Oakland

OP-ED: New Businesses and Construction Are Transforming West Oakland

Published

9 years ago

November 21, 2014

Many people are aware of Oakland’s growing restaurant industry. However, Oakland is becoming the center of more upstream food production.

With transportation access and empty warehouse space and transportation access, West Oakland is attracting new food production companies.

In the past, sausage and meat packing companies lined Adeline Street. Now, Hodo Soy Beanery occupies 20,000-square-feet on Adeline, producing soy products for restaurants including Chipotle.

The company employs 65 people and is growing.

Sweet Maria’s, a green coffee bean wholesaler, produces and distributes coffee throughout the country. Organic candy bar maker Ocho Candy on Adeline makes healthy candy bars, employing 55 workers.

Housing is driving construction in the West Oakland. Wood Street area is heating up after the housing construction downturn. City ventures will start construction for 171 townhouses and commercial condos.

Bridge Housing has development rights for the 16th Street train station and is in negotiations with Orton development for a usability plan.

Holiday development has entitlements to build 230 apartments next to the train station and final discussions regarding the construction and phase-in. BART is getting into the act, working with developers on a transit-oriented, mixed-use development on its 7th Street parking lots.

This type of development is badly needed in West Oakland because it addresses the twin problems of jobs and housing for the area. West Oakland is full of empty land that can be better utilized with business producing jobs and new housing.

Some people are quick to wave the scare tactic flag of gentrification. Nothing can be further from the truth. First, this is a new development built on vacant land. It creates jobs and housing for all Oakland citizens, current and new

In addition, all areas evolve and change. Prior to World War II, West Oakland was filled with ethnic European immigrants. They were displaced by Blacks who came to work in the shipyards during World War II. Evolution is necessary to maintain the vibrancy of a neighborhood and attract and retain businesses and residents.

Of course, West Oakland is not the only area moving forward. The MacArthur BART development is moving ahead. The parking structure is near completion. The remaining parking lot will contain 624 new units of housing

Clinton Killian

The Lake Merritt BART parking lot and the surrounding land in all directions are attracting development interest. This area can create a more dense neighborhoods, filled with new residents and businesses to generate Oakland jobs and housing.

In the coming weeks, I will look at other changes coming to Oakland. . The task of rebuilding neighborhoods and creating badly needed jobs and housing has started.

Our new mayor and new council leadership will energize the rebuilding and repopulating of Oakland.

Clinton Killian is an attorney at Oakland downtown law firm Fried & Williams LLP and former public official. He can be reached at ckillian@friedwilliams.com.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

5 days ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

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BART to Retire Legacy Trains in Public Ceremony April 20

Published

2 weeks ago

April 20, 2024

Oakland Post

The Richmond Standard

Bay Area Rapid Transit’s final dispatch of legacy trains will take place on Saturday, April 20, and will be accompanied by a retirement ceremony and a final legacy ride.

At 1 p.m., the public is invited to celebrate the last run of BART’s legacy trains during a ceremony that will take place in the free area of the plaza at MacArthur Station in Oakland.

Following the ceremony, the public is invited to board a legacy train and ride from MacArthur to Fremont Station, mirroring the initial service BART provided when it opened Sept. 11, 1972.

“It’s a 45-minute trip that travels along approximately 24 miles of the original section of tracks,” BART officials said.

Multiple legacy trains will run for the event, and all will make station stops and may turn around at Bay Fair depending on the number of attendees waiting to ride. Regular fares will apply.

“These train cars are part of the history of the Bay Area,” said Bob Powers, BART general manager. “While we are excited to modernize the system, we recognize the profound cultural importance of these cars, and we want to celebrate their rich history and give them a proper send off.”

BART is now running train cars from its Fleet of the Future project.

Those nostalgic for the older trains will be able to view three of them soon at Western Railway Museum in Suisun City.

A handful of other legacy cars will be transferred to be repurposed for short-term rentals, entertainment venues, and training facilities, according to BART. Most of the legacy cars have been recycled.

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Mind, Body, and Spiritual Well-Being for Women Addressed in NAACP Forum in Oakland

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church. Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 20, 2024

Oakland Post

The panel will address various aspects of women’s health, including physical, mental and emotional well-being and relationships. iStock photo by Jorge Elizaquibel.

Special to The Post

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is proud to announce the upcoming “Total You – Mind, Body, and Spirit Women’s Health Forum” scheduled for April 27 at Acts Full Gospel Church.

Running from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1034 66^th Ave., this forum aims to provide an empowering platform for women to engage in discussions, gain knowledge, and access resources pertaining to their health and well-being.

The forum will feature renowned experts, healthcare professionals, and advocates from Genentech, John Muir Health, Sutter Health of The East Bay, Kaiser Permanente, and the Alameda County Public Health Department.

Our expert panel will address various aspects of women’s health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and healthy relationships. The forum will encompass a wide range of topics such as breast cancer, menopause, reproductive health, nutrition, mental health awareness, preventive care, and much more.

Participants will have the opportunity to attend informative sessions, interactive workshops, and panel discussions led by experts in their respective fields. Additionally, there will be wellness activities, screenings, and informational booths offering valuable resources and support.

This forum is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging inclusivity and diversity in the conversation surrounding women’s health. Whether you’re seeking information for yourself, a loved one, or simply looking to connect with other women, this event promises to be enlightening and empowering.

For more information and to register for the Total You Women’s Health Forum, please visit https://www.naacpoakland.org/ or contact Dr. Delores Thompson. WIN chairwoman at (510) 328-3638.

The Women In The NAACP Oakland Branch is dedicated to empowering women, and young teen girls. We look forward to your participation in this important event.

To register, go to https://www.naacpoakland.org/events/the-total-you-womens-health-forum