Oakland Focus News | Oakland News Online Blog

A great vid on a local legend: Robert The Ghost Guerrero. It's also a great look at the legendary King's Gym here in Oakland, at 843 35th Ave.

This is an interesting video that shows where media is headed in America. It's by Spot.us and is about the story investment needs of New American Media, but it also shows what's on the minds of the editors of this ethnic-based journalism non-profit organization: the alarming number of arrests of Blacks and Latinos in San Jose, often for "disorderly conduct" crimes. The future of the SF Chronicle. And it gives a window into the growing concern for how law enforcement is done in America and the World.

After three years, 3857 yards and 38 touchdowns, the Dallas Cowboys released wide receiver Terrell Owens. Rhis was a mistake as Owens is an exceptionally talented athlete who has no off-field problems and years left in him

Cenk Ugkar and Baratunde Thurston have engaged in a great conversation about race in the wake of the NY Post Cartoon matter. I disagree with both and think the cartoon is exemplary of a breakdown in social civility.

I just got this email from STAND on the Adams Point Messge Board: Sent: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 9:10:52 AM Subject: RE-ZONING OAKLAND A New Look for Oakland? Did you know that the City is working on plans to change the zoning for all of Oakland? (This will govern how the new buildings look and how they impact the surrounding community.) It may seem odd at a time when almost all development has halted. However, as everyone knows, this area will recover. And, when it does, what the City decides now will be what we live with then. STAND has representatives on both the Commercial and Residential zoning task groups and is attending all meetings. We are hoping that the outcome of these meetings will be to encourage moderately scaled projects that preserve our light, air and views, while bringing us sustainable growth. We want to be proud of, and enjoy, the projects these new rules give birth to. Ideally, we want to preserve or enhance what is best about Oakland now. We are wary, however,...

I just saw this: Subject: City's Hotel Tax (Transient Occupancy Tax) - Ballot Measure From: Councilmember Jean Quan Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Submitting, On The Council's Own Motion, To The Electors At A June 2, 2009 Special Election, A Proposed Ordinance Amending The Oakland Municipal Code In Order To Provide For A Two Percent Surcharge To The City's Transient Occupancy Tax (Hotel Tax) To Support The Oakland Zoo, The Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space And Science Center And The Cultural Arts Programs And Festivals.. And had to react.  Who's idea was it to have an increase in the Hotel Tax in the middle of a recession in a town not known for tourism?  I'd bet the revenue projection was a rosy scenario that will never soon come to pass. Now the City folks might say "Oakland has the highest hotel use rates in the State" but that comes from data that's almost three years old.  This is a new world.  Why charge a higher tax that will...

With actions like this $7 million purchase proposal that was on the Council agenda Tuesday night, the Oakland Redevelopment Agency clearly has some fiscal life in it: The February 26, 2009 Finance and Management Committee approved recommendations; 4 Ayes S-10.13-C C Subject: Real Property Purchase - 905 66th Avenue From: Community and Economic Development Agency Recommendation: Adopt An Agency Resolution Authorizing The Purchase Of Real Property At 905 66th Avenue, From The Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District For $7,747,102 Less the Cost Of Any Environmental Site Remediation And Authorizing Up To $12,000 For Real Estate Closing Costs, $60,000 For Property Inspection Costs And $1,000,000 For Demolition Costs