West Oakland Works

WEST OAKLAND BUSINESS ALERT

Minutes from Meeting Held March 21, 2012 at SF Enterprises

Business Community Attendees

Officer George Buford (OPD), George Burtt (WOCA), Dexter English (City of Oakland), Leroy Griffin
(City of Oakland), Debbie Hauser (BusinessAlert Staff), Stephen Hedemann (BNSF), Michael
Herling (Consolidated Cleaning), Ray Kidd (WON), Steve Lowe (WOCA, WOPAC), Tim Morse (Bay
Alarm), John Palacios (BNSF), Bill Pollock (Alameda County Household Hazardous Waste), Margot
Prado (CEDA), Annie Sloan (OPD), Carlita Starks (City of Oakland)

Approval of Minutes

February 2012 meeting minutes were approved.

Area 1 Safety & Security

Annie Sloan distributed a listing of reported crimes for Beats 1X, 2X, 2Y, 5X, 5Y, 6X and 7X,
covering the past seven days. Area 2Y has experienced increased vandalism recently, most likely
graffiti-related. Other crime incidents in West Oakland included stolen vehicles, assault, robbery,
prostitution and trespassing. Theft of Honda’s and Toyota’s are more prevalent than other
vehicles – Annie has safety locks available for distribution for those who contact her.

Business managers and employees should be careful about carrying cell phones, which are a
target for thieves along with items left behind in vehicles. Michael Herling noted that a code
exists to disable cell phones, even when the battery is dead; Michael will locate the information to
get it distributed.

In responding to a question, Officer Buford reported no recent arrests for illegal dumping have
been made, to his knowledge. Dumpers are difficult to catch because they operate at night, in
the dark, and quickly. Dumpers are strategic in where and how they dump to avoid being cited or
caught in the act.

Michael pointed to ongoing copper and metal theft as an issue that needs to be addressed by
OPD. Officer Buford indicated that, overall, West Oakland is relatively safe and crime statistics
are low for the area. OPD’s main focus is on resolving and preventing robberies. The
Department is in the third phase of the 100 Block Initiative being promoted by Mayor Quan.
Margot Prado suggested that a commercial survey be conducted to gauge problems occurring in
the area.

Dexter English of City of Oakland reported on his work with three local homeless encampments
that present a health and safety issue. Dexter continues to offer alternatives to the homeless
upon his visits to the encampments. Michael also reported on distribution of referral service
contact information, though his efforts have been met with non-response by the homeless
individuals he’s encountered.

Status of Railroad Right of Way Issues

George Burtt provided background on the issues of area rail maintenance and prior meetings
conducted with both UP and BNSF. John Palacios of BNSF reported on contacts made with
internal Texas staff in determining property lines, after a response from Southern California staff
was insufficient. John recently met with UP managers but will also have future meetings with
them to discuss responsibility for Oakland rail maintenance. Margot Prado of City of Oakland
noted that rail in question is not being used. A prior study commissioned by City of Oakland and
conducted by BKF Engineering cited priority areas where rail should be addressed; Margot will
share the report with John and UP staff. George discussed last summer’s effort to prioritize
locations needing improvement, including Union, 26th Street, 18th, etc. Photos and maps were
provided at that time to the rail companies.

Margot discussed a conference she will be attending, hosted by the US Department of Commerce
that may be a source of funding for capital improvements. She recommended a joint partnership
between the City and rail companies in applying for a federal capital grant to improve conditions.
Priority areas are already known, as noted in the infrastructure study produced by BKF. Margot
noted transportation planning efforts being made between Emeryville and Oakland. The linkage
between Emeryville and Oakland may serve to assist in getting the rail issues in West Oakland
resolved.

Michael Herling conveyed the need to attract new business to the area; having streets that are
aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate is important when showing prospective tenants a
property.

John noted that UP has a franchise agreement with the City of Oakland while BNSF does not.
Margot offered that the rail issue should be advanced with Assistant City Administrator Fred
Blackwell.

George read from October 2011 BusinessAlert minutes in noting UP’s assessment of rail
ownership in the area:

• Poplar to Louise = Oakland Terminal Railroad (OTR), owned jointly
• 26th, Wood to Chestnut = owned jointly, BNSF and UP
• 20th, Wood to Poplar = BNSF
• 18th, Wood to Poplar = Old Red Train line, Southern Pacific (SP acquired by UP)
• Concrete panels on Mandela = needs further research
• Wood Street, Emeryville to 18th Street = BNSF

Michael noted action items going forward:

• Margot will provide priority sites to BNSF staff
• BNSF will work internally with Texas staff to better understand property lines and responsibility
• The idea of doing one street as a pilot should be posed
• BNSF is to seek capital funding for 2013 projects

John was thanked for BNSF’s accomplishments last year in removing debris from its property.

Haz Mat Dumping – City Pick Up Policy and Procedure

George Burtt shared photos of haz mat dumped on a West Oakland street and conveyed that the
services being offered for haz mat pick-up are unacceptable and inadequate. Dexter English
responded that haz mat is being made a priority matter by the Mayor, and a new fire chief may
also make a positive impact in the way in which materials are handled. The goal is to reduce the
gap between when haz mat is dumped and reported, and the time of pick-up.

Public Works Agency (PWA) is not allowed to pick up haz mat, as it is not qualified to do so. The
Oakland Fire Department is the entity charged with picking up haz mat materials. George
discussed the lack of a cohesive system for picking up haz mat. A joint effort between PWA and
Oakland Fire Department should be implemented. Dexter reported that a plan is currently being
made to address pick up in a much quicker and more efficient manner. The goal is to pick up all
haz mat materials once determined it is safe to do so. PWA would be in violation of various
regulations in picking up haz mat, and may be put in danger by not knowing what exists the in the
containers being picked up.

Leroy Griffin reported on haz mat pick-up from the Oakland Fire Department standpoint. Oakland
Fire Department has a tracking system in place for haz mat pick-up. Haz mat pick-up is
expensive in that a company engine is taken out of service for every pick-up, costing thousands of
dollars for every gallon of haz mat processed. As budgets tighten, it has become a challenge to
locate a funding source for haz mat pick-up. When first initiated, the haz mat program was meant
for large scale accidents, such as tanker overturns, not for household pick-up’s. Most pick-up
(90%) now consists of oil dumped by local residents doing oil changes, or dumped paint.
Springtime (after spring cleaning) and at Christmastime are peak haz mat dumping periods.

Leroy discussed a fine that was levied against the City of Oakland because Oakland Fire
Department had not been following proper procedure in picking up haz mat. Oakland Fire
Department needs to get recertified for pick-up. The goal will be to pick up haz mat within 24
hours of being notified of dumping. Those who pick up haz mat need to be specially-trained and
OSHA-certified. Materials need to be dropped off at a certified haz mat facility (on Edgewater
Drive) and a receipt issued. Ultimately, haz mat is picked up by a contractor out of Ogden, Utah.
Leroy noted that warning signage and dummy cameras are an important tool in deterring
dumping. Cameras have proved to be an effective deterrent on Railroad Avenue in East Oakland.

Both Leroy and Dexter emphasized that haz mat pick-up response will improve shortly, as State
recertification is in process and the Mayor’s Office has made haz mat a higher priority. George
urged that PWA and Oakland Fire Department work together more closely, with improved
communication, so that haz mat is handled in a fast and efficient manner. Tim of Bay Alarm
agreed to share license plate data with PWA and Oakland Fire Department of dumpers the
company documents. Leroy welcomes the opportunity to return to West Oakland BusinessAlert in
April to discuss progress.

Illegal Dumping Deterrent System

The contract for the deterrent system as implemented by Bay Alarm is set to expire in September.
As a City budget is now being formulated, discussion about the continuation of the deterrent
system needs to occur. Quantifiable statistics are needed by City of Oakland as to the
effectiveness of the system in deterring dumping.

New Business

George noted the West Oakland Specific Plan does not address issues discussed at today’s
meeting. Margot agreed that Ettie Street and the flood control issues occurring there need to be
incorporated into the Plan, as well as area lighting and street surfacing. As BusinessAlert is
focused primarily on crime and security matters, how topics relating to the Specific Plan are to be
included at this meeting will need be determined.

West Oakland Business Alert Agenda
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
SF Enterprises Conference Room
2525 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA  94607

3:00 – 3:10         Welcome & Self Introductions

Michael Herling – (Owner, Consolidated Cleaning WO) West Oakland BusinessAlert Chair

3:10 – 3:30         Area 1 Safety & Security Update

Invited Staff: Captain Jeffrey Israel

Neighborhood Service Division for West Oakland

Invited Staff: Annie Sloan, NSD

3:30 – 3:45         Status of Railroads (BNSF and UP) Right of Way Issues

Invited Guest: John Palacio, BNSF

Right of Way Conditions and Repair

3:45 – 4:00         Continued Illegal Dumping Discussion

Invited Staff: Dexter English

Report Back from PWA Committee Meeting on Illegal Dumping

4:00 – 4:45         Discussion with Fred Blackwell, Assistant City Administrator

Infrastructure, West Oakland Specific Plan

4:45 – 5:00         Old Business

New Business

Discussion re: Senator Loni Hancock Press Event/ Mattress Legislation BusinessAlert Chair: Michael Herling

5:00                     Adjournment

West Oakland Business Alert Mission Statement
The mission of West Oakland Business Alert group is to encourage the retention, attraction and
expansion of businesses in the area by helping companies address the issues of safety and security.

The Business Alert Committee is committed to creating safer neighborhoods for businesses and to
improve the image of our commercial corridors. The main goal is to create a better environment for
area residents and to help retain your business as
well as to attract new businesses to the area.

West Oakland Business Alert Chair
Michael Herling, Consolidated Cleaning Services, Inc.

West Oakland Business Alert Meets the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month

For more information, contact Roberto Costa, Business Assistance Center
(510) 238.2353 ●    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

City of Oakland Helpful Numbers

OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT:

OPD Emergency Number from Cell Phone – (510) 777-3211
OPD Non-Emergency Number from all phones – (510) 777-3333
OPD Emergency Number – 911
Annie Sloan – Neighborhood Services Coordinator, West of Grand Ave. (510) 238-2340 or
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Eddie Simlin, Police Services Technician
Partners your business group with the Oakland Police Department to keep your business area safe.
(510) 238-6200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sgt. Sakou Millington, West Oakland PSO Supervisor
(510) 238-3154 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Cpt. Steven Tull , Area Commander
(510) 238-3533 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Deputy Chief of Police Jeffrey Israel, Bureau of Investigations
(510) 238-3330 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY BUILDING SERVICES

John Stewart, Building Services
(510) 238-6223 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Rich Fielding, Building Services
(510) 238-6202 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
(510) 238-3381, to report Code Violations on Private Property
Isaac Wilson, Building Services
(510) 238-6163 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY

Blight Elimination and Infrastructure Maintenance
Street Lights, Pot Holes, Illegal Dumping.. Tree Trimming and Graffiti removal from Cit- owned
property.
(510) 615-5566 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Versall Henderson – Supervisor of Illegal Dumping
(510) 434-5103 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

West Oakland Business Alert 2011 Meeting Dates
Mark the Third Wednesday of Each Month @ 3 pm on Your Calendar

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Last year, GJHC convened over 200 San Francisco residents to explore job opportunities, to address barriers to employment, and to inspire community involvement and now we are doing it in Oakland on 14th Street on February 29th, a lucky leap year day. GJHC is a partnership between People’s Grocery, United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) 5, Oakland Alliance, food justice organizations, community organizations and governmental entities bringing together resources and opportunities to improve the quality of life for Oakland residents.

The People’s Grocery, one of the prime organizers, is located in West Oakland and understands how issues such as unemployment, underemployment, and low wages intersect with lack of health care and lack of access to healthy food. By bringing together resource organizations to assist Oakland residents in accessing knowledge and opportunities, this collaboration can help restore individuals and communities as thriving, healthy places for future generations. For more information: Razonia McClellan Phone: 432.352.7477 or Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it