City Government

City Puts Big Rigs Back on Streets

Published

11 years ago

September 20, 2013

As big rig trucks begin to park more and more on city streets, the need remains high for the parking spaces formerly provided by Oakland Maritime Support Services (OMSS) and its owner Bill Aboudi, who is working hard to get his new, cramped 5-acre space on the Port of Oakland’s portion of the old Army Base property ready to resume business.

After being locked out of his location on Maritime Street last Friday by the Alameda County Sheriffs Department, acting under orders from the city, Aboudi has been working seven days a week to get his new site on Wake Avenue up and running.

< p>While the site lacked electricity and water when the move began, the port has stepped in to install utilities, which was expected to be completed by Friday.

While Aboudi had no control over when or where he would be able to move, he says he is happy that at least he has a home.

However, downsizing has placed some of his 18 tenants – which include a mini-mart and truck scale and a graphic designer – tied up in the confusing transition as they try to find a space to relocate their businesses.

The move has also delayed some business operations as container parking is already reaching capacity, and tenants such as Horizon Freight owner Miguel Silva try to manage their workload in the reduced space.

Silva says the work has become more difficult in the process.

“The second we lift these off the ground, I hope no one occupies this space,” said Silva as he secured a load on one of his flat racks. “It’s the layout situation that affects us. It’s better than nothing, but it’s definitely not adequate.”

Silva has already received and transported his first shipment of German-made glass, to be used in the construction of Apple, Inc.’s new headquarters in Cupertino. He expects an increased volume of cargo in coming weeks.

“Anything that disrupts the process of the port results in increased volume for parking. But the people making the decisions don’t know about the trucking industry. All they do is make assumptions,” Silva said.

Truck mechanics also have been forced to postpone their daily operations until electricity and space is available for them at the new OMSS property. For truckers who travel up to 3 hours or more a day, they could pay an extra $600 to receive service at a dealership rather than with the small business mechanics at OMSS.

“Do you want mechanics on the street dropping oil in the drains and leaving parts in the streets?” Asked Independent trucker Carlos Jordan, who has been working with Aboudi for 23 years.

“We need the mechanics [here]. We can’t go to San Jose [to a mechanic], hook up a trailer here to deliver, and then go to Sacramento,” he said. “It’s a waste of money for us. We’re independent, trying to survive, trying to make a living.”

With the 24-hour mini-mart and truck scale currently shut down, truckers also say they have waited an hour or more in line to receive service at Port Scales Inc.

The scale company has been experiencing higher volumes of trucks with the OMSS move but is only open until 6 p.m., turning some truckers away each day.

“Most of the time we miss a load almost every day now. The biggest problem right now is the scales,” said owner operator Inder Singh.

CCIG, owned by developer Phil Tagami, is occupying Aboudi’s old property, and the city have notified truckers of the transition and suggested parking locations at OMSS’ new site as well as the AMPCO Trucking Lot – both locations that are full to capacity for truck parking.

The city has repeatedly said that alternative options for truck parking are currently being developed.

Aboudi said, “The demand is here. The city said, we’ll figure it out. I haven’t seen them figure it out yet.”

In an interview with ABC 7 News, Project Developer Phil Tagami said, “We’re under agreement to move forward with the (Army Base development) project and we plan to do just that.”

The project must start Dec. 31 to claim the $250 million grant from the state. As the developer moves forward, the city’s current timeline in addressing the problems created by lack of approved truck parking remains unclear and may extend into winter months.

Mayor Jean Quan did not respond to The Post when asked how the city plans to address the issue of overflow truck parking.

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Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

7 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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Activism

BWOPA Honors Black Leadership and Legacy at 2024 Ella Hill Hutch Awards Dinner

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills. At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

Published

8 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

L-R: BWOPA State Executive Director LaNiece Jones; State Asm. Mia Bonta; BWOPA 2024 Man of The Year/Urban League SFBA CEO Ken Maxey; BWOPA State President Hon. Dezie Woods-Jones; State Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas; Rowena Brown, Oakland Councilmember At-Large, Elect; BWOPA State Regional Director Vashone Huff. Courtesy photo.

By Oakland Post Staff

Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA) is a statewide non-profit advocacy and membership organization committed to solving problems affecting Black Californians.

On Dec. 5, BWOPA held its Annual Ella Hill Hutch Awards Ceremony, at the Fairmont Claremont Hotel in the Oakland/Berkeley Hills.

At the event, the group comprised of Black women from various professional backgrounds, honored distinguished local and state leaders whose contributions have shaped civic engagement and advanced critical social issues impacting Black communities.

The evening was hosted by Dr. Shawna Charles, founder of The Charles Communications Group (CCG) headquartered in Los Angeles. Charles served as mistress of ceremonies.

With a track record of elevating voices and empowering communities, Charles’ leadership and insight brought a certain dynamism to the celebration.

“Each year, this event not only celebrates the enduring legacy of our beloved BWOPA founding member, Ella Hill Hutch, but also reaffirms and amplifies our unwavering commitment to building and sustaining Black political power across California,” said Dezie Woods-Jones, BWOPA founding member and State president.

“Ella Hill Hutch’s trailblazing leadership continues to inspire us as we forge ahead, empowering Black women to lead, advocate, and shape a more equitable future for all,” added Woods-Jones.

This year’s event introduced the DWJ Rising Star Award, honoring young leaders like Solano County Board Supervisors-elect Cassandra James, Danielle Motley-Lewis, Naomi Waters and newly elected State Assemblymember elect Rhodesia Ransom (D-Stockton).

According to organizers, the awardees all exemplify “the next generation of changemakers.”

Other awardees included:

Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) and Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson
Man of the Year: Kenneth Maxey, CEO of the Greater SF Bay Area Urban League
President’s Corporate Award: Yvette Radford, Kaiser Permanente
In the Spirit of Ella State and Chapter Awards: Dr. Carolyn Greene, Dr. Marcella K. Smith, Dr. Carolyn Drake, Tinisch Hollins, Jackie Jones, Gloria Burgess Johnson, Tamika L’Ecluse, Ellen Nash, Betty Reid Soskin, and Ay’Anna Moody.

BWOPA also celebrated local champions across its chapters, including leaders in voter education, healthcare, criminal justice reform, and community advocacy.

In a statement, BWOPA said, “Honoring Ella Hill Hutch’s legacy, BWOPA recognizes her pioneering efforts as the first Black woman elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Her tireless work amplifying underrepresented voices continues to inspire BWOPA’s mission to build Black political power across California.”

“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, partners and allies who believe in BWOPA’s vision to invest in building power for Black women’s leadership,” said LaNiece Jones, BWOPA State executive director. “Your support ensures that Black women have a voice at decision-making tables locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally, advancing diversity and equity in leadership spaces.”