THE WEEK OF OCT. 27-NOV. 5
–OAKLAND– Special Community & Economic Development Committee meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m. [ENTIRE AGENDA HERE]
–918-UNIT OAK KNOLL DEVELOPMENT– “The Applicant [SunCal] is requesting planning-related permits including a General Plan Amendment, Rezoning, and other planning-related actions that would enable development of 918 residential units, 72,000 square feet of primarily neighborhood-serving commercial uses, relocation and rehabilitation of the historic Club Knoll building to accommodate commercial uses and civic uses, with the remainder of the site consisting of parks, open space and streets, all within the approximately 183-acre Project site. Approval will allow the Project to proceed.”
–A coalition of local labor unions, though, say the project is unprecedented in Oakland since no community benefits package or development agreement is in place. The Oakland Planning Commission approved the project on Oct. 19. “SunCal has also refused to negotiate a project labor agreement with local labor unions covering the construction of the projects 935 houses, depriving workers of sustainable wages and opportunities to learn vital to their professions. This will set a bad example for future developments,” said a labor groups calling themselves East Bay Residents for Responsible Growth. “SunCal has also refused to negotiate a project labor agreement with local labor unions covering the construction of the projects 935 houses, depriving workers of sustainable wages and opportunities to learn vital to their professions.This will set a bad example for future developments.”
➤Rules Committee, Thursday, Nov. 2, 10:45 a.m. [ENTIRE AGENDA HERE]
–HAYWARD– Special council work session, Monday, Oct. 30, 7 p.m. [ENTIRE AGENDA HERE]
–HEART OF THE BAY GOES GREEN– At a breakneck pace Hayward is set to approve a slate of new ordinances Monday night that will set the city up to becoming a player in the growing cannabis industries in the East Bay. The proposed ordinances will allow zoning for commercial cannabis land uses and both commercial and medical dispensaries. The council will also decide on a process for procuring bids for the various permits and how many there will be available. A discussion on the percentage amount of taxes Hayward will assess on cannabis purchases will continue Monday. Hayward voters last year approved a ballot measure to tax cannabis sales up to 15 percent, a number most believe is far higher than what the council will approve. Neighboring cities tax sales at around 7-10 percent. The speed at which Hayward is moving on cannabis is notable since as late as last summer the city appeared content with its now seven-year moratorium on cannabis permits.
–GATHERINGS– 15th Assembly District Candidates Forum hosted by the California Democratic Party African American Caucus, Saturday, Nov. 4, 11 a.m., Contra Costa College, 2600 Mission Bell Drive, San Pablo.
–East Bay Regional Park District public meeting on Measure CC, the park infrastructure tax approved by East Bay voters in 2004 that is due to expire next year, Saturday, Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-Noon; Harrison Recreation Center, 1450 High Street, Alameda, also Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., 1111 Broadway, 19th Floor, Oakland.
–BERKELEY– Regular council meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. [ENTIRE AGENDA HERE]
ebcitizen.com 
By MW:
Concerning the request for building permits related to Oak Knoll. Some years ago I was discussing with an East Bay attorney the criteria that cities and counties use when deciding whether or not to grant requested building permits for proposed major projects.
She then told me that previous to becoming a lawyer she had been heavily involved in real estate development. And she then said “You give them (in other words the politicians) their political contributions and then they give you your permits.”
In other words “WE HAVE THE BEST GOVERNMENT THAT MONEY CAN BUY.”
However it is always entertaining to observe the scripted, prearranged, and choreographed charades the typical government agency goes through as it pretends to “study” and “investigate” the various pluses and minuses of this or that item, and even though in reality usually the decision was already previously made in a secret and illegal backroom fix. But of course to make the whole thing look legitimate, after the illegal backroom fix is completed, then they often add the window dressing of pretending to study the issue for awhile, and including sometimes with open to the public hearings at which they pretend to consider the general public's concerns.
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