In a few weeks, Oakland is hosting the National Cohousing Conference, June 13-17, at the Marriott Oakland City Center, 1001 Broadway.
What is Cohousing? Cohousing is a Danish model of community living, where all families/individuals own their own unit, but also share a "common house" where the community spends time together. I live at Doyle St. Cohousing, on Doyle St. in Emeryville. We are celebrating our 20 years since the project was completed this spring. We have 12 separate units, with a condominium structure. We have meals in our common house, cooked by one of the adults in the community, three times per week. Over dinner, neighbors chat, share news, discuss their day, issues in Emeryville, etc. Those of us with kids find that neighbors are open to watching a child for a few hours here or there, and the kids have built in friends and playdates that don't require driving across town. I learn a lot from my neighbors, borrow things, watch movies together... just like a "village" of sorts.
Once a year a conference brings people interested in this intentional community type together. Emeryville should be proud as our community is often featured in articles and books about cohousing, as we were one of the first places in the county with a cohousing community built from the ground up (or in our case, converted from a warehouse).
When we talk about having more family friendly housing in Emeryville, I think that including another cohousing community makes a lot of sense. I think about all the units promised in the Public Market development, or future affordable housing developments, and think that cohousing would be a great addition.
I have to say that Doyle St. Cohousing is the reason my family and I moved to Emeryville in 2004 from Oakland. The support that we get from our community is the reason that I can serve Emeryville on the council and as mayor. After living this way, going back to a single family home or a multi-family unit without the added structure of community would be hard for me. I will have the opportunity to share my appreciation for the role cohousing plays in my life at the National Conference as I introduce one of the leaders of the cohousing world, author of the book, and developer extraordinaire, Katie McCamant. It just so happens that Katie and her husband Chuck Durrett used to live in Emeryville. In fact, I bought my unit from them!
Please email me if you want more info, or go to the website for the conference and sign up to attend.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
June 5 election recommendations
As a permanent absentee voter, I received my ballot for the June 5 election last week. I usually turn my ballot in last minute at the polls, but for those of you who are quicker to respond, I thought I would share with you my views of the items on the ballot.
First of all, this is the first time we have voted with the open primary system, where the top two vote-getters then square off in the General election, instead of having party nominees face each other in November. When Proposition 14 passed in June 2010, it changed the way primaries are run. As a registered Democrat, I received two ballots: one with no party label that has the State Senate, Assembly, Superior Court Judge, County Supervisor and Measures 28, 29 and B, and the other that is labeled "Democratic Party" with the President, County Committee, US Senator and US Representative.
My voting recommendations are below:
Yes on Measure B: this will help to fund Peralta Community College District which includes Berkeley City College, Merritt College, Laney College and College of Alameda. It will cost each property owner $48 per year for 8 years and will be collected with property taxes. The threshold required for this measure is two thirds majority. Supporting our community colleges which are so affordable and accessible to help folks extend their educational opportunities and improve their skills is very important.
Measure 28: Term limits. After watching the decline of compromise and rise of partisan politics in both the state and federal legislatures, I am not in favor of term limits. Short terms mean greater influence of lobbyists and staff, and less expertise and relationship building of politicians. As a result, I was not clear which way to vote on 28, as both sides claimed it would "fix" the problem to make term limits more effective. The yes vote will allow potential leadership to stay in one body longer and develop stronger positions there, compared with the current combined 14 year limit (6 in Assembly and 8 in the Senate). The yes side is also supported by organizations I support: labor unions, Democrats and Common Cause. Sounds like I am leaning YES.
Measure 29: I will vote yes to impose an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes. The money will be used for medical research and the additional cost will discourage purchasing cigarettes particularly for teens who may balk at the higher cost.
Superior Court Judge: I met with Andrew Weiner who has an impressive background in the court system and innovative ideas about reducing costs and increasing compromise settlements through case management and mediation. I think he would be a terrific addition to the court. That said, the percentage of women on the bench is still only around 30% , and I think that Tara Flanagan, who is endorsed by the Democratic Party among others, would also be a good fit. You may only vote for one.
For the Democratic County Committee, I recommend the following people (you may vote for 9):
For US Senator, Diane Feinstein (although there are 23 people running against her, and I haven't done my homework on them all)
For US Congresswoman, Barbara Lee!
For State Senator, Loni Hancock
For State Assemblymember, Nancy Skinner
For County Supervisor, Keith Carson
First of all, this is the first time we have voted with the open primary system, where the top two vote-getters then square off in the General election, instead of having party nominees face each other in November. When Proposition 14 passed in June 2010, it changed the way primaries are run. As a registered Democrat, I received two ballots: one with no party label that has the State Senate, Assembly, Superior Court Judge, County Supervisor and Measures 28, 29 and B, and the other that is labeled "Democratic Party" with the President, County Committee, US Senator and US Representative.
My voting recommendations are below:
Yes on Measure B: this will help to fund Peralta Community College District which includes Berkeley City College, Merritt College, Laney College and College of Alameda. It will cost each property owner $48 per year for 8 years and will be collected with property taxes. The threshold required for this measure is two thirds majority. Supporting our community colleges which are so affordable and accessible to help folks extend their educational opportunities and improve their skills is very important.
Measure 28: Term limits. After watching the decline of compromise and rise of partisan politics in both the state and federal legislatures, I am not in favor of term limits. Short terms mean greater influence of lobbyists and staff, and less expertise and relationship building of politicians. As a result, I was not clear which way to vote on 28, as both sides claimed it would "fix" the problem to make term limits more effective. The yes vote will allow potential leadership to stay in one body longer and develop stronger positions there, compared with the current combined 14 year limit (6 in Assembly and 8 in the Senate). The yes side is also supported by organizations I support: labor unions, Democrats and Common Cause. Sounds like I am leaning YES.
Measure 29: I will vote yes to impose an additional $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes. The money will be used for medical research and the additional cost will discourage purchasing cigarettes particularly for teens who may balk at the higher cost.
Superior Court Judge: I met with Andrew Weiner who has an impressive background in the court system and innovative ideas about reducing costs and increasing compromise settlements through case management and mediation. I think he would be a terrific addition to the court. That said, the percentage of women on the bench is still only around 30% , and I think that Tara Flanagan, who is endorsed by the Democratic Party among others, would also be a good fit. You may only vote for one.
For the Democratic County Committee, I recommend the following people (you may vote for 9):
- Elizabeth Echols
- Kathy Neal
- Jesse Arreguin
- Bonnie Wheatley
- Beverly Greene
- Andy Kelley
- Joel Cohen
- Sharon Ball
- Michael Barnett
For US Senator, Diane Feinstein (although there are 23 people running against her, and I haven't done my homework on them all)
For US Congresswoman, Barbara Lee!
For State Senator, Loni Hancock
For State Assemblymember, Nancy Skinner
For County Supervisor, Keith Carson
Allegro Ballroom hosts community benefit, May 26 at 7:30pm
On Saturday, May 26, from 7:30pm until midnight, the Allegro Ballroom is hosting a benefit for the Emeryville Celebration of the Arts event (in October) and the Friends of ECDC (a group that supports art and music at the City run child care center). More information is here. Allegro Ballroom is at 5855 Christie Ave. If you have not visited this dance hall, you must come to see what a grand place it is! They offer classes for all levels of dance, and have many beginner classes as well as free classes.
Oversight Board hears back from the State Department of Finance
When the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency was dissolved by the State in February, there were many projects that were in various stages of beginning, development and completion. The process to end the flow of tax increment money to these projects is messy and confusing. Our Oversight Board consists of 7 members (including me) from the community representing tax entities who are in positions to benefit from tax increment money again flowing to them instead of redevelopment. We have been grappling with the list of "recognized obligations" that are allowable under the dissolution law. After sending our list of what we considered allowable expenses to the State, we received back a letter that challenged many of the larger projects that are underway. We meet again on May 29 at 5:30pm at City Hall, to consider these projects in more detail, sifting through the contracts and paperwork to determine whether they pass the test of "obligation" to a third party.
For now, the uncertainty is high. The Emeryville Center of Community Life (ECCL), a joint project with the School District, and the South Bayfront Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, along with parcels purchased for affordable housing have all been questioned by the State Department of Finance. Meanwhile, legislation to clarify and help with the termination of redevelopment are wending their way through Sacramento, but there is no fix yet put up for a vote by the Senate or Assembly. It is tangled up in the state budget problems/process.
All this is to say, that I will keep you posted, but you are also welcome to attend or watch the Oversight Board meetings. They are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at City Hall at 5:30pm (except in May the meeting will be on the fifth Tuesday).
For now, the uncertainty is high. The Emeryville Center of Community Life (ECCL), a joint project with the School District, and the South Bayfront Bike and Pedestrian Bridge, along with parcels purchased for affordable housing have all been questioned by the State Department of Finance. Meanwhile, legislation to clarify and help with the termination of redevelopment are wending their way through Sacramento, but there is no fix yet put up for a vote by the Senate or Assembly. It is tangled up in the state budget problems/process.
All this is to say, that I will keep you posted, but you are also welcome to attend or watch the Oversight Board meetings. They are on the second and fourth Tuesdays at City Hall at 5:30pm (except in May the meeting will be on the fifth Tuesday).
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Affordable Housing Week - Groundbreaking!
This week is Affordable Housing Week. In celebration, we are having the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Ambassador. The information flyer tells you that on Friday, May 18, from 3:30 until 4:30 there will be an event at 1168 36th St. (corner of Peralta). What most impresses me about this project (that has been in the works for about 10 years) is that it is 68 affordable housing units with a significant number of 2 and 3 bedroom units, suitable for families. We know Emeryville has a low number of families, and we know that our housing stock has a low number of larger units. With the Ambassador, we can welcome more families to Emeryville, which is very important considering our efforts to strengthen our schools and build the Center of Community Life. Please join us in celebrating a milestone in our affordable housing efforts.
Last Friday, May 11, I had the honor of speaking at another groundbreaking event -- this one for the 64th & Christie apartments at the Public Market. The ceremony was well attended and also highlighted Emeryville's efforts to include affordable housing in developments that receive funding assistance from the City or former Redevelopment Agency. This development will have 29 affordable housing units in the 193 unit development. At that event, we also got a tour of the Green Living Room, an outdoor space that is under construction to highlight innovative green technologies you can touch and see. The new Urban Outfitters is nearly complete (opening June 7), and also reuses wood and materials from older buildings. The upgrade of the Public Market is impressive, especially when you learn the details of how much of the materials are finding a new life here after spending as much as 100 years in another building that was then demolished. Stop by Hot Italian, a new, delicious pizza place and bar. (I heard they are showing Breaking Away, a great bike movie from my hometown, Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, May 24.)
Last Friday, May 11, I had the honor of speaking at another groundbreaking event -- this one for the 64th & Christie apartments at the Public Market. The ceremony was well attended and also highlighted Emeryville's efforts to include affordable housing in developments that receive funding assistance from the City or former Redevelopment Agency. This development will have 29 affordable housing units in the 193 unit development. At that event, we also got a tour of the Green Living Room, an outdoor space that is under construction to highlight innovative green technologies you can touch and see. The new Urban Outfitters is nearly complete (opening June 7), and also reuses wood and materials from older buildings. The upgrade of the Public Market is impressive, especially when you learn the details of how much of the materials are finding a new life here after spending as much as 100 years in another building that was then demolished. Stop by Hot Italian, a new, delicious pizza place and bar. (I heard they are showing Breaking Away, a great bike movie from my hometown, Bloomington, Indiana on Thursday, May 24.)
Library event: Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 2-4
My daughters and I love to go to the library. We spend hours there, looking at books, reading books, checking out videos, doing art, getting to know the librarians, and running into friends. Today, when I dropped by, I ran into a former librarian, who has retired, but was back to promote an event remembering Lottie Rose, a woman who was committed to improving the library. A quilt has been made in memory of Lottie Rose, and on Sunday, June 10, from 2-4, there will be a dedication ceremony to honor Lottie's contributions to the Golden Gate Library and the community. Please come! Golden Gate Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave. in Oakland. 510-597-5023
Flyer here.
Flyer here.
City Council Update May 2012
Coming up next week is your chance to weigh in on the next 2 year budget of the city of Emeryville. Please come to City Hall (1333 Park Ave.) on Weds, May 23 at 5:30 pm to address the Council and hear our deliberations. On Monday and Tuesday (both days at 5:30pm, also at City Hall) the Department Heads will present their portions of the budget. The agendas are posted for your information. Childcare will be provided.
Planning Commissioner applications are being accepted until Monday, May 21 at 5:00 pm. There are two positions that are up for re-appointment or new appointments. Please find the application here.
Last night, the City Council addressed many issues that may be of interest to you. The list is below, followed by more detailed information on these items with links to even more info.
The red light cameras at 4 intersection approaches in town have been in place for about 9 years and they are being discontinued. They are no longer cost effective for Emeryville (staff report is here) as more staff time has been required to support the violations, and the number of citations have decreased. From my perspective, there have been numerous complaints about unfair citations, where the presence of an officer might have resulted in no citation, but the camera just captures one dimension, and the courts have not been willing to consider other information when appealed. These tickets are very expensive, costing around $500. We increased the length of the yellow lights slightly which reduced the number of citations as well. Recently, we added a new sign on eastbound 40th St. alerting drivers to come to a complete stop before turning right on red onto Horton St. This corner was one that provided most of the citations by camera. Please look for pedestrians and drive safely in Emeryville!
With the support of staff in the Fire Dept., we have committed to a contract (staff report) with the Alameda County Fire District. The ACFD is very well run and will provide enhanced services for a lower cost than we currently spend. Over the years, ACFD has grown to include Dublin, Newark and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Our fire stations will remain open, the staff will be the same, but we will have better coverage and support from both the county and our nearest neighbor, Oakland. The contract is for 5 years.
I am very excited about the Bike/Ped Plan (this is a large file for the plan itself, the staff report is shorter). It very clearly lists projects and improvements throughout town that will make alternative, active transportation better for all residents and workers in Emeryville. Look for new bike fix-it stations with tools to repair your bike! Safety and convenience are key to encouraging more people to leave their cars behind.
The hydrogen leak at the AC Transit bus yard is still being investigated. We know that AC Transit has been responsive to the City's concerns, and that the Fire Dept., the Police Dept., and the School District were all prepared and fast to respond to the emergency on May 4. The hydrogen tanks are now empty and the program will not be reactivated until all concerns have been addressed. The safety system worked as it was supposed to. Please see the official press release for more information.
For the latest on ECDC, you can read the staff report about the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that our new, dedicated Center Manager is already implementing. We asked for an outside analysis of the Center and have found that there are many improvements to be made. This is an opportunity to really support the center and anticipate the positive, long term results from a strong early childhood education program in Emeryville. We know this is one way to support the schools as well. Now we need to encourage the state to keep funding for subsidized childcare for those who cannot otherwise afford it, as the Governor's budget reduces both the subsidy and reduces the number of families that qualify. Please consider lending your voice to that need as well here for pre-school support and here for K-12 support.
ECAP has been organized and cleaned up by a dedicated group of people over the past several months, and its doors are still open to help those who really need it. For 15 years, ECAP has offered food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get by (located at San Pablo Ave. near 37th St.). With the loss of the redevelopment agency in Feb., the organization was suddenly on its own to find money to pay the rent and utilities. In our next 2 year budget, the City is considering whether to assist this organization, but in the meantime, we have approved funds to cover operating expenses for May and June to keep the lights on. Please consider donating money, time or clothing to this organization. Staff report is here.
Current vacancies on committees: Ad Hoc City Mission statement and Motto Committee (applications due by Monday, June 4); Marina Committee (applications due by Friday, June 8). Application is here.
Planning Commissioner applications are being accepted until Monday, May 21 at 5:00 pm. There are two positions that are up for re-appointment or new appointments. Please find the application here.
Last night, the City Council addressed many issues that may be of interest to you. The list is below, followed by more detailed information on these items with links to even more info.
- Red light camera system eliminated
- Fire Services contracted with Alameda County Fire District
- Bicycle/Pedestrian Plan adopted
- Information on the hydrogen leak at AC Transit's bus yard (Friday, May 4) shared
- Emeryville Child Development Center (ECDC) status reported on in special study session
- ECAP financial support provided for two months
The red light cameras at 4 intersection approaches in town have been in place for about 9 years and they are being discontinued. They are no longer cost effective for Emeryville (staff report is here) as more staff time has been required to support the violations, and the number of citations have decreased. From my perspective, there have been numerous complaints about unfair citations, where the presence of an officer might have resulted in no citation, but the camera just captures one dimension, and the courts have not been willing to consider other information when appealed. These tickets are very expensive, costing around $500. We increased the length of the yellow lights slightly which reduced the number of citations as well. Recently, we added a new sign on eastbound 40th St. alerting drivers to come to a complete stop before turning right on red onto Horton St. This corner was one that provided most of the citations by camera. Please look for pedestrians and drive safely in Emeryville!
With the support of staff in the Fire Dept., we have committed to a contract (staff report) with the Alameda County Fire District. The ACFD is very well run and will provide enhanced services for a lower cost than we currently spend. Over the years, ACFD has grown to include Dublin, Newark and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Our fire stations will remain open, the staff will be the same, but we will have better coverage and support from both the county and our nearest neighbor, Oakland. The contract is for 5 years.
I am very excited about the Bike/Ped Plan (this is a large file for the plan itself, the staff report is shorter). It very clearly lists projects and improvements throughout town that will make alternative, active transportation better for all residents and workers in Emeryville. Look for new bike fix-it stations with tools to repair your bike! Safety and convenience are key to encouraging more people to leave their cars behind.
The hydrogen leak at the AC Transit bus yard is still being investigated. We know that AC Transit has been responsive to the City's concerns, and that the Fire Dept., the Police Dept., and the School District were all prepared and fast to respond to the emergency on May 4. The hydrogen tanks are now empty and the program will not be reactivated until all concerns have been addressed. The safety system worked as it was supposed to. Please see the official press release for more information.
For the latest on ECDC, you can read the staff report about the Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) that our new, dedicated Center Manager is already implementing. We asked for an outside analysis of the Center and have found that there are many improvements to be made. This is an opportunity to really support the center and anticipate the positive, long term results from a strong early childhood education program in Emeryville. We know this is one way to support the schools as well. Now we need to encourage the state to keep funding for subsidized childcare for those who cannot otherwise afford it, as the Governor's budget reduces both the subsidy and reduces the number of families that qualify. Please consider lending your voice to that need as well here for pre-school support and here for K-12 support.
ECAP has been organized and cleaned up by a dedicated group of people over the past several months, and its doors are still open to help those who really need it. For 15 years, ECAP has offered food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get by (located at San Pablo Ave. near 37th St.). With the loss of the redevelopment agency in Feb., the organization was suddenly on its own to find money to pay the rent and utilities. In our next 2 year budget, the City is considering whether to assist this organization, but in the meantime, we have approved funds to cover operating expenses for May and June to keep the lights on. Please consider donating money, time or clothing to this organization. Staff report is here.
Current vacancies on committees: Ad Hoc City Mission statement and Motto Committee (applications due by Monday, June 4); Marina Committee (applications due by Friday, June 8). Application is here.
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