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.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
State of the City Town Hall, Senior Center, Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm
Thursday evening, April 19, at 7:00pm, at the Senior Center (4321 Salem St.) I will be sharing with you a "State of the City" report. Emeryville's City Manager, Pat O'Keeffe, and I will do a presentation, followed by time for your questions and concerns. Please come to the Senior Center next Thursday evening to hear about what is happening in town, and to have a chance to share your thoughts. This event is open to all, and I hope you will invite your neighbors along!
--
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
emeryvillewest@gmail.com
blog at http://emeryvillewest.
(510) 420-5795
--
Jennifer West
Mayor of Emeryville
emeryvillewest@gmail.com
blog at http://emeryvillewest.
(510) 420-5795
Friday, April 13, 2012
Capoeira in the Community
Years ago, as a parent at Head Over Heels, the fabulous gymnastics organization in town, I met Malandro. He has coached at HOH over the years, and was a favorite of my then 3 year old daughter. She is now 11, and Malandro is now one of the leaders in the area for teaching and playing Capoeira. In case you are not familiar with this Brazilian dance/martial arts, it is amazing to watch and clearly takes incredible strength to do. Please consider supporting Malandro and his group.
His group uses the Emeryville Senior Center for some of their events. See more info at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1044871629/from-brazil-2-the-bay-2012-united-by-resistance
I am proud of the variety of groups here in Emeryville, and hope that we can learn from each other through our crafts.
His group uses the Emeryville Senior Center for some of their events. See more info at
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1044871629/from-brazil-2-the-bay-2012-united-by-resistance
I am proud of the variety of groups here in Emeryville, and hope that we can learn from each other through our crafts.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
ECAP - Emeryville's service for folks who need help
Emeryville Community Action Program (ECAP) is located on San Pablo between 36th and 37th St. and passes out food and clothing to people who do not have enough to get along. Sometimes when I bike or drive by I see a line down the street that turns the block. Nellie Hannon, who has run ECAP for a long time, used to serve on the Emeryville City Council. The council will recognize her contributions to the community at this Tuesday's City Council meeting (4/3, 7:15pm, City Hall, 1333 Park Ave.).
For years the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency supported ECAP by paying the lease on their building and the cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45,000 per year. There was an additional donation from Community Development Block Grants in the amount of $2,000 per year for holiday baskets. With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in February, the financial support for ECAP disappeared.
At the same time, ECAP lost its tax-exempt status due to lack of filing papers. A new entity, Ohana Community Outreach, has stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open. They are working on plans to sustain the current services and expand them as well. They have applied to regain the tax-exempt status for the organization as well.
My question to the community as we plan for our next two year budget cycle, is whether the City of Emeryville should renew its support for ECAP (or another entity) that provides these services? Right now, money is very tight with redevelopment funds gone. At the City we are potentially cutting staff and shrinking our own services. But within our $28 million General Fund, is there room for the $45,000 that the RDA gave over the years for ECAP? We provide a rent-free location to the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. Can/should we arrange something similar for ECAP?
Please send me an email at emeryvillewest@gmail.com to let me know your opinion.
For years the Emeryville Redevelopment Agency supported ECAP by paying the lease on their building and the cost of utilities. It cost the Redevelopment Agency about $45,000 per year. There was an additional donation from Community Development Block Grants in the amount of $2,000 per year for holiday baskets. With the end of the Redevelopment Agency in February, the financial support for ECAP disappeared.
At the same time, ECAP lost its tax-exempt status due to lack of filing papers. A new entity, Ohana Community Outreach, has stepped in to help support ECAP and keep the doors open. They are working on plans to sustain the current services and expand them as well. They have applied to regain the tax-exempt status for the organization as well.
My question to the community as we plan for our next two year budget cycle, is whether the City of Emeryville should renew its support for ECAP (or another entity) that provides these services? Right now, money is very tight with redevelopment funds gone. At the City we are potentially cutting staff and shrinking our own services. But within our $28 million General Fund, is there room for the $45,000 that the RDA gave over the years for ECAP? We provide a rent-free location to the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce. Can/should we arrange something similar for ECAP?
Please send me an email at emeryvillewest@gmail.com to let me know your opinion.
Trees in Emeryville
Maybe it is my Mid-West upbringing, or my appreciation for natural beauty, but I am always wanting to see Emeryville do the best we can to preserve mature trees -- and work to plant more trees. Do you feel the same way?
As a result, I am disappointed in 2 items that have recently been considered or will be considered by the City Council at public hearings (the second one is this Tuesday 4/3 at 7:15pm at City Hall). Both have to do with a new development project called "Parkside" which is located on the block bordered by Powell and Stanford, Hollis and Doyle. This project will have 169 units of rental residences, and includes some retail space and a small park with a dog run. I actually do not get to vote on any aspect of this project as a City Council member, as I live and own property just a block away.
This Tuesday the council will consider whether to allow the developer to take out all of the street trees located along the south side of Powell on this block. The staff report and the arborist report can be reached by these links. The arborist suggests, "Costs related to demolition, construction and planting site preparation will be significantly reduced if all trees are replaced." The information that is not included is what it would take to retain the mature trees, rebuild sidewalks next to them as part of the project, and perhaps enhance the environment for the trees to make them grow and thrive in this spot. It also does not mention that the trees on this block are the same as the trees along Powell for 3 blocks, and make a cohesive feel along that part of Powell.
Additionally, 2 weeks ago, the City Council was to consider this item, but then it was pulled from the agenda. The change in those two weeks is that instead of asking the developer to pay $52,100 for the removal of these mature trees as provided by our Urban Forestry Ordinance, now 9 out of the 10 street trees have been declared "nuisance trees" and the developer will have the fees reduced to $4,447 (to pay for the one tree that does not constitute a "nuisance").
I am glad to read that the staff has changed their recommendation to replacing the 10 trees with 12 new trees, larger than previously recommended two weeks ago, but the loss of mature trees is still a problem.
When will we start to ask developers to work around existing trees? When will we ask for the appropriate fees to help fund the planting of more street trees (as I have heard of some residents who request trees and don't get them)? Why is the staff trying to reduce the importance of the trees and the fees that we have in place to deter cutting these trees down?
On the same project, on February 7, the City Council approved the design of a new park, and the removal of 33 mature trees to accommodate it and the parking lot. All of those tall trees that are around the parking lot, on the Stanford side of the project will be taken down to make room for a park. I find it surprising that the park could not be designed to incorporate and enhance the mature trees that are already on the site. When I look at the project, I see that some of the trees simply could not remain with the plans for construction, but there are others that might have been retained with careful planning. If the developer and architect don't value the trees, or see keeping them as a costly measure, at least the city council, who must approve the removal of all trees, should see the value in keeping them. Again, I did not vote on this project as I live so close to it.
I know that arborists have come a long way in the past decades in terms of concensus on proper soil volume needed for trees to thrive. According to staff, most of the trees in Emeryville planted longer ago than 5 years were not planted properly, and therefore, removing them and replacing them with properly planted trees would in the long run make our community better. I agree with that to some degree, but would like to see the city show a real interest in trees, and recognize that a gradual replacement might be better than a complete overhaul. Leave some of the mature trees and plant new ones with better practices. Then, as those trees mature and grow large, remove the older ones. Also, commit to maintaining our current trees and sidewalks in recognition of the value trees bring to our community.
I know that community meetings were held on this project, and these views would have been better shared at that time, but I bring them up now.
I ask that staff invite our City Arborist to come and speak to the council on an overall strategy on how to maintain our street trees so that they are not in the future considered "nuisance trees" that can be cut down without a penalty. Let's see Emeryville become a place where mature trees are valued, as I believe their value enhances our town and our properties.
As always, I invite your comments sent to me directly at emeryvillewest@gmail.com.
As a result, I am disappointed in 2 items that have recently been considered or will be considered by the City Council at public hearings (the second one is this Tuesday 4/3 at 7:15pm at City Hall). Both have to do with a new development project called "Parkside" which is located on the block bordered by Powell and Stanford, Hollis and Doyle. This project will have 169 units of rental residences, and includes some retail space and a small park with a dog run. I actually do not get to vote on any aspect of this project as a City Council member, as I live and own property just a block away.
This Tuesday the council will consider whether to allow the developer to take out all of the street trees located along the south side of Powell on this block. The staff report and the arborist report can be reached by these links. The arborist suggests, "Costs related to demolition, construction and planting site preparation will be significantly reduced if all trees are replaced." The information that is not included is what it would take to retain the mature trees, rebuild sidewalks next to them as part of the project, and perhaps enhance the environment for the trees to make them grow and thrive in this spot. It also does not mention that the trees on this block are the same as the trees along Powell for 3 blocks, and make a cohesive feel along that part of Powell.
Additionally, 2 weeks ago, the City Council was to consider this item, but then it was pulled from the agenda. The change in those two weeks is that instead of asking the developer to pay $52,100 for the removal of these mature trees as provided by our Urban Forestry Ordinance, now 9 out of the 10 street trees have been declared "nuisance trees" and the developer will have the fees reduced to $4,447 (to pay for the one tree that does not constitute a "nuisance").
I am glad to read that the staff has changed their recommendation to replacing the 10 trees with 12 new trees, larger than previously recommended two weeks ago, but the loss of mature trees is still a problem.
When will we start to ask developers to work around existing trees? When will we ask for the appropriate fees to help fund the planting of more street trees (as I have heard of some residents who request trees and don't get them)? Why is the staff trying to reduce the importance of the trees and the fees that we have in place to deter cutting these trees down?
On the same project, on February 7, the City Council approved the design of a new park, and the removal of 33 mature trees to accommodate it and the parking lot. All of those tall trees that are around the parking lot, on the Stanford side of the project will be taken down to make room for a park. I find it surprising that the park could not be designed to incorporate and enhance the mature trees that are already on the site. When I look at the project, I see that some of the trees simply could not remain with the plans for construction, but there are others that might have been retained with careful planning. If the developer and architect don't value the trees, or see keeping them as a costly measure, at least the city council, who must approve the removal of all trees, should see the value in keeping them. Again, I did not vote on this project as I live so close to it.
I know that arborists have come a long way in the past decades in terms of concensus on proper soil volume needed for trees to thrive. According to staff, most of the trees in Emeryville planted longer ago than 5 years were not planted properly, and therefore, removing them and replacing them with properly planted trees would in the long run make our community better. I agree with that to some degree, but would like to see the city show a real interest in trees, and recognize that a gradual replacement might be better than a complete overhaul. Leave some of the mature trees and plant new ones with better practices. Then, as those trees mature and grow large, remove the older ones. Also, commit to maintaining our current trees and sidewalks in recognition of the value trees bring to our community.
I know that community meetings were held on this project, and these views would have been better shared at that time, but I bring them up now.
I ask that staff invite our City Arborist to come and speak to the council on an overall strategy on how to maintain our street trees so that they are not in the future considered "nuisance trees" that can be cut down without a penalty. Let's see Emeryville become a place where mature trees are valued, as I believe their value enhances our town and our properties.
As always, I invite your comments sent to me directly at emeryvillewest@gmail.com.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Update on the ECCL (Center of Community Life)
Last night at the City/Schools Committee meeting (first Thursday of every month at 5:30 at ESS), we had a presentation and accepted the final conceptual design plan for the Center for Community Life (ECCL). After the School Board officially recommends this conceptual design (which will come at the March 13th meeting I expect), the architects will move on to the schematic design, which are the details on how the buildings will look and from which the construction documents will be drawn. The last public workshop on the conceptual plan will be this Saturday, March 3, from 2-5 at Emery Secondary School. Childcare and refreshments provided. All welcome! Demolition is planned for this summer (2012) for the Secondary School to prepare the site for the new facility.
We also heard last night from the 6 student ECCL Fellows whose job it is to engage the community and spread the word to keep the community informed. They presented information about their activities and answered questions about the program. They expressed a desire to have more students involved. There are also 4 adults who are part of the Fellows project.
Here is a link to the website that contains information on ECCL and also the presentation that the City/Schools Committee heard last night. With the bonds that have been sold by the district ($48 million) and the commitment of former redevelopment funds ($25 million), the project has $73 million available for it at this time.
We also heard from a few people who serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) which collects information on the Measure J Bonds and how they are being spent. Putting in place the tools that the COC needs and figuring out their role with 17 members has made for a challenging year. Brian Carver, who has served as the chair, gave his monthly report which included some changes to the structure of the committee. After his report, he also expressed personal frustration with the process, the amount of time and effort that this work demands, and some of the resistance or attitudes he has met from staff when procedures or assumptions are questioned. He is concerned that the School Board is not looking long term at the management and use of all 3 of their properties, spending most of their attention on the one ESS site. He thinks that the argument for K-12 co-location has not been made adequately. He is considering leaving the committee, he said. I am very sorry to hear that level of frustration from any volunteer who has dedicated so much. I urge all elected officials, staff and residents to respect people who share ideas that are different from their own, truly listen, and maintain a constructive dialogue. That is how public projects are improved and how individuals contribute.
We also heard last night from the 6 student ECCL Fellows whose job it is to engage the community and spread the word to keep the community informed. They presented information about their activities and answered questions about the program. They expressed a desire to have more students involved. There are also 4 adults who are part of the Fellows project.
Here is a link to the website that contains information on ECCL and also the presentation that the City/Schools Committee heard last night. With the bonds that have been sold by the district ($48 million) and the commitment of former redevelopment funds ($25 million), the project has $73 million available for it at this time.
We also heard from a few people who serve on the Citizens Oversight Committee (COC) which collects information on the Measure J Bonds and how they are being spent. Putting in place the tools that the COC needs and figuring out their role with 17 members has made for a challenging year. Brian Carver, who has served as the chair, gave his monthly report which included some changes to the structure of the committee. After his report, he also expressed personal frustration with the process, the amount of time and effort that this work demands, and some of the resistance or attitudes he has met from staff when procedures or assumptions are questioned. He is concerned that the School Board is not looking long term at the management and use of all 3 of their properties, spending most of their attention on the one ESS site. He thinks that the argument for K-12 co-location has not been made adequately. He is considering leaving the committee, he said. I am very sorry to hear that level of frustration from any volunteer who has dedicated so much. I urge all elected officials, staff and residents to respect people who share ideas that are different from their own, truly listen, and maintain a constructive dialogue. That is how public projects are improved and how individuals contribute.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
