Oakland Councilmember Richard “Dick” Spees RIP To The Man Who Built The Chabot Science Center Oakland Councilmember Richard “Dick” Spees RIP To The Man Who Built The Chabot Science Center Richard "Dick" Spees, the great and long-time Oakland District Four Councilmember, passed away. I just got word of his passing a few moments ago. There's a lot "Dick" Spees did for the Oakland Community but most of all he must be remembered for the Chabot Science Center, The great facility that is in the Oakland Hills and has served as a class room for millions of visitors over the years was Dick's dream. I remember when he had the idea and approach me and others for help in raising money for it. If memory serves, he manage to gain $80 million for it. Regardless of the number, the bottom line is Dick Spees built it, For me, Dick was there for a number of issues in Oakland's history. And he was there often as an idea supporter, and sometimes not - even ...