Oakland Business Review

THE AWARD-WINNING OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | www.oaklandchamber.com | VOL XXXVIII NO. 4 | APRIL 2010

CHAMBER’S 105TH Leadership Oakland Former Next After Five MegaRegion Summit

ANNUAL MEETING Exciting happenings – A’s player Reception A ‘Mega’ success

Honoring our members Visit McCarty wants At Scott’s Seafood Grill Page 19

Page 20 oaklandchamber.com the team to stay & Bar

in Oakland Page 18

Page 11





Oakland Business Review







Visit www.oaklandchamber.com for more business

opportunities, news and event registration.









> Proposition 16 Join us for the

> Moving targets

gives taxpayers a voice May 21 A’s-Giants in the Central Estuary

by Joe Haraburda ‘Battle of the Bay’ land use plan

Proposition 16, The Oakland Metropolitan ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2010 by Scott Peterson

the Taxpayers Chamber of Commerce BATTLE OF THE BAY? The San The City Council’s With Council President Jane Brunner

Right to Vote Act, disagrees with critics who claim Francisco Giants cross the bridge to absent, the remaining Committee

Community and

that this measure is intended Oakland to play the A’s on Friday night, members moved forward a revised

on the June 8 Economic

as a market-protection ploy by May 21, and the Chamber has arranged plan to City Council on April 20. The

California Development

PG&E. The Chamber endorses for seats at the game and a pre-game plan offers some protections to

primary ballot, all-you-can-eat dinner at nearby Committee

Proposition 16 and asks voters businesses in some areas of the plan

has been wrongly Francesco’s restaurant. radically changed area, but the Tidewater area remains

to carefully consider the issues

accused as being before casting their ballot. This 2010 Chamber Night with the a land use plan controversial.

anti-democratic. Many Californians remember A’s begins with dinner hosted by for the Central Councilmembers rejected recom-

the California electricity crisis Francesco’s from 5 to 6:30 p.m. (game Estuary developed mendations from city staff to re-zone

time is 7:05) – an indoor tailgate party the 26-acre Owens Illinois glass

earlier this decade. Do you want the same thing to by city staff and

complete with hot dogs, hamburgers, container plant into multi-family

happen in your city? If approved, the Taxpayers Right to consultants.

French fries, salads, bottled water and residential. The facility adjoining

Vote Act will require the consent of two-thirds of the

assorted sodas. Fruitvale Avenue employs several hundred union workers,

citizens in any community before a local government

Francesco’s is located at 8520 Pardee represented by Councilmember Ignacio De La Fuente. He

can enter into long-term financial obligations necessary

endorsed a revised proposal to maintain the site for “employ-

to get into potentially risky retail electricity business.

ment intensive” uses instead of housing.

Proposition 16 intends to reduce the likelihood that

Despite a willingness to offer security to a single, global

future generations of voters will pay for costly financial

company, the Committee supported significant changes which

obligations of a publicly operated electricity market. Drive at the corner of affect dozens of smaller companies with hundreds of employ-

What’s the alternative? There are some locally Hegenberger Road. ees in the Tidewater area. The original proposal included

elected politicians who are willing to gamble public The restaurant is adding high density residential at the end of Tidewater Avenue

funds on costly new city bureaucracy to create and currently celebrating near the Martin Luther King Regional Shoreline Park. However,

manage a volatile business without the experience or its 42nd year in the revised version offered by Councilmember De La Fuente

practical know-how needed to manage it efficiently, Oakland – ironically encourages “mixed-use,” an ambiguous designation known to

especially during times of emergency. Local govern- sharing that anniversary with the A’s. favor intensive housing development.

ments have big enough challenges providing basic Both began operations in Oakland in The proposal to establish housing will likely force out the

– continued on page 20 1968. adjacent productive land users over time. We have learned

And, as a special treat, former Major from other parts of the city that introducing housing to indus-



> MegaRegion Leaguer Dave McCarty, who played for

the A’s in 2003 and the Giants in 1995-96

– and earned a World Series ring when

trial areas will likely endanger job-producing companies due to

complaints from future residential neighbors. Consistent with

its position during the past several years, the Chamber argued

is ‘mega’ success the Boston Red Sox won the World

Series in 2004 – will be on hand to join

for the conservation of industrial land in Oakland. With less

than 10 percent of the city’s land devoted to productive,

in the fun. McCarty, who had a 15-year job-generating, light and heavy industrial activities, industrial

Major League career as a first baseman, land in our city is becoming increasingly scarce, threatening

is currently an associate with Lee & Oakland’s economic diversity and sustainability.

Associates in Oakland, which specializes The Chamber supported the Specific Planning process as

in commercial real estate services. an approach to preserve right to livelihood for businesses and

Following dinner, participants can workers. The Central Estuary is home to:

carpool to the Coliseum. Cars can also • Nearly 400 companies providing employment to

be left for no charge in the Francesco’s • Almost 5,000 employees

parking lot and picked up after the game. Many, if not most, of the companies have customers (other

Chamber members and guests will businesses) in the immediate and regional area – within 50

Some 450 businesspeople from across Northern be able to sit together down the right miles. Significantly changing the land use patterns put these

California participated in the recent 2010 Northern field line directly above the visiting jobs at risk and any potential job-loss will be systemic through-

California MegaRegion Summit, co-sponsored by the bullpen. out the supply chains, not just a Central Estuary phenomenon.

Chamber of Commerce and held at the Oakland Marriott The cost for the all-you-can-eat In aiming to strike a balance between creating new hous-

City Center. Instant polling kept the audience engaged in dinner and a seat at the game is $40 per ing, preserving existing industrial activity, and promoting new

the conference, which featured speakers representing the person, or $50 for non-members. Should business development, the proposed land use plan should con-

goods movement infrastructure – ports, shippers, rail, you only wish to reserve tickets for the centrate proposed new housing in proximity to an established

truckers, regional and state planning agencies, importers, game (with no dinner), the cost is $22 residential neighborhood.

exporters, and community groups. for members and $25 for non-members. Protecting Oakland’s long-term economic viability depends

Above, a panel led by Jim Wunderman, president To reserve tickets or for more on recognizing the productive value of these job-generating

and chief executive officer of the Bay Area Council information contact Morgan Crow at areas like the Central Estuary. At the City Council on April 20,

(center), featured regional port executives (left to right) the Chamber of Commerce at (510) 874- the Chamber will encourage investment in improving infra-

Monique Moyer, Port of San Francisco; Gene Endicott, 4800, ext. 319 or at mcrow@oakland structure to support business development and job creation,

Port of West Sacramento; William Lewicki, Port of chamber.com. which is not in conflict with access to open space and enjoy-

Stockton; and Omar Benjamin, Port of Oakland. Tickets are on sale now. Join us for ment of the waterfront.

For more information and pictures from the Summit, the 2010 Battle of the Bay.

see page 19. Scott Peterson is the Chamber’s director of public policy. |

April 2010 1

Names in the news



• The Oakland-based law firm of

Fitzgerald Abbott & Beardsley LLP has

announced that Daniel Newbold has joined

the firm as an associate in its Estates &

Trusts and Tax Practice Groups. Previously

an attorney with San Jose’s Hopkins & Carley,

Newbold brings several years of experience

Daniel Newbold

in estate and trust administration, probate,

tax and succession planning to the firm.

• Nancy Filippi has been promoted from director of market-

ing and public relations to managing director, operations and

marketing at the Oakland Zoo. In her new position, Filippi

will manage food and beverage, retail, guest

services, the zoo’s rides area, and group

services, while continuing her role in the

marketing/public relations department.

She will be heavily involved in strategizing to

improve the visitor experience at the Oakland

Nancy Filippi Zoo.

• Justine Banagan, who has worked in the

hotel industry for five years, has been named

corporate sales manager at Executive Inn &

Suites. Banagan comes to Oakland from Las

Vegas, where she gained experience at the

Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas and Planet Justine

Hollywood Resort and Casino. Banagan

• The law firm of Donahue Gallagher Woods

LLP has announced that Carolyn Waysack has

joined the firm as an associate. Waysack earned

her degree from the University of California

Hastings College of the Law in 2009, and is

now a member of Donahue Gallagher Woods’

Carolyn business and corporate, litigation and intellec-

Waysack

tual property practice groups.

• In other Donahue Gallagher Woods news,

partner David Stein has been selected as an

instructor at Diablo Valley College to teach a

course on Construction Law. Stein is a Northern

California “Super Lawyer” in that area. He has

served as a lecturer for Continuing Education

David Stein

of the Bar and Lorman Education Seminars.

• Robert Van de Walle, a sign industry veteran, has joined

SignWorks, Inc. as its in-house sign designer. The Alameda

County “Cash for Employers” program played a

vital role in the selection process, because it

allowed the company to hire a more seasoned

veteran and expand its in-house design and

fabrication capabilities. A talented designer

with more than 20 years of experience, Van de Robert

Walle brings a unique blend of design skill and Van de Walle

customer service focus to assist customers in developing signs

that communicate their intended message.

• The Center for Elders Independence, a client of Earp

Events & Fundraising, will hold its annual celebration and

fundraiser, this year called ‘S Wonderful, from 5:30 to 9 p.m.

on Friday, May 14 at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate in

Oakland. The event will honor Congressman Pete Stark (13th

Congressional District) and Marty Lynch of LifeLong Medical

Care for their visionary leadership and commitment to helping

seniors. For information, call (510) 433-1150.

• Capture Technologies, provider of security integration

and identification solutions, has been awarded the contract to

provide a complete upgrade of Caltrans’ security identification

systems. With the upgrade, Capture is providing a customized

program to provide a fail-safe system for verifying and tracking

individual access and equipment throughout its facilities for

optimum security.









2 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

From the President | Joe Haraburda



Mega WOW!

Title Sponsor Bank of America and Tier One Reception Host AECOM and a supporting lineup of sponsors set

the stage for the first MegaRegion Summit in Oakland on Friday, March 26.

The six-hour event drew a crowd of almost 450 to hear a discussion about “Goods Look, Listen and Live

Movement” and the opportunities presented to our region with the expansion of City Councilmember Desley Brooks and I were able to learn more about Operation

the former Oakland Army Base! A cross section from business, labor, government, Lifesaver when Union Pacific recently invited us on a short train ride through parts

education and the community discussed the issues that need to be considered as the of Oakland. We not only learned more about crossing and pedestrian safety, but we

Base project and the Port expansion generate more business. also saw the behavior of pedestrians and automobile drivers as the train approached.

The event was deemed a success with the number one question – what are the Train crew members, representatives from Operation Lifesaver and other railroad

next steps – clearly a sign of great interest and with the hopes of job creation in an employees were on hand to answer questions about crossing safety and railroad

environment that benefits all sectors. operations.

The Summit objectives are consistent with those originally outlined in 2007 when Operation Lifesaver is an international nonprofit organization that promotes the

the “Oakland Partnership” was launched – engage and involve a diverse community 3E’s – education (increasing public awareness), enforcement (active enforcement of

that will collaborate to create jobs and improve the quality of life for our region. traffic laws related to crossing signs) and engineering (continued research and

In the opinion of many attendees, the Summit was exactly the forum needed to innovation to improve the safety of railroad crossings).

continue in understanding the issues and the ultimate resolution toward removing Taking the old adage of “Stop, Look and Listen,” UP and Operation Lifesaver are

the barriers to progress. touting a new one – “Look, Listen and Live.”

Our thanks to all who sponsored the MegaRegion Summit. For a list of sponsors, My thanks to Union Pacific for its concern for pedestrian safety.

an array of pictures, and more MegaRegion information, see page 19.





A cross section from business, labor, government, education and the community discussed the issues

that need to be considered as the Base project and the Port expansion generate more business.







fountain café & catering

Delicious food since 1995



Specializing in business

meetings & office parties



(510) 451-6400 • www.fountaincatering.com









April 2010 | 3

4 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

> Holy Names golf tourney set for April 26 > AAA, Executive Inn join forces

for a special mixer

On April 26, This event is open to the public. Golfers are invited to join as a

2010, Holy Names single-entry participant, or register at a sponsorship level which The Chamber’s AAA District Manager Chris Reguero discussed

includes a golf four-some, lunch, dinner, the auction and signage AAA’s upcoming administrative office move from

University (HNU) March “After Five

at the event. Even if you’re not a golfer, the dinner and auction are MacArthur Boulevard to the former Emil Villa’s

will host its 9th great ways to get involved and provide scholarship support to Holy Reception,” restaurant within the Rockridge shopping center

Annual Red Rose Names University students. at Pleasant Valley Road and Broadway. The new

formerly known

Golf Tournament The Red Rose Golf Tournament supports the Mission Scholarship offices are scheduled to open during the sum-

Fund, which is a major source of financial aid for qualified, low- as the Business mer. AAA representatives also provided informa-

at the Claremont

Country Club in income students who desire an education, but need financial After Hours tion on the company’s travel department and

support in order to attend Holy Names University. A significant part Mixer, was vacation getaways.

Oakland.

of HNU’s educational mission is educating those who are tradition- The reception also featured Mark

ally under-represented in higher education and are first generation college students. The sponsored by Hochstatter, the Executive Inn & Suites’ new

funds raised through this golf tournament provide scholarships to deserving students who AAA of Northern general manager.

otherwise would not have access to an education at HNU. The tournament brings in $90K California,

in net proceeds. M Pictured at the After Five Reception (left

Approximately 50 percent of HNU students qualify for a Pell Grant (which is the federal Nevada & Utah to right) are Chamber President Joe

government’s designation as not having sufficient economic resources to pay for college). and hosted at the Haraburda; Christian Milan, Executive Inn’s

This is compared to an average of 30 percent who qualify for Pell grants at public and Executive Inn & director of sales; Justine Banagan, Executive

private institutions nationally. Inn’s sales manager; AAA District Manager

Ninety-nine percent of HNU undergraduates receive scholarships and/or need-based Suites at 1755 Reguero; AAA manager of travel sales and

aid from Holy Names’ institutional funds. Embarcadero member services Dan Hutchison; Sharon

HNU is consistently ranked by US News and World Reports’ Americas Best Colleges as along the Martinez, Executive Inn’s director of

among the top five higher education institutions in campus diversity in the west. Sr. catering and events; and hotel general

Rosemarie Nassif, president of HNU, ex- Oakland Estuary. manager Hochstatter.

M Holy Names’ 2010 co-chairs Steve plains, “We are proud to serve all of our stu-

Callaway (left) and Matt Heafey. dents and consider our diverse student

Gary Sitzmann is the honorary chair. population one of our richest assets. We see

in our students dramatic transformations

throughout their experience at Holy Names.

They often make bigger strides in terms of

actualizing their full potentials than other

students who enter college with more

resources and better support systems. It is

our task and our responsibility to level the

playing field for them.”

Join us in cultivating the next generation

of Bay Area community leaders by participat-

ing in this special event.









April 2010 | 5

public policy Update

> Peralta Colleges – Partners

in economic development

by Scott Peterson



CHANCELLOR ELIHU HARRIS SPOKE TO CHAMBER MEMBERS AT THE

March meeting of the Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum about the important job

training and educational programs provided by the Peralta Community College

District. He emphasized various efforts by the District’s four campuses – Laney

College, Merritt College, Berkeley City College, and College of Alameda – to respond

to changing dynamics and prepare students for the workplace and baccalaureate

institutions.

“With 60,000 students enrolled in Peralta programs, the District is evolving

so that graduates can be ready to meet the demands of a knowledge-based

economy,” said Harris. Peralta Colleges offer programs for “lifelong learning,”

which range from pre-college academic preparedness summer sessions to

industry-specific job training and certification. At some point, Harris said,

community colleges may begin offering bachelor’s degrees simply because the L The presidents of the Peralta Community Colleges were in attendance at the

Chamber’s Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum last month to hear an address from

other public universities and colleges cannot accommodate the growing

Chancellor Elihu Harris. Pictured left to right at the breakfast are Chamber

population of students. President Joe Haraburda; College of Alameda President George Herring; Merritt

Harris acknowledged the efforts by the Chamber and the Oakland Partnership College President Robert Adams; Chancellor Harris; Laney College President

to identify some of the key industries for workforce training at Peralta Colleges. Elnora Webb; and Chamber Board member Eric Kisshauer of Pankow Builders,

Merritt College is well known for its programs to train allied health workers, chair of the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee.

medical assistants, and nurses. Meanwhile, Laney College has developed a

certificate program for biotech manufacturing, allowing access to career-track A state-of-the-art culinary training kitchen recently opened at Laney College and

jobs in a growing field. is well-positioned to provide qualified staff to Oakland’s growing restaurant scene.

The Alameda Transportation and Logistics Academic Support initiative A Berkeley City College multimedia arts digital editing and production center

demonstrates the power of partnership between business, labor and the continues to expand opportunities for workplace skills training for almost limitless

community colleges. This partnership helped secure a $2.26 million grant from career opportunities.

the Department of Labor to allow College of Alameda to start a certificate Chancellor Harris invited the business community to engage with Peralta’s

program to train warehouse technology, forklift operation, and shipping facility advisory groups to support career technical education programs. He welcomed par-

management. ticipation from business leaders to provide expertise and knowledge to curriculum

Building trades training at Laney have expanded to embrace new standards development and also to become more aware of the resources at the Peralta

in “green” construction, solar installation, and heating, ventilating and air Colleges.

conditioning (HVAC). Merritt College also offers education in environmental

management. Scott Peterson is the Chamber’s director of public policy.









6 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s “The Clorox Company has been head-

quartered in the City of Oakland since

1913 and we strongly support the city’s

A new site called Victory Court is located between efforts to retain the Oakland Athletics.

New baseball-only stadium Oak Street and the Lake Merritt Channel and Interstate “The Oakland A’s represent one of



a real possibility Highway 880 and the Embarcadero. Along with being on

the Lake Merritt Channel and across Embarcadero from the

America’s great urban baseball fran-

chises. The team enjoyed success and

Estuary, it’s only three blocks from the Lake Merritt BART strong support from the business

by Scott Peterson

station and would be adjacent to the Oak-to-Ninth housing community throughout the region in

In December After months of quiet negotia- and open-space development. The city already owns six years past and we believe they will

tions behind the scenes, the acres of the site and uses it as the Oakland Fire receive strong support again if the

of last year, city unveiled three viable Department’s training center. franchise makes a real commitment to

Mayor Dellums, options for locating the home Another new site is called Jack London Square North. the City of Oakland going forward.

Council team in a new ballpark. The It’s located between Jefferson and Market streets and “We take pride in the team and look



President announcement made clear that

the city can offer everything

Second Street and Interstate 880. It’s within walking

distance to both the City Center and West Oakland BART

forward to attending A’s games in a

new world-class, baseball-only ballpark

Brunner and the team needs – a choice of stations, and only three blocks from the heart of Jack in the City of Oakland when this work is

other city three aesthetically appealing, London Square. Both of the new sites are 20 acres in size completed.”



leaders made centrally located ballpark sites and would create synergies with the substantial new

Victoria Jones, The Clorox Company

that are close to public transit, development built in Jack London Square over the past

clear their restaurants and commercial decade, while helping the area become a regional

intention to areas. destination.

keep the A’s in Getting this far took an The city is also suggesting the Howard Terminal at the

extraordinary effort. In early Port of Oakland, a location that was also studied several

Oakland by 2009, Oakland officials asked years ago. Although previously ruled out by the team,

helping to Major League Baseball to the changes in nearby Jack London Square have strong

develop a new examine efforts by Oakland A’s

ownership to relocate the

baseball-only team. Lew Wolff, a Southern

potential to make the site viable for a stadium and attract

more investment in the neighborhood.

Good Luck

stadium facility. California real estate devel-

oper, has been trying for years

Meanwhile, building a new stadium near the existing

Coliseum remains a possibility. After many attempts to

attract retail investors, late last year the city purchased

in 2010

to relocate the A’s, saying his team suffers by sharing the the former Home Base property between Hegenberger

Coliseum with the Raiders football team. Baseball Road and the Coliseum’s southern parking lot.

Commissioner Bud Selig appointed a three-person Keeping the A’s in Oakland would bring thousands of

committee that has been meeting with city staff, as well as jobs and boost economic revitalization. City leadership

looking at the possibility of the A’s moving to Fremont or deserves respect and appreciation for their efforts to

San Jose, for which Major League Baseball has granted the keep the team in Oakland.

Giants territorial rights.

The three sites Oakland officials have come up with are Scott Peterson is the Chamber’s director of public

all located along the city’s waterfront. policy.









“What are the A’s without Oakland and Oakland without the A’s? It’s a team that should not be

broken. Keep the A’s in Oakland!” – Elie Khoury, Oakland Marriott City Center









Here's to a Winning

Season in 2010 Let’s Go A’s!





Building Oakland The Oakland Marriott

Together City Center Good

Wishes the A’s a great

2010 season!

Luck We love our

Go A’s! in 2010 Oakland A's!

Pipelines, Grading, Paving, Concrete,

Landscape, Mechanical, Materials (510) 845-2035

In Oakland since 1926 P.O. Box 4520, Berkeley, CA

Phone: (510) 632-7676 1001 Broadway, Oakland CA, 94607 www.ultimatesportsguide.net

www.MandHcorp.com 510-451-4000 | www.marriott.com/oakdt







April 2010 | 7

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

A well deserved City Council President me one reason is a personal story. When I was raising my

son and daughter, my son was the sports fan in the family.

honor for Braden, Brunner fighting to keep He liked to watch baseball and introduced me into the

world of the A’s. I learned to love baseball. We went to

Suzuki hundreds of games over the years. It was our time together.

THE DAVE the A’s in Oakland My son is grown up with his own family on the way and we

STEWART have baseball to thank for bringing us closer together.

COMMUNITY by Jane Brunner I believe that the A’s bring a sense of pride and identity

Service Award, to the Oakland community. The A’s are something our

which is

AS I WRITE THIS ARTICLE, Major League Baseball is diverse community shares together.

presented each

year to an A’s still in the process of working with the City of Oakland in I am proud that our city leaders are fighting hard to

player for his deciding the fate of the Oakland A’s baseball team. keep the A’s in Oakland. There is an economic study being

outstanding work A year ago, Mayor Dellums and I wrote a letter to Major done that is looking very carefully at the upside potential

in the community, League Baseball requesting that they review the option of and the risks. A new A’s stadium could be a powerful force

had co-winners keeping the A’s in Oakland. Over the last year, in concert for revitalizing the Oakland waterfront.

in 2009 – pitcher A’s catcher with Mayor Dellums, Ignacio De La Fuente, Larry Reid and We will treat the building of a new stadium with the

Dallas Braden and Kurt Suzuki members of the business community, I have pushed hard same type of careful consideration that any other develop-

catcher Kurt Suzuki. for the Oakland A’s to stay in Oakland. ment deal in the city receives. All decisions will be made in

This past Thanksgiving, Braden

Together with city staff, we have created a package of a public process through the City Council when and if the

solicited, matched and served food

four sites, three on the waterfront that would be exciting time comes.

donations of almost two tons at St.

Mary’s Interfaith Community Services venues for a new baseball stadium. The league has If you want to help in the fight to keep the A’s in

in his home town of Stockton. He raised responded by sending three fact-finders here to review Oakland, sign up on the website www.letsgooakland.com,

845 pounds of food for the dining hall what Oakland has to offer. We have met their challenge, and join the 35,000 fans who are publicly urging the A’s to

during Thanksgiving 2008. providing compelling information, including the stay in Oakland. Together we will do our best to win this

Braden also announced that he will outstanding possible sites for a stadium. one.

annually sponsor one child of a single- We know there are other cities competing to attract the

parent family from his former Hoover A’s, but we think that we have made a compelling case for Jane Brunner is the president of

Tyler Little League in Stockton, and Oakland’s City Council.

the A’s to stay in Oakland.

purchase and donate A’s tickets to that

People ask me why I am such a supporter of the A’s. For

organization.

Suzuki and his wife raised more than

$61,000 for the Jon Wilhite Recovery

Fund to help alleviate medical costs

accrued by his friend and former Cal

State Fullerton teammate who was “ If you want to help in the fight to keep the A’s in Oakland, sign

injured in the tragic car accident that

took the lives of Angels’ pitcher Nick up on the website www.letsgooakland.com, and join the 35,000

Adenhart and three others.

fans who are publicly urging the A’s to stay in Oakland.” Jane Brunner









8 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

“Few cities have the opportunity



human pink ribbon on the field by over 300 Bay Area survivors, and good fortune to have a

A’s boast broad-based the release of white doves as a symbol of hope, and a presenta- nationally recognized icon like

tion of the “Gift of Faith” grant, which donates $5,000 annually the Oakland A’s. From the storied

community outreach program to a local charity in memory of longtime KTVU Channel 2 history of the franchise to the daily

reporter, the late Faith Fancher. Over the past 10 years, the A’s recognition that it brings to the

THE OAKLAND ATHLETICS ORGANIZATION, IN have raised over $1 million for breast cancer education and

City of Oakland, it’s a great way

conjunction with the A’s Community Fund, strives to make a research on A’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

positive impact in the Bay Area and Northern California. A’s players, Dinner on the Diamond – The third annual dinner is set for to bring attention to and highlight

coaches, and front office employees, together with fans and Saturday, July 24 on the field at the Coliseum beginning at 6:45 Oakland and all it has to offer. In a

sponsors, are committed to meeting the social, cultural and p.m. This family event will feature games and activities for kids, media saturated culture where the

educational demands in the community. live entertainment, buffet style dinner, and various auction items. negative and the sensational are

The A’s host numerous fundraising events, have implemented The entire A’s team and coaching staff will be in attendance.

what get headlines, Oakland needs

several educational programs, support various causes and Info: (510) 638-4900, ext. 2241.

organizations and connect with many different people. Here is an avenue to showcase the

a sampling of the A’s involvement in their community: BASEBALL-RELATED PROGRAMS strengths and possibilities that

Oakland A’s Community Fund – The Oakland A’s Community A’s Amigos – The A's Amigos program gives our community’s are available here. By losing the

Fund supports more than 1,500 charitable organizations through Hispanic children the opportunity to interact with bilingual A’s, Oakland loses a chance to

monetary contributions and donated auction items each season Spanish-speaking A’s players. Participants are able to learn

demonstrate its unique qualities

in its efforts to support charitable organizations in improving the about the value of sportsmanship and hard work from their role

quality of life for people throughout the Bay Area. Specifically, and the endless potential that we

models. In addition to the pre-game chat, each child receives a

to fund endeavors to improve educational programs, aid the game ticket and an A’s cap. Sponsored by Kelly-Moore Paints. have to offer.”

underprivileged, assist in crime and drug prevention, promote Info: (510) 563-2329 or community@oaklandathletics.com.

Todd Hansen

health awareness, and champion children and senior welfare. Race Around the Bases – Children 14 and under are invited

The A’s Community Fund believes in the need to invest in the onto the field after every Sunday day game to run the same

community’s future, and donates approximately $650,000 bases that the A’s do. A’s mascot Stomper is present to cheer the

annually to various community programs. participants on as they round the bases. Sponsored by Chevy.

A’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day – The A’s host a Breast A’s Winning for the Community – This Ken Korach program

Cancer Awareness Day, presented by Olay Skin Care, to raise raised $22,000 in 2009 and a total of $46,000 since 2008 for the

funds for breast cancer education and research. Funds are raised Oakland Athletic League high school baseball programs to fund

through the sale of special ticket packages, commemorative pins equipment, uniforms and field maintenance. Funds were raised

and caps, an A’s autographed quilt raffle and sponsor support. through donations by A's radio play-by-play announcer Ken

Pre-game ceremonies include the formation of a symbolic Korach and the A’s Community Fund for each A’s win, in addition

to fan donations and corporate sponsorship. Info: (510) 638-4900,

ext. 2241 or community@oaklandathletics.com.

Take the Field with the A’s – This popular program selects

youth baseball and softball teams to join Oakland A’s players on

the field during the National Anthem, giving the youth a chance

to live out their Major League dreams. Each participant receives

an autographed baseball courtesy of the Oakland A’s Community

Fund. Sponsored by Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Info:

(510) 563-2329 orcommunity@oaklandathletics.com.

California Police Youth Charities – The CPYC and the

Oakland A’s are working together on bringing local at-risk

children to select Oakland A’s home games during the regular

season. Prior to the games, the children are allowed down on the

field to watch the A’s take batting practice.









Flying high

with the A’s

April 2010 | 9

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

A’s Breslow might be Newcomers to watch

baseball’s ‘smartest man’ The Oakland A’s will have a number of new players this year

as they make a run for the American League West title. Here

OAKLAND A’S RELIEF PITCHER CRAIG BRESLOW, SOMETIMES are just a few to keep your eyes on.

called the “smartest man in baseball,” visited Children’s Hospital Oakland Coco Crisp – An outfielder who will cover ground in

Research Institute (CHORI) last August to learn more about Children’s cutting- centerfield for the 2010 A’s, Crisp is a .277 career hitter with

edge cancer research. Breslow earned the “smartest man” tag because he Cleveland, Boston and Kansas City. Known for his speed, he

studied molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale University and, after has 137 career stolen bases and has stolen no fewer than 13

graduating, enrolled in medical school at New York University. He put medical bases in each of his last seven seasons. He had a career high

school on hold when drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002. 28 steals for Boston in 2007 to help the Red Sox to a World

Breslow’s interest in medicine and, in particular cancer research, began Series championship. Crisp went 153 games and 429 total

when his sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He was only 12 at the time. chances between errors from July 21, 2006 at Seattle to Aug.

Although she’s been in remission for 15 years, the experience prompted 7, 2007 at Los Angeles to establish a Boston record for

him to establish the Strike 3 Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer consecutive errorless chances by an outfielder.

research and awareness. He visited CHORI to see how he and his foundation Jake Fox – A utility infielder and outfielder, Fox was

could help out. acquired from the Chicago Cubs following the 2009 season.

Bert Lubin, MD, CHORI’s former president and now Children’s president He made his Major League debut with the Cubs in 2007, and

and chief executive officer, accompanied Breslow on a tour of the research has a .252 career batting average with 11 home runs and 45 Kevin Kouzmanoff

center. Breslow seemed in his element discussing cancer research and blood RBIs in just 89 games. He was named to the Southern

and marrow transplants with the doctors. League Postseason All-Star Team in 2008 as a designated hitter after leading the league with a

After visiting the lab of Julie Saba, MD, PhD, and donning a lab coat and .580 slugging percentage and ranking second with 25 home runs.

taking a pipette provided by Dr. Lubin, Breslow said the “the lab and the lab Gabe Gross – To get more depth in the outfield, the A’s signed Gross, who has played for

equipment are still exciting.” three teams in six seasons. He has a .251 career batting average against right-handed pitchers

The night of the visit, Breslow and the and has hit 36 of his 39 career home runs off righties. He





“The A’s have been part of the

Oakland A’s hosted Hudson Davis, a Children’s started 71 games last year for the Tampa Bay Rays.

patient and cancer survivor, at the game. Kevin Kouzmanoff – The A’s new third baseman was

Hudson threw out the ceremonial first pitch. acquired from San Diego after collecting at least 30

Oakland landscape for the past

doubles, 18 home runs and 74 RBIs in each of the last three

half century. They have brought

M A’s pitcher Craig Breslow (left) tours the seasons with the Padres. He also set a National League

great pride and national respect

research center with Julie Saba, MD, PhD record for fielding percentage by a third baseman with a

and Bert Lubin, MD, Children’s president to a city that is often seen in a

.990 mark in 2009, and tied the San Diego rookie record

and chief executive officer. bad light. They have been a class

with 18 home runs in 2007. He became the first player in

organization, 4 World Series in six

Major League history to hit a grand slam on the first pitch of

appearances, a record only topped,

his first career plate appearance on Sept. 2, 2006 at Texas.

I think, by one other nameless

Ben Sheets – The four-time National League All-Star

franchise, in the last 50 years. As

signed a one-year contract with the A’s after missing the

a sport they need to stay. As a

entire 2009 season after undergoing elbow surgery. He

business it may be tough to hold

spent the first eight years of his career with Milwaukee and

on to them.”

is the Brewers’ all-time leader in strikeouts. He also ranks

fifth in wins (86) and sixth in ERA (3.72). He started for the Clark Burnham, Burnham Brown

National League in the 2008 All-Star game.









After 108 years in business, we know

what a winning organization looks like.





GO A’S!

Holiday Inn Oakland Airport –

Good luck Proud Sponsor of the Oakland A's

in the 2010 season!

ABC Security Service, Inc.







77 Hegenberger Road • Oakland, CA 94621

(510) 638-7777 • www.hioaklandairport.com





10 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

“Oakland (not S.F.) is the center of the

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s sixth largest metroplex on the North

American continent. It is where all the

major roads in the region meet. It is



Get your game Former A’s first baseman During my playing

days in Oakland I fell in

where all the mass transit lines come



McCarty wants the A’s love with the area and

together. It has the port, the window



tickets now! my family decided to

to the world. It has the most eclectic

to stay make it our home. This

multicultural populace in the nation,

the world’s best weather, and bay or

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW is a great place to raise

for the exciting play of the Oakland A’s. by Dave McCarty lakeside venues awaiting a ‘Field of

a family and having

The following gives you an idea of the Dreams.’

the team in Oakland is

types of ticket packages available. Let’s keep the A’s in Oakland! The ball club means too much “Oakland’s legacy is proud. The city’s

one of the reasons

to the city of Oakland and the entire East Bay to just let future promises growth and prosperity.

why. The A’s are an

Single game tickets them leave without exhausting every avenue available to Build the stadium here. It will be

important part of the

Call (877) 493-BALL (2255) keep them. I’m speaking not just as a fan, but as a former supported in both its implementation

cultural fabric that

player. I was fortunate enough to play for the A’s in 2003 and in the seasons to follow.”

makes Oakland such

Group sales during a 15-year career that included seven different Major John Jay

a great city.

(minimum of 25 people) – (510) 638- League teams. With all of those stops I’m pretty qualified to Jay-Phares Corporation

My partners and I

4627 say that Oakland is a great place for a Major League Baseball

at Lee & Associates

team.

like attending games

Stacked Pack A’s fans are some of the most passionate I met during my

with clients and often

Chamber members can now purchase playing days. Their numbers may be small, but the ranks

point to the A’s as one

an “Oakland A’s Stacked Pack,” which would certainly grow with a new stadium in Oakland. The

of the plusses when discussing the area with businesses

includes four infield seats for 22 games team has drawn well in the past, but is unable to do so in the

considering moving to Oakland. My family loves going to

(including games against the Yankees, current economic environment in Major League Baseball

games and the team is involved in all sorts of fundraisers for

Giants and Red Sox) and an 18-seat lux- with their antiquated stadium.

schools, scouts, and youth sports leagues.

ury suite for an additional non-premium Billy Beane is easily one of the best general managers in

I urge Commissioner Selig, Lew Wolff, and

game of your choice at an exceptional all of baseball. With the increased revenue a new stadium

Oakland city officials to do everything in

rate. Info: www.oaklandathletics.com will provide he will no longer be forced to

their power to get the A’s a new stadium in

dismantle the team year after year. Imagine

Oakland. It would be a real shame as a fan

XFINITY Friday Family Pack the teams he will be able to put together if

and as a former player to see the A’s

Get four Plaza Level tickets and four the A’s can afford to sign some of their young

leave.

meals – a Coliseum hot dog, medium- talent to multi-year contracts.

size drink and bag of peanuts – to every The A’s employees are some of the best I came

Dave McCarty, an associate with









L

Friday game for only $50. Info: across during my playing years. It is great going to

Lee & Associates, had a 15-year

www.oaklandathletics.com games and seeing many of those same faces still

career in Major League

working at the Coliseum. Whether it is the front

Baseball, including

BART Double Play Wednesdays office, media relations, security guards, or

stints with the A’s in

$2 game tickets are available at select vendors, these are good people and I’d like

2003 and with the

Wednesday games in the Plaza Level, to see them keep their jobs in Oakland.

Giants in 1995-96.

Plaza Outfield and Plaza Reserved sec- I first became an A’s fan during my

He earned a World

tions. $1 hot dogs are also available at time at Stanford in the late 80s and

Series ring when

these games. Info: www.oaklandathlet- early 90s. The team was a real power

the Boston Red

ics.com house during those playoff years and

Sox won it all in

really helped to unite the community and give

2004.

and give Oakland a sense of pride.









April 2010 | 11

“Oakland is a passionate sports town.

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

Enthusiasm for the A’s, Raiders and

Warriors is very strong. I know the A’s

Enjoy the sunshine, the food and the attendance has suffered with their



atmosphere at A’s games this year performance, but I am convinced the

fans will support the team as they

by Steve Douglas commit to staying in Oakland and



Six years ago the Oakland A’s were struggling to attract improve their record.”

This is my sixth

fans to go to games. Six years ago the ownership group

year writing this Robert S. Wohlsen, Jr.

was actively looking for a location to build a new stadium.

column for the Better Leaders, Inc.

And six years ago the “low budget” A’s were warning its Explore the Possibilities

L Five-year-old Isley Douglas with A’s

Oakland Business fans that they were going to leave Oakland for the

slugger Jack Cust at spring training

Review. Six years greener pastures of the South Bay. last month in Phoenix.

Sound familiar? Well, not much has changed. Today,

ago, the Oakland this young team has given its fans hope that this will be (kids, please eat something “healthy”) as possible without getting sick. For me and my

A’s were a young their year. Today, they’re actively pursuing other venues in family, we love the A’s, but we also love the atmosphere at the ballpark.

team with high the South Bay. And today, the A’s are trying desperately to Of course we’d love to see the A’s play in a new stadium (and preferably in

expectations for fill their stadium with A’s fans. downtown Oakland). We’ve been to many ballparks (including the new Yankee

Sure, the names on the back of the jerseys have Stadium last year) and I must say there’s nothing like watching a game in a new

the upcoming changed. The prospects six years ago became stars and stadium. However, just having a place to go to watch Major League Baseball in our

season. then were traded for more prospects. And I suspect that backyard makes the summertime so much fun.

the stadium discussions will last several more years before The point of all of this is that baseball is baseball no matter where it is played, who’s

the team settles on a location. The cycle is a never ending roller coaster ride for A’s fans. wearing the uniform, or how many wins and losses your team has. You should go to A’s

But generally not much has changed. games not only because this team is fun to watch, but more importantly, because

And for passionate (and maybe ignorant!) fans, none of it matters. If we could all going to baseball games with your family is a fun thing to do. Every family has their

take the attitude of my kids, all they care about is going to the games, rooting for the own favorite thing to do together. Some like to travel, some enjoy staying home, and

green and gold, and consuming as much cotton candy, cracker jacks and hot dogs some, like mine, can’t get enough baseball. I’d argue that watching your kids enjoying a

baseball game on a warm summer weekend is the nicest site in the world.

When pressed hard I will admit that I am a little nervous about the A’s leaving for the

South Bay. But there’s not much any of us can do to avoid this potential

disappointment. We can hope for the best that something miraculous happens in

After 80 years of business in Oakland, Oakland that keeps the team here. But that’s about all we can do.

Douglas Parking still supports the A’s So no matter what’s happening off the field with the A’s – enjoy the sunshine, the

food, the atmosphere and the quality time we get to spend together.

Six years from now when the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce asks

GOOD LUCK ON ANOTHER me to write another story for Oakland Business Review, I bet we’ll be in the same

situation we’re in now; the A’s will still be playing in Oakland, we’ll be rooting for the

CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON next wave of young and exciting prospects, and my family will be waiting not so

patiently for Opening Day.

Until then, nothing else matters.



Steve Douglas and his family just returned from their 20th consecutive trip to

spring training. He is a partner/owner in his family business, Douglas Parking

LLC, and is a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. His eight and five-

year-old children have grown up at the Oakland Coliseum and have been to

more than 250 games combined.









CITY CENTER

DEN TAL SPA









ROTUNDA Go A’s!

We celebrate the ‘Athletics’ spirit

in all of us





12 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

A’s closer to answers on and off the field before finishing the season with a seven-game losing streak. The A’s did play .500 ball

after July 1, though, lending some credence to the notion that they are finally on the

upswing.

by Carl Steward

Led by 21-year-old rookie starters Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill and American

After three years of limbo, the 2010 baseball season should offer League Rookie of the Year closer Andrew Bailey, the A’s finally established a core group

some significant answers about the Oakland Athletics as to where of young arms to build around for their pitching future. Whether they have the

they may be headed long term – both on and off the field. At some makings of a new Big Three on the order of Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito

point over the next six months, Major League Baseball (MLB) should remains to be seen, but both Anderson and Cahill showed signs of star potential in

release findings of a committee report ordered by Commissioner Bud 2009.

Selig this time last year to analyze the team’s hopes of securing a new This year, some of the pressure to anchor the staff has been removed with the risky

ballpark somewhere in the Bay Area – Oakland, San Jose or Fremont. but potentially rewarding signing of veteran pitcher Ben Sheets. The A’s gambled $10

Carl Steward million in free agency that Sheets, who did not pitch last year due to elbow surgery,

All three cities have made fresh overtures to the team in recent

months, but the commissioner’s report will be critical to each of those municipal can reclaim the form that made him one of baseball’s most imposing and effective

pitches. It is near completion, and whatever recommendations are made could weigh pitchers prior to his injury. The A’s also re-signed starter Justin Duchscherer, who

heavily on the A’s future home. Selig said on March 21 in a visit to the A’s spring training missed much of last season with shoulder and back problems, not to mention a bout

facility in Phoenix that he would act swiftly to help the club resolve the issue once he with clinical depression.



“We can correctly be accused of

receives the committee’s findings. But the real upgrades that could thrust

Oakland Mayor Ron Dellums has predicted MLB ultimately will decline owner Lew Oakland into the playoff picture are to the every-

Wolff’s openly expressed desire to move the team to San Jose, which not only would day lineup. The A’s acquired power-hitting third

having ulterior motives. Publishing

require approval from 75 percent of baseball owners but also some sort of settlement baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff in a trade with San

Diego and signed speedy outfielder Coco Crisp a sports publication and working

over territorial rights awarded the San Francisco Giants to the South Bay region. Then

again, Selig’s past alliances with Wolff – they were fraternity brothers at the University as a free agent. That should bolster a lineup that with the Oakland A’s for many

of Wisconsin – plus his powers of persuasion with MLB owners should not be was marginally improved last season with the years will do that. Yet this organi-

underestimated. emergence of outfielder Rajai Davis and catcher

zation has been a model citizen for

In the meantime, the A’s will still be playing baseball at the Oakland Coliseum in Kurt Suzuki as consistent offensive threats.

Suzuki hit .274 with 15 homers last season and is Oakland since their arrival, and on

2010 – it’s the last year of their current lease there although they hold three one-year

options –and it’s just possible they could snap out of their three-year competitive approaching All-Star status, while Davis hit .305 and off the field they exemplify ‘Big

hibernation which has been consistent but substandard. The club won 76 games in with 41 stolen bases. League’ in every way. For over 20

2007 and 75 in each of the past two seasons. The A’s could have a little additional depth as

years we have dealt with every

But there have been a few offseason developments that give A’s fans hope. First, well with the addition of infielder Jake Fox and the

return of oft-injured Eric Chavez, who could re- level of the organization and with-

the three-time defending AL West champion Los Angeles Angels took an offseason hit

with the free-agent losses of pitcher Brad Lackey, third baseman Chone Figgins and ceive spot duty at designated hitter and first base. out exception our experiences have

outfielder Vladimir Guerrero. In short, while still a solid team, the Angels actually might In the final analysis, we should know a lot more been positive, rewarding and, we

be vulnerable for a change, and the other three clubs now believe they might have about the A’s by early summer, not just whether

believe, mutually beneficial. We

enough to win what is expected to be a close race in which the division champion they’re ready to challenge long-term, but where

they’ll do it. could not be bigger fans. Go A’s!”

might get by with as few as 87 wins.

If that’s the case, the A’s may have a shot if things fall right, they can stay healthy Christopher Weills

and the next phase of their youth movement proves as successful as last year’s. Carl Steward is a sports columnist for the Ultimate Sports Guide

Oakland was 17-10 in September last year and looked like it might make a run at .500 Oakland Tribune.









April 2010 | 13

“The staff at It’s A Grind Coffee

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s House enjoys attending Oakland

A’s games during the summer as

team outings.”

Young A’s working hard He was with the A’s twice as long

A’s Home (10 seasons to five), and hit 125 – Mary F. Forte and the Staff



Schedule to make the Beane’s list more homers and drove in 315

more runs here. Oh yes, and won

by Tom Stern more World Series (3-2).

April 2010 The state of Major League Baseball is, well, complicated. Exhibit A is Today the cards are stacked

the A’s of Oakland. Since they arrived in the East Bay in 1968, the more than ever for the big

Monday, April 5 Athletics have overachieved, big time. The team’s consistent success spenders. Smaller-market teams

Seattle, 7:05 p.m. on the tilted field of big-league ball is a modern-day David and like Cincinnati, Detroit,

Tuesday, April 6 Goliath tale. Minnesota and Pittsburgh, with proud traditions, are now the also-

Seattle, 7:05 p.m. They were already great when they got here; they just didn’t rans. This is because Major League Baseball and its phlegmatic

know it yet. They came from Kansas City, where they’d been laugh- commissioner, Bud Selig refuse to level the playing field for all the

Wednesday, April 7 able losers for years. But the young team that arrived in the late 1960s teams, the way the NFL and the NBA do.

Seattle, 7:05 p.m. It didn’t stop the A’s from starting another dynasty in the late

was brimming with raw talent, and was only a few years away from

Thursday, April 8 reeling off three World Series championships with guys like Sal 1980s, culminating in three straight World Series appearances and a

Seattle, 12:35 p.m. Bando, Joe Rudi, Rollie Fingers, Catfish Hunter, Vida Blue, and Reggie fourth world championship for this odds-defying Oakland franchise.

Jackson – a veritable “Who’s Who” of ’70s baseball stars. The A’s way is to out-think and outmaneuver the fat cats, teams

Thursday, April 15 like the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Angels. That takes a brilliant

But those same ’70s became the turbulent early years of free

Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

agency and wildly proliferating salaries. This small-market “Team general manager, and the A’s have a superstar in Billy Beane, a man

Friday, April 16 That Could” became easy pickins for deep-pockets organizations like whose revolutionary approach to team-building spawned a best-

Baltimore, 7:05 p.m. the amoral East Coast empire known as the New York Yankees, who selling book and changed the way small-market teams – the ones

got their mitts on Jackson and that still care, anyway – compete.

Saturday, April 17 M The A’s celebrate after

Hunter and went on to win two Some of this decade’s most coveted players were A’s discoveries

Baltimore, 1:05 p.m. winning the 1972 World

straight World Series, in 1977 and ’78. in the Beane era, names like Ethier, Isringhausen, Giambi, Hudson,

Series against the

Sunday, April 18 Reggie made quite a name for Tejada, Zito. The A’s find ’em, the fat cats grab ’em, and Beane just

Cincinnati Reds.

Baltimore, 1:05 p.m. himself in the Apple, not always for goes out and finds some more.

the right reasons. In Oakland, he’d This year, Beane has put together a

Tuesday April 20

been known as a team player who tore compelling young bunch, including a

New York, 7:05 p.m.

a hamstring with a daring steal of Reggie-like slugger named Chris

Wednesday, April 21 home in the ’72 playoffs. Jackson’s Carter, labeled a can’t-miss by baseball

New York, 7:05 p.m. baserunning heroics kept him out of pundits. The rock of the pitching staff

that Series, making the A’s a figures to be veteran Ben Sheets, lead-

Thursday, April 22

New York, 12:35 p.m. prohibitive underdog against ing a rotation of great young arms and

Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine, which a rock-solid relief corps. This team

Friday, April 23 swaggered into the postseason only could be another in a long line of

Cleveland, 7:05 p.m. to get devastatingly dispatched by Oakland overachievers.

the no-namers from Oakland, led by Go out and see them in 2010. You

Saturday, April 24

Cleveland, 1:05 p.m. Gene Tenace. can say you knew them when.

But try telling New Yorkers that

Sunday, April 25 Reggie deserved to go into the Hall of Tom Stern is a staff writer with

Cleveland, 1:05 p.m. Fame as an Athletic. They just laugh – the “Ultimate Sports Guide.”

Reggie was a Yankee, period. Oh really?









GO A’S

(510) 568-6818 • www.securitasinc.com







We Love Our A’s

Here’s to an

Winning Season



A Whole New

22 Years in Business in Oakland!

Ball Game GO

510-428-0781

www.blueheroncatering.com

Go A’s A’S!

(510) 452-4565

PREMIER RECYCLING SERVICE

233 Broadway, Oakland CA 94607

www.recology.com

www.innatthesquare.com

510.267.0852 100 Filbert Street • Oakland, CA 94607

510.444.7959









14 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

Colliers International continues

its commitment to community

and sports

by Catherine Arlin



In its continued support of community and sports, Colliers International sponsored

the attendance of 50 youth and coaches of the Oakland Rebels Youth Basketball Club

and Student Athlete Academy to the Colliers International Golden Bear Classic 2009.

In addition, the local chapter of Links for Life California (L4LCA) provided a donation of

$500 to the club for athletic equipment.

The Oakland Rebels Youth Basketball Club and Student Athlete Academy is a

nonprofit organization founded in 1987 to help kids develop both academic and social

skills through basketball skills and academic mentoring. “Student” is emphasized in

the organization. In order to participate in the sports program, each member is

required to maintain a high grade point average. The Student Academy provides

academic support with mentors, study plans, progress evaluations, resources to

identify and overcome learning barriers and providing access to SAT Prep courses.

The Rebels take great pride in the achievement of their alumni, both on and off the

basketball court. Rebels basketball players employ the same ethics of hard work, per-

sistence, character, social skills and leadership that they display on the court to guide

their lives after their Rebels

experience is over. Participants

in the program have been

accepted at colleges all over the

country including the University

of California Berkeley and Yale

University. Alumni Eddie House

attended Arizona State

University and now plays for

the New York Knicks. These

student-athletes have found

success on the court, but more

importantly, many have

achieved success by making a

contribution to their community

off the court.

In 2008 Colliers

International and Links for Life

supported members of the

Golden State Warriors who

hosted the Silence the Violence

L Youth and coaches from the Oakland Rebels Rally, an event that spoke to

enjoyed play at the Golden Bear Classic at UC youth about alternatives to

Berkeley last December. violence. The rally was the first

of a series of steps to curtail

violence in Oakland and the greater Bay Area. Colliers International and the Warriors The following members of the Chamber’s

took a proactive approach to this social epidemic, an investment into the future of the

youth of Oakland. Ambassador Committee wish the

The Links for Life Foundation originated in Las Vegas in 1995. In an effort to reach

out and support the youth of the Bay Area in January 2007, a local chapter, Links for Oakland A’s a successful and

Life CA (L4LCA) was created. The people of Colliers International’s Bay Area offices

united in a commitment to help local organizations make a difference in the lives of

winning season.

children.



A

Through sponsorships, donations

“ s an A’s fan since the opening of the

and fundraising efforts, L4LCA

Coliseum in 1968, and an Oakland business Yeda Altes Cynthia Dorsey

supports other organizations such as

owner for 22 years, I strongly support Oakland Fire Oakland Chamber Toastmasters

Children’s Hospital of Oakland, Camp (510) 444-0945

keeping the A’s in Oakland. Oakland is Department

Arroyo in Livermore, Juvenile Diabetes, www.OaklandWPD.org

Shepherd’s Gate, local schools, the and always has been a sports city. As I sit

MaryAnne Kaplan

at an A’s game and cheer on the team, I

Ronald McDonald House, Aliah Sweet Delma Bolden Kaplan & Associates

feel a sense of community that I don’t feel

Foundation and Boy Scouts of America. New York Life (866) 412-7765

at AT&T Park or other ballparks. The kids

Colliers International is a leading (510) 601-3302

that go to every game and know every Loree Karagiorgas

global real estate services company

player by name, the businesses that have Dimitris By Design

that provides a full range of services to Craig Brooks

their entire staffs there for a team building Jaguar Productions www.dimitrisbydesign.co006D

real estate users, owners and investors

night out, the reunions of friends and (510) 432-1429

worldwide. Colliers operates in 61

family that share the love of baseball in Ayinde Mitchell

countries. Services include brokerage,

Oakland, the welcome home from the fans Marvin A. Clark Legassie Insurance Services

property management, hotel invest-

at the airport – that’s what the Oakland First Building Maintenance Co. (925) 595-2085

ment sales and consulting, corporate A’s are about. It’s fun, it’s enterprising, it’s (510) 482-8900

services, valuation, consulting and the past, present and can be the beacon Annie Wenzel

appraisal services, mortgage banking of light in the future for Oakland. GO Robert Cullmann Holy Names University

and research. The expanded firm OAKLAND A’S!!” – Debbie Pfisterer eon Technologies (510) 436-1642

becomes the world’s third largest (510) 523-3832

commercial real estate services firm, Ryan A. Woodlee

with 15,000 employees and 480 offices Victor O. Dominguez Magic Detailings Inc.

in 61 countries. Surf Clean (510) 248-9222

(510) 383-3563

Catherine Arlin is operations

manager at Colliers International.







April 2010 | 15

SPECIAL SECTION Oakland A’s

“The A’s are in Oakland’s DNA…as

Healthy Coco Crisp ready City just a year ago, Crisp had those same hopes for the

Royals. But his season only lasted 49 games after suffering a kids we rooted for Sal Bando, Campy

for season severe shoulder injury. Campaneris and Reggie Jackson…we went

Following surgery on his torn labrum in June, Crisp to bat day and got our coveted cool green

OAKLAND’S NEWLY ACQUIRED OUTFIELDER endured another operation – this time on his left shoulder –

bats that later made it to the ball fields on

Coco Crisp, who signed as a free agent during the off season, in late July.

summer afternoons…we loved them then

quickly proved he not only makes a good story, but tells a This year, Crisp is equally eager to stay healthy and to

as we love them now!” – Alex Zwissler

great one, as well. Just ask him about his ties to the Bay Area, share an outfield with the likes of Ryan Sweeney and fellow

and he’ll promptly talk about the first home run he ever hit in speedster Rajai Davis, who finished fifth in the American

nearby Richmond. League with 41 stolen bases last season while mostly playing

Crisp was 11 or 12 years old at the time, visiting his Aunt in center field, Crisp's natural home. “To bring me in here can

Diane, when he joined some buddies in a baseball game be questioned, especially with [Davis’) capabilities of playing

center too, but I believe we can have a spe-

“I take my employees and their families

played with tennis balls. Well, one ball to

be exact. “I hit it over the fence,” Crisp said. cial outfield in whatever order you put us

“And then it was gone. We didn't have in,” he said. “I’m actually looking forward to

another tennis ball.” learning more about his base stealing tech- to the A’s game every year and it is one of

Already sounding eerily similar to “The niques. I think you can always learn from a the most looked-forward-to outings. The A’s

Sandlot,” a reporter asks why Crisp simply guy who’s very talented in something, and are part of Oakland’s social and economic

didn’t climb the fence. “Oh, it was a huge he really excels, not only in base stealing, fabric. They are Oakland A’s. Losing the A’s

fence,” he replied. “There was no way to but other aspects of his game as well.” would be a terrible blow to Oakland’s

climb that thing.” Crisp, who is now on his fourth identity and economy. We must

So what did you do the next day? different team in eight Major League

make every effort to keep them

“Nothing,” he said. “We had to save up seasons, owns a career .277 batting

here in Oakland where they

to buy more tennis balls.” average to go along with 137 stolen bases

belong.”

Crisp then paused before announcing, and a reputation for defensive prowess.

“So I have some rich history here.” “I’m here now,” he said. “I’m healthy. I’m Sunil Gupta, PhD, SE

Following a trade from Boston – where happy. I feel like I’m going to have a good

he earned a World Series ring – to Kansas year.”



Speedy Coco Crisp will anchor one of

L









Story courtesy of Major League Base-

the best defensive outfields in baseball. ball and the Oakland A’s.

YOU’RE THE

#1 TEAM

Sheets ready to lead A’s long before the 31-year-old Sheets even threw a pitching



young rotation

session in front of several scouts and more than 15 team

officials at the University of Louisiana at Monroe. FOR THE

It’s not hard to see why Sheets was such a hot

The youthful This newly acquired

commodity after assessing his first eight seasons in the #1 CITY

Major Leagues, which include an 86-83 record with a 3.72

band of brothers rock star brings with

ERA. The four-time Milwaukee All-Star tallied double-digit

that is the A’s him an All-Star pres-

wins seven times while recording an ERA under 4.00 in each

starting rotation ence and just the right

of his past five seasons, and he went 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA

pinch of confidence,

has officially in 31 starts for the Brewers during the 2008 season.

not to mention an

found its front “Ben’s been one of the top pitchers in the game, and

innate fire that is sure

man. Ben Sheets to bring fans to their when you have that opportunity to sign a guy like him –

regardless of where you are as a club – you’re going to take

feet. Add in the immediate likable Southern drawl to go

a chance,” Beane said. “It’s really simple. We’ve got a long

along with a scruffy yet peaceful look, and it’s easy to

way to go considering last year’s finish, but this was probably

assume those same fans will quickly warm up to this

the best step we could take in narrowing that gap.”

delightful chap before The Show even starts.

Just as important for the team was finding the right guy

Cue in said star Ben Sheets, who Billy Beane and Co.

to act as another veteran presence on an otherwise young A’s

officially welcomed into the Oakland fold with a one-year

rotation that now boasts plenty of depth. Sheets joins fellow

contract worth $10 million plus incentives.

veteran Justin Duchscherer along with Dallas Braden, Brett

“It's a real pleasure to add him to our roster,” said A’s

manager Bob Geren. “If you think about what he’s done in

Anderson, Trevor Cahill, Gio Gonzalez and Vin Mazzaro in

the mix.

is banking

the past and look at how rejuvenated he feels to get back

on the mound, it’s a big plus for us.

“Our rotation is just getting better and better it seems,”

Anderson said. “It’s great having these veterans in there

on the

“Quite frankly, we had a lot of young guys last year who





A’s

knowing that they can help us younger guys with bits of

were trying to learn on the job and are very talented, but

information here and there. You can pick their brain a little

they didn’t necessarily have that fire and confidence because

bit, and hopefully they can help us any way they can.”

they were still learning that craft. But when you add a guy

like Ben into the mix, you know it’s going to affect your team

Story courtesy of Major League Baseball and the

in a lot of ways besides pitching.”

Oakland A’s.

That same mindset is exactly what Beane envisioned

Oakland EmeryvilleI







(510) 839-8800

Did you know? money and awareness for the Juvenile Diabetes Research

Foundation and educates coaches on working with diabetic

• The 2009 A’s became only the fourth team since 1900 children.

to have two 21-year-old pitchers (Brett Anderson and Trevor • A’s speedster Rajai Davis batted .305 and stole 41 bases

Cahill) make 30 or more starts. The duo also made Oakland

only the 13th team to feature two 21-year-olds who won at

least 10 games each.

in 2009 to become the first Athletic to steal 40 bases since

Rickey Henderson in 1998.

• Jack Cust’s father, Jack Cust Jr., an accountant by trade,

Best Wishes

• A’s pitcher Craig Breslow, who graduated from Yale

University with a degree in molecular biophysics and

converted a warehouse into a batting facility, built an

artificial turf field, and conducts hitting classes during the for the New

biochemistry, founded the “Strike 3 Foundation” in 2008

in hopes of heightening awareness, mobilizing support,

and raising funding for childhood cancer research.

winter months in New Jersey.

• Pitcher Justin Duchscherer hosted the “Battle of the

Bay” video game challenge during spring training of 2006

Season

• Originally born Covelli Crisp, Coco got his nickname and 2007, which raised funds for The National Multiple

from his great grandmother, who called him Co. His sister Sclerosis Society Arizona Chapter.

and godmother, inspired by the character and the name on • Infielder Mark Ellis organized the Putouts for Diabetes

the Coco Krispies cereal box, lengthened the name to Coco. Program in 2006 in which he and shortstop Bobby Crosby

• Jake Fox and his wife Allison founded FEWSIC, “For donated money to the American Diabetes Association for

Everyone Who Said I Couldn’t,” an organization that raises every putout they recorded during the season. 1628 Webster St.

Alameda,CA 94501

510-522-1000



16 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com

> Chamber committee discusses

commercial re-zoning

As part of its Neil Gray, the city’s strategic planner for the

long-awaited zon- re-zoning effort, spoke with the Chamber’s

ing update to Economic Development Committee on

March 10.

match its General

The language of the zoning code can impact

Plan adopted in

thousands of Oakland businesses, particularly

1998, the city of merchants, but also those along streets like

Oakland is cur- Hegenberger Road, International Boulevard,

rently drafting Telegraph Avenue, and MacArthur. Issues like

new zoning lan- the height and depth requirements for ground-

guage for the floor retail or the permissibility of residential

city’s commercial housing units in some areas are being

deliberated.

corridors.

If you would like more information about

this process and how it might impact your

business or property, contact Karen Engel, the Chamber’s economic

development director, at kengel@oaklandcham ber.com.



M City planner Neil Gray (center) was greeted by Chamber Board

members Eric Kisshauer (left, Pankow Builders) and John Nelson

(murakami/Nelson).









> Ambassador of the Month

Annie Wenzel, an enrollment counselor and

outreach specialist at Holy Names University

(HNU), has been named the Chamber’s

Ambassador of the Month.

Wenzel has been a member of the Ambassador

Committee for less than a year, but has already been

named Ambassador of the Month twice. She is an

active member of the Chamber and is publicity

co-chair of East Bay Women in Business

Roundtable, and was a clown in last year’s Holiday

Parade. “Being an active member has helped me

create lasting relationships with Oakland’s finest business professionals

as well as awareness for our exceptional business programs,” she says.

At Holy Names, a private nonprofit university in the Oakland hills,

Wenzel’s main responsibility is to recruit and educate potential students

on the school’s MBA and ABD

business programs. Holy

Names offers a flexible,

affordable and convenient

adult degree completion

program as well as an MBA that

can be completed in as little as

12, 18 or 24 months. “Daily we

strive to see beyond your

horizons, and make the admin-

istration process as seamless as

possible, so students can focus

on getting where they belong,

on top,” she says.

HNU hosts an adult and

graduate information session

every last Thursday of the

month on campus in the VCPA

(3500 Mountain Blvd.) from 6

to 7:30 p.m. Refreshments and

free application vouchers are

available to all who attend.

For more information on

HNU and its accredited pro-

grams and certifications, visit

www.hnu.edu or call (800)

430.1321. Annie Wenzel can be

reached directly at (510) 436-

1642 or at wenzel@hnu.edu.









April 2010 | 17

All events held at Chamber offices, 475 14th Street, unless otherwise noted. Call 874-4800 to confirm dates and times. Meetings are open to all Chamber members.







Inside Oakland Breakfast After Five Reception Sales Expert Alice Heiman Chamber Night at the A’s

Forum | April 16 Special April 22 | Scott’s May 7 | East Bay Women in May 21 | Oakland A’s vs.

discussion with Oakland Police Seafood Grill & Bar Business Roundtable luncheon San Francisco Giants

Chief Anthony Batts







Keeping you connected and informed







> APRIL

14 | Ambassador Committee | noon -1 p.m.

After Five

EXECUTIVE

COM M IT T E E

Chair of the Board

PATRICIA SCATES

MARK EVERTON

Waterfront Hotel



RONALD FOREST

Matson Navigation

14 | Economic Development Forum | 3-4:30 p.m.



15 | Breakfast at the Chamber | 7:30-9 a.m.

April 22 Reception

Co.

Wells Fargo hosted by Ruth Stroup of Farmers Insurance Agency, an update

Vice Chair TODD HANSEN of Chamber activities for prospective, new and long-time

JOHN NELSON

murakami/Nelson

Clear Channel

Outdoor members Scott’s Seafood

STAN HEBERT

Vice Chair

SHANNON PEDDER

BRAND: CREATIVE

California State

University, East Bay 16 | Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum | 8:30-10 a.m. Grill & Bar

WRIGHT special discussion with Oakland Police Chief Anthony Batts,

BETTIE COLES LASSITER, III

Retired Oakland Police Department Auditorium, 7th & Broadway, no

Alameda County

Medical Center charge for Chamber members, $10 for non-members

STEVEN DOUGLAS

Douglas Parking LLC MICHAEL LEBLANC

Pican

ERIC KISSHAUER 20 | Nonprofit Roundtable Committee Meeting |

Pankow Builders ELSIE LUM

Alameda County 2:30-4:30 p.m.

BARBARA LESLIE Training & Education

AT&T Center

ZACK WASSERMAN MARK MCCLURE 22 | After Five Reception | 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Wendel, Rosen, Black

& Dean LLP

California Capital and

Investment Group

(formerly known as Business After Hours Mixer) Foot of Broadway

MICHAEL ZIEMANN VIC MEINKE

Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar, foot of Broadway at Jack London at Jack London Square

Summit Bank Alta Bates Summit Square, no charge for Chamber members, $15 for non-members

Medical Center 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

BOA RD OF NATHAN NAYMAN

D I RE C TO R S Visa

> MAY No charge for Chamber members.

NATHANIEL

ALICIA BERT OUBRE, JR. $15 for non-members.

PG&E Kaiser Permanente

TERRY BRADY

7 | East Bay Women in Business Luncheon |

DAVID ROUNDS

Securitas Bay Area News- 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

group/East Bay

DAVE CANNON Featuring sales expert Alice Heiman, Waterfront Hotel at Jack

Saylor & Hill Co. EMILY SHANKS

London Square, for Chamber members, for

Bank of America

JOHN CASAS non members

JT2 Integrated JILL SIDEMAN

Resources CH2M Hill California,

Inc.

DIANN CASTLEBERRY 12 | Ambassador Committee | noon -1 p.m.

Port of Oakland



MARIO CHIODO

DICK SPEES

Consultant Brandstorming

Chiodo Art DAVID TUCKER 12 | Economic Development Forum | 3-4:30 p.m.

Department Waste Management

of Alameda County featuring a discussion on the Re-Zoning of Oakland’s

ANA CHRETIEN

ABC Security KENNETH WHITE Commercial Corridors with members of the city’s planning We work with you and your team

Service Fidelity Roof Company staff

DAN COHEN RICHARD WHITE

to connect your product or

Full Court Press Fitzgerald Abbott &

Beardsley LLC 18 | Nonprofit Roundtable Committee service with your target. We

MARIANNE

DREISBACH Meeting | 2:30-4:30 p.m. create quality publications that

Dreisbach Enterprises, JOSEPH HARABURDA

Inc. President and CEO

help build your brand – annual

20 | Breakfast at the Chamber | 7:30-9 a.m.

hosted by Albert Brown Mortuary, an update of Chamber reports, brochures,

The purpose of the Oakland Metropolitan activities for prospective, new and long-time members corporate

Chamber of Commerce is to promote commerce and

industry, to advance economic growth and to en-

hance the quality of life in t he city of Oakland.

21 | Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum | 8:30-10 a.m. newsletters

OBR OAKLAND BUSINESS REVIEW (ISSN 1092-7220)

is published monthly at $100.00 a year by the Oakland

no charge for Chamber members, $10 for non-members logos, and

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 475 14th Street,

Oakland, CA 94612-1903. Membership dues include sales kits.

subscription. Periodicals postage at Oakland, CA.

Contents can’t be reproduced without permission.

21 | Chamber Night at the A’s | Dinner 5 p.m., game

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OAKLAND time 7:05 p.m.

BUSINESS REVIEW, 475 14th Street, Oakland, CA 94612.

featuring the Oakland A’s vs San Francisco Giants, with a

Editor pre-game dinner at Francesco’s restaurant, 8520 Pardee Drive. C ARTER

H AN K MAS LE R, (510) 87 4-4 808

hmasler@oaklandchamber.com | www.oaklandchamber.com

All-you-can-eat dinner at Francesco’s and a seat at the game

(Plaza Outfield section) cost $40 for Chamber members, $50

=G N S

DESI

Design/Production Editor for non-members

CARTER DESIGN S COMMUNICATION DESIGN

THAT REALLY MEANS BUSINESS

The articles published in this publication do not 27 | After Five Reception | 5:30-7:30 p.m. 510.653.2153 • cc@cheriecarterdesigns.com

necessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the

Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. (formerly known as Business After Hours Mixer)

Somar Bar & Lounge, 1727 Telegraph Ave., no charge for

Chamber members, $15 for non-members





18 | OBR Oakland Business Review |

www.oaklandchamber.com

economic development Update

> Capacity crowd participates of Union Pacific; and Peter Stone, chief commercial officer for PortsAmerica.

Several speakers, including Oakland Mayor Ronald Dellums and Port of

in MegaRegion Summit Oakland Executive Director Omar Benjamin, discussed the redevelopment of

Some 450 people The program included 28 speakers representing all the Oakland Army Base and the critical role the project will play in improving

from across aspects of the “mega”region’s goods movement infra- the effectiveness and efficiency of the megaregion’s goods movement system.

Northern Califor- structure – ports, shippers, rail, truckers, regional and Other speakers included Abbe Kantor, manager of Global Transportation for

nia participated state planning agencies, importers, exporters, Safeway Corporation; Manuel Cunha, representing the Nisei Farmer’s League;

in the 2010 community groups, and many more. Matthew Schrap from the California Trucker’s Association; Michael Walker

Northern Califor- Instant polling captured the instant feedback and from Constellation Brands and the Wine Institute; Leal Sundet from the ILWU;

nia MegaRegion and Michael Jacob from the Pacific Merchant Shipping Association. Brian

views of the audience and allowed those views to be

Summit coordi-

discussed in real time by panel participants. Gabriel Beverage also joined the first panel to discuss the impact of goods movement

nated by the

Metcalf from the San Francisco Planning and Urban on residents of “fence-line” communities living in proximity to ports, rail and

Chamber of Com-

Research Association (SPUR) led a lively discussion highways.

merce in partner-

based on live polling feedback from the audience about Keynote speaker Emily Shanks, the East Bay market president of Bank of

ship with the city

and Port of the economy, top goods movement priorities, and how America (one of the Summit’s sponsors) noted, “Our MegaRegion is connected

Oakland. to prepare the region’s workforce to work in the industry. through natural resources, transportation, shared climate, power and water,

Issues that echoed throughout the day included: (1) and most importantly for this conference, through shared economic potential.

the degree to which regulation in the state of California can hamper the speed In the past, regional planning simply meant cooperation between urban cities

and efficiency of moving goods; (2) the shortage of public funds for infrastruc- and suburbs. The MegaRegion approach is more complex and encompassing.

ture projects and the need to identify new streams of funding; and (3) the And yet it rests on one core concept – that we are all connected. Our water,

degree to which environmental and air quality issues are now being taken up our power, our climate, our natural ecosystems, our businesses, our social

by every stakeholder group. problems and our history – we are all connected.”

The day’s speakers featured leaders in the Trade & Logistics Industry A summary of the day’s events as well as the results of the instant polling

including Matthew Rose, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of will be available on the Chamber’s website (www.oaklandchamber.com) and

Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company; Scott Moore, vice president the event website (www.oakbiz.biz/MegaRegionSummit.page) after April 8.









This panel featured a discussion on “Keeping California Competitive: The “Next Steps” panel led a discussion based on live

Critical Investments in Our Goods Movement Infrastructure.” Seated polling feedback (inset). From left to right are Lorraine Giordano,

left to right are Matt Rose, Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway; ATLAS; Matthew Carpenter, Sacramento Council of Governments;

Bimla Rhinehart, California Transportation Commission; moderator Steve Dial, San Joaquin Council of Governments; moderator Gabriel

Greg Sundberg, Bank of America-Merrill Lynch; Steve Heminger, Metcalf, San Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association;

Metropolitan Transportation Commission; and Abbe Kantor, Safeway Ezra Rapport, Association of Bay Area Governments; and Amy

Corporation. Zimpfer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.









April 2010 | 19

Chamber will celebrate its members –

and 105 years – at Annual Meeting

This year’s The 105th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon

will be held on Wednesday, June 23 at the Oakland

Annual Meeting Marriott City Center.

of the Oakland The event will recognize the winners of the

Metropolitan following categories – Small Business Innovator,

Volunteer of the Year, Community Service, Corporate

Chamber of

Citizenship, Oakland on the Map Award and Lifetime

Commerce will Achievement.

recognize and The event presents members with an opportunity

to celebrate a year of Chamber accomplishments, a

celebrate its

chance to network with new and award-winning

members, the members, and a way to show support for the

lifeblood of the Chamber and our many programs.

organization. The Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon will

begin with an 11 a.m. reception. The luncheon

begins at noon.

Award sponsorships are $3,000, which includes

the award winner seated at your table (a table of ten),

a representative from your company presenting the

award to the winner, front row seating, program participation, and banner

recognition in a prominent position in the room.

The inner circle benefactor sponsorship is $2,250, which guarantees

preferential seating for ten, program participation and banner recognition.

Patron sponsorship is $1,250, which guarantees program listing and

seating location in the order of reservation.

A single ticket for the event is $70.

To reserve a table or seat at the 105th Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon,

visit www.oaklandchamber.com or contact Morgan Crow at the Chamber of

Commerce, (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 or at mcrow@oaklandchamber.com.









> Proposition 16 – continued from page 1



services as it is.

Proponents of local power promote the idea of increased use of renewable

energy. But the Chamber is concerned this conflicts with other reports about

Oakland’s “green power” usage. Since PG&E has been providing reliable,

reasonably priced service for nearly a century and is leading the way on “green

power,” what makes the city think it can compete or better serve ratepayers?

A fundamental weakness of the business model for community choice ag-

gregation allows customers to “opt out.” From surveying Oakland businesses,

the Chamber knows nearly two-thirds believe PG&E can provide better service

than the city. That leaves the city with fewer customers paying higher rates.

In response to the claim that Proposition 16 is unfair, consider this rarely

reported fact – state law requires a two-thirds vote for any community seeking

to convert its local electric utility from a government-owned system to a

private utility. Proposition 16 actually levels the playing field.

Furthermore, since 1979, local governments have had to meet a two-thirds

vote for enacting most local taxes. And in 1996, voters approved Proposition

218, which requires two-thirds voter approval for increasing local property

taxes and fees. Thus, the super-majority requirement in Proposition 16 is

consistent with decades of California voter preference and fairly treats private

and public utilities the same. That’s not anti-democratic.

On June 8, voters have a chance to remind government that they want a

say in how taxpayer funds are used. At such a critical time, let’s not divert our

attention and resources from important work such as public safety, business

attraction and job creation.



Joe Haraburda is president and chief executive officer of the Oakland

Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.









Discounts for Chamber members

• The Washington Inn, a premier boutique hotel located at 495 10th St. in

Oakland, is offering Chamber members 25 percent off rooms from the rack rate

and 10 percent off on food and beverages in their restaurant and bar (promo code

49510) through April 30. And, during Happy Hour, enjoy discounted drinks. The

Washington Inn also handles banquets and catering. Info: (510) 452-1776,

event@thewashingtoninn.com or www.thewashingtoninn.com.

• With the economic downturn in mind, Integral Protection Inc., a local firm

of security professionals with a reputation for efficient and cost-effective security

solutions in the protection of life and property, is offering a 20 percent discount

to Chamber members for a standard uniformed presence service. Info: manager

Joel Feder at (510) 633-1664 or at joefeder@integralprotection.com.

• Everyone has to do his and her taxes. Why not get paid for it? New Chamber

member Liberty Tax Service is offering all members $50 in cash if you let them

do your taxes. The firm is located at 3207 Grand Ave. Info: (866) 871-1040.







20 | OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com