Keep the A's in OAKLAND

Whose to blame: Canada, Communism, Dan Johnson?

2006-12-01T19:01:00.000-08:00

I'm really glad that it was the East Bay Express who were the first to publish a feature article describing what has led to the A's planned move to Fremont. Robert Gammon and Chris Thompson did a great job in bringing to light the events and especially the interactions that took place. Although I don't feel it is entirely comprehensive, nor does it offer any posititve future for Oakland, it is the best feature article about the topic yet to be published.

The easy thing to do with this article is figureing out who really is to blame. They do such a good job in showing the circumstances that made Wolff decide on Fremont as the new ballpark location. Scapegoating is a very fun game. You can create a ranking system as I did:
The Blame a Chump Selection

Jerry Brown------ 1575 pts
Al Davis----------- 1491
Lew Wolff--------- 1445
Steve Schott-------1405
Bud Selig---------- 1255

Yet blaming owners and city officials is really pointless. The cause for the team moving South is rooted much deeper.

The blame rests on the C- word.... yes COMMUNISM. If it wasn't for those damn reds, nuclear (Or nucular if you prefer Bush-tongue) proliferation and East Berlin, the A's would still be in Oakland with a new downtown stadium, and Keak Da Sneak and Mistah FAB would be ownership parteners....
....oh wait
....what? not Communism, really.....
...Canada? no. Dan Johnson? damn...
...I am sorry ya'll. I got my C-words mixed up. So yeah, as I was just informed, the blame rests on our truly beloved free market system, called Capitalism.

Yeah that's right! Capitalism has taken our A's down to that city that's just "a parking lot with a mayor"! Capitalism is at fault! Can I get an amen!! (Before I get jumped on, I would like to say I am not a commie, red, socialist, or scientologist. I am just a concerned U.S.Yay citizen)

But let's be serious, Oakland has been screwed many-a-time before by big business, just like any major industrial city, this is nothing new. It's just the face and hope of the city that's leaving. Nothing big. The Town has recovered before, right? Oh wait, it's still recovering. The capitalist system is efficiently brutal. It's extremely adaptive and has made this country the super power that it is today, unfortunately, at the expense of many everyday people.

I don't want to make capitalism out as an evil demon because it does have many positive aspects to it, but it's effiency has help caused many of the problems this country faces today; mainly the declining middle class, our failing diplomacy, declining public schools, and the cause for most military conflicts.

"Thematically, it's about the very simple idea that, in this Postmodern world of ours, human beings—all of us—are worth less. We're worth less every day, despite the fact that some of us are achieving more and more. It's the triumph of capitalism," said David Simon, one of the co-writers of The Wire, in suming up his amazingly-complex HBO show. I hope some Oakland city officials can catch some episodes, they'll see many similarities with our town and Baltimore. Except for a great downtown ballpark.

Simon continues, "Whether you're a corner boy in West Baltimore, or a cop who knows his beat, or an Eastern European brought here for sex, your life is worth less. It's the triumph of capitalism over human value. This country has embraced the idea that this is a viable domestic policy. It is. It's viable for the few." (Here's the full interview)

Pretty cynical, but fairly spot-on. So the question is raised: Are we, as A's fans, pawns in the business of baseball and professional sports in general? and even further: Are we, as U.S. citizens, pawns of a the capitalist system? Do we worship the dollar more than we worship a God or our system of government or even ourselves? Mostly yes, buuuuuuuuuuut..... we can overcome.

It doesn't mean we have to start a socialist revolution and burning things(but if things get worse, it unfortunately could happen). It means just trying to stick to your morals and not compromising your ideals, community, friends, family, happiness and country for a dollar. It means making sure people who are in power and fail to uphold these truths are held accountable. It means learning from our past mistakes and not repeating them. Nobody is perfect.

As A's fans and American citizens if cannot adhere to these ideals and others I've failed to mention, we will continue to be dissapointed by big business and capitalism in general. The capitalist system can work, but it must be regulated and balanced, for it will destroy everything in it's path.

As I've said before, "The A's franchise has a long history of screwing its fans and cities, this is just another manifestation of that trend." To elaborate: The capitalist system has a had a rich history of making some people very wealthy, powerful, and maybe happy, but has screwed many of it's followers. The A's moving to Fremont "is just another manifestation of that trend."

The new Cisco Field will be a mall and may make Lew Wolff richer than he already is. Even though I know a downtown ballpark would have made him way more dough, and loved by A's fans. Yes, people will like it and the stadium should do fine. Heck, I'll probably go, but will have a knot in my stomach knowing this could have been in Oakland and could have helped continue to move the city in the right direction.

We can be cynical and blame people like Lew Wolff, Bud Selig, Steve Schott, Kenneth Lay (Enron), Lee Scott (Walmar), Dick Cheney, etc. who will continue to dominate our society and make decisions based on greed. Or we as country decide that we value morals and substance over the dollar. We will never have a perfect world were people don't get hurt, but we must all take a step back and look at our longterm goals decide who we want to be.

Thank you and good night, you've all been far to kind.
-Vent complete-

Side Note: New Links up on side bar-Prof Oakland's, and A's Booster Club

"Whose Oakland?"-Summary of an Execution that took Place Tuesday

2006-11-14T12:59:00.000-08:00

Fill in the blank: ____________ Athletics of Fremont

It was the meeting of the minds. The big guns were there, Selig, Wolff, John Chambers Ceo of Cisco, even Beane showed up. They talked and showed us their vision, it did not include Oakland... at all. The A's will be playing in Fremont barring any major disturbance.
Lew Wolff spoke; claimed Scott Haggerty planted the "Fremont seed" three years ago, and that the "Most Valuable Person of the MLB is Bud Selig". Mr. Wolff ya got something brownish on your nose. I wonder if Lew acted this way when he was a frat brother with Buddy. "We believe that Cisco Field will be an economic benefit to the entire area." Of course mentioning Santa Clara County as well.

Depressed looking Selig pontificated, even including that Lew's momma claimed, Wolff would never amount to a "pile of pins." Cute.

Billy spoke, he was bright spot of day. Beane says, "I can't wait to start cashing some of these checks to start signing some of our players." I hope so as well.

Questions were asked.
-Public transportation? Wolff: We're examining the public transportation issue. We're spending our time on the transportation aspect and sharing it with the citizens and elected officials of Alameda County. (Paraphrase: I have know idea, people actually ride bart. Hummers are way sweeter.)
-Name? Selig: The naming rights has to adequately portray the area it represents. Oakand? (Paraphrase: San Jose A's or Silicon Valley A's or Crisco A's or The UnOakland A's)
-Wolff: I felt that Oakland had lots of priorities, but in terms of the discipline in terms of giving a site, I didn't sense it. I need a ballpark for my organization will work for everyone. The only option after Fremont is to move out of the state of California. If someone feels we didn't do enough, there isn't much I can do about it. (Paraphrase: I hate Oakland and all ways will.)
-Selig: "If you want a team to be competitive, right Billy? If you have a stadium that can't produce the revenues you need you are rendering it not competitive. This is a classic situation of a team that needs to take control of its own destiny. And it's done that. This is going to make the Oakland Athletics a better franchise. They had no alternative. This park has the potential to do so many unique things." (Paraphrase: Moneyball is ruining meeeeee! p.s. I also hate Oakland)

The new Cisco Field will be state of the art (lacking a bullpen or batters eye). Here's a better description. It looks pretty sweet, much as most artist renderings are. But really, it will be a cool park; real close to the action, interesting hi-tek thangs, and with a good team this would be a great fan experience.

Except for one thing....
The stadium will be built in Fremont, and in the middle of nowhere. The surrounding village will be a mall, with out a sense of community or respect for Oakland A's history. This will be a great venue for the band-wagon fan, the rich-bitchy-suburban girl, the souless corporate man who goes to games only because he wants to impress his boss and get that raise. The fans who have stuck with this team lose out. There will be no local bars, no history, or unique-quirky things that have defined the A's fan base. No, they get left out.

This is a new chapter in A's fanchise, leaving the Walter Haas legacy far behind. This is a Fremont South Bay team now. Say bye to Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, hell even Piedmont, and the Contra Costa towns, all who have help created the Oakland A's image. This is not a stadium, it's a mall. Fremont is fine suburb, but is not meant for a baseball team. This is a cheap and short-term way to build a stadium and make a lot of money. There is no "A" in Fremont.

I wonder how the fan experience at the Coliseum will be these next couple seasons?

These are the best things I have seen all day.
The Fremont Athletics are good?.

"F*&# the Fremont A's, Ghostride the Volvo"

My sentiments exactly.

Great Interview Neil deMause-Field of Schemes

2006-11-13T17:15:00.000-08:00

Elephants in Oakland interviewed Field of Schemes co-author/webmaster Niel deMause. Click here for interview.

In the interview, deMause comments on the idea that the Cisco-Fremont-A's stadium plans are more like a real-estate deal:

Right, that's the other conspiracy theory: that Wolff doesn't care about the stadium or the team, and just wants to use the stadium to get leverage to force Fremont to rezone his land so he can build condos. Stranger things have happened, certainly. There's a lot of speculation that something similar may happen in Brooklyn, with the planned Nets arena, where the residential development is the real cash cow for the developer.

DeMause actually feels there's a less than 50% chance that this stadium will be built in Fremont, that "There are a million things that can trip up even the best-laid stadium plans, and this one seems dodgier than most."

I agree that this Fremont stadium is not finalized and still could go horribly wrong, but Wolff has been able to get what he has wanted up to this point, for example tarping the third deck and buying land in Fremont. As for the idea that this is a real estate deal with a ballpark as a front, this is spot on. Wolff is getting a great opportunity to develop 143 acres of land in a middle class city close to San Jose. Real estate developers would kill for that opportunity to build condos right next to I880. Great interview.

In Conclusion

2006-11-10T11:31:00.000-08:00

I've been very busy, with school and life, which is why I haven't been able to post in regards to the lastest A's stadium news. Reportedly the A's have reached a deal with Cisco and the city of Fremont. Interestingly, Wolff has been bashful in announcing this new deal and instead spoke to Fremont city council members; "Wolff 'seemed almost apologetic' that word of the Cisco deal was leaked to news reporters earlier in the week." The Fremont city council still must hammer out transportation, financing, and rezoning details, but so far they seem happy with the deal.

As Wolff plans to move the team to Fremont, John York continues to tarnish 49er legacy as he cut off talks with San Francisco and told the media Santa Clara was in the plans of a new stadium on Wednesday. Whether not this is a bluff or an actual legitamite plan, Niner fans should start to organize if they want to try and keep their team in S.F. Remember the 49ers are the only San Francisco professional fanchise to ever win a championship. I will continue to post opinions on the 49er situation, because I find it very similar to the A's stadium issues. It's seems that York wants a Theme Park Stadium, with coasters traveling through the park, much as Wolff wants his Disneyland Dream Park.

So is it over? Apparently not to Robert Limon, head of Chose Or Lose. Here's his statement:

The Fremont community has to approve the development plan, and the infrastructural investment is going to be considerable. This plan may not work for Fremont---and Oakland needs to have options on the table and ready to go.

So I am not advocating negativity. I am advocating RESPONSIBILITY and communication. We need our city's leaders to publicly communicate what they will do NOW. Hopefully we can get them to put aside their personal concerns for the good of the community.

Let's just be open, honest, and realistic. Most importantly, LET'S BE IN ACTION.

There's a possibility we can hold a press conference TUESDAY at 6pm at the UPTOWN nightclub. I think it would be a great counter message to Lew's McDisneyCisco Village announcement. Plus, we could get a press release out and get alot of great press which will amplify our message. Most importantly--- YOU will get an opportunity to get on the Mic and speak your peace and express your message (keep it clean please). We will invite politicos also. It could be alot of fun.

2. We also need to agendize this entire subject to the City Council. Would you be willing to show up to the City Council in the next few weeks?

Feedback welcomed. If we do this Uptown Press Conference---we need to choose today and get it in action.

Who's up to Play? Let me know,

Thank you all,

Robert Limon
chooseorloseoakland@yahoo.com

If the this is the end, I want to say a few things, for I can't be at the Uptown meeting because I'm at school. A number of things have come to light during this process:

1. The A's fanchise has a long history of screwing it's fans and cities, this is just another manifestation of that trend. I don't think that change either. Do you really think the A's will stay in Fremont for more than 40 years. This is a short term/cheap solution to the A's stadium situation, and Wolff will not make as much money as he wants by building suburban ballpark.

2. Seatle will be the only urban ballpark in the AL West. Anaheim and Arlington are both very suburban ballparks. The Fremont park will be another car friendly facility and will continue to make I880 a nightmare.

3. You cannot place the blame on the current Oakland City Council, yes they did abolutely nothing to keep the A's, but even if they tried, Wolff would have not been swayed; he wanted to move the team from the beginning. The blame lands on Jerry Brown and the Schott/Hoffman ownership during the late 90's. They had a golden opportunity to hash out a plan to build a downtown ballpark, but neither side was willing to compromise. The Haas family sold the fanchise to Schott and Hoffman with the understanding they wouldn't move the team.

4. Oakland will, once again, be burned by big business.

5. Cisco Field will be a carbon copy of Artie Moreno's Angel Stadium, cheap and souless.

6. By moving the team to Fremont, you will lose much of the soul and eccentricity that was a big part of the Oakland A's fan experience. Whether is was Crazy George's wave, the Banjo Guy, or the drummers and flag wavers in left field. I think unfortunately you lose those unique qualities of an A's game when the team goes to Fremont.

7. Oakland loses a huge part of it's culture and identity. I guess we'll have to rely on the Hyphy Movement for motivation and excitment.

8. This will be a huge change for most of us A's fans. I will go to games in Fremont, but it will not be the same. The idea of building a mall around the stadium is gross to me. I don't want to be bombarded with annoying teenage girls and the superficiality that comes with large suburban retail centers like the one Wolff plans. The tailgaters will be pushed far from the stadium. Maybe instead they can eat a Chotchkie's closer to the stadium and be amazed by their waiters flair. Sounds like fun Lew. (Im fairly bitter)

9. As for a name change, I really hope they don't change the name. But at this point Wolff has burned Oakland so much that a name change would be the icing on the cake. Wolff might as well continue to humiliate Oakland and alienate A's fans.

If this is the end, I would like to thank all the Oakland supporters and their efforts. At least we didn't roll over. I would also like to thank everybody who came to this blog and stated their opinion, whether it was for or against. This was my first blog, and I hope people came away with a new perspective. Thanks for putting up with my spelling and grammatical errors. Thanks to all the other bloggers who helped me out.

I will continue to post things, but I'm fairly busy these days, and haven't had much time to post. Hopefully the 49ers will stay in S.F. I'm a Raider fan, and I even have sympathy for Niner fans right now. I know what their going through.

Pat Kernighan's Choice

2006-10-18T22:31:00.000-07:00

Pat Kernighan has participated in Choose or Lose the Oakland A's. Here's her clip.

Oakland Officials Finally Respond to Recent Fremont Developments

2006-10-11T14:39:00.000-07:00

Oakland City Councils members and even Ron Dellums have responded to Wolff's purchase of land off of I880:

"It's been a while that I have been hearing the A's are leaving," De La Fuente said. "Being in this game for so long, this doesn't mean a thing."

I disagree IDLF, developing a ballpark plan is a very long process and Mr. Wolff's purchase is a clear indication that he is taking the steps toward buying up all the land around the Pacific Commons. So when he does buy Pacific Commons he will own the land around the ballpark, which he can sell, and or develop.

"He is a real estate developer, and perhaps he just bought three parcels in that area as a real estate developer," Dellums said through his communications director, Deborah Campbell Ford. "It would be ignorant on our part to speculate on what Mr. Wolff's intentions are."

How would it be ignorant to speculate that Mr. Wolff is planning to move the team out of Oakland? Isn't it obvious? Would it be ignorant of me to speculate that you, Mr. Dellums, are cleary following the footsteps of Brown as another political hack.

"We all got this feeling, everybody who met with him, we all walked away thinking he was just not interested," said Councilmember Jane Brunner (North Oakland). "When you negotiate with someone, you need a nibble. ... There was just no nibble."

She brings up an interesting point because Wolff has stated that the city has made no attempts to work with him on a site, but Brunner claims they have tried, but got no bite.

"Originally, he just wanted entitlements to the sites, but then it became clear he wanted more," she said. "He wanted a clean site, he wanted a very easy development."

Makes sense. Like any shrewd business man, Wolff wants the easiest/cheapest way to build his Disney Land park (Yes, he wants an Arty Moreno style Disney Park). This "he said/she said" match between Wolff and the Oakland City Council has yet to change. It's a toss up on who to believe.

"To be honest with you, I don't think there is the political will on the council, given all the other things we have to provide to our residents," said Councilmember Larry Reid (Elmhurst-East Oakland). "Mr. Wolff has made a decision that he can't do what he needs to do in Oakland."

And then there's Larry Reid who seems to be lone council member who seems to really know what's going on. Even if there was political will on the council I doubt something would get hashed with Wolff. Dellums seems to be the only one with any ability to get something rolling, but he is absent and cares to much about what his backers think to take a chance on a saving an Oakland tradition.

Wolff doesn't care about Oakland, tarps the third deck during the playoffs, buys land in Fremont, and can't decide where to have a World Series parade. "It would be ignorant on our part to speculate on what Mr. Wolff's intentions are." Dellums you're a hack and Wolff go f*ck yourself.

Go to the October 17th City Council Meeting to voice your opinion. (See Post Below)

Wolff buying land in Fremont and Oct. 17 City Council Meeting

2006-10-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

As the A's continue the their amazing postseason run, but looming in the backdrop is Wolff's plan to move the team to Fremont. Matier and Ross claim that the plan is moving to foward, with the team in the process of buying Cisco owned land in Fremont. As we have all suspected Dellums has yet to speak to Mr. Wolff since his election, which does not bode well for Oakland supporters.

But we have a great opportunity coming up to speak face-to-face to Oakland City Officials. Here's Robert Limons word:

Dear Oakland's A's Fans,

Congratulations to the A's from Oakland for taking care of business with the TWINkieS. Go A's!
The A's are the Pride of Oakland.
KEEP THE A's in OAKLAND !

Express your message to our City's Fathers & Mothers. SHOW UP ! at the City Council Meeting and ask our City's leaders to begin talking about the Oakland A's in Oakland. Fill out a speaker card online to reserve your mic time, and then demand leadership from out city's mothers and fathers that they make Oakland a CAN DO CITY!

Save the Date and Show Up:
Tuesday October 17th, 2006 @ 6 PM. at Oakland City Council chambers and ASK our city leaders to KEEP THE A's in OAKLAND.
[after party at The Uptown]

NO More sticking their heads in the sand. Let our city's leaders know that we WANT THEM to INVENT A POSSIBILITY that KEEPS THE A's in OAKLAND.

REQEST:
Please
1. Follow the link and sign up to speak during OPEN FORUM starting at 6pm Tuesday, Oct. 17. :

http://oaklandnet.com/government/city_clerk/speakerupdate.cfm

Here's lot's of details:
Speaking at Open Forum
There will be a 15-minute Open Forum at the beginning of the 6 p.m. portion of the City Council meeting. If all Speakers are not heard within the 15 minute time frame, Open Forum will be continued at the end of the 7 p.m. portion of the meeting.

http://oaklandnet.com/government/city_clerk/speakerupdate.cfm

To speak during Open Forum:

- Submit a Speaker's Card to the City Clerk by 6 p.m.
- Generally, speakers will have at least one (1) minute to speak.
- If everyone who submitted a speaker card is not heard within the 15-minute period, they may speak at the end of the 7 p.m. portion of the agenda.

SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE.

Please share this email with your communities!

keepTheAsInOakland.com

Go A's (but not from Oakland)

best regards,

Robert Limon

No A in San Jose says Wolff

2006-08-31T18:27:00.000-07:00

San Jose will not be getting the A's.... at least anytime soon. As many of us predicted Selig was not willing to budge and Magowan was uninterested with the idea of the A's in San Jose. That seems to leave Oakland and Fremont as the front runners for a new ballpark. Fremont though continues to hold the upper hand, with it's Pacific Commons property. Newly elected Dellums and the Oakland City Council have yet to act this summer; Councilman Larry Reid feels "The history of the A's is the history of Oakland, but there needs to be the political will both in the city and the county." Oakland officials have continued to not address the stadium with a viable option, and continue to wait for a solution instead of creating one. Fortunately the possibility of a San Jose stadium has taken a hard hit. This is the time for Oakland officials to begin talks with Wolff, and find a location or solution suitable for Wolff's plans.

Video from Chose or Lose Rally

2006-07-28T14:02:00.000-07:00

"Keep the A's in Oakland" Tailgate

2006-06-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Here is the press release:
“Keep the A’s in Oakland” Tailgate Party followed by (secret) “in-stadium” Demonstration

All members of the “keep the A’s in Oakland” community are invited to celebrate their unity with live entertainment and can hear from local leaders expressing their commitment to keep the A’s.

OAKLAND, CA. The “keep the A’s in Oakland” Community has developed into a common voice expressing the frustration that it is the 11th hour and we are very close to losing the Oakland A's, yet we demand courageous and creative leadership to invent a common sense to facilitate and implement the construction of a new stadium in Oakland. We respectfully, but in no uncertain terms, demand that our voices are heard and heeded by our leaders, and to this end, we are growing our community at the “Keep the A’s in Oakland” Tailgate Party followed by an “in-stadium” demonstration Friday, July 7th, from 5:00-7:00 PM at the “B” parking lot tailgate area located on the Hegenberger side of the Coliseum parking lot. The “in-stadium” demonstration will take place inside the game and will be visual and artistic prompting the general community, young and old, to stand up and raise their voices as one.

Show up and hear for yourselves as City of Oakland leaders (all have been invited including Mayor-elect Ron Dellums) engage with the “keep the A’s in Oakland” community and state what they will do to keep this valuable resource. A follow-up press release will be sent out in the days prior to the event with a confirmed list of City and County Leaders who will participate. Please advertise and cover this newsworthy event as a community rises and turns possibility into reality. The event will begin promptly at 5:00 PM and will run until just before game time, 7:00 PM.

For more information, contact Robert Limon at 510-501-5811 or chooseorloseoakland@yahoo.com

"Chose or Lose" Mayor Candidates videos on You Tube

2006-06-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

It's too bad, these videos weren't made available before the election, but here is some great footage of the Oakland Mayor candidates views on the A's stadium situation. Give her credit, Nancy Nadel was the only one to participate in the debate at the Uptown club, but her ideas for the A's seemed bleak, similar to the current Oakland office. Ignacio De La Fuente, in his usual energetic self, was gung-ho about keeping the A's and Ron Dellums spoke like a true politician saying that he would try his best to keep the A's, but felt the door was closing. Annie Fields lesser known candidate was all for keeping the A's and was good to see someone fired up (Click on the links to see the videos).

Fremont has budget problems? You mean like Oakland and SJ?

2006-06-05T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's true. Like most major California cities, Fremont, for the first time will have to dip into its reserve. Chris De Benedetti writes about how funding a larger police force, fire department, and infrastucture in anticipation of a new stadium will not be possible with Fremont's current budget. Just like Oakland and San Jose, both cites looking to lure a new ballpark, Fremont is showing its weakness's. "The city of Fremont cannot pay out of pocket for those services(Police, fire, repavement of roads), therefore we would have to be financially compensated in the negotiations," says City Manager Fred Diaz . "And Mr. (Lewis) Wolff is sensitive to that." So Wolff, would have to pay for security and infrastructure around his ballpark, if planning to go with Fremont. How much will he be willing to throw down? Will his ballpark village be able to fully pay for these additional costs? Maybe Wolff should just buy Pacific Commons and make it his own town. The Wolffland A's, that has a ring...

REMEMBER TO VOTE TODAY Wherever you may live.

Wolff speaks to Fremont Men's Club (Sorry ladies)

2006-05-30T22:06:00.000-07:00

Washington Township Men's Club became the talk of the town as Lew Wolff made his presentation to Fremont for a new A's ballpark. But Wolff may have started off on the wrong foot; he made his presentation to the Fremont Men's Club, not Fremont Citizens club or something. Fremont council woman Anu Natarajan "wasn't pleased. 'I don't have a problem with men having men's clubs," she said. "But when Lew Wolff speaks in Fremont for the first time, it was wrong for them to exclude 50 percent of the population.'" Although Vice Mayor Steve Cho felt that Wolff "didn't say anything that wasn't already known," this whole club thing seems a little off. Wolff wants to make friends with the big guns in Fremont, but a men's only club? Gets back to what Wolff does best; partying with fraternity brothers, who wants a keg stand?

"Chose or Lose" meeting this Wednesady

2006-05-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Here's Robert Limon's word:

Hello Everyone,

Let's connect at the UPTOWN for a quick meeting Wednesday at 5.30. The meeting will be very purposeful and should not take over an hour (45 min. ideal).

Here's the agenda:
1. We need to decide on a date for the 1st Tailgate Rally [i think Friday June 30th would be good--it's the A's first game back since June 18th].
2. What is the in stadium demonstration--something cool that people will want to connect with and want to participate in (let's set a trend).
3. Promotion of the Rally.
4. Press relations for the rally.
5. Details and work re: rally.
6. Dates for the next 3 rallys.
7. Other issues?

Lastly, I think it is great that we have Zennie and other leaders so intimate with past attempts to create an A's ballpark solution, but we really need to get our focus on a new A's in Oakland solution. I think a strong arguement for a new ballpark is not going to be simply a good plan, but the three pronged approach of an activitated community, a good plan, and leadership.

So definitely let's learn from that past, and find a way to be complete with that past, but please let's not have the past cloud our creative vision of our future solution.

With that said, bring your creative brilliance and let's meet Wednesday.

Pass the word,

thank you,

Robert Limon

Send emails to choseorloseoakland@yahoo.com if you have questions.

Unofficial Wrap on Chose or Lose Forum

2006-05-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

I was really bummed that I missed the meeting, but I'm still in college(damn quarter system). Hopefully Robert Limon will send me his official take on the meeting and some of the movies that he shot, and these will quickly be posted.

I just had a quick conversation with Mr. Limon about how the forum went, and he sounded really happy with the turnout. He said around 70 people showed up, Marine Layer said 50. Either way it sounded great. I'm glad that Rob got the ball rolling, and he was very excited about holding future meetings, rallies, and possibly doing in-stadium demonstrations. Be sure to email him at chooseorloseoakland@yahoo.com to get more information about future events and meetings.

As people have mentioned here and on New A's Ballpark, the key to getting the A's to stay in Oakland is to convince the politicians that there is enough support from the community to back a new stadium. Nancy Nadel felt that we were in the minority, but there is no proof that Oakland citizens are against keeping the A's. Also there are numerous A's fans who have know idea what's going on with the stadium situation, and a little information could get them on our side.

Getting this movement known by the press is also a big deal. Contact your local reporter or editor and let them know what's going on, and that the "Keep the A's in Oakland" movement has officially started. Here's the Oakland Trib email list, the SF Gate Feedback page, the East Bay Express Contact Page, and the Contra Costa Times contact page.

CHOOSE OR LOSE THE A'S

2006-05-19T16:13:00.000-07:00

Robert Limon is organizing a forum on the A's plan to relocate, to suggest ways to stop the move and discuss the possibility of a move. I encourage people to attend the forum whether or not you are for or against the Fremont deal. Here's the plan in his own words:

I am a lifelong Oakland community member and A's fan. My friends and I have been frustrated that it is the 11th hour and we are very close to losing the Oakland A's. We are frustrated that no one seems to be expressing our point of view, and no one is taking action to keep the A's. Personally, I think having a world-class championship sports team in our community is a fantastic community resource and asset that benefits our business and property values. I want to see a common sense solution invented by the brilliant minds of Oakland citizens and leaders to facilitate and implement the construction of a new stadium in Oakland.

Now it's YOUR turn to express your opinion on the future of the A's in Oakland.

I have begun a community project and a documentary film called "Choose or Lose the Oakland A's" which is based on giving EVERY Oakland/East Bay community member a chance to voice their opinion whether they choose or lose the A's. Bottom line: The Oakland community needs an outlet to express their perspective to keep the A's in Oakland (or not). No matter how it turns out, I will know that I let my voice be heard.

We are going to kick off this community project with a Mayoral Community Forum on May 23, 2006 (Tuesday) from 5:30-7:30 PM at the Uptown Bar and Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph (at 19th), in downtown Oakland. Please see attached flyer. The future mayor of Oakland will respond to the same question: CHOOSE OR LOSE the Oakland A's? And Why?

I humbly request two things:
1. You show up to this event, share your opinion, and have some FUN.
2. You forward this info and invite all of your friends to this event; and/or contact me to get a flyer and distribute.

Now is the time--Take Action! Seize the Day! Choose or Lose the Oakland A's.

Thank you and best regards,

Robert Limon
chooseorloseoakland@yahoo.com

I can not attend this meeting because I won't be back in the Bay Area until early June, but I urge people to go and participate. Print off some flyers and bring them to the meeting. Copy and send this Robert's message to your friends email.

River Cats fastest to five-million fans

2006-05-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

Raley field opened in 2000, and has become one of the most beloved ballparks in the minors. With a seating capacity of a little less than 15 thousand, it only took the fanchise about 6 years to draw their five-millionth fan. The Cats are believed to be the fastest to reach that mark in Minor League history. Nina Muma was lucky 5 million and won two free trips: a ride around the warning track before the game (plus throwing out the first pitch) and a trip to Hawaii. She also won free River Cat tix for a year. Wow Nina! Talk about an ownership that respects and acknowledges it's fans. The people of Sacramento love their Cats and Raley field, and Alan Ledford, River Cats president, has figured out a way to create a really fan-friendly environment in his park. The combination of a competitive team, a decent stadium, and a fan-friendly ownership has made the River Cats one of the most successful minor league fanchises over the last 10 years.

Walter Haas was able to do this. Where Charlie 'O alienated many people and the A's didn't draw well even with a winning team, Haas understood how to deal with the masses and create a personal and friendly environment at his games and with the city. Schott and Hofmann lost that touch, and ran the fanchise into the ground. Wolff has yet to come close to Haas's level, but he shows signs he is capable of having human emotions and wanting to interact with his fans (i.e. sitting with common fans during games and doing interviews during broadcasts). If Wolff wants to reach that level, where fans are loyal to the team whether or not they are winning, he has to show respect and friendliness to the fans, and create an environment at A's games where a game becomes an experience not just another game. He can do this in his new staidum, but...

If Wolff can get a deal done in Oakland, and builds a stadium within the city, he will become a hero and legend among A's fans. Fans will love Lew Wolff and become even more loyal to the fanchise, especially if the park is as he says it will be. It won't matter to fans where he puts the park, next to the Coliseum or downtown, fans will go. If Wolff decides to leave Oakland, even if it's only 20 miles away, many A's fans will be hurt and disappointed, especially the ones that live North of the present Coliseum. The Haas family sold the team at a lower price to a buyer who would promise to keep the team in Oakland; the team has managed to remain the "Oakland" A's so far. The Raley field experience is one to model, and if he builds in Oakland, Wolff will get his name on a jersey on the outfield wall next with Haas.

Sunday CC Times Article Skews Facts

2006-05-18T09:46:00.000-07:00

An article was written in the Sunday Contra Costa Times by Steve Gilmore comparing the how really the A's moving to Fremont is similar to a number of professional sports teams moving outside their city to a suburban location, like the New England Patriots, the Detriot Pistons, and the Texas Rangers. He claims that the suburbs work fine for these teams, and claims that "Big city professional sports teams have been thriving in suburban arenas and stadiums for decades."

I do not agree; I wrote an email to Mr. Gilmore and to the editor of the Contra Costa Times contesting the facts and opinions wrote. I wanted to wait to post this blog, until the either Mr. Gilmore or the Times responded, but I have not recieved anything. Here is my email:

Dear Mr. Gilmore(egilmore@cctimes.com),

I feel your article is a manipulation of facts to impose a completely biased argument upon your readers. You say that suburban parks are fine and that"Big city professional sports teams have been thriving in suburban arenas and stadiums for decades." when that is not entirely true, especially not with baseball. Please consider the following faults with your article:

-The Detroit Pistons have had one of the most competitive basketball teams in recent years leading to their dominance in the attendence department. The Palace in the Hills was built in 1988, the next years they won two championships. When the Pistons failed to be competitive in the 1990's their attendence dropped, hitting their low in 2000/2001 when their average attendence was only 14,813. The Coliseum at Richfield- built on country roads between Cleveland and Akron — was the home of the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team for 20 years. But the arena was difficult to reach and the team moved to Quicken Loans Arena in downtown Cleveland in 1994. The Coliseum was torn down and converted to parkland five years later. The Charlotte Bobcats have just moved into a downtown arena. I feel you need a winning team to support a suburban arena in the NBA.

-As for NFL, there are numerous suburban stadiums that are succesfull, you mention Dallas, the Giants, Jets and Patriots (The Redskins have been succesful as well). But the NFL is completely different from the MLB or the NBA, for the simple fact that there way less games. In the NFL each team plays only 8 home games. That equates to a huge demand for tickets especially if the team is a winning team (i.e. Patriots and Cowboys). It really does not matter where you put a NFL stadium people will go to games regardless. Baseball teams have 81 home games, that a lot of seats to fill in the middle of nowhere.

-As for the MLB, suburban and municipal ballparks are out of fashion, they were a cheap trend in the 1970's through the 1980's as America in general became more suburban. Many major cities, especially industrial cities like Oakland, began to lose jobs and population during this time and so citiess in the 1990's decided to build ballparks in downtown location to draw fans back to the city. Not necessarily to live there but to spend money and spur growth and development around the area(i.e. Baltimore and in recent years Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, SF,etc.). The Ballpark in Arlington is a buck of that trend, and it's had fairly decent results, maybe because of the suburban atmosphere in Texas or because the new ballpark stayed in the same location as the previous one. Yet, when Texas does not have a winning team, the attendance suffers even with a fairly new and nice stadium like Ameriquest Field; in 2003 after A-Rod left the team, attendance dropped to 25,856 and they were below the league average in total attendance. Attendance was up the next year with a 89 win season.

-You say, "Who cares whether a beautiful new A's stadium sits in Fremont rather than Oakland, as long as it's not in Las Vegas, Portland or San Antonio?" But, the A's are not going to leave the Bay Area, anytime soon. There is too much money and TV viewers in the region and it can easily support two teams. In a recent article in the
Hard Ball Times Maury Brown says that cities like Portland, Las Vegas, and San Antonio have a much less Designed Market Areas (i.e. the number of tv households). Also Wolff has been quoted to say, "I've changed my mind," he said Tuesday. "'I don't want to leave California. I don't want to leave this district." The arguement that Wolff might leave the Bay Area is false and misleading. It makes people believe that A's should get their stadium built in Fremont as fast as possible, or else.

-You also say that if the A's move to Fremont South Bay corporations will buy boxes: "A move 20 miles south could help the A's tap into those deep corporate pockets in San Jose and the Silicon Valley. After all, somebody would have to buy luxury suites at a new stadium." Yet in a recent interview with Wolff on FSN during the A's-Yankee game, Wolff was quoted saying, "We'll have 40 4-person suites... The 18 to 20-person suites require a (huge base). If you have a law firm or a family, the 4-person suite makes a lot more sense... Milwaukee is the worst at selling suites, and we found out that the type most in demand there are those smaller suites." That suggests that Wolff doesn't expect South Bay corporations to buy luxury boxes in bulk.

-Finally, You say, "The A's have not drawn well since moving from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968." Where do you get your facts? You're right that the A's didn't draw well during the amazing 70's run, but as you mention that was because fans were alienated by Charlie 'O'. When fan friendly Walter Haas bought the team he turned things around and attendance got better hitting it's peek during the late 80's and 90's during the 'Bash Bros' years. Considering that the Colesium is a suburban style park, it has drawn fairly well even in recent times drawing over 2 million fans the last 5 years. Also consider, while the Giants played at the 'Stick, and the A's played at the Coliseum, the A's outdrew the Giants 10 out of the 17 seasons. If it wasn't for the cheap Schott years the A's in the 90's could have continued to outdraw the Giants.

You are writing for a major paper that is respected and read around the Bay Area; why are you misleading people with these manipulated facts? Thank you for your time.

Drummer510

Fight the Power

2006-05-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Ballparks require a ton of electricity, as we all can imagine. In order to meet the power demands in San Jose, if a new ballpark is built, the city would have to pay $30.8 million to move a Pacific Gas & Electric substation. This coming after the Mercury News poll showed that most San Jose voters oppose using public funds to bring the A's South. This estimate by PG&E is not what voters wanted to hear.

This is why the A's need to stay in Oakland

2006-05-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Macha loosens up at side shows and gets hyphy E-fizzle. A rumor is goin around that Swish was spinnin some O's wit Keak Da Sneak.

San Jose Voters Skeptical of New Park Plan

2006-05-15T11:52:00.000-07:00

Although, many San Jose residents would love to see a ballpark in their downtwon, a large group of San Jose voters do not support "spending public funds to bring professional baseball to San Jose..."

"I think there are better places the money could be put,'' said poll respondent Janis Delke, a fourth-grade teacher and Willow Glen resident who said she is surrounded by sons and a husband who play and are fans of sports. ``I'm not against having it here. I just think it's an awful lot of money to soak into something when people are going hungry and people who spend years and years in college are making a pittance compared to what the athletes are making."

Check out the Mercury Poll Results also on the article page; they are very interesting. Mayor Ron Gonzales hasn't been too popular lately. I don't know much about the recent San Jose political scene, but it seems from these polls that, basic city services and improvements are what voters want rather than big civic developments to spur growth. Transportation and traffic was the number problem in San Jose the poll reported, falling into the trend of a number of other Bay Area cities and counties. Do people think the A's still have a chance to be lured to SJ? There is a lot of money down there with a growing entertainment scene, but it seems that Wolff would not only have to contend with Magowan and Selig, but also San Jose voters.

Marine Layer's new A's to Fremont Site gets Publicity

2006-05-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Check out Marine Layer's new site A's Baseball to Fremont. It puts a bad taste in my mouth that a guy who has tried to stay nuetral through this whole affair, has openly made his view known. This website just got some publicity; an article was written Tri-Valley Herald writer Chris De Benedetti describing the new website and that there have been NO new developments in negotiations between Cisco and Wolff. I find it very ironic that a grass roots group is celebrating "Fremont Day" in Oakland at the Coliseum when the A's face off against the Mariners. "Here is a great way for Fremont residents and the Oakland A's organization to show support for each other," Mayor Bob Wasserman said, advocate of the A's deal with Cisco.

This article is another slap in the face of supporters who want the A's to stay in Oakland by Bay Area media. There is no mention of the Oakland Fan Coalition or this blog, which are direct counterparts to Marine Layer's "A's Baseball to Fremont". This article is completely one sided. I've already sent an email to Mr. De Benedetti why don't you: cdebenedetti@angnewspapers.com.

Oakland Mayor Candidate Contact Information

2006-05-11T14:03:00.000-07:00

I think it's very important that Oakland voters contact these candidates and ask them about their plans for the city and if it includes the A's. Although, the A's situation is one of many facing Oakland, it's very important that we put pressure on candidates to speak about it.

Ron Dellums
1212 Broadway, 16th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 444-6016
info@rondellumsformayor.com

The Honorable Nancy Nadel
PO Box 72124 Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 654-6966
issues@nancynadelformayor.com
nnadel@igc.org

The Honorable Ignacio De La Fuente
One City Hall Plaza, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(510)-238-7005
idelafuente@oaklandnet.com

For people who haven't registered yet to vote
- Click here to register-
It's painless and easy.

A Day in the Life of De La Fuente-Article from East Bay Express

2006-05-10T12:18:00.000-07:00

Very interesting and revealing article from East Bay Express by Will Harper. Harper goes one-on-one with IDLF, and hits many of the important points regarding IDLF: the straight-ahead/no B.S. attitude, his blemished history, his son's rape charges, and his stance on important city issues in comparison to Dellums and Nadel. I have to agree Harper, De La Fuente is by and far the most provacative candidate. Long, but great read. I hope the East Bay Express can do an article on each of the candidates.

CC Times writes that "Fans -- not city -- likely to feel biggest void"

2006-05-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Here's an article from Contra Costa Times: A'S, FREMONT NEAR DEAL Fans -- not city -- likely to feel biggest void. CC Times writer Chris Metinko, doesn't really add anything new information to the A's current negotiations with Fremont, he just says that "The A's are said to be in the final stages of negotiating to build a new ballpark in Fremont just off Interstate 880." Metinko gets opinions from some A's fans (Of course, none of the fans currently live in Oakland), about what they think of the team moving to Fremont. One guy says ".. It just doesn't seem right (if they leave). It would be a big deal if they went to Fremont."

In the article, Metinko quotes Andrew Zimbalist, co-writer of Sports, Jobs, and Taxes and other sports econmics books, that economic impact of the A's moving would be small. This is true; most of the workers are unfortunately seasonal, and A's fans are not the base of much business around the Coliseum. The Coliseum isn't a big money maker for the City of Oakland.

Metinko also contends that there is no proof that a sports team is beneficial finacially, quoting Phil Porter:

"Sports teams are not economic engines," Porter said. "Teams love to tell people they bring in hundreds of millions of dollars to the local economy. But the fact is there is no proof that is true. The money people spend on baseball is discretionary income. If they didn't spend it on baseball, they would spend it on other activities. Those other activities are likely to keep more of that money in the local economy than Major League Baseball is."

This is true, there is no proof. Andrew Zimbalist, in his book Sports, Jobs, and Taxes, agrees that there is no proof that a sports team itself is beneficial for a city, but argues that it can be beneficial if a stream of new economic activity is created by the stadium investment(p58-59). In Fremont's case, Wolff plans to build a stadium in a empty lot with no previous economic growth around the location. Fremont is hoping that a stadium will bring in new business and growth, I don't see this happening because most of the economic growth will be happening in Wolff's Ballpark Village. The city of Fremont will not be making any money from this deal; if they do make money from new business's popping up, the profits will be offset by the dealing with transportation issues surrounding the site and the cost of maintaining clean and safe streats around the stadium. Also, unless the ball park village is a complete success, I don't see people going to shop Fremont during the offseason, because of the lack of other entertainment and attractions in the city.

I sent an email to Andrew Zimbalist a couple weeks ago asking him what he though of the current Fremont stadium situation. He kindly replied:

(Dummer510), I don't have srong feelings about it. Wolff is seeking a
creative solution to the stalemate in Oakland and the conflict w/ Magowan over San Jose. Depending on the details of the prospective deal, and the extent to which Wolff succeeds in attracting clientele from greater San Jose/Silicon Valley, I think it could have a salutary outcome for the A's, as well as for the town of Fremont which stands to pull in outside income. The problem to overcome, of course, is that baseball in the suburbs is an old concept. What will happen to the corporate dollars to buy luxury suites, club seats and signage. 81 games is a lot seats to fill in the burbs. Part of the success or failure will be dependent on what kind of team Wolff builds and how well he promotes. Oakland certainly hasn't been a gold mine. I'd say that I am cautiously optimistic.
Andy Zimbalist

He has it right, Wolff is going to have to rely on "corporate dollars", for his stadium to be a real succuess, because "81 games is a lot of seats to fill in the burbs". As I've said before, I feel that "fringe" and "bandwagon" fans (people who maybe aren't the biggest baseball fans, but enjoy going to games especially if it's a new ballpark) will not be as big on going to games in the burbs as going to one in a downtown location with other entertainment, shops, and restuarants.

Metinko ends his article, by quoting Porter who says that the city of Oakland could come out on top... "if the A's keep the name 'Oakland'". Just by looking at recent history between A's owners and the City of Oakland, I highly doubt that the name 'Oakland' will be kept.

You can email Chris Metinko at cmetinko@cctimes.com

Berkeley Daily article about Race in the Oakland Mayoral Election

2006-05-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

The article is written by J. Douglas Allen-Tayor and he brings up some interesting point about Christopher Heredia's last Chronicle aritcle "Oakland Mayor Rivals each woo voters in own particular ways Oakland hills residents could be the race's decisive constituency". Heredia's mediocre analysis of how race and gender could effect the election, Douglas says "May only serve to obscure what’s going on in the Oakland mayoral race." Douglas also brings up the point that Heredia fails to mention Oakland fairly large Asian population or it's white population; "Given Oakland’s fairly even division of races and gender, the winning candidate for mayor must pull together a coalition that crosses many lines."

Douglass also contends that the Mattier and Ross article Brooks’ City Funds Helped Spur Dellums Run "seems deliberately designed to lead us in the wrong direction." Dellums's history still is a little foggy, and he has been reluctant to explain. But Douglass brings up a good point that Bay Area press are trying to find any signs of foul play in this election, and rightfully so, but also have manipulated some facts it seems.

Sharks don't want A's in San Jose Downtown

2006-05-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

Article from Mercury News, "Ballpark impact analysis elicits many complaints"

Many in San Jose including Sharks Officials complained that a downtown ballpark will make transportation, traffic, and parking crazy, and want San Jose city officials to re-evaluate their $700,000 analysis of the area. San Jose would be a great place for a ball team, but it seems that many citizens of San Jose and businesses question a ballpark, for various reasons; transportation, traffic, parking, etc. being some of them. The citizens San Jose would also have to vote on a ballpark unlike Fremont, which can by-pass a vote. Also keep in mind that the Giants do have territorial rights in San Jose and moving any team to that area would mean dealing with Selig, who has said numerous times that he is against challenging the Giants. A ballpark in San Jose seems even less likely than one in Oakland.

Also an article was written today by Dave Newhouse, who reiterated Oakland Mayor candidates opinions on the A's stadium situation.

The 2006 Oakland Mayoral Race- The Candidates

2006-05-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

It's been eight years of Jerry Brown, and the city of Oakland has made great strides in housing and busines development. But city services have seemed lacking and the beaucracy in the Oakland city council and goverment seem out of control at times. It's been an interesting eight years under Mayor Brown; he brought back Oakland from totally finacial collapse and has help fuel the growth in Oakland downtown and Jack London, and although violent crime rates lowered the homocide rates in Oakland continued to rise under his supervision (In part because of popular side shows). Jerry Brown has also been criticized for his failed arts promises. Brown has been against a new ballpark, "When then-city manager Robert Bobb pushed hard for a ballpark in the uptown area, Brown pressured him to leave. Bobb went to Washington, D.C., which is building a new park for the relocated Montreal Expos, now the Washington Nationals. ." (SF Gate)People have always had mixed opinions of Jerry Brown, but I think he would make a decent Attorney General.

The Mayor race has come down to its final weeks. All three main candidates, Ron Dellums, Ignacio De La Fuente, and Nancy Nadel, have stated their opinions and views on issues. All three bring their own things to the table and draw from different crowds.

Ron Dellums:
-Born in Oakland in 1935, attended Oakland public schools, and went to school at UC Berkeley in addition to other Bay Area colleges.
-He was/is involved in Social Work, especially homelessness.
-Was elected as a U.S. Representitive for the House of Congress in 1971 and served until 1999. Biggest accomplishment in Congress was leading the sanctions against the apartheid in South Africa.

-Decided, in October 2005, to run for Mayor of Oakland, because of a strong push and support from activists;"'I answered the call,' Dellums said. 'This was not personal ambition. This was not desire. This was not planned. It was spontaneous on the people's part, and it was spontaneous on my response.'"Some question his motivation to be mayor.
-Dellums promotes that he is for the people of Oakland, and wants to represent them, yet has made few public appearences since announcing his campaign.
-Dellums is for Oakland having full control over its public schools, not the state.
-His work as a lobbyist, has been questioned by his oppenents.
-Dellums is big on inclusionary housing in housing development.
+Dellums on the A's stadium situation:
(This is the email he sent me)
"Ron favors a ballpark in Oakland and will do whatever it takes, without
bankrupting Oakland, to keep the A's here.
What Ron has said in many public events and debates is that when he met with Mr. Wolff, the A's owner, to see what he could do to keep the A's that Wolff told him that the current Council and Mayor didn't work with him and that he was eploring other options (like Fremont) because he didn't see feasible options in Oakland.
Keeping the A's is important and won't interfere with my concern for safe streets, schooling, healthcare, and the efficient delivery of city services, unless the city is asked to massively subsidize the A's."
But in a recent April debate, Dellums said flat out that his discussions with Lew Wolff indicated the A's would soon leave the city.

Ignacio De La Fuente:
-Born in Mexico City, in 1949 and immigrated to the U.S. when he was 21.
-He became a union representative in 1977 and has become a big player in union talks and negotiations.
-Was elected to Oakland City Council in 1992, and was a big part of the downtown and Fuitvale revitalization. Mr. De La Fuente Co-chairs the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Joint Powers Authority.
-De La Fuente has made numerous public appearances, and has been open about his successes and failures in Oakland, especially the bungled deal that brought the Raiders back to Oakland but cost taxpayers millions. He been very straight foward and aggressive in his interviews and debates, causing some people to think he has gone to far.

-De La Fuente feels that housing and business development is key for the city to grow and fund public projects and services. Initially he not include inclusionary housing as part of his campaign, but recently has supported affordable family housing.
-Wants to clean up all the beaucracy that happens in Oakland city services.
-He would be the first Hispanic Mayor of Oakland if elected.
+De La Fuente on A's stadium situation:
Like Dellums, De La Fuente is for keeping the A's in Oakland. He was key on getting the A's to renew their Coliseum lease. In June of 2005, De La Fuente pushed for the Oakland estuary waterfront location, which Signature Properties is building on, but were willing to discuse ballpark possiblities (Nothing happened). De La Fuente probably has the most political leverage to keep the A's in Oakland.

Nancy Nadel:
-Nadel has been a West Oakland resident for 25 years.
-Has been part of the Oakland City Council for 10 years.
-Campaign took a hit when Dellums decided to join mayoral race.
-Nadel wants more progressive city services in education, job training, and safety.
-Is very big on inclusionary housing.
-Says "I know the city very well".

-On the economic front, she promoted a film studio proposed by members of the Wayans family of well-known actors and taking control of the Oakland ports.
-If elected would be the first female Mayor of Oakland.
+Nadel on A's stadium situation:
In October of 2005, Nadel considered the Broadway Auto Row site as a possible location, but two months later the site became slated for construction. De La Fuente and Nadel both say that a ballpark can't be built with public subsidy.

All three candidates have their moments, and their missteps. I don't think anyone is a clear cut favorite. Dellums might be the favorite on paper, because of name recognition, but De La Fuente has made many more public appearances and has been a force on the Oakland City Council, and Nadel might get many votes from women voters. Also to keep in mind is race, Dellums may get more African American votes and De La Fuente Latino votes. It may come down to the voters in the Oakland Hills. Please remind everybody you know to vote.

The Big Problem with the Fremont Site.... Transportation

2006-04-30T21:07:00.000-07:00

Wolff wants a site for his Disney ballpark, with its perfect ballpark village, shopping mall, and a grand Wolff Hotel (around the space of 100 acres). Wolff made a feable attempt at finding a site in Oakland and chose one that had over 100 businesses in location, and the Oakland City Council was unwilling to remove these businesses with a "divine right" power.

Fremont has told Wolff, he can have his dream park in their city, on Cisco owned land, known as Pacific Commons. The site, as said by Daniel Vanderpriem (CEDA/Redevelopment head working with the A's on possible sites), would be "purchased at industrian prices" (meaning cheaper) and sold to businesses and developers at "residential prices"(more exspensive). Fremont has that land for Wolff to so he can pay for his Disney ballpark. Looking at this from a shrewd business perspective, I Wolff's plans are justified. He wants to spend as little money to pay for the construction of a new ballpark. But when one wants to be cheap, problems arise.

In addition to a number of other issues, the main problem with the Fremont/Pacific Commons suggested ballpark site is TRANSPORTATION. Currently, Pacific Commons lies a block away from I880 and is less than 1.5 miles away from the Fremont Amtrak station. In addition to I880 and the AMTRAK station, BART is planning to add 5.4-miles of tracks from the existing Fremont Station to the proposed new station, Warm Springs (I'm sorry, but Warm Springs would be tough to get over). The Warm Springs station is scheduled for completion around 2010, if the adequate funding is provided, which it looks like will pass. Just in time, because the new Coliseum lease with the A's is scheduled to end in 2011 (Doesn't that just work out perfectly).

So, if one read this far, that person would be thinking, "Wait there's no problem with transportation at the Pacific Commons site. I880 is right there, Warm Springs BART station will be built, and you have an AMTRAK station right there. Drummer510, is there really transportation problem or are you just trying to stir s**t up and make A's fans outraged and dismayed by the Fremont plan?"

Yes, to both questions. There is a huge TRANSPORTATION problem with the Fremont site. Here's the list:
1. Interstate 880 is the second most congested highway in the Bay Area (101 is worse only because Giant fans are bad drivers). In 2000, the number of daily delays on I880 was 25,190 vehicle-hours. In two years that number rose to 27,440 vehicle-hours. Check out the Highway Congestion Monitoring Data. The section of I880 going Southbound that Pacific Commons is next to, was ranked second as one of the worst congested highway location in the Bay Area in 2002. The number of daily delays from Thorton Ave. to Dixon Landing was 8,880 vehicle hours in 2002.
2. AMTRAK is not a realistic nor economical way of transportation for an everyday East Bay A's fan. Round trip tickets from the Jack London station to the Fremont station are about $15 and schedule times seem unresonable for a night game. Check out AMTRACK's sweet site.
3. The planned Warm Springs BART station is 2.25 miles driving distance away from Pacific Commons, as described on Marine Layers's Blog. 2.25 miles is not an ideal walking distance. Transportation from the station to Pacific Commons is an issue that will cost Alameda county even more money.

Although a BART station at Warm Springs will help traffic flow on I880, the current plan for the station will be in a poor location for the ballpark. Consider that BART carries 15-20% of A's fans on any given game date(ML). Unless a bus line or tram is added from Warm Springs to Pacific Commons, the use of BART as transportation to an A's game will become ineffective.

As mentioned before, trasnportation is one of many other issues with the Fremont Ballpark proposal.

San Diego Ballpark rebuilds neighborhood, Ballpark in Oakland could do the same...

2006-04-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

A New York Times article describing the growth that occured around Petco Park after the stadium was built. Here's the link:
The Neighborhood That the Ballpark Built

Neighborhood before the ballpark was finished

After Ball Park finished, right near the beautiful gaslight district of Downtown San Diego.

Once again, all I am trying to prove is that a downtown ballpark creates all this development and growth. A ballpark in the middle of no-where is not going to make anything special happen. Wolff's ballpark village in Fremont will be like Disneyland, a fake/static environment that will feel forced. Oakland Downtown is the place to put a park; it has the transportation, nightlife, restuarants, is close to San Francisco, and will improve Oakland's image. Wolff, if you build a ballpark in Downtown Oakland, people will come and business will come. Don't be cheap and cut corners to build a ballpark in Fremont. In the end you make more money in Oakland and will be a hero to the city.

"Relocation? Your Team's Not Going Anywhere"; article from the Hardball Times, featured in the Business of Baseball Website

2006-04-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

Heres the link:
Relocation? Your Team's Not Going Anywhere

Maury Brown basically says that relocation of a team to Portland or Las Vegas would not be favorable at this point in time, because of the population of those cities/areas and their Designed Market Areas (ie the number of tv households) are less than their current locations. After reading the article, I think we have a good arguement against the suggestion of the A's moving from the Bay Area and that from a financial stand point wouldn't make sense. Brown does not address the pros and cons of the A's moving to the South Bay.

Although many of us still do not trust Wolff, hopefully with this article we can start to quell many of our conspiracy theories that after Wolff gives up on a plan in Fremont, he will move the team to Portland or Vegas.

Any opinions?

Added Contact from Marine Layer

2006-04-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Daniel Vanderpriem
dvanderpriem@oaklandnet.com
510-238-7322

Daniel Vanderpriem is the CEDA/Redevelopment head who's supposed to be working with the A's on sites.

Article from Inside Bay Area

2006-04-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

I was informed by the writer of Seventh Inning Stretch that I should link the articles I post, to avoid copyright issues. So heres the link to the article "Fremont better than Las Vegas for A's fans" by Henry Reichman.

Heres the link:
Fremont Better than Las Vegas for A's fans

The article has some interesting points especially about the lack of transportation at the Fremont site and what moving the team South will do to fans in the North Bay and in Contra Costa. As I've said before, there is no proof that there are large numbers of A's fans reside in the South Bay. Yes there are tons of large corporations in the South Bay, but Wolff's vision of a ballpark village needs the fans thrive.

Flyer Ideas; Print, Cut, and Hand Out

2006-04-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

-Save this picture to your computer and print them out. W
-hen you print it out cut into equal four pieces.
-Hand out a couple at every A's game, at work, at school, at church, etc. Let me know if this design works or doesn't.
-Create your own it's easy!

10 Reasons Not to Move to Fremont

2006-04-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Remember these when somebody tells you that Oakland isn't a good place for the A's.

1. The Fremont A's don't make sense because Fremont is a suburban bedroom community and cannot support a major sports team like the A's.

2. The transportation around the suggested Fremont building site cannot support the volume of traffic and people that will come with a ball game.

3. Oakland is not "filled up" and has numerous sites that have the space for a ballpark with nearby transportation facilities.

4. Oakland A's is a much better name than the Fremont A's of Oakland, or the Fremont A's of San Jose, or The Golden State A's.

5. Unlike Fremont, Oakland has a downtown, which has turned itself around in the last ten years and a ballpark could be a catalyst to continue that growth.

6. Oakland has accommodated A's owners with numerous deals and compromises to keep both sides happy, yet recent owners have shown no respect to the rich legacy with Oakland and the organization.

7. A's fans have continued to draw good crowds, even with talks of the teams relocation. The A's have broken 2 million fans a year for the last 5 years. Fremont shows no signs of having a legitimate fanbase.

8. Until the Giants got their new ballpark, the A's outdrew them in attendance in 10 out of 17 years.

9. The "No political will in Oakland" idea is false. Oakland spent money on a HOK ball park study, which A's owners (Schott) did not attend. When wolf bought the team, City leaders and corporate leaders came forward to help, wolf declined.

10. How do you turn your back on a community that has help win 4 world series and has had one of the most competitive teams in baseball history.

Important Persons Contact Information

2006-04-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

A big part of this movement will be to contact local Oakland officials, politicos, and members of the Bay Area media. Here is a list of some of these important Oaklanders who need to hear our opinion about the A's current situation.

Send them letters or call them up; emails will be more ineffective because anybody can just delete an email without reading it. In your letters try to be understanding of the stituation, and don't criticize but try and find common ground. This needs to be a joint effort from all sides of this debate.

Council Members:
The Honorable Ignacio De La Fuente
One City Hall Plaza, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(idelafuente@oaklandnet.com 510-238-7005)

The Honorable Larry Reid
One City Hall Plaza, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(lreid@oaklandnet.com 510-238-7007)

The Honorable Jane Brunner
One City Hall Plaza, 2nd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612
(jbrunner@oaklandnet.com 510-238-7001)

Member of Joint Athority which operates coliseum:
Gail Steele
1221 Oak St., #536
Oakland, CA 94612

A's Executive Offices
Mailing Address:
7000 Coliseum Way
Oakland, CA 94621
Phone: (510) 638-4900

Oakland Tribune Contact Information:
Letters To The Editor of the Oakland Tribune
triblet@angnewspapers.com

Steve Herendeen - Oakland Tribune Sports
(510) 208-6462
sherendeen@angnewspapers.com

Jon Becker - ANG Tribune Sports Editor
(925) 416-4803
jbecker@angnewspapers.com

Dave Newhouse- Trib Sports
(510) 208-6466
dnewhouse@angnewspapers.com

Monte Poole- Trib Sports
(510) 208-6461
mpoole@angnewspapers.com

Art Spander -Trib Sports
(510) 531-8068
typoes@aol.com

Trib NEWS ROOM
Phone: (510) 208-6450
Fax: (510) 208-6477

Mario Dianda - News Room Editor
(510) 208-6432
mdianda@angnewspapers.com

Heather MacDonald - City Hall Reporter
(510) 208-6430
hmacdonald@angnewspapers.com

Ray Orrock - Columnist
(510)353-7028
rorrock@angnewspapers.com

Brenda Payton - Columnist
(510) 208-6406
bpayton@angnewspapers.com

Kathy Pfrommer - Letters To The Editor
(510) 208-6409
kpfrommer@angnewspapers.com

SF Chronicle Contact Information:

Letters to Editor
Please limit your letters to 200 or fewer words ... shorter letters have a better chance of being selected for publication.

-The editor prefers e-mail. The address is letters@sfchronicle.com
(Please paste the text into the e-mail; do not send attachments. Our virus-detecting software will delete e-mail with attachments.)

-Or Fax: (415) 543-7708.

-Postal-mail is OK, too:

Letters to the Editor
901 Mission St.
San Francisco, CA 94103

Letters to Sports Editor
letterstogreen@sfchronicle.com

On all submissions, please include your:
Name
Mailing address
E-mail address
Telephone number (home and office)
Fax number

I will be adding more contact information as I collect more. Feel free to add more in the comments section of this post and include tips and writing styles for writing to officials.