Demonstrators Oppose Development on Land in Clear Lake –

On Saturday, December 17, a peaceful protest was directed against a Piedmont resident. Approximately 35-45 supporters of the Elem tribe walked from Lakeview Branch Library to Piedmont Park and then up to the home of the Piedmont resident.   According to another local resident, the protest, which included supporters from Occupy Oakland, was an attempt to stop the approved development of a home on Rattlesnake Island in Clear Lake on land owned by the Indians approximately 140 years ago.  

The tribe was supported by Oakland Occupy, which announced the protest on its website as follows:  “Saturday 12 noon:  Demonstration – meet at the Grand Lake Theater and march to Piedmont to (resident’s)  home to protest vacation homes being built on sacred land at Rattlesnake Island.”   Although Occupy Oakland describes the land as “sacred” in its announcement, archeological studies determined there were no historical items on the site and it was not a burial site.

In forum discussion on the Occupy Oakland website, some individuals have urged more generalized marches on Piedmont.  See here. Protests at homes in Piedmont have occurred occasionally in the past.  The narrow streets and residential nature of most areas in Piedmont have once more raised the potential for an ordinance limiting protests to the commercial center of town.

See related article.

City May Sue Piedmont Over Inadequate Environmental Review- 

After a closed session on Tuesday, Dec. 20, the Oakland City Council announced it had voted 8 – 0 to take steps toward filing a lawsuit against the City of Piedmont  over its approved plans to build a sports field at Blair Park.

The Oakland Council expressed its continued commitment to resolving their difference with Piedmont on this project and its wish to continue to seek a tolling agreement with the City of Piedmont (which would extend the 30 day deadline to file a lawsuit). But if that does not occur by January 9th, the Oakland City Attorney is directed to file a lawsuit against Piedmont to challenge the Environmental Impact Report and approvals on the project.

The motion was made by Councilmember Libby Schaaf, seconded by Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan and approved unanimously by the eight members of the Council.

Link:  Further information go to http://piedmont.patch.com/articles/oakland-city-council-okays-lawsuit-over-blair-park

Surcharge Would Raise Sewer Tax 50 percent –

A proposed Measure A tax surcharge will raise Piedmont residents’ total annual sewer tax from a range of $471 – $849 up to a range of $707 – $1,274, depending on residential lot size.  (See chart below.) 

The official voter guide arguments for and against Measure A are shown below.  The “pro” argument states that additional funds are needed to maintain, monitor, and complete the rehabilitation of the City’s sewer system. It notes passage of the surcharge was unanimously recommended by the Municipal Tax Review Committee.  The “con” argument states that the surcharge is unnecessary because it merely speeds up completion of sewer rehabilitation (to 2018 rather than 2023) and the city can comply with EPA requirements with existing sewer revenues. It further asserts that the sewer parcel tax is not tax deductible. > Click to read more…

City Administrator Responds to Questions on Future of the Sports Field –

The following inquiry was sent recently by Piedmont resident Tom Clark to City Administrator Geoff Grote.  Clark’s questions and Grote’s answers are printed below.

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Oakland Heritage Alliance Complains to Cemetery Management –

A copy of the following letter to Jeff Lindeman, Director of Mountain View Cemetery, dated December 14, 2011, was sent to the Piedmont City Council.   > Click to read more…

Candidate Statements on Issues Published Here – 

The Piedmont Civic Association is pleased to  publish policy statements and positions from the City Council and School Board candidates and encourages candidates to provide information to PCA that lets voters know where they stand on important issues facing our City and School District. Information should be sent to editors@piedmontcivic.org.  We do not publish endorsements. Here’s what 5 candidates are saying on the issues in their campaign materials.

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Candidate supports professional, independent evaluation of full cost of Blair Park –

Dear Neighbor,

We Piedmonters have been very generous in taxing ourselves to maintain a high level of municipal services, as you know from the property tax bill you recently received. And the City Council is asking for another substantial jump in property taxes when we vote on February 7. But in recent years, our generosity and trust have not been rewarded by careful management of City expenditures.

> Click to read more…

Oakland Agency Criticizes Piedmont’s Environmental Report –

The Oakland City Council has previously considered potential litigation against Piedmont over Blair Park actions, and will do so again on December 20.

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“Meet the Candidates Night” on January 12 –

The League of Women Voters of Piedmont will host a candidates forum on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers of Piedmont City Hall.  The community is invited to meet the candidates running for Piedmont City Council and Board of Education.

> Click to read more…

The proponents, Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO), made a polished presentation at the December 5 Council meeting resulting in a 4-1 vote for approving a new sports complex at Blair Park.  Council Member Keating voted against the project, while Council Members Barbieri, Chiang, Fujioka, and Wieler voted in favor.

> Click to read more…