Comments on: No more cookie parade! SOB!

By: V Smoothe

V Smoothe — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:56:48 +0000

Elusis, I’m going to try to write about all the races (judge, AC Transit, EB Mud Director, EBRPD director) over the next two weeks.

By: V Smoothe

V Smoothe — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:02:21 +0000

I don’t support any use of pay-go money that isn’t limited strictly to Oakland. It’s totally inappropriate for us to be giving local taxpayer money to a program whose services span all of Northern California.

By: mojowrkn

mojowrkn — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:59:11 +0000

The USTA has a very successful program in Oakland. The kids in these programs are introduced to groups they would never interact with otherwise. Anything that keeps the kids off the streets and on the playground, playing field or court is money well spent IMHO.

_John D, Oakland

By: Chris Kidd

Chris Kidd — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 04:30:51 +0000

What about Bakesale Betty’s? Weren’t they supposed to open a store in the DTO around Grand & Broadway?

Even if we’ve lost Mothers, there’s still Ladyfigers. They’re an Oakland institution and their tarts are freakin’ delicious.

By: Colin

Colin — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:11:55 +0000

First Cookie Magoo’s, now Mother’s Cookies. Good-bye, sugar-filled world…

By: VivekB

VivekB — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 23:41:34 +0000

I’d second eliminating district elections. However, chip doesn’t go nearly far enough. Don’t replace the positions with 8 at-large positions, eliminate the city council in it’s entirety.

I have yet to see how having a City Council adds value due to the numerous issues Chip has raised throughout the years, just save the money and spend it free tiddly winks & slinkys for every oakland resident. that would actually be entertaining to watch.

By: Elusis

Elusis — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 21:55:40 +0000

V – do you have any thoughts on the races for superior court judge and the two AC Transit director positions? (on my ballot are the at large and Ward 2 races). I’ve got most of my other votes figured out but I’m lacking much info there.

By: John

John — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:03:58 +0000

Hi V…thank you for this. Yeah, really looking forward to your take on the combined Zoning Update Committee and Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board meeting on Monday this week and the rezoning of the Central Business District (CBD) generally.

The direction of the rezoning in the CBD has evolved from one utilizing six large, broad-brush height, bulk, and density zones into an approach utilizing a “Fine Grain” approach. I, for one, support the Fine Grain approach because it recognizes that height limits in historic districts and at the edge of Lake Merritt may be necessary in order to preserve the integrity of those areas.

Recognizing and preserving the integrity of historic properties through zoning will also provide clarity and certainty to the development community by identifying those areas which are most appropriate for high density and high-rise development projects.

It was refreshing to see the interaction between the ZUC and the Landmarks Board; both have put a lot of time and good energy into the effort so far.