham Fountain and the Cathedral Building, Latham Square is an important part of Oakland history. The design process will seek to create a plaza that builds on this unique history and serves as a focal point for the re-birth of this part of downtown Oakland. The workshop will be held at the Cathedral Building, 1615

Broadway, from Noon to 4:00 p.m. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend
and may drop-in at any time for interactive exercises asking participants to imagine the future of
Latham Square. No prior design experience is necessary.

For more information visit the project website at ww.oaklandnet.com/LathamSquare.

Candidates for Oakland City Attorney Dig into Debate, Brunner and Parker Discuss the Issues

Live Blogging the #OakDebates

6:35pm -- The two final candidates for Oakland’s City Attorney race began their debate tonight in an open forum at the Waterfront Hotel, located in Jack London Square.  The debate, co-produced by the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee and the League of Women Voters started promptly at 6:30pm to a full house of nearly 80 people. OMCC representative Paul Junge introduced the candidates on behalf of the Chamber Public Policy Council, and Oakland Tribune City Hall Reporter Matthew Artz and Helen Hutchison of the League of Women Voters of Oakland moderated. Questions will be solicited from the audience, candidate responses will be chronicled in our next post.

To review, the Oakland Office of the City Attorney (OCA) provides legal counsel to the City of Oakland, its employees, officers, agencies, boards and commissions. The City Attorney role has been an elected position in Oakland since 2000.

The job of an elected city attorney was most recently (and only!) held by John Russo, for almost 11 full years. Russo departed to become the City Manager of nearby Alameda in June of 2011. The measure to eliminate the elected position was put to voters in November 2011 and defeated, making the November 2012 election the start of the city’s second elected city attorney in its 160 year history. 

Program Starts

Mr. Russo is in the audience tonight, wearing a smile and a summery white linen blazer. It is presumed that Russo will show his support for Barbara Parker, his former second-in-command. Candidate Barbara Parker, a long time staffer and Chief Assistant in the City Attorney’s Office (and current city attorney) appeared in a smart plum colored suit, and fashionable black high heels. Council member Jane Brunner looked sharp in her trademark blue collared shirt.  After a short concern over the amount of notes the candidates could have (decision: unlimited) the opening statements are underway!

Looking for a job within the City?

Check out the City of Oakland's "Career Opportunities" for the week of July 30, 2012 at the links below: 

*Career Opportunities

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm?promotionaljobs=1

Please visit the City of Oakland's website to view and print announcements.

Oakland At Work: A conversation at the NonProfit Roundtable

Oakland at Work

A conversation at the Nonprofit Roundtable

By Jerry Metzker

Biotech Partners

Co-Chair of the Nonprofit Roundtable

The April Oakland Chamber Nonprofit Roundtable meeting focused on workforce development and how it leads to economic development.

Enjoying delicious pastry from The Bread Project, a local service organization that trains individuals with limited resources for employment in the food industry, the meeting commenced with a conversation of how employment has a positive effect not only on personal financial situation, but also on self-esteem, personal value, self-efficacy and the community. Jobs bring individuals real lessons that carry them through life.

Lorraine Giordano and Margot Prado of Oakland’s office of economic and workforce development shared the three workforce/economic goals for the city: 1) provide training for entry level positions, including a focus on self-sufficiency; 2) assisting employers with training needs for current workers; and 3) support a jobs center near the former Oakland Army base, particularly focused on expanding the Port of Oakland.

 A recent strategic planning process identified six specific employment growth opportunities for Oakland: 1) arts and digital media; 2) food production and distribution; 3) green industry; 4) healthcare and bioscience; 5) international trade and logistics; and 6) retail. The presenters noted that Oakland is ideal and has tremendous strength in small business development, and is developing more strategies to improve prospects for youth. The higher the employment rate the lower the crime rate.

Partner presenters Manuel Garvin of Youth Uprising and me from Biotech Partners shared different opportunities for guiding youth through their education and into the workforce. Since 1993, Biotech Partners has been supporting youth from populations underrepresented in the bioscience industries through high school, into higher education and well-paid entry-level lab positions. The target population includes children of color, low income youth and girls. A feature of this academic and workforce development program is paid internships in the bioscience field, a growing industry in the Bay Area.

Youth Uprising matches workforce development to social enterprises. Its youth and young adults receive paid on-the-job training under the guidance of experienced professionals in Data Management, Input and Research; Janitorial and Light Industrial Services; Digital Media, Design, Music, and Video Production; and Catering and Food Services. Garvin especially noted that its Corners Café has a student manager and is available for catering.

Both Biotech Partners and Youth Uprising noted the importance of attaching income to their training programs and provide workforce development in areas identified by the Oakland Office of Economic Development as target growth areas for the City.

For more information from presenters, contact them:

Lorraine Giordano of Oakland Office of Economic Development (lgiordano@oaklandnet.com)

Margot Prado of Oakland Office of Economic Development (mprado@oaklandnet.com)

Manuel Garvin of Youth Uprising (mgarvin@youthuprising.org)

Jerry Metzker of Biotech Partners (jerry.metzker@bayer.com)

As Executive Director of CARD (Collaborating Agencies Responding to Disasters), Roundtable Co-Chair Âna-Marie Jones reminded everyone that April was preparedness month and led a fun interactive exercise on the multiple uses of a sealable plastic sandwich bag. (amj@cardcanhelp.org)

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit Roundtable meets in the Chamber Boardroom on the third Tuesday of each month from 2:30-4:30 pm, providing the opportunity for the community benefits and the private sector to interact to make a difference in the Oakland Community and beyond. All are welcome.

The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday, May 15, 2012, from 2:30-4:30pm. Discussion topics and presenters will center on financial needs and opportunities. For more information, contact Triche Christmon at tchristmon@oaklandchamber.com.

Court Approves Gang Injunction

Superior Court Judge Robert Freedman issued a preliminary injunction earlier this week including all remaining defendants in the City’s lawsuit against the Norteños gang.  The City asked the court to grant an injunction against 40 members of the Norteños based on their proven ties to the gang and crimes they have committed in the zone covered by the injunction.

The two injunctions in effect in Oakland (Norteños and North Side Oakland) are different from most of the other gang injunctions in California. Oakland’s injunctions are similar to restraining orders against individuals. Each defendant had the right to contest the lawsuit’s claims before the court, and the City had the burden of proving to the court, by clear and convincing evidence, that the gang is a criminal enterprise and that each defendant is a member of the gang. Importantly, anyone who leaves the gang can go through an “opt-out” process and seek to be removed from the order.

The 40 individuals named as defendants in the City's lawsuit have close to 200 adult arrests and at least 106 adult convictions among them. Their adult criminal convictions include: multiple cases of assault with a deadly weapon, multiple robberies, robbery resulting in great bodily injury, carjacking, shooting at an occupied home, dog fighting, fighting in public, numerous incidents of domestic violence including one resulting in traumatic injury, felony drunk driving, obstructing a peace officer by use of force, battery, carrying a concealed weapon, carrying a loaded firearm, felony possession of an assault weapon, possession of body armor, felony possession of a controlled substance while armed with a gun, felony manufacturing a weapon while in prison, discharging a firearm in a grossly negligent manner and many other gun crimes; also numerous vehicle thefts, drug sales, vandalism, residential and non-residential burglaries, grand theft, receiving stolen property and forgery. Most of these crimes occurred in or were committed against people who live or work in the Fruitvale neighborhood. In most cases, evidence submitted to the court included the individuals’ own claims of gang membership.

Within the injunction zone covering most of the Fruitvale District, the court’s order restricts the defendants from carrying guns, threatening witnesses, selling drugs, wearing gang colors, associating with each other in public or being on the streets during late night hours (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.). There are clear exceptions to the last two restrictions for lawful activities such as work, school and medical emergencies. Violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

“This order protects civil liberties while imposing restrictions on defendants that are designed to curb gang violence in Oakland, thereby saving lives and improving public safety,” City Attorney Barbara Parker said.

The Chamber supports the City Attorney in pursuing the Gang Injunctions and adding to the tools available to the Oakland Police Department to keep our citizens safe.

Where will Oakland look to save money?

The Oakland Redevelopment Agency will be eliminated as required by state law on February 1. The loss of that revenue means the city has to cut about $20 million from its budget every year. The money has been paying for nearly 160 employees including more than 80 people in the economic development department, 15 assistant city attorneys and half of the salary of the Mayor and City Council members. The money also paid the salaries of 17 police officers but they can’t be let go due to their employment contract. So where will the city look to save money?

The Mayor and City Administrator have submitted a plan to the City Council which they will review at a special City Council at 5:30 tonight at City Hall. The plan involves some reorganization and does eliminate 105 positions. The biggest losses are among the former Economic Development staff where a total of 42 positions are eliminated. The cut positions include some non- sworn police staff and four of the nine Neighborhood Service Coordinators. Public Works loses 23 positions and Parks & Recreation lose another nearly seven people.

City Council will make final budget decisions at their meeting next Tuesday night, January 31, at 5:30 pm.

City of Oakland issues nearly 2,500 layoff notices

Layoff notices were issued to 1,464 full time City employees and more than 1,000 part time City employees today. The city has nearly 5,100 employees total. Layoffs will not impact sworn police officers or fire firefighters. Both groups are protected from job cuts by their contracts. The cutbacks result from the elimination of the Oakland Redevelopment Agency (RDA) which is required by state law to cease operation by February 1st, only two weeks from today.

 The City uses RDA money to pay for nearly 160 employees. That includes using RDA funds to pay half the salary of the Mayor and all Council Members. So when the RDA money goes away in two weeks the City has to adjust its budget. But that does not mean just because a position is currently funded with RDA money the person in that job will lose their job.

The decision of what salaries to cut and what jobs to eliminate will be decided by City Administrator Deanna Santana in consultation with Mayor Jean Quan and the City Council. The plan is expected to be presented to the City Council by next Monday, January 23. The Council has scheduled special meetings on Wednesday January 25^th and Tuesday January 31^st to decide where the cuts should be made.