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OP-ED: Developer Phil Tagami Responds to Debate on Coal Transport Through Army Base

Published

11 years ago

July 23, 2015

By Phil Tagami

For over seven years, the City of Oakland (City), the Port of Oakland (Port), and California Capital & Investment Group (CCIG) together have embraced and vigilantly pursued a vision to transform the former Oakland Army Base to a state-of-the-art facility known as the Oakland Global Trade and Logistics Center (Oakland Global), setting new standards for economic vitality, job creation, and environmental improvement.

The vision and commitment have not changed for anyone.

Oakland Global will involve the collective investment of more than $820 million in private and public funds, many of those funds already having been committed.

It will establish 2,800 project construction jobs, 2,000 permanent waterfront jobs, an estimated 4,225 regional jobs, and produce up to $300 million annually in regional employment income, in a region suffering a crippling 17 percent unemployment rate currently.

Further, Oakland Global already is subject to over 660 mitigation mandates and conditions of approval imposed by the City and Port, including the establishment of a strict air quality regimen in compliance with regulations of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

At significant expense, three state-of–the-art air monitors were installed in West Oakland, the results of which are available daily on line at www.OaklandGlobal.com.

All operations and commodities processed at Oakland Global, including through the Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal (OBOT), will at all times be subject to and in compliance with federal, state, regional, and local laws and regulations.

The city’s entitlement of Oakland Global in 2012 was done in full and final compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act, those proceedings including adoption of a 2012 update to the original 2002 environmental impact report for the project.

Development of Oakland Global, both on the ground and in the securing of funding sources for the benefit of all Oakland, proceeds.

As to OBOT in the West Gateway portion of Oakland Global, CCIG has entered into an exclusive Option Agreement with Terminal Logistics Strategies (TLS) for the potential operation of OBOT. CCIG is the developer of OBOT, but will not be its operator.

Under the Option Agreement, TLS would operate OBOT in full compliance with and subject to the full breadth of rights and entitlements vested in OBOT by the City. CCIG and TLS have an arm’s-length, contractual relationship. CCIG did not “hire” TLS or any TLS employees or representatives.

At this time, neither CCIG nor TLS has committed to the transport of any particular commodity through OBOT.

As the potential operator of OBOT, TLS has committed to the City to surpass the obligations already imposed on Oakland Global, among other things committing that all rail transport – regardless of commodity – will occur utilizing newly designed covered rail cars and other measures to minimize and potentially eliminate fugitive dust issues.

OBOT’s construction and operations are designed consistent with the lawful expectations of potential customers – accommodating three or four of the full spectrum of approximately 15,000 bulk commodities regulated by federal law. This is standard industry practice and uniform at marine terminals throughout the United States.

As noted, there has been no commitment to include or exclude any particular commodity in the Oakland Global operations.

But regardless of any particular commodity, it is indisputable that operations of the completed Oakland Global project will set new standards in integrated modes and technologies, energy efficiency, and environmental standards.

In particular, air quality and emissions related to Port operations in and around West Oakland will be vastly improved under Oakland Global operating standards than without.

Job, economic vitality and revitalization, and improved environmental standards and conditions for the community. The vision and commitment have not changed.

For more information about Oakland Global, visit www.OaklandGlobal.com.

For further information or questions, contact: David C. Smith Stice & Block, LLP dsmith@sticeblock.com 949-923-8170.

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New Protections for Ticket Buyers: Gov. Newsom Signs Assemblymember Isaac Bryan’s Bill

OAKLAND POST — Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

Published

7 days ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights). File photo.

By California Black Media Staff

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation on Sept. 27 authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Ladera Heights) that strengthens consumer protections for Californians purchasing tickets to concerts, sporting events and other live entertainment.

Assembly Bill 1349 expands state regulation of original ticket sellers, resellers and online resale marketplaces. The law targets deceptive sales practices, ticket-buying software and speculative listings — tickets advertised for sale by sellers who do not possess them or have authorization to sell them.

“Buying a ticket shouldn’t come with hidden risks or unfair practices,” Newsom wrote on social media after signing the measure.

Under AB 1349, ticket sellers are prohibited from listing tickets before they have been officially released unless they have authorization or a legally enforceable right to receive them. Online marketplaces must also take reasonable steps to prevent speculative ticket sales on their platforms.

The law prohibits sellers from using bots, multiple accounts, email addresses or internet protocol addresses to circumvent ticket limits, presale restrictions, electronic queues and other controls. It also bans websites and advertisements designed to mislead buyers into believing they are purchasing tickets from an authorized seller, venue or event organizer.

Sellers who violate certain provisions and fail to provide a promised ticket may be held liable for twice the ticket’s contracted price. Buyers may also recover nonrefundable expenses incurred while attempting to attend an event, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pastor Tecoy Porter Sr., president of the National Action Network’s Sacramento chapter, said the law establishes needed accountability.

“Buying a ticket to a concert or show shouldn’t mean entering a marketplace where the rules are stacked against you. This year, we worked with a coalition of consumers, civil rights advocates, community groups, and businesses to make AB 1349 stronger. Consumers deserve enforceable rules that protect them. We thank Assemblymember Bryan for his leadership, and we will keep working to make ticketing fair for every Californian.”

Jose L. Barrera, national vice president for the Far West Region of the League of United Latin American Citizens, also praised the measure.

“Californian families deserve certain protections when they buy tickets. Assemblymember Bryan listened to communities across California and delivered a bill that puts fans first. We thank him and Governor Newsom for making it law.”

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Zakiya Jendayi Arrested, Locked Out of Home by Sheriff’s Deputies

OALAND POST — On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi as she left her residence of 13 years to file documents in her case at the Appellate Court. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita Jail.

Published

7 days ago

October 4, 2026

Post News Group

By Tanya Dennis

Yesterday, more than 10 Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to take possession of Zakiya Jendayi’s home on behalf of a court-appointed administrator. Jendayi was arrested at the courthouse and transported to Santa Rita Jail around the same time.

Jendayi, who has been embroiled in a probate court battle to retain the inheritance bestowed on her by a longtime friend and colleague who passed away in 2013, had received a notice of eviction last month.

With help from neighbors, friends and clergy, she was able to fend off the eviction from 3614 Randolph Ave. in Oakland and even obtained a reprieve when her bid to file bankruptcy was approved by a county court.

But Philip Campbell, the court-appointed administrator, had already placed Jendayi’s home in his name in October 2025.

On Tuesday, deputies followed Jendayi when she left her residence of 13 years to go to the Appellate Court to file documents in her case. Deputies arrested her upon arrival and transported her to Santa Rita jail.

Undersheriff April Luckett-Fahini said Jendayi was arrested for “safety reasons.” At this time, it is unknown what charges were used for the arrest.

In Jendayi’s absence, Campbell came to her residence accompanied by deputies, had the property taped off with yellow crime tape, and had the locks changed.

Afterward, Campbell requested a police escort to his car amid several angry neighbors who had been advocating that officials pause the eviction pending Jendayi’s appeal.

“Zakiya Jendayi is a respected Black elder in our community,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nikki Fortunato Bas, who has been working with Jendayi to prevent her eviction. “It’s outrageous that she was arrested. There needs to be more justice and equity in our probate system.”

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Ask California: Golden State Releases New AI Chatbot

Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced the prototype as part of the state’s broader effort to use artificial intelligence to make government services easier to access. The launch follows his March 2026 executive order directing state agencies to responsibly implement generative AI while protecting privacy, security and civil liberties.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 22, 2026

Post News Group

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

California has launched AskCA, a new artificial intelligence-powered chatbot designed to help residents find and navigate state and local government services through a single online platform.

Developed by the state’s Office of Data and Innovation, AskCA is designed around major life events rather than individual government agencies. Californians can use the tool to find information about finding a job, starting a business, accessing family services and recovering from disasters.

“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom. “We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make the government more efficient, effective, and more engaged.”

The state is now seeking Californians age 18 and older to participate in the pilot and help test and refine AskCA’s responses. Officials said subject matter experts across state governments are helping inform the chatbot’s answers, which are designed to draw from verified government sources and provide actionable information.

The prototype grew out of California’s response to the January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires. Early testing included more than 140 fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors, a dozen job seekers and more than 100 general users.

Jeffery Marino, director of the Office of Data and Innovation, said the tool is intended to remove the need for residents to understand how government agencies are organized before they can get help.

“Californians should not have to understand how the government is organized just to get basic help,” Marino said.

AskCA’s technology will also be used in a new job-skills matching feature that the California Department of Human Resources plans to launch Sept. 30 on CalCareers. Job seekers will be able to upload a resume and receive potential matches to state job classifications.

The state said the CalCareers pilot will not store personal information or require users to have a CalCareers account. California plans to continue testing AskCA as officials evaluate its accuracy, performance and usefulness before expanding the system.