JLDA Articles

JLDA Meeting - community presentations

2008-10-04T16:59:00.000-07:00

There will be a special JLDA meeting held 6pm Monday October 6th, 229 Harrison St, Oakland. All are welcome to attend.

At the meeting there will be a presentations by Alameda County Transportation Improvement Authority (ACTIA) . ACTIA will be informing us about the proposed improvements for I-880 between Broadway and Jackson which will have a major impact on freeway access to this area and to the community during construction. These improvements are part of a larger project which will widen and earthquake retrofit I-880 through the downtown area.

Restaurant comings and goings

2008-09-10T00:34:00.000-07:00

We have two new restaurants now open in the district.

The first is "O My Dawg" an unassuming restaurant at 463 2nd Street near the corner of 2nd and Broadway. They are serving a tasty variety of authentic wieners and frites (German hot dogs and fries) with sauces like parsley wasabi and curry ketchup. Currently they are open daily 11:30am to 7pm and are already getting rave reviews on Yelp. If you visit O My Dawg please let them know you heard about them from the JLDA newsletter.

More upscale is the newly refurbished Miss Pearls Jam House (formerly Jacks Bistro) at Jack London Square in the bottom of the Waterfront Hotel. Just head for palm trees atop the grassy knoll and you can't miss it. According to their website they feature "gourmet New World island-inspired cuisine using the freshest ingredients and complementing the restaurant’s diverse wine and cocktail lists". Check their website for the rest of the info.

Finally, The Lucky Panda Chinese restaurant on Broadway is now closed and the space is up for rent.

National Estuaries Day - Medicine Take Back

2008-09-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

The San Francisco Estuary Project will sponsor a FREE medicine take-back event with Teleosis Institute to celebrate National Estuaries Day. The one-day program will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Jack London Square at the foot of Broadway in front of 450 Water Street.

Bring unwanted medication for safe disposal. Bring medicines in original containers with personal information marked out. No needles, sharps, inhalers, or controlled prescriptions, please. Do your part to keep our water clean and prevent environmental impacts from drugs dumped into the toilet or trash. And, learn how to save water and money during our drought.

For more information, contact Danny Pham at (510) 622-2452 or visit www.sfestuary.org.

Crime Prevention Council meeting this Thursday

2008-09-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Jack London District Crime Prevention Council (JLDCPC) will be held this Thursday evening. Here are the details:

Thursday, September 11th at 6:30 PM 229 Harrison (Egghouse office, corner of 3rd and Harrison)

On the agenda for this meeting:

Introductions
Police Updates
City Staff Updates
Traffic/Stop Signs
CORE training discussion

Monique will be providing details about upcoming trainings for Community of Oakland Responds to Emergencies (CORE). The little "jolt" this past week reminds us that we are located in a earthquake zone. Let's get prepared together! We hope that many of you can make it to the meeting -- it's a great way to begin making a positive change in our community.

Please email me at bill@jldcpc.org if you have any questions about the meeting or additional agenda items.

Bill Dailey
JLDCPC Chair

At Large City Councilmember Candidates forum

2008-08-19T01:25:00.001-07:00

JLDA is pleased to announce that following it's successful District 3 candidates forum it will be holding a candidates forum for the At Large City council seat run-off election. Both candidates Rebecca Kaplan and Kerry Hamill are confirmed to attend.

The forum will be held Monday September 15th starting at 6:30pm in the Regatta Room of Portobello Condominiums (11 Embarcadero West @ Oak). Follow the signs to the Regatta Room from the Portobello entrance. You can read all about the event and the candidate's statements on the front page of the August issue of "JLDA Call".

Get Out the Vote event at The English Center

2008-08-19T01:16:00.000-07:00

KQED Education Network in partnership with the English Center & Easy Voter Guide Project

Friday September 19th 5:30pm to 7pm at The English Center, 66 Franklin Street St 300, Oakland, CA 94607

Why should we vote? Why don't we? Why is voting not enough but only part of the larget picture?

Panelists include:

Doleris Huerata, American civil rights activist
Lisa Frederiksen, Easy Voter Guide Project
Kovida U, Burmese monk/leader; English Center student

3rd Annual Urban Wine Experience @ Jack London Square

2008-08-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

Saturady, August 9th, 2pm – 5pm at Jack London Square

Over 15 wineries located in the East Bay will pair with local restaurants and food purveyors in the East Vintners Alliance Third Annual wine tasting.

Participating Restaurants and Food Purveyors :

Aubin Cellars - Adagia
Periscope Cellars - Bellanico
Andrew Lane - Canvas Underground/Downtown Restaurant
Irish Monkey - C'era Una Volta
Urbano Cellars - E-22 Cafe
Dashe Cellars - Fabrique Delice
A Donkey and Goat - Franklin Square Wine Bar
Lost Canyon - Montclair Bistro
Rosenblum Cellars - Mona's Table
Prospect 772 - Patrick David's Catering
Tayerle Wines - Pappo
Eno Wines - Savory Cook Private Dining
JC Cellars - Scott's Seafood
Two Mile - Sea Salt
Adams Point - Whole Foods

See http://slowfoodalameda.blogspot.com/2008/07/3rd-annual-urban-wine-experience.html

E-Waste Pickup at Jack London Square

2008-08-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

The folks at Jack London Square have arranged an Electronic Disposal Waste Day event at Jack London Square, scheduled for Friday, August 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A truck with large waste containers will be accepting your electronic wasted materials at the Foot of Broadway @ Embarcadero.

This will be a FREE bulk pick up service that will accept:

All computer hardware and electronics, including CPU computers, monitors, television sets, networking equipment, personal electronics, industrial equipment, test equipment, wires, stereos, speakers, keyboards, mice, cell phones, home phones, office phones, remote controls, radio equipment, LCD displays, laptops, metals, VCR, batteries and more. Computer hardware and electronic equipment is accepted regardless of vintage or working condition.

Not acceptable are:

Fluorescent light bulbs, large household appliances such as refrigerators, ovens, stoves and washing machines and dryers.

Please mark your calendars and take advantage of this FREE service.

For more information contact:

Brian Lee
Marketing & Special Events Manager
Jack London Square
70 Washington Street, Ste. 207
Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510-645-9292, ext. 225
brian@jacklondonsquare.com

National Night Out - Tuesday August 5th 7-9pm

2008-07-24T09:19:00.001-07:00

The Jack London District Crime Prevention Council (JLDCPC) invites you to attend a National Night Out event on the evening of Tuesday, August 5th. The event will be held from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on Harrison Street between 2nd and 3rd.

Our event this year will feature a community potluck and will be a great way for you to get out into the neighborhood and meet other people who live and work in the Jack London District. We will have activity packets available for children and friendly dogs are welcome. We also expect representatives from the City of Oakland, Oakland Police, and Oakland Fire departments to attend. Please bring a food or drink item to share. You won’t want to miss this event!

What is National Night Out?

National Night Out, ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime,’ was first introduced by National Association of Town Watch in 1984. Over the last 25 years, it has grown to now include events that involve 34 million people in over 10,000 communities across the United States. Oakland will have over 40 NNO events this year.

NATW Executive Director Matt A. Peskin explains NNO this way: “It’s a wonderful opportunity for communities nationwide to promote police community partnerships, crime prevention, and neighborhood camaraderie. While the one night is certainly not an answer to crime, drugs and violence, National Night Out does represent the kind of spirit, energy and determination that is helping to make many neighborhoods safer places throughout the year. It’s a night to celebrate safety and crime prevention successes - and to expand and strengthen programs for the next 364 days.”

If you would like to know more about our National Night Out event, please email nightout@jldcpc.org or call Bill Dailey at 510-289-8956.

Kimball's withdraws application for a new nightclub

2008-07-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

JLDA Board member Gary Knecht reports that Scott Miller, Zoning Manager, has stated Kimball Allen's proposal to open a new nightclub and restaurant at 671 4th Street has been withdrawn from the August 6 Planning Commission agenda. Gary confirmed this information with case planner, David Valeska, who stated that Allen's application has been withdrawn altogether and the project is dead. Community opposition (over 50 signatures on a petition plus lots of letters) and lack of community support (no one wrote in favor of the application) seem to have made the applicant change his mind.

Meanwhile Mr Allen is the property owner and would like to find a more acceptable use for his 15,000 square foot building. If you have any ideas or suggestions at all, let us know so we can pass them along.

Sidewalk Sale to benefit Oakland Fund for the Arts

2008-07-10T18:31:00.000-07:00

Gary Knecht who serves on the board of Oakland Fund for the Arts ask you to support an organization that does great work funding arts education in the Oakland Public schools. You can support them in two ways:

1. Donate your unneeded valuables to our July 20 sidewalk sale. You can deliver them to the Egghouse and I can give you a receipt for tax purposes or I can arrange to pick them up on Sunday July 13 if you let me know what you have. We will take pretty much anything if it is good condition ($1 to $1,000), but we'd love items that we can sell for $50 to $75. Please call me to arrange delivery or pickup: 893-9829.

2. Come to the sidewalk sale with lots of cash and have a great time. Here is the official calendar announcement:

SUNDAY, JULY 20 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm:

A Sidewalk Sale to benefit Oakland Fund for the Arts. The Egghouse, 229 Harrison Street, Oakland (Jack London District).

This local nonprofit works to raise money to support hands-on arts education programs in Oakland K-12 schools identified as underserved and in need. With looming education cutbacks due to the current state budget crisis, OFFTA needs your help in making curriculum-integrated arts education available to all of Oakland’s children. Find great bargains and support the powerful teaching tool of the arts in our schools!

(More information available at www.oaklandfundforthearts.org)

Message from District 3 Council Member Nancy Nadel

2008-07-08T23:30:00.001-07:00

Dear Oakland Resident,

We are in the midst of troubled times in Oakland. I have been receiving many calls and emails about the issues surrounding the City Administrator and the Mayor’s response. As a scientist by training, I am intent on getting all the facts before rushing to judgment as I determine the best course for the city and continue my work to empower our residents to be active, productive and proud of their city. As I become aware of the need for deeper investigation, I will approach the appropriate level of government to provide it.

I want to assure my constituents and all the residents of Oakland, that I will work diligently to expose and eliminate any corruption and just plain sloppy practices that diminish our city and devalue the hard work of the many city employees who are principled and reliable. Whenever there is a crisis, there is a dance of opportunism of which we should all be wary. I encourage you as Oakland residents to listen and evaluate carefully all that you hear and see going on whether in the press or in the realm of politics. Leadership is not the same as opportunistic power grabbing. The kind of leadership Oakland needs is leadership that will inspire honest and ethical behavior, and empower Oakland’s residents and workers to be all that they can be.

Sincerely, Nancy Nadel

Crime Prevention Council Meeting

2008-07-08T23:24:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Jack London District Crime Prevention Council (JLDCPC) will be held this Thursday. Here are the details:

Thursday, July 10th at 6:30 PM
229 Harrison (Egghouse office, corner of 3rd and Harrison)

On the agenda for this meeting:

Police Updates
Online Community Survey results
National Night Out party preparation
Underground gatherings in district
Traffic safety (need for more stop signs)

We hope that many of you can make it to the meeting -- it's a great way to begin making a positive change in our community.

I also haven't gotten any response to my last call for help for National Night Out on August 5th. In order to insure that we have a successful event, we really need help in these areas:

Arrange food and drink donations (this is the one we need the most help with)
Find volunteers to cook/prepare/serve food at event
Involve community groups and ask them to attend and set up info tables (Covenant House, JLDA, English Center, etc)
Design promotional flyer
Distribute posters/flyers to locations in community

If you can offer ANY help, please email us at nightout@jldcpc.org or call Bill Dailey at 510-289-8956 (or let me know at the meeting on Thursday). We can make this a successful event together!

National Night Out Preparations

2008-06-30T12:17:00.000-07:00

Preparations are underway for the Jack London District National Night Out event which will be held on Tuesday, August 5th. The event will be a fun way to socialize with your neighbors while making our community a safer place. We have been making good progress, but we need some help with additional people in the community who are willing to spend a couple of hours to make this a quality event. Below is a brief summary of what has been done so far, and list of what areas we could need your help with. If you are able to spend *any* time helping in one of the areas below, please send me an email at nightout@jldcpc.org or give me a call at 510-289-8956.

Thanks for your participation!

Bill Dailey
JLDCPC Chair

What has been done already:

Location picked (outside 229 Harrison - between 2nd and 3rd).
We are registered with national organization and City of Oakland (no permit is required)
Our Neighborhood Services Coordinator (Annie Sloan) will work with
OPD and OFD to have a presence at the event
We have tables and chairs available (thanks, Gary)
JLDA has graciously donated some funds to cover expenses not covered by donations
An article about the event will appear in the July issue of JLDA Call

What we REALLY need help with:

Arrange food and drink donations (this is the one we need the most help with)
Find volunteers to cook/prepare/serve food at event
Involve community groups and ask them to attend and set up info tables (Covenant House, JLDA, English Center, etc)
We would like to allow people to bring their dogs to the event. Any ideas on what we would need to do to make that successful?
Design promotional flyer
Distribute posters/flyers to locations in community

JLDA Board votes unanimously to oppose resolutions to modify JLD Mixed Use Parking Permit Plan

2008-06-19T09:16:00.000-07:00

At the June 16th board meeting of JLDA the eight members of the board present voted unanimously to oppose the resolutions to amend the parking plan set forth below which briefly:

a) Extend the eligibility for permits to include businesses south of Embarcadero (mostly Jack London Square), and the Alameda County buildings along Broadway,

b) Introduce a ten-fold increase in the price of temporary visitor permits to $10 (one day) and $50 (two week)

specifying a rationale of "In Order To Maintain The Program's Cost-Neutrality"

The grounds for JLDA board opposition were given as:

a) the resolutions were prepared completely without prior consultation of JLDA, a body that aims to represent the Jack London District and was central in proposing, defining and supporting the permit plan and which devoted countless hours of work over many years to make it happen - a role that was explicitly recognized in the City of Oakland resolutions introducing the Permit Parking ordinance in 2007, and the ordinance itself.

b) the permit plan already requires for yearly review of the plan for cost neutrality and performance and the board feels that extremely premature to make changes on the basis of cost-neutrality when a financial analysis has yet to be performed. Furthermore the immediate and future impact of extending the permit plan boundaries to include business addresses with a very large number of employees (which will apparently also include all future JLS office space) is unknown, unstudied and unplanned for in the original permit proposal.

Our District 3 council member Nancy Nadel has recommended the finance and management committee support the resolutions. The Staff report on which the recommendation was based is available here: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/19541.pdf.

The Staff report cites issues regarding cost neutrality but unfortunately presents no facts or figures to back up those claims - whereas it is known to JLDA that in six weeks permit sales have already raised $54,600 in revenue, and $70 parking tickets are being issued at a rate of 20 to 30 per day netting over $20,000 in additional revenue per month for the City general fund. As best we can tell there has been no additional cost other than administrative ones for issuing permits. Compared to the previous parking usage, and any other permit plan in the City (all of which lose money) it is hard to see, without further evidence, how our plan is now unfortunately being characterized as a financial burden to the City in a deficit year.

As JLDA is apparently out of the loop then if you have comments on the increase in visitor permit fees to $10 per day or $50 per two weeks, the modification of permit boundaries, or even the process by which the resolutions were introduced without prior community consultation, then please contact the office of Nancy Nadel directly at:

Nancy Nadel,
City Hall 2nd Floor,
1 Frank Ogawa Plaza,
Oakland, CA 94612,
(510) 238-7003
email: clstarks@oaklandnet.com
nnadel@oaklandnet.com

Alternatively you can also contact the finance committee members directly who will be reviewing the resolutions before recommending (or not) their passage to City Council:

Jane Brunner, District 1; jbrunner@oaklandnet.com
Nancy Nadel, District 3: nnadel@oaklandnet.com
President Ignacio De La Fuente, District 5; idelafuente@oaklandnet.com
Chairperson, Jean Quan, District 4: jquan@oaklandnet.com

JLD Parking Permit Plan being reviewed at City Hall

2008-06-13T17:56:00.000-07:00

The office of Nancy Nadel has notified us that the City Council Finance and Management Committee will discuss the following two issues regarding the JLD Permit Parking Program on June 24, 2008 at 1:30pm, agenda item 7. The committee meets in Hearing Room 1, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (City Hall) and the public has an opportunity to comment.

(1) Adopt An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 12809 C.M.S. (Master Fee Schedule), As Amended, To Modify Permit Fees Assessed By The Parking Division For The "Interim Mixed-Use Parking Permit Program For The Jack London District," As Follows:
(a) Modify The Cost Of One-Day Permits From One Dollar ($1) To Ten Dollars ($10); And
(b) Modify The Cost Of Two-Week Permits From Five Dollars ($5) To Fifty Dollars ($50),
In Order To Maintain the Program’s Cost-Neutrality.

(2) Adopt An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 12864 C.M.S., To Modify The Boundaries Of The Jack London District Interim Mixed-Use Permit Parking Program, As Follows:
(a) Move The Southern Boundary Of The Permit Parking Area South One Block From Embarcadero West, Between Franklin Street And Washington Street Only, To Include The Businesses On Water Street;
(b) Move The Northern Boundary Of The Permit Parking Area North One Block From Fourth Street, Between Washington Street And Broadway Only, To Include The Southern Side Of Fifth Street Only.

The Staff Report regarding the resolution is available online at http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/attachments/19541.pdf. You can access the Committee calendar here: http://clerkwebsvr1.oaklandnet.com/calendar/#current

Jack London Aquatic Center 2008 Summer Splash

2008-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Jack London Aquatic Center Hosts its 2008 Summer Splash, a Free Water Sports Open House for Youth and Adults Ages 12 and Up

When: Saturday June 7, 2008 from 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Where: the Jack London Aquatic Center, 115 Embarcadero, Oakland, CA, at Estuary Park (between Oak Street and Fifth Avenue, one mile east of Jack London Square along the Embarcadero)

The Jack London Aquatic Center is excited to announce its first annual free “Summer Splash” water sports celebration on Saturday, June 7 from 10:00am to 2:00pm, for youth and adults ages 12 and up. This is your chance to come and try out the sports of rowing, kayaking, and/or dragon boating. Every half-hour participants will leave from the dock and receive an introduction to sweep-oar rowing, kayaking, or dragon boating. Meanwhile, on land, participants can celebrate Oakland’s Estuary with lively sea shanties from the Roving Tars musical group. Participants do not need to know how to swim: everyone will be fitted for personal flotation devices and will be required to sign a waiver on site.

For more information call JLAC at 510-208-6067 or see their website JLAC.org

New Waterfront Access Map

2008-05-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Waterfront Action has just launched a new Waterfront Access Map that shows areas of public access to our waterfront in Oakland and Alameda. It shows waterfront parks, the path of the Bay Trail, where Measure DD bond money is being spent, and new and proposed waterfront development. The map is available online and in printed form - you can pick up at copy at California Canoe and Kayak in Jack London Square.

Coffee Hours with councilmember Nancy Nadel

2008-05-23T13:23:00.000-07:00

SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008, 11 AM to 1 PM and the last Saturday of every month from 11 AM to 1 PM at World Ground Café, 308 Jackson Street, at 3rd

For more information, please contact the District Three Council Office at 510.238.7003, or via email to tjackson@oaklandnet.com.

District 3 Candidate Forum a success

2008-05-20T23:57:00.001-07:00

Around 30 community members and other interested parties turned out Monday night for the candidate forum arranged by JLDA for the District 3 City council election in June. Although time was limited the audience was able to ask the candidates several questions and hear their statements and positions on various issues. All agreed this was a useful event and if there is a need for a run-off election in November JLDA would like to provide the candidates another chance to come address Jack London District voters.

Thank you to Steve Lowe and Bernice Straub for making the arrangements, our President Ben Delaney for moderating, and to Portobello for providing us with an excellent venue for the forum.

May Community Construction Coordination Meeting

2008-05-20T23:48:00.000-07:00

Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:00
Location: 130 Webster St - Sales office for the Ellington

Subject: Community questions relating to the progress of development construction in the Jack London area

Purpose: Construction coordination meeting to discuss current issues related to construction activity

1. Introductions
2. Report by each developer as to status of project construction and completion
a. 200 Broadway – The Ellington
b. 311 2nd St – The Colony
c. Ellis Partners – 66 Franklin
d. Ellis Partners - Sites C
e. Ellis Partners – Site F
f. Ellis Partners – Site G
3. Construction schedule for the summer months, and hours of actual construction activity.
4. Current community concerns that have surfaced since last community meeting.
5. For the good of the order
6. Set date for next meeting

How to get an Area M Parking Permit

2008-05-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

In April 2008 the City of Oakland sent out a letter to over 1,500 Jack London District residents and business owners describing the new mixed-use parking permit plan, scope, eligibility criteria, cost and procedure for getting the permit along with an application form. These materials are available from the links below:

Click here for a copy of the letter
Click here for the map showing the streets it affects.
Click here for the application form

If you did not receive the letter, lost it or are new to the area and need a parking permit please review the documents above, then print and fill out the application form indicating it is for an Area M permit. Mail the completed form, other supporting documentation as required, and a check for $150 payable to the City of Oakland to:

City of Oakland Parking Division, Administration
250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza #6300
Oakland, CA 94612

Note that permits are issued for a specific car and must be affixed to the car, there are no transferable permits. For instructions on how to affix the permit once you receive it click here.

If you purchase an annual Area M permit ($150) you may also purchase temporary visitor permits as follows: each 1-day permit costs $1.00 per vehicle and each 14-day permit costs $5.00 per vehicle. No more than five 1-day and five 14-day visitor permits may be purchased at any one time. If you include payment, you may order visitor permits on the application form sent out by the City (see link above).

Please note, JLDA does not issue, administer, or benefit financially from the Area M mixed use parking permit plan - if you have any questions you should direct them to the City of Oakland, specifically Marcela Pardo-Espinoza who can be reached at (510) 986-2690.

District 3 Candidates Forum - this Monday 5/19 at 6pm

2008-05-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

JLDA has arranged an informal candidates forum for the District 3 City Council election. The forum is this Monday evening (5/19) starting at 6pm in the Regatta Room of Portobello - 11 Embarcadero West (entrance at the corner of Oak and Embarcadero).

All three District 3 candidates will be attending: Nancy Nadel, Greg Hodge, and Sean Sullivan. You can read their candidate statements as published in the May edition of our newsletter "JLDA Call" below.

The forum will give you to a chance to hear the candidates speak and ask them questions. Remember the District 3 councilmember is our most immediate contact with government representation at the City level.

Where: Portobello Regatta Room, 11 Embarcadero West (at Oak and Embarcadero)
When: 6:00 PM / Monday / May 19th.
Candidates: Nancy Nadel / Greg Hodge / Sean Sullivan
Questions: JLDA Board / Community

Note: JLDA does not endorse any particular candidate for this election. Their statements below are listed in alphabetical order.

Greg Hodge

Our collective public safety depends on more than reactive responses to incidents of crime. It involves a coordinated response to the underlying factors that increase the likelihood of crime and delinquency in our communities. Through prevention and early intervention programs, we can address high-risk behaviors and conditions that have become too prevalent. Our strategy will not only ensure that our community is safe, but also that we can tackle addiction and unemployment. This is critical.

We need culturally competent diversion programs that reflect the diversity of the communities that work and live in District 3. This is the only way we'll be able to differentiate those who would be better served by programs than punishment. Research and pilot initiatives across the nation have demonstrated that when we improve access to basic needs such as education, health care, housing, and employment for all of our citizens, we are more likely to have a community in which our citizens feel safe and our businesses thrive.

A coordinated approach to public safety is one in which our community stakeholders truly partner with our legal system and justice stakeholders in order to develop a common voice and approach to decreasing violence and participation in the underground economy. Contact us at hodgeforoakland.com and share your ideas.

Nancy Nadel

As the Councilwoman representing the people of District 3, I’ve successfully fought special interests, bloated bureaucracy, and City Hall inaction to achieve real results. I am proud to be endorsed by the Democratic Party, Assemblymember Sandre Swanson, Supervisor Keith Carson, Labor Leaders, the Sierra Club, East Bay Young Democrats, Planned Parenthood and over 100 community leaders and District 3 neighbors, among others. I would be honored to continue to serve as your Councilwoman.

With your support, I’ve established the Campbell Village Teen Center, with a second new Center coming; developed youth job training/conflict resolution programs; expanded funding for hiring police and the Crimestoppers Program; increased street lighting and traffic signals for neighborhood safety; opened a credit union near West Oakland BART; expanded affordable housing; created 6000+ Oakland jobs during the housing boom; improved Lake Merritt with responsible zoning; created new dog parks; and introduced legislation protecting our right to reproductive healthcare without harassment.

More reforms are needed: Safety – increase neighborhood foot/bike patrols, expand programs to reduce youth homicide; recruit/retain police officers. Revitalization – Expand Business Improvement Districts, restore West Oakland Train Station. Greening Oakland – we’ve improved Bertha, Cleveland Cascades, Lafayette, Sensory Gardens, Willow parks; must continue with Raimondi/Fitzgerald parks, and districtwide tree plantings. For assistance, call: 238-7003. To volunteer: VoteNancyNadel.com.

Sean Sullivan

Many in the Jack London District know of me through my work at Covenant House. I am grateful for the support you have given us and the partnership that has grown since then. Over the last six years, I have advocated for these youth in Oakland and to provide the services they need.

I have first-hand experience at getting people off of the streets and into shelter. Through this work, I have come to learn the needs of the people in the streets and the services available and needed to get people into self sufficiency. I was asked to run for city council by the mother of a homicide victim who knew of my work. Meeting and talking with some of you, JLD residents also drew me into the race. I value your concerns about crime, blight and lack of leadership in Oakland.

A safe, clean, thriving Jack London District is part of my vision and recognizes the investment you have made in this community. That vision of vibrancy includes an active and accessible waterfront and a policed commercial corridor. I believe I have the energy and ability to help bring growth that will build a solid sustainable future for our youth; providing safe neighborhoods and opportunities for all of us. We highly appreciate this opportunity. SeanSullivan.org

M Parking Permits for Non-Profit Organizations in the Jack London District

2008-05-16T15:41:00.000-07:00

For employees of non-profit organizations to be eligible for parking permits, the non-profit must have a business license. Perhaps you already know this, but it is news to me that all non-profits are supposed to register with the City. Apparently there is no penalty if you don't, so the non-profits I have been associated with haven't bothered. To get a business license, the non-profit must submit an application along with a "one time fee" of $30. After that, an annual tax return must be completed and submitted to the City, but no additional taxes are required. The New Business Application form can be found at: http://www.oaklandnet.com/government/fwawebsite/revenue/pdf/Newbusapp.pdf or you can go to 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 1st floor and do your paperwork there.

One thing you must have in order to get a business license is a Zoning Permit (#13 on the New Business Application form). This comes from the Zoning Division in where they call it a ZONING CLEARANCE (not a Zoning Permit). The Zoning Division is in the Permit Center, which is also at 250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, but on the 2nd floor. There is a "one time fee" of $27 to get a Zoning Clearance. I can't find a Zoning Clearance form on line, but I got one by fax and another by email (from two different planners). It asks for the street address of your non-profit and a description of your business activities so they can verify that the zoning allows your activity. This should not be an issue for any non-profit with an office in the Jack London District.

To get a Zoning Clearance number without going to the Zoning Counter, first call a planner at 238-3911 and press 1 to leave a call-back number or 2 to get a planner (expect to wait on hold). I was helped by Alicia Parker who emailed me a form. She said most people come in to the office to get a Zoning Clearance, but she would email me a form that I can fax back. Planners take calls from 9 to noon and 2 to 4. I'm not sure what happens next, but I am pretty sure I will be told to call the cashier at 238-4774 and provide my credit card information. At some point I will get a Zoning Clearance number that I can enter on my downloaded New Business Application.

Whew. Add $57 to the cost of a parking permit if you are a non-profit organization. And a lot of bureaucracy!

If you have different information or different experiences with the City, please let JLDA know. And please share this information with other non-profits in the Jack London District.

Gary Knecht,

JLDA

JLDCPC Crime and safety survey

2008-05-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

Let us know what crime and safety issues are more important to you!

The JLDCPC is conducting a short online survey design to gauge what crime and safety issues are most important for us to focus on in the coming months. We will be sharing these results with Oakland Police Department representatives. You can complete the survey online at http://jldcpc.org/survey or email bill@jldcpc.org to get a PDF or paper copy of the survey.