dec 2015 / jan 2016 oakland business review

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THE AWARD-WINNING PUBLICATION OF THE OAKLAND METROPOLITAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE |

Oakland Business Review

www.oaklandchamber.com | VOL XLI NO.12 Dec. 2015/Jan. 2016

Visit www.oaklandchamber.com for more businessopportunities, news and event registration.

> Tech community says they’re ‘bullish on Oakland’

A Pathway toPort careers4

OAKLAND IS URBANWINE COUNTRYPage 18

Page 17

OAKLANDRESTAURANT WEEK

by Aly Bonde

Following up on the Chamber’s first successful “Oaklanders Talk Tech” event in September, thesecond installment in the series took place on Dec. 8 at the Port Workspaces and focused on“Accelerating Tech Ecosystems,” with a particular emphasis on the role incubators, accelerators,co-working spaces and venture capital are playing in Oakland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

To kick-off the event, Oakland Chamber Chief Executive Officer Barbara Leslie reviewed recenteconomic data pertaining toOakland’s technology sector. TheChamber commissioned BeaconEconomics to track the growth,trends, and characteristics ofOakland’s technology sector, withthe first report in this series releasedin September 2015. Leslie noted howthe technology landscape haschanged dramatically since then,most notably with Uber’sannouncement regarding moving asignificant portion of its workforceto Oakland in 2017.

In addition, the December 2015update indicates that bothtechnology employment andestablishments continue to trendupward, demonstrating that

– continued on page 2

Chamber Board members and staff took time out oftheir busy schedules recently to volunteer at the

Alameda County Community Food Bank, which wantsto ensure that every child, adult and senior in AlamedaCounty knows where his or her next meal is comingfrom – all by 2018.

In just a few hours, Chamber volunteers had baggednearly 10,000 pounds of fresh fruit for needy families.

The Food Bank has been in business since 1985 – with avision toward a day when it can go out of business. It is thehub of a vast collection and distribution network that pro-vides food for 240 nonprofit agencies in Alameda County. In2014, the Food Bank distributed 25 million meals, and morethan half of the food was fresh fruits and vegetables. �

> Helping for the holidays

> Oakland is on the right track,say survey respondents

The Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce revealed theresults of its much-anticipated yearly poll at the Chamber’sPulse of Oakland Breakfast on Nov. 6. The results showed thatOaklanders are feeling optimistic about the city’s future, with 61percent of respondents saying the city is on the right track, upfrom 45 percent at this time last year.

“We’re back to where we were in the late 1990s on righttrack/wrong track,” said Alex Evans, president of EMC Research, whichconducted the poll. “It’s a very significant turnaround, although thistype of volatility also shows how fragile this can be.”

The poll of 600 likely voters found that Mayor Libby Schaaf enjoysa 68 percent favorable rating, and a majority of respondents said theywould re-elect her. The favorability rating of the Oakland City Council

– continued on page 2

▲ Oakland now has more tech firms than at any time in itspast, growing by more than 14 percent in the last five years.

Oakland tech establishments, Q1-08, Q3-14

Save the Date: Economic Development Summit –“Oakland’s Economy of the Future”

March 18

| OBR Oakland Business Review | www.oaklandchamber.com2

has increased from 38 percent in 2014 to 48 percenttoday.

Oakland residents are optimistic about the city’seconomy, with 71 percent saying it’s better than itwas a year ago, and 76 percent believing it willcontinue to improve.

When asked how they would rate Oakland as aplace to start and grow a business, 77 percent ofOakland business owners rated the city as good orexcellent.

In her opening remarks, Mayor Schaaf stressedthe importance of taking advantage of the greatopportunities currently facing Oakland. “Let usthink aboutwhat we can dowith thismoment intime,” she said.“We can put thefoundations inplace to makesure that thesegood feelingslast.”

While mostrespondents saidcrime was the worst thing about living in Oakland,the percentage of people saying they feel safer thanthey did two years ago has tripled to 38 percentsince 2013. That number has historically hoveredaround the low teens and twenties since reaching ahigh of 43 percent in 1999.

When respondents were asked in an open-endedquestion to name the best thing about living inOakland, the city’s diversity was the most commonanswer given. “That is not a result I’ve seen anywhereelse in America,” Evans said.

The Chamber’s Pulse of Oakland event wasattended by more than 100 business leaders,government officials, and members of the Oaklandcommunity eager to learn the results of the firstcomprehensive poll of public opinion since theNovember 2014 elections. The Chamber’s annualpoll breakfast has historically played an importantrole in assessing Oakland’s progress every year andevaluating the city’s leadership.

“Making the decision to run for mayor is a verybig deal,” Mayor Schaaf said. “It was sitting in thisroom two years ago and seeing the data in this pollthat flipped the switch in my mind to run for mayorof my hometown.” �

Aly Bonde is an intern in the Chamber’s PublicPolicy Department.

> Pulse of Oakland – continued from page 1

The Chamber’s Pulse of Oakland event was

attended by more than 100 business leaders,

government officials, and members of the Oakland

community eager to learn the results of the first

comprehensive poll of public opinion since the

November 2014 elections. The Chamber’s annual

poll breakfast has historically played an important

role in assessing Oakland’s progress every year and

evaluating the city’s leadership.

Mayor Libby Schaaf

▼ Alex Evans of EMC Research reports on the “Pulse of Oakland.”

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 | 3

The Oakland City Council has continued todiscuss housing issues in recent months,particularly the design of a developmentimpact fee program to pay for affordablehousing projects. The city held severalmeetings with stakeholder groups todiscuss what a feasible level and phase-inplan for the fee might look like. City staffwill present a report and recommendationsin January.

• City Administrator Landreth requestedthat the Council move the date of the reporton options for regulating coal exports fromthe former Oakland Army Base from Dec. 8to Feb. 16 to allow staff more time to hire aconsultant.

• The Council authorized a $7,050,000loan to the Spanish Speaking Unity Councilof Alameda to build Phase IIA of the Fruit-vale Transit Village project, which consistsof 94 mixed-income rental units (14 marketrate) adjacent to Fruitvale BART. The loanwill consist of $4 million in state Prop 1Cfunds awarded to the city in 2014 for theproject, and $3,050,000 in Central City Eastand Coliseum bond funds. The negotiatedagreement releases the city from a $5.4million balloon payment due to the UnityCouncil in 2023 for lease payments on asenior center.

• Councilmembers authorized a grantto Centro Legal for $300,000 to assistunaccompanied minors fleeing violence inCentral America. The funds were previouslyallocated in the budget and are in additionto the $500,000 already spent. Representa-tives from the Oakland Unified SchoolDistrict said they are enrolling about 20unaccompanied minors per month.

• The Council authorized an MOU withthe City of Portland for the loan of Dr. DanteJames to serve as Oakland’s temporarydirector of race and equity while the newdepartment is set up and a permanentdirector is being recruited. �

Aly Bonde is a member of theChamber’s Public Policy Department.

This past month the Chamber has been busy polling Oakland residents and Chamber members tobetter understand respondents’ thoughts and perceptions of Oakland’s elected officials, Oakland asa place to live, and as a place to start or grow a business. The Chamber has been conducting thesepolls annually to gauge our community’s priorities to not only shape the Chamber’s futureprogramming, but to better advocate for our members at City Hall. What better way to represent thecommunity than to know firsthand what is important to them and what would they like to see ourleaders focus on in the future.

The results from the Chamber’s annual poll, a partnership between the Chamber and OakPAC,were presented at our annual Pulse of Oakland Breakfast held on Nov. 6. Over 100 business, civicand community members came to hear Alex Evans, president of EMC Research, present this year’sresults and provide trending data on key areas most important to Oakland residents. Much of thenews was positive, including a significant increase in the percentage of respondents who feel the

city is on the right track – rising to 61 percent from just 45 percent last year.Our Mayor received very high marks, reaching a 68 percent favorability rating, with a majority of respondents not only

approving of her job performance but saying they would vote to reelect her. Our city council as a whole also received morefavorable ratings than in previous years.

Residents feel safer than they have previously, but it’s important to underscore public safety remains in respondent’s topthree city priorities along with job creation and the quality of our public schools.

What is the best thing about Oakland? Our diversity…This fall we also surveyed our members to ensure that the Chamber is developing programs, events and opportunities that

are aligned with their business priorities. Here is what we learned: Our membership base continues to be as diverse as Oakland.We represent business of all sizes, with an equal share of businesses above and below 50 employees representing a wide swathof industries, public agencies and nonprofit organizations. Our strength stems from this broad and diverse constituency.Members join to stay connected with local businesses, meet like-minded individuals, and participate in the Chamber’seducational programming. Members are also eager for the Chamber to represent them to key community and civic leaders at

Barbara Leslie

> And the survey says . . . – by Chamber President and CEO Barbara Leslie

CITY COUNCILCORNER by Aly Bonde[ ]

City Hall. Over 86 percent of members be-lieve the value they receive from Cham-ber membership is equal to or greaterthan their annual dues and will continuetheir membership at their next renewal.The survey showed that members enjoyour programming and are extremely sup-portive of our efforts to better align edu-cation and industry to grow Oakland’sfuture workforce.

We are also happy to report that over97 percent of respondents believe theChamber is on the right track, a numberwe both strive to achieve and are gratefulto receive.

Rest assured our work is not com-plete. As Oakland continues to explodewith new industry, residents and busi-nesses, we need to remain connected toOakland’s new economies while continu-ing to support our community’s economicstewards who have guided our growthover time. We will continue to provideprogramming that is relevant to you andyour business. We look forward to contin-uing our partnership in 2016.

Until then, best wishes for a joy filledholiday season. �


The issue of wasted food has garnered muchattention in the media lately. The extent ofthe problem is staggering: 40 percent of allfood grown or raised in the U.S. perishessomewhere along the way from farm to fork.

The O.co Coliseum is among those tacklingthe problem head-on, starting in their ownkitchens. In October, Spectra by ComcastSpectacor – the hospitality and food serviceprovider at the Coliseum – kicked off theirparticipation in the Smart Kitchen Initiative, aprogram by StopWaste of Alameda County.

A voluntary effort to reduce food waste, theSmart Kitchen Initiative helps kitchens measure pre-consumer foodwaste, like trimmings, spoiled or expired foods and overproduced items,and use the results to adjust kitchen routines such as food prep, ordering,and production. A key component of the program is specialized trackingequipment, consisting of an integrated scale, camera and touchscreeninterface to enable automated food waste data collection.

Executive Chef Effie Speigler champions the program at the Coliseum,and together with his team tracked 1,664 pounds of pre-consumer foodwaste in just two weekends worth of Raiders games. The numbers don’tsurprise him. “We know there’s a lot of food waste at each game, butunless you start measuring and looking at it in more detail, it’s hard toact,” he says.

Once enough data is collected, Speigler’s team will discuss possibleprevention strategies that will not only cut down on waste but also savesignificant food costs. The overall goal of StopWaste’s Smart KitchenInitiative is a 25 percent reduction in pre-consumer food waste amongparticipating businesses.

Food service operators at large event venues like the Coliseum facechallenges quite different from regular restaurants, including the sheernumber of guests. The average football game draws at least 35,000 fans,and it’s hard to predict how much food will be consumed. “There can be

> Game on – O.co Coliseumtackles food wasteby Cassie Bartholomew

Cassie Bartholomew

as few as 3,000 or as many as 5,000 mealsserved in suites, club areas and restaurants,not including concession stands,” estimatesSpeigler. Another challenge is that inbetween games, the kitchen is typicallyclosed too long to keep foods that weren’tused, like fresh produce, and there is nooption to reuse leftovers in the next day’s dishes, like soups.

But there may be other ways to reduce wasted food – and save on costly laborto prep what may not end up getting used. “Depending on the tracking results, wecould consider buying pre-cut melons, for example, rather than trimming themourselves,” says Speigler. “Given that our prep staff changes from event to event,that may be a more efficient way to reduce trim waste than training an ever-changing workforce.”

In the meantime, he has made arrangements with the Alameda CountyCommunity Food Bank to make sure edible leftovers from his kitchens go to gooduse. After a weekend of games in mid-November, Hope 4 the Heart, a Food Bankmember agency, picked up almost 300 pounds of fresh produce, dairy and otherfoods – enough to provide the equivalent of 248 meals to people in need. TheFood Bank’s Grocery Rescue Program Coordinator Sue Coberg is pleased: “One outof five residents in the county rely on our Food Bank to feed themselves and theirfamilies,” she says. “It is partnerships like this that get us closer to our goal of ahunger-free community, and we're very thankful for the support."

The O.co Coliseum will continue the donations, while working towardpreventing food waste before it happens. �

Cassie Bartholomew is a program manager at StopWaste where she leadsthe Smart Kitchen Initiative and other food waste prevention and surplusfood recovery programs. To learn more visit www.stopwaste.org/smart-kitchen-initiative or contact Bartholomew at [email protected] (510) 891-6516.

▲ The O.co Coliseum’s kitchenmanagers with their food wastetracking station. From left toright: Chef Octaviano Gomez,Executive Chef Effie Speigel, ChefSteve Kretz.


> 2015 California employmentlegislation updateby Padmini Cheruvu and Mark Delgado

It is again that time of year when employers learn about thenew legal hurdles they will face as a result of legislationpassed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor. Fortu-nately, unlike 2013, when the Legislature increased the state’sminimum wage, and 2014, when the Legislature enacted thepaid sick leave law, the majority of employment-related billsenacted in 2015 were aimed at clarifying or amending existinglaws.

The most important 2015 bills are summarized below. Except forAB 1506 and AB 304, both of which were enacted as emergency legis-lation and went into effect immediately, all of the other laws will takeeffect on Jan. 1, 2016.

Gender Wage Equality (SB 358) SB 358 prohibits an employer from paying any employee at a rate lessthan that paid to employees of the opposite sex for substantiallysimilar work. The law makes it more difficult for employers to defendagainst wage discrimination claims by requiring that they prove thewage differential is reasonably and entirely based on enumeratedfactors, such as “a seniority system, a merit system, a system thatmeasures earnings by quantity or quality of production,” or a bonafide factor that is unrelated to gender and is consistent with businessnecessity.

Right to Cure Certain Wage-Statement Violations (AB 1506)This law amends California’s Private Attorney General Act by giving

employers a limited right to “cure” certain deficiencies on wage statements. Specifically, anemployer can cure violations with respect to either the inclusive dates of the pay period or thename and address of the legal entity that is the employer. The employer can only cureviolations once in a 12-month period.

Clarifications to Paid Sick Leave Law (AB 304) AB 304 clarifies several ambiguities in the paid sick leave law that was enacted last year,including, among other things, how employers must calculate the rate of pay for sick leave,whether employers can calculate paid sick leave accrual on a basis other than hours worked,and whether employers with existing paid time off policies can use those policies to complywith the paid sick leave law.

Retaliation for Requesting Accommodation (AB 987)AB 987 makes it clear that, for purposes of proving unlawful retaliation under theFair Employment and Housing Act, an employee’s request for accommodationbased on religion or disability is considered “protected.”

Piece-Rate Workers (AB 1513)AB 1513 requires employers to pay piece-rate workers a separate hourly wage forrest and recovery periods and “other nonproductive time,” in addition to timespent on their piece-rate work. For rest and recovery periods, the worker must bepaid no less than the higher of either (1) the minimum wage or (2) the worker’saverage hourly rate, which is determined by dividing the compensation for theworkweek by the hours worked, not including rest and recovery periods. Forother nonproductive time, workers must be paid at least minimum wage.

Retaliation Against Family Members of Whistleblowers (AB 1509)AB 1509 prohibits an employer from retaliating against family members of anyemployee who “blows the whistle” on an employer’s illegal conduct.

Expansion of School Activities Leave (SB 579)SB 579 expands coverage of California’s school activities leave law to include daycare facilities and to cover child care provider emergencies, and the finding,enrolling, or re-enrolling of a child in a school or day care, and extendsprotections to an employee who is a step-parent or foster parent or who standsin the place of a parent.

Restrictions on Use of E-Verify System (AB 622)AB 622 prohibits employers from using the E-Verify system to check the workauthorization status of an existing employee or an applicant who has notreceived an employment offer, except as required by federal law.

Expanded Authority of Labor Commissioner (AB 970)AB 970 authorizes the Labor Commissioner to enforce Labor Code section 2802(requiring reimbursement of work-related expenses) and to investigate andenforce local laws regarding overtime and minimum wage if the local entity hasnot done so. �

Padmini Cheruvu and Mark Delgado are employment law attorneys atDonahue Fitzgerald LLP. Cheruvu is a litigation associate with a focus onintellectual property, employment and business disputes. Delgado counselsand represents employers in all areas of employment law such as wage andhour issues, discipline and termination, workplace safety, recruitment andhiring, performance management, and discrimination and harassment.

> Chamber reps meetin HavanaThe Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce was wellrepresented during a recent delegation to Cuba co-led byCongresswoman Barbara Lee and Alameda CountySupervisor Keith Carson. The trip offered an excellentopportunity to meet with high level and key representativesof the Cuban government in anticipation of increased opentrade with our neighbors located a mere 90 miles fromAmerican soil.

Among the many visits included a high level meeting at thenewly re-opened U.S. Embassy in Havana. The delegation had aprivate meeting with Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, who iscurrently serving as the Charge’ d’Affaires.

At the meeting (pictured below), Orlando Hernandez Guillen,president of the Cuban Chamber of Commerce, is flanked byOakland Chamber representatives Tom Guarino (PG&E) andVictoria Jones (The Clorox Company) at the Cuban ChamberHeadquarters in Havana.

The Chamber will be hosting a special debrief for ourmembers and impending economic development opportunitiesavailable in Cuba and its many provinces. �

Padmini Cheruvu

Mark Delgado


Member update

> DIRECTORYADDENDUM

The following is a list of newmembers of the OaklandMetropolitan Chamber ofCommerce and is an addendum tothe Chamber’s 2015 MembershipDirectory & Buyers Guide. Pleasekeep this page and refer to thesemembers when you have a need forgoods and services.

Albany Bowl540 San Pablo Ave.

Albany, CA 94706

(510) 526-8818

Website: www.thealbanybowl.com

John Tierney

Entertainment

CrossFit East Bay66 Franklin St., Suite 100b

Oakland, CA 94607

(510) 910-2919

Website: www.crossfiteastbay.com

Maximus Lewin

Health & Fitness Club

Dfusion1333 Broadway, Suite P110

Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 338-9431

Website: www.dfusioninc.com

Regina Firpo-Triplett

Scientific Research & Development

Entrada Design, Inc.6114 La Salle Ave., Suite 263

Oakland, CA 94611

(800) 617-1245

Tami Scornaienchi

Furniture Dealers & Designers

ExteNet Systems (California) LLC1826 Webster St.

San Francisco, CA 94115

(415) 596-3474

Website: www.extenetsystems.com

Matthew Yergovich

Telecommunications

Fouche’s Hudson Funeral Home3665 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland, CA 94609

(510) 654-8558

Website: www.foucheshudson

funeralhome.com

Alex Gaylor

Funeral Home

Inn at Temescal3720 Telegraph Ave.

Oakland, CA 94609

(510) 652-9800

Website: www.innattemescal.com

Nick Howard

Hotel

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

25SecondsPR is a small digital and tech inclusion public relations agency ideal for individuals,start-ups and mid-size companies that are interested in attaining favorable public and media pres-ence and brand equity. Projects we take on include account management, strategic planning, launchcampaigns, digital content, crowd funding, thought leadership and blogging.

The company has managed an array of innovative business clients worldwide whose B2B orB2C brands spans CRM, mobile services and apps, education technology, human resources, onlinesecurity, e-commerce, banking, gaming, health tech, and fitness/sports. A short list of clientsincludes Financial Management Systems Inc., WooCommerce, Intuitive Surgical, Grammarly.com,Hewlett-Packard, and more.

25SecondsPR also works with nonprofits, and recently partnered with Local Futures, SonomaValley Mentoring Alliance, and Freedom Farmers Market.

This year, 25Seconds was selected by the Points of Light Foundation in Washington D.C. to leadthe public relations effort for its “Good and Ready,” Oakland Disaster Preparedness Campaign. And,the company was recently hired by the Association for Women in Science to help generate strongattendance at its 2015 National Summit occurring at the Oakland Marriott.

In addition to remaining keen on technology and techmakers, 25SecondsPR is committed to tech inclusion and help-ing dynamic nonprofit organizations make a difference in thelives of others. �

25SecondsPR

Baran Studio Architecture is an Oakland-based full-service design firm specializing in integrated urbandesign for commercial, large-scale residential, and single-family home projects. Founded in 2010 byMatt Baran, Baran Studio was born out of Matt Baran’s passion for transformative design and 15 yearsof experience as an architect and builder.

Baran Studio Architecture believes good design evolves out of a process, not a style. Matt and histeam pride themselves on a collaborative spirit in their partnerships with clients, both inside andoutside of the studio.

Baran Studio’s philosophy incorporates adaptability and improvisation into a pragmatic under-standing of real-world constraints. They balance regulatory requirements, neighborhood interests,site constraints, and construction costs with design that is beautiful andfunctional.

Each Baran Studio Architecture project engenders an architecture thatis of its time, and simultaneously, timeless. This approach ensures thatBaran’s contemporary designs integrate effectively into the broader com-munity.

Baran Studio Architecture has won multiple awards from American In-stitute of Architects, and has been featured in Sunset, Domus, The SanFrancisco Chronicle, and many more. �

Baran Studio Architecture

CareBuilders At Home has been loyally serving clients for over 30 years. Our belief in providing thehighest possible quality of service by the most experienced and caring staff has made us a leader inthe industry.

Our caregivers are our greatest asset. Our recruiting efforts are always focused to meeting theneeds of the community we service, and our appreciation for the hard work our team provides isacknowledged through our recognition programs.

Home care has allowed those who cherish the homes they’ve built throughout their lives to remainin the comfort of that environment. It has also allowed people the capability to reduce care spendingby offering a viable alternative to institutional settings, such as nursing homes, which in most casesrun more than three to four times the cost of receiving care in one's home.

We believe we are the best option for people who prefer staying in their own homes whilereceiving the best possible care. With our capabilities offered through our caregivers, our technologyoptions and our resource network, we are confident CareBuilders At Home will be the provider ofchoice for you or your loved ones.

If you would like to know more about our services, pleasedo not hesitate to call us. We are available 24 hours a day, sevendays a week. You do not have to wait for the need to arise; feelfree to stop in or to give us a call and we will be happy toprovide you with as much information as possible to make aninformed decision, when or if you need it. �

CareBuilders At Home

UPS Freight Forwarding continually expands our services to provide one ofthe most comprehensive portfolios in the industry – International Air, Ocean,Brokerage, Supply chain management, international trade and financialsolutions. In addition, our award-winning customer technology can help yousynchronize transportation-related information with your business processes.

For more information, contact Kamilah R. Wheaton, District AccountExecutive, Business Development, at (510) 292-5620 or [email protected]. �

UPS Freight Forwarding

–continued on page 7


Member update

> ADDENDUM–continued from page 6

Kiva Microfunds875 Howard St.


(828) 479-5482

Website: www.kiva.org

Valerie Bellande

Nonprofit

Magi Arts Fitness Division8906 D St., Apt. A

Oakland, CA 94601

(818) 200-7342

Johnny Ayai

Health & Fitness Club

MDSTAT Urgent Care3860 El Dorado Hills Blvd., Suite 601

El Dorado Hills, CA 95762

(916) 678-5294

Website:

www.mdstaturgentcare.com

Dil Kasymova

Health Care Services

Northern California CommunityLoan Fund870 Market St., Suite 677


(415) 392-8215

Website: www.ncclf.org

Mark Sutton

Nonprofit

Rockridge Enterprises5377 Locksley Ave.

Oakland, CA 94618

(917) 913-6107

Website: www.rockridgesf.com

Designers – Apparel

UPS Forwarding26557 Danti Court

Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 292-5620

Website: www.ups-scs.com

Kamilah Wheaton

Transportation – Freight

Western Dental & Orthodontics3405 International Blvd.

Oakland, CA 94601

(714) 571-3367

Website: www.westerndental.com

Starla Rodgers

Dentists

Working Images Public Relations3045 Revere Ave.

Oakland, CA 94605

(510) 336-1047

Website: www.workingimages.com

Mary Lou Thiercof

Advertising & Public Relations

NEW MEMBER PROFILES

Mobile Mini is the largest portable storage company with 136 locations in the United States, Canada,and the United Kingdom.

Our products provide temporary, ground-based offices, secure portable storage for a variety ofcustomers, including large and small retailers, construction companies, medical, schools, utilities,distributors, hotels, entertainment complexes, and households. Our customers can either rent or buyour products.

Our mission – To be the leader in secure, portable storage and specialty containment solutions tocustomers everywhere.

Safety first – Safety is our highest priority. We take responsibility for our own safety and for thesafety of those around us.

Highest level of security – With more than 30 years of experience, Mobile Mini has set the stan-dard for steel storage containers, offices and custom structures with patented Tri-Cam locking sys-tem as well as Container-Guard Lock to protect your valuables and important documents.

Community giving program – We believe it is our responsibility to give back to the communitiesthat have helped make us into the great organization we are today. Apply for our four months of freesecure, portable storage by visiting www.mobilemini.comor calling (510) 252-9326.

Mobile Mini is proud to be a part of the Oakland Cham-ber of Commerce. �

Mobile Mini

Northern California Community Loan Fund (NCCLF) is a nonprofit that partners with socially con-scious impact investors and mission-driven organizations to support low-income communities’ needfor housing, education, healthcare, food, jobs and economic opportunity. For more than 25 years,NCCLF has provided loans and working capital as well as consulting advice to local organizationsworking to ensure California’s communities are financially stable and culturally vibrant. And by invest-ing in our loan fund, impact investors achieve their vision of realizing financial returns while fundingsocial good.

To date NCCLF has supported more than 2,500 organizations, in-vested $254 million, leveraged over $1.6 billion in working capital, and im-pacted the lives of over 1.5 million people in low-income communities.

Of over 100 Community Development Financial Institutions rated byAeris, an independent third-party analyst, NCCLF is one of only six organi-zations to receive the highest possible AAA +1 rating.

For more information, visit www.ncclf.org. �

Northern California Community Loan Fund

Clothing for those who drive the world forward.Rockridge is a premium menswear clothing company based online. The company is founded with a

simple mission: to offer affordably priced luxury men’s clothing, made with the highest quality fabricsand crafted in America, all while also being an instrument for social good.

Rockridge is a byword for uniqueness, quality, versatility and timelessness; together these factorsunderpin the brand’s philosophy. The brand draws its inspiration from Americana style, reinventingmenswear essentials with clever details that pay homage to the Bay Area while also improving fit andcomfortability.

“We believe that brands have the ability to inspire, and motivate. We believe that quality matters,integrity matters, and craftsmanship matters. We believe that to make great products you have to re-spect your customer. We do.”

Rockridge is also committed to making a meaningful difference in society. We believe that compa-nies are at their best when they also serve the common good and have a positive impact in society.We’re partnering with San Francisco’s Larkin Street Youth Services to help homeless and at-risk youthreclaim their lives. Larkin Street Youth Services is an interna-tionally recognized organization that provides housing, edu-cation, employment, and health services to homeless andat-risk kids.

For more information, visit www.rockridgesf.com. �

Rockridge

CrossFit East Bay is Oakland’s oldest CrossFit and functional fitness gym, founded in 2007.Located near Jack London Square at 66 Franklin St., CrossFit East Bay offers precise, expert

instruction in CrossFit and related movement patterns. It is staffed by a small group of mature full-time fitness professionals with a combined 20+ years of experience.

Your fitness is our only job. Owner Maximus Lewin has been a full-time CrossFit coach since early2006 and has participated in CrossFit since 2004. Co-owner Andrea Lewin is one of the few CertifiedLevel 3 CrossFit coaches in the Bay Area, and the first active CCFT (CertifiedCrossFit Trainer) in the East Bay.

We have a commitment to excellence in training and a focus on perform-ance and results for all of our members. CrossFit East Bay offers not justworkouts, but a comprehensive and systematic method of becoming the bestyou that you can be. We will help you look great, feel great and discover yourinner athlete. We will provide you with a challenging workout tailored to yourcurrent fitness level in every session. Get in shape! �

CrossFit East Bay


Oakland is increasingly viewed as anideal place to locate and grow atechnology business.

Two panel discussions exploredventure investing and tech incubation,acceleration and co-working in Oakland.The first panel was comprised of leadingrepresentatives of the venture capital community – Brian Dixon, principal,Kapor Capital; Wes Selke, managing director and founder, BetterVentures; and Lo Toney, partner, Google Ventures. The panel wasmoderated by Christian Ebersol, associate, Comcast Ventures.

The panel members discussed the criteria they use to evaluateinvestment opportunities, the value of incubators and accelerators forinvestors, priorities for strengthening Oakland’s tech ecosystem, and howOakland can diversify its tech workforce and entrepreneur base to reflectthe demographic composition of the Bay Area.

There was considerable alignment regarding their respectiveinvestment philosophies, with Wes Selke emphasizing that there arethree key things his team looks for when evaluating investmentopportunities – team, market, and impact.

On the topic of diversity in tech, both in terms of workforce andinvestment, Toney stressed that it is essential to make opportunities inSilicon Valley and technology in general more visible to dispel the mythsaround not being able to get jobs there. Brian Dixon also highlighted how8 percent of all venture-backed companies have a woman founder and 2percent have African American founders.

Conversely, at Kapor Capital, 48 percent of their portfolio companies’

founders are either people of color orwomen, underscoring how their existinginvestment portfolio already moreaccurately reflects both thedemographic composition and talentbase in the Bay Area.

The second panel was comprised ofkey Oakland technology ecosystemactors – Rani Croager, co-founder,Uptima Business Bootcamp; Ruben Hernandez, co-founder and CEO,devlabs LLC; Anca Mosoiu, founder, Tech Liminal; and Karen Wertman,vice president of operations, The Port Workspaces. The panel wasmoderated by Michael Sebree, partner, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP.

The panel explored the unique value-add of incubators in the techecosystem, locating a business in Oakland, growing the tech ecosystemin line with Oakland’s values, and the ways in which technology can beleveraged to improve the performance of other economic sectors inOakland and the region. And Ruben Hernandez captured Oakland’spotential well in asserting that, “People in Oakland are hungry to createvalue. It’s not about cheap rent or space for us, it’s that the next billion-dollar company is going to come from East or West Oakland.”

The Chamber is extremely appreciative of the experience andperspectives that the panelists and moderators brought to the rich andinformative discussions. The Chamber would also like to cordially thankthe program’s generous sponsors, Comcast Bay Area and DonahueFitzgerald LLP, and our partners, The Port Workspaces and Two PointOakland. We look forward to continuing the Oaklanders Talk Tech seriesin 2016 to provide timely quantitative and qualitative data to the businesscommunity to better understand the activities and opportunities enabledby Oakland’s emerging technology sector. �

> ‘Oaklanders Talk Tech’– continued from page 1

On investment philosophies

Lo Toney – “We want to invest in the smartest peoplesolving the hardest problems that impact globally…what I like is to understand the entrepreneur’s pathand journey aside from what they’re working on. Dothey have the ability to be resilient and staygrounded?”

Wes Selke – “It’s really about the people you’reinvesting in. We’re looking for people that are reallyscrappy. We’re looking for intentionality around theimpact. Is it just money or is it something you’rereally passionate about?”

Ruben Hernandez – “We look for those in theOakland diaspora to bring them back to Oaklandfrom Sacramento and elsewhere. We also tap intolocal businesses to develop new lines of products forbusinesses that have been in Oakland for 30 or 40years.”

On diversity in tech

Lo Toney – “It’s fundamentally important for peoplewho don’t have friends or family members working intech to get them exposure to tech jobs being apossibility.”

Wes Selke – “One of the great attributes aboutinvesting in Oakland is the incredible diversity thatexists in this city. You’ve got the raw ingredients heremore than in other cities and also the history of thesocial justice and civil rights movements. The onus ison all of us to build a more diverse ecosystem hereand not just be San Francisco East.”

On the rationale for starting and growing atechnology business in Oakland

Lo Toney – “I'm very bullish on Oakland right now.Oakland has a great labor pool and great pool ofentrepreneurs.”

Brian Dixon – “The workforce is here. We’ve got manycompanies coming to Oakland or are already inOakland….then they grow and look for office spaceand want to stay in Oakland.”

Anca Mosoiu – “I realized that a lot of people lived inOakland and wanted to work here. I created a spacewhere people can come together and learn how touse tech to better run their businesses.”

Rani Croager – “…because Oakland has heart andsoul and a tremendous amount of genius that hasn’tbeen given access to resources before.”

Karen Wertman – “In San Francisco co-workingbecomes just a substitute for office space, but withThe Port Workspaces in Oakland, the diversity of thecommunity becomes an asset around you…the co-working community is like an accelerator you don’thave to leave. We’re looking for people who aren’tinterested in single offices and are willing to sharetheir resources and connections.”

On major impediments for entrepreneurialsuccess

Rani Croager – “Access to capital is a real issue forthe businesses we work with. Many of our people arefrom low-income and middle-income backgroundsand so they don’t have the family member that cangive them money.”

> ‘Oaklanders Talk Tech’

▲ Discussing “The Role ofVenture Capital,” thepanel featured (left toright) moderator ChristianEbersol, Wes Selke, BrianDixon and Lo Toney.

▲ This panel, discussing“The Role of Incubatorsand Accelerators,”featured (left to right)moderator Michael Sebree,Ruben Hernandez, RaniCroager, Karen Wertmanand Anca Mosoiu.

Program Sponsor Panel Sponsor


> SOS – Supporting our seniors Living longer for some can mean more years spentin the struggles that can accompany old age. Manyfamilies live far apart and the result can be seniorsleft behind, living alone and at risk formalnourishment.

For millions of Americans, their local Meals onWheels program is literally the difference betweenremaining in their own homes and needing torelocate to a nursing facility. The nutritious meal,friendly visit and safety check help them cope

with three of the biggest threats of aging – hunger, isolation and loss ofindependence. Research proves that when seniors have the right support,they gain greater quality of life, need fewer hospital stays and live longer.

Service Opportunity for Seniors (SOS)/Meals on Wheels is a 501(c)3nonprofit program in operation since 1966. It addresses the issue of seniorisolation and hunger locally. The mission of SOS is to promote nutritionalhealth, decrease the possibility of premature institutionalization, and fosterand support independence and the dignity of homebound seniors byenhancing their quality of life through their Meals on Wheels system ofcare.

SOS prepares and delivers meals daily and provides daily check-in visitsfor 1,200 at-risk seniors living in central Alameda County and the city ofOakland so that they can continue to live independently at home for aslong as safely possible. Seniors like Mr. Milton Williams, a 95-year-oldOakland native and one of the city of Oakland’s first African Americanfirefighters.

Williams began receiving Meals On Wheels deliveries about eight yearsago and finds life much more pleasant and easier because of it. He has aspecial relation with his drivers and even displays their picture alongsidehis family photos. “The meals are good and the drivers so very nice andcaring,” he said with a smile. “It helps me continue to live in the home Ihelped build myself.”

In addition to providing a daily hot, well-balanced meal, drivers bring asmile, some conversation and a check-in on their well-being.

SOS is part of a broader network of agencies that support seniors andmakes numerous referrals, as appropriate, to try to improve the quality oflife for meal recipients. SOS’ focus is on seniors 60 years and olderdetermined to have “significant need,” which is defined as individualswithout reliable help from a caregiver and unable to shop for food and/orprepare meals.

Great advancesin medicine

have extendedour average

life expectancyto a record

high of 78.7years.

Currently, 95 percent arefunctionally impaired and the majorityof seniors enrolled are over the age of77. SOS served 1,600 seniors in 2015 andexpects to serve a minimum of 1,600 inFiscal Year 2015-2016.

Executive Director Connie McCabehas been with the program for 30 yearsand says, “I have seen the demand forSOS/Meals on Wheels grow from 50 meals daily to 250,000 meals annually.It’s a clear sign that there is an increasing need for home delivered meals inour community so that vulnerable seniors can continue to remain safelyindependently in their own homes.” �

▲ For millions ofAmericans, their localMeals on Wheels programis literally the differencebetween remaining in theirown homes and needing torelocate to a nursingfacility.

> Southwest getting travelersin the summer spirit

In addition, Southwest has begun new nonstop service betweenOakland International Airport (OAK) and Hartsfield-Jackson AtlantaInternational Airport (ATL).

For more information, call (800) I-FLY-SWA or visitwww.southwest.com. �

Southwest Airlines is helping beat winter blues and getting travel-ers in the summer spirit by extending its bookable flight schedulethrough Aug. 5, 2016. And, with the new flight schedule, Southwestis launching new nonstop routes. For example, Reno/Tahoe isgetting new three times daily service to Oakland, one of the mostrequested routes among travelers in Northern Nevada.

> A Chamber welcomeThe next time you are in the Chamber offices,stop by and say hello to our two new staffmembers – Mark Butler and Courtney Riley.Mark and Courtney have been hired as aresult of the Chamber receiving a grant fromthe James Irvine Foundation and will beworking closely together to better connect ourregional employers and educational systems.Both come with extensive experience and awealth of knowledge to share. Please warmlywelcome them to our Chamber family.

Mark has more than 15 years of experienceas an education and workforce developmentprofessional. He has initiated and managedcomplex, multi-partner initiatives focused on arange of industry sectors for clients including TheBay Area Council, San Jose State University andSan Mateo County while partnering withemployers such as IBM, Ford Motor Companyand Kaiser Permanente.

Courtney spent nearly five years with theOakland Unified School District in its LinkedLearning Department supporting college andcareer readiness throughout academies andpathways within local high schools. Her workincluded direct support to teachers andbusinesses, fostering collaboration to generatelasting impact on the lives of students. �

Mark Butler

Courtney Riley


> Leadership Oakland gets underway with city tour

▲ The 2015-16 class of Leadership Oakland took a bus tour of the city’s hidden gems, led byKenneth Brown of Visit Oakland.

▲ Following the afternoon panel discussion, executive director Cat Brewer (left) handed gifts tospeakers (left to right) Michael LeBlanc, Mark Everton, Shannon Pedder, Ann Thai and SteveSnider.

The group toured downtown, AutoRow, Piedmont, Temescal – with aquick stop by Doughnut Dolly andthen continued through Rockridge,Lake Merritt, and Uptown with a stopat the Remember Them monument.

The session concluded with a paneldiscussion and a question and answerperiod on the various challenges andrewards of doing business in Oakland.Featured speakers included MichaelLeBlanc, owner of Pican restaurant;Steve Snider, district manager ofUptown/Downtown CommunityBenefit District; Ann Thai, co-ownerof Newberry Market; Mark Everton,general manager of the WaterfrontHotel and the Chamber’s chairman ofthe board; and Shannon Pedder, ownerof Brand Creative – all of whom sharedtheir own experiences with startingand managing businesses in Oaklandand gave advice on leadership to theparticipants.

December’s session, which willfocus on Public Safety, will take placeon Friday, Dec. 11.

For more information regardingLeadership Oakland, contact executivedirector Cat Brewer [email protected]. �

Leadership Oakland’s Class of2016 City Neighborhood Tourand Business Day kicked off witha general tour of Oakland led byVisit Oakland’s Visitor CenterAssociate Kenneth Brown, ona bus generously provided byAC Transit.

>Inside Oakland features mayor’s leadership teamThe Oakland Chamber of Commerce hostedthree members of Mayor Libby Schaaf’sleadership team earlier this month at the InsideOakland breakfast. Director of Education DavidSilver, Policy Director of Infrastructure andTransportation Matt Nichols, and Director ofEquity and Strategic Partnerships Jose Corona allhighlighted the mayor’s commitment to progressin their respective areas.

Silver outlined “Oakland Promise,” the mayor’s major neweducation initiative aimed at increasing the number of Oaklandyouth who graduate from college. The first piece, called “Bril-liant Baby,” will put $500 in a college savings account for babiesborn to 1,000 vulnerable families. Oakland Promise aims to putmore college counselors into schools to ensure at-risk youthhave access to help in planning their future.

At the college level, the initiative will provide up to $4,000 peryear in scholarships as well as peer mentor support to Oaklandstudents entering college.

By 2020, the program aims to have provided $18 million in scholarships, helped families save $5 million for college, and engaged 25,000 childrenand families. “We’re rolling this out thoughtfully because we want this to outlive the mayor and outlive the superintendent,” Silver said.

In his capacity as Oakland’s first ever Policy Director of Transportation, Nichols highlighted two areas of focus. The first is the formation andstaffing of the newly-created Department of Transportation. Currently transportation projects are housed in various parts of the Department ofPublic Works. Creating a separate Department of Transportation will enable the city to attract more grant funds.

Nichols said his second area of focus is proposing a bond for the November 2016 ballot to fund a host of necessary infrastructure projectsincluding transportation, sewer drains, and public safety technology.

Director of Equity and Strategic Partnerships Corona is tasked with creating, coordinating, and facilitating public, private, and philanthropicpartnerships that foster equitable opportunities and benefits for the people of Oakland. Corona said that as the son of an immigrant worker whoeventually became a successful farm owner and socially responsible business owner, this mission is critical and personal. “The question is how do youuse business as a lever to build community?” Corona asked. �

▲ Jose Corona makes a point at Inside Oakland, while presenters MattNichols (center) and David Silver look on.


> Oakland is a leader in personalizing education for students

For decades, most publicschools in Oakland haveimplemented a traditional“whole group instruction”academic model wherein amajority of instruction isdirected exclusively by theteacher to the entire class,at a standard pace.Unfortunately, this defaultpedagogical structure often-times benefits only thosestudents who possess“grade-level” skills, leavingmany advanced studentsunchallenged and strugglingstudents lost.

Oakland’s students are as

diverse in their experience and

needs as the city is as a whole.

Asking our schools and teachers

to meet each and every student

need in the one-size-fits-all

traditional model is unfair and

unsustainable. Teachers deserve

the opportunity to learn about

and facilitate a more personal-

ized classroom experience for

students.

As a part of the Next

Generation Challenge Grants in

Oakland (NGLC in Oakland), ten

public schools in the city have set

out to re-think how instruction

can be personalized for, and by,

each student, ensuring that every student in every class learns and

grows every day.

What is personalization and why is it important for Oakland’s

students and teachers? While personalization can vary in different

settings, there is a growing consensus that personalization aligns to

four main principles:

• Personal Learning Paths – Each student follows a path

through content and skills in ways that work best for him or her.

Though students' paths may vary, the destination of high academic

success is the same.

• Competency-based Progression – Students move through

lessons based on their ability to demonstrate mastery of prior mate-

rial. In the traditional system, students too often move on to lessons

based on the calendar, whether prior learning was mastered or not.

• Flexible Learning Environment – Time, space, roles, and

instructional modes flex with the needs of students and teachers

rather than being fixed variables.

• Learner Profiles – Students' strengths and weaknesses,

motivations, and goals are visible to them and their teachers. Profiles

are constantly refreshed using a range of inputs.

The research case for personalization in schools continues to

build, including this November’s release of a new study Continued

Progress: Promising Evidence on Personalized Learning, that

by Greg Klein

concludes that “students in

schools using personalized learn-

ing practices are making greater

progress over the course of two

school years and that students

who started out behind are now

catching up to perform at or

above national levels.” 1

In addition, teachers who are

innovating with personalized

learning often find themselves

doing more of the things that

brought them to the profession

in the first place – building

relationships with students, con-

necting with families, mentoring,

providing meaningful feedback,

igniting passions and interests,

working with small groups and

instructing deeply in particular

content.

Supported by NGLC in

Oakland (a grant and support

program organized and led locally

by the Rogers Family Foundation),

ten Oakland public schools were

awarded Design Grants in early

2015 in order to explore how they

could change their operations and instructional methods in order to

improve student outcomes. These school teams worked diligently

over the past year, visiting high quality schools and learning from

local and national education experts, in order to launch innovative

personalized pilot programs.

All ten schools have signaled their intent to submit full Launch

Grant applications in early 2016. Four of these schools will be

awarded Launch Grants of up to $250,000 in order to fully launch

their new self-designed personalized models in fall 2016.

When fully launched in fall 2016, the NGLC in Oakland schools

will not only serve every one of their students and families in an

individualized way, but will maintain their commitment to constantly

learn and seek new ways of delivering instruction. These schools will

serve as local proof points and resource centers for other Oakland

educators so that even more Oakland schools can learn how to reach

every student, every day.

And most importantly, these schools will have changed because

the people closest to the students – the teachers and principals –

will be the ones responsible for making change happen. �

Greg Klein is the senior director for innovation and learning at

the Rogers Family Foundation. If you would like to find out more

about the Oakland’s blended pilot schools, visit

www.rogersfoundation.org. If you would like to learn more

about the Next Generation Learning Challenge in Oakland, visit

www.nglcinoakland.com.

1Pane, John F., Elizabeth D. Steiner, Matthew D. Baird and Laura S.

Hamilton. Continued Progress: Promising Evidence on Personalized

Learning. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2015.

http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1365.

SPECIAL SECTION Education

Photos by Hasain Rasheed Photography


> Working together to increase opportunities

But, as many in the largercommunity have pointedout, this rising economictide has not exactly lifted allboats. Some worry thatOakland is at risk of losingits diversity and culture. Ishare these worries, but theyare tempered by optimismabout the capacity of ourcommunity to work togetherand to adapt. To be sure,these are far reaching socialand cultural issues with nosimple solutions, butincreasing educationalopportunities forcommunities that areethnically and economicallydiverse is, in my opinion, themost effective way to beginaddressing them from theground up.

My institution, LaneyCollege, has a long and richhistory as a place where, if they work hard, Oaklanders cantransform themselves. We are a center for the national sciencefoundation; a regional hub for industrial and advanced manu-facturing education; a workforce training hub for the con-struction trades; a highly resourced training center facilitatingbuilding automation and advanced lighting control appren-ticeship training; a local leader with high quality faculty pro-viding STEM education; an innovator in accelerated ESLeducation; and so much more.

We represent a critical engine for the regional economy,and one that can respond to the changing economic land-scape. However, we don’t do this alone. Industry partners arevital to keeping our career technical education curriculum cur-rent and our graduates immediately hirable. An effective part-nership between industry and education can create a pipelineof specifically trained, motivated workers that eliminateguesswork in hiring. Together we can help create healthiercommunities by allowing students to create stable lives andparticipate more fully in the economic and civic fabric of theplaces they call home.

Laney College reflects and embraces the tremendoushuman and cultural variety that characterizes its location in vi-brant, multicultural downtown Oakland. By providing educa-tion and training that is affordable, Laney, along with the otherPeralta Colleges, represents the best chance for many low in-come residents to gain the skills that will provide them withaccess to better paying jobs.

A member of our computer information systems faculty,Johnnie Williams, was invited to the White House in Septem-ber in connection with his role as the apprenticeship directorfor #YesWeCode – a nonprofit recognized as a national leaderin promoting diversity in tech. He is also involved with theLaney College & Peralta Community College District Computer

by Elnora Tena Webb, Ph.D.

Programming ApprenticeshipProgram, which allows stu-dents to pursue an acceleratedAA or AS in any major, whiletaking a suite of Computer In-formation Systems courses orMultimedia Arts to complete adeveloper certificate.

At the completion of theeducation process studentswill have the opportunity toreceive apprenticeships (paidon-the-job training) withcompanies that have agreedto hire students from thepipeline. Now, we are applyingfor a California ApprenticeshipInitiative New InnovativeGrant Program award worth $1million to support the newprogram being created atLaney College and throughoutthe Peralta district. #YesWe-Code is organizing the em-ployers committed to hiring

diverse candidates.Laney also hosts the BEST Center, a National Science Foun-

dation funded national collaborative which promotes state-of-the-art building technician education and dissemination of thelatest research, technology, and industry collaborations in en-ergy efficient buildings. This opportunity came to us as a directresult of our nationally-recognized Environmental ControlTechnology (ECT) department, which offers programs in Com-mercial HVAC, Building Automation Systems, Building Per-formance & Energy Efficiency, and Commercial EnergyManagement. Historically, these efforts were led by Nick Kyri-akopedi with other industry colleagues.

The BEST Center recently partnered with Siemens Inc. tohost community college faculty from 18 different states aroundthe U.S. to attend a Building Automation Workshop at theNorth American headquarters of Siemens’ Building Technolo-gies Division, located in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, thanks largelyto the leadership work of Director Pamela Wallace and Coordi-nator Larry Chang. The goal of the workshop was to educateand train faculty members on Siemens’ latest building automa-tion control systems so they may better instruct their students.

These programs and initiatives show the promise of what ispossible when education and industrypartner to achieve a common goal.Thank you for your leadership efforts inthis regard. If you are not already a part-ner, join Laney in preparing residents, re-gardless of their economic resources,from Oakland and the greater Bay Areafor the new economy. �

Elnora Tena Webb, Ph.D. is president of

Laney College.


Elnora Tena Webb

Oakland is changing fast. Uber iscoming and housing prices continue to go up. The tech industry hascreated a density of high payingjobs and opportunities that requirespecial skills and education.


> Building career pathways through school-business partnerships

Public education is facing a critical period of change.Currently, national, state and local education leadersare working to address the gap between education andthe needs of industry. Nationally, we have made initialsteps with an agenda co-created with the U.S.Department of Education, the Department of HumanServices and Department of Labor.

For the first time, an interagencyagenda was crafted to leveragecomplementary resources to ensurethat all Americans have access tomiddle skill, middle class jobs.

Here in California, the responsewas the introduction of the Californiastandards that focus and inform ourattention on college and career readiness.Our first look at how our schools aredoing under these standards provided awindow into what it is going to take to ensure that our students gradu-ate prepared to successfully transition to higher education and theworkforce. This understanding is even more critical when consideringthe needs of low income students living in highly impacted communi-ties. And while many point to the achievement gaps associated withthese populations, this is a deeper issue of disparities in opportunity.

It is here that our business community can have a significant impactby partnering with schools to provide essential opportunities for learn-ing and exposure which will serve to bridge this gap.

California has invested $250 million towards K-14 career technicaleducation programs. The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) isproud to lead this effort in the Bay Area as part of an alliance of schooldistricts and community colleges receiving a $14 million grant from theCalifornia Department of Education last year. We are partnering with or-ganizations from diverse industries including healthcare, technology andengineering to begin creating curriculum that responds to the needs ofour business community and equips students with 21st century job skills.

Ultimately, we hope to bring four-year career pathway programsto high schools across the Bay Area where students earn dual creditstowards graduation and an Associate’s Degree, certification, or licensestowards a variety of industry-related jobs.

Graduating with not only a high school diploma, but a degree orcertification that immediately translates into a meaningful career canmake a critical difference for low income students who may not other-wise have access to such an opportunity. This career technical educationis not counterposed to college preparation, and can be a complementarypart of a variety of options for different students at different points oftheir educational journey.

As the Superintendent of Alameda County Schools, I am also leadingthis work for over 2,700 of the most vulnerable students in our court andcommunity schools in the East Bay. These are the students that too oftenfall through the cracks in the traditional classrooms. Many of thesestudents have endured severe trauma in their lives, which can causesome to lose their way. These career pathway programs can serve asbeacons for students to find opportunity and learn skills that connecttheir passions with fulfilling careers. Our schools, businesses and com-munities have much to gain by making a commitment to these students.

School-business partnerships play an essential role in ensuring ourstudents are prepared for success in college and career. Work-basedlearning and internship opportunities provide invaluable opportunityto apply critical thinking and problem solving in real-world contexts. If

by Alameda County Superintendent L. Karen Monroe

we can successfully work to transfer individual interests and skills andapply them in relevant, applicable contexts, it creates opportunity forstudents, for educators and ultimately for business and our communitiesas a whole.

As an Oakland resident and former Oakland educator, I care deeplyabout our community and creating key opportunities for youth acrossthe county. I very much value your partnership and know that this visionwill only be realized in partnership – business and education workinghand-in-hand in service of creating the ready and able workforce oftomorrow. I look forward to working with you. �

L. Karen Monroe is the Alameda County Superintendent of Schools.


▲ Says Alameda CountySuperintendent of SchoolsKaren Monroe (above,right),“Our businesscommunity can have asignificant impact bypartnering with schoolsto provide essentialopportunities for learningand exposure…”

What kinds of education and training are neededfor the Port of Oakland’s unique workforce that

includes environmental scientists, wharfingers anddivers?

The Port of Oakland’s Social Responsibility Division Director AmyTharpe said, “We support education in Oakland by improving access tovaluable information about Port operations and jobs as well as providingpathways to careers. This helps ensure that local residents have accessto these positions and careers.” Tharpe added, “One of the specialopportunities the Port offers is its facilities as a living classroom in ourcommunity that students can explore with our industry professionals.”

The Port partners with McClymonds High School EngineeringAcademy located in West Oakland. Academy students are given a hands-on project, educated about the Port’s operations, and paired with Portprofessionals for education and career goal discussions. This experiencehelps students understand the breadth of Port-related jobs, educationneeded for those positions, and how to navigate through education andemployment choices. Tharpe explained, “The Port develops partnershipsthat expand access to high quality education and help prepare a futureworkforce for careers in port-related industries including aviation,building construction trades and maritime activities.”

To prepare college bound students, the Port partners with CalState University East Bay’s (CSUEB’s) Summer Bridge Program. The Portdesigned a curriculum to reinforce CSUEB’s classroom learning withexperience in the field. CSUEB Associate Professor of Biology EricaWildy said, “The idea is to empower freshmen in their academic andprofessional pursuits by providing them with opportunities to performreal-world tasks that solidify their understanding of classroom lessonsand develop their sense of value for studies that build a path to a futurecareer.” The Engineering Academy and Summer Bridge Program aretwo examples of the numerous educational programs that include Portparticipation.

The Port does approximately $80-$120 million in annual construc-tion activities and has a strong commitment to hire local residents forthese projects. In order to ensure that local residents are prepared, thePort is a consistent supporter of the West Oakland Jobs Resource Centerand The Cypress Mandela Training Center, which provides apprenticeconstruction preparation along with employment assistance.

Also, the Port partners with the East Bay Economic DevelopmentAlliance to find more ways to engage the K-12 and higher educationcommunity with a shared goal of preparing the locally diverse popula-tion for good-paying jobs.

“For over 17 years the Port of Oakland has offered summer jobs, workexperience and exposure to careers for hundreds of students through itspaid Summer College Internship Program,” Tharpe stated.

The Port also provides paid, high school internships for the OaklandMayor’s Classrooms2Careers program. “We have a responsibility toinvest in educating our youth. We will continue to partner with others toensure a skilled future local workforce and a thriving, local and regionaleconomy,” said Tharpe.

Scholarships are also an important part of the Port’s educationsupport. To date, the Port and its employees have given more than $1million in scholarships to more than 550 local students through Portemployee associations. �

> Pathways to Port of Oakland careers


Recognized in the top two percent in the country, SutterHealth’s Alta Bates Summit Acute Rehabilitation Programhas become the first in the East Bay to offer the Ekso GTrobotic to its patients to optimize their health and wellness.This state-of-the-art technology supporting “neurologicalre-education” is just one of the most current treatmentstrategies patients receive while in the program that willsupport their path to recovery.

The nationally recognized Acute Rehabilitation Programnow offers this groundbreaking robotic exoskeleton therapy tohelp survivors of stroke, spinal cord injury and other forms oflower extremity weakness to walk again. As one of the largestrehabilitation centers in the Bay Area, Alta Bates Summit’sRegional Stroke Center cares for more than 600 patients everyyear.

Patented by Ekso Bionics’ – based in Richmond, California –the Ekso GT body suit adjusts advanced rehabilitation therapyto continuously support a patient’s steps as they begin to walkagain. It offers new hope for greater independence and a betterquality of life for a broad range of patients suffering fromweakness or paralysis of the lower limbs.

Patients ultimately are able to take more steps or walk morenaturally and show a significant improvement in overall health,mood, energy levels and engagement through use of the newtechnology. The Ekso GT has changed the course of recoveryin gait training and neuro-rehabilitation by enhancing thepatient’s own motion and increasing therapists’ ability to helpin rehabilitation.

> Alta Bates Summit offersfirst robotic exoskeleton

Importantly, it’s also about equity in that having a singleenrollment system eliminates the heavy demands on a family’scapacity (skill, will, and time) currently required to navigate the35-plus unique applications and timelines across Oakland’sdistrict and charter schools.

When adopted and implemented correctly, common enroll-ment will:

1. Create an enrollment process that is simple, easy to use,and convenient.

2. Provide families all the tools, in one spot, that they needto select the best fit for their child.

3. Reduce the number of application processes from 35 toone.

4. Require all schools – district and charter – to operatewithin the same enrollment rules.

5. Provide schools accurate and necessary real-time data forefficient and effective planning.

6. Preserve the sibling and neighborhood preferences ofOUSD’s current process.

Some in opposition of the policy argue that it is a pro-charter, anti-district strategy. At GO, we respect and appreciatethe tension between district-run school and charter school en-rollment. It’s a real issue that we need to tackle collaborativelyas a community.

That said, we simply don’t see common enrollment policyas an issue of district-run versus charter schools. The number ofseats available in either district-run or charter-run schools willnot change because of common enrollment.

What needs to change is how easy and equitable theexperience of enrolling a child in a public school will be forfamilies. Perpetuating confusing, cumbersome, and fragmentedenrollment processes for families – particularly those withlimited capacity to navigate them – is wrong and unfair.

This is a critical Board decision that will significantly impactevery family in Oakland, and we hope that you will engage inthe dialogue and come together to encourage our School Boardto make the right, hard decision in service of all our studentsand families �

Ash Solar is executive director of GO Public Schools Oakland.

> A look at the schools’ common enrollment policy

At GO Public Schools, our mission is to bring Oaklanderstogether toward more Oakland students learning andthriving in high quality public schools every year.

Recently, our School Board opened a discussion regardinga potential common enrollment policy as part of its efforts torevamp its overall enrollment practices. Put simply, commonenrollment is about easy, efficient, and equitable access to allhigh quality public school seats for all Oakland students.

Oakland’s public education landscape has changed dramati-cally over the last 15 years. Career pathways, small schools,charter schools, grade-level expansions, TK programs, etc.have profoundly reshaped families’ public school options.Today, Oakland families must understand and juggle 35 uniqueapplication processes and deadlines.

For the Board, common enrollment presents a complicatedand nuanced issue that truly puts needs of students and familiesfirst, while potentially creating complexity and risk for districtand charter schools alike. If adopted and implemented correctly,it will represent a bold compromise and collaboration betweenour district and charter schools in service of all our students andfamilies. Frankly, we’ll need more of these compromises to getto where we want to get for all students in our city.

A family’s right to choose the best public school (district orcharter) for their children already exists. Adopting a commonenrollment policy would simply allow families to exercise thatchoice more easily and efficiently.

by Ash Solar



> SMU passes Latinoenrollment benchmark, movescloser to diversity goals

As the demographics of California have shifted and Latinos are now thelargest ethnic group in the state, the student population at Samuel Mer-ritt University (SMU) is also growing more diverse with the number ofLatino students having tripled over the past five years.

Latino students now represent more than 17 percent of students enrolledacross all five SMU healthcare programs – up from just over 6 percent in 2010,according to enrollment statistics compiled by SMU’s Office of InstitutionalResearch and Evaluation.

The encouraging growth means that SMU has met and surpassed its goalfor attracting more Latino students to the university. Five years ago, the Boardof Regents approved a Diversity Plan that called for 12.5 percent Latino enroll-ment by the end of this year. “I’m really elated,” said Chief Diversity OfficerShirley Strong. “We’ve made great progress.”

SMU is working to increase the number of Latino and African Americanstudents to help ensure that the healthcare workforce better reflects the com-munities where care is needed most. In communities of color, residents oftenlack access to preventative care and suffer from higher rates of disease thanthose in predominately white neighborhoods.

The number of African American students at SMU is also on the rise, butthe pace has been slower. Black students now represent just over 4 percent ofthe student population as compared to just below 3 percent in 2010.

“We are moving in the right direction, but we need to do more to attractAfrican American students into the health professions,” said SMU Dean of Ad-mission Timothy Cranford, who is working closely with the Office of Diversityand Inclusion to recruit underrepresented students. “Being visible in the com-munities around us will attract a more diverse population.”

SMU has increased efforts to reach out to community colleges and informstudents about the science and math classes they need to take and the gradesthey need to achieve to pursue health science careers.

Strong said plans are also underway to get the word out about SamuelMerritt University at historically black colleges across the country. “We wantto identify people who want to serve their communities and reduce healthdisparities,” said Strong. �

will receive an e-mail from First Generation confirming their pledge,along with a reminder of the available resources that can help make theirpledge a success.

If any of the pledge options aren’t of interest, but you’d still like tohelp the cause, you can do so by taking a moment to share your firstgeneration story on Facebook and Twitter, using the hashtag “#GoCol-legeNow” and including the website address. It could be as easy as post-ing, “Know someone who is the first in their family to attend college?Introduce them to #GoCollegeNow at www.gocollegenow.org.” By rais-ing awareness on social media you will have instantly taken this free re-source to a place it hasn’t been and that’s something to feel good about.

If you yourself were the first or second in your family to go to col-lege, you understand the opportunities and financial rewards that highereducation has given you. I believe Go College! Now has the potential tochange the life-course of a student who might not have thought collegewas within his or her grasp.

Wells Fargo and First Generation Films are working with nationalnonprofit organizations, community groups, local leaders and stakehold-ers to make a difference, and we hope you will join our efforts and sup-port Go College! Now. �

Kristina Le is the East Bay president at Wells Fargo.


> Go College! Now

The impact that a quality education can have ona student is stronger today than it has everbeen. Simply learning about the discoveriesmade in science, technology, mathematics, andmedicine in the last 30 years can give today’scollege student the edge to be a successfulleader and innovator of tomorrow.

Still, millions of first-generation and under-served students across the country are being leftbehind from accessing this higher-learning oppor-tunity for the simple reason that no one has shownthem how to find the road and map the journey.

Recognizing that each of us comes from a firstgeneration of something (immigrant, skilled worker,

college graduate), where overcoming adversity is often the common theme,Wells Fargo joined forces with First Generation Films to launch the “Go Col-lege! Now” (www.gocollegenow.org) national education initiative and web-site.

Opportunities and programs created specifically for these students, whichare intended to help them unlock and understand the power and purpose ofhigher education, are not reaching far enough. Go College! Now works to in-spire students by providing free access to an award-wining powerful docu-mentary, “First Generation,” along with downloadable resources that provideadvice and guidance and a roadmap to understanding the steps needed toachieve academic success.

In addition to being bilingual, the Go College! Now website’s “Take thePledge” encourages everyone to make a difference by supporting college ac-cess for first-generation and low-income students. For example, students canpledge to find a mentor, sign up for free ACT or SAT test prep, or visit a collegecampus. Adults and graduates can pledge to tell the story of their collegiatejourney with a student or classroom, volunteer time at a local school or com-munity center, or mentor a student. An individual or group can also pledge tohost a First Generation screening at a local school or community center. Oncea pledge is submitted through the Go College! Now website, the individual

by Kristina Le

Kristina Le


SPECIAL SECTION

> Oakland Restaurant Weekreturns with new sponsors, pricepoint, and restaurantsby Frances Wong

Wining & Dining in Oakland

Oakland Restaurant Week,

presented by Visit Oakland and

American Express, is your

chance to taste the culinary

creations of the city’s best and

brightest chefs and

restaurateurs. The successful

program returns Jan. 14-24,

2016. Ten days, covering two

full weekends, gives diners the

opportunity to try out new

places or return to old

favorites. With more than 100 restaurants participating, it will be difficult

to make your first choice!

New to the program is the introduction of a new price point. In addi-

tion to the $20, $30 and $40 per person menus, restaurants are now able

to offer a $50 option as well. The new price tier allows new restaurants to

create a more expansive prix fixed menu option and offer more choices for

diners to choose from.

Oakland Restaurant Week 2016 welcomes a brand new title sponsor,

American Express. With its involvement and participation, we’re expect-

ing our most successful year ever. New and returning sponsors include

Oakland Restaurant Association, City of Oakland, See.Eat.Love food tours,

DeVry University, OpenTable, Red Oak Realty, Food Craft Institute, and

media sponsors KTVU Fox 2, KBLX 102.9, Q102.1, Diablo Magazine, and

Comcast Business.

Lungomare, Nido and Bourbon & Beef return as Oakland Restaurant

Week restaurant sponsors and join a welcome list of returning partici-

pants: Pican, alaMar, Golden Peacock, Spice Monkey, Juhu Beach Club, Bo-

canova, and Tribune Tavern, to name a few.

Chris Pastena, owner of Lungomare and Chop Bar, will also debut his

brand new restaurant, Calavera, in this year’s program. Featuring a Mexi-

can-inspired menu and a wide selection of mezcal, the restaurant will cer-

tainly be a go-to spot during Oakland Restaurant Week.

Other new establishments include country-western themed Overland

Bar and Grill, California bistro Salsipuedes, and new Italian restaurant Par-

lour joining a growing list of new businesses that are making their debut

as Oakland Restaurant Week participants.

Visit Oakland makes it easy for dinners to make their Oakland Restau-

rant Week a successful one. Visit oaklandrestaurantweek.org to find

restaurant listings and restaurant week menus sorted by cuisine, neigh-

borhood, and lunch or dinner options. In partnership with OpenTable, you

can even make reservations directly from the Oakland Restaurant Week

website.

Oakland Restaurant Week 2016 showcases our city’s unique culinary

environment and zest for new flavors, techniques and concepts. Follow

#ORW16 on social media to see what others are eating. �

Frances Wong is the public relations and community relations managerat Visit Oakland.

Oakland’s reputation as a thrivingfood destination is becoming wellknown. Just this year, Oaklandwas featured in AnthonyBourdain’s No Reservations andwill be making its debut in thisseason’s Top Chef: California.With more and more restaurantspopping up, it’s no wonderOakland’s food scene is foreverevolving and attracting dinersfrom all over the Bay Area.


SPECIAL SECTION Wining & Dining in Oakland

Flourishing urban wine country Fancy some local wines for the festive season? Look no further than your backyard as local Oaklandwinemakers open their cellars stocked with wines made right here in the East Bay. Urban wineries may seem like a new concept, but they reflect a tradition of local winemaking that datesback to the California Gold Rush. While the idyllic rolling hills of Napa may come to mind when you think of winetasting, local wineries right here in the Bay Area are craing award-winning wines equal to those of the bigbrand locales. No longer bound by the locations and climates of their “old world” counterparts, urban vintners are sourc-ing the best grapes available and bringing them back to their local cellars. Located across the East Bay in facto-ries, warehouses, tanneries and even an old airline hanger, tasting rooms are open to the community toexperience the warmth and vibrant talent that Oakland has to offer. For more than ten years the East Bay Vintners Alliance (EBVA) has brought together more than 20 of theBay Area’s most knowledgeable and skilled urban winemakers in a collaborative effort to pool their skills andresources and to promote the East Bay as “urban wine country.” Successful marketing and public relationsinitiatives by the EBVA over the past two years have placed the East Bay’s “urban wine country” squarely on themap both regionally and nationally. TV interviews during crush showcased local vintners at work, and feature coverage in Diablo magazine,local newspapers and wine blogs, as well as in Wine Spectator, the leading national magazine of the wine indus-try, has highlighted the quality of locally made wines. Media coverage focusing on the fresh vibe of urban winecountry, coupled with an active social media campaign and cooperative promotion with Visit Oakland are driv-ing awareness and introducing local vintners to a much broader population of potential customers and visitors. Founding members of the EBVA, Dashe Cellars’ husband and wife team Michael and Anne Dashe, use theircombined 40-plus years of experience to create exceptional single-vineyard wines. Dashe Cellars creates vine-yard-focused wines that capture the complexity and character of top vineyards throughout Sonoma County andbeyond. Their portfolio includes excellent, Zinfandel, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Riesling. In 2015 Dashe Cellars opened a wine garden at their Oakland location to huge success, where they havesince hosted live music and a regular tasting menu from Nido Kitchen & Bar. Currently closed for the winter, thegarden will reopen in April 2016. Leveraging long-term relationships working with some of California’s top growers and vineyards, Jeff CohnCellars’ owner Jeff Cohn sources some of the state’s finest fruit, including Rockpile in Sonoma County, FessParker in Santa Barbara County and Stagecoach in Napa, to create their signature Zinfandel and Red blends. Notonly can locals visit their tasting room, located at 160 Franklin St. in Jack London Square, but Jeff Cohn himselfwill be leading wine tasting classes in the coming months. Rosenblum Cellars is another key local vintner that not only supports the local Oakland community, but ispassionate about fostering relationships with under-appreciated grape-growing areas of Northern California.Famous for being all about Zinfandel, they make over 20 different types, as well as other amazing wines includ-ing Rhône-style red wines like Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache and white and dessert wines. They are passionateabout sharing their sumptuous wines through their Jack London Square tasting room located just feet from theOakland Ferry Terminal. Whether it’s a deep red Zinfandel you’re looking to accompany warming winter meals or a bright sparklingwine for family celebrations, there’s no need to travel further than Oakland to experience the best winesCalifornia has to offer.

Oakland’s urban wineries at your doorstepAubin Cellars6050 Colton Blvd.(510) 339-0170www.aubincellars.com Tasting room hours: By appoint-ment only

Campovida 103 Linden St.(510) 550-7273www.campovida.com Tasting room hours: Open Thursday& Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday noon-9p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m.

Cerruti Cellars100 Webster St.(510) 550-2900www.cerruticellars.comTasting room hours: By appoint-ment only and open to the public inthe summer

Dashe Cellars 55 4th St.(510) 452-1800 www.dashecellars.com Tasting room hours: Thursday-Sun-day noon-6 p.m., Mondays by ap-pointment only

Irish Monkey Cellars1017 22nd Ave., Unit 300(888) 373-6441www.irishmonkeycellars.comTasting room hours: Saturday &Sunday noon-5 p.m., and by ap-pointment

Jeff Cohn Cellars160 Franklin St., Jack London Square (510) 465-5900 www.jeffcohncellars.comTasting room hours: Friday & Satur-day 1-7 p.m., Sunday 1-6 p.m., andby appointment

Periscope Cellars538 9th St., inside Swan's Market(510) 665-7827www.periscopecellars.com Tasting room hours: Wednesday-Saturday noon-9 p.m.

Rosenblum Cellars10 Clay St. in Jack London Square(877) GR8-ZINSwww.RosenblumCellars.comTasting room hours: Sunday-Thurs-day 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday & Saturday11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Stage Left Cellars2102 Dennison St.(510) 434-9930www.stagelecellars.comTasting room hours: 1st Saturdayof each month 11am - 5 p.m., and byappointment

Two Mile Wines477 25th St.www.twomilewines.comTasting room hours: Saturday &Sunday 2-5 p.m., every Thursday 5-9 p.m., First Fridays 5-10 p.m., andby appointment

Urban Legend621 4th St. www.ulcellars.comTasting room hours: Friday-Sunday1-6 p.m.

Sample local winesInspired to sample some of Oakland’s urbanwineries? Head out on Oakland’s UrbanWine Trail, stopping along the way to shop,eat and explore all that Oakland has to offer.Best of all? The trail is walkable, and easilyaccessible by public transportation. Formore information visitwww.visitoakland.org/oakland-urban-wine-trail/.


> Visit Oakland launches Oakland’s‘Urban Wine Trail’


> Rosenblum Cellars continuesto earn winemaking honors

Rosenblum Cellars, which has its tasting room in the heart of Jack LondonSquare, came to the Oakland waterfront in July 2014. The beautiful locationoffers outdoor waterfront seating, plush couches in the lounge, and indoorwrap-around window seating.

Earlier this year Rosenblum launched a “social hour” and event space packages.There’s also room to host business meetings and group events.

Known for its outstanding signature Zinfandels, Rosenblum has received count-less awards and accolades for more than three decades. From single vineyards inSonoma and Alexander Valley to strictly selected regional blends, Rosenblum hasmade more than 50 Zinfandels earning 90 or more points from Wine Spectator. It’san eye-opening track record for Zin lovers, but at Rosenblum, guided by commit-ment and craft, delivering sumptuous wines seems to be simply business as usual.

The Jack London Square location offers small bites, cheeses and charcuterieplates to pair with one of its 50 different wine offerings. In addition to offering aglass or bottle of wine, it features a Reserve Flight (four pours) or Premier Flight (sixpours), which changes weekly.

Rosenblum has added a robust event calendar, featuring discounts and activitieseach day of the week. There’s “Trivia Tuesdays,” “Winesday Wednesdays” for dis-counts off glass pours, and “Foodie Fridays” for discounted food parings.

Peppered into its social calendar are featured artist and musicians. Be sure tocheck out our website for updated events and offerings.

For additional information on event pricing and packages, current specials orspecial events, call (877) 478-9467. �

Visit Oakland, the city’s destination marketing organization, has debuted theOakland Urban Wine Trail, showcasing 10 wineries within the city’s limits.The wineries cover a 10-mile radius throughout Oakland, and the trail is walk-able and easily accessible by public transportation.

What makes Oakland’s trail unique? Variety in an already different location. Oak-land’s urban wineries are housed in renovated warehouses and offer visitors tastingrooms in industrial neighborhoods, artist community spaces, and even waterfront lo-cations. Oakland vintners source their grapes from throughout California and bring aunique Oakland flavor to the trail, influenced by their different backgrounds andwinemaking experiences.

“You no longer have to travel to traditional wine country for great, quality wine,”said Alison Best, president and chief executive officer of Visit Oakland. “These wine-makers were drawn here because Oakland’s the place to try something different, likebuilding your winery in a warehouse instead of a vineyard. We are proud that ourvintners are putting a new spin on winemaking in our state, adding their authenticOakland flavor.”

The Oakland Urban Wine Trail represents a growing interest in winemaking out-side of the traditional wine country. Wineries include Campovida, Cerruti Cellars,Dashe Cellars, Irish Monkey Cellars, Jeff Cohn Cellars, Periscope Cellars, RosenblumCellars, Stage Left Cellars, Two Mile Wines, and Urban Legend.

To help visitors navigate the trail, an Oakland Urban Wine Trail brochure andmap, as well as microsite, have been launched. The launch of the Oakland UrbanWine Trail coincided with California Wine Month in September. The month was agreat time for visitors to learn about the harvest season and experience one of thestate’s signature agricultural products.

For more information on the trail or to learn more about participating wineries,visit oaklandurbanwinetrail.com. �

> The philosophy hasn’t changedat Piedmont GroceryFounded by Herman and Eugenia Sack, Piedmont Grocery Co. openedits doors in 1902. Located at the corner of 41st Street and PiedmontAvenue, the business was moved after a fire destroyed it in 1904 andrebuilt one block down by the Key Train station at the end of the SanFrancisco line where it remains to this day.

In the beginning, Piedmont Grocery Co. meant sawdust-covered floors,scattered pickle barrels and wooden crates displaying “good things to eat” withunparalleled service.

Through earthquakes, fires, economic highs and lows, Piedmont GroceryCo. has remained consistent with its promise to deliver quality foods with out-standing personal service that has endeared the store for generations.

In the early days, clerks would pull items from the shelves at customer re-quest. Dorothy Rickard, Piedmont resident and daughter of H.Sack, Herman’sson who ran the business until 1956, recalls the old store, “You just ask for it,and they bring it to you.”

Soon H.Sack established Piedmont Grocery Co. as one of the first self-service grocery stores in town. The company even offered a daily deliveryservice until 1965 – originally by horse-drawn wagons, then by a fleet of greentrucks which oftentimes delivered the mail along with the groceries.

Piedmont Grocery Co. was purchased from the Sack family in 1957 by CharlesLarson who, as an ambitious 16-year-old in 1920, started work at PiedmontGrocery Co. as a delivery driver. Charles worked his way up to buyer and storemanager and eventually to general manager before becoming president andowner. Piedmont Grocery Co. is currently owned by Charles’ son David Larson.

Today in its 113th year, the store has been updated, but the philosophy ofoffering the finest foods and best service to customers and the communityremains the same.

Piedmont Grocery Co. features a full-service butcher shop and an excep-tional selection of gourmet, specialty and prepared foods. �

If your family and friends are visiting fromout of town this holiday season, why not

treat them to some award-winning localwines made right here in the East Bay?

Serving light meats or seafood? A butteryChardonnay is just the thing. Try R&B Cellars’s2012 SarabandeChardonnaywith a vibrantacidity thatbalances out therichness of turkey or lobster. It also has subtlehints of apricot, peach and vanilla that blendmagically into aromatic holiday sides.

Cooking warm, filling roasts? We suggestDashe Cellars’s 2010 Todd Brothers Ranch

Petite Sirah or 2012Louvau VineyardPetite Sirah. Bothwines also have agreat velvety feel

and enough tannins to go with hearty stews,rib roasts and grilled meats.

Jeff Cohn Cellars’s 2012 Lancel Creek PinotNoir is a perfectholiday party wine.Bright and light,ripe and spicy, withbalanced acidity, itwill pair with allroasted meats andluscious side dishes.

We also recom-mend treating yourvisitors to a localCalifornian Zinfandel, popular since the GoldRush days. It’s the perfect hearty winter wine

because it’s spicy,dark, and ripe, andstands up to rich andwarming winterdishes like short ribsor shepherd’s pie.

Try Dashe Cellars’2012 Todd BrothersRanch Old Vines

Zinfandel or the three pack from Jeff CohnCellars of “Warm for the Winter Zins”; each hasits own vibrant personality that is sure to bringjoy to your holiday table.

Cheers! �

Patricia Harden is president of HardenCommunications Partners in Oakland.

Recommendations courtesy of the East Bay Vintners

Alliance

> Christmasfavorites and heartywinter wine pairings


USA Today has named Oakland one of its “10 Best Local Food Scenes”in the United States for 2015. The list is voted upon by readers of USAToday and 10Best.com, the paper’s online travel guide. Oakland lands atthe number seven spot.

Oakland has been a trending culinary destination with the rise of new restau-rants and chefs bringing their talents to the East Bay. Its diversity allows diners toenjoy a variety of food options throughout many neighborhoods. The city’s Oak-land Restaurant Week has been celebrated as one of the best in the Bay Area forits inclusion of menus from all regions, tastes, and neighborhoods.

Supplementing the restaurant scene is the Oakland Urban Wine Trail thatbrings the best of wine country with the city’s urban landscape.

“We are so proud to be recognized as one of the most delicious and uniquefood scenes in the country,” says Alison Best, president and chief executiveofficer of Visit Oakland. “Local foodies consistently choose Oakland as thebest city to eat in the Bay Area and we’re happy to spread the word to the restof the nation.” �

by Patricia Harden

� Piedmont Grocery offered a daily delivery service until 1965 – originallyby horse-drawn wagons, then by a fleet of green trucks which oftentimesdelivered the mail along with the groceries.

> Oakland named one of Top Tenbest local food scenes

Save the Date: Economic Development

Summit –“Oakland’s Economy

of the Future” March 18



SPECIAL SECTION Wining and Dining in Oakland

Dine at theseoutstanding Chambermember restaurants

> AIRPORT / COLISEUM AREA

Francesco’s Restaurant8520 Pardee DriveOakland, CA 94621 (510) 569-0653

> DOWNTOWN & VICINITY

Faz Restaurant1111 BroadwayOakland, CA 94607 (510) 272-1111

Fountain Cafe499 14th St., Suite 125Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 451-6400

Spice Monkey1628 Webster St.Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 268-0170

Tambo1414 Jefferson St.Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 663-8262

The Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill1520 Lakeside DriveOakland, CA 94612 (510) 208-5253

The Terrace Room at Lake Merritt 1800 Madison St.Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 903-3771

> HIGH STREET

Mountain Mike’s Pizza1448A High St.Oakland, CA 95601(510) 436-7988

> JACK LONDON SQUARE & VICINITY

Buttercup Kitchen – Family Restaurant229 BroadwayOakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-2976

> GUIDE TO CHAMBER MEMBER RESTAURANTS AND CATERERS

Chop Bar247 4th St., Suite 111Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 834-2467

Home of Chicken and WafflesRestaurant & Bar444 Embarcadero WestOakland, CA 94607 (510) 836-4446

Kincaid’s Bayhouse1 Franklin St.Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 835-8600

Numi Tea Garden2230 Livingston St.Oakland, CA 94606 (877) 686-4832

Scott’s Seafood Grill & Bar2 BroadwayOakland, CA 94607 (510) 444-3456

> OLD OAKLAND

La Snackeria815 Washington St.Oakland, CA 94612(510) 328-3839

Levende East / Liege SpiritsLounge481 9th St. Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 835-4343

Pacific Coast Brewing Co.906 Washington St.Oakland, CA 94607 (510) 836-2739

> UPTOWN

Flora Restaurant1900 Telegraph Ave.Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 286-0100

Monster Pho3905 BroadwayOakland, CA 94611 (510) 788-4459

Pican2295 BroadwayOakland, CA 94612 (510) 834-1000

Rudy’s Can’t Fail Cafe Restaurant1805 Telegraph Ave.Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 251-9400

The Vegetarian Gourmet2145 BroadwayOakland, CA 94612 (510) 865-2935

> NEARBY

Panera Bread Bakery Cafe2249 South Shore Center DriveAlameda, CA 94501 (925) 408-7713�

Use these Chambermembers for yourcatering needs

Blue Heron Catering, Inc.1430 23rd Ave.Oakland, CA 94606(510) 533-0781

Bon Appetit Catering1547 Lakeside DriveOakland, CA 94612 (510) 891-2304

Faz Restaurant1111 BroadwayOakland, CA 94607 (510) 272-1111

Fountain Cafe499 14th St., Suite 125Oakland, CA 94612 (510) 451-6400

Miraglia Catering & Event Planning2096 Burroughs Ave.San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 483-5210

Savoy Events3110 35th Ave.Oakland, CA 94619 (510) 533-9588�


Names in the news

• Public architect Paul Powershas announced the transfer of own-ership of The KPA Group afterpurchasing the firm from businesspartner Hratch Kouyoumdjianfollowing his recent retirement. KPAwas founded in 1987 as a structuralengineering consulting firm and thepractice expanded to add architec-tural services in 1992 and thenaviation planning services in 1996.Powers plans to build upon the firm’s

28-year history of offering exceptional planning, architectureand engineering services to public and private sector clients.

• AC Transit has announced the death of former InterimGeneral Manager Mary King, who worked tirelessly for theDistrict and the AC Transit Board of Directors to carry theagency through tough economic times. King was a true trail-blazer and used her considerable expertise in government todevelop and advocate for efficient transportation systemsand services. In 1988, Mary King became the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected an Alameda CountySupervisor. She was re-elected twice and served as BoardPresident for two years.

In other AC Transit news, Claudia Allen has been namedchief financial officer. Allen bringsmore than 30 years of seniormanagement experience infinance, accounting and budgetdevelopment in large-scaleorganizations including the PortAuthority of Allegheny Countyin Pittsburgh and Aetna Life &Casualty in Connecticut. Afterlaunching her career with financeand management positions atCoopers & Lybrand and Aetna Life &Casualty, she transitioned to Controllerat the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the 15th largestpublic transit agency in the U.S.

• The City of Oakland is conducting a survey to solicitcommunity feedback about proposed improvements to theBroadway Shuttle (a.k.a. “B Shuttle” or “Free B”) in down-town Oakland. Proposed improvements to the B Shuttleinclude service and route expansions, stop improvements,enhancements to speed up the service, and a possible con-version of the existing bus shuttle service to an EnhancedBus or Streetcar service. Visit Oaklandnet.com/Broadway-Transit for more information about the proposed improve-ments. The deadline for completing the survey is Dec. 31.

• The Lions Center for the Blind, proving that visiontranscends eyesight since 1942, has moved its offices to 1722Broadway. All other information, including the telephonenumber – (510) 450-1580 – is staying the same.

• The East Bay Rental Housing Association, whichserves rental property owners throughout Alameda andContra Costa counties, has moved its offices to 3664 GrandAve., Suite B. The phone number – (510) 893-9873 – remainsthe same.

• Living Jazz will present “In the Name of Love,” the14th annual musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.on Sunday, Jan. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Center, 1547Lakeside Drive in Oakland. The tribute will honor the civilrights movement through the music of Nina Simone. Fortickets and information, call (510) 858-5313 or visitwww.mlktribute.com.

• CareBuilders at Home, which provides non-medicalcare to elderly and others who require assistance with theirdaily living needs, will hold an open house and ribboncutting to celebrate the opening of their new office at 40029th St., suite 403, on Friday, Dec. 18 beginning at 4 p.m.(ribbon-cutting at 5 p.m.). For more information, call (626)676-6298.

• Spirit Airlines has commenced two daily nonstopflights between Oakland International Airport (OAK) andLos Angeles International Airport (LAX). The "Bay-to-Basin"corridor, as Spirit calls it, is one of the world's busiest airtravel markets. The new addition brings the total number offlights connecting OAK and LAX to 24 daily flights, combinedwith multiple flights daily on the route currently offered bySouthwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. �

Paul Powers

Claudia Allen


Keeping you connected and informed

> JANUARY 2016

4 | Chamber offices re-open

13 | Economic Development Forum |3 - 4:30 p.m. featuring Oakland’s Economic & Workforce

Development and Planning & Building

departments and their plans and special

projects for 2016, with Rachel Flynn, director

of Planning and Building, and Mark Sawicki,

director of Economic & Workforce

Development

21 | After Five Reception| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

location to be announced

22 | Inside Oakland BreakfastForum| 8:30-10 a.m.

a City Councilmember update featuring

Councilmember Annie Campbell Washington

> FEBRUARY 2016

5 | Women in Business Roundtable|11:15 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. 2016 speaker series, “Rising to the Top,”

featuring a financial panel of women, more

details to come, Waterfront Hotel in Jack

London Square

10 | Economic Development Forum |3 - 4:30 p.m. an update on the Port of Oakland’s three

business lines – aviation, maritime and real

estate

25 | After Five Reception| 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

location to be announced

26 | Inside Oakland BreakfastForum| 8:30-10 a.m.

> MARCH 2016

18 | Economic DevelopmentSummit, “Oakland Economy of theFuture,” including confirmed speakers Chris

Thornberg (Beacon Economics) and Robert

Sammons (Cushman & Wakefield), more

information to follow

All events held at Chamber offices, 475 14th Street, unless otherwise noted. Call 874-4800 to confirm dates and times. Meetings are open to all Chamber members.

East Bay Women inBusiness Luncheon| Feb. 5

Economic Development Summit| Mar. 18

Economic Development Forum| Jan. 13

15 HolidayMixer

No charge for Chamber members.$15 for non-members.

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Jack London Square

@OaklandChamber#OaklandChamber#TheOaklandAdvantage

After Five Reception| Jan. 21

Tue.Dec.

INSIDE OAKLAND Annie Campbell Washington| Jan. 22

The purpose of the Oakland Metropolitan Chamberof Commerce is to promote commerce and industry,to advance economic growth and to enhance thequality of life in the city of Oakland.

OBR OAKLAND BUSINESS REVIEW (ISSN 1092-7220)is published monthly at $100.00 a year by theOakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, 47514th Street, Oakland, CA 94612-1903. Membershipdues include subscription. Periodicals postage atOakland, CA. Contents can’t be reproduced withoutpermission. POSTMASTER: Send address changes toOAKLAND BUSINESS REVIEW, 475 14th Street,Oakland, CA 94612.

EditorHANK MASLER, (510) [email protected] | www.oaklandchamber.com

Design/Production EditorCARTER DESIGNS

The articles published in this publication do notnecessarily reflect the policies or opinions of the OaklandMetropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEChair of the BoardMARK EVERTONWaterfront Hotel

Vice ChairCHARISSA FRANKFMG Architects

GREG CHANEast Bay MunicipalUtility District

DAN COHENFull Court Press

HILARY PEARSONSungevity

DAVID TUCKERWaste Managementof Alameda County

ZACK WASSERMANEx Officio CorporateCounselWendel, Rosen, Black & Dean LLP

BOARD OF D IRECTORS

KIM ARNONECutting Edge Capital

HARMINDER BAINSSecuritas

ALICIA BERTPG&E

ALISON BESTVisit Oakland

DAREN CHANAT&T

JOHN DOLBYDTZ

RON FORESTMatson NavigationCompany

BENJAMIN HARRISONColliers International

STAN HEBERTCalifornia State University, East Bay

MICHAEL HESTERMcGuire & Hester

NAVEEN JAINSparkart

VICTORIA JONESThe Clorox Company

PAMELA KERSHAWPort of Oakland

MICHAEL LEBLANCPICÁN Restaurant

KEN LOWNEYLowney Architecture

KEN MAXEYComcast

ED MCFARLANJRDV Urban International

SAM NASSIFCreative HospitalityCorporation

MICKY RANDHAWAWells Fargo

JACKIE LYNN RAYSchnitzer SteelIndustries

JENNIFER SCANLONKaiser Permanente

DENNIS SCHRAGUCSF BenioffChildren’s HospitalOakland

DAVID STEINDonahue FitzgeraldLLP

Bj WASHINGTONJ.P. Morgan Chase

ELÑORA TENA WEBB,PH.D.Laney College

STACEY WELLSSutter HealthEast Bay

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During the third quarter, companies moved into, signed leases in, or expanded their presence in the heart of Oakland by morethan 592,000 square feet of office and retail space.

According to a compilation provided by real estate brokers to the Lake Merritt/Uptown and Downtown Oakland communitybenefit districts, among the significant transactions were:

• Uber, the ride-on-demand giant, purchased the 1945 Broadway building capturing 381,622 square feet of prime space forits expansion purposes.

• Brown & Toland signed a 59,514-square-foot lease at 1221 Broadway for a medical office.• Sierra Club, an environmental club, signed a 38,776-square-foot lease at 2101 Webster St.• Corelogic, a global property information, analytics and data-enabled services provider, signed a 23,842-square-foot lease

at 555 12th St.• California Institute of Regenerative Medicine, a stem cell agency, signed a 17,097-square-foot lease at 1999 Harrison St.• Fluid, a digital shopping software firm, signed a lease for 16,004 square feet at 1611 Telegraph Ave.• Union Bank signed a 37,244-square-foot lease at 1221 Broadway.• The Punchdown, a natural wine bar and bottle shop, signed a 1,600-square-foot lease at 1737 Broadway.• Itani Ramen, a gourmet ramen shop, signed a 2,000-square-foot lease at 1736 Telegraph Ave.• Cape Cowl Comics, a comic store, signed a lease for 1,400 square feet at 1601 Clay St.• Left Coast Power Yoga, a yoga studio, signed a lease at 563 16th St. for 1,300 square feet.• SPUR, a leading civic planning organization, signed a 6,000-square-foot ground floor and 1,500-square-foot mezzanine

lease at 1544 Broadway.• And two up & coming restaurant/bar

concepts, that have yet to be named, have signedleases at 1915 Broadway for 3,500 square feet and1,600 square feet at 1739 Broadway.

“The creativity with which Oaklandbusinesses have embraced and developed newbusiness concepts and services has gone beyondanyone’s expectations and is having a majorpositive impact on the health of our commercialreal estate market,” said Steve Snider, LakeMerritt/Uptown & Downtown Oakland DistrictManager. “As this list of leases demonstrates, jobsare growing in our office towers, within streetlevel retail and off Broadway both north andsouth.” �

> An impressive list of leases


The followingis another ina series ofcolumnsfeaturingnews andevents inOakland’sBusiness

ImprovementDistricts(BIDs).

> Abo

ut Tow

n – New

s from th

e BIDs

Western Dental, one of the nation’s leaders in accessible and affordable oral healthcare, has opened a new office at 3405International Blvd. in Oakland.

The new, 4,664-square-foot office will provide critical oral health access to Oakland area residents, including those withoutinsurance or who have Denti-Cal coverage, as it now does at all of its 164 offices across California.

Today, fewer than 20 percent of California’s licensed dentists are active in the Denti-Cal program and only a small fraction ofthose see more than 100 Denti-Cal patients per year. Western Dental employs about one-third of the dentists in the state whosee more than 100 Denti-Cal patients per year.

The new office is Western Dental’s second in Oakland. The other location is at 1530 Broadway.At the recent ribbon cutting ceremony conducted by the Chamber (below), managing dentist Pouyan Taqaui holds the

scissors to officially open the office.For more information, visit www.westerndental.com or call (888) 844-4478. �

> Western Dental opens new facility in Oakland

▲ Uber purchased the 1945 Broadway building for its expansion purposes.

dec 2015 / jan 2016 oakland business review

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