Debate on Oakland City Budget starts tonight Weekly News Update Presented by the Oakland Metro Chamber
April 2, 2013 |
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Connect with Us! |
www.oaklandchamber.com
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Dear Members & Friends,
Debate on Oakland City Budget starts tonight!
The possibility of more spending on police protection for the citizens of Oakland will compete for attention as the City Council begins the process of adopting a two-year budget. Over the past 4-5 years the city has seen revenues decline and this has led to service reductions across just about every department. While the people of Oakland have suffered the most, employee unions have made concessions to help balance the budget.
The good news is Mayor Quan and City Administrator Santana report revenues are starting to revive somewhat. Nevertheless it is clear we are far from fully recovered and careful budgeting is still required. Structural deficits still total over $150 million over the next five years and if contributions to pension and health costs were made as they should be that five-year deficit total would balloon to over $650 million. And that doesn't include the amounts the city is already behind in paying!
In the police department alone the number of sworn officers has fallen from 837 to 611. Civilian police staff has dropped by an even greater percentage from 394 people to 261. Even with the just completed Police Academy and the two others starting this year, the number of sworn officers will not reach even 700 officers. If no further academies are scheduled the number will again start moving below the even intolerably low number we have today.
Even with these cuts of the last few years, police spending amounts to less than 20 percent of the overall city budget. Public works takes up just a little more than 12 percent of all spending and the fire department 11 percent. And yet in a city-wide poll last fall the people of Oakland identified road repair and police services as their clear top two priorities.
The City Council has made important steps to addressing our urgent public safety needs in the last few months. We should continue to support those efforts. At budget time many worthy and even not so worthy demands are made on the Council for funding. We need to let them hear our voice calling for investment in saving lives and making our community safe!
Important Dates
April 2: Council budget workshop
April 15-19: Public Release of Proposed Budget
April 30: Presentation of Proposed Budget to City Council
May: Budget Town Hall Meetings Citywide
May 30: Proposed City Council Budget Hearing #1
June 13: Proposed City Council Budget Hearing #2
June 27: Proposed Final City Council Budget Hearing/Adoption July 1: Implementation of FY 13-15 Adopted Budget
Oakland Chamber wins bid to host local SBDC
April is a big month for the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, being named the Administrator for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), which has more than 15 advisors to serve the business community. Learn more about SBDC and how it can benefit your business (consultation services and seminars at no cost to you) - www.sbdc.org .
Oakland A's Spirit Week
Join in as we cheer for the Oakland Athletics! This week is "Spirit Week."Wear A's apparel or green and gold all week! And be sure to attend our April 16 A's luncheon at the Airport Hilton. Get insight on the season from Ken Korach, the radio voice of the A's, and from A's manager Bob Melvin.
God Bless America!
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JOIN US FOR THESE INTERESTING, INFORMATIVE CHAMBER EVENTS AND MEETINGS
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- East Bay Women in Business Roundtable luncheon, Friday, April 5, featuring guest speaker Brenda Chapman, 2013 Academy Award winner for her direction of the movie "Brave," $35 for members, $45 for non-members, additional $10 if paid at the door, Waterfront Hotel, Jack London Square, 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration ends today, April 2nd!
- Ambassador Committee meeting, Wednesday, April 10, noon-1 p.m.
- Economic Development Forum, Wednesday, April 10, featuring guest speaker John Russo, city manager of Alameda, speaking on development at the former Alameda Naval Base, 3-4:30 p.m.
- Oakland A's Luncheon, Tuesday, April 16, $75 per person, recognizing players' wives and girlfriends for their help with The Salvation Army of Alameda County, Hilton Oakland Airport, One Hegenberger Road, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
- Nonprofit Roundtable Committee meeting, Tuesday, April 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
- Breakfast at the Chamber, Thursday, April 18, an update of Chamber activities for prospective, new and long-time members, 7:30-9 a.m.
- Lunch + Learn, Monday, April 22, featuring speakers on the East Bay Greenway development, noon-1:30 p.m.
- After Five Reception, Thursday, April 25, Scott's Seafood Grill & Bar in Jack London Square, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
- Inside Oakland Breakfast Forum, Friday, April 26, featuring guest speaker Oakland Police Chief Howard Jordan, 8:30-10 a.m.
- Oakland A's vs Baltimore Orioles, Saturday, April 27, O.co Coliseum, lower box tickets $34 for adults, $17 for children 12 and under, Reggie Jackson Bobblehead Day with recognition of 1973 World Series championship team prior to game, game begins at 1:05 p.m.
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BUSINESS & PROCUREMENT FAIR SET FOR MAY 16
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On Thursday, May 16, the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce will host the Oakland and East Bay Business and Procurement Fair. This annual fair brings vendors, business organizations, public agencies and members of the local community together to facilitate business-to-business partnerships and create new customer leads. It's also a great chance to network in a fun, professional environment. Booths are available starting as low as $199 and individual attendance is free.
If you are a new member of the Chamber, this is an excellent opportunity to introduce yourself and your products and services to the broader Oakland business community. Existing members, particularly those interested in procurement opportunities with state and county public agencies, are also recommended participants.
Complete details can be found online at www.oaklandchamber.com. Please contact Ivette Torres at itorres@oaklandchamber.com or at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319 to reserve your booth.
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HELP US CHEER ON THE A'S | |
 The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and The Salvation Army of Alameda County will host a luncheon to honor the Oakland A's at the Hilton Oakland Airport on Tuesday, April 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The wives of many A's players will also be recognized for their work with The Salvation Army in serving local families at their shelter and child development center.
A's manager Bob Melvin has been invited, as have A's players and members of A's management.
Individual tickets for the luncheon are $75, which includes parking. Tables of ten can be purchased for $1,500, which includes include preferential seating. Sponsorships are also available. Proceeds from the event will go to The Salvation Army of Alameda County and to the Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Click here to purchase tickets for the April 16 luncheon or contact Ivette Torres at the Chamber of Commerce at itorres@oaklandchamber.com or at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319.
For information on sponsorships, contact Sara Tarano at The Salvation Army at (510) 645-9710, ext. 219 or at sara.tarano@usw.salvationarmy.org. |
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JOIN US FOR TWO EXCITING OAKLAND A'S GAMES
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The Chamber has reserved a section at two Oakland A's games this year that should be particularly entertaining. The first is on Saturday afternoon, April 27 at 1:05 p.m., when the A's take on the Baltimore Orioles at O.co Coliseum. The game will feature free Reggie Jackson bobbleheads to fans as the team recognizes the 30th anniversary of the 1973 Oakland A's, the World Series champions. Many members of the 1973 squad will be on hand, with a celebration taking place on the field prior to the game.
Battle of the Bay-Guaranteed to Sell Out!
The second Chamber game is the first 2013 meeting of the annual "Battle of the Bay",with the A's facing the World Series champion San Francisco Giants, also at O.co Coliseum. The Giants game will be held on Tuesday evening, May 28, with the Chamber holding a block of tickets in the Plaza Level almost directly behind home plate. The first pitch is at 7:05 p.m.
For tickets to April 27th Register Here.
For tickets to May 28 Register Here.
Or visit www.oaklandchamber.com or contact Ivette Torres at itorres@oaklandchamber.com or at (510) 874-4800, ext. 319. |
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CHAMBER NOW SELLING FEDERAL AND STATE EMPLOYMENT POSTERS
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The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber is now selling 2013 California and Federal Employment Posters. If you get one thing to protect your company in 2013 from liability and government fines, it should be the labor law poster (regular or laminated), which is required for all businesses. Whether you have one employee or 1,000 employees, you're required to post 16 state and federal notices. You can avoid fines in the thousands of dollars by purchasing a poster from the Chamber.
For more information or to order your 2013 posters, contact Hank Masler at (510) 874-4808 or at hmasler@oaklandchamber.com |
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ABOUT TOWN |
Biotech Partners - Seats are still available for "Transforming Lives," a 20th year celebration of Biotech Partners' Career Technical Education programming in biotechnology, which will be held at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Info: www.biotechpartners.org/gala2013.
Technology seminar - A morning seminar, "Funding Your Early Stage Tech Company," presented by Terry Smith, an entrepreneur in residence at the Tech Futures Group, will run from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10 at the San Francisco Center for Economic Development, 235 Montgomery St. on the 12th floor. You'll learn everything from small funding strategies and early customer engagement strategies to Angel and VC funding insights. Info: (415) 494-7232.
Golden State Warriors tickets - The Sigma Beta Club will hold a fundraiser by selling tickets to the Warriors-Oklahoma City Thunder game on Thursday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Info: Marvin Clark at (510) 867-8436 or at marvin@1stmaint.com.
'The Altered Painting Project' - Redux Studios & Gallery, a social enterprise of St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County, will host an opening reception featuring the work of 30 local artists on Friday, April 12 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2315 Lincoln Ave. in Alameda. Local Alameda rock group, The Up and Down, will perform. Info: (510) 865-1109.
Catholic Charities of the East Bay - Spend an afternoon with old and new friends in support of CCEB program at the annual golf classic on Monday, April 15 at the Diablo Country Club. Info: Michael Bauman at (510) 768-3161. |
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DISCOVER OAKLAND |
When was the last time you took a lazy Saturday or Sunday and discovered the beauty and attractions of Oakland? This weekend:
1. Become a kid again at Children's Fairyland.
2. Find the latest looks at the unique boutiques in Rockridge.
For more information on things to see and do, visit www.visitoakland.org |
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