Oakland

Opinion – The Oakland Coliseum Should be Developed by and with Blacks

Published

6 years ago

October 15, 2020

When I heard the sad news of the death of former Oakland A’s player Joe Morgan it reminded me of last week’s talk with Dave Kaval, President of the Oakland A’s last week about his team’s views on the

Future of the A’s franchise in Oakland. I was particularly impressed with his upbeat attitude toward economic inclusion.

Of the Black community in the team’s development vision for the Coliseum area and the Howard Terminal Port of Oakland site.

He reiterated his commitments to include the West Oakland community in their plans to provide extensive economic, environmental and employment benefits.

He was confident that the Port and the City, led by the Mayor, would be supportive of their efforts to build near the estuary.

I asked him why the A’s needed to purchase the Coliseum if they preferred to go the Howard terminal site. He said he felt a sense of commitment and responsibility to help with the development of the East Oakland site that had been neglected for more than 50 years.

At that point I proposed an alternative plan to garner maximum support from the Black community and the elected officials.

I explained how the A’s had opportunity to champion significant Black participation and ownership that no other American city has achieved thus far.

I proposed that the A’s promote their Black Vice President Taj Tashombe and put him atop the A’s development corporate entity that could function as a co-development with a Black Developer to complete the commercial and housing complex within the coliseum complex zone. I also told Kaval that I had not consulted with Taj, but I was just recommending a major move to help establish credibility since Taj had grown and played in the shadow of the coliseum.

I further recommended that he set aside an equity stake for Taj, Black investors and former Black A’s stars who had helped to bring championships to Oakland. They could joint-venture with a group of Black investors who are also seeking to own the Coliseum.

The A’s could make a major statement about race and equity modeling by building half of the planned 4,000 housing units in the first phase, before the market rate units, as truly affordable for very, very low-income displaced Black residents. The homes could be dedicated for the first right of refusal for those who are now dwelling in tents and makeshift shelters in East Oakland. The development could be a joint effort with several non-profits and faith-based housing development groups. He said he thought it was an “interesting idea” but wondered aloud if the state, county or city would approve. I told him he should go for it and the community would thank him for recognizing the “Black straws that stirred the A’s drinks” for many years.

Michelle Snider

Associate Editor for The Post News Group. Writer, Photographer, Videographer, Copy Editor, and website editor documenting local events in the Oakland-Bay Area California area.

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Black History

Loop Capital’s James Reynolds Keynotes the OAACC 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon, featuring James Reynolds Jr., founder and CEO of Loop Capital, as the keynote speaker. Addressing business and civic leaders, Reynolds discussed his firm’s partnership to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum site, a massive project expected to generate thousands of local jobs. The event also recognized four distinguished community leaders for their achievements in business, marketing, technology, and education. Discover the specific honors presented and the timeline for the upcoming Coliseum transformation by reading more.

Published

1 hour ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

Loop Capital founder James Reynolds delivered the keynote address at the OAACC 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon at Scott's Seafood Restaurant in Oakland's Jack London Square. Courtesy photo.

By Carla Thomas

The Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce (OAACC) celebrated community and business leaders at the 23rd Annual Business Awards Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 22 at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant in Jack London Square. Held under the theme “Building a Stronger Oakland Through Innovation, Technology, and AI,” the event brought together business owners, elected officials, and civic leaders.

Oakland Mayor Barbara lee and U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon were also present.

Keynote speaker James “Jim” Reynolds, Jr., founder, chairman, and CEO of Loop Capital, enthusiastically addressed the audience. Reynolds’ firm is backing the AASEG (African American Sports and Entertainment Group) and partners with funding to redevelop the Oakland Coliseum site in East Oakland.

Reynolds spoke of plans to provide thousands of employment and contracting opportunities to Oakland’s resilient residents.

“We expect to completely close the deal by Dec. 31 and in January we will begin digging,” he said of the six-year acquisition process.

“I want all small businesses, entrepreneurs, and contractors to prepare themselves for these opportunities,” Reynolds explained in the green room.

Reynolds has successfully completed multiple billion-dollar developments and projects including Los Angeles International Airport, LaGuardia International Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and now Queens, New York.

AASEG President Ray Bobbitt said the Coliseum Project will be the largest development in the country. Bobbitt stressed that Reynolds and his team took a chance on Oakland at a time when companies were abandoning the city.

“Mr. Reynolds is committed to the project and transforming the area,” said Bobbitt. “Mr. Reynolds sees Oakland as a great city with untapped potential. We are very grateful he believes in us.”

In 1997, Reynolds founded the Chicago-based municipal bond firm, growing it into one of the nation’s leading minority-owned financial services companies and among the largest privately held investment banks in the country.

Reynolds said he was very impressed with Oakland’s business community. “This community is really ready for something new and we plan to deliver.”

During the luncheon, OAACC presented awards to four honorees.

Derreck Johnson received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Johnson founded Home of Chicken and Waffles in Jack London Square in 2003, creating jobs for the formerly incarcerated and young people from Oakland’s inner-city communities.

Celessa Baker, vice president of Marketing Partnerships at Sephora, received the Visionary Leadership Award. A marketing executive with more than 20 years of experience, Baker served as retail marketing lead for the global launch of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna.

Angela Johnson, director and head of Global Delivery Partnerships at Uber Technologies, received the Business Excellence Award. She previously served as Uber’s chief of staff and founded the Coalition of Black Excellence.

Dr. Denise Saddler, superintendent of the Oakland Unified School District, received the Educational Recognition Award. Saddler has spent more than 40 years in the city’s education system, working as a teacher, principal, and district leader before becoming superintendent in 2025.

Lee announced that Oakland is listed in the Top 10 as best destinations. “Oakland is on the move,” said Lee. In agreement with Lee, Simon vowed to continue fighting for the resources needed to keep Oakland moving forward.

“The chamber is committed to strengthening Oakland’s economy and uplifting its Black business community,” said Cathy Adams, president and CEO of OAACC.

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Commentary

Post News Group Nov. 3 Election Endorsements

The Post Newspaper Group has announced its official endorsements for the upcoming November 3 election, offering recommendations for a wide range of political candidates, local propositions, and regional measures. The selections cover key races in Oakland and Berkeley, including mayoral contests and city council seats, as well as critical positions for the Peralta Community College Board and AC Transit. The group also evaluated state offices and several high-profile ballot initiatives. Check the full list to see which specific candidates and measures earned the publication’s support.

Published

2 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

Nov. 3 Election Endorsements

The Post Newspaper Group endorse the following political candidates, propositions and measures.

Oakland

Mayor

Barbara Lee

City Council

District 2: Charlene Wang
District 4: Janani Ramachandran
District 6: Kevin E. Jenkins
City Auditor: Michael Houston

OUSD School Board

District 2: Jennifer Brouhard
District 6: Valarie Bachelor

Measure EE: Yes

Measure FF: Yes

Berkeley

Berkeley City Council

District 1: Laura Babbitt
District 4: No endorsement
District 7: Syrak Micael
District 8: No endorsement

Peralta Community College Board of Trustees

Area 5: Sandra Weese

East Bay Municipal Utility District

District 3: Marguerite Young

Bay Area Rapid Transit

District 4: Robert Raburn

AC Transit

District 3: Joel Young

City of Richmond

Mayor: Ahmad Anderson

State Offices

Governor: Xavier Becerra
Lt. Governor: Fiona Ma
Secretary of State: Shirley N. Weber
Controller: Malia M. Cohen
Attorney General: Rob Bonta
State Assembly, 14th District: Buffy Wicks
State Assembly, 18th District: Mia Bonta

Federal Offices

U.S. Congress, 10th District: Mark De Saulnier
U.S. Congress, 12th District: Lateefah Simon
U.S. Congress, 14th District: Aisha Wahab

State Measures:

Prop 1: Yes
Prop 2: Yes
Prop 3: Yes
Prop 4: Yes
Prop 5: Yes
Prop 37: Yes
Prop 38: No
Prop 39: No
Prop 40: No
Prop 41: No
Prop 42: No
Prop 43: No
Prop 44: No
Prop 45: No

District Measures

Regional Transit Measure: Yes

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Business

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce Hosts CHCC Convention, Generating $3 Million in Economic Impact

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the 47th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Statewide Convention, drawing more than 1,000 attendees to the city. The event generated an estimated $3 million economic impact, providing a significant boost to local retailers, hotels, and small businesses. Developed in partnership with Visit Oakland, the convention featured innovative initiatives like the Oakland Mercadito to showcase regional entrepreneurs and recorded workshops to support long-term professional development for members across the state. Discover how this major event strengthened local partnerships and read more.

Published

2 hours ago

November 3, 2026

Post News Group

By Special to The Post

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) recently served as the Host Chamber for the 47th Annual California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC) Statewide Convention, held in Oakland in August 2026.

The Convention welcomed more than 1,000 attendees from throughout California and generated an estimated $3 million economic impact for the City of Oakland, providing significant support to local hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, retailers, and small businesses.

In conjunction with Visit Oakland, OLCC brought in various local sponsors and worked closely with the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, to make the Oakland Convention a success.

The success of the 47th Annual CHCC Statewide Convention demonstrates what is possible when business leaders, entrepreneurs, community organizations, and public partners work together with a shared vision, said Aliza Gallo, president of the OLCC.

“By welcoming more than 1,000 attendees and generating an estimated $3 million economic impact, we not only showcased Oakland as a premier destination for business and innovation but also created lasting opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Gallo, who also served as co-host of the event.

She adds that the “convention elevated Oakland’s visibility, strengthened statewide and local partnerships, and reinforced the Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to advancing economic prosperity for our members and our community.”

As part of its leadership role, OLCC introduced two innovative features designed to extend the convention’s impact beyond the event itself. Conference workshops were recorded and made available for continued learning and professional development.

These recordings will be shared with OLCC members and made available for broader public access, expanding educational opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs throughout California. The workshop content will also be distributed to the 85 Latino Chambers and Affiliate Members within the CHCC network, which collectively is 135 member organizations statewide.

In addition, OLCC created and managed the Oakland Mercadito, a vibrant marketplace showcasing local Latino and Latina entrepreneurs. The Mercadito provided small business owners with an opportunity to market their products and services, connect with new customers, and gain exposure to business and community leaders from across the state.

The initiative highlighted Oakland’s entrepreneurial talent and demonstrated OLCC’s commitment to supporting small business growth and economic opportunity.

“Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the United States” commented Peter Gamez, president & CEO of Visit Oakland. “Our city’s celebration of culture makes everyone feel they belong here and allows for truly authentic experiences.

“Our diversity is a powerful draw for groups and individual visitors. We are extremely proud of this and continue to cultivate and grow this message as we welcome conferences and conventions to The Town,” Gamez said.

For more information, see the Visit Oakland video about the CHCC Convention In Oakland: https://lnkd.in/p/eRpe2sYD

The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce is the source of this story.

About The Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce

Oakland Latino Chamber of Commerce (OLCC) www.oaklandlatinochamber.com is dedicated to advancing economic opportunity, strengthening business capacity, and elevating the visibility of Latino-owned businesses throughout Oakland and the East Bay. Through advocacy, partnerships, technical assistance, and community engagement, OLCC works to ensure that Latino entrepreneurs have the resources and support necessary to thrive.