Field of Dreams or Everybody’s Nightmare?

Oh Truthiness thy name is PRFO. Rolling out their new PR slogan “Blair Park is everybody’s park” along with a “rally” to celebrate the “final” plans for what will be a sports facility, NOT a park.  It is with much amusement that I read that the “rally” is not actually being held in “everybody’s” Blair Park, but in Piedmont Community Park. Is it just me, or is it odd how those who want to save the park hold rallies IN it, and those who wish to destroy it, celebrate elsewhere? > Click to read more…

City Attorney Gives Interview to Piedmont Patch on  Issues Raised by the Piedmont Civic Association (PCA)

In an unusual action, the City Attorney responded to questions raised by PCA in an interview with Piedmont Patch. > Click to read more…

Mr. Grote:

    According to a partial rough transcription of a presentation by Mr. Delventhal to the Piedmont Recreation Commission (see below), the City has already authorized work on what he refers to as an “addendum” to the Blair Park EIR.  As you know the terms “addendum” and “supplemental” have very different meanings under CEQA, and for those of us who are familiar with CEQA and are following this project, it is confusing to hear that the City has begun the “addendum” process, but has not yet made a determination as to whether an addendum or supplemental is required.  > Click to read more…

Revised Scheme for Moraga Canyon’s Blair Park

The “final Moraga Canyon Sports Fields Project proposal by Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO)” has been posted on the City’s website. It contains a written description and graphic representations of the proposed project.  By Friday, October 28th, paper copies of the proposal will be available at City Hall.   > Click to read more…

The following letter was sent to PCA on October 18, 2011

Re:  Moraga Canyon

I read Mark Menke’s letter and want to respond to what I believe are two inaccuracies.

First, Mr. Menke attempts to belittle those who oppose the Moraga Canyon project by
asserting that they are merely a “handful of vocal residents” as compared to the more than a
thousand parents of kids who will use the field who are supporters.  I believe he is mistaken
in at least three respects.  > Click to read more…

Moraga Canyon has been known by various names

The local Geology website “Oakland Geology” offers photography, research and discussions of natural features in Oakland, Piedmont and Berkeley.  The following excerpts from an article on Moraga Canyon note its geologic features, alterations and various names: > Click to read more…

PRFO attorney contracted to advise the City on Blair Park project – City waives any conflicts of interest

A second private deal (see below) has surfaced that was signed out of public view between the City Council and attorneys for Piedmont Recreational Facilities Organization (PRFO), the sports group proposing to develop Blair Park into a $6.5 million, multi-use sports facility.  The agreement was signed by City Administrator Geoff Grote more than two months ago.  > Click to read more…

Many Questions About Why No Public Discussion or Council Vote

A Reimbursement and Indemnification Agreement was entered into between the City of Piedmont and the Piedmont Recreation Facilities Organization, PRFO, on August 12, 2011.  The agreement was executed by Geoffrey Grote, “City Manager” (sic) and Thomas Curry, City Attorney for the “Municipal Corporation Piedmont” on behalf of the City and Jessica Berg, President, on behalf of PRFO.  The Agreement with PRFO was recently posted on the City’s website with no reference to discussion, hearing, or approval by the City Council.

> Click to read more…

Friends of Moraga Canyon Attorney and Traffic Engineer Find Flaws in Environmental Review

The following is a news release from Friends of Moraga Canyon

In a letter to the City Administrator, the attorney retained by Friends of Moraga Canyon (FOMC) has submitted a strong, detailed, and severely critical legal analysis of the Moraga Canyon/Blair Park Environmental Impact Report (EIR) certified by the City Council last April. > Click to read more…

Resident objects to PRFO agreement with City on Blair Park project

Despite the Municipal Tax Review Committee’s warning that Piedmont’s parcel tax will fail at the polls if governance does not become more transparent and inclusive, the city continues to cater to special interests.  In, for example, another attempt to make the gift of Blair Park to private sports clubs appear a gift from them, the City Administrator has signed an agreement with the clubs that makes them responsible for paying > Click to read more…