The Bay Area has a very rich history when it comes to sports. The San Francisco 49ers won five superbowl championships, The Oakland A's won three World Series titles, the last coming in 1989. The Giants have won five of their own championships and last made the World Series in 2002. The Golden State Warriors won a NBA championship in 1957, and last made the playoffs in 2007 after a 14th year absent from the postseason. Countless great athletes have made their names here in the bay area, guys like Rickey Henderson, Barry Bonds, Vida Blue in baseball. Jerry Rice, O.J. Simpson, Steve Young and Joe Montana in the NFL. Wilt Chamberlain, Robert Parrish and Nate Thurmond in the NBA. All are hall of famers in their respective sports and have the bay area's sport history one that is truly golden.
Fast forward to 2010 and things look drastically different, at least three teams (49ers, A's and Raiders) have contemplated their possible exodus from the bay area. The 49ers are exploring the idea of building a new stadium in Santa Clara, The A's are bouncing around the idea of moving to San Jose or Fremont. The Oakland Raiders who have renewed their lease until 2013, were one of many NFL mentioned to be headed to Los Angeles. (Something they did in 1982)
If you want to include the Sacramento Kings and rumors of them leaving for Las Vegas, then thats four teams looking to abandon their loyal fans for "greener" pastures. Almost all these teams are talking about leaving due to the lack of money to build new stadiums. The A's have proposed several different sites in Oakland for a new home, for example Jack London Square and the old army base. If money is really at the root of the all potential evil of these teams leaving then there's gotta be a reasonable solution to keep these teams in the region.
Its been proposed that the Raiders and Niners share a new stadium, a cost effective alternative that I think would only add to great rivalry the two teams have. The same solution could keep done with the A's and Giants, which would keep fans of the two teams very happy. Along with keeping jobs in the bay area, which seems to be an issue not really addressed in the matter.
Oracle owner Larry Ellison, who this week celebrated his team's America's Cup victory at city hall in San Francisco. Now has the power to bring the sporting event to the bay area, something that Gavin Newsom seems to support with comments he made at the ceremony this weekend. The pay-off could be tremendous for San Francisco if Ellison can bring the event to the bay area. Previous cities that have held the sailing competition have seen $1 million in revenue. San Francisco could somewhere in the range of $4-6 million, which would be a needed boost of income to city.
Ellison has also been had at work trying to purchase the Golden State Warriors, in which Oracle owns the naming right to Oakland Arena in where the team calls home. Ellison has been a bidding battle with the Warriors current owners and has said that if he fails in his attempt to aquire the team, that he would focus his effort on bring another NBA team to bay area.
The sport of soccer is also trying to make the bay area home, The Oakland Coliseum could be home the FIFA world cup in 2018 or 2020. Huge crowds gathered at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto to watch several games in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The future could be very bright for the next generation of bay area sports fans. To borrow the motto used by the Warriors back in 2007,"WE BELIEVE".
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Oakland's "Green" Future and Legalization
I'm the last person that needs to be writing a blog about marijuana, after getting caught recently for possession in Hayward. This though is about my hometown of Oakland, and what I believe is slow progression towards not only legalization of "the plant" (It is not a drug, as many anti-marijuana supporters like to argue). I think it could lead to the growth of what already seems like an established pot culture in the city. We already have Oaksterdam University, the "college" and marijuana dispensary in downtown Oakland, as well a new dispensary that recently opened off Hegenberger. There's even been a Newsweek artice entitled "Welcome to Potopia", wrote about how the nine block of section of downtown which Oaksterdam home. The article praises our city as being, "model for what a legalized-drug America could look like" and a "modern marijuana mecca".
We already approved a huge tax policy on marijuana dispensaries this year, with hopes of big "green" being made off the green plant. $18 for every $1,000 grossed— which many believe will generate up to $1 million in the first year. This was approved by 80 percent of voters. We are the first vity in the nation to accomplish this feat, which has me wondering if Oaklanders will flock to polling booths in November to vote for legalization
I'm also wondering if other cities will follow in our footsteps, ultimately creating a sustainable movement. With all the measures being taken to rid cities of cigarette smoking in public places, and the proposed $ 1.00 tax on cigarettes. Will we finally see the day where cigarettes and tobacco companies are put out of business in favor of alternative that has better financial and medical benefits.
With the health care reform battle still being fought in Washington, and many people suffering while democrats and republicians throw political knives at each other. Will marijuana legalization provide us a solution until there is a solution?
.
We already approved a huge tax policy on marijuana dispensaries this year, with hopes of big "green" being made off the green plant. $18 for every $1,000 grossed— which many believe will generate up to $1 million in the first year. This was approved by 80 percent of voters. We are the first vity in the nation to accomplish this feat, which has me wondering if Oaklanders will flock to polling booths in November to vote for legalization
I'm also wondering if other cities will follow in our footsteps, ultimately creating a sustainable movement. With all the measures being taken to rid cities of cigarette smoking in public places, and the proposed $ 1.00 tax on cigarettes. Will we finally see the day where cigarettes and tobacco companies are put out of business in favor of alternative that has better financial and medical benefits.
With the health care reform battle still being fought in Washington, and many people suffering while democrats and republicians throw political knives at each other. Will marijuana legalization provide us a solution until there is a solution?
.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Mr.Dellums Please Find The Nearest Exit
So last night I caught the news segment on Mayor Ron Dellums, and the possibility of him running for a second term. I think that would be huge mistake for him and the city of Oakland. He's been in office for the last five years and the city has suffered greatly. Crime and employment remain two of the cities biggest problems, along with the yearly school closures and various other issues. His answer for crime is putting more police on the streets, but we saw from last year's horrfic shooting of four OPD officers that solution only created a bigger problem. It also showed a lack of respect for those who are supposed to "protect and serve". Though Oakland's homicide rate in 2009 was only 100, 40 less than in 2008. Dellums has failed in my opinion to do more regarding getting guns off the streets, and creating policies that keep guns out of the hands of these indivduals that seem to have a "black market" on speed dial.
I've noticed and other citizens probably have as well, that our mayor doesn't make a lot of public appearances. Now that may be due to his health, but when compared to his mayorial counterpart cross the water Gavin Newsom its kind of disturbing that Dellums doesn't make more of any effort to show his face more. I think it creates a huge disconnected with the citizens of Oakland. He's sort of a "Phantom Menace", the borrow a term from George Lucas. How can he expect the people of this city to re-elect him, if he doesn't do the things a mayor should be doing.
Dellums and Oakland Raiders' owner Al Davis have a lot in common and can learn valuable lessons from each. Both are bad for business. Their two indivduals that are hurting the city of Oakland and its citizens, both should be escorted to the nearest exit. Imagine if Davis were mayor, this city would "Just Lose Baby". Kind of what its doing right now.
I've noticed and other citizens probably have as well, that our mayor doesn't make a lot of public appearances. Now that may be due to his health, but when compared to his mayorial counterpart cross the water Gavin Newsom its kind of disturbing that Dellums doesn't make more of any effort to show his face more. I think it creates a huge disconnected with the citizens of Oakland. He's sort of a "Phantom Menace", the borrow a term from George Lucas. How can he expect the people of this city to re-elect him, if he doesn't do the things a mayor should be doing.
Dellums and Oakland Raiders' owner Al Davis have a lot in common and can learn valuable lessons from each. Both are bad for business. Their two indivduals that are hurting the city of Oakland and its citizens, both should be escorted to the nearest exit. Imagine if Davis were mayor, this city would "Just Lose Baby". Kind of what its doing right now.
Friday, January 15, 2010
When Will It Stop! RIP Dewey Tucker
I wrote earlier this weekend about Oakland's first homicide of the year. Soon after we experienced our second, followed by the freeway shooting on Interstate 80.
My condolences go out to the family of Dewey Tucker, as his career as a bass player had come to an end fatally. Tucker, who toured the world with Lauryn Hill and had also done work with Bay Area hip hop group The Coup, will be truly be missed.
I can't describe how depressing this week has been. A man is gunned down in front of his wife and young children, another stabbed by a woman, and finally Tucker been gunned down by semi-automatic handgun in what CHP believes at the moment was a random incident.
This week serves as an example, that the issue of violence isn't just an Oakland thing, b rather a dark cloud that is currently enshrouding the entire Bay Area.
It really does seem like there's no value on human life, that people who believe violence is the answer.
Where did we go wrong? Where were the warning signs that society was heading in such a destructive direction, One that takes hundreds of life every year all over the Bay Area?
Families torn apart by senseless homicides, parents having to bury their sons and daughters even before someone does the same for them.
I can't imagine what the families of Dewey Tucker, Alvaro Ayala and the Oakland stabbing victim which resulted in our second homicide of the year are going through this week.
It must be difficult to cope with the loss of their love ones. Especially when it seems like these murders will get the same treatment from law enforcement and the media.
My condolences go out to the family of Dewey Tucker, as his career as a bass player had come to an end fatally. Tucker, who toured the world with Lauryn Hill and had also done work with Bay Area hip hop group The Coup, will be truly be missed.
I can't describe how depressing this week has been. A man is gunned down in front of his wife and young children, another stabbed by a woman, and finally Tucker been gunned down by semi-automatic handgun in what CHP believes at the moment was a random incident.
This week serves as an example, that the issue of violence isn't just an Oakland thing, b rather a dark cloud that is currently enshrouding the entire Bay Area.
It really does seem like there's no value on human life, that people who believe violence is the answer.
Where did we go wrong? Where were the warning signs that society was heading in such a destructive direction, One that takes hundreds of life every year all over the Bay Area?
Families torn apart by senseless homicides, parents having to bury their sons and daughters even before someone does the same for them.
I can't imagine what the families of Dewey Tucker, Alvaro Ayala and the Oakland stabbing victim which resulted in our second homicide of the year are going through this week.
It must be difficult to cope with the loss of their love ones. Especially when it seems like these murders will get the same treatment from law enforcement and the media.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
First Bang Of The Year
So Oakland has it first homicide of the year. 2009 opened with the now highly publicized Oscar Grant shooting. While in 2010 the victim was Alvaro Ayala, who was shot and killed Sunday night in front of his wife and two children. Ayala who was only 28 years old was killed by an armed robber who had originally attacked his wife. His 5-year old daugther and 10 year old son witnessed what must be a very traumatic experience. But also were victims of another senseless shooting, a problem that neither our Mayor or the police can't control. Last year Oakland total homicide rate was only 100. Far lower from previous high like 1992's 172 or 2008's 124 homicides. But just because the number are slightly lower doesn't mean the problem is any closer to being solved.
Four of the 100 homicides from 2009, were OPD officers that were gunned down in cold blood. In what was the darkest moment in the history of the city and it's department. The major issue not the number of homicide but rather but lack of respect and concern for human life. It's understandable that in the current ecomomic times, that survival is everyone's number one goal. But when harming others and taking innocent lives becomes the response to the hardships is when something needs to be done. Almost all this senseless murders go unsolved, their reported on the news stations and thats all. While the residents seem to be tight-lipped when it comes to assisting the police in solving these crimes.
Putting more police officers on the streets, or tougher gun laws help but won't solve what seems to be a internal problem inside these indivduals. Who don't value their own lives, or the lives of their neighbors and fellow Oakland citizens. Its truly depressing, where did we go wrong Oakland? What will the future be like for the next generations? Will there be anything left of this city?
Four of the 100 homicides from 2009, were OPD officers that were gunned down in cold blood. In what was the darkest moment in the history of the city and it's department. The major issue not the number of homicide but rather but lack of respect and concern for human life. It's understandable that in the current ecomomic times, that survival is everyone's number one goal. But when harming others and taking innocent lives becomes the response to the hardships is when something needs to be done. Almost all this senseless murders go unsolved, their reported on the news stations and thats all. While the residents seem to be tight-lipped when it comes to assisting the police in solving these crimes.
Putting more police officers on the streets, or tougher gun laws help but won't solve what seems to be a internal problem inside these indivduals. Who don't value their own lives, or the lives of their neighbors and fellow Oakland citizens. Its truly depressing, where did we go wrong Oakland? What will the future be like for the next generations? Will there be anything left of this city?
Friday, November 20, 2009
Johannes Mehserle Trial Moved To L.A.
There's two reasons I approach any conversation about the death of Oscar Grant with caution. The first being the most obvious, I am a African-American male from Oakland. The second, I was actually at Fruitvale Bart on that faithful night. I heard the gun shot that took the life of Grant. I've always tried to look at both sides of the story and not seem bias. Police brutality and shootings seem to be the hot topics of the year, there was recently the 16 year old teen who shot and killed in Richmond. In connection with a car-jacking, just this week a San Jose State student was tasered and beating after incident which the student had threatened a roommate with a knife. Plus how can I forget the shootings of four on-duty police officers in Oakland earlier this year.
This week I along with others were happy with the decision to move the trial to Los Angeles County. But it made me thing about another high-profile case that took center stage in Los Angeles. That's right the Rodney King case.
Which effected the whole entire city. Oscar Grant's situation has it similarities to King's but there are certain differences. Oscar Grant very well could be my generation's version of the Rodney King. With lessons we could all learn from. This trial will probably see the same media attention and coverage that King's trial did, which I think helps the overrall cause. Many people outside of the Bay Area and California, probably experienced limited media coverage of what happen. For those who get exposed to the story, probably have their minds and opinions set.
Earlier this year we saw protests for Oscar Grant that gave way to a few individuals destroying businesses and vehicles in the downtown Oakland area. Again very similar to what was seen on television after the Rodney King verdict was handed down. This is perfect example of what I mean by "lessons" we could all learn from. That method handling the situation gets us nowhere. It only further the argument of those who believe that people in Oakland, " Don't know how to act" or that they " Don't know how to act civilized". That we must hold ourselves accountable for our action on this journey to obtain justice.
There's a lot on the line in this trial, not just Johannes Mehserle being brought to justice for a crime that he committed. But there still the social and racial and undertones that we had to deal with during the Rodney King trial. If just for one moment, we could keep in the back of minds the mistakes made back in 1991. I think that this time around the outcome will be much different.
This week I along with others were happy with the decision to move the trial to Los Angeles County. But it made me thing about another high-profile case that took center stage in Los Angeles. That's right the Rodney King case.
Which effected the whole entire city. Oscar Grant's situation has it similarities to King's but there are certain differences. Oscar Grant very well could be my generation's version of the Rodney King. With lessons we could all learn from. This trial will probably see the same media attention and coverage that King's trial did, which I think helps the overrall cause. Many people outside of the Bay Area and California, probably experienced limited media coverage of what happen. For those who get exposed to the story, probably have their minds and opinions set.
Earlier this year we saw protests for Oscar Grant that gave way to a few individuals destroying businesses and vehicles in the downtown Oakland area. Again very similar to what was seen on television after the Rodney King verdict was handed down. This is perfect example of what I mean by "lessons" we could all learn from. That method handling the situation gets us nowhere. It only further the argument of those who believe that people in Oakland, " Don't know how to act" or that they " Don't know how to act civilized". That we must hold ourselves accountable for our action on this journey to obtain justice.
There's a lot on the line in this trial, not just Johannes Mehserle being brought to justice for a crime that he committed. But there still the social and racial and undertones that we had to deal with during the Rodney King trial. If just for one moment, we could keep in the back of minds the mistakes made back in 1991. I think that this time around the outcome will be much different.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Marijuana Laws Help Small Oakland Business'
Marijuana is always a interesting topic of discussion, no matter what the context of the conversation. Recently the new Obama adminstration, passed legislation regarding clubs and business' that sell marijuana. Protecting them from raids by federal agencies. Oakland has it own subculture devoted to the plant.
Oaksterdam is the city's hub for everything marijuana, there cafes, and clubs. There's also "Oaksterdam University", the first cannabis college. Last year Oaksterdam made between $4-5 million dollars, which also includes bicycle rentals, and glass blowing.
Oakland also voted this pass July, to approve a tax on medical majuana sales for clubs. It's estimated to bring in $ 300,000 per year for the city.
Another successful business was the Harborside Health Center, an Oakland dispensary that provides numerous services, had about $20 million in gross revenues last year and expects to pay $400,000 in taxes to Oakland in 2010. These kind of business' not only help revamp the image of marijuana, making more than just something that high school and college students, spend having their time endulging in. But becomes a very viable form of money in city that is over budget and in debt.
It also helps that the government has an interest, with healthcare reform in an "under-construction" process. The Marijuana industry maybe an option for many that can't afford or don't have healthcare. Which may lead to the complete legalization of the plant.
Plus with all the new smoking laws involving cigarrettes, it forces one to think. Is it possible that complete legalization marijuana might be on the horizon? We will have to stay tuned and see what unfolds.
Oaksterdam is the city's hub for everything marijuana, there cafes, and clubs. There's also "Oaksterdam University", the first cannabis college. Last year Oaksterdam made between $4-5 million dollars, which also includes bicycle rentals, and glass blowing.
Oakland also voted this pass July, to approve a tax on medical majuana sales for clubs. It's estimated to bring in $ 300,000 per year for the city.
Another successful business was the Harborside Health Center, an Oakland dispensary that provides numerous services, had about $20 million in gross revenues last year and expects to pay $400,000 in taxes to Oakland in 2010. These kind of business' not only help revamp the image of marijuana, making more than just something that high school and college students, spend having their time endulging in. But becomes a very viable form of money in city that is over budget and in debt.
It also helps that the government has an interest, with healthcare reform in an "under-construction" process. The Marijuana industry maybe an option for many that can't afford or don't have healthcare. Which may lead to the complete legalization of the plant.
Plus with all the new smoking laws involving cigarrettes, it forces one to think. Is it possible that complete legalization marijuana might be on the horizon? We will have to stay tuned and see what unfolds.
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